The breeze of the chilly wind flows through the training ground once again as the sound of two wooden swords clashing against each other is heard. One strike being parried and then counterattacked after another, creating a continuous cycle of noise.
A young man with short, wavy black hair and deep brown eyes and skin holds one of the wooden swords while his other hand hides behind his back to hold back against his opponent.
He has a scar going horizontally through his nose. Wearing a black long-sleeved compression-like shirt with grey pants and black work boots. A small dagger banded on his right tight while two short blades were hung in his lower back just in case something were to happen.
He stands in the middle of the sparring ground, while the other person backs away near the edge of the sparring ground. Messy, ruffled midnight hair with keen sapphire eyes while wearing a practical white long-sleeve button up.
Just before tension arose between them once again as they thought about their next move, the young man shifts his gaze to the bleeming sun before looking down back at the boy in front of him.
"It is time to conclude today's training, your highness."
The midnight-haired boy wipes the sweat off his forehead before taking a deep breath. "I see. Sparring with you takes quite a toll on me." The young boy then walks towards a nearby bench. He sits down and slowly closes his eyes as he rests both his hands on the bench.
After a long while of silent peace, a white towel suddenly covers his eyes. The midnight-haired boy flinches before quickly taking it off. He looks at the person who suddenly gave him the towel. His tired and confused expression soon turns happy as he sees the white-haired boy sitting next to him with a subtle smile across his face.
The midnight-haired boy smiles brightly at him. "Thank you for the towel, Lys!"
As the young boy begins to wipe his sweat off with the towel, the white-haired boy shifts his gaze towards the young man.
The young man quietly walks towards them before slightly bowing before the white-haired boy. "It has been a while, young master."
The white-haired boy nods in agreement. "Indeed. How have you been, Nilo?"
Nilo contemplates before responding. "... It has been... quite eventful these past few days..." He looks at August for a moment before looking back at me. "I have been assigned to be his highness sparring partner for the time being as his grace is currently busy with some important matters."
"I see."
It has already been a few months since father agreed to be August's teacher.
Every day they would exercise in the early morning and spar late at noon until it became dark. The empress allowed August to stay with us, so I practically see him every day.
Even when I'm cooped up inside the library, he would make sure to visit me. Talking about our day or any other topics that caught our interest. The more I would talk to him, the more I could see his warm smile being directed at me.
I'm not the… best when it comes to creating small talk. I usually remain silent but listen attentively to whatever August said or did.
Little by little… We began to get closer. Even now, for some reason, I just felt like seeing him train, and brought a towel just in case he needed it.
I continued to look at Nilo, his demeanor showing a hint of worry. "... Is there something bothering you, Nilo?"
He flinches before looking away and scratching his cheek awkwardly. "It's just that... Qadir has been sent on a mission..."
"Ah... It has been a while since he went on a mission, especially since that incident."
He anxiously scratches his head. "True... I just can't help but be worried. He insisted on going on this mission by himself. His grace hesitantly allowed him, but..."
I felt a slight nudge on my arm from August. I looked at his face to see a slight hint of curiosity about the person we were talking about. "Who are you two talking about...?"
Nilo closes his eyes with a bashful expression, slowly looking away while covering his mouth. "Ah. We're talking about Qadir, my… partner."
August quickly looked surprised. "That's quite unexpected. You only mentioned that you had a twin sister before. I didn't expect that you would have a partner."
He then smiles warmly at Nilo. "It is nice to know more about you. I hope that nothing happens to the person you care about."
Nilo's freezes before letting out a subtle smile towards his response. "Your words are comforting... Your highness. I also hope for his safety."
Nilo closes his eyes before looking back at me. "I forgot to ask. What brings you to the training grounds this morning, young master?"
I tilted my head, contemplating for an answer while gently stroking my chin. I slowly look at August, who stares at me with a happy smile as he awaits my answer. "... I just felt like seeing August train..."
August's face quickly turned delighted as he gently held both my hands. "Really? You came just to see me?"
Though it is true I did want to see him, there was no need to. We could've met later like always, but… It always felt like he was the one that came to me.
I guess… I just felt like being the one to look for him this time, and initiate the conversation just like a normal friend would. "... It's true. I just wanted to see what you were up to."
He smiles brightly once again before slowly letting go of my hand "Then it's a good thing that I just finished my training. Do you wish to grab a cup of tea while we talk like we always do, Lys?"
I looked at August, staying silent before responding. "... If you want, we can hang out in the garden."
I looked away with a small blush as I suggested my own way to spend time together. August tilted his head before showing his usual warm smile. He gently grabs my hand and begins leading me towards the garden. "Then let us go! This is the first time you told me where you want to hang out."
A few rose petals began to drift in the air as I saw August's warm smile. I couldn't help but smile back at him. "Yes. Let us go then."
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The garden is filled with the beautiful sight of the blooming roses as the fall season begins. The air feels a bit windier and colder, but I prefer such weather than the constant heat of the summer seasons that makes you sweat.
We lay near an empty lot in the garden, conversing with each other about anything. We occasionally talked about the different shapes of the clouds or the type of birds that flew across the sky, brightly smiling as they reminded us of certain things.
August closes his eyes, letting the warm sunlight of the sun embrace him. "... Maybe it's because you're always at the library, but you always seem to know everything, Lys."
I shifted my gaze from the blue sky to August, who continued to lie on the ground. He slowly opened his eyes before looking at me warmly, our gaze interlocking. "I recall you saying that you already learned all your formal education. When did you finish them again?"
I stayed silent before answering. "... By the age of four."
He let out an awed expression towards my answer. "Impressive! I only managed to finish everything until I was eight so I can focus more on my swordsmanship..."
All noble children are expected to commence their formal education once they reach the age of six or seven.
From advanced mathematics, history, and moral ethical values and behavior, to classical dancing and instrument lessons, reading and writing comprehension, analytical and business thinking, and primary introduction on the concept of mana or swordsmanship.
There are more things to be learned, but those concepts are to be learned in an academy. Different selection of schools all throughout, and provided by the Empire to give a more robust understanding of difficult concepts like wielding magic, aura, or horse or beast riding.
Ever since the incident where I learned magic at an early age, father has enforced a prohibition on me about which books I can or cannot read. Most of the books locked away are subjects I'll soon learn when I enter the academy.
There are sixty academies in the Izora Empire, the empire I currently reside in. Each is ranked according to how well their teachings progress the students for the four years they reside.
If I recall, the number one academy resides in the capital city of the Izora Empire, Kanta, where the Imperial palace is located: Lusia Academy.
Just like its name, only the brightest that will light up and change the world may attend. Not limited to nobles, people of any socioeconomic class can freely join without tuition problems.
August continued to stare at me, waiting for my response as I continued my monologue. For some reason, it has become a habit to remember and say everything about this world...
I let out a subtle smile. "That is still impressive. You started your study at the age of six, no? Just shortening your studies that will normally last four years by one is a grand feat. But you managed to learn everything in two years."
Once he heard my answer, he began to lie on his side. He gazed into my eyes while showing me his gentle smile. "Maybe… but that just goes to show just how much more amazing you are. You started your studies earlier than me, no?"
I let out a chuckle, slowly looking at the sky filled with the moving clouds and flying birds. "... It's not impressive... on the contrary, it's quite abnormal..."
Everything that I do... is always abnormal...
I still have this hopeful wish that I can finally live a normal life. But… I don't think that wish will ever come true. My life continues to be hindered by my emotionless and rigid personality that only depends on intelligence...
I could only continue to look at the sky above me. Seeing the white birds fly through the sky as freely as they ever wanted...
How would it feel to be free just like them? How would it feel to not have to worry about the minuscule details that trouble me?
How would it feel to be a true human being?
I continue to look at the sky, letting the warm sunlight embrace my cold self. I slowly shifted my gaze as I felt August hold my hand, looking at me with his warm smile "... Do not condemn yourself, Lys."
He then interlocked his fingers with mine.
"I've always wondered… Why do you feel sad when it comes to such topics?" With his other hand, he slowly moved a strand of hair out of my face. "I wish for you to only worry about those who genuinely care about you." He then lets out a gentle smile. "You're special, Lys. You're loved by the people who place their trust on you."
I slowly widened my eyes with awe, feeling the emotional weight of his words.
Ah... his words once again makes me feel this foreign feeling... It's similar to when I feel happy, but also to when I feel sad...
Is this what you call... comfort?
As I continued to look directly at his eyes, I could only smile at his comforting words. "Thank you... August."
He smiles brightly. "I don't wish to see you sad."
Being able to comfort someone with words so easily. Truly... this is the one of the traits that surrounds the male protagonist, Augustus Rutherford.
In the novel, Ways of the Mystics. The story follows in the eyes of Augustus, the main character, through his journey to becoming a worthy king for the Empire while bringing down the corruption that wishes to bring him down. Seraphina accompanies him as they slowly fall in love. With a sword in his hand, not even the beasts that accompany this world would be a threat to him.
I know the character Augustus from the novel, even more so than what the current Augustus knows about himself now...
A cold sweat ran down my face as I had that thought. "Hmm... Hearing myself say that out loud... feels quite creepy."
I slowly closed my eyes, feeling the tranquility surrounding me as we both went silent, enjoying this fleeting moment of peace.
The chilly wind breezes through the leaves once again before caressing our skin. But despite the chilly air, I could only feel the warmth of August as we continued to interlock our hands together.
A long time has already passed, but for some reason it only felt like a moment…
I soon felt a slight poke on my cheek. I slowly opened my eyes and turned my head to see Sera squatting down while still having her finger on my cheek, showing a gentle smile. Further in the back I saw a familiar figure.
Her wavy brown hair that was once messy, is now carefully groomed and laced with precision as it reaches further down her back. Her once childish appearance now evolved into a more refined and sophisticated outlook.
It was Mia.
I sat up on the ground while Sera closed her eyes, still having her gentle smile on, before standing up.
Once Mia saw August lying next to me, she let out a gentle chuckle. "Quite a sight to see..."
I slowly waved at her. "It has been a while, Mia."
"It has surely been a long time, young master. Ever since his grace has assigned me to be Lady Seraphina's personal maid, I have been unable to catch up with you. My apologies."
I shook my head. "It's alright. I believe that taking care of Sera is more eventful than being stuck with me."
She smiles warmly at my response. "Don't be like that, young master. The time that I have spent with you has been joyous." She then tilts her head and shifts her gaze behind me.
I looked behind me and saw August stretching his arms before looking at Sera and Mia. He then waves at them with a gentle smile. "Greetings."
Mia bows down. "Hello, your highness."
Sera sighed as he heard his voice. "You two must've gotten really comfortable to sleep alongside each other like this in the open."
August chuckles awkwardly as he scratches his cheek. "I just went with the mood... I was also able to rest very well after the harsh training with Nilo."
Sera sentimentally tilts her head. "I see... You must've had it rough then."
"Nothing that I can't handle!"
As I shift my gaze between the two people, they are on more friendly terms than when they first met.
I bring my knees towards me, laying my head on top of it before speaking to them. "You two seem much closer now."
Sera and August froze for a moment before looking away from each other with slight disdain. Sera began to squirm her hands behind her back. "We came into an... agreement of sorts. So, for now, there's no need for hostility..."
August began to awkwardly scratch his hair. "Agreement… Yes, we came to an agreement." He then smiles at me to ease my worries. "We just have something in common that we wish to do."
Agreement...? That seems strange. I looked towards Mia, but all she did was shake her head to show that she doesn't know anything about what they just said. But it is best to leave such things for the moment.
Mia walks up close to Sera before gently placing her hand on her shoulder. "Forgive me for interrupting, but I must ensure that Lady Seraphina attends her afternoon classes." She then smiles at me. "Hopefully, we can meet later to reminisce about the past, young master."
I let out a subtle smile at her response. "Of course."
Mia and Sera began to walk towards the building, waving their hands goodbye. As they entered the mansion, I looked up at the sky once again, resting my hands on the ground while slightly leaning back.
August continues to stare at me. "... Aren't you curious about what Sera and I were talking about?"
I stayed silent, still looking at the blue sky in front of me while contemplating on how to answer his question.
"... I am curious. But I can't force you to tell me. Everyone holds secrets. I'm no exception. It's quite rude for me to ask your secret when I can't even tell you mine."
A moment of silence continued on between us until August stood up, gently dusting off his clothes before slowly standing in front of me. The sun was being hidden away from him as he showed his warm smile that substitutes the sun.
He slowly extends his hand to me. "What you say is true. Everyone has a secret they wish to keep…" His smile then turns bitter. "I'm no exception…"
Behind that warm and bitter smile lies a hint of sorrow. I continued to look at him before slowly accepting his extended hand. He smiled as he felt my hand and gently pulled me up. As I stood up with his help, he hesitantly looked away.
"I wish... I can tell you the things that trouble me..."
I looked at him for a moment before gently reaching out to his hands. He quickly flinched as he felt my hands once more before looking back at me. I look down at our interlocked hands, slowly fondling his warm hands before quietly closing my eyes.
"You don't have to. But if you want to tell me your worries, then I'm willing to listen, just like you did for me."
As he heard my words, his worried and anxious eyes slowly relaxed. He gently tightened his grasp, finally showing his familiar warm smile as the negative thoughts harboring his mind slowly disappeared.
"... Thank you, Lys. You don't know how much those words mean to me right now..."
But just before I was about to respond, a guard came up to us with an exasperated expression. Once he stood near us, he began gasping for air. "Y-Your highness! I have urgent news!"
August looks towards the guard as he gently lets go of my hand. His relieved expression turned sour once more.
Once the guard caught his breath, he looked up and immediately began to speak. "The empress has been poisoned!"
Soon, August's face distorted. His mouth quivered for a long moment as he tried to blurt the words out. "T-That's impossible... The empress has been trained to have tolerance to all types of fatal poison..."
"It is true! The Chancellor sent out a letter, requesting that you return to the Palace immediately!"
August fists his hand before looking down at the ground. He then ran towards the estate. "Prepare a carriage now! I shall immediately inform the duke about the situation!"
"Y-Yes, Your Highness!"
August began running towards the estate, while the guard began to prepare the carriage just like August said to do.
I could only look at August running through the corridor and into the estate. I clenched my hands, bitterly looking at the ground, worrying about the wellbeing of August and his mother.
How could I forget about such an important event? I clearly remember the dates when such an incident occurred in the novel, but the information isn't appearing in my head when I'm trying to remember–
Wait...
How... could I... forget...?
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The warm sun slowly begins to set, with the golden hue of the sky turning midnight, just like August's hair…
Mother and father stand outside of the open gates of an estate, gazing at the luxurious carriage with August standing in front of it, looking troubled and sad. Sera stands next to me, clenching on my clothes, feeling slightly worried for him.
Mother clenches the cloth around her heart, looking worried about the situation that is going on in the Imperial Palace.
Father takes a step forward, placing his hand on August's shoulder. He hesitates for a moment before speaking. "... Are you sure you want to go alone?"
August stays motionless before sadly nodding. "Yes. You don't have to worry about me. It's true that the chances of it being a trap is high... But I don't want to abandon my mother who is suffering..."
"I see." Father slowly took his hand away from his shoulder, still looking worried. The doors to the carriage slowly opens. August takes a deep breath before entering the carriage.
I clenched my hands together.
Despite only seeing his back, I could somehow feel the strong, negative emotions that were about to consume him.
I don't wish to see him suffer.
I don't want the same thing that happened in the Novel to happen. Grieving next to his mother in the cold, wide bed, with her body all shriveled and sick.
I don't want that to happen.
No... I can't let that happen!
I quickly ran towards the carriage.
Father quickly tried to reach out to him as I passed by him. "Lysander! Where are you going?!"
August, who heard the commotion, slowly turned his head around. I stretched out my hand to him, trying to grab his warm hands once more. As our gaze interlocked once more, I quickly grabbed August's hands. "Please... Let me go with you!"
I'm not even sure if what I'm doing or saying is a good idea. But… Even if it isn't, I don't care. I said to myself that I won't be following the same storyline just like in the Novel.
I wish to keep that belief to myself.
I don't wish for August to suffer.
Once August fully comprehended the words that I uttered, his body quickly tensed. His mouth quivering anxiously. "N-No! It's best if you stay here" He looked away from me, gently trying to shake my hand away. "I can't guarantee your safety..."
His face turned more dim as he continued to try and shake my hand away.
I grabbed both his hands, bringing my face close to his.
From this distance… I can see the pain in his eyes. I can see the lingering sadness that lurked within them.
Seeing him in such a state… Make all the more reason for me to go with him.
"Please, August. Take me with you." I stopped, unsure if I should utter the following words. But once again, I didn't care for the consequences as I just wanted to help August. "This is impotent for me to say, but I may be able to save the empress!"
His whole-body flinched. He immediately leaned closer to my face, looking hopeful and surprised. "Do you truly mean that?!"
But once I could respond, I felt a cold hand placed on my shoulder. I slowly looked back and saw father staring at me with slight discontent. "Lysander... I hope you're not being serious about what you said..."
A shiver ran through my spine as he uttered those words. His eyes shimmered red. August quickly let go of my hands before looking away sad and defeated.
I clenched my hand before looking at father. "Father! Please… let me go with August! With my knowledge, you must know that the chances to save the empress will increase–"
His discontent face slowly turned into slight anger, cutting me off. "That is not something you can decide on, Lysander!"
I took a step back as I heard his angry voice. Nevertheless, I took a quick breath before angrily responding back. "Why not?! Is it because you think I can't protect myself?"
"Yes! What if something happens to you once you get to the Imperial Palace? What if people with malicious intents try to hurt you?! Do you truly not care about the feelings from all of us?!"
I froze.
I slowly looked up at father's expression. The lingering anger on his face... It goes to show just how worried he is...
I look at mother and Sera. They both also look worried about my wellbeing…
I dimly look down at the ground, thinking about the choices presented to me. After a long silence, I took a deep breath before calmly looking up at father.
"... I can see that everyone is worried. You too, father. But... If I can't protect my friend from the danger that lurks once he gets to the palace… Then can I truly be called a friend…?"
I looked at Augus, who was looking away shamefully as if he thinks the earlier argument is his fault. I gently grabbed his hand, making him flinch as he slowly looked back at me, before looking at father once more.
"I don't want to see August suffering. I refuse to leave him behind! I know that you might hate me for this, but I wish to go with August… I wish to be by his side."
A moment of silence passes by. August's astounded and perplexed expression continued on before showing a subtle smile.
Father stood motionless before quickly scratching his head with frustration.
He took a deep breath, gazing at me defeatedly. "... I don't know what to do with you... Honestly..." He glared at August for a split second before looking back at me. "If that is what you wish... then so be it. But on the condition that Nilo accompanies you–"
It was out of instinct, but I immediately hugged father after he said those words. He stood there surprised, before letting out a defeated sigh while gently stroking my hair. "... Just make sure to stay safe."
I looked up at him, still hugging him. "Yes! I promise!"
I immediately ran towards mother and Sera before hugging them both. "Mother… Sera... I'll be back."
Mother's worried face slowly turns bitter as she forces out a smile. She leans forward, gently placing her hands on my cheek before looking serious at me. "... Just make sure to be safe... Don't put yourself in danger, Lysander...."
I warmly smiled at her response, trying to ease her worries, even if by a bit. "Yes, mother. I promise."
I hugged Sera one more time. I heard a sigh come out of her before she hugged me back.
As I gave my final farewells to everyone, I slowly walked back to where August was. His uneasy expression still lingers on his face. "Are you sure you want to go with me…?"
I slowly nodded, smiling back to ease his worry. "Of course." I hold his hands once more. "As your friend... I should always be there for you. Let me help you save the empress–"
But before I could finish my sentence, August quickly pulled me into his arms, tightly hugging me. "... Thank you, Lys... You don't know just how comforting your words are to me right now..."
I slowly hugged him back, patting his back before he pulled away. I let out another bright smile from my face. "I'm glad to be able to help, August. We will definitely save your mother."
He let out his familiar, and everlasting, smile. "Yes! With you by my side, we will definitely save my mother!"