"I did not expect you to come all the way here," Ezekian said in a calming tone as he gazed at Slayer whom I had placed on the chair beside me.
Sipping on the milk tea which was sweet, I gazed at the opening pink peonies surrounding us. For the first hour, I had taken the carriage and arrived at the Nordwyn Residence at the center point of Pyrexia.
Ezekian was already waiting outside the mansion and brought me to the mansion garden. He dismissed servents and knights after they finished serving tea and sweets on the table.
Peonies in the garden were in full bloom, filling the air with sweet fragrance carried by the breeze. Sunlight glistened off pale pink patels of peonies and green leaves. Several other tall trees lined the table in the middle of the garden.
I was still able to sense the energy left behind of the Nordwyn knights concealed behind the trees.
"I'm not going to kill you in the board daylight, Young Duke," I glared up at Ezekian who wasn't seeming surprised at all that I had discovered the hidden knights among the bushes.
He shrugged his shoulder a little way and arched an eyebrow in little discomfort.
Guess it wasn't his idea to have knights hiding around us.
" I appologize. I had told my dad a few times not to have knights hide behind me but he seems to be worried about Emperor's next move after yesterday's accident."
I nodded my head light in understandment. Putting the tea cup on the table, I stood up.
Ezekian stood up, his body little stiffened.
" What happened? Didn't you come because you have something to tell me?"
Of course I do have a damn favor to ask him. But, if I do something here like manupilation with Ezekian and Grand Duke gets wind of it through the hidden knights around us, I will be ruinning a lot of things.
So it's just a safer bet to go see Grand Duke first and gain his support. There's not a lot of risk but the more dangerous the road, the greater the reward.
" It feels rude not to greet Grand Duke first. " I exchanged to Ezekian with a polite smile and he licked his lips, bristled and perplexed.
As I had hoped, he was not so boorish that he would not catch the underlying message of my words. He did not ask too much and led me into the mansion.
" Dad will be delighted to meet you, Young Lady."
He was talking somewhat cheerfully for some unknown reason, there was a strange excitement evident in his golden eyes. The kind of glint one witnesses in a boy bringing his love interest to meet his parents.
I walked away from his gaze and took Slayer.
Morning dew on the grass reflected warm sunlight, and with each of my steps on the grass, morning dew vanished and grass darkened and wilted like some poisonous poison had been spread upon them.
Looking down, I saw how Ezekian's footfalls did not darken the grass like mine but were instead energetic and greener.
Gradually I opened my eyes and stated, "This grass is Holy Empire, isn't it?"
Ezekian rotated his head to the other side with a little surprised face, "Oh, you know of the Grass from the Holy Empire?"
I nodded.
Grasses planted in the Holy Empire are special, mostly the one planted in the front lawn of the Main Temple.
These grasses can be changed based on the energy and luck they are destined to be born with. If the grass remains unchanged when a person steps over it, it means that the person has equal good and bad energy and fate. These people are the ordinary folks who live an ordinary life.
The other three are of different kinds.
If the grass becomes greener and healthier when one walks upon it, then it means that they are born under auspicious hours with prosperity and energies, these people are mostly the protector. The destained heros of mankind, the loved ones.
If it's muddy and murky, then the person is a crooked natured individual who can turn from protector to destructor at any given time. These people are neither good nor bad, but based on the situation they can turn from ally to enemy or enemy to ally of mankind.
If there is darkness and grasses dry up, then the individual has plenty of blood in his hands, a killer. They are bound to bring bloodbath on this planet. The kins' and enemies' destroyer. They are kept as an ill omen symbol and calamity.
History shows, whenever such a person appeared, an empire broke down and hell's gate was opened on earth. There are only three persons whose footsteps blackened and bartered the Holy Grass. One of them was Belhier himself, the second one was Crown Prince of Eastern Empire 1000 years ago, the third person was King of Astra Empire 500 years ago.
These persons are called The Lethe's Curse.
And 500 years later, another offspring of Lethe's Curse was born. And it was the one and only. Me.
I never heard about it in my last life until I had to visit the Holy Empire for the first time for political reasons. The moment I stepped onto the front lawn of the Holy Temple, the grass turned black and withered, dark shadowy smoke poured out of the once green grass.
The priests there gave me a desperate glance, and charged upon me. And that was the first time, I also got to meet my maternal grandfather, king of holy kingdom.
He stopped the priests and cautioned me which might have saved my life. He told me the spell to remove the dark and dead grass and make it return to normal condition with no trace left behind.
- Never let anyone know how the grass happened once you have tread on it. And don't ever forget to remove the traces of the foreboding energy from the sacred grass if ever you tread on it again.
- Why are you helping me?
- Don't misunderstand my intention. Even though I loathe you for carrying the blood of that son of a bitch who ruined my daughter's life. You are still my daughter's child.
- That is funny when you never even took the time to glance upward at me when you always cared for Alancia.-
- You are not wrong. I am really not a fan of you when it's indirectly your fate that spoiled the tragedy of my daughter's life.
- Then why are you helping me now?-
- Think of this as the last and first time that you ever did something for me, your grandfather. Next time I see you is when one of us will die.
Yeah, I guess that was the first and last thing that I ever actually discussed with him before Holy Empire declared war on Wymhold and got murdered by Kaelith in the battlefield.
"Selentia, where are you lost?" Ezekian nudged me gently in the shoulder and I snapped out of thought. Glacing back, I could see how Holy Grass had not altered it's appearance since I had recited the spell taught to me the instant I stepped on it.
I shook my head and Ezekian moved further ahead towards the study of Grand Duke.
The servents and the knights on the main door, bowed respectfully as they opened the door. In front of me lay the opulent look of the Residnce of Nordwyn in Pyrexia.
The enormous gilded doors groaned open on a sigh, revealing a castle that seemed to have been woven from stardust and sunlight. The reception hall beckoned visitors with golden, buttery light off walls covered in delicate silver filigree curling like morning fog. The vaulted ceiling above was filled with a resplendent fresco of prancing unicorns and dancing nymphs, their colors as vibrant as spring blooms, caught forever in their joyous play.
A grand staircase swept up in a beautiful arc, its white marble treads inlaid with curving designs of gold that sparkled with each step. Rubbed oak banisters glowed with ruby trim that shone like ripe fruit, inviting guests to trail their hands over the wood as they ascended. Palest rose and cream carpet covered each step, embroidered with leaping patterns of vines and songbirds.
To either side, tall mirrors in gilded frames cast back the beauty of the hall ad infinitum, catching occasional glimpses of what might have been small winged creatures soaring just beyond grasp. Between them stood statues of past monarchs and heroes, their marble faces gentle and wise, smiling softly at passersby. In the center of the room, a fountain bubbled merrily, its shimmering waters leaping over laughing-dolphin statues that sprayed diamond drops into the air. Above, drifted the soft melody of a harp, its music light and airy as butterfly kisses on the breeze.
Silk banners in sky blue and sunflower yellow draped the top balconies, fluttering ever so gently as if they were being caresed by a soft zephyr. And at the top of the stairs, a regal pair of doors stood a little ajar, their gold surfaces adorned with pictures of happiness and bliss, inviting worthy guests to enter into the secrets that lay within. The castle itself seemed to hum with unobtrusive happiness, as though its very stones were glad to welcome adventurers into its enchanted fold. Contrary to Nyxveil mansion whose rear beauty is composed of consiperecy, Nordwyn Residence was like a fairy tale's hum except for the personality of its owner.
"Looks like we have a visitor today,"
Coming down from the stairs was Daniel Amber Nordwyn, long black hair, flowing to his waist, dark and gloosy, and his golden piercing eyes standing against the kind smile on his lips.
If I didn't know any better, he could have easily impersonated Ezekian's older brother.
I knew from his wariness look, it won't be easy to win his endorsement easiy.
I remember witnessing Grand Duke before his death on my last life after my split with Ezekian during the Imperial Palace grand ball of New Year's.
Our meeting wasn't good nor bad, it was something like.
He politely ignored me when I approached him.
Considering his politeness to be a sign of weakness is the greatest mistake that can be made. In the present Court of Ignis, it is not Emperor or the Imperial Elders who are giving my father trouble.
It's this guy named Daniel Nordwyn.
A man who maintains his intentions behind the smile and good wills. A devious man who won't hold back from doing anything. I mean anything. for the North and his family.
Today's Daniel Nordwyn is akin to the Ezekian Nordwyn of my former life.
" Dad, Lady Selentia asked to greet you first." Ezekian introduced me to the Grand Duke.
I took a step back, lowering my head and pushing my skirt up slightly, I bowed my head respectfully,
"It is a privilege to greet the Grand Duke of Nordwyn who has been acting as the Guardian of Wymhold against the monsters."
" You are too polite, Young Lady." Daniel Nordwyn was amused and contented as I lifted my head. He looked at Ezekian and moved his head toward the second floor. Ezekian nodded slightly.
" Why don't you come and join me for a cup of tea? I have a lot to learn from you about things in the capital. You see, I don't get to Pyrexia that often." He laughed at me, wily and indicating that we should have a friendly conversation.
It was something I would not allow to go by even if I had no bargaining power my clandestine guile.
" Worry not. My father will not force you to your limits." Ezekian whispered behind me and I smiled coldly.
" It will be of no consequence if tries to do so."
There was a flash of anger in Ezekian's eyes, lips parted to utter something more. But disregarding him I merely trailed Daniel Nordwyn behind.
The servents' eyes upon my felt keen and curious. And glancing around I discovered something interesting too.
The servents who were watching me with a keen and wary eye, followed me in every move, shared a clandestine nod.
Before they disappeared on the horizon and headed towards the left side that I presume is some kitchen section.
Ezekian followed behind me before being called in by an old man in the attire of a butler, he stood diminutive tense at what the butler said in his ears. And without any hesitation, he ran out of the mansion.
Corner of my lips curved up with a cold thrill rising within me.
" You are wiser than I had heard of, Your Grace." I looked up at Daniel Nordwyn, who stood at the top of the stairs, with a cold, distant smile.
" It is hard to make a living in the world being honest all the time, Young Lady." He had spoken in a low pitched voice.
I smiled and nodded. I had expected something of this sort from him when I first wished to come here.
Though my main reason for coming here is to teach Ezekian to go to Holy Empire and secretly escort the Hidden Saint to Wymhold. I had another reason for coming here too.
To bargain with Daniel Nordwyn.
I hitched up my skirt while ascending the stairs, " I am jealous of Young Duke all of a sudden."
" Why?" " He has a father who won't care doing anything to protect him from the dark side of this world after all." I replied scanning his eyes.
I remained cool even under pressured state, perhaps its the most comfortable state to me.
Daniel Nordwyn smiled weakly and shook his head, " Hearing how you were treated in Nyxveil from Ez, I could guess about your situation in Nyxveil."
He dropped his gaze, cold and mercilessly looking directly into my eyes.
" Unwanted, neglected by your own parents. Constantly harassed by your own blood sibling,"
With each step closer to the Grand Duke, his words about my situation grew more savage.
If it was the old 16-year-old me, I would have wept and run off, I mean who on earth would want to know about their life by someone else.
" Even your engagement was also dissolved by your father and mother. Without Crimson Abyss, aren't you just a sacrificial goat of your family?" He raised his eyebrow, I was just two stairs from him.
I laughed at him, " What a sardonic observation!"
"Isn't that your reality?"
Sure, it was and is my reality. Its the reality through which I endured nearly 48 years in my past life.
Only after being brought to life did I realize, I can just deny that wretched reality and begin an entirely new reality.
"It's not my reality, Your Grace." I smiled suavely, his eyebrows slightly rising at my reality.
"Then what is reality?" He asked. Far and cold.
I moved closer again. Although we were of different heights, I made sure that I kept my eyes locked on his.
" That if I wish I can either be a savior or destroyer and no one will be able to prevent me."
His eyes widened and his shoulder jerked. He had his guard up and in an instant I could feel more than hundreds of arrows aimed at me.
The servents who had kept their dragger hidden under the sleeves of their garments pointed the sharp edge of theirs at me from downstairs. And knights who had hidden themselves, emerged forth across the floor with bows and arrows.
As I expected, The Grand Duke is cautious about me after yesterday. The reason he even allowed me to enter the mansion was to determine if it would be suitable to keep me alive or to kill me before any disaster happens.
And Ezekian was sent away under a false pretense so that all of this plan would not be known to him. Ezekian is a model son for his parents, so in case something goes awry, Daniel Nordwyn will lay the blame on me.
And Ezekian will not even raise a query.
" It's little boring if things unfold according my calculation all the time, " I said with a sigh and stroking my neck.
Daniel Nordwyn squinted, " Do you know what rank you are in, Young Lady?"
I grinned and clicked my finger, the arrows that were originally aimed at me was then aimed at each other by the archers, they all gasped and shrieked, " WE CAN'T CONTROL OUR BOWS, YOUR GRACE!"
The servents who were gripping their dragger on me were then holding it against themselves and screamed freaking out, " WE CAN'T MOVE OUR DRAGGER, YOUR GRACE."
Daniel Nordwyn's eyes became dark and gritted his teeths in anger, his shoulder shook with unbearable amount of anger.
My fiery aura around every single weapon emitted a foreboding aura and he murmured frigidly between his breath, "The Phantom Puppetry. Already reached so far, master?"
I raised my shoulder high, "You flatter me too much, Your Grace."
He sneered with anger, cold dread-like tone," Are you sure about this?"
I let go of the fake friendly grin on my face and proceeded all the way to the top of the stairs, right in front of the stairs.
" The very first person to show hostility towards me is you, Your Grace. Given the Emperor's spies loitering around the mansion, I definitely do not believe it'll hurt me whatsoever in enormous scope."
His eyes pop in shock.
Gosh! Don't tell me he didn't realize Emperor put any mole in his palace in Pyrexia.
Maybe I had overestimated him?
Nevermind, let's just stick with my action. The most effective way to make head strong, morally right, cunning man like submit to me is by making him see that it's better for him to be with me than without me.
"Nordwyn has been hanged on Emperor's route for centuries. Despite the fact that I massacar all these individuals including you, Emperor will reward me instead of punishing. Achieving the good grace will be a cakewalk for me."
Daniel Nordwyn pressed his lips tightly, " But you will lose you loyal servents, your dear son who knows not the way of Imperial Court will fall among the ravenous wolves and you know it better,"
" Don't you dare," He growled angrily and I smiled, " He won't last long here."
" SELENTIA NYXVEIL! YOU ARE INVITING DEATH!"
In the blink of an eye he pulled out a razor dragger from his hip and held it against my throat, he shoved the knife deep into my skin and tiny stings crept within my body.
But I just smiled, "Killing me will lead to killing whole Nordwyn, Your Grace. Don't you know that the owner of Crimson Abyss will not die with a single death?"
His dragger trembled as well as his hands, his eyes blushing with fury and rage. Red blood trickled down from the gash on my body but I did not care.
" Your Grace, don't forget, It was not me who showed the hostility towards you but its you," I touched the cold blade with my finger and pushed it away from me. He seethed with anger, well aware where he had done wrong.
" What do you want?" He asked me, tightly clenching his fist. I snapped my finger and the red aura on the weapons disappeared. Out of anger and frustration, the archer knighst and servents pointed their sharp weapon at me again.
I remained calm despite being surrounded by hundred of arrows and draggers, people with killing intent.
" What I want is simple." I spoke quietly and Dainel Nordwyn looked up curiously.
I moved my head and saw Ezekian on the door step of the mansion with a frightened expression. His chest was moving up and down, clearly he ran in just like I hoped.
Each of the person who was introduced there had been taken aback by Ezekian's arrival. Daniel Nordwyn turned pale and looked at Ezekian to speak.
I titled my head and rolled a side smirk on Daniel Nordwyn, he was pushed to the limit of his wit.
" Bare your claws and stand with me to annihilate both Imperial Family and Demon Cult, Your Grace. "
He glared at me with wide eyes, " Have you lost it? Requesting such thing after making me appear as a villain in front of my son's eyes?"
I shrugged my shoulder, " Whose fault it even is? Not mine of course."
Ezekian was shocked on the door steps unable to say anything, I turned around, " Do you think I am asking your opinions? Either show your real power to assist my cause or see Nordwyn being pushed to the brink of it's downfall."
" YOU-" He was about to raise his voice but shut his lips tight observing how Ezekian was coming towards us.
I rested my head, displaying a chilly smile I delivered my lines to him in an emotionless tone,
" Red Flame Has Been Ignited. It shall not die unless I arrive at my destination. It's in your hands. Do you want to be freed of the shackles or die like a bloody caged bird of Emperor."
His eyes widen upon my utterance, his holds on his dragger become slack and it fell to the ground. I started descending from the stairs and Ezekian who was waiting near the stairs nervously looked at me as I walked towards him.
" Selentia-"
" Bring a person from Holy Empire and bring a person named Oscar Louvel who has pink eyes and sky blue hair and bring him secretly to me in secret." I whispered against his ear. He looked at me confusingly.
" I am asking for a small price for the treatment I received here, don't you think?" I looked at Ezekian coldly and he looked at me with guilty eyes.
I balled my fist and looked at Daniel Nordwyn who appeared conflicted.
" I am sorry."
Ezekian muttered.
Sorry.Yeah. sorry.
Even after seeing how his father was ready to kill me there, instead of speaking against his father and make other toss their weapons away from me, he just stood on the door step quietly.
He also kept quiet in our past life when his mother did not leave a stone unturned to make my life difficult for something I did not even do.
what a good son you are, Ezekian Nordwyn! How good and obedient a son you are!
" You would have been sorry when I perished through the sword of your kin which I would have if it wasn't for the red void within me."
I went back of Ezekian, just the way he took my wrist, I didn't turn.
" Selentia, I had no idea about this." His hand was shaking just like his voice.
Reflecting on how my life became a mess each time our paths met, it just made me laugh bitterly.
" Ignorance is just a sin in itself, Young Duke."
Saying that I pulled out his hand and I walked away just without turning back.
How could I ever turn around and walk to him after all the suffering he had caused me in the past and present! My heart didn't beat fast as it used to when facing him, rather there was a sorrowful gentleness towards this.
As for the aspect that, it took over 30 years for me to actually move on from him and with my back turned towards him.