"THE CROWDS are quite cheery, don't ya think?" A blonde-haired girl with a cloak covering her head turned her gaze to her little companion who spoke, as they stroll down the bustling crowds’ side by side, a cotton candy on one hand and a book on the other. "Parie, it is festival season." She said as she deadpanned at Parie. "Wow, I wouldn't have thought of that. Thanks, Alesteria." Alesteria chuckled at Parie's monotone and sarcastic response. Not letting the little pixie ruin such a happy atmosphere, she replied playfully to her. "No problem, Parie." Parie rolled her eyes at Alesteria and picked on her hood, which allowed a strand of her hair to escape but she quickly pulled it over her face. "Hey! That's not funny!" "It isn't, but many people would easily do that if you don't change your appearance." Alesteria clicked her tongue and waved her hand over her head, her hair instantly changing into a brown color as her eyes turned purple. She then turned to Parie and raises an
"WHAT WAS that?!" Was the first thing that came out of Parie's mouth as her disheveled appearance from holding tightly to Alesteria's hood made her a little bit dazed and angry. Alesteria, on the other hand, was panting heavily as to hurriedly get away from the young man, who seem to have called them, but she wasn't sure at that time as she was busy trying to flee. They went to an alley, one that no one would ever think that they are there as the concealed themselves with mana; the sun is still hitting this alley but not as much so it was kind of dim. "So, what was that, huh? Did you see a bad guy and wanted to run away?" Parie asked as she slowly gasped, her eyes widening. "Did someone recognized you?!" Alesteria shook her head, her breath catching up, to her, as she finally spoke. "No, but we encountered someone we shouldn't have." Parie raised an eyebrow. "Who?!" "The young man earlier." Parie was confused as to why Alesteria would say that, not realizing that the man they
ALDRICH WALKED through the corridor as the staff and officials alike parted like the red sea, making way for him as be stride faster, his eyes sparkling as he brushed by them. "Is the gift ready?" He asked as he walked fast. His aide from before, Ozul, walked by his side in a similar pace and shown him a box with pink and purple wrapping with a silver bow; the box wasn't that heavy nor was it light. "Yes, as you ordered weeks prior." Ozul calmly said as he emphasizes the last part. Aldrich clicked his tongue. "I was just making sure." "No need to be so anxious, Deus." The sudden voice coming from behind them made them halt in their tracks as they turned their heads to see who it was. As they did so, their eyes landed on Aimilios, who is calmly walking towards them as Cethin, his aide, was beside him holding a box of the same wrapping as Aldrich's, only his bow was gold. "Aren't you a little bit too nervous today?" He asked as he caught up to them, stopping beside Aldrich as Ce
A TWELVE years old girl with dark magenta hair and jade-colored eyes stared at the large hall anxiously as she fiddled with her gloves, her pale rose dress complimenting her hair as she stood at the corner of the ballroom, not wanting to gain any attention from anyone. Although she wanted that, she failed to actually accomplish it since she was beautiful. She almost looks like a doll standing at the corner, looking so pretty that some young men couldn't help but second glance at her whenever their eyes caught her. However, they couldn't dare to make a move because of the three powerful people with her who are all amazingly beautiful, but downright terrifying. Especially the daughter of Duchess Loreant who has an extremely annoyed aura around her. "Oh, shut it you simp!" Gabrielle, who is Duchess Minerva Loreant's daughter, is prominent in the high society known for her information about rumors, affairs, illegal trades, and many more. No one dares to cross her or else they'll be
THE MOMENT the door opened; everyone was staring at the royal family as they show themselves to the nobility; many are at awe while looking at them from above the stairs. The banquet hall was quiet and even if they were staring at the Vlatka Royalty, their eyes naturally searched for the star of the day and the talk of the town; though they couldn't see her since she is hidden behind the three men. Morgaine entered the other way as the rest of the nobility since she is no longer the empress, meaning she can't use the same entrance her sons did. The announcer of the royal family cleared his throat after the first introduction then spoke in a very loud and audible voice. "Their Royal Highness, the Second Prince and heir to the Lidloch Duchy, Young Duke Aimilios Theodore Alaric." Aimilios walked down the stairs in an elegant way and many of the noble ladies his age swooned at the sight of him. His auburn hair to the side in an effortless manner as his lapiz lazuli eyes shone dangero
'I HAVE a feeling that my idiotic brothers and father are thinking something bad about Nicholae.' Alesteria thought as she shook her head, knowing deep down that might be the case. 'I just hope it's nothing dangerous. I don't want to pick sides.' Throughout her exclusion, Alesteria bonded with her brothers and father most of the time while she trained to control her mana; she decided this by her own volition. She knew she have to master this mana or else it will be the end of her. It was strong and unbelievably complicated, even for her who has years of mastery and experience. Never in her whole life has she ever handled so much mana that it basically becomes a lethal weapon, but that is without care. And she, Alesteria, would never use this to harm someone else...unless it is needed. She has only done that one time in her previous life and that didn't end up in a good note. "I haven't seen you in a while..." Nicholae started as he slowly moved closer to Alesteria, staring down
ALESTERIA STARED at Nicholae's back as he went to the nobles who are expecting him, seeing as how they never left their gaze at him and were delighted when they finally saw that he is walking towards them. She wasn't blind of course. Over the years when she met him, she knew that Nicholae is not really honest with himself, or better yet, doesn’t know how to understand his emotions and could only think logically. Even though she has tried to make him understand, it is still a long process. 'Is he okay?' She asked herself, confused as to why she suddenly saw his eyes changed. Alesteria, even back then, can read Nicholae like an open book. Although, it became hard as the years passed, she can still somewhat read what his facial expression meant... Even if some of it are getting harder to decipher. "Your royal highness! How did you meet the young duke of Versormer?!" Gabrielle whispered to her as she broke out of her train of thought. She has met Gabrielle when she was five years old
THE TENSION surrounding the banquet hall was evident, the heavy atmosphere between the emperor and the prophet was enough to make them step back and avoid their eyes at the interaction. "I also came because I failed to attend the festivals that the empire has thrown in accordance to thanking the Gods for their blessings." Kairo added as he expressed his fake regret. "I want to attend this time to personally give my appreciation for such an effort." He added, laughing lightly as if he didn't spew poison from his mouth seconds ago. Xerxes couldn't help but click his tongue at the blatant ridicule towards him and the empire, seeing as how Kairo played with his words and made it seem like the empire still held a grudge against the temple even when the old prophet is dead. As an emperor and a figure for the people, Xerxes knew that he mustn’t show his distaste towards his past and present enemies. It will show that he is a very shallow and emotional person, an attitude not fitting for