The map Azaria had entrusted to Nolan wasn't just a piece of parchment. It was a special map, a rare relic called a Traceable Map. These maps, imbued with ancient magic, had the unique ability to react to the touch of their bearer. As soon as they were touched, magical lines would come to life, tracing a luminous path leading precisely to the location of the person who had given the map.
The path wasn't just precise; it seemed almost alive, adapting in real time to obstacles, crowded alleys, and unexpected turns. Thus, no matter how tangled the streets or how busy the city became, as long as Nolan followed the blue glow, he would reach Azaria's home without fail.
Once used by emissaries, travelers, and even some of the kingdom's spies, Traceable Maps were now rare, precious, and sometimes jealously guarded by those who possessed them. Azaria's entrusting of such a map to Nolan demonstrated unusual trust... and suggested that their bond, nascent but sincere, would play a greater role than he had yet imagined.
Nolan calmly followed the path traced by the blue glow on the map, moving at a measured pace through the bustling city. Stormfly, perched on his shoulder, occasionally flapped her small wings in excitement, curiously observing everything that was happening around them.
With every street they crossed, the festive atmosphere seemed to intensify. The cobblestones were covered in colorful flower petals, musicians played catchy melodies to the sound of drums and flutes, while children ran around, laughing and throwing confetti in the air.
Jugglers, fire-eaters, and even street magicians amazed passersby with sparkling tricks. Everywhere, food stalls offered grilled meats, golden pastries, and fruit glistening with sugar. People danced, challenging each other to games of skill and strength, while others competed around makeshift betting tables.
Nolan watched all this with a quiet calm, enjoying the warmth of the crowd without really paying attention. Tempest, for his part, occasionally let out curious little squeals as he saw exotic creatures dancing with the humans, or light spells bursting into the sky in colorful sprays.
But despite all the commotion, Nolan stayed on course, following the magical line as it wound ever deeper into the bustling streets.
Nolan walked leisurely, his steps guiding him west of the city according to the blue glow of the magic map. Tempest, still perched on his shoulder, looked around with eyes sparkling with curiosity. Gradually, the atmosphere changed. The crowd became more refined, the laughter more subdued, and the singing mingled with elegant melodies played by private orchestras.
Nolan arrived in a district where luxury reigned supreme. Nobles dressed in sumptuous robes, made of brilliant silk, rare velvets, and adorned with gold thread embroidery, walked with calculated grace. Some rode majestic creatures with immaculate fur or shining scales, trained with perfect discipline. Their mounts moved with a nobility equal to that of their masters, like living symbols of their wealth.
Along the sides, a few handpicked merchants presented their luxury wares: enchanted jewelry, finely crafted weapons, rare perfumes from distant lands. The stalls were adorned with precious drapes and illuminated by suspended lightstones, casting soft, enchanting glows.
Even here, the festivities were in full swing, but in a more refined manner. Small stages had been set up where slender dancers performed ballets to the slow rhythm of stringed instruments, while prestigious magicians conjured up light shows to the polite applause of the spectators.
Nolan, despite the surrounding splendor, remained impassive. He walked among this opulence without intimidating himself, his eyes fixed on the blue line undulating before him, drawing him ever deeper into this district of dazzling nobility.
As Nolan advanced, making his way among the splendidly adorned nobles, the blue line on his map seemed to quiver with anticipation. The crowd slowly thinned as an impressive spectacle loomed before him: a gigantic manor house, imposing and majestic, rising in the last golden rays of the sun.
The manor's walls shimmered dazzling white, adorned with gold filigree and encrusted with diamonds that caught the light and reflected it in a thousand subtle bursts. Through the immense ornate iron gates, Nolan could glimpse an inner courtyard as vast as a royal park. Wide strips of impeccably trimmed grass stretched out in soft sheets, interspersed with artistically carved hedges and marble statues depicting ancient mythological scenes.
In front of the main gate, two guards in gleaming armor stood as straight as living statues. Each carried an ornate halberd, their breastplates gleaming with the crest of a noble house Nolan didn't immediately recognize. Their gazes were as sharp as their weapons, scrutinizing every newcomer with relentless vigilance.
Storm, on Nolan's shoulder, stirred slightly, as if intrigued by the imposing energy emanating from the manor.
A few meters from the manor, Nolan, attentive, distinguished an impressive security presence: within the vast gardens, dozens of armored guards patrolled on horseback. On the roofs of the manor, archers, bows drawn, scanned the surroundings with a predatory gaze. The atmosphere, though festive in the rest of the city, here seemed imbued with an icy tension.
As Nolan calmly approached the large gate, the two guards standing in front of him reacted with a precise and threatening movement. With a sharp snap, their blades were drawn from their scabbards and pointed in his direction, the cold metal catching the daylight.
— Guard 1 (firm, suspicious tone): "Halt! What are you doing here?"
Nolan, immediately sensing hostility, slowly raised his hands in a sign of appeasement, his gaze calm but determined. He replied in a calm, almost friendly voice, but without showing the slightest hint of submission:
Nolan: "I came to see someone."
At his words, the other guard frowned, his expression hardening, and took a step forward, his sword still raised.
Guard 2 (curtly, coldly): "The Noble House of the Burning Phoenix does not receive any visitors. Go back where you came from."
Nolan, unfazed by the surrounding hostility, gently removed the card Azaria had given him from his pocket. He presented it with a calm hand, as if the object could dissipate their aggression by its mere presence.
Nolan (clear, slightly insistent tone): "I received this from a member of your family."
At that moment, Stormfly, who had until then been watching the scene from Nolan's shoulder, sensed the latent aggression. A low growl escaped its throat, and it leaped nimbly to the ground. Its small wings slightly spread, its fangs bared, it positioned itself in front of Nolan in an instinctive protective stance, ready to pounce if necessary.
The two guards, surprised by the unusual creature, took a step back, one tightening his grip on his weapon.
The air became tense, as if frozen for a moment.
Nolan, briefly looking down at Stormfly, placed a soothing hand on its small head, murmuring softly to calm his companion.
— Nolan (low voice, full of gentleness): "Easy, Stormfly. This isn't the time."
Stormfly, though still growling slightly, seemed to relax a little under Nolan's caress, but remained on guard, its azure eyes shining with a fierce gleam.
A heavy silence fell as the guards exchanged quick glances, clearly hesitant about the unusual situation.
Curious, Nolan slowly turned the card between his fingers. When he looked at the back, his eyes widened slightly in surprise: engraved in gold ink on the paper, the majestic emblem of the Burning Phoenix spread its wings in a dazzling symbol of authority. Exactly the same as the one embroidered on the capes and breastplates of the two guards.
Without waiting, Nolan held the card out in front of him, his arm firmly held, displaying it prominently.
The two guards, upon seeing the emblem, froze for a split second. Their gazes, initially wary, turned uncertain. They quickly exchanged a look heavy with innuendo, then leaned toward each other, exchanging a few words in low voices, almost inaudible over the distant hubbub of the party.
Tempest, still on the alert, flapped his wings impatiently, surveying the scene with a sharp eye.
After a brief moment of hesitation, one of the guards sheathed his sword with a sharp metallic clang, then stepped forward and spoke in a more neutral but still authoritative voice:
Guard 1 (formal, slightly tense tone): "Very well... in that case. You're surely expected, it seems. But you'll need an escort."
Without further ado, the other guard, his face still grim, made a brief gesture of his hand.
With a heavy, impressive rumble, the large metal gate, adorned with the symbol of the Phoenix, slowly opened. The sound resonated in the air like a solemn echo. The afternoon light caressed the vast interior gardens that Nolan had glimpsed.
Nolan nodded calmly and strode confidently through the gate, Stormfly leaping onto his shoulder to keep him from falling to the ground.
Beside him, the assigned guard marched briskly, hand on the hilt of his sword, keeping a constant eye on Nolan, ready to react to the slightest misstep.
Before them, the vast grounds stretched out: the grass was trimmed with surgical precision, the bushes formed perfect labyrinths, and imposing white marble statues seemed to silently observe the newcomers.
The manor, even more imposing up close, exuded an intimidating majesty, its gold- and diamond-encrusted walls sparkling in the daylight.
Nolan, his gaze slightly raised toward the building, felt a mixture of curiosity and burning anticipation. Stormfly, sensing his friend's excitement, let out a small, joyful squeal.
A new encounter, and perhaps, a new chapter was opening for them.
Nolan stopped just in front of the large, solid wooden door decorated with golden flame patterns. He felt the guard abruptly extend an arm in front of him, stopping him from moving forward.
—Guard (firm, emotionless voice): "Wait. Your presence must first be announced to the family before you can pass through this door."
The guard stood there, his gaze as sharp as his sword, staring at Nolan unblinkingly, as if waiting for one false move to react. Stormfly, irritated by the man's threatening stance, let out a low growl, his small, gleaming teeth bared in an expression of suppressed anger. Nolan gently placed his hand on Stormfly to calm him, but his gaze remained unwavering in the face of the guard.
A few tense seconds hung in the air.
Then, with a soft, perfectly controlled creak, the large door opened from the inside. A woman elegantly dressed in a butler's uniform—a black jacket embroidered with silver, immaculate white gloves—appeared. With a refined gesture, she placed her right hand in front of her while performing a graceful, flowing curtsy.
—Butler (soft, respectful voice): "Sir Nolan, please follow me. Lady Azaria awaits you."
Nolan nodded slightly. With a quick glance, he saw the guard lower his arm and return to his original post without a word. The large door, with a dull thud, slowly closed behind him, sealing out the outside world.
Nolan then entered the manor.
A long, majestic corridor stretched before him, bathed in soft light filtering through richly colored stained-glass windows. With every step, he discovered wonders: crystal sculptures, ancient armor displayed in alcoves, paintings so lifelike they almost seemed to breathe. The walls were adorned with luxurious gold-embroidered draperies, and the very air seemed to carry a light fragrance of precious woods and exotic flowers.
Storm, on his shoulder, gazed around them with wide, wondering eyes, her former aggression replaced by a keen curiosity.
Nolan felt the importance of the moment grow with every step.
The butler stopped in front of a large, varnished wooden door, engraved with exquisite patterns, and bowed slightly, lowering her head in perfect reverence.
Butler (in a soft, polite voice): "This is the room where Lady Azaria wishes to receive you, Sir Nolan."
Without another word, she rose gracefully and left silently, her footsteps muffled by the soft carpet.
Nolan inhaled softly, placed his hand on the handle, and cautiously pushed the door open. But no sooner had he opened the door than he froze.
Right before him, Azaria stood there, wearing a light, flowing gown, her still-damp hair falling in wisps around her face, its golden sheen accentuating her expression, both wild and vulnerable. Her gaze met Nolan's, and her face instantly flushed.
— Azaria (screaming, scandalized): "But I wasn't ready yet, you idiot! What possessed you to burst in like that?!"
Flushing with shame and embarrassment, she instinctively brought her hand to her burning cheek, her voice trembling with anger.
Nolan, however, managed an amused smile, shrugging his shoulders with feigned nonchalance.
— Nolan (teasingly, with a small smile): "I have to say, I love the view from here..."
Hearing this, Azaria turned scarlet. Her gaze flashed. Without thinking, she grabbed the first object within reach—a small, ornate box—and hurled it briskly at Nolan. He just had time to duck to avoid the projectile before the door slammed abruptly in front of him, leaving him alone in the hallway, a smirk on his face.
From the other side of the door, he heard Azaria ranting under her breath, while Stormfly on his shoulder looked at him with a look that was both mocking and intrigued.
After a few moments, the door opened again, revealing Azaria, this time completely transformed. She wore a long noble gown, a deep, vibrant red, embroidered with subtle gold threads, which accentuated her slender figure. Her hair was now smooth, perfectly combed, falling like a silky waterfall over her shoulders. Her face had regained its calm, but her cheeks still retained a slight pink tint.
—Azaria (in a more composed tone): "Come. Let's go somewhere quieter and more open to talk."
Nolan simply nodded and fell into step behind her. They walked side by side through the vast corridors of the manor, whose golden walls seemed to stretch on forever. The sound of their muffled footsteps on the thick carpets was the only sound, giving the moment an almost solemn air.
After a long moment, Azaria stopped in front of a section of wall where, at first glance, there was no sign of a passageway. With a discreet gesture, she touched a specific point and a slight mechanism clicked into place, revealing a thin passage hidden in the stone.
They entered, passing through a narrow opening before suddenly emerging into a vast secret garden, completely separate from the rest of the mansion.
The garden was almost unreal in its beauty: paths lined with rare flowers, intricately carved stone statues representing mythical creatures, a small crystal-clear pond where white swans swam peacefully, and, in the center, a small cabin built in a traditional Japanese style, all dark wood and glazed tiles.
Azaria naturally headed towards the cabin, removing her shoes before entering, inviting Nolan to do the same. They sat on the soft tatami mats, facing each other, the soft light from the garden filtering through the paper panels.
Curious, Storm gently leaped onto one of the cabin's ledges, watching the swans with an intrigued gaze, while Nolan finally set his gaze on Azaria, ready to listen to what she had to say.
Azaria stared at Tempest with astonished eyes, unable to tear her gaze away from the small creature. She put a hand over her mouth, as if to contain her emotion, then exclaimed, her voice slightly trembling with wonder:
— Azaria: "Oh, I can't believe it..."
Nolan, a little surprised by her reaction, tilted his head:
— Nolan: "What?"
Azaria straightened slightly, her eyes shining with a mixture of admiration and fascination:
— Azaria: "Do you realize? You've obtained a mythical beast as a companion... These creatures only exist on the Beast Continent, a place where even the most seasoned adventurers dare not venture unprepared."
Nolan, with a slight smile, extended his hand towards Tempest:
— Nolan (in a soft voice): "Tempest, come here." »
Obedient without hesitation, Stormfly leaped nimbly towards Nolan, settling onto his lap, her large, mischievous eyes fixed on Azaria.
Azaria, completely captivated by the scene, let out a small, tender laugh. She couldn't resist and, gently reaching out, gathered Stormfly against her. The little animal complied without resistance, nestling its head against Azaria's chest, which made her blush slightly with happiness.
She stroked Stormfly's soft fur, marveling at its unique texture, while she murmured, almost to herself:
— Azaria (whispering): "Incredible... even among mythical beasts, few have such pure fur..."
Nolan watched her in silence, a faint, tender smile playing on his lips, happy to see that Stormfly, too, seemed to have found someone else to like him.
Azaria gently cuddled Stormfly while keeping a serious gaze on Nolan, her features softened by a hint of genuine concern.
— Nolan (curious): "How do you know about the existence of mythical creatures? Especially of the same species as Stormfly?"
Azaria raised her head, her eyes sparkling with intelligence:
— Azaria: "Here, we have a huge library. It contains very rare works, some dating back centuries. There are a whole bunch of treatises on different species discovered to date, even the oldest or most elusive."
She paused briefly, absentmindedly running her hand through Stormfly's fur before smiling softly.
"I read a book about your companion's species... But I confess, I never thought I'd see one with my own eyes." »
Nolan nodded calmly:
— Nolan: "I see..."
Azaria tilted her head slightly, her curiosity piqued:
— Azaria: "Where exactly did you find it?"
Nolan scratched the back of his head, looking slightly embarrassed:
— Nolan: "Honestly? I was in the forest, fishing peacefully... and I found it there, all alone. It seemed lost, so I took it in."
Azaria frowned slightly, her face darkening with gravity:
— Azaria: "You really should be careful, Nolan. Magical beasts are already highly coveted... but a mythical beast? That's even worse. Many would do anything to get their hands on one. And since Tempest is still young, he could easily become a target." »
Nolan glanced at Stormfly, then gave a playful wink:
Nolan (smiling): "Nah, don't worry. Stormfly is much more tenacious than she looks."
Stormfly, understanding Nolan's intention, gave a proud little snort and raised her head high, which made Azaria chuckle softly.