From the moment I was chosen by the holy relic

This city was completely different from the Orion that Eric knew.

If Orion is a majestic and austere stone castle, solemn and dignified against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains, then Elgarden is a verdant paradise, full of vitality, like a miracle sculpted by nature and humankind together.

Outside the city walls, a vast expanse of forest and fields intertwined, the air filled with the fragrance of earth and grass. On either side of the city gate, stone walls covered with ivy cast dappled shadows in the sunlight.

Unlike Orion, the city lacks bustling shops, noisy markets, and a constant flow of people. Instead, it possesses a tranquil and harmonious atmosphere.

Eric looked ahead and saw a long park street leading directly to the palace. The entire street was kept clean and tidy, with a stone-paved path stretching into the distance. On both sides were tall oak and poplar trees, their intertwined branches forming a natural green dome that enveloped the entire street in cool shade.

In the center of the long street stands a golden fountain, its water gurgling and flowing like a gentle stream into the earth. At the center of the fountain is a sculpture of a unicorn, elegantly raising its front hooves, its gaze fixed firmly on the distance.

"The unicorn symbolizes purity and vows." Lancelot rode up to Eric's side, gazing intently at the sculpture. "It reminds the people of Iser not to forget the vows made by their ancestors."

Eric paused for a moment, then whispered, "A vow?"

"To protect this land from the darkness." Lancelot's voice carried a certain unwavering faith. "Hundreds of years ago, when the scourge of darkness swept across the land, King Iser swore an oath that no matter what, this land would be the last bulwark against darkness."

Eric didn't say anything, but he secretly admired the king's foresight.

Lancelot led the group through the long street, heading straight for the palace. Surprisingly, they encountered almost no resistance; the guards bowed respectfully upon seeing Lancelot and then let them pass. Eric secretly guessed that this man's status in the kingdom was probably extraordinary.

The palace gates slowly opened before them.

Eric followed Lancelot through the palace gates and into a magnificent hall.

The throne room in Iser lacked the coldness and majesty of Orion; instead, it exuded an atmosphere of solemnity and elegance. Four white stone pillars, carved with vine patterns, stood in the center of the hall, with silk curtains hanging from their tops, swaying in the breeze like leaves in a forest.

Seated on the throne was the King of Iser, dressed in a dark green brocade robe embroidered with silver vine patterns, a black and gold-trimmed cloak draped over his shoulders, and an exquisite silver crown adorning his forehead. The king's face was not aged; rather, it exuded an air of shrewdness and competence. His deep eyes, like all-seeing gems, were sharp and composed.

Lancelot knelt on one knee, and Eric bowed in return.

"Your Majesty," Lancelot said in a steady voice, "we have investigated the tragedy." He then recounted the events in detail.

The king's gaze sharpened slightly, though his expression remained calm; Eric could sense the coldness in his eyes.

"Carrot?" The king slowly repeated the name, as if pondering something.

"Furthermore," Lancelot continued, "Mr. Eric stepped forward in this disaster and fought to the death. Although he is a wanted man in Nostria, I can testify that he is by no means a traitor."

The king nodded slightly, turning his gaze to Eric with a scrutinizing look in his eyes.

Eric stood up straight, meeting that gaze without flinching.

After a moment, the king nodded slightly, a barely perceptible smile appearing on his face: "Young man, you have courage."

Eric didn't speak; he wasn't one for flattery. He simply bowed slightly as a sign of respect.

The king stood up: "Eric, would you like to stay and serve Iser? I can knight you, grant you honor, a place to live, and a trustworthy mission."

Eric paused for a moment.

This was an extremely generous invitation. However, his heart remained restless.

Eileen...

There was always a voice whispering in his heart.

Even though everyone said she was dead, he still refused to believe it. He had to find the answer, even if the hope was slim.

He slowly shook his head.

"Your Majesty, your proposal is admirable, but I cannot accept it," Eric's voice was low and firm. "I have unfinished business and cannot stay."

The king raised an eyebrow, as if he had already anticipated this answer: "Is it for the missing elf?"

Eric did not deny it.

The king smiled slightly, his gaze profound: "You deserve respect for that."

He paused, then continued, "What if I leave your companion behind? That girl named Leah."

Eric frowned, but before he could speak, Leah quickly interjected, "Your Majesty, I'm afraid I can't accept that either. I yearn for freedom."

The king looked at them, sighed softly, and then smiled and said, "Very well, I will not force you."

Then, he slowly turned around and waved to one side of the hall.

"Carrot and his men," he said coldly, "are sentenced to death! Also, go and track down Kadir's gang!"

After the verdict was handed down, a brief silence fell over the hall. Eric's emotions were churning. He had imagined Carrot's execution countless times, but for some reason, he felt no pleasure at this moment.

He took a deep breath and looked up at the king on the throne.

The king seemed to sense the change in his mood, a meaningful smile appearing on his face, and his tone softened slightly: "Eric, this is your first time in Elgarden, why not take your time to explore and experience the charm of this city?"

"This place is unlike Orion," the King continued, his tone leisurely and confident. "The people of Iser revere nature and magic. We live in harmony with the land and are accompanied by the stars. Perhaps you will come to like it here. Just in time, the triennial 'Thousand Faces of Illusion' is about to begin."

"The Thousand-Faced Illusion?" Leah raised her eyebrows, clearly intrigued by the name. "It sounds like some kind of mysterious ritual."

"You could call it a ceremony, or you could call it a grand event," the King smiled slightly. "It originated hundreds of years ago when a great illusionist created this festival, allowing people to experience different destinies and lives within a dream world. Participants will enter a world woven from illusions, searching for the truth and solving puzzles. The winners will not only receive generous prizes but also awards from the royal family of Iser."

Eric paused for a moment, then slowly said, "That does sound quite unusual."

"I think you'll find it interesting," Elwin III said with a hint of encouragement. "Elgarden will be more lively than usual these next few days, so you can wander around and see what this city-state is all about."

Eric lowered his head and pondered for a moment, then finally nodded slightly: "I understand, Your Majesty."

"Very good." The king nodded in satisfaction. "Then, the gates of Elgarden are open to you."

Eric bowed and looked intently at the king on the throne, vaguely sensing that this brief stay might be more complicated than he had imagined.

After leaving the palace, Eric and Lia strolled through the streets of Elgarden.

The streets lacked the bustling shops of Orion, instead appearing more tranquil and orderly. Pedestrians strolled leisurely, dressed exquisitely, many adorned with jewel-encrusted magical ornaments at their waists, and some even had orbs of light or small spellbooks floating beside them, signifying their status as magicians.

They arrived at the fountain, and Eric, remembering Lancelot's oath to Iser, drifted off into the distance.

The image of Eileen at her last moments flashed through his mind, along with the ruins amidst the flames and the sudden calamity.

"Hey, don't look so serious." Leah suddenly reached out and patted his shoulder. "We have a few days to rest now, you don't want to waste them all just spacing out, do you?"

Eric paused, his lips twitching slightly. "You mean...?"

"A Thousand Faces of Illusion!" Leah exclaimed with interest. "I'm very curious what the prize is!"

Eric shook his head helplessly and sighed softly. He understood what Leah was thinking.

"Whatever you want," he said, his tone unusually relaxed.

And so they settled in Elgarden for the time being, awaiting the opening of that unknown feast, the Thousand-Faced Illusion.