"Believe me, aunt. My friend. . he went through all that because of a mysterious woman who intends to bring a Witch back to life!"
Since Anne made it back to the Palace the night before after a day of complete disappearance, one serious news was brought into discussion between her and the Queen Regent. Going back, she was greeted by Serina and her professor, Sherfy's combined force of fierce, deadly stare, enough to make everyone kneel before they could even utter a word.
And so she did.
"I-I'm deeply sorry, Aunt, Teacher! I-I will wholeheartedly take all the sanction you could think of to atone for my misconduct, I promise!"
"Do compose yourself, young lady. You're making it appear like we're some sort of abusive guardians here," Serina calmly addresses the Princess' action.
"Oh, he he, that's right. ." Anne stood, eyes still on the floor. "Again, I really am sorry, please grant me my punishment now."
Head bent down, displaying her sincere apology and humility, the Princess laid her palms in front of her chest. It is known to every palace staff including these three of the good relationship between the Witch and the Princess, Anne herself find her presence to be comforting and secure.
Although her natural chill-sending aura never disappear since their first meeting, it seems that her gentle treatment of her overwhelms the fear brought by the eyes' judgement.
"As you wish, Princess—" Sherfy made her usual honest remark and has already took a step forward.
"But oh wait — before I forget, there's something of utmost importance that I would like to share with—"
Attempting to draw the card she has prepared beforehand, Anne was confident she'd overcome the retribution brought about by the action she did — which she does not think is wrong at all. However, a strange sound came interrupting the disclosure of her 'grand announcement'. Turns out, it was her empty tummy's rumbling.
"I guess we'll have to talk it through dinner," Serina gave in, subtly massaging her forehead.
"I apologize, Teacher, but please give the Princess and I a few minutes to talk. My time out here is limited, I am afraid," Sherfy cut in, Anne's saved soul felt threatened once more.
"Sure."
At that prompt, Serina proceed on her way out of her office to the dining room. Meanwhile, the two were left with Anne silently praying for her life.
***
No dinner has ever been tedious since Serina shared one with the talkative princess. This time, all confident and proud of her newly gathered information, her eyes shine with the significance she believes to be holding — not to mention her hidden intent to distract the lady from suspending her absolute freedom.
"Oh? I have my speculations all along. You have my gratitude, for the intel." Her reply and reaction was questionably too calm for such matter. However, for the naïve princess who just got a hold of a second hand consequential detail for the first time, she never even thought of doubting. Furthermore, her faith in her decisions and capability is boundless — having it proven for hundreds of times already.
"No, no. It was my friend who went through hell to prove this. Aunt, you see, he cares for the country as much as we do and I know he's courageous enough to face everything for the sake of our homeland," she emphasized.
"My, my. . I do appreciate that."
"Aunt, look. We need more people like him, and I —"
"What shall we do for him, then?"
Realizing her effort to bring her friend's feat up is turning to the right direction, her eyes widen even more as they glimmer brightly out of joy and excitement.
"We're doing something? I-I know!" she happily cried out.
"Spill it, dear."
Getting a grip of her own emotions, she fixed her sitting posture before divulging her thoughts. "He's going to enter the selection, I heard. But he never told me, maybe he doesn't want me to back him up or anything. Not that I have that much influence though, hehe. . ."
"What a dignified man. Would you rather spoil that, my Princess?"
"No, no, it's not like that," she defended. "it's just. . should he stumble, please do let him stay here. You'll meet him sooner so, the judgement's up to you. But I assure you, he's a very responsible and diligent person."
"Is he not that promising of a fighter, by any chance?"
"I. . I just think he's not the most advantaged." It was neither a lie nor the exact truth. She believes in Tristan's fighting spirit and passion but being a magic user herself, she knows the bound of a person who is not.
"Is that so. . I'll see what I can do."
"Excuse me, My Lady. Princess, Miss Alfeon is demanding your presence."
At the middle of their conversation, a servant came to fetch the Princess as per her professor's request.
"I bet she's given you tons of homework to make amend for the day you were out nursing your boyfriend," Serina mockingly remarked.
What she said was certainly on point. Knowing Sherfy, she most probably have assigned a portion of her workload to be accomplished by Anne as the punishment she herself asked for. The workaholic mage is no machine after all.
"B-Boyfriend!?" It was that specific word that made her feel a rapid increase on her body temperature, causing her facial skin to radiate a bright red blush all over.
"Hm? You seem flustered, young lady. Something caught you off?"
"H-He's indeed a male-acquaintance of mine. T-Thanks for the meal," Anne commented as an excuse, refusing to believe what she just thought of to be what her aunt actually meant.
"Sure thing."
The squeaking sound of the wooden chair echoed throughout the four corners of the room as Anne pushed it behind. Bowing her head as a pardon of taking an early departure, she followed the servant out of the dining area, leaving Serina alone, contemplating.
"Look how far she's grown, Wil. And look who got duped into forgetting to bestow her disciplinary action. . ." she whispered to the wind.
***
"You still haven't gotten over what happened back in the forest, do you?" Johann asked his brother who's currently packing his stuff. Right from the very start, he knew no force under the sun would be enough to change his brother's mind. Still he kept his hopes up, waiting for a miracle to materialize and hit his head up to wake him from his impossible dream.
"That doesn't matter."
"Well, I guess there's no stopping you now."
Meanwhile, Thea, who just woke up rubbing her eyes, came to find her brother preparing to leave for a place she has never been to.
"Thea—"
"Eyo Tristan! You good?"
A loud scream coming from outside the window cleared the three from the tension and gloomy atmosphere that occupied their cramped living room. Tristan, now done loading his bags immediately went out to check on an unexpected visitor.
"Percy?"
It was his childhood friend, Percy, coaching a carriage-carrying horse. Judging by his seemingly ordinary look, who would have thought that he is a talented magic user who specializes in wood manipulation? Be it a tree or a furniture, his skill allows him to control its shape at his will.
"Heard yah gonna be participating too. How about a ride? Let's go crash the palace gate!"
Disregarding Percy's over-the-ceiling enthusiasm, the clacking of heels against the cemented floor caught everyone's attention instead. From behind the cargo carriage came out a short, cute yet grumpy-looking girl who seems to be of Johann's age. Her pale blonde hair are neatly tied on curly pigtails, with her front hairs framing her face.
Even with her lively and lovely looking fashion choice resembling that of a doll, her expression and posture silently screams arrogance and 'keep a mile distance' at first glance.
"I-Is that—"
"What's so shocking, 'big brothers'?"
That annoyingly high-pitched voice, there is no way they would not recognize it.
"Zelda!?" the brothers blurted in chorus.
Fourteen years old Zelda is a talented mage notable for her wide knowledge in everything animal and beast-related information. She is the adopted daughter of an old mage woman who resides in the town who is renowned for her healing skills and great mystical wisdom, which she provides for the town folks free of charge. Even at her age, her mastery and ability never gets dull. But unfortunately, it is not the same with her temper and treatment of people.
Back to the promising young mage, although people recognize her skills to be closely equivalent to that of her old woman, they never actually seek her for help. Aside from her seemingly unfriendly appearance, her sharp tongue and contemptous words make it even more impossible for her to be everyone's favourite, despite her mass beneficial capabilities.
And among these people, Johann is the one who finds it the hardest to be pals with her.
"Tch. Hey you Johann!"
"W-What?" he irritatingly replied.
"I'm going to prove you're the trash one here, just you watch!"
"Go on." At that lifeless response, Zelda could not hide her annoyance anymore and marched back to the carriage with iron feet.
Jumping down his horse, Percy barges in between the fiery conversation. "Enough, enough. What now, Tristan? Tell your kids goodbye now, we won't be back for long, that's for sure!"
Still astonished by all the happenings, Tristan turned back to his siblings, "Thea, Johann, I trust there's no need to remind you both. Just take care of yourselves and don't overwork it, okay?" he reminds them. "I left the money to Miss Yelena. Johann, make sure to fetch just exactly as you need in between your morning breaks. Got it?"
"Yes ye—"
"Ha! Playing cool now ain't we—" It was none other than Zelda and her antagonistic attitude against Johann.
"Shut up zookeeper—"
The girl's eyes widen at that unexpected retortion. "What did you just — you worthless piece of garbage!"
"Hey hey, come on Zelda he ain't wrong—" Percy once again tried to interrupt. . .
"You too shut up, you sweaty carpenter! Tch. Hop on Tristan, I. Am. Losing. My. Patience!"
. . . but got verbally thrashed instead.
"It's my carriage though—" Percy reasoned but was just repeatedly massacred by the child's destructive words.
"I said shut your mouth!"
"Alright, alright. You heard her. Johann, Thea. We have to go." Stretching his lips into a bitter and despondent smile, Tristan bid his farewell with a pat on his siblings' heads.
"Bye bye. . ." It was Thea's adorable yet forlorn sendoff, waving her little hand at her brother's back.
The Kingdom of Londeve, previously hailed as the 'Land of Flowing Life,' is the nation that worships the 'God of Birth and Baptismal' since the ancient times. Its topography before the destructive events from a century ago was truly magnificent and a marvelous sight to behold. From above, it appears to be an archipelago on a shallow sea where the minor islands encircling the city capitol are connected by stone bridges. The main city was located at the largest island, looking like a huge fountain where the clear blue sky and water meets. However, today, evidence of its former glory are just the barely preserved paintings handcrafted by those who had the opportunity to witness its divine beauty.But neither life nor time stays still. Holding the blessing of the lord of earth, one of the Witches was able to alter the geography of the land into a mountainous terrain surrounded by thick and tall trees at its foot. All to assert dominance and terror over the neighbori
It was not so long until the self-proclaimed overseer came out of the carriage to check on the two, only to find them taking their afternoon naps under the direct sunlight. Both hands on her waists, she walked towards the two with heavy steps.Despite the extreme fatigue brought about by the travel, the two immediately stood to recompose themselves."W-We still have an hour to—" Percy attempted to negotiate."Hmp! You dare hope to be a Paladin, and yet here you are lazing around—""Zelda? Is that really you?"The tension did not persist any longer when a stranger spoke from behind Zelda. Turning to the direction where the female voice came from, the three was greeted by a girl who must be of the same age as Anne. Through a quick examination of her outfit, it can be assumed that she came from an aristocratic family."The genius, of course. And who you might be?"
"All done, Teacher."Serina stood and turned around to face her makeup artist, who is none other than Sherfy. Morning like this rarely comes by since the young apprentice took the offer to be a professor, but today is an exception.Shame to admit, but the hundred year old Witch never tried to use cosmetics herself to embellish her face. Not that she is not fit to do so, but because she never thought it'd be necessary when she mostly let her time pass studying at home before.Luckily, she already had the apprentice around when she took over the throne. To look decent is something she had no trouble with for she was taught to execute every actions with grace by her late custodian.However, although the tale of her existence instantly brings terror to those who hears it, the sight of her face when her expression does not intend to impose fear is said to be as soft as a sheepskin.Rumors has i
Tristan must say, sneaking out from that room was unexpectedly more challenging than walking past the guards and hotel staffs to reach the maze garden.Unfamiliar with the establishment's turns and twists, he had no choice but to ask the two for a map, not giving the particular place he's aiming to go. It went on smoothly, but their suspicious gazes keep poking him from behind as he make his way out.The hedges forming the maze garden was several inches higher than the top of his head. But it did not take him much time to find her seated on a stone bench. She wears no hood or long cape this time, but the brightness of the full moon behind her intensified the darkness of the surfaces behind it. It somehow makes it appear like her face is being wrapped by shadow.After a moment of halt, he gulped and proceed to meet her face to face."So you're that 'good' aunt Anne bragging about." The rising fear he feels
"That child, what should I do with him. . .and Anne too. Tch. Foolish children."Serina's tired eyes slowly blinked. She just made it back to the her office and all the lights are already off, triggering the drowsiness in her.At the midst of silence, the sharp squeaking sound which came from the door a few feet away from her kicked her consciousness awake. From the narrow slit between the door and the wall, a circular light source glimmers, showing her the face of the intruder who just came by.She lifted her head and fixed her sitting posture. And with the snap of her fingers, all the torches, lanterns and candles lit up to fill the room with light."Oh, hello there, 'Miss Anneliese Bach'. May I ask what is it that brought you here this late?" She greeted, emphasizing the name she used to enter the Selection. It was none other than the Princess herself, bent-backed and tiptoed."Aunt~ it's me," embarrassed, she stood and immediately e
In a room on the other side of the hotel. . .Anne and a mysterious looking girl rose to awakening at the loud screaming that almost broke their ears."I refuse to believe this, how come fate allowed such a dreadful thing to occur to me? Of all people, why do I have to spend my precious days and nights in a cramped room with you!?"A truly adorable girl who resembles that of a doll yelled angrily. Out of extreme annoyance, she roughly sweeps the loose strands of hair that obstructs her vision away from her face. Her messy pink hair now looks a lot like a thick cottoncandy with hanging accessories.It turns out the girl, named Pearl, was the first one to enter the room last night. Just half an hour after slamming her exhausted body down the bed, she instantly fell into a deep slumber. In turn, she did not get the chance to meet her roommates until now.Zelda, who just yawned chose to make a stand. "How unfortunate, Miss Pearl, maybe you
The loud sound of crashing of wood and breaking of porcelain vase echoed throughout the wide room. This was followed by an ear-splitting noise made by a human roar mixed with frustration and rage."Damn you, Laudermann!" Lawrence slammed himself into the couch and threw punches in the air like a child going frenzy due to an extremely bad mood.In the middle of his outburst, a woman seated adjacent to him smiled and took a sip of her tea before placing it back to the glass table.She is a woman on her early twenties. Her dark blue hair is asymmetrically cut above her shoulders with the left side being longer than the other. She wears a pair of black-framed eyeglasses with a hanging white gem on the left side.The way she is dressed will surely get anyone's head turn — dark blue halter top tucked in a dark, fitted night skirt with the slit on her right leg reaching half of her thigh."Is something the matter, Young Maste
The four endedup spending the early night together in a dining table. Sherfy's chosen venue was rather odd for an outsider like Tristan, but the elegant interior blessed his eyes well enough to make up for the strangeness that bothers him. No one talked along the way and let Sherfy lead their paths. When they took a halt, Tristan was skeptical at first, for they were brought into a high class boutique. He heard Sherfy ask for a woman named 'Meredith' but it turns out the woman is not present at the moment. Still, they were escorted into an underground chamber, which looks much like a special lounge. The timid-looking Kiefer sat beside his 'professor', occasionally throwing curious glances on Tristan and pulls back once their eyes meet. Meanwhile, Anne and Tristan sat next to each other. Observing Sherfy on the other hand is a little convenient for Tristan. She does everything with grace and only
At a height comparable to that of the night's depth, Tristan's terror and distress reigns over his long history of being in a state of tranquility of choice. He has seen and became enslaved by the Lady's compelling power and dominance beforehand, yet the extremity of his fright this time is immeasureable - rather, boundless. It was all since that door, a few feet away from his face, opened for the first time since his forced arrival. Followed that was the notice - more of a forewarning - was spoken to him by someone he recognized as a staff of the Academia, who said; "Mister Miramond, is it? I have received a message from one of our professors, saying 'the lady is coming for you, consider yourself lucky, and this - an advanced expression of my condolences,' that is all." As heavily hinted by Sherfy's indirect caution, the poor soul immediately decoded the Lady's sentiment. 'She's going to kil
With the consent of the Academia's mass-entitled 'Greatest Professor', Tristan was permitted to attend his siblings for the night. Shame to admit, he was quite disappointed that Thea was quick to fall into deep slumber just an hour after his arrival.On the positive side, he was glad she was showing a good sign of adjustment to her new environment.But looking at his brother, he sure had it tough than enjoyable."You seem worn out, Johann. Anything wrong?" Tristan asked, expressing his deep concern towards the miserable and visibly restless state of his younger brother.Johann's first day at the Academia surely did not proceed to his liking. Being completely unfamiliar of mystic arts in general, everything that was laid in front of him contributed nothing but confusion in his mind.Staring blankly at nowhere just a few seconds ago, Tristan's words kicked him off his pensive disposition."Everything is wrong! Arg
Thea, who has always been behaving as a timid and reserved child, seem to have found the place to bring about the joyful spirit in her. Hopping her way down the streets, the lovely girl has her eyes feasting on the million colours before her. Everything around charms her, as if they glow and shine just for her to see. After a countless store to store halt, the girl took an immediate turn into a flower shop, with her brothers behind her, simply following her lead. Her eyes were gleaming, mouth shaped like a circle, lacking the effort to suppress her awe. At first, she was hesitant to touch a petal she finds fascinating. But as her eyes meet the shopkeepers, earning a nod, her initial energy rose even more. "Brother! Would the Queen Regent like this?" Tristan turned and kneeled to examine the pot of white flowers with a yellow center she embraces in her little arms. "Daisies? Hmm. . I often see
The late morning breeze caressed Tristan's skin with a slight touch of heat as he stroll down the garden's perimeter with Percy. Unlike the other fellow, the conclusion of his forenoon duties did not leave a mark of exhaustion in his face, well at least not today. He spent the night making up for the weeks he was away from his siblings, and slept the night together as they used to. Considering the depth of hell he had to go through for the past few weeks, anyone could tell he is at his best shape now. At the top of that, his mind seem to be at peace. He sighed upon inhaling a good amount of fresh and cold air. "Heard Thea and Johann's already at the Academia. Congratulations, dude, your siblings' are getting a step ahead of us now," Percy walked ahead of him, conveying his sincere words of felicitation. "All thanks to her," Tristan replied with a smile.
The past two days have been real tough for the seemingly hopeless fellow, Kiefer. Having himself defeated by the last minute of his match with the lady named Merloise, he could not feel less encouraged by the news of his possible reconsideration.However, the waiting period deprived him of his opportunity to rest at the midst of the Academia's holiday.With dark circles under his eyes and a ridiculously long face, he stared blankly on the bulletin board two meters away from the bench he is seated on. Much to his knowledge, the news on the Selection's final result must be posted on this notice wall.But the staffs sure are taking too long.This year marks his third and final take on the Selection as a participant, as mandated by the Council. Beyond this, he would have to give his hopes up and search for other professional career to proceed to.The uncertainty and the image of his dearest wo
"I am not one of them. . my Master was. It was a truth no one at present knows about.""Huh!?""The Witches all came to an agreement that no one shall meddle with the others' businesses. So she had to work behind the shadows and was able to steal their blessings at the cost of her life for breaking the pact. Then, all those. . were passed on to me."Tristan's chest started to get heavy, and his knees were at the verge of folding. It was not his exhaustion that is draining his strength this time. This obnoxious feeling he has towards her, that he thought had long since faded, is coming back to him.'My aunt? She's gentle and kind, believe me. There's nothing to be scared about!' he recalled Anne's voice out of the blue."To put it simply, I . . am the living vessel of the four Witches' blessings combined."***Love, Charity, Courage, Humility, Pledge,
Tristan was running aimlessly until a familiar golden dragonfly came into his face and guided his way. Heavily panting as he took a halt, he was at utter shock at the raging situation he was brought to witness.They were jumping off posts and roofs, they were so fast that he could only see their afterimages.From his place, he noticed that Serina does not hold any weapon nor wield a little amount of mana to counter his attacks and throw offenses. She only dodges them then move from place to place.Once she landed a meter near Tristan, and when her diagonal fall went against the wind, he caught of glimpse of her bare feet.Her stockings suffered some minor tatters, but the bottom of her feet were already naked, revealing the cuts and scratches it caught over the place.The unknown man is obviously giving his all, while Serina is only playing with along his aggressiveness. Even so, anyone could tell by his movement that
Earlier that day. . .Vacant times do not come often for the monarch custodian, not that she has much leisure activity to do though. Each day is a day for work, but surprisingly, she woke up with a clean desk and a note, inscribed:'I will have to attend a faculty meeting and stay late for Kiefer's training. Here is the order slip for the clothing you have ordered, Teacher. Please take this opportunity to stroll around the Capitol — for a change of pace.'The pleasant tinkling sound of chimes welcomed Serina as the boutique staff pulled the door for her. She was directed into a coffee table by the enormous windows and was greeted by a familiar face."Oh, Miss Meredith, it's a rare opportunity to see you around here. How's business going?"The middle-aged woman carries a furry feline on her arms, brushing its hair with her painted nails.Anyone could tell she is without a doubt, an aristocrat. Her blonde hair is neatly
"The woman he talks about, could be one of the other Three . . or could it be her—""Ah, here we go again. Wake up Serina, she's long gone. You witnessed everything yourself."Arms crossed, stone-faced, Serina rolled her eyes at Felix's response. As someone who dislikes listening to nonsensical sentiments, it vexes her that she is the one being called out as irrational now.The tones of their voices have risen above their levels of tolerance, and their tempers seem to be heating up as well."I am just stating a possibility, Felix. We of all creatures should understand how mysterious this world is.""And I am merely stating a fact, darling. Please don't be mad at me. I am just. . worried. Believing such nonsense won't bring you anything good, you're just wasting your precious time, I am telling you."Having observed the bad turning of their conversation, Felix did not