Chapter 31. Going to Avenin Constitution

MARVELLING the entire room filled with various dragon-wolf sculptures, Hera could not help but relish her good fortune in being here. Despite the almost tragic yesterday of being entangled in a bloody war, her spirit had still been jubilant. Her avidity to catch such a magnificent view and get a phenomenal idea for her next piece was paramount.

She roamed the entire room and watched every sculpture with a critical gaze. The sheer beauty and strength the wolgans displayed were staggering, and she was so happy. However, she could have just looked at them, but she did not wish to miss the form they were made.

The feeling is beyond words. Soon as her eyes alighted on a sculpture of red wolgan, her heart thumped aggressively, and her soul cried out in happiness. It reminded her of yesterday— the most unforeseen experience she had ever had.

The statue was depicted in all its magnificence, and Hera felt so overwhelmed that she could only stare at it for a few moments.
Her observation lasted a little too long until she bumped into someone.

"I'm sorry..." she was cut off when she found herself face to face with Darth.

She vowed her head and expected him to be mad for barging into his private space like that, but instead, he hurled the most intense glare. As soon as Hera saw him glaring at her, she immediately dropped her gaze in embarrassment.

"Keep me informed next time if you plan on going through my stuff. "

There was no accusation in his voice, no harshness, no hint that he was upset about it, but she wasn't sure if she should leave or stay.

"Are you going to berate me again?"

"No."

"Are you mad?"

"Yesterday, I told you I'm not."

"I mean... I'm an intruder. I went here without even asking for your consent. That's uncalled for."

Suddenly, Darth chuckled lightly, and that gesture caused Hera's cheeks to turn crimson as she looked back up at him. She didn't think Darth would be that easily entertained by something simple like this—and yet, there's that smile playing at the corners of his lips, making his features look softer. He looked relaxed, and it made him even more attractive for some reason.

After a transient beat, Darth noticed Hera staring at him and cleared his throat.

"Apprise me next time; you will not need to hide your movements. I won't have any issues then. I can even accompany you if you'd like."

"Seriously? Did you just allow me?"

"Am I dreaming?" Hera tentatively touched his neck and felt his skin smooth under her fingertips. This wasn't a fever dream. It's real!

"You're not dreaming. But if you doubt, you might as well hear me out." Darth took her hand and placed it on top of his chest.

She smiled. "Thank you for saving my life. It's truly an honor to meet you, even in the most unexpected way. And now you don't have to explicate yourself to me."

"So, what do you plan after?"

"I don't have yet."

"Let's visit your father."

The moment he said those words, Hera froze and stared at him incredulously with mouth agape. "My father?"

He nodded his head with determination. "I'll arrange it and send a letter to the Avenin Constitution if that would make you feel better."

"Thank you!" she jumped and wrapped her arms around him, hugging him as tightly as possible while he returned the hug. It's surreal


*****
The sun shone brightly as they walked along the paved streets leading to the Avenin constitution.

They halted their walk when they reached an intersection and scanned the entire surrounding before proceeding. They both gazed up at the sign that read 'Avenin Constitution,' which led straight to the access.

They strode a few steps, but then six knights suddenly appeared out of thin air, encircling them. They were dressed in armor, and each one held a long spear and shielded in their hands. Each knight has one white mask covering their face with two horns protruding from behind their helmet, forming an arch.

"Who are you?" the tallest one queried, then he pointed the tip of his sword at Darth. "Leave before the Emperor finds it was displeasing! We do not tolerate such trespassing in our territory!"

"Put down your swords," Darth ordered, but the knights laughed mockingly while Hera felt the tension rising.

"You are not the Emperor, so do not speak to us as if we're beneath you. You dare to trespass into our land, and we'll make you pay the consequences!"

Before they could escalate the situation further, Darth's eyes became tangerine, gleaming in anger and hostility. A wave of his hand summoned a fire, striking the six knights and knocking them down.

The knights were aghast when Darth pulled Hera to his right flank, shielding her behind him.

"When I say put down your words, you must obey."

The six knights quickly stood up and were about to run, but Darth didn't let them flee, so he charged forward, unleashing a torrent of fireballs toward them.

"If you can't give us the recognition we deserve, you may as well be killed on the spot!"

The knights tried their best to behold on the floor, begging for mercy. Their shouts of protest were nothing but a distant whisper compared to the roaring noise and the crackling flames. In the midst of the chaos, Darth struck one knight twice with a fireball, and they all fell to the ground, writhing in pain.

"Forgive us..." one of the knights pleaded, barely audible. "This won't happen again."

Darth stepped towards them menacingly with a scowl etched on his face. "Now, behave unless you want me to punish you further."

After a moment, they all slowly got back onto their feet and backed away from them cautiously.

Hera is in complete shock yet feels protected. Her gaze glided back at Darth, calmly walking towards her until he wrapped his arms around her waist.