The Heartfilia Consortium was an ancient and prestigious financial empire. The women of the family were almost all Celestial Spirit Mages, and the current head, Layla Heartfilia, was one of the finest among them. However, it was said that after marrying her beloved, her health declined, and she withdrew from her life as a mage.
At this moment, Arlen stood before the grand estate of the Heartfilia family.
Facing the massive, luxurious manor, he remained completely unmoved. His own family was no weaker—if anything, even stronger. His father was a duke; scenes like this were nothing new to him.
"Sir, may I ask who you are here to see?" a guard at the gate asked respectfully.
"Please inform Lady Layla that Arlen Viviamilio, son of Alice Viviamilio, has come to visit."
"Yes, please wait a moment, Your Highness."
The guard did not dare show the slightest neglect. Alice was not only a duchess, but also the financial authority of the Viviamilio family—and more importantly, Lady Layla's close friend.
About ten minutes later, a beautiful noblewoman approached, accompanied by a stern-looking middle-aged man.
The woman had golden hair tied up elegantly, her demeanor gentle and refined.
"My apologies for keeping you waiting. I am Layla Heartfilia, and this is my husband, Jude Heartfilia."
They both performed a noble's greeting.
"No need for formality. I am Arlen. I came on behalf of my mother to visit you," Arlen replied, returning the gesture.
"Please, come inside. Let's talk within."
—
Seated in the manor, tea was served.
"You may call me Layla," she said warmly. "What exactly did your mother convey?"
"My mother received your letter. She wished to meet you, but due to the king's upcoming birthday, she and my father must attend. She was concerned, so she sent me in her stead. If there is anything you need, I will do my best to assist."
Layla paused, then dismissed the servants before speaking again.
"I need help locating a woman named Grammi—and the Aquarius key in her possession."
Arlen set down his teacup.
"If I recall correctly, you are a Celestial Spirit Mage. Aquarius should be one of your contracted spirits. Was the key stolen?"
"No," Layla shook her head. "I gave it to her."
She explained:
After marriage and pregnancy, along with her declining health, she left the guild and entrusted her three golden keys to three servants. Grammi was one of them.
Now—
She needed the Aquarius key back.
But she couldn't find Grammi.
Only three years remained.
Arlen listened, expression unchanged—but inwardly, he couldn't help but feel speechless.
Entrusting something that important… and not even keeping track of where they live…
Still, it wasn't his place to comment.
"What is this 'extremely important matter' that requires the Aquarius key?" he asked.
Layla looked at him seriously.
"Do you know of Acnologia?"
"The Black Dragon of the Apocalypse. The Dragon King. The embodiment of destruction… the end of an era."
"…Yes."
Layla's voice grew heavier.
"To defeat Acnologia, I need all twelve Zodiac keys. I already have eleven. Only Aquarius remains."
Arlen frowned slightly.
"Even with all twelve keys, defeating Acnologia shouldn't be that simple."
"…You're right."
She took a breath.
"Four hundred years ago, my ancestors and several Dragon Kings created a plan."
"The Eclipse Plan."
"To send seven children from four hundred years ago into the present—through the Eclipse Gate."
"And to open that gate…"
"I need all twelve Zodiac keys."
Only three years remained.
Silence filled the room.
"…And if you can't gather all twelve?" Arlen asked.
Layla answered quietly:
"Then the one who opens the gate must compensate with their own life force and magic power."
Arlen understood immediately.
That was why she was desperate.
"Understood," he said. "I will inform my mother and have our family assist in the search. I will also keep an eye out during my missions."
Then he added thoughtfully:
"My suggestion is to expand the search beyond Ishgar—perhaps to the Alvarez Empire across the sea."
Layla looked at him, surprised.
"If Grammi were still in Ishgar, with your family's reach, she would have heard the news. If she hasn't returned, then either she's hiding… or she's no longer here."
"Given that you trusted her, I doubt she betrayed you."
"Which leaves one possibility—she left the continent."
Layla nodded slowly.
"…That makes sense. I'll dispatch people to investigate Alvarez."
"Time is short. Any direction is better than none."
She smiled gently.
"You've been a great help already. Please—stay for lunch."
"…Alright. I'll accept your hospitality."
After all—
There was no need to rush.
For now.