Seraphina Valcrest
Seraphina Elenor Valcrest, The Pearl of the Valtherion Empire
House Valcrest stands as one of the Seven Pillars of the Valtherion Empire, renowned for their lineage of rulers, scholars, and battle mages. For generations, the Valcrest bloodline has been tied to the imperial court, their family crest—a silver phoenix clutching a pearl—symbolizing rebirth and divine grace.
Seraphina Valcrest, the youngest of four, was born under a rare celestial event, when the twin moons overlapped and bathed the capital in silver light. Because of this, the people call her the "Pearl of Valtherion", believing she carries divine favor. Her beauty and grace are admired throughout the empire, but those who truly know her understand she is far more than that—sharp-minded, poised, and quietly burdened by duty.
Her two elder brothers, Lord Cedric Valcrest and Lord Alaric Valcrest, hold powerful military positions—both are generals who command vast armies in different regions of the empire. Her sister, Lady Elira Valcrest, serves as the High Chancellor of the Court, controlling the political balance of the nobles.
Their father, Duke Aurelian Valcrest, once the Pearl Duke and a trusted friend to the Emperor, now lies bedridden by an incurable illness. With his decline, the empire's most influential family is thrown into turmoil. The question of succession—who shall inherit the Valcrest seat of the Pearl Throne—has torn the siblings apart.
The "Throne of Pearl Rank", a title passed only to the most gifted of the Valcrest bloodline, is not determined by seniority but by worth, wisdom, and divine acknowledgment.
And now, whispers in the imperial court speak of betrayals, hidden alliances, and assassins cloaked in silver.
Seraphina, though the youngest and least expected to fight for power, finds herself drawn into the conflict—not by ambition, but by the desire to protect her father's legacy and restore peace to her family.
Seraphina gasped, clutching her chest. "W–what is this pressure…? I can't—breathe…"
Her legs trembled, and before she could stop herself, she fell to one knee. "U–Uncle!"
Wizz's eyes widened as he felt the crushing aura envelop the area. Such bloodlust… it's suffocating.
"Light Shine Barrier!" he shouted, raising his staff. A radiant dome of gold expanded outward—an A-Rank Barrier meant to block both magic and intent.
But the moment Haru's gaze turned toward it, the light wavered, flickering as though frightened.
"Now, Levis!" Wizz barked.
Levis gritted his teeth, mana flaring around him as he drew his blade. Yet before he could even take a step—
Blink.
Haru vanished from his spot and reappeared inches before Levis, the tip of his sword resting lightly against the guard's throat. His eyes glowed faintly red, emotionless and calm.
"Don't move," Haru said, his tone quiet, cold, and absolute. The sheer authority in his voice froze everyone in place.
Levis swallowed hard, sweat tracing down his jaw. "W-What… are you?"
Haru tilted his head slightly, studying him as if dissecting a creature.
"I should be the one asking," he said, voice low. "You come into my mountain with hidden levels, false names, and veiled intent."
He took a step closer, his Bloodlust condensing into a razor-thin pressure that cracked the ground beneath his boots.
"Now tell me," he continued, each word heavy and deliberate, "what is your true intention?"
No one dared to speak. The only sound that remained was the faint hum of Wizz's trembling barrier—flickering like a candle before a storm
The tension hung heavy in the air. Wizz's barrier finally faded into glittering dust, and only the low hum of the wind remained. Seraphina exhaled slowly, her calm composure returning despite the weight of Haru's presence.
"I suppose… there's no point in hiding it any longer," she said softly. "You already saw through everything."
Haru's eyes narrowed. "Then speak."
Seraphina stepped forward, her crimson cloak fluttering behind her. "Our family—House Valcrest—is one of the six noble families of the Valtherion Empire. We're known as The Pearl of Valtherion, guardians of the eastern domain. My father, Duke Alaric Valcrest, once stood as one of the Emperor's most trusted advisors."
She paused, her voice tightening. "But now… he's bedridden. Ill. And with his death looming, my two elder brothers have begun fighting over succession. The house is splitting apart. Blood has already been spilled for the throne of the Pearl."
Wizz's expression hardened, and Xena lowered her head, silent.
Seraphina continued, "My power alone isn't enough to protect what's left of my family. So, yes—" she looked straight into Haru's eyes "—I came to the mountains seeking strength. Someone capable of standing against assassins, nobles, and perhaps… even my own kin."
Haru's gaze didn't waver. "So you're telling me," he said evenly, "you want a stranger—a man you've just met—to help you claim your family's throne?"
"Yes." Seraphina's voice was unwavering. "Because strength respects strength. And I can see what you are."
For a moment, silence fell again. The mountain wind carried the faint scent of pine and blood.
Haru sheathed his sword, turning his eyes toward the distant horizon. "Tell me about this empire," he said. "If I'm to involve myself in your affairs, I want to understand the world I'm stepping into."
Seraphina nodded. "You mean the Valtherion Empire?"
He inclined his head slightly.
She stepped closer, her tone becoming that of a noble who knew her history well.
"The Valtherion Empire is the greatest power on the continent—a land forged through conquest and blood. At its heart lies Varenhold, the imperial capital and the center of all governance, trade, and military might. The Emperor rules from there, supported by the Six Great Noble Houses—each overseeing a vast territory and responsible for the stability of the realm."
Her eyes darkened. "But beneath the glittering surface of its palaces lies rot. Assassinations, political marriages, and betrayal are as common as breathing. Nobles rise and fall overnight. And now, with the Emperor's health failing and my father bedridden, chaos brews once again."
Haru closed his eyes for a moment, as if weighing her words. "So… a crumbling empire held together by ambition and deceit," he muttered. "And you walk into that storm?"
Seraphina met his gaze, unflinching. "I don't expect my self to walk in," she said with quiet conviction. "I going to change it."