Irene

Seraphic Angel

Overview

As the second princess of Safaril, she is apprenticed to the Grand Sage and holds the adoration of her people.
Her unparalleled wit in governance has affirmed Safaril's dominance as the alliance's leader in both statecraft and international relations.

Chapter One

(18057–18091, Era of Frost Veil) Erin is the daughter of Agard, the Mediocre One, and the disciple of Grand Sage Mevis.
Despite her noble birth, Erin enjoyed a blissful childhood, untouched by royal politics and scheming.
Agard, Redbud's heir, cherished his youngest. His domain shielded her from political intrigues and machinations.
Erin's youth revolved around her admirable sister and doting parents, shaping her joyful early years.
Her parents' political union blossomed into love. Sharing modest ambitions and distant from continental conflicts, they bonded swiftly after wedding.
Their expectations turned to reality, and their love laid the groundwork for Erin's sunny personality.
Fate intervened unexpectedly. In 18065, King Milia III of Safaril perished childless in battle. Suddenly, Erin's father Agard became the heir apparent.
As king, Agard transformed. He pursued hedonistic pleasures, neglected the northern conflict, and delegated rule to his daughters.
Erin, a royal, could avoid involvement. But was that wise? Amid turmoil, neutrality seemed impossible. Letting others dictate her fate meant her security depended on their mercy.
This reminded her of a philosophical question given by her mentor, Grand Sage Mevis, when they first met.
"What happens if this seed is not planted?"
"It will dry up and then..."
"And what if it is planted?"
Mevis didn't say anything else. Erin gazed at the Aoho seed for a day, finally understood.
"An Aoho seed that isn't planted will dry up and remain a seed. But if it is planted, it will yield many seeds."
"Do you understand now?"
"My worry is a seed. Inaction leaves it dormant. Acting plants it, despite pain. The hardships—isolation, chill, and anguish—will nurture tomorrow's growth."
The sage approved, accepting Erin as his pupil. She now understood her path. In turbulent times, only persistent progress would elevate her above the turmoil.
Erin, King Agard's daughter and Diana's sister, couldn't remain dormant like a withered seed.

Chapter Two

Erin faced constant challenges in the capital, and Roostburg, far away, couldn't offer the support she desperately needed.
To the nobles, this princess was as lost as the Mediocre One, a country girl bewildered by the capital's luxury, enjoying decay and constantly socializing with commoners.
Safaril's leaders are brave in battle, virtuous in behavior, and ready to sacrifice for their nation and the people they support. Despite leading the alliance, Safaril faces challenges due to outdated political norms that keep social classes apart.
The nobles believed their fate should be decided on the battlefield, not among commoners. The "Silver Edge" epitomized their ideal knights, bonded in arms. Princess Diana, eldest of the royal lineage, commanded great respect in the military and was seen as the rightful heir to the throne.
Yet her sister Erin chose to spend her days with commoners and beggars, which drew disapproval.
Meanwhile, the "Mediocre One's" lack of interest in ruling led the people to pin their hopes on the crown prince. Diana successfully met these expectations, while Erin, despite her lesser role, fell short.
However, an outcast among the nobles gained widespread popularity among commoners. The Duke of Redbud knew that royal authority derived not only from strength but also from public support.
The northern conflict intensified after Prince Stewart's death provoked the dragons. The First Dragon Guard, absent from beyond the city walls for decades, boldly executed the city's defender, further demoralizing the troops.
The princess was summoned back to the capital to explain herself, a demand hiding a serious threat. The Hills' lineage stood vigilant, ready to enforce order with no mercy for disruptors.
Diana found herself in a risky situation. Reports suggested the person with the crown prince was suspicious, but Diana trusted him as her mentor. Noble affairs, often seeming simple, hid deeper complexities, especially now.
Diana's connection with someone of dubious reputation risks tarnishing the royal family's honor and neglecting her allies' trust.
Erin knew her sister wasn't reckless normally; there had to be a good reason for her actions.
This news could worsen governance instability, with nobles using it for political leverage against the royal house.
It was ridiculous that politicians didn't understand why the Silver Edge was respected in the military. Dragon fire respected no status.
Now was the moment for them to acknowledge the rulers of this realm. Years of preparation had led to this point; the supposed rustic, disdained by the elite, had adeptly devised strategies.
She ordered her loyal Roostburg followers to secure the area, pretending to celebrate her sister's return, and quietly directed the mysterious figure, orchestrating city disturbances to validate the Griffin Guard's closure of vital streets.
The nobles ready to leave were caught at several checkpoints, isolated from one another, with no lineage brave enough to confront the royal forces alone.
This was the Hills' maiden display of military intimidation, their permeation of the ranks making it clear to the ancient nobility that the royal family was not a ragtag band of country rebels.

Chapter Three

As the emotionless gaze of the figure scans her, Erin feels like a prey animal before a predator. Despite the disguise of transfiguration magic, she senses that this being is not human.
In a standoff, the weaker party often acts more aggressively to hide their fear or to intimidate the enemy. Erin, being the weaker party now, instinctively reaches for her weapon, only to be stopped by her elder sister.
"I knew my dear little sister would come to save me! Hahah, I don't want to be interrogated by those old men. They're so annoying!"
"Diana! You! Do you have any idea what you're doing?!"
"Well well well, let me introduce. This is my master... And master, this is my lovely sister Erin."
Darling, my master is unwell. But I need to see our father now, so I'll leave everything here to you. You may want to call Ashia to help you take care of my master."
Erin, despite her strong reluctance, knows she can only trust her sister in time like this, especially given the deep mutual trust they have built over such a long time.
The enigmatic woman's condition is complex; even the best healer can only slow her body's crystallization, which isn't just a magical blockage.
Though the woman doesn't talk much, Erin feels her gaze soften over time, no longer sending chills down her spine.
Just as Erin thinks she can resolve this trouble, the inevitable occurs: the people of Dorsk City see the legendary future Dragon Empress, revealing the mysterious woman's true identity.
She is the child for whom allies would break treaties and start a war to eliminate, yet she is also blessed by the gods from birth.
The enigmatic woman envelops herself in the storm, angrily questioning above Dorsk City. At that moment, Erin realizes the woman is the dragon she suspected.
At just under seven, the future Dragon Empress publicly slays what she names the traitor of dragons, showcasing unimaginable power.
As anticipated, Diana faces charges for harboring a dragon, but Erin is ready to dispel any doubts about her. Before long, the tale of a clever and resourceful princess ensnaring the enemy spreads among the people.
The aristocrats come to understand that reputation can be a powerful entity, demanding respect wherever it appears.
Erin is indifferent to dragons or wars; her only desire is for her loved ones to be happy. However, achieving happiness involves many factors.

Historical Notes

Dragonblight:
Dragonblight is a virus originating from Wyvern remains, severely damaging human health. Those infected can lose up to twenty years of their lifespan (data in Era of Frost Veil), even if they recover using an antidote.

Safaril:
Safaril (15893–18187, Era of Frost Veil) was a feudal kingdom ruled by the Hills. It unified the southern regions of Ciaran by annexing the kingdoms of Andreia and Nyara. As a major player during the Sacred Dragon War, Safaril held the greatest influence within the alliance. Safaril was known for its inclusive culture, which making its capital Dorsk one of the most prosperous cities of the era. The national emblem, featuring a blade and a three-headed dog, symbolizes the unity of Safaril, Andreia, and Nyara. Three iconic statues of guarding hounds stood in Dorsk, each representing a kingdom—Garm in the north for Safaril, Kumai in the southwest for Andreia, and Serb in the southeast for Nyara. They safeguarded the captical, even severely damaging Danni.

Agard Hill:
Agard Hill (18043–18074, Era of Frost Veil), dubbed the Mediocre One, was the son of Debright, the Duke of Redbud. Following the assassination of Prince Stewart, Danni's father, and the ensuing war, Milia III perished heroically on the front lines, leaving no heirs. Thus, the crown fell to Agard Hill, whose governance was known for his indulgence in luxury, casting a shadow over his reign. His daughters, however, exhibited remarkable governance talents from a young age.

Mevis:
Known as the Beauty Myth, Mevis (17692–18185, Era of Frost Veil) was a celebrated Grand Sage renowned for enhancing the art and etiquette of the Elves.

Diana:
Diana, the Silver Edge (18055–18097, Era of Frost Veil). In 18065, Milia III (18240–18065, Era of Frost Veil) perished on the front lines, leaving no heirs. Later the year, Milia III's cousin Agard Hill ascended to the throne. The following year, Diana, as Agard's eldest daughter, was appointed crown princess.

Duke of Redbud:
A branch of the Hills. In 17255 of the Era of Frost Veil, Barton Sherman, the previous Duke of Redbud, rebelled during the northern conflicts but was subdued by Londo Hill, who later took over Roostburg. To stabilize public and noble sentiment, the Sherman's banner with Redbud was retained. This incorporation of Roostburg significantly boosted loyal influence, and marriages between the royal family and the Dukes of Redbud, who remained loyal to the crown ever since, ensured centuries of stability in Safaril.

Griffin Guard:
Formed by Princess Erin after surviving an assassination attempt in a civilian area. The Griffin Guard is her personal security force with nearly 1,000 members. Despite the assassination's likely politically motivated, the royal family gave up further investigation in exchange for the formation of this armed unit.