Chapter 5

Linda asks to start with how they deciphered the first part of the prophecy. Leonardo states that he himself solved the first part since it wasn’t difficult, but he has a team of decipherers and philologists to work together on the second half.

“What could “Red Dove” even mean?” Says Linda.

Leonardo responded, “That’s what we’re stumped on, but maybe with your help as a new perspective, we’ll figure that out quicker.”

Then Linda and Leonardo talked about theories and new perspectives of the prophecy for hours, until it was an hour til sunrise.

Leonardo says, “You should prepare for bed now...” he smirks and gets closer, “Unless you plan to see me turn into a Lion.”

Linda excitedly says, “I can really see you?!”

Leonardo laughs and responds, “Yes~ but, it requires me to remove my clothes... so they won’t rip.”

Linda blushes and says, “Oh My! I’m sorry!” Then got up, “I’ll go prepare for bed now!”

But, before she leaves, Leonardo smiles and says “I’ll send Carla to escort you to the Research Room, so the team can catch you up on everything. Then once you’re caught up, I’ll have Garson escort you back here tomorrow night. So we can talk about the bloodline’s curse.”

“I thought you didn’t want to get into it?” Linda says.

“True, but I have a feeling that telling you... will be beneficial.”

“Beneficial?” She thought... But she actually said it out loud.

Leonardo laughs and says, “It’s funny to know you have a tendency to speak your thoughts out loud accidentally. You’ve been doing it every so often during our talk.”

Linda blushes in embarrassment and says, “My~ I know all too well that I have that tendency, but I just can’t fix it.”

“You don’t need to fix it, it’s quite charming.”

Linda blushes even more and says while smiling, “Thank you.”

Leonardo blushes and says, “You’re very much welcome, now have a good ni-” well morning now.”

“Yes, have a good morning.” She says while smiling.

After Linda left, Leonardo took a moment to himself, replaying his and Linda’s discussion in his head.

“She had a lot of good points and perspectives… I knew it.. she’s the “child” in the prophecy... whoever or whatever the “Red Dove” is... They’re incredibly lucky.”

When Linda returned to her room, she found her sisters asleep in her bed. Felda says that they were waiting for her to return so they could talk, but she came back too late. 

The next day they all woke up at early noon, because they all stayed up late. And after they got ready and eaten, Carla escorted Linda to the Research Room to get caught up.

One of the researchers, a decipherer named Geneva, introduced herself and the team before she started to explain what they figured out so far in the second half of the prophecy.

“So, obviously “cure” means “to save or to heal”. We figured that much, but the hard part is the “Red Dove”. Today, we figured out that the “Red Dove” is a someone and not a something.  But, we still don’t know who it is or why the “Dove” is “Red”. So, to deep dive further, we added a team of philologists to translate texts about His Majesty’s bloodline’s curse.” 

“So, you believe His Majesty’s bloodline’s curse may be connected somehow.” Says Linda.

Geneva snaps her fingers and says “Exactly! But the reason it’s taking so long is because the texts are terribly faded. But, His Majesty will tell you more about what they were able to translate and what that all means later. Right now, I need to show ya around, so you can get familiar.”

“Thank you, I hope I can contribute to the team.” Says Linda.

Geneva confidently says, “Oh! I have no doubts, call it a gut feeling or intuition, but I believe you're what we’re missing.”

“Both her and His Majesty said basically the same thing, I’ll just have to do my best.” Linda thought.

Liese, Lilli and Algar spent the day shopping and exploring the “Forest of Capet” towns that were closer to the castle.

“This place is so amazing, like, it’s like I’m walking through a fairytale book.” Says Lilli. 

“For real, this is~ a fairytale.” Says Liese.

Algar laughs and agrees, then he feels slightly guilty for thinking this place was full of man-eating barbarians and says, “It would seem... I judged this place and its people too harshly.”

“I don’t know what you thought of, but the people and Lions here are kind and respectful.” Says Liese.

Then Lilli says, “Definitely, they’re really accepting us as one of them.”

Algar nods and decides not to be too narrow minded, but he still doesn’t agree with Linda working so closely with His Majesty.

An hour before Linda is supposed to meet with Leonardo. She and Algar resume their discussion of Linda working closely with His Majesty.

“I don’t completely trust the intention of His Majesty, I mean, why do you have to be around him so much?”

“Father, I might’ve only just met His Majesty, but I can tell he’s mainly concerned with deciphering the prophecy so he can help whoever the prophecy is about. And besides, I’m an adult now, father. 26 years old. I’m no mere child anymore, I can handle myself.”

“I know... I know, but you’ll always be my precious daughter Linda. I have to protect you... it’s my job as your father... I just don’t want anything bad to happen to you or your sisters while we’re here...” Algar was holding Linda’s hands.

“I understand father completely. But, you have to let us make mistakes and experience bad things, that’s just how life is. Besides... I believe that His Majesty would never hurt us.”

Algar was conflicted by what Linda said, but he decided to put more trust in his daughters and decide to take a step back. 

“I... I understand... if you really want to help His Majesty... I won’t stop you anymore, and trust in your capabilities to handle yourself.”

“Thank you Father, truly.”

Linda smiled and left to go meet Leonardo at the Seating Room, with Garson as her escort.

Algar, left all alone, thought to himself, “I truly hope... I can trust this place and its people more... like my precious daughters.”

-End of Chapter 5