Margaret's voice was a low murmur, disbelief lacing her words as she asked, "Where the dungeon is emerging from?" She couldn't quite wrap her head around Valeria's revelation.
Valeria met her gaze and nodded, steadfast. Her eyes were full of conviction, her certainty an unyielding rock amidst the tide of confusion.
"Yes," she affirmed, her tone leaving no room for doubt. "It's not mere coincidence that Klaus dreamt of such a place, not when we've just received news of a dungeon appearing from one."
Margaret's eyes narrowed, her mind working furiously to process the information. "But I still..."
The interruption from Valeria was swift, preventing Margaret from voicing her doubts. "That's not all," Valeria continued, her voice a steady hum in the silence that followed.
"In the Arvandor Kingdom, lightning affinity is rare, held only by the twin children of the King. One is Keira, the other is Prince Elyon."
Recognition flickered in Margaret's eyes, mirrored by a similar understanding in Valeria's gaze. They shared an unspoken agreement, a silent understanding born out of their years of companionship.
Margaret turned towards Klaus, her voice firm yet gentle. "Fine. Despite my reservations, a visit can't hurt."
No sooner had her words faded than an eager question burst from Klaus, "When do we leave?" His voice was thick with anticipation, his excitement palpable.
A silent exchange passed between Valeria and Margaret, their eyes meeting in the wake of Klaus's question.
Valeria knew her master well enough to understand her unspoken worries - she didn't want Klaus venturing out of their home, let alone their village.
Yet, the question had been asked. And now, all eyes were on Margaret, her response hanging in the balance.
Valeria watched her master carefully, curiosity mingling with concern in her gaze, waiting for her decision.
"Klaus," Margaret began, her voice an aching mix of firmness and concern. "I'm not sure it's wise for you to join us." His face clouded at her words, a frown etching itself into his features.
"What I mean is, the place will be crawling with mages. It will be dangerous for you."
Her gaze softened as she continued. "We need to scout the area first. Once we're certain it's safe, we can consider bringing you with us."
Klaus's frown deepened, his brows furrowing in frustration. "I can protect myself," he retorted.
Margaret's sigh was heavy, filled with the weight of her concern. "Klaus, you need to listen..."
But Klaus was shaking his head before she could finish, his determination as clear as the refusal in his eyes.
"I don't fully understand the meaning of that dream, or why I had it," he admitted, his voice a low murmur. "But I believe it's connected to my past, my memories."
He met Margaret's gaze square on, his eyes blazing with resolve. "If there's a chance – any chance – that I can regain those lost memories, feel less adrift, then I'm willing to risk it. That's my choice."
Valeria watched the exchange, her gaze darting between Klaus and Margaret. The tension in the room was palpable, a delicate balance teetering on the edge.
She knew that while Klaus was ready to face the risks, Margaret would never willingly put him in danger.
Klaus was more important to Margaret than he realized. His safety was her priority, and she wouldn't allow him to wade into potential hazard unprepared.
But Klaus seemed oblivious to their silent exchange, his focus solely on Margaret.
The silence stretched on, the tension building with every passing moment. His brows furrowed again as he met Margaret's gaze, his question echoing in the heavy silence. "So, when do we leave?"
If it were anyone else, Margaret would have had a thousand reasons to deny their request. But Klaus was different. She could not easily quash his hopes.
Her nails dug into her palm, a silent testament to her inner turmoil, her face a mask of composure. Her gaze remained locked with Klaus's, his resolve mirrored in his eyes. After a heavy silence, she finally found her voice.
"Okay."
Klaus's smile flickered, anticipation hanging in the air as Margaret added, "But..."
"I have one condition," she stated, her tone brokering no argument. "You are to stay by my side at all times and you are not to speak to anyone. If you can agree to these terms, then you may come with us."
Klaus's response was not immediate. He mulled over her terms, his forehead furrowed in thought. After a moment that felt like an eternity, he nodded. "I agree."
Despite his acquiescence, Margaret's face was still etched with reluctance. She glanced at Klaus one last time, her hand still clenched tightly, before turning to Valeria.
The moment Valeria met Margaret's gaze, her smile faded. She straightened up, her face serious as she added, "Master, there is another complication."
Margaret raised an eyebrow, her voice laced with irritation. "And what might that be?"
Valeria paused for a moment, choosing her words carefully. "If the prince is present, then there will undoubtedly be grandmasters nearby. Your presence would be immediately noticed, and being seen with Klaus would inevitably draw attention to him."
A spark of understanding flashed in Margaret's eyes as she absorbed Valeria's words.
She drew in a deep breath, steadying herself before speaking. "And what course of action should we take?" she queried.
"I'll accompany him," Valeria answered without hesitation.
Margaret's mouth opened to protest, but Valeria was quick to cut her off. "You can stay in the shadows, monitor from a distance. This way, you can protect Klaus without drawing attention to him," she explained.
Margaret mulled over Valeria's proposition, her brow furrowed in deep thought. A tense silence filled the room, the air heavy with anticipation.
It seemed for a moment as if she would dismiss the idea outright, but then she nodded in agreement. "Alright."
Her voice was firm, her expression stern as she turned back to Klaus. "Keep in mind, I'll be watching you both closely. Be careful," she warned, disregarding the excited gleam in Klaus's eyes.
"Prepare to depart, Klaus," she instructed, then pivoted to face Valeria. "Come with me, Valeria."