Way of the Knights

Chapter 894: Punishing the Crest

“Everything’s fine, Princess.” Raven smiled to ease down Vanessa’s worries. “I believe your Mom already told you about the Crest of Order right?”

Vanessa nodded. She indeed knew what its all about. Frankly, she was awed by this concept. She didn’t expect that her own mother would be able to wield this kind of power. That being said, it is also a heavy burden to carry. 

“The reason why you feel such a calling is due to your natural talents.” Raven explained. “By now, you should know that the mysteries of the Heavenly Order isn’t really much of a secret when it comes to you, no?”

Vanessa nodded again. This was indeed the case. 

This actually confused her for a very long time. A lot, and she meant a LOT, of people told her that discovering the mysteries of Heaven and Earth was something that can only be encountered, not sought after. The Concepts and Laws were elusive and that it will take a very long time to truly understand even a single one of its many branches. 

This wasn’t entirely the case for Vanessa though…

See, just like what Raven said, the mysteries of Concepts and Laws weren’t truly much for her. 

At first she didn’t understand why. Everyone said that it was hard but for her, it was simple. In fact, there’s barely an effort on her side. It’s as though these so called ‘mysteries’ didn’t want to be estranged to her, which is why they reveal themselves to her. 

Later on, she discovered that the reason behind this is because she was unique. It’s her birthright to be the Darling of Nature. 

Whilst others tried their best to grasp even just a hint of, let’s say, Law of Fire, starting with the Concept of Burning Heat. Vanessa could just skip that process altogether. 

She had been playing with the primary elements since she was little. Due to her being sheltered beside her family while growing up, not many people were aware that Vanessa had been playing Concepts and Laws from a very young age already. Which meant that these things weren’t really difficult for her. 

You’d be surprised to learn that Vanessa at this age had mastered all Laws and Concepts of the Primary Elements; Fire, Water, Wood, Metal, and Wind. She’s now in the process of Mastering Lightning, Yin, and Yang Laws. 

However, the Law she preferred the most and her favorite is the Cloud Laws.

Vanessa wasn’t even at her fifty’s, she doesn’t even look nowhere near that age but she has this much understand when it comes to Laws that it’s simply mind-boggling. 

Not even Raven was this fierce back then. 

All of this, was because of her talent as the Darling of Nature. 

“Princess, the Heavenly Order itself dotes on you for some reason…” Raven sighed as this very idea of this completely eludes him. “It’s acting like a Godfather to be completely honest. And I have no idea why. However, I can say for certain that it does not mean you any harm.”

“Then why is it calling for me? Does it need something?” 

“Well, technically, it is not the Heavenly Order itself that calls for you.” Raven shook his head, “It’s the seed that reaches out to you, the one in the Crest of Order. As for what it needs, it’s simple really. It needs your help.” 

“My help?” Vanessa was confused, “What for? Am I needed for its germination?” 

“Somewhat, yes.” Raven nodded. “You see, you being the Darling of Nature, has a deep seated bond with the seed. As its feeling a bit impatient and wanted to sprout already, it urges your assistance in doing so. Again, it doesn’t mean you any harm.”

“Okay…then what about the force preventing me from telling Mom?”

“That’s the seed’s doing as well.” Raven explained, “Such a naughty one isn’t it? The thing probably thought that if you told Luna about it, she’ll refuse that’s why it prevented you from saying anything. Don’t worry though, although it was able to do that to you, it can’t truly harm you. Especially not when I’m still around.”

“How can it be so sure? That doesn’t make sense.” Vanessa frowned. 

“You’re right, it doesn’t make sense…to us humans that is.” Raven stated, “The seed isn’t human, Princess. It wouldn’t be wise to judge it according to human standards.”

Vanessa couldn’t really refute that. Well, there was really no harm done to her, it just got a little unbearable but not enough to despair over. She wasn’t really in any danger all along. 

If she ever was, Raven was always there to save her. Its for this reason why she didn’t even ask the question as to why she was freed from the restriction without so much of a struggle the moment Raven arrives. 

It’s simple really, the seed was mighty afraid of Raven. Even the Heavenly Order has to tread carefully around his presence, much less a mere seed. 

“So? What do I do now?” Vanessa ask. 

“That depends on you, Sweetheart.” Luna replied to her. “Do you want to help it or ignore it? Either way is fine. Don’t be afraid, we won’t blame you no matter what your choice be.”

Vanessa stayed silent for a bit before she eventually replied:

“I’ll do it. I’ll help.” 

Raven and Luna nodded to her. Then her father said; “Okay, just place your hand on the Crest of Order and the process will start. Don’t worry, I’m here. I’ll make sure nothing goes wrong.” 

Vanessa nodded and sat in front of her mother. She didn’t hesitate and placed a hand over the crest as soon as she was ready. 

This has been going on for so long and it needs to be taken care of now. Plus, Vanessa was extremely aware that her father was very tired. The fact that he was even awake and still encouraged her to take her time despite feeling weak right now meant that he’s pushing himself for her sake. 

Vanessa didn’t want that so she want to settle this down as soon as possible. 

The moment she touched the Crest of Order, she felt her consciousness fading for a bit. She could also feel that the crest was siphoning her energies but not too much.

A passage of all of her insights about Laws and Concepts flashed on her consciousness, causing her to momentarily get lost in it. 

The Crest of Order wasn’t draining her insights from her, it merely just copied it for its own use. This was what it wanted all along. And due to Raven’s presence, it truly wouldn’t dare to do anything funny because the moment it does, Raven will be the first one to eradicate it, consequences be damned. 

This process wasn’t really harmful for Vanessa, on the contrary, it actually helped her since she was forced to re-visit her insights and the flaws in her techniques revealed themselves. If she ironed out these flaws, her might will grow even more so she wasn’t really losing out on this deal. 

This process lasted for about an hour before Vanessa regained her consciousness. She withdrew her hand and was silent for a bit. 

Raven patted her head and said: “You did good, Princess. Now, I know you gained some new insights with you so move along, don’t waste it.” 

Vanessa didn’t say anything, she just nodded and flew towards the her private quarters in the Academy. She’s probably enter a brief seclusion to digest her gains. 

“Now, let’s deal with you.” Raven glared at the Crest of Order. 

He flicked a finger and seal immediately latched on to the crest, briefly startling Luna as well. 

“…for causing us this much inconvenience, this is your punishment. You’re to be satisfied with that recent gain of yours because whether you like it or not, you won’t have any for the next five years. Complain and I’ll extend it, I dare you.” 

“…”

The consciousness of the seed didn’t even argue with him. It just stayed silent and behaved itself. 

“Good.” Raven huffed, “You’re not to bother my daughter or any of my family anymore. Be good and learn how to be patient. If you do, I might just give you a feast after your sentence is over.” 

After saying that, the seal settled down and the Crest of Order dimmed down, the seal was visible on it as well. 

Luna pursed her lips and asked: “Was that really necessary?” 

“It is.” Raven answered, sounding very weak. “It needs to understand that if it wants us to raise it, it’ll be under our discretion, not the other way around. It needs us, not the other way around. The Heavenly Order already overstepped its bounds by not consulting me in this matter, I won’t let it take advantage of us again.”

“I don’t want to create a Divine Realm that doesn’t welcome or care about humans. It will acquiesce to our will whether it likes it not. This isn’t negotiable.” 

“Alright. We’ll do as you say.” Luna nodded, she then stood up and held Raven’s hand. 

“Come on, up with you! Let’s go to bed.” 

Raven smiled sheepishly and replied: “Okay.”