Two children sit in the opposite couches from one another, slightly enjoying the fragrance of the tea in front of them as the white-haired girl stares disdainfully at the midnight-haired boy.
She slowly brings the tea to her mouth, taking a small sip, before thinking deeply to herself.
"It's already been a few weeks since the prince has started training under father… I can finally conclude something…" She places the tea down on the table, still glaring at the boy in front of her as he continues his calm demeanor. "He has a sinister side…"
I am not sure why, but the first time I saw him... I sensed a feeling of Deja Vu.
It was so strange… it was like my heart was squeezing from joy or something…
But when I saw him being friendly with Lys, that feeling soon turned into anger before I slapped his hand away from him. I still don't know why I acted like that, but one thing for certain… The prince didn't like how I reacted and stared at me coldly with a fake smile still spread across his face.
At that moment, I knew–
He's dangerous. I can't let him be near Lys...
The prince slowly opened his eyes, smiling gently at the white-haired girl once again as he placed the tea down at the table. "Lady Seraphina…. For what pleasure do I have the chance to meet with you today?"
I flinched, hearing his fake voice made me feel even more nervous before I looked at him coldly. "Your Highness, please stop talking to my brother."
"I don't want you to put him at harm."
He widened his eyes before looking questionably at the girl, slowly stroking his chin the more he thought about her words. "This is quite surprising... I expected a more robust answer than this..." His eyes turned cold, crossing his arms with slight disdain.
"Lady Seraphina. I must say that this is quite a childish request. Relationship between me and Lord Lysander is necessary, especially considering the future interactions between both families. I can't risk ruining such things just because of an inane reason."
I borrowed my brows with anger. "I-Inane?! Your Highness! I didn't want to say this outloud, but now that I find you somewhat displeasing to look at. I had a hunch, but you truly are a fox in sheep's clothing. I can't let someone like you be next to my brother! You'll definitely put him in danger!"
His eyes twitched, quickly forcing out a strained smile before standing up. "Fox, huh? Then I won't refrain from calling you a snake then." He scoffs out loud before looking disgustingly away from her. "Acting childish and immature in front of your family to receive their love while almost getting me in trouble… you truly show no boundaries."
I smacked the table in front of me before standing up. "At least I do it for such a reason. You're pretending just because of your selfish benefit! You're nothing more than a twisted person that will use Lys!"
Anger filled his eyes once more. Just before he was about to respond back to my remark, the door to the room opened.
Lys entered the room. "Sera, I came to pick you up–" He then looked at the prince before slightly bowing his head. "Greetings, your highness."
I sighed before looking back at the prince. As I slowly gaze at his face, I can see a warm smile emerge from his face as he waves his hand back at Lys.
That smile... It looks more natural.
I ruffled my hair before looking back at Lys with a childish smile. "Lys! The prince and I were just talking about some things. Do you mind waiting outside as we finish our conversation?"
"Sure… I'll wait for you outside, but remember that you have to attend your evening classes."
I nodded before he began heading out of the room. I looked back at the prince, who continued to smile at Lys's figure. I quickly clenched my hands before letting out a sigh.
The way he looks at him… It's different… I keep telling myself that he just wants to use him… but he won't… but Lys is still in danger if he stays beside the prince…
Thinking deeply to myself, I looked back at the smiling prince. "You... Are you sure you just want to be friends with him?"
He looks at me again, slightly confused. "But of course, how else should I see him?"
I sighed once again. "I see... I guess that's good to hear. If you truly just want to be friends with him, then I am fine with that. Forgive me... I am just very protective of Lys..."
He lets out a small chuckle before smiling. "I see. I guess I'll be like that for my sister. Well then, I hope we can continue to be on good terms, Lady Seraphina."
He soon walked out of the room as I nodded to his response. But even in that small glimpse when the door was still open, I saw him smile brightly at Lys, who was still waiting outside of the room.
A smile so bright… that it can also mean something else...
But I just hope… that it isn't what I think it is…
I can't let them be too close together...
I looked emptily at the ceiling, slowly closing my eyes as I clenched my hands with worry. Even when my eyes are closed shut, I can vividly recall the dream I had before.
A dream...
Was it a dream?
It felt too vivid for it to be a dream… Maybe it was more of a vision of something that will happen soon...
In that image...
I saw the prince kill my brother... Stabbing his sword through his heart. Lys held the stabbed sword with blood gushing out of his body and mouth… yet not even trying to take it out but keep it in.
I quickly opened my eyes as that image soon disappeared from my mind.
I'm worried…
If they become friends... Would that vision soon come to be...?
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In the same training ground where the white-haired girl and the midnight-haired boy faced off against each other in the spring wind, the silent echo of the words continues on as she exposes the hidden feelings that everyone knows about to the boy.
Ema lets out a sudden cough before walking away from the scene that's about to unfold. "It seems you have business to attend to, I'll be on my way..."
August continued to stand there motionlessly before looking away with embarrassment. "W-What do you mean by that!?"
Seeing his anxious face, Seraphina couldn't help but let out a scoff. "That reaction... I guess it's true. You love Lys, don't you?"
August froze once again, now shaking his hand while his reddened face continued on to avoid her gaze. "S-Stop! Why would you say such things out loud? Have you no shame?"
My heart throbbed for some reason. It was a bad idea to let them become platonic friends just to continue the house's relationship. His feelings have developed so deeply now, to the point that when even a word of Lys or his feelings is mentioned, his usual temper is now replaced with… this!
I clenched the cloth of my dress deeply into my hand before glaring back at him. "You said you would only be friends with Lys... How dare you look at him like that!"
I couldn't help but scream out loud. Nila soon walked towards me, placing her arms on my shoulder to try and calm me down.
As I looked at her, I could vividly see the worry in her eyes. "Lady Seraphina, please calm down. I accompanied you because I thought this would be a proper visit, not one filled with displeasure."
I looked away from her before staring back at August.
Not only is his face showing worry about me… he even looks slightly concerned.
Why?! Why are you showing such a worried face to me?! I thought we were just platonic friends?!
I couldn't help but grit my teeth before calming myself down while looking away with shame. "My apologies, your highness. I got carried away..." I stopped for a brief moment before gazing down at the floor. "You said you wouldn't see Lys as anything other than a friend, your highness… but it seems like you lied."
I slowly looked up from the ground, trying to see just what type of expression he's making now. It struck me that he was smiling so warmly at me.
Just why is he smiling?!
Why is he smiling like that when Lys is not even around?!
Even as I continued to question his actions, he began walking towards me with that same warm smile before patting my head. I was in utter shock as he did that.
I would go far as to say that our relationship is purely superficial just so we can put Lys at ease. For what reason does he have to do this all of a sudden?!
"W-What are you doing?!"
He let out a chuckle before he removed his hand from my head. He stood there silently before his expression turned even more warmer and kind. "... Lady Seraphina. It is as you say. I love your brother."
I couldn't help but be in shock once again. The way he said that with that warm face just made me even more angry. But as the seconds went by, my anger turned into pure solemnity. I looked down at the ground, clenching my fist. "... Just why? Why do you like him suddenly? You were only with him for a few months…!"
He stood there silent, unable to say anything. Just before I was about to speak again, he responded. "... There's a lot of things I like about him. I can list them all right now if you wish. In the short span of a few months, I can't help but feel this way for him... I'm not too sure myself just why it happened."
I looked back up at him. Just like how the sun shines over us in the noon of day with warmth, that same smile that he emitted made me feel calm…
"But I like how I feel about him. I truly do. So, please... Let me love him."
His bright smile shifted solemnly as he pleaded with those words. Seraphina looks down at the ground, unable to face August with his loving demeanor.
"... Is it correct for me to allow such a thing to happen? I can't help but shake off the possibility of what I saw in that dream."
I widened my eyes.
Dream...
Can I truly justify my actions because of one dream? I can't even guarantee that it will come true. I've been reprimanding him with false accusations all this time.
Can I allow him to be with Lys...?
I continued with my thoughts for a few moments before I scratched my hair with frustration. I immediately looked back at him with piercing eyes. "You... Fine, you can do whatever you want with your feelings. It is not up to me to decide. But even then, you have one final obstacle to face." I stopped briefly before continuing. "Will Lys truly accept your feelings?"
I looked to see what sort of reaction he would make, but he didn't react as I expected... In fact, his expression looks more calmer than before, still expressing that same warm smile. "... Do not worry, Lady Seraphina. I do not expect my feelings to be mutual. I do not intend to burden him with my feelings... I'll just try and hide them for now."
I sighed as I heard those words. He's bad at hiding his feelings, so I doubt it will be a secret. I quickly turned my back from him, but still gazed at him from the corner of my eye. "I see." I stopped, unsure of what else to say. "... I pray that you will protect Lys with your feelings then."
I began walking back to the room that Lys was in while Nila followed me behind with a cheerful smile. Even as I continued to look forward, I could sense how warmly August was smiling as I said those cringe words.
"Please... just because I said that doesn't mean I approve of you two."
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As I continued to look around the room for Sera, I noticed that Nila was also missing. I slowly stroked my chin, contemplating the coincidental presence of these two people. The more I think about it, the more I have this uneasy feeling enveloping me.
With her calm and understanding voice, Priya chimed in as she saw my unease expression. "Young master. I believe that Nila accompanied Lady Seraphina to the washroom, so don't feel too worried about their absence."
"I see... Thank you for telling me." I slowly looked back at mother and father, enjoying their presence before a sudden thought crossed my mind. "Mother, what about Everett?"
She warmly smiled, gently patting my head before responding. "He's currently resting in one of the empty guest rooms." Her warm hand stopped in their tracks, looking a bit sad as she gazed away from me. "We… decided to stay here for the time being."
I tilted my head. "For what reason...?"
"Well... it's a long story, but after you saved the empress, the Head Mage decided to hold a royal ball for political reasons. Of course, our main reason for coming here is to see how you were doing, and if anything bad happened to you."
A ball...?
I see. So the noble's must've heard rumors about the empress's conditions and are pressuring to replace her. The ball serves to oppose those rumors.
"I see. When is it taking place?"
"It'll take place around three weeks from now."
Hearing father's voice, I quickly turned around to face him, though still contemplating the situation. "That's quite... sudden. It usually takes around three to six months to organize such a large-scale event. Can they truly put it off?"
"That's another reason for our visit." He slowly pats my head alongside mother. "The Head Mage requested assistance and resources from all the duke families."
Feeling both their warmth, I couldn't help but blush slightly, but still focused on the topic. "All four of them...?"
He nodded. "Indeed.."
How surprising. Out of the four ducal families, two of them go against the Imperial Faction and side with the Noble Faction.
In the Izora Empire, four powerful ducal families held the empire together, each responsible for a different but crucial part of its stability. Though their roles were distinct, their efforts were all aimed at keeping the empire strong and united.
The Asquith Dukedom, led by Duchess Amelia Asquith, handled the empire's political matters. Amelia was a master of diplomacy and strategy, often acting behind the scenes to influence decisions made at court. She had the power of turning enemies into allies or isolating rivals without the need for open conflict. Amelia's influence was subtle but undeniable, making sure the Empress's commands were followed and ensuring the various nobles of the empire remained loyal. If a problem arose, she would often handle it with clever negotiation, leaving little need for force.
In the Bailey Dukedom, under Duke Cedric Bailey, controlled the empire's finances. Duke Cedric oversaw the collection of taxes while managing the empire's treasury and overseeing the flow of money. He was known for his sharp financial mind, balancing the need for revenue with the risk of overburdening the people. When the empire needed funding for wars, infrastructure, or trade ventures, it was Duke Cedric who ensured the money was there. His skills kept the economy stable, even in difficult times.
The Ambroise Dukedom, led by Duchess Cynthiana Ambroise, handled trade, both within the empire and with foreign lands. Duchess Cynthiana was deeply involved in the empire's commerce, ensuring that goods moved smoothly through its territories and that the empire remained well-supplied with resources from other nations. She made deals with foreign merchants, secured trade agreements, and controlled the movement of goods through the empire's roads and ports. Even when competitors tried to disrupt trade or enemies threatened supply lines, Cynthiana would act quickly—sometimes through negotiation, sometimes through more underhanded tactics—to protect the empire's economic interests.
Finally, the Blakesty Dukedom, under Duke Laurence Blakesty, was in charge of the empire's military forces. Father was a battle-hardened leader, respected by his soldiers and feared by his enemies. He commanded both the empire's swordsmen and magicians, ensuring they were well-trained, disciplined, and ready to defend the empire's borders or expand its territory when needed. Father took his role seriously, always planning potential threats and keeping the military strong. When rebellions broke out or invaders tested the empire's strength, it was Father's forces that quickly crushed the opposition, restoring order with force when necessary. But despite being burdened with such a task, he would always make time for us.
The Blakesty and Asquith Dukedom were part of the Imperial Faction while the Bailey and Ambroise supported the Noble Faction.
I don't think there's any negative meaning behind this, maybe they're just fulfilling their roles of supporting the Empress when she needs it. But there are some suspicious aspects to it.
"... No need to think too hard about it, Lysander. Even if they have ulterior motives, they can't do anything now at the risk of the situation."
I looked up at father before smiling. "That's true. Maybe I'm overthinking things."
He smiled back just before the doors opened once more, showing Sera and Nila. She quickly walked towards us before plunging into the bed with a smile on her face before looking up at me. "Lys! Are you going to be my dance partner for the ball?"
I let out a small chuckle before patting her head. "Who knows, but there's no need to think about it so soon."
She let out a warm smile before looking at mother. "What about Everett? Do you think he'll be able to make it?"
Mother's smile slowly turned bitter as she continued to pat my head. "... Who knows, I really hope he gets better so he can dance with both of you."
Before I could respond, the doors to the room slowly opened, before Nilo and Qadir entered the room together. As they looked at me, Qadir waved happily at me while Nilo slightly bowed with a subtle smile on his face. As we finished greeting each other, they quickly turned to mother and father.
Qadir, now looking more serious, spoke to them in a delicate manner. "Your grace… the Head Mage has something to discuss with the both of you."
Father let out a small sigh. "I see... I guess we should begin to head there now." He then looked at me anxiously. "It may be sudden, but… do you think we can leave you here alone?"
I gently nodded. "Don't worry, I'm fine staying here. I would also like to have some time for myself."
"I see. Qadir and Nilo will stand guard outside the room in case anything happens. Be sure to call them if you need anything." He gently patted my head once more.
As I continued to feel the warmth of his hand, I let out a warm smile before nodding. "Okay, father."
He smiles back at my response before leaving the room with mother behind him. She waves goodbye at me one last time before the door closes.
As they left, Qadir quickly approached me before ruffling my hair with slight pressure. "Young master! It's finally nice to see you again."
I let out a small chuckle. Once he stopped ruffling my hair, I slowly looked up at him with a warm smile. "Qadir… It's good to see you too."
Nilo chimed in. "I'm glad you're doing well, young master. I was really worried that something bad happened to you." He then looks away, feeling slightly guilty. "It's… partially my fault for being unable to protect you that you were brought in such a state–"
"No! Don't think like that Nilo…" I quickly bring my knees to me. "I… I was just in the way…"
Qadir let out a deep sigh before bringing Nilo into his arms, making him blush. "Young master, you shouldn't think like that. You were able to take care of most of the enemies." He then smiles warmly as he continues to embrace Nilo tightly. "I already lectured this guy. I'm just relieved that nothing happened to you two."
Finally breaking free, Nilo gasped for air before bashfully speaking back to him. "Qadir! Don't show such a scene to the young master–"
"Right, Right." He then looks back at me. "We'll leave you be, young master. If you need anything, we'll be outside."
I smiled back. "Thank you... It was good seeing, Qadir."
He smiles once again before leading Nilo out of the door. Once they were about to leave, Nilo bowed down to me before he was pulled away by Qadir.
Everyone left in the room chuckled at their affectionate relationship before Nila approached Sera, who was still sitting besides me. "Lady Seraphina, let's give the young master some time to recuperate."
Sera pouts but listens to her request as she gets down from the bed. Just before everyone left the room, Sera paused for a moment before slowly looking back at me. "Lys, make sure to get some rest."
Seeing the radiant smile spread across her face, I slowly nodded while trying to smile back at her. "Thank you, Sera."
She smiles once again before leaving the room with Nila and Priya.
As the silent echo of the door closing filled the space, I continued to sit on the bed, feeling slightly sad and lonely. Before I could contemplate my loneliness, I quickly looked up at the ceiling."... Azar, are you there?"
Upon saying their name, the familiar flame emerged next to me floating without speaking before they responded. "Did you call for me?"
"Azar… I want to ask you something."
"... What seems to trouble you all of a sudden?"
I looked down at the bed in front of me, anxiously clenching my hand before looking worriedly at Azar. "I've been meaning to ask you this, but didn't have any opportunity since I was so preoccupied..."
My expression slowly turned solemn the longer I continued to look at them. "Azar... Are my memories disappearing…? When I tried to recall the exact date the empress was poisoned, I couldn't remember, even though I knew it was stated in the book."
I pulled my knee closer to my chest before hiding my face on it. "I'm kind of afraid. I always thought that because of my ability to memorize, yet not feel any emotions, I wasn't human... but knowing that I am losing my memories, I can't help but feel fear about what things will leave my mind."
I tightened my grasp around my legs. "What if I forget the things I truly care about?"
Azar stood there silently for a few moments. "... But isn't that a good thing? From what I can tell, you always wanted to feel humane, no? This is a good opportunity to achieve that."
"Not… like this... Even the tiniest of memories that I've saved are precious to me, both good and bad. Yes, I've always thought that by removing this trait, I hope to become humane, but… that way of thinking grew out of me."
I look back at them with a solemn smile. "I've learned to embrace this side of me. I can't hope to just leave it behind just because of a wish I made long ago."
Once again, Azar stood there in silence. I couldn't help but feel worried as the silence continued on, feeling like something bad was going to happen.
"... Do not worry, your memories aren't fading. Maybe an error occurred when we transferred your consciousness into this body. Like I said before, we decided to not mess with your consciousness, memories included."
I kind of felt relieved. It didn't exactly answer my question, but at least I can hope that my memories won't disappear from me anymore… "I see... thank you, Azar."
"If that is all, then I'll be on my way. Remember, don't hesitate to call on me."
And just like that, they dispersed into fragments once more, leaving the usual embers that continuously glided down to the floor and to my bed.
I slowly closed my eyes, taking in a breath before opening them at the window next to me. The blazing sun beamed through the sky as birds as white as snow roamed through the clouds and into the air, flying freely without being chained down.
From this point on, the plot of the novel will cease to exist. Just like these free birds flying in the blue sky, I'll make sure to carve a new path in this world. I'll make sure to carve a path where everyone I care about can be happy, and safe...
Cause this is my home now, a home where I can finally be me.