The sky was washed clean, the lake lay like a mirror, the estate stood alone by the shore, and the reeds grew tall and dense. Two cloaked figures hid among the reeds by the lakeside, watching the movements inside the noble estate. And when the golden eagle took flight, giving a pleased, clear "yew-yew," both of them raised their heads at the same time, gazing after the powerful bird's receding shadow as they spoke in low voices.
"Praise the Main God! What a magnificent golden eagle! Its wingspan is so broad, its bearing so grand, and it isn't afraid of people at all!"
A young Secret Guard widened his eyes and exclaimed in admiration.
"Praise the Main God! This golden eagle is the Divine Eagle raised by the Eldest Princess. It's called Avivit. The Divine Eagle Avivit loves eating fish most, though it seems a little afraid of snakes..."
Another, older Secret Guard smiled as memory crossed his face.
"I heard it possesses divinity and is extremely clever. It can recognize familiar people and remember where home is. Even if it's released a thousand li away, it can return to the Lake Capital!"
"Main God!"
The young Secret Guard let out a gasp of wonder, his eyes flickering.
"In the past three years, the lake region has started training Mourning Doves to deliver letters. Could that have been inspired by the Divine Eagle?"
"Right! That was His Highness's suggestion, and they say it was also one of the Divine Revelations. It's just that we've raised several hundred doves one after another, and the ones that can truly be trained properly and return to their nests are only a scant few. This method of training carrier pigeons still needs time to be figured out."
At this point, the older Secret Guard