Building a Kingdom and Conquering the World

After months of abandonment, the cold halls of Hidden Stone Castle once again flickered with life, warmth returning to the empty halls and rooms. Fireplaces roared back to life, castling golden light against the stone walls, and candles bathed the rooms in a soft glow. It was a stark difference to the silence and coldness that settled after the former king died, taking their lavish feasts and empty celebrations with them.

The castle's vast dining hall was now unadorned, without the paintings and the gilded embellishments that once hang on the ceilings and stone walls. At the center stood a long stone table, large enough to seat dozens of heads, though only two people occupied it at the moment. Despite the simplicity of the room, the table was laid with one of the most extravagant meals that Henry had ordered since arriving in this world.

Henry was not one for needless extravagance, and his meals were often shared with his soldiers and generals. In his current life, dinner was only another place to discuss about war and governance. There was no place for indulgence. But tonight was different. A princess of a distant empire, an empire beyond the lands known to him, sat across from him.

Eleanor took a small bite of the meat before her, her golden eyes glinting with curiosity - "This is the first time I've had this type of meat" - she murmured, dabbing at the corner of her lips with a napkin. Behind her, Zolun stood in rigid silence, like a sentinel - "It looks like rabbit, but the taste is completely different."

"It is called Longhorn Snow Rabbit" - Henry explained, casually slicing into his own portion - "They inhabit the Frozen Forest up north. Unlike regular rabbits, they have a single horn on their forehead, but the horn is highly poisonous. However, the poison is also useful, we discovered that it can be used to treat infected wounds."

The people of Stahl had long known of the Longhorn Snow Rabbit, consuming its meat on rare occasions, especially during the harsh winters, when some had no options but to venture into the dangerous Frozen Forest. But the knowledge of its medicinal properties had only recently begun to spread. It was something learned from the barbarians that lived for generations inside the Frozen Forest, which was being spread through the kingdom, like so many others.

"Interesting" - Eleanor mused, cutting another delicate piece of meat - "I have heard whispers from a few people who fled these lands and now live in the southern kingdoms near the forest down south. They spoke of a frozen land unlike any other, where trees glow at night, like scattered fireflies in the dark, and unknown dangers inhabit it."

She took another bite, savoring the unfamiliar taste. "I have always wanted to see it for myself. They say it borders one of the northernmost kingdom." - At her words, a tension unknowingly spread across the room. When Eleanor looked up, Henry was watching her with an unreadable but intense expression.

"So, the traitorous cockroaches had settled there"- Henry thought. It made sense. The unknown kingdoms bordering the southern forest were the furthest they could flee while still remaining close enough to one day reclaim what they had lost. It was also the land he had ordered Zahra and Agusa to scout, an expedition delayed only by Eleanor's unexpected arrival.

He shifted his gaze slightly to his right. Leier stood at his side, her fingers curled into tight fists, her breathing shallow. The assassins of her family were there too. She was holding herself together, barely. He had made a promise to her. He would deliver them to her.

Henry leaned back slightly, his easy smile returning. "I am afraid the Frozen Forest isn't the safest place right now, Princess" - he said smoothly - "There have been… complications. Until we understand the situation better, I would strongly advise against venturing there."

"That's unfortunate," Eleanor sighed, glancing down at her plate. "I had hoped to hunt one myself and bring it back to my mother."

Henry chuckled lightly. "No need to trouble yourself. I will make sure some are sent to you."

Then, after a brief pause, he set his fork down and looked at her directly. "But if I may be blunt, Princess… what exactly brings you to these distant lands? If there's something you seek, perhaps I can be of help."

At the question, by the Fifth Princess's side, Zolun subtly adjusted his footing, his stance shifting just slightly. A position meant for defense. Or attack. He was preparing himself for any change.

The Fifth Princess settled her fork and knife down with quiet grace, her golden eyes locking onto Henry's as if weighing her next words. There was hesitation, not fear, but careful deliberation.

She knew that the fastest way to achieve her goal was to gain the support of a powerful figure in these lands, someone who could mobilize more arms, resources, and knowledge. And she had a feeling this man before her was precisely that kind of person.

"Well," Eleanor finally spoke, her tone measured, each word seemingly chosen with care. "If I must say, I have come all this way… for a book."

With a flick of her wrist, a thick tome appeared in her hands, materializing from thin air. Henry's eyes widened in surprise. Magic. He couldn't help but feel his interest deepening.

"One day, I found this book in the Sylvanhart Magic Tower's library" - Eleanor continued, her fingers idly tracing the aged leather cover - "It speaks of a lost fire, lost somewhere in the northernmost reaches of the world, deep in the mountains and forests."

She let the words settle before continuing. "A fire capable of melting the strongest iron… yet also capable of healing, of breathing life into the frozen earth. A Fire that came from God."

For a brief moment, silence stretched between them. Eleanor's gaze dropped slightly, her fingers tightening around the book's spine. It was subtle, but Henry noticed

Then, as if realizing she had said too much, she smiled, a practiced expression that did little to mask the flicker of something deeper in her eyes - "And so, I thought the castle was far too quiet," she said lightly. "What better way to pass the time than by going on an adventure?"

Henry studied her, his gaze falling on the ancient tome in her hands. Her words gave him a lot of information, leaving him quite curious, even more at the mention of a magic tower. And, she was hiding something. That much was clear.

But he wouldn't press, not yet.

Besides, this fire she spoke of… it felt oddly familiar. Could it be connected to Caelum and the purple fire he had inherited?

"Then, how about I help the princess find it?" - Henry asked with a serious tone, as if helping her was his duty.

Eleanor's golden eyes widened slightly before a gleam of excitement replaced the hesitation. "That would be most helpful, King Henry," she said, inclining her head slightly. "And of course, I would not let such kindness go unrewarded."

Henry chuckled. "Then perhaps you'd allow me to take a look at that book?"

His request was met with silence at first. Then, Eleanor smiled again, this time, a little more genuine.

"I suppose that would be fair."