The Stained Blood Tale Part One

That afternoon, the Paladins gathered to discuss the pressing issues at hand, particularly concerning the nomadic people.

"Are they serious?" one Paladin captain asked skeptically.

"We've only just passed through a critical period, and now they're proposing a counteroffensive against Ukataka," another responded.

"A military campaign against the Arkhari continent could also damage relations with the nations there, especially those who resisted Ukataka and aided us in the battle at White Harbor," a third captain added.

Taki, listening to the discussion, interjected, "In my opinion, it seems they genuinely intend to proceed, given that they are the main suppliers of both physical and magical ammunition, as well as weaponry. Their country lacks the resources to survive the upcoming winter."

"They want us to go to war just so they can sell their weapons?" one captain questioned.

"More accurately, they need us to wage war to ensure their survival," Taki clarified.

"Considering how thoroughly Ukataka plundered the northern territories, it's no surprise they're all struggling," another Paladin agreed.

"Yes, and with the rise of trade agreements with many nations in Arkhari and the North, countries like Starsbough, Numen, and even Whiteford now have cheaper trade options. As a result, the Balrog Empire, once renowned for its trade routes, has been sidelined.

"It's a tragic fate, but it's beyond our control," added Grand Master Michael Anderson, the Angelus of the Loyal Swords Paladin.

"Honestly, I feel sorry for them. But it seems like natural selection; the opening of international trade has dealt them a harsh blow," another Paladin remarked.

Taki remained silent, observing the situation. Though she seemed inclined to find a way to save the Balrog Empire from the looming famine, she knew it was a problem far beyond the Paladins' capability to resolve.

As the evening fell, Taki and Serene returned home together. Upon their arrival, Irene greeted them excitedly, hugging both her sisters.

"Alright, alright, Irene, I'm here," said Serene, embracing her four-year-old sister.

"Sister Serene, Sister Taki, can I join the Paladin Order too someday?" Irene asked innocently.

"Of course, as long as Irene doesn't act as mischievously as Serene. I'll teach you to be a great Paladin," Taki replied, kissing Irene's forehead.

That night, the three siblings shared dinner to celebrate Serene's induction into the Paladin Order. However, Taki stepped away briefly to speak with one of the household servants.

"Miss Taki, here's the list you requested," said the head servant, handing her a small ledger.

"As I suspected, the prices are quite steep," Taki muttered.

"Don't worry, Miss. With trade opening directly with Burash Country, the cost of goods is expected to drop within the next two weeks," another servant reassured her.

Still, Taki appeared restless. "It's alright," she replied softly, trying to suppress her concern. She then returned to the dining room to join her two younger sisters.

"Oh? You two haven't started eating yet?" Taki asked, noticing the pair whispering to each other.

"Hehe… Irene, do you think it's time?" Serene asked.

"Yes, let's give it to her," Irene responded enthusiastically.

The two presented Taki with a painted portrait. The artwork depicted Taki's face, and beneath it, the words "Taki Eleison" were written.

Taki stared at the painting in silence. "Eleison…" she murmured, gazing at the artwork. Before long, tears welled up in her eyes. She thanked her sisters, pulling them into a heartfelt embrace.

That night, the three of them dined peacefully, sharing their joy as a family.

Late Night at the Eleison Residence

That night, Serene peeked into Taki's study and found her still working.

"Taki… may I ask you something?" Serene said hesitantly.

Switching off the lamp on her desk, Taki smiled. "What is it, Serene? Are you having a bad dream again?"

Serene quickly ran over and sat on Taki's lap, resting against her older sister.

"Ugh… Serene, you're not a little kid anymore. You're getting heavy!" Taki teased.

"Hehe… but there's something I've been wanting to ask. Taki, why don't you have the Eleison name? You're my sister and Irene's, too," Serene asked with a hint of confusion.

For a moment, Taki paused. "Well, perhaps it's because I'm not a biological child of the Eleison family."

That answer left Serene silent and downcast.

"But that doesn't mean I'm not part of this family," Taki explained, stroking Serene's head. "Lady Filanora and Lord Eugene always treated me as their daughter, and they entrusted you and Irene to me. So, don't worry about it."

Hearing this, Serene's face brightened, her worries fading away.

"Taki… can I stay here with you tonight? I promise I won't be a bother," Serene asked, her wide eyes pleading.

"Alright, but only if you promise not to cause any trouble, okay?" Taki said, holding out her pinky for a promise.

The two sealed their promise with a pinky swear. That night, Serene fell asleep on Taki's lap.

To many, Taki was merely an adopted child in the Eleison family. But to her two younger sisters, Taki was an irreplaceable figure—a mother they never had. She cared for them and protected them since they were small.

These were memories that Taki always cherished, knowing that no matter how others viewed her relationship with her sisters, Serene and Irene always saw her as their unwavering older sister.

Serene's Rise as a Paladin

Serene grew into a remarkable Paladin, her abilities recognized by many. However, as she matured, challenges gradually arose. The political tensions escalated, turning small conflicts into full-scale wars between nations and kingdoms.

By the age of 16, Serene had already risen to the rank of Senior Paladin alongside Launcent. This demonstrated her undeniable talent and potential.

Despite her accomplishments, Serene wasn't without her flaws. Her cheerful and mischievous nature often gave Taki headaches.

One time, Serene attempted to tame a legendary bull-shaped monster, known among the orcs as the Dark Bull. She managed to ride the creature and even set its horns ablaze. However, this caused the bull to go on a rampage, wreaking havoc and destroying a nearby village.

Launcent, trying to help, ended up being carried on the bull's back. The beast rampaged for four hours before it finally exhausted itself. At that moment, Serene was able to defeat it.

Although her daring act brought her fame, Taki wasn't amused. She punished both Serene and Launcent, making them do 200 push-ups every day for five months.

Just two weeks into their punishment, Serene and Launcent were assigned to eliminate several strange monsters believed to be created by cultists worshiping an outer god.

Serene's Rise as a Paladin

Serene grew into a remarkable Paladin, her abilities recognized by many. However, as she matured, challenges gradually arose. The political tensions escalated, turning small conflicts into full-scale wars between nations and kingdoms.

By the age of 16, Serene had already risen to the rank of Senior Paladin alongside Launcent. This demonstrated her undeniable talent and potential.

Despite her accomplishments, Serene wasn't without her flaws. Her cheerful and mischievous nature often gave Taki headaches.

One time, Serene attempted to tame a legendary bull-shaped monster, known among the orcs as the Dark Bull. She managed to ride the creature and even set its horns ablaze. However, this caused the bull to go on a rampage, wreaking havoc and destroying a nearby village.

Launcent, trying to help, ended up being carried on the bull's back. The beast rampaged for four hours before it finally exhausted itself. At that moment, Serene was able to defeat it.

Although her daring act brought her fame, Taki wasn't amused. She punished both Serene and Launcent, making them do 200 push-ups every day for five months.

Just two weeks into their punishment, Serene and Launcent were assigned to eliminate several strange monsters believed to be created by cultists worshiping an outer god.

The Aftermath: A Tragic Incident

The following day, alarming news reached them.

A terrorist attack had occurred in Lorenstein Kingdom. A mana bomb had detonated in the capital, Swarzdam.

The majority of Lorenstein's population was made up of elves, who had weak mana adaptability. As a result, the bomb caused devastating casualties—at least 12,000 dead, with tens of thousands more injured or suffering from mana poisoning.

Lorenstein immediately accused Merida Kingdom and Starsbough Country of orchestrating the attack, declaring war against them. This escalation left the Paladin Order overwhelmed, as they scrambled to minimize the spread of conflict.

During this time, Serene investigated further. Her notes revealed that the scrolls she had observed were indeed components of a mana bomb.

Armed with this evidence, she requested a meeting with the Paladin Order leadership. Together with Launcent as her witness, she presented her findings before the council of senior Paladins and the four Grand Masters:

Iudex Soltez, Grand Master of the Spear of JusticeAngelus Michael Anderson, Grand Master of the Loyal SwordsSentinel Rurford Lion Mane, Grand Master of the Forgiven ShieldsFather Boltor, Grand Master of the Blade of Mercy

In the council chamber, with Serene's magic recordings as proof, the Paladin leadership concluded that the war between Lorenstein and its neighboring nations was indeed incited by the mysterious knights.

Grand Master Boltor vowed to focus the Order's resources on investigating the case. Angelus Anderson recommended informing the rulers of the affected nations, though he advised against releasing the information publicly to avoid mass panic.

Serene was praised for her bravery and efforts in uncovering the truth.