The warm glow of candlelight flickers across the private dining hall of the castle, illuminating the tension between the two generals. The lavish table is set with silverware and fine dishes, yet Althea’s appetite is long forgotten as she stares at Eclipse in exasperation.

“Eclipse! What were you thinking!?” Althea’s voice is filled with concern as she leans forward, hands planted firmly on the table. “Why in the world are you working as a receptionist at the Adventurers’ Guild of all places? Their reputation is terrible!”

Across from her, General Eclipse simply giggles, the sound light and carefree, a stark contrast to Althea’s frustration. She leans back in her chair with an air of amusement, her crimson eyes gleaming mischievously.

“Oh, Althea,” Eclipse teases, resting her chin on her palm. “You know me better than that. I never do anything without a reason.” She waves a dismissive hand, her slender fingers adorned with a simple gold band. “Have a little patience, my dear captain—”

Althea scowls, cutting her off with a sigh. “I was promoted to general yesterday, Eclipse. Stop calling me captain.”

Eclipse only smirks. “As I was saying,” she continues, unbothered, “I have my own goals for working at the guild. And trust me, it’s been very insightful. I’ve already made some interesting connections—like Mixarnt.” She grins. “Isn’t he just delightful?”

Althea crosses her arms, arching an eyebrow. “I met him too, back at the Heroic Tavern. He’s... intriguing, I’ll admit. Has an odd fondness for orange juice. He even sparred with former Knight General Gundrik.”

Eclipse hums, swirling the wine in her glass as she listens.

“But then General Sunshine interrupted,” Althea continues, leaning back slightly. “She seems to have taken a liking to him. She even wants to recruit him if he passes the knight exam.” She exhales. “I won’t deny he’s good, but he’s nowhere near the level of a general or even a captain.”

Eclipse’s amusement deepens, her crimson eyes glinting with curiosity. “Orange juice, huh?” she muses. “Interesting choice. And sparring with Gundrik? That’s quite the feat, even if he’s not our level yet.”

She leans forward now, her elbows resting against the ornate table as she fixes Althea with a knowing stare. “But tell me, General,” she says, her tone softer but laced with meaning, “what caught your attention about him? Was it just his combat skills? Or... did you sense something else?”

There’s an edge to her voice—an unspoken challenge. Eclipse is testing Althea’s instincts, waiting to see if she had also picked up on what she had seen in Mixarnt. Something more than just raw strength. Something... unique.

The tension between the two generals had eased slightly, but Althea still regarded Eclipse with a mixture of exasperation and curiosity. She sighed, pushing her untouched plate aside as she gathered her thoughts.

“Hmmm...” Althea mused, tapping her fingers against the polished wood of the table. “Mixarnt has this air of innocence about him—like he doesn’t fully grasp the weight of the world, yet somehow, he navigates through it effortlessly.” She leaned back, tilting her head slightly as if replaying her encounter with him in her mind. “And he has a knack for trouble. Or maybe trouble just has a way of finding him. Either way, he doesn’t shy away from it. In fact, he pulls people in without even realizing it.”

Eclipse listened intently, her crimson eyes half-lidded in thought, a small smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. 'Yes,' she thought. 'That’s exactly what I sensed too.'

Althea continued, her voice carrying a note of reluctant admiration. “He’s intriguing to talk to. There’s something about his presence—he’s determined, almost stubborn, but in a way that’s endearing. He’s fearless, or at least, he doesn’t let fear dictate his actions.” She exhaled slowly. “I would agree with former General Gundrik. The kid has heart.”

Eclipse’s fingers absentmindedly traced the rim of her wine glass, her mind drifting back to the moment she had watched Mixarnt casually hand over ten million gold to Orion, simply so an orphanage and school could be built for Aetherlight’s homeless children. No hesitation. No second thoughts. Just an effortless, almost casual display of generosity that had left even the hardened guildmaster stunned.

Her smirk softened into something more thoughtful. "Heart, indeed."

Althea watched Eclipse’s expression shift, her own curiosity piqued. “You’re thinking of something, aren’t you?” she asked, narrowing her eyes slightly. “Something about Mixarnt.”

Eclipse chuckled, twirling a strand of her silver hair between her fingers. “Oh, nothing too important,” she said coyly. “Just... let’s say I have my own reasons for keeping an eye on him.”

Althea frowned, not entirely convinced. “Eclipse,” she warned, “what are you planning?”

Eclipse simply raised her glass, tilting it slightly in a silent toast. “Now, now, General,” she teased, her tone dripping with amusement. “Where would the fun be if I told you everything?”

Althea sighed, rubbing her temples. “You are so infuriating sometimes.”

“And yet, you still put up with me,” Eclipse said with a wink.

Althea shook her head, but a small, begrudging smile tugged at her lips. Whatever Eclipse was up to, one thing was certain—Mixarnt had caught the attention of not just one, but two of Aetherlight’s most formidable generals. And whether he realized it or not, his journey was about to take a very interesting turn. Watching Eclipse closely, a smirk tugging at her lips. “What about you?” she asked, her tone light but laced with curiosity. “You seem awfully close to that kid when you just met him yesterday. You’re even out shopping for supplies with him. And honestly… he kinda looks like he has a crush on you.”

Eclipse froze mid-sip of her wine, nearly choking as she hastily set the glass down. A faint but undeniable blush dusted her pale cheeks. Her crimson eyes widened as she scoffed dramatically, placing a hand over her chest as if deeply wounded.

“Oh, Althea! How could you accuse me of such scandalous things?” she gasped, feigning outrage. “I assure you, my relationship with Mixarnt is nothing more than professional. Purely cordial. He’s just… a charming young adventurer, that’s all.”

Althea raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. Eclipse’s reaction was anything but composed—it was defensive, even flustered. "Interesting."

Eclipse cleared her throat and quickly continued, as if to drown out any further teasing. “That being said… I will admit, there’s something refreshing about his enthusiasm. He’s fearless, unburdened by the heavy weight of titles and responsibilities. It’s rare to meet someone so genuinely kind in a world filled with deception and ambition.”

Althea’s smirk only grew. 'Oh? Now she’s justifying it?' she thought.

Eclipse, seemingly unaware of how much she was revealing, leaned back with a small, almost wistful smile. “And his generosity… the way he just handed over ten million gold like it was nothing, simply to help the children of Aetherlight. How often do we meet someone so untainted by greed? It’s admirable, truly.”

She let out a small sigh, her voice softening. “Perhaps that’s why I find myself drawn to him. His purity of heart, his sincerity… it’s a rare thing, Althea. He reminds me of—”

Althea held up a hand, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Hold on a second,” she interrupted, barely containing her laughter. “Did you just indirectly admit that you—a seventeen-year-old general—are in love with an eleven-year-old?”

Eclipse’s expression blanked. Then, a look of pure horror flickered across her face.

“W-WHAT!?” she practically screeched, nearly knocking over her glass. “Althea, that is not what I was saying!”

Althea burst into laughter, slapping the table as she watched her usually composed friend spiral into panic. “Oh, Eclipse, this is priceless. I’ve never seen you this flustered before.”

Eclipse groaned, burying her face in her hands. “I swear, if you spread this ridiculous accusation, I will personally see to it that you’re sent on a year-long diplomatic mission to the Frozen Wastes!”

Althea only laughed harder. “Oh, I have to tell Sunshine about this—”

“ALTHEA!”

Althea laughed heartily, thoroughly enjoying Eclipse’s rare moment of flustered vulnerability. Despite being four years older than Eclipse and Sunshine, she had always treated them like younger sisters rather than just acquaintances, a habit born from their long-standing friendship and the deep ties between their noble families.

Though Althea’s family, the Silvercrests, lacked divine blessings like Sunshine’s Sun God's favor or Eclipse’s Moon Goddess lineage, they were unmatched as master strategists. The royal family recognized the Silvercrests as indispensable in war, their tactical brilliance shaping countless battles across the continent. Still, none of that mattered in moments like these—when Althea could tease Eclipse to her heart’s content.

Eclipse, still visibly flustered, recalled how Mixarnt had blushed and admitted he liked her more when she playfully asked him who was more beautiful. 'Why did I ask that in the first place?' she groaned internally. Her usually composed demeanor crumbled further as her mind replayed his awkward, yet sincere, compliment.

Her crimson eyes darted around the grand dining hall as if searching for an escape. She cleared her throat, willing herself to regain control. But the warmth in her cheeks refused to fade.

“I-I…! At this point we are just mere acquaintances” Eclipse stammered, struggling to string together a coherent thought. She, a respected general, reduced to speechless embarrassment? She knows Althea would never let her live this down.

After what felt like an eternity, she finally managed to compose herself—mostly. Though her voice was steady, there was still a slight huskiness to it. “Althea, you’re being absurd,” she declared, trying to sound authoritative. “I am a general of the Aetherlight Kingdom, and Mixarnt is just a boy. Such thoughts are completely ridiculous, and I refuse to entertain them any further.”

Althea’s grin widened at Eclipse’s feeble defense. “Oh, so you wouldn’t care if another woman swooped in and took him away?” she mused innocently. “I mean, sure, he’s only eleven now… but in five years, he’ll be sixteen. Practically a man, don’t you think?”

Eclipse’s entire face turned crimson. She tensed, shifting uncomfortably in her seat, clearly affected by the idea of Mixarnt growing older and possibly attracting other admirers.

“Althea, you are deliberately provoking me,” Eclipse huffed, crossing her arms in frustration. “I assure you, my interests in Mixarnt are purely platonic. His youth is precisely what makes our interactions innocent, I would never even consider anything improper, given the obvious age gap.”

Althea simply leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand, eyes twinkling with mischief. “At this point, huh?” she echoed playfully. “That’s an interesting way to phrase it.”

Eclipse’s breath hitched. “That’s not what I—!”

Althea burst into laughter, delighted at just how deep Eclipse was digging her own grave. The normally composed, untouchable General Eclipse was unraveling before her very eyes.

Eclipse groaned and buried her face in her hands. "I should’ve stayed at the guild today…" she is regretting running into Althea during her shopping with Mixarnt.

Althea smiled gently, realizing the inevitable—Eclipse had already fallen for Mixarnt but had yet to acknowledge her own feelings. It wasn’t surprising, given that Mixarnt was still just a child, but Althea couldn’t help but wonder what the future would hold. I just hope that when the time comes, Mixarnt won’t be taken by someone else… she mused silently.

Shaking off the thought, she decided to change the subject. “Well, anyway, I support whatever decision you make,” Althea said, offering a reassuring smile. “Now, what do you think of the Adventurers' Guild? Is it really just a haven for low-lives, like people say?”

Eclipse’s expression softened at Althea’s support, a flicker of gratitude crossing eyes. Taking a steadying breath, she composed herself before addressing the question.

“The Adventurers' Guild does have a reputation for attracting a rougher crowd—I won’t deny that,” Eclipse admitted, her voice measured. “However, its true strength lies in its ability to unite individuals from all walks of life under a shared purpose. As a receptionist, I’ve already seen firsthand the sense of camaraderie and determination that exists within its walls.”

Her eyes gleamed with a quiet passion as she continued, “In fact, I see great potential in the Guild. With the right guidance, it could become a bridge between adventurers and the kingdom, fostering growth, cooperation, and even shaping the future of Aetherlight itself. Even those deemed unlikely heroes can grow into something more.”

Althea listened intently, taking a sip of her wine before responding. “That’s an optimistic view, but you know as well as I do that the kingdom—and our fellow knight generals—don’t see the Guild that way. Even the king only tolerates them, treating them as nothing more than a private company. People playing adventure games.”

Eclipse let out a soft giggle, her delicate yet commanding presence unshaken. “Well, I won’t deny that,” she said with a smirk, before elegantly cutting into her meal, savoring the rich flavors of the well-prepared meat.

Althea shook her head with a chuckle. “You’re really enjoying this, huh?”

Eclipse smiled knowingly. “Let’s just say that being in the Guild has given me a new perspective… and I intend to see where it leads.”

 Despite the casual nature of their conversation, there was something undeniably mesmerizing about the way her friend carried herself—graceful yet commanding, powerful yet effortlessly elegant.

“The Adventurers' Guild faces an uphill battle in terms of public perception,” Eclipse conceded, her voice steady and thoughtful. “However, I believe it’s our responsibility as leaders to recognize the value they bring to our realm, even if it doesn’t align with traditional notions of nobility or service.”

She set her fork down, her crimson eyes gleaming with determination. “Make no mistake, Althea—I intend to change that perception, starting from within these very halls. By fostering a culture of respect and cooperation, I will show the kingdom the true worth of the Adventurers' Guild.”

Althea chuckled, shaking her head. “Well, if anyone can do that, it’s you. You’re not the Sovereign Sword for nothing.” She leaned back in her chair, her expression turning more serious. “On another note, the Trial of Tristan Chronos starts tomorrow. I know you don’t care much for trials, but Isolde will be attending.”

Eclipse raised an eyebrow. “Isolde? Why?”

Althea swirled her drink absentmindedly before continuing. “Chronos was her childhood friend… and her former lover, before her family broke off their engagement after she became a Saint. They deemed him unworthy of her because he never acquired a job class, nor have the abilities to become a knight despite being a noble. He started working as a farmer after his family disowned him, then poof! he was caught doing something illegal from what I heard.”

Eclipse leaned back, crossing her arms as she processed the information. “Fascinating,” she mused. “That certainly adds an interesting layer to the trial. Isolde isn’t one to let go of personal attachments so easily… I wonder if she’s there out of obligation or something more.”

Her gaze flickered to the ornate clock on the wall, its rhythmic ticking filling the space between their words. A smirk played at the corner of her lips. “Very well, Althea. If our esteemed Holy Saint deems it necessary to attend, then I suppose I can spare some time to observe the proceedings. Who knows? I might find something worth my attention.”

“Though,” she added with a knowing smile, “I’ll be attending as Moonlight rather than General Eclipse. I’d rather not attract unnecessary attention.”

Althea nodded knowingly. “Of course. Out of all our friends, me and Sunshine are the only ones who’s seen you without your Moonlight Mask.”

Eclipse smirked before lifting a single finger. In an instant, the transformation began.

Althea watched in quiet admiration as Eclipse’s crimson eyes shifted, their fiery hue deepening into a celestial silver with crescent pupils that shimmered like a starry night sky. Her neatly tied ponytail unraveled, cascading into soft, silken waves that framed her regal features. The fabric of her uniform pulsed, reshaping itself into the flowing moonlight dress, its ethereal silver embroidery glowing faintly in the dim candlelight. Armor seamlessly fused into the ensemble, elegant yet battle-ready, accentuating her commanding presence.

Before her now stood General Eclipse, a vision of divine beauty and power.

Althea whistled. “Doesn’t it get exhausting, changing forms all the time?”

Eclipse chuckled, the sound smooth and effortless. “Not at all~” she replied playfully. “I can shift forms with a flick of my finger, even without the mask. But the mask adds a layer of intrigue… and fashion.” She winked before adding, “My casual form isn’t a restraint, per se. I can still use my power unrestrained in that form, but I need to activate it. In my transformed state, everything is passive—every fiber of my being is attuned to my abilities.”

Althea shook her head, smirking. “You really do love making an entrance.”

Eclipse simply grinned as she conjured a small floating moon. “What’s the point of power if you don’t have a little fun with it?” 

Althea watches the shimmering orb, utterly mesmerized by its gentle glow. It pulses softly, its light shifting between phases—brightening, dimming, expanding, and contracting in perfect harmony with Eclipse’s words.

“So even your magic follows the rhythm of the moon,” Althea muses, tilting her head as she studies the celestial energy dancing before her. “It’s not just an aesthetic or a theme—it’s who you are, woven into every fiber of your being.”

Eclipse nods, her expression serene yet proud. “Precisely. Just as the moon governs tides, time, and mystery, my power follows a cycle of its own—an ebb and flow that requires constant awareness. There’s strength in adaptation, in knowing when to unleash my full power and when to let it lie dormant.”

Althea smirks. “You’re making it sound so poetic again.”

Eclipse chuckles, the sound like a melody carried on a midnight breeze. “Well, isn’t it? The cosmos has always been a thing of beauty and mystery. Why should my connection to it be any different?”

She lifts her hand, and the glowing orb shifts, morphing into different shapes—first a crescent, then a full moon, then a field of twinkling stars before dispersing into the air like silver dust.

Althea leans back, crossing her arms. “It’s kind of unfair, you know,” she teases. “Sunshine gets the blessing of the Sun God, you get the divine power of the Moon Goddess, and then there’s me—just a regular strategist with no fancy celestial magic.”

Eclipse gives her an amused glance. “Oh, don’t sell yourself short, Althea. You are a Silvercrest—one of the greatest military minds in the kingdom. Even without divine magic, your brilliance has won more battles than some of our strongest knights.”

Althea huffs but smiles. “I guess being a genius strategist is my own kind of power.”

Eclipse grins. “Exactly. And besides—who needs celestial energy when you can outthink anyone in a war?”

Althea chuckles, shaking her head. “Fair enough. Still, it is pretty cool to see your power up close.”

Eclipse winks. “Then consider yourself privileged. Very few people ever get to witness the moon’s secrets firsthand.”