Lucia's Point of View

Pendragon Estate

“Aid?” I repeated.

Marina quickly answered. “Our father wants to know how powerful we are.”

Breeze quickly took back over. “Individually, each of us is quite powerful. During our days as sentries, we were guided into using our powers.” I assumed that was done by Aydan Farro. “I’d wager we are powerful enough to stand against both Priestesses alone. Together…”

“Your powers and abilities intertwine to complement each other.” Arthur finished for him.

“Correct, but likely not in the way you are thinking. The three of us have spent our lives together without separation. We know each other’s abilities and thought processes better than we know ourselves.”

Arthur scratched his scruff in thought. “So, how would you compare to me?”

The three guardians looked at one another. “Realistically speaking, none of us could stand against you. Even the three of us together would likely find it difficult, but I also think we might surprise you. Could we defeat you?” Marina asked, but quickly shook her head and answered her own question. “No. Could we present a challenge? I believe so.”

Stepping forward, Breeze continued. “Killing you is almost impossible. None of us have enough power to do so. Even together, we would be hard-pressed to stall you should you be serious.” He then started to float slightly. “However, we are powerful in our own fields. There was a reason our home was unbreachable. You saw how we were able to fend off those wolves. Despite their strength, we held firmly with little concern.”

Arthur nodded. “Then that will be something to test. If you three together are that powerful, I will do something about setting up an area for you to truly shine. This might seem harsh, but I’d like to test you three.”

Breeze shook his head. “We won’t be able to fill that void you’re looking for.”

Marina let me go and went over to Breeze as she put a hand on his shoulder. “What he means is that we are not suitable training partners. Our abilities came from you, and while we may have mastered our craft, they are merely extensions of your capabilities.” Her hand returned to her side. “None of us can give you what you seek, but we can help keep you grounded.”

The room became quiet, so I spoke up. “So, uh… What do you seek?”

“Father wishes for someone close to him in strength so he can improve himself without having to worry about killing them so easily.” Marina answered simply. “Given he outclasses almost everyone, I’d say he also wants the opportunity to test himself without having to risk the lives of others. It is likely he only can discover new abilities, limits, and forms while facing the high-ranking Demons.”

“Or a powerful enough High Elf.” Arthur added.

“That makes sense.” I let out slowly. “But what did you mean by keeping him grounded?”

For the first time, none of the guardians met my gaze as Marina quickly looked away from me. “That would be between you and Arthur if you wish to know. All I will say for the moment that it was probably a good thing that you’re here.” Marina informed me while keeping her eyes down.

Turning to Arthur, I put my hands on my hips as he frowned at them. “What does that mean?”

The man smirked until he saw my look, and his smile dipped. “Don’t worry about it.” He then put a sharper inflection into his tone. “Marina is just making a speculation.”

Marina just scoffed and mumbled something. “…eah, and you… ptsd…”

“What was that?” Arthur asked as his eyes narrowed.

“Nothing!” She said sweetly.

“Uh huh.” He replied, unconvinced. “Lucia, stop pressing them for more.” Then he turned to me. “And another thing, stop pressing me for more information.”

“I just want to know what’s going on! You can’t just say, I’m your father; these are technically your siblings, stay out in the hall!” I then gestured to myself. “Can I not be included? Does my presence really concern you?”

Arthur stood and walked over to me before he put his hands on my shoulders gently. “Listen, it’s not that I don’t want you here, but you’re not a fighter. There’s things I don’t want you a part of, and there’s definitely things I don’t want you to know about me.” He then gestured to the others with a simple nod of the head. “They just so happened to get implanted with some of my memories when they were created, which is also concerning.” His shoulders deflated as he sighed out his nose in a tired manner. “Please don’t ever assume I don’t want you here.” Then he gave my shoulders a squeeze. “And everything about this is a concern to me.” He said playfully.

Smirking at that, I quickly shot back. “Oh? What’s at the top of your concerns about me?”

“That boy toy of yours, for one.”

“Ugh. I told you to stop calling him that!” Stepping back, he just shrugged.

“I just think you could do better.”

Marina then added, “Realistically speaking, Alwin is likely one of the top bachelors that would be best matched to Lucia.”

Arthur rolled his eyes. “Don’t listen to her. She grew up in a forest.” He was then struck in the back of the head by a block of ice.

“A lake, actually.” She quickly corrected.