"Ah, speaking of R.D.A, Idonea, do you still intend to stay as a student? You know, if you so desire, I could use my status as the Crown Prince and allow you to graduate after successfully passing a requirement exam, of course. I may be the Prince, but Mother and Father won't allow you to graduate without passing an exam, not from the R.D.A. of all places." Said Elif lightly as he glanced at Idonea, who was still frowning after losing the argument against Illumia.
"Could you give me some time to think about it, your Highness? I'd love to stay by your side and protect you from unseen threats, but after having spent six years at the R.D.A., I'd also like to graduate properly without relying on your influence and connections." Replied Idonea with a troubled expression while looking at Elif, though halfway through her speech, she intensely glanced at Marley before focusing back on Elif.
"That's fine by me, though I'd prefer if you stayed by my side; it's much more lively with you and Marley." Remarked Elif with a slight smile while Marley looked at Idonea in confusion.
"Why'd you look at me when you said unseen threats?" Asked Marley, full of confusion, though Idonea merely closed her eyes and leaned back while ignoring Marley.
While Marley was busy irritating Idonea with her series of questions, Illumia, like usual, sat between the two quietly with her eyes closed; I, on the other hand, was looking out the window below, watching the familiar landscape swiftly pass by as Zulo and Zala speedily pulled the carriage to our destination, which was home, more specifically Yggdrasil.
'Heh, It hasn't even been a full month since I departed from Yggdrasil, yet after everything I've experienced, it feels like it's been years; well, that might be a bit of a stretch, but it feels like it's been much longer than it really has.' Mused Elif with a smirk as he shook his head before closing his eyes, deciding to rest until arriving at Yggdrasil, which didn't take but a mere few minutes.
As I was resting, I heard Zulo and Zala loudly neigh, but such an act wasn't necessary for me to realize we'd arrived home since just a few seconds ago, Yggdrasil had entered the range of my divine sense, which goes to show how insanely fast Zulo and Zala are, since in a matter of just a few seconds, Yggdrasil appeared in my divine sense, and for the record, my divine sense was spread out to it's maximum.
"Your Highness, we've arrived home; we've arrived at Yggdrasil." Stated Mandy with slight enthusiasm from outside the carriage as she gazed upon the massive city, particularly the distinguished castle at the center of the City, the Royal Palace.
"I know, Mandy." Replied Elif lightly with a smile as he looked out the window and watched the carriage lower itself to the ground inside the city, just before the main entrance gate.
As I looked out the carriage window, glancing at the crowd of people, which consisted mainly of Elves, though since we weren't a clan, we didn't discriminate against any species except for Dragons, so you'd see the occasional Dryad, Fairy, Phoenix, Demon, Human, Golem, Beast, and many others that would take too long to say; but all in all, the Elven Empire is pretty diverse, compared to its peers, then again it's diversity can't match to that of a sect. Another thing to note is that most clans don't discriminate against different species; it's just that since they're a clan, they'll prioritize their members first, and all of their members will be the same species since it's a clan.
Anyways, getting off track, while Zulo and Zala pulled the carriage through the city, everyone would, of course, part ways to allow the carriage to pass through the streets unhindered, and as they did so while walking past them, each and every one of them would bow; well, not exactly everyone, but for the people who live in the Elven Empire, they would all bow when they saw my carriage. The ride back home was relatively smooth and relaxing as I viewed the unchanged city along its numerous buildings and businesses, though, of course, given how big Yggdrasil is, Zulo and Zala would occasionally speed up, suddenly moving thousands of kilometers in a split second.
Eventually, about an hour later, we ventured through the first district and arrived in the second district, more commonly known as the noble district; however, I didn't have Zulo and Zala do the same thing as before; instead, I ordered them to bypass this district. Knowing the nobles, they would either wish to speak with me about various topics I wasn't interested in and held little to no knowledge about since I didn't find them interesting, or they would invite me to some gathering of the sort; I wasn't interested in doing either, all I wished to do is head home and take a bath.
'It feels nice to see those gates, though I'm surprised I don't see Elaine; knowing her, I'd imagine she'd already be outside waiting for my arrival.' Mused Elif as he spotted the gates that led into the royal grounds, which numerous Royal guards surrounded.
Considering this was one of the two royal carriages, there was no need to display my medallion as the guards gave a deep bow before quickly opening the gate, allowing us passage into the royal grounds. Once inside, the carriage stopped as Mandy opened the door, to which Idonea, Illumia, and Marley exited, finally followed by me.
"Haa, it feels good to be back finally. I wonder how Sarah's doing; I should check on her soon. I haven't spoken with her in almost a month." Said Marley with a light smile while looking at the massive and majestic palace before her as she headed straight toward it.
"You didn't bring with you a crystal ball? I'm sure I've given you some; what happened to them?" Asked Elif as he glanced at Marley, who shrunk in fear.
"U-Um, well, I-I accidentally broke one, and the others were u-used for a different purpose." Replied Marley quietly with a heavily blushed face as she avoided eye contact while their conversation inadvertently caused Idonea to blush as well.
Looking at Marley with a raised eyebrow, while she didn't seem to be lying, she wasn't exactly telling the whole truth, though in all honesty, I didn't really care what she did with her crystal balls; they were hers after all.
"Well, whatever, just make sure you dedicate a crystal ball to me; someone as perfect and heavenly as me should be studied for future generations to learn from." Remarked Elif with a narcissistic smirk, though his words caused both Marley and Idonea to nod their heads awkwardly while staying silent, lest they accidentally expose possibly their biggest secret.
Entering the Palace, I searched for everyone with my divine sense, only to find Mother and Father in their usual spots in the throne room, while Grandfather and Grandmother seemed to be enjoying their time at their little retirement home in the courtyard, though something to note is that I didn't sense Elaine, which was slightly weird, I suppose, she could be with Great-grandmother in the treasury or the royal library.
"Let's go and visit Mother and Father; I'm sure they'll be interested in knowing about my first exercise outside Yggdrasil, not to mention learning that I've gotten access to the Flames of Rebirth." Said Elif as he summoned his quạt tay and headed towards the throne room with several people in tow while passing by numerous servants and guards who bowed.
Navigating through the halls of the palace, which I've memorized by now, we eventually arrived before the large double doors that led to the throne room, and without a single hesitation, I opened the doors, entering the throne room. Once inside, I began walking down the long, narrow room with walls lined with royal guards. When I arrived near the thrones, which Mother and Father occupied, everyone besides Illumai and I kneeled as they paid their respects to the Empress and Emperor of the Empire.
"Mother, Father, it's good to see you two; I presume nothing intriguing has happened while I was gone?" Asked Elif curiously with a light smile as he looked at the smirking Maria and Marcus.
"Nope, nothing interesting has happened, though I don't know if you know, but in your little adventure, you've made quite the name for yourself." Replied Marcus with a smirk as he eyed the confused Elif.
"Defeating Prince Ivan of the Heavenly Empire in one attack; does that ring any bells, Elif?" Said Maria with a proud smile while Marcus chuckled.
"Oh, that's what you two meant. Honestly, I'd forgotten about Ivan; he wasn't that interesting. I found someone much more intriguing than Ivan." Remarked Elif with a nod; his words caused both Maria and Marcus to sigh while shaking their heads.
"Haa, you're really one of a kind, Elif; not even a Prince of an Immortal Hegemony can garner your interest. how many people have spouted such arrogant claims throughout history." Said Marcus with a sigh, though he couldn't hide his proud smile.
"I don't know, but even if there are, it couldn't be many." Added Maria while shaking her head.
"Anyways, enough about that fool Ivan; I've got something much more important to discuss, Mother and Father. I'm sure you'll both be astonished when I tell you." Stated Elif with a grin, his words garnering Maria and Marcus' attention as Elif began talking about the Phoenix Clan, specifically the flame of rebirth.