Valerian, The Legendary

242 Gratitude.

Valerian was surprised as he looked at the group of people standing around him with a glass of wine in their hands. He recognized the officials of the court and also a few nobles. However, he was surprised to spot a genial-looking Zeenat standing in the crowd with a goblet in her hand. He also found a few people from the other two countries as they were wearing the royal colors of their nations.

Fragrantia walked over from the crowd and placing a hand on his head she said, “Happy birthday, my love. May vita bless you with health and happiness. May all your wishes come true.”

Then the crowd raised their goblets and said, “Hail Vita.”

This was a way of supporting the blessing. Valerian looked around in a stupor and then he embraced Fragrantia, burying his face in her shoulder. The people were surprised and Fragrantia smiled as she patted the back of the boy in her arms. She said, “Now, come greet the guests once before we cut the cake.”

Valerian nodded and then Fragrantia took him to meet the elder generation of guests. When they came in front of the Zeenat, the lady smiled and said, “I wish you a very happy birthday, Your Highness Valerian.”

Valerian smiled and said, “Thank you for your good wishes, your grace.”

Zeenat took out something from her magic pouch and handed it to Valerian. The boy was surprised as he accepted the object, Zeenat said, “This is a wand made from helios pine grass. When you step into the realm of an Archmage, this wand can help you condense your mana better.”

Valerian was even more surprised as he has heard of this material. Helios Pine Grass is a magical material that is found very rarely. It is said that these grass-like plants are all very small trees. They were known for their quality to concentrate battle aura and mana in the attacks cast by mages and warriors.

The people were all surprised too, after all, the Centaurs had stepped forward with such a rare gift. Valerian had to meet with other guests, so after thanking the lady he moved around with Fragrantia. Then Azula hogged him and they began to mingle with the younger generation of people. After this was all done, Valerian found a remote corner and stood there, he observed the hall decorated with light magic blobs.

.....

This place was filled with tables for the elder generation of guests, a slightly empty space in the center for dance, and an orchestra where a gentle and soothing piece of music was being played. The atmosphere was so joyous, and everyone was looking at him every now and then, toasting him with wine, and greeting him with a smile.

Suddenly, Azula came beside him and asked, “What are you thinking here?”

The boy replied, “I never thought that the inability to cry would be cherished by me.”

Azula smiled and said, “Don’t be emotional now. What will the others think if they saw you crying?”

Valerian smiled bitterly and said, “That I am a human too. They are all here because they must have heard of my skills and think I am some oddball. Do you think their eyes are without scrutiny? If I show the slightest weakness, they might think everything they heard was an exaggeration. This is not a banquet for them, but a chance to measure our nation.

They might be our allies now, but nothing lasts forever. Inside the minds of the royals and the nobles, there are no eternal enemies, and no eternal allies, only eternal benefit exists. They can backstab their kin for benefits and those who are too soft get crushed by them.”

Azula nodded and said, “Well, you are correct, but this is all the more reason to keep the enemies closer than friends.”

Valerian nodded and sensed his soul communication bead move. He took it out and connected it to the other side. Morgana wished him with a soft voice, “Happy birthday, Valerian.”

The young man smiled and after a few words, the call was disconnected. Then he looked out of a window and made a few signs while gazing at the sky. Azula smiled at his gesture and said, “They will be happy.”

Valerian smiled and nodded, “Mother Diligentia once used to say that I will also have a grand banquet set up for me someday. I used to think she was consoling me for being alone on my birthdays. For me, a muffin from her hands would be far more important than a grand banquet.”

The banquet continued, and the cake was cut. Valerian suddenly looked at the musicians and after a few minutes, he walked over to the person who was playing the Filum Vita. The artist stopped and asked, “Your Highness, did we make a mistake?”

This group of musicians was all normal civilians. Valerian did not want to scare them and shook his head as he said, “I wanted to ask if I can play my Filum Vita for a bit. It is my birthday, and so many guests came over to wish me, as the host, I would like to play a piece for them. To show my gratitude.”

The people were surprised, and Zeenat, who was sitting at the table with Prime Minister Alms asked, “Your Grace, will it be fine if I record this scene in my image stone?”

Alms smiled and replied, “I do not see why it will not be.”

Zeenat smiled and held the image stone facing Valerian with her mana channeling through it. The hall became silent, Valerian took out his own Filum Vita from the magic pouch and began to strum it before tuning it. Then he said, “This is a piece that I have created in my mind, it is how I became what I am today. This song is for the people who made me what I am today, so thank you.”

The crowd applauded him and the boy began to strum the strings of his instrument and instantly, it became to resonate. Gradually the scenery around the people changed and they all found themselves standing in a garden, where a young child was lying down in the lap of a beautiful lady. The lady was smiling and talking to the child who would respond to her with signs and a sunny smile.

The scene was so surreal as if they were witnessing it. The notes began to change and soon, they found themselves standing on the shore of a stream where a man brutally killed the lady. The child came back and wept as his eyes shed blood. Then how he killed that killer, and a princess helped him back to the peak of health.

She became his friend, and idol, and taught him all that she could. Then she bought this child in the big palace, where he was warmly received by the Empress and then adopted into the family. How they loved him, sent him to the academy, gave him freedom, and nourished him with love and care. The people could tell that this song was filled with love that made their hearts gush.

The song stopped after a few minutes and the scenery faded. However, the people were still trapped inside the illusion. They only woke up when the resonance of the music faded. The people were shocked to see that the prince was such a musical prodigy. Fragrantia stood up and started clapping her hands.

Gradually the entire hall gave Valerian a standing ovation. Some people asked for an encore, but the prince apologized and said that he was hungry. The banquet ended and most of the guests were sent off. Only the main big shots of the three nations stayed inside the palace guest wing.

Libra had arranged high security for the six people. Zeenat had come to the place alone, she did not bring any other official with her, and only three of her maids were there. She had come over to show her intentions to form an alliance sincerely.

...

Valerian was sitting in his room, leaning against a french window, dressed in a white shirt and matching pajamas. Fortuna sat on the bed and asked, “Do you miss your mother?”

Valerian shrugged as he said, “I never celebrated my birthday with my own mother, but till I turned ten, Mother Diligentia was the only one who would not make me cry, and even help me. She was the first person to know that I have awakened my blessings before I turned ten. So, her, yeah, I do miss her a lot. Sometimes I wish I could go back to that time and see her in person. Why do you ask?”

Fortuna shook her head and said, “I guess it is because I am a beast, I do not have such complicated emotions toward this situation. I can be myself, and that is how a dragon is supposed to be.”

Valerian nodded and wanted to say something when the door was knocked. He was surprised to find that someone might visit him this late at night.