THE ELFLAND

陰陽: Last Dragons Of The Elves

CHAPTER 1

Narrator (Wan):

In the Elfland, a thousand years after the great Elf war, the four Dragon Spirits, each sealed within their specific Gems, were locked away in the Dragons'Cave by the two Elven Dragon Protectors (Wen and I; 文和我). A prophecy was then made: that after a millennium, the Dragon Spirits would be released to the four Chosen Successors on the night of the Silv’ry Moon.

And the prophecy came to pass. On the eve of the millennial year under the Silv'ry Moon, as the four Dragon Gems were about to be released, Hans—the husband of Lady Raphaela, Madame of the Red Elven Enchantresses—tried to access the cave to harness the Dragons’ Gems all for himself using his Energy (Powers). Little did he know that without the Dragon Protectors, the mission was nearly impossible.

His Energy backfired, and Hans died a miserable death—though his soul still exists. As a consequence of his greed and foolishness, the Dragons’ Gems and their Chosen Vessels were switched.

The Ying (Black Dragon) Successor got the Yang (a year-old prince opens his eyes, glowing white). The Aglad-Lòkë (Purple Dragon) Successor was lucky enough to get his true Dragon Spirit. The Yang Successor got the Urulòkë (Red Dragon)—an elf is seen taking his newborn daughter underground in a hurry to protect her. The Red Dragon Successor is left with nothing, and the Black Dragon remains entrapped in the Dragons’ Cave.

---

18 YEARS LATER

In Alväin-Central (Capital City of Elfland), an official coach guarded by Elven soldiers is transporting confidential ledgers to the Imperial Palace. As the coach passes a quiet pathway, it is eyed stealthily by a nose-masked elf.

Inside the coach:

High Elf I: These confidential scrolls need to get to the Elflord quickly, without any hindrance.

High Elf II: You're right, mate. The guards are enough to avoid what happened last time.

High Elf I: Hm...

Suddenly, noises of struggle and combat are heard—even from the roof of the coach—and it halts.

High Elf I: What’s that?

High Elf II: I don’t know.

High Elf I: (Trembling in fear) It can’t be the Masked Thief, can it?

High Elf II: (Looking up and stretching his hand to High Elf I) My spear.

High Elf I does as asked, and High Elf II exits the coach. To his astonishment, most of the guards lie unconscious—others, beaten. Then, he hears a sound in the air. He turns, sees only a hanging flag swaying on a shop’s eaves, and readies his spear. The sound comes again. He turns to it one last time—but before he can act, the famous Masked Thief (Elfland’s most wanted stealer) grabs him and makes him sniff a strong sedative powder.

Masked Thief: (Whispers gently) Sleep, my dear.

High Elf II drops unconscious. The Masked Thief gently lays him down, dusts her hands, and immediately dodges a throwing star from her left side. She looks to the right—High Elf I.

High Elf I: (Wheezing, holding another throwing star) Aren’t you just tired of stealing?

She doesn’t respond. Her eyes shift to the silver box containing the ledgers. High Elf I notices and hugs the box tightly.

High Elf I: (Pointing the throwing star) I am a High Elf of the First Rank. Have some dignity—and make way!!

The Masked Thief remains silent for a moment, then steps forward. Startled, he throws the star—but she bends backward, narrowly avoiding it. It hits a tree.

She moves closer; he tosses another. She climbs the tree bark to dodge. He throws two more—she flips over the coach and, while somersaulting midair, channels Energy through her trigger fingers. Her eyes glow red as the stars reverse and pin each side of his garment to the tree.

He drops the box while trying to free himself. The Masked Thief plucks two stars from the tree and hurls them at him. He fails to repel them, and they pin both sleeves of his robe to the trunk.

The Masked Thief breathes deeply, restoring her Energy to her Chi. She walks over and picks up the box.

High Elf I: (Struggling) You’ll be caught someday. And when you are, you’ll be executed!

She takes a pinch of sedative powder. As she moves closer to make him sniff it, he yells:

High Elf I: On attack!!

But she forces the powder into his nose. He goes still.

Masked Thief: (Shakes her head) Talkative.

Just then, Palace Elven-Soldiers arrive. They find the unconscious guards and the two High Elves.

Assistant Royal Commander: (Inspecting the scene) The Masked Thief was here.

He confirms this after touching a trace of the sedative.

Assistant Royal Commander: Take them to the palace.

Guards: Yes, sir!

Meanwhile, the Masked Thief—Elva—slips into an alley and uncovers her hair, middle, and lower face. And oh boy... she turns out to be the dream of every male’s heart.

Her hair is red as blood, her voice soothing as a fairy, lips rosy like a flower, and her eyes—brown as earth.

Elva: (Glancing at the box with a smirk) Another day, another worth. Mm, I deserve a snack.

She dons a hood to cover her outfit, buys a leaf-wrapped pack of ginger biscuits, and walks toward her acquaintance’s shop. Suddenly, an elf bumps into her, knocking down her snack. He appears drunk—but he isn’t.

His fellow: (Nudging him) Why did you do that?

Elva clenches her fist, staying calm.

Elf: (Sarcastic laugh) Why so stressed? She can’t do anything.

Elva scoffs.

His fellow: You don’t know wh—

Elva: Uh, pardon me? Are you alright? You’re not blind, are you?

His fellow: (Takes three steps back)

Elf: Excuse you, pretty maiden, but it seems you don’t know who you’re speaking to.

Elva: And I don’t think you do either. (To his friend) Hey, I know you...

His fellow: Elva, wait. Don’t react—he’s new here.

Elva: Tsk, I see. Then kindly teach him his place.

His fellow: Got that. (Grabs the elf’s hand) Let’s go.

Elf: (Pulling away) No edging way! Who is she to tell me my place, huh?! (He strikes her shoulder and the box falls) Respect, hmph!

He pounds his chest, laughing. Suddenly, he clutches his ribs, coughing. He drops to his knees, sweating as though on fire. Her fist remains clenched.

Elva: (Bending over) I advise you to know your place in this district. And don’t ever, ever cross me again. Got it?

She releases her fist, picks up the box, and walks away. Two minutes later, she enters Bob’s shop.

Bobby, nickname "Bob", is a hefty simple man. His voice as that of a dreadful killer which he was before serving 28 years in prison, stayed off the lanes of what didn't benefit him or concern him. An elf believed to only love his weapon store which was well known in all lands of the hooligans and a trader of valuable goods whether stolen or whatsoever. His skin light and hair smooth made people wonder how could a fine built man be so desolate. Certainly what a waste they usually think.

Elva: Hey, Bob.

Bob: It’s Bobby. (He replies coldly.)

Elva: Whatever.

Bob: What do you want?

Elva: (Bangs the box on the table with a sneer) A bargain. Again.

Bob: (Studying the box) This looks like an official item.

Elva: It is. It contains palace confidential.

Bob: Let me guess—you sabotaged a coach again.

She grins.

Bob: It’s worth a gain, though.

He attempts to touch the box, but Elva pulls it back.

Elva: (Gesturing) My gain, then the bargain.

Bob: (Sighs, withdrawing his hand) How much?

Elva: Hmm, let’s say... four Donelles.

Bob: You sure know how to profit.

He hands her the requested amount. She accepts.

Bob: Now, my gain.

Elva releases the box. Bob takes it.

Bob: Okay now. Off you go.

Elva places the Donelles (upper coins) in her herb pouch and heads home through a narrow, lonely path. She reaches a door and enters. Unknown to her, the same elf who knocked down her ginger biscuits has been watching her with silent contempt.

---

At the Imperial Palace – Interrogation Bureau

The Assistant Royal Commander reports the matter of the theft to the Royal Commandant.

Assistant Royal Commander: (Showing him a sample of the sedative used in the crime) Here's our evidence, Commandant.

Royal Commandant: (Takes the cloth where the powder is sprinkled) Hm. (To an Elven-Soldier) Get the Noble Apothecary.

Elven-Soldier: Yes, Commander in Chief. (Exits.)

Royal Commandant: We must verify the facts.

Assistant Royal Commander: (Nods) Agreed.

Noble Apothecary: (Entering) You requested me, Commandant?

Royal Commandant: Yes. (Hands over the cloth) Please test this powder.

With a respectful nod and sleeve adjustment, the Apothecary sprinkles the powder into a green liquid. It slowly turns white.

Noble Apothecary: Indeed, it matches prior samples—but slightly stronger. This substance not only induces sleep but also renders the victim temporarily mute and forgetful of recent events. May I ask—same source?

Royal Commandant: Yes, it is. A new weapon... but surely dangerous.

Assistant Royal Commander: Only one person deals in items like this. But I doubt he’s in the city.

Royal Commandant: (A soft ring echoes in his mind.)

The Voice: Seek.

Royal Commandant: Gather some men.

Assistant Royal Commander: Yes, Commandant.

As he’s about to leave, a soldier enters.

Elven-Soldier: Commander in Chief. (Salutes) The Elflord requests your presence.

Royal Commandant: I hear you. You may go. (He exits.) (To his second) Go with the men. Report upon return.

Assistant Royal Commander: Yes, sir. (Salutes and leaves.)

---

Early at dawn, at Bob’s Shop

The soldiers arrive.

Assistant Royal Commander: (Flashes an official scroll at Bob) By order of the Interrogation Guild, we are here to question you.

Bob: Yeah, yeah, state your business and leave.

They show him a sketch of the Masked Thief.

Assistant Royal Commander: Do you know this elf?

Bob places down the metal he’s fixing and stares at the sketch—and then into the Commander's eyes.

Bob: What does the Masked Thief have to do with me?

Assistant Royal Commander: (Sitting) Oh, I believe—plenty.

He lays the cloth with the powder on the wooden slab.

Bob: What’s that?

Assistant Royal Commander: I should ask you. (Bob raises a brow.) It’s the famous sedative your masked friend uses. Rare and precise. And when it’s rare—you come to mind.

Bob: You're quite certain. Why not arrest me?

Assistant Royal Commander: We know the Thief is female. And being the most wanted criminal, she chooses her allies... carefully. (Smirks.)

Bob: (Heaves) Smart.

Assistant Royal Commander: (Rising) Let’s make it easy.

A soldier places a pouch of ruby coins on the slab.

Assistant Royal Commander: That should clear things up.

Bob: I don’t want your coins. I’ll protect what I know.

Assistant Royal Commander: (Trying to remain calm) Look—you love possessions. Here’s your chance.

Bob: Hss. Some things are more important than wealth. I know the Masked Thief. But her secrets won’t come from me. If there's nothing else, leave my shop.

Assistant Royal Commander: (Slams the slab) Listen, Ithnil—!

Just then, the elf who knocked down Elva’s snacks walks up.

Elf: Wait. May I see that sketch again? I think I recognize her. (Feigning innocence.)

They show him the sketch. Recalling Elva’s face, he nods.

Elf: I see a resemblance. I even know her location.

Assistant Royal Commander: Well, now you’re speaking my language. Lead the way.

Elf: [She’s not the criminal—but I know they’ll interrogate her painfully. That’s enough for me.]

He leads the soldiers away.

---

At the Imperial Palace – Throne Room

Elflord: (To his Senior Attendant) Where is my eldest son, Rupert?

Senior Attendant: He is meditating, Regal Elflord.

In a noble chamber, the eldest Imperial Prince sits cross-legged on a gem mat, meditating. His face is hidden—only his pink lips visible—as he struggles to connect with a being in the spirit realm.

---

Meanwhile, Elva is beneath her house in an underground residence tidying up. Suddenly, she feels weak and dizzy.

Elva: (Falls beside a table) Not again...

Above, the soldiers arrive at her residence.

Assistant Royal Commander: (Suspicious) There’s nothing here. Are you tricking us?

Elf: No—I swear! She entered and never came out. I even marked the door.

That proof calms his suspicion.

Assistant Royal Commander: We’re dealing with criminals. They’ll have a hidden area. Search harder!

Elven-Soldiers: Yes, Commander!

They scour every corner. One discovers a trapdoor.

Elven-Soldier: Second-in-Command! I found something!

They descend into the tunnel. Elva, hiding in shadows, breathes quietly, trying to stay conscious.

Elva: (Sneers) Hunting offenders, are we? [I need to get out of here.]

She creeps toward an exit—but her body fails her. She collapses. They find her, lift her by the arms, and compare her face to the sketch.

Assistant Royal Commander: (Lifts her chin) Same eyes. Same mole. Care to explain?

Elva: [Darn, I forgot to hide the mole] (Pleading) Please help me...

Assistant Royal Commander: [She looks innocent...] (To a soldier) Take her to the Royal Examine Castle. She’s an ally of the Masked Thief.

Elva: No—I’m not! Judge me properly!

Her pleading eyes trouble the soldiers.

Assistant Royal Commander: Still... (Persuaded) Treat her.

Elven-Soldier: Yes, Commander!

Assistant Royal Commander: Why run if you’re innocent?

Elva: (Losing strength) You... chased me... I’m... innocent...

Another Soldier: Lies. Sir, I found this.

He presents a brown-wrapped leaf. Elva panics. They unwrap it—revealing the Masked Thief’s outfit.

Elven-Soldier: This... (Glances at Elva) This ælfen can’t really be...

He stops.

Assistant Royal Commander: (Smiling) As naughty as ever. (Kneels before her) Still want to explain?

Elva: (Weak, angry) Get lost.

Assistant Royal Commander: (Smiles wider) It’s really you. What a glorious outcome. (To soldiers) Take her.

They return to the main cabin. The elf is rewarded by the Assistant Royal Commander.

---

Narrator:

Oh dear, what will become of the female lead? Will she be executed—as custom demands? Or will some phenomenon prevent tragedy from falling upon her?

All will be discovered in the next chapter.

---

NOTE: Wendi is an Elven word for girl.

Ælfen is an Elven word for female.

'[]' is used to indicate thoughts.

Elva is taken to the Court Hall at the Palace.

Assistant Royal Commander: Commandant (the attention of the Royal Commandant draws to him). We have finally captured her.

The questioning eyes of the Royal Commandant follow the hand of his junior as it points towards the entrance and the elf maiden is brought in and made to fall on her knees despite her condition.

Assistant Royal Commander: We have finally captured the Masked Thief, the so called legendary invincible thief of our realm. (Studying the firm questioning of the Royal Commandant, he places the items of the Masked Thief on the elegant wooden tiles). Proof.

On further investigation, he search through the items and aligns them according to the facts he himself had collected during his own search of this invincible thief who is knelt before him.

Royal Commandant: You really are the one, after many years of searching.

Elva: (Sneers). What a memory, Commandant.

Royal Commandant: [The Masked Thief is a young lady, how unusual. But her hair color is...](Shakes head steadily). Take her to the dungeon, where she will stay put until the judgement of the Emperor.

Elven-Soldiers: Yes Commandant!!

Elva not wanting to bear the thought of being chained in a cell till the day of her execution for sure, gives out a roar of anger alongside her separated arms and red eyeballs, instantly creating a thick flow of wind like a blast which sends different Elven-Soldiers to the floor. However the Royal Commandant is able to form a blockage for himself. The amount of Energy released despite her condition makes her weaker, she falls down and two Elven-Soldiers immediately take hold of her.

Royal Commandant: (Stands properly in astonishment). (To a male servant) Alert the Elflord.

The Male Servant: I shall do so.

He exits.

Royal Commandant: How did you do that? (Elva remains quiet)Speak!

The Elflord enters with his Royal Advisor and they bow before him.

Elflord: What is going on here? All of you at ease.

All those who bowed stand on their feet.

Royal Commandant: My Lord. We have another guess.

The Royal Commandant adjusts to the left to give way to the young maiden. The Elflord walks up to Elva and order the Elven-Soldiers holding her to support her to stand by the gesture of his hand.

Elflord: (Polite in spite of his nobility) May I ask who you are my child?

Elva doesn't respond.

Royal Commandant: My Lord, this ælfen is the Masked Thief.

Elflord: Her? Masked Thief?

Royal Commandant: Yes, my lord.

Royal Advisor: But how can you be certain that she is the one aside the fact that her hair is colored as that? We have searched for years and our guesses have been to no avail.

Royal Commandant: There's only one way left to found out.

Elva: [What are these sticks talking about?]

Elflord: (Glances at Elva) The Dragon's Scale.

Seeing his hand reaching for her left ear, Elva flinches angrily.

Elflord: (Tender) Easy, my child.

Being too weak to fight back and the mild voice of the Elflord, Elva rests allowing the Elflord to touch the spot he sought for and behold the Crystal Dragon's Scale is there. The Elflord pulls it a little which makes Elva react and the scale flickers hurting the Elflord a bit and he withdraws his hand in pain.

Elflord: Ah. (He covers his hurt fingers with the other hand and gazes at Elva in amazement) Men, after eighteen years, we have finally found the the Red Dragon.

The eyes and mouths of those present gape in surprise, some Elven-Soldiers are flabbergasted at the fact that one of the top Law Offenders in the Edhel-Ambar (Elfland) who had given them a lot of headache and cases to solve is the Red Dragon they have been searching for for years. Without wasting a moment, the male servant that was ordered to seek the Elflord quietly exits the scene.

Elflord: (Along with a grin) Under the Order of the Therds, bow before the Urulòkë.

Everyone besides the Elflord genuflects and make a 'X' sign with their forearms below their chests.

The Male Servant: (Rushing in) Your Highness!

The Eldest Elven Prince losing control of his subconsciousness, breaks through the barrier back to the original world, as a result he breaths heavily. He lets in a deep breath in and releases it calmly.

The Male Servant: They have found the Red Dragon.

When the servant ends his statement, the Eldest Elven Prince glances a little over his shoulder at the servant but his eyes are yet still unseen by the viewers.

Elflord: What is your name, my child? [She looks weak]. (To an attendant of his) Get the physician, she's unwell, didn't you notice that, that you allowed a young maiden to be treated harshly?!

The Elven-Soldiers whom are been scolded by the Elflord try to apologize only if the Elflord will allow them to, and at the mean time, Elva now feeling free within inhales deeply retrieving her energy and then blacks out.

The Elflord of the Elfland, aside his status is a kind, simple and just ruler. He rebukes sinister domineering acts and tries his best with the wisdom of ancient kings to create a steadfast land for his subjects and family to dwell.

Few Hours Passed, Elva opens her eyes, and instantly sits up with her hand on her head.

Elva: Uff, it was just a dream. (Realizes something, and looks around) Wait a... Where am I?

Braiden, a maid assigned to Elva walks in and upon Elva awake, she exclaims with a courtesy.

Braiden: My Lady!

Elva glances at her in shock as she tries to have a grasp of understanding at the name "My lady".

Braiden: You are have finally awoken.

Elva: Uhmm, sorry but who are you? (Braiden tries to reply) Where am I? Awoken? Was I dead before? (She pauses to hear the response from the maid).

Braiden, seeing that the young lady has finally hushed down is about to answer but is shut down by Elva's continued question.

Elva: Or wait, am I? Because this place certainly looks like the afterlife.

Braiden: [Please allow me answer your requests one at a time ,my lady 😭].

Derlinê, a matured female assigned to serve Elva as her Lady-in-waiting, enters.

Derlinê: (Courtesies). It is good to have you here, My Lady.

Elva: (Sighs with her left palm on her forehead and a toothy grin) I must be dreaming right now to even think I am an Eldar.

NOTE: Eldar is an Elven word for one belonging to the Royal Family.

Elva: (Stops with the grin). [Or wait, am I?] (An echo of the word "Urulòkë" sounds in her head, and not wanting to accept the truth of it, she shakes her head severally) No, no, it cannot be. (Observing around herself) I am dreaming for sure, I am certain!

Her thoughtful scary eyes fall on timid Braiden.

Elva: (Points at her) Excuse me, you, come near. (Braiden points at herself in question) Yes, you.

Braiden moves few steps closer to her and then Elva stretches her own right arm at her.

Elva: Pinch me.

Braiden: Pardon?

Elva: Just do it!

Braiden: (Startled) Ah, I hear.

Elva: Really painful (Braiden gives a nod of obedience and does as told). Ah!! (Elva immediately extracts her arm to rub the pinched spot). [Ow, that really hurts.] Do you grow nails?! [Wait! It pains, which means, am not dreaming. 😵]

Braiden: Forgive me My Lady...!!

Braiden is about to bow but Elva immediately stands up from the bed in refusal to such respect.

Elva: No!

They look at her with startled expressions.

Elva: (Walks to the door) Do not bow. Believe it or not, but I am not an Eldar.

Derlinê: But it has already been proven, My Lady. And besides, the Elflord prepares a humble feast for you. (Finished her statement as she and Braiden go on their knees to bow) For you are now, an Eldar.

An epic heroic tune plays on the background.

Elva: Ah,Hah-Ha, I see. Well if that's the case... Then farewell.

She dashes out of the room in rapid steps.

Derlinê: Your Ladyship!!

The two maids and two other guards chase at Elva along with yells of "My Lady!!" Elvyndia runs from the left corridor to the right, and from right to the left. She halts when she notices a number of seven Elven-Guards by her right. The Elven-Guards and her stare at each other in silence until the echoes of Derlinê calling into her get closer.

Elva: Oh lawks!

She picks to her heels leaving the Elven-Guards glancing at one another with furrowed eyebrows and those chasing Elva pass by them like wind. Elva unknowingly enters into the Court Hall through the back exit, she turns and pauses in shock to see the Elflord and few courtiers staring at her.

Elflord: (Stepping down from the altar) Ah my child.

Elva is about to run off the same way she came in but those chasing her come in through that way, panting greatly.

Elflord: What happened? (He glances at Elva but she just shrugs as if she did nothing). (Beams)My child, the celebration draws near, as a Dragon Successor you should...

Elva: (Fed up) Enough. Am no Dragon. I'm just a commoner. [And the most feared thief of the Elfland, no need for applauses 😏]. I am not who you all are saying I am.

The Elflord not knowing how to convince her to listen anymore just let's out a sigh.

Elva: (To herself but quite audible) I'm just a descendant of Skyer Wood.

Elflord: What did you just say my child?Elva: That I'm not who you all say I am? Elflord: No, just now.

Elva: That I'm just a descendant of Skyer Wood?

Royal Advisor: Son of?

Elva: Filial son of Vinar Wood.

Elflord: Peculiar, very peculiar.

Royal Advisor: (With a grin appearing on his face) My Lord.

"The Whisper of the Flame"

The grand hall echoed with laughter as the Elflord placed a gentle hand on Elva’s shoulder.

Elflord: Ah-ha, it is you. Come, come, my child.

Still dazed, Elva followed him and the Royal Advisor into a narrow secret passage hidden within the marble walls of the Throne Hall.

Elflord: You see, my child, your father was no ordinary elf. He was a great shadow knight of Alväin Central—nay, of all Elfland.

Elva: Ehh, no, he wasn’t. My father was a blacksmith. The finest in the capital. The Court, of course, was too blind to notice.

The Elflord exhales heavily.

Royal Advisor: Do you really think that an elf who disappeared and returned at such odd hours was simply a blacksmith? He had a second life. One you never saw.

Elva: With respect, those are just tales. You have no proof.

Elflord: Which is why we brought someone who might change your mind.

Elva turns and freezes.

Elva: Aunt Brielle?

Her long-lost guardian steps forward, tears shining in her eyes. She clasps Elva’s hands.

Aunt Brielle: Oh, my Little Bright White, you've grown... though perhaps in the wildest ways.

Elva: What… am I dreaming? (She pinches her palm.)

Aunt Brielle: Forgive me. I never wanted to leave you. I thought... I thought you’d be safer not knowing.

Elva: Safer? For what? Wait… What is going on?

Elflord: Brielle, why don't you tell her yourself?

Aunt Brielle: What the Elflord told you... it's true.

Elva: No. Don't tell me you believe it.

Aunt Brielle nods and places a bundle of ancient keys in her hands.

Aunt Brielle: These belonged to your father.

Elva: These are from Pa's workshop. Why...?

Royal Advisor: Elvÿndia Wood. The tale you were told—that your father was attacked by Cliffer Bears and poisoned—that was a fabrication. He was assassinated during an ambush on the Caven Cavians. By Inikhadan himself.

Elva: (Heartbroken) No,no... So all this while, it was lies?

Aunt Brielle’s eyes well up.

Aunt Brielle: I had to protect you, Elvy.

Elva lets out a bitter chuckle. The torch flames beside her flicker and surge.

Elva: You both lied to me. You took away my father.

Aunt Brielle: Elvy, please—

Elva: Don't touch me!

Elflord: My child, do not be rash—

Elva thrusts out her hand. Flames burst forth. The Royal Advisor conjures a shield to block it. When the smoke clears, Elva is gone.

---

Five minutes later, the heavy doors of her father’s old workshop creak open. Elva enters slowly, kneels by a rusted hammer.

**Flashback — Age 4**

4yr Elva: Halt! I am Rïne, kneel before me.

Skyer: Who dares strike the mighty Hamzorizus?! To the Cave Abyss with thee!

He chases her, catches her, tickles her, and lifts her to his shoulders. They laugh.

**Back to present**

She sits on the floor, sobbing. Her elbow accidentally knocks the stone.

Elva: A lock?

She examines the hole, selects a key, and turns it. *Click.* The hidden door opens.

Elva: Weapons...? And that inscription... Knights of the Greatest Rank. Father... what were you?

---

**Bob’s Shop**

Bob: We were planning your prison break tonight, you know. Then bam—you strut in wearing the Royal Lady badge.

Elva: Why is my life such a joke? First motherless, then fatherless, then a vagabond thief, and now... a sacred Dragon. What's next, a unicorn lady?!🔥

Bob: Your pa knew this would happen. He trusted me to watch over you until the day came. And it has.

Elva: He wanted to protect me. But do I accept this fate? Or walk away and pretend I never knew?

Bob tosses a metal token. She catches it without flinching.

Bob: See that? You still got the reflexes. Take the chance. Find your little brother. Avenge your father. All answers lie within those Palace Walls.

Elva: Yeah... They certainly do.