"Quick! Get everything ready! We can't waste a single second!"
"On it!"
"I'll start laying out the accessories and makeup. Check if there's anything missing!"
"Yes ma'am!"
Countless maids hurriedly run around the room as they begin to prepare a single person for the ball. In one corner of the room, a single tall mirror stayed in tune. In front of it, the white-haired boy stood on top of a stool, both arms extended sideways as a female dress tailor began to take his measurements.
The woman burrowed her eyebrows as he finished taking his measurements. "... This is quite troubling..."
The young boy's gaze slowly lingered to the woman. "... Is there something wrong?"
She frowns, stroking her chin with slight frustration. "... The measurements are a few centimeters off. Her grace did warn me that something like this will happen, but I didn't expect this drastic of a change…"
The young boy's gaze slowly turned solemn, looking at an empty lot of the room to not cause any more displeasure. "I'm sorry…"
The tailor looked at the young boy, feeling guilty before sighing. "Don't take my words for granted, Lord Lysander. But you really need to start taking care of your health. Your waistline measurement changed the most, alongside your chest and shoulder."
She took out a pencil and notepad before doing some self-calculations. "Dress measurements are crucial, especially for nobles. A single mistake in the dress design will lead to doubt about your position, no matter the age. Good thing we started preparations early. It should take me around an hour to modify the dress, so you can take this opportunity to rest."
The dress tailor soon got up before quickly walking out of the room while the maids continued their hurried frenzy. The young boy stood in the stool, looking deeply at himself in the mirror. Staring for a long moment, his hands slowly moved towards his stomach, gently placing his hands before clenching them away.
"Even in a new body, I can't change my habits..."
He closed his eyes, breathing in and out before slowly opening them to the mirror once more.
... Today is the day of the royal ball. Everyone is getting ready, including me. But it seems I ran into some difficulties.
I kind of feel guilty about Everett…
Mother and Father said that he should stay behind with Priya and Nila, since he didn't receive any former invitation. The news distraught him for the day before he soon accepted it with a pout.
I looked around the room again, seeing the maids hurrying around the room. Looking closely, I can even see a bath already being prepared. Cleanliness is required, so that's no surprise.
I got down from the stool before heading out the door. "... I'll be back in an hour."
All the maids turned to me before nodding. "Yes, Lord Lysander!"
As I walked down the hallway corridor, I couldn't help but ponder about myself…
It's funny... I remember the original Lysander being more masculine, training with the sword even if he couldn't use aura just for the purpose of his revenge.
But right now... he's nothing more than a sack of bones...
I really need to start paying more attention to my body... to my health... I can't let the same thing happen again.
Thinking and thinking deeply to myself about my personal situation, the scenery continued to change around me as I walked from one location to another… Before I knew it, I walked all the way to the palace's training ground. The soldiers trained till exhaustion with Ema in command.
Sparring, exercising...
Should I try that…?
I… I really want to prevent the same thing that happened in my past life… I don't want to upset the people I care about… I don't want to worry them more than I usually do…
As I continued to look at soldiers training, my gaze inevitably lingered on to him...
Despite the opponent being double in size, the all too familiar midnight hair boy stood his ground. Their swords clash with each other. Even without the use of aura, each strike had a heavy weight that the grown man couldn't replicate.
In a short span, the midnight-haired boy won the spar. He wiped the sweat off his forehead, smiling as he conversed with the man he sparred with, before his eyes slowly shifted from the man to the white-haired boy.
I flinched as I felt our eyes connect. I forgot that he can also sense people's presence...
As we continued to stare at each other without a hint of moment or interruption in between us, his eyes soon sparkled with joy as he happily waved at me with a huge smile. I slowly waved back at him, though my waving hand felt a little damp...
He tilted his head questionably before saying a few words to the man and running towards me with his usual bright and caring smile. "Lys! What brings you here? Shouldn't you be getting ready for the ball?"
Seeing him looking happy at me... made me feel so unworthy of it. I couldn't help but look away with shame. "... I can say the same for you."
Once I registered what I said to him, my eyes widened.
I didn't mean to say that to him…
Even as I continued to look away from him, I could feel his questioning gaze being directed at me before he slightly patted my shoulder. "I'll be getting ready in an hour. I shouldn't skip my training even on the day of the ball."
I slowly nodded, still feeling guilty about my earlier remark. "I see..."
The heavy silence continued to fill the space between us.
No… maybe I'm the one causing the silence to transcribe. I slowly looked back at August, who was still wearing his usual smile. Once he finally saw my face, he let out a chuckle before placing his hand on the side of my face. "I can see that something is troubling you, Lys. I can't force you to tell me, but I'll remain by your side if that'll make you feel less sad."
His smile slowly turned bitter, yet he tried to comfort me as he gently caressed the side of my face. Feeling his warmth… I carefully avoided his eyes. "... Did you see my aura?"
He hummed at my response, staying silent for a moment before looking the other way with his eyes closed. "I could see it without the blessing. It's written all over your face."
I touched my face embarrassedly, slightly shaking his hand off.
I still feel the subtle hope of finally being able to express my emotions, but I have to learn how to control them properly.
It's not good to be easily read like this...
August looked at me from the corner of his eyes before chuckling once more. He turned around and placed his hands on my shoulder once again, showing me his gentle smile. "Don't be distressed. Like I said, if there's anything troubling, don't hesitate to depend on me. I'm always going to be there for you."
I slowly looked back at his warm face. His gentle presence alone calmed me down. But in that single moment, I couldn't help but tell him about my worries. I blabbered more than I needed, but he continued to listen without judging me...
Once I stopped, he stood there thinking before patting my head, trying to ease me more. "Now that I see it, you did get thinner than when I first met you..."
He hummed as he contemplated what to say next before his eyes immediately opened with an idea. "Well, from what I've noticed, it seems that you just forget to eat, not that you won't. A solution might be to just remind you."
He pointed at himself with a playful smile. "I can take you with me at all three meal times if needed. Though… that won't really fix the immediate problem, but it will help at least."
He slowly patted my head again before he closed the distance between us. "Of course, I won't force you if you dislike the idea. We can think of other ideas to counter the problem. But..." His face quickly displayed a small blush in between his cheeks. "It'll be nice to have my meals with you..."
I couldn't help but smile at his suggestion, feeling my face lit up with gratitude. "Yes... that sounds like a good idea we can test."
His face reddened even more before backing away from me, scratching his cheek bashfully.
A young maid slowly approached us before bowing. "Lord Lysander. The dress tailor has finished redesigning your outfit. We should begin preparing for the ball."
I slowly nodded before looking back at August. "Sorry, I have to leave now." I let a small smile emerge from my mouth as a thought ran through my mind. "I'll be looking forward to the dance, August."
August quickly flinched as he heard those words before smiling brightly with anticipation. "I'm also looking forward to the dance, Lys."
As the white-haired boy leaves the corridor with the maid, Ema roughly ruffles August's hair.
The boy quickly flinches before quickly brushing her hand off. "Ema! What are you doing?"
She couldn't help but let out a playful chuckle. "Acting all chummy and intimate, I'm surprised you two are still not together."
"D-Don't say such things like that!"
As she heard those words, she let out a disbelieved scoff before crossing her arms. "Just telling you what I see, but… I'm glad that he chose you as his partner. Who knows which other person he would've gone with."
Ema slowly looked at the young boy with the corner of her eyes. His golden aura began to leak out from him in a sinister manner, his sapphire eyes cold and stern just like when he sees an enemy. With that face, even she felt a cold sweat running down her face.
She looked away from him, trying to avoid eye contact. "M-My bad. I misspoke."
He let out a deep sigh before looking sadly down at the floor. "... Just like you said, there's nothing going between us. So even if he chose someone else, the only thing I can do is accept it as his friend."
She looks at the saddened boy, feeling a hint of sympathy that she never thought she had. "Friends, huh…?"
The midnight-haired boy glances at the hallway he saw the white-haired boy leave from. His eyes slowly saddened at the expected disappointment of him already being gone.
An empty feeling grew within his heart, painfully speaking out his response to Ema. "Yes... just friends."
✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ .
In this cold, crystal night… the stars shimmer brightly alongside the full moon centered up high, out of reach. The cold wind blows through the area with a whimsical whistle as they gently pass through the tree's leaves. The world seems so silent... so pure... In its own way, the beautiful sound of the wind complements the silent and empty night.
I gently closed my eyes, letting the cold wind caress my body, before slowly opening them down at my clothes.
A white coat fitted at the waist and extended into a subtle flare at the hem, furnished with silver embroidery resembling flowers along the edges. The high collar framed my neck neatly, and a row of polished pearl buttons ran down the front. Beneath the coat was a white trousers and an undershirt. The sleeves were slim, just ending above my gloved hands.
Draped over one shoulder was a single white cape, fastened with a silver clasp shaped like a star, its edges embroidered with fine silver thread. The cape fell just below my waist, thankfully making it easy to navigate.
I slightly touched my hair, styled to emphasize the flowing and wavy nature. On my face, slight traces of makeup to emphasize my features were put on by the maids.
When was the last time I had to display myself like this? I hardly attend official events because of this very reason…
Still... I looked at the scene in front of me. Alongside some pink rose petals that flew along the coast from the palace garden, I saw Sera waving eagerly at me. Wearing a soft blush pink gown, with a fitted bodice that flowed into layers of delicate tulle. Her hair was styled in loose curls pinned back with a silver ribbon, and she wore a simple silver bracelet that sparkled with small, clear gems.
Next to her was mother, wearing a gown in soft slate-blue, with a gently fitted bodice and flowing skirts, accented by the subtle embroidery in pale silver along the hem and neckline. Her hair was styled in an elegant updo, secured with a beautiful silver hairpin, and she wore a matching silver necklace that rested just below her collarbone
Alongside her, father stood there wearing a sharp, jet-black suit with a tailored jacket and trousers, accented with the subtle dark-blue embroidery along the lapels. His dark hair was neatly combed back as small chains ran down from a section of his coat.
Sera happily runs towards me before gently grabbing my hand, smiling excitedly. "Lys! You look so beautiful!"
I slowly smiled back at her complement. "Thank you. Sera... You also look beautiful."
She couldn't help but let out a smug face. "He he... I want to show these nobles how dignified I am!"
I reached out my hand to her, almost patting her head before stopping myself from ruining her hair.
Mother walked near us with her warm and caring smile. "Both of you look so beautiful. I'm sure you will be the center of the spotlight."
Father also walked up to us, showing a subtle smile as he gazed at all three of us. "Indeed, I'm sure that everyone's gaze would rest on you all."
We all slowly walked towards the entrance of the ball room, where a guard was standing in front of us as he checked our identity and invitation. Once he confirms, he gently moves out of the way before slightly bowing down.
As the door to the ball slowly creaked open, I couldn't help but feel a little worried.
Soon, the grand doors of the ballroom opened all the way, drawing silence across the room.
The orator quickly stepped in to the door, reading off the words from his scroll with a formal and loud tone. "Announcing Duke Laurence Blakesty, the head of the Blakesty Duchy."
At the mention of the name, so many whispers spread all throughout the room just as father stepped into the room. Tall, handsome, and regal, his presence easily caught everyone's attention.
Many of the people present finally had the chance to see the rumored Duke of Blood. There were always bad rumors surrounding him, from how he was a blood-thirsty maniac, to a corrupted noble that only cared about his power and reputation that rarely showed themselves to the public.
But… as they gazed upon his figure, they couldn't help but be in awe of his physical and handsome appearance. Even his cold, ruby eyes that glared at everyone without trying were so fascinating to see.
The duke stops, reaching out his hand to the person slowly walking behind him with a warm smile. Once the duchess finally made her appearance, did the orator finally introduce her to the crowd. "Next, Duchess Isabella Blakesty."
Gently grabbing the hand in front of her, the duchess smiled lovingly at the duke before they stood in place, waiting for their children to enter the room as they continued holding their hand together.
Seeing the beautiful duchess, the people in the room couldn't help but gasp in awe. "My... Just how does the duchess still look so young?"
"They make such a beautiful couple…"
"Truly… the rumors about their ugly appearances were obviously false!"
Despite the many people praising her beauty, a single person looked at her with disdain. An old man with grey hair and hazel eyes. He turned around and clicked his tongue to avoid seeing any more, facing the young black-haired man that looks similar to Isabella before walking away.
The black-haired man looked at her, his face slightly scowling before following his father.
The young white-haired girl gracefully enters the room, smiling elegantly as the voice of the orator spoke out once more. "Lady Seraphina Blakesty."
The way she carried herself with utter grace and elegance struck the crowd, seeing just how mature he is despite her young age. Once the girl slowly approached her parents, her smile turned brighter, warming the hearts of the people gazing at the scene.
"A true jewel of the family..." Someone whispered, and a collective nod of agreement followed.
"Oh how cute she looks! Her cheeks look so squishy and soft!"
Finally, the white-haired boy slowly walked into the room. Once he stepped into the room, he was blinded by the bright light of the ballroom before hearing the orators' voice echo his name. "Lastly, we have the heir of the Blakesty Duchy, Lord Lysander Blakesty."
The soft light of the chandeliers embraced the pure whiteness of his hair and the gentle glow of his fair skin. The many eyes of the room followed him as he continued to move forward to his family, countless whispers about his beauty and grace spreading throughout the ballroom.
"Good heavens, look at him," a woman whispered to her neighbor, tinged with disbelief, "He's even more striking than what the rumors said."
"Is it true that he has not appeared in public for years?"
"I've heard that he's been hidden away for years. But to appear now like this. It's no wonder that the entire ballroom can't take their eyes off him..."
Another voice chimed in, tinged with envy. "It's rare to see such a blend of beauty and composure..."
"The heir of the Blakesty duchy..."
How can one win him over?
The quiet room soon buzzed aloud, their voices tinged with a mixture of curiosity and admiration. People continued to steal glances without being obvious, their eyes wide and breaths held as they took in the sight of the Blakesty heir.
In their eyes, he was an enigmatic being wrapped in the serenity of his expression, moving with such elegance and composure, all while his beauty was incomparable to the people around him. The whispered conversations continued to float around, praising the flawless symmetry of his features, the elegance of his movements while wearing a cold and unassuming expression that was like ice.
The white-haired boy finally joined his family, feeling slightly embarrassed as he felt the stares of everyone in the room. "... Everyone is staring at me..."
My gaze slowly swept across the room, catching the unfamiliar faces and fleeting smiles of many nobles. The chatter around me continued to intensify, voices mingling with so many emotions and hidden intentions...
Seraphina gently held my hand, holding onto her smile while trying to ease my worries.
Mother gently placed her hand on my shoulder. As I looked up, I could see her gentle smile trying to reassure me. "Lysander, Seraphina. Let's go and greet the empress."
We both nodded before making our way to the main spotlight of the ball: The Empress's stable condition.
Her dark gown glimmered with silver embroidery, the high collar framing her face. Beside her, the Emperor's watchful gaze followed the approaching family with caution.
August stood behind the empress, his midnight blue tunic enveloped by the deep hues of twilight, embroidered with fine golden thread that caught the light of the chandelier in a subtle, regal gleam. His dark hair was styled in precise waves, highlighting his chiseled features.
Our eyes interlocked for a moment. Warm and caring, yet still looking poised. He closes his eyes, nodding to me with a warm smile, sort of like a hidden greeting.
I smiled back before looking at the empress once more. All of us formally bowed down before looking back at her.
She gazed at us all before smiling. "I sincerely welcome the Blakesty family to the ball. May you enjoy yourself to the fullest."
Father slightly nodded back at her response. "Thank you, your majesty."
We soon walked near an open space, standing in the open silent as the soft melody of the orchestra resumed. A moment of deliberation, I heard fathers voice silently echoing.
"... This is where we split up. Like we discussed, if any trouble arises, don't hesitate to inform your mother and I."
My chest tightened at the weight of his words. I slowly nodded before responding. "Understood."
Seraphina gently squeezed my hand before letting go, her smile still bright. "Don't worry, Lys, you'll be fine." With that, she gracefully stepped away, already being drawn into a group of young noblewomen around her age, eager to greet her.
Mother turned to me, her calm and caring tone cutting through the tension around me. "Remember, Lysander, don't worry about what other people say. Your own words hold the most value."
I smiled warmly before nodding. "Yes, Mother."
Mother and Father soon moved toward a gathering of high-ranking nobles, their poised demeanor blending seamlessly into the heavy currents of the ballroom. Left standing alone, I took a deep breath while still hearing the many whispers and glances that hadn't ceased yet.
"Hm...?"
A familiar voice echoed through my head.
"... Is something wrong, Azar?"
He went silent for a long minute before slowly answering. "... Someone caught my attention, that's all."
I cautiously looked around the room. Trying to see who caught Azar's attention. For all I could tell, it could be a potential threat...
Glancing around without being obvious, my gaze soon strayed towards a single person. Recalling their features that I've read from the book, my eyes slowly widened.
Long, wavy deep red-hair akin to a bloomed rose. Sharp, emerald green eyes, and a long, beautiful dress that compliments her natural beauty alongside her hair color. Standing silently in an empty lot of the room with no one by her side.
There's no doubt about it. That's Elara Brentwood.
"Look away!"
Startled by the sudden forceful voice, I looked away.
Elara Brentwood...
Lysander's partner from the novel. The book's narration spoke about her past.
Suffering countlessly throughout her childhood under an abusive family, alone with no one by her side to trust. Meeting Lysander, who was already known as the crazy duke, set her free from her cruel world. Because of that, she inevitably began to obsess over Lysander, who she considered her savior, in the name of "love".
But Lysander used her feelings as a means to gain more power.
A daughter of a reputable Marquis household, and skilled with the sword. He never saw her as a potential partner, only as a pawn...
It's quite sad to think about it. Even after Lysander died, she grieved and became a sub-villain that hindered the progress of the main couple before being executed for treason.
I wonder... Did Lysander ever have feelings for her?
Even just a tiny bit...?
"... It is quite pointless to ask such mundane questions. For the moment, don't make eye contact with her. Something is amiss."
"...? Is something off about her?"
"... Let's just say there is."
I don't know why... but I can't trust his words. They seem to hold some personal lining.
"Lord Lysander, may I have a moment of your time?"
Before I knew it, a group of noble children around my age began to surround me. I can see their eyes sparkle with amazement and wonder.
I made sure to remember the names and faces of everyone who attended the ball, so I don't embarrass myself. Though, I doubt it was necessary…
From only three people to five to ten and so on... A large crowd slowly surrounded me. Intent to give their greetings.
Introduction, family background, connections and so on. The conversation continued to cycle the same way over and over again without any signs of stopping.
As I continued to force out a smile while trying to converse with the people surrounding me, a boy's voice suddenly chimed in. "B-By the way, Lord Lysander. Do you have a dance partner...?"
Hearing those words, all of the noble children's eyes soon lingered to me as the question arose. But before I could even respond, many children suddenly pushed their way towards me, extending their hands to me.
"If not, could I have the chance to be your partner!?"
A girl suddenly pushed away the boy that asked for my hand. "Ha?! Don't you already have a partner? Move out the way!"
Another child then went in between, trying to get close to me while extending my hand even closer. "Please choose me, Lord Lysander!"
The crowd of children began to argue with each other. An awkward sweat ran down my face as I stood there motionlessly.
Just what are they fighting for...?
Soon, silent footsteps echoed through the hall, closing in on us with a hint of dissatisfaction. "I'm afraid that Lord Lysander has already chosen his dance partner for the night."
The familiar voice flowed from behind me. I slowly turned around to see August suddenly standing behind me with his forced and stoic smile. He gently offered his hand towards me, eagerly anticipating me to accept his gesture to prove his claim.
I slowly smiled back before gently placing my hand on top of his. As he felt the warmth of my hand, I could see a gentle smile emerge from his lips before he looked at the lot of children in front of us. "As you can see, Lord Lysander has selected me to be his dance partner."
His eyes slowly narrowed downward. The sapphire glow of his eyes shimmered eerily as his smile suddenly displayed a hint of displeasure, maybe even anger, to the people in front of him. "I'm sure you can all understand…"
"Heek..!"
The noble children slightly backed away with fear. Before I could question him, the orchestra music quietly shifted into a soft, vibrant melody. The room hushed as people began to take their positions into the dance floor. August extended his hand towards me, his midnight hair shimmering under the chandelier's glow just like that time when we danced...
The flicker of his smile continued on his face, yet laced with a hint of nervousness. "May I have the honor of this dance, Lord Lysander?"
I hesitated, aware of the hundreds of eyes subtly observing us. The quiet murmurs of curiosity and speculation grew fainter as I placed my hand in his, trying to match his composure. "The honor would be mine, your highness."
With that, he guided me to the center of the ballroom floor. It might've just been me, but I could feel the room slightly parting away from us, the gathered nobles creating a wide circle as they watched.
August glanced at me, his gaze warm and stead, before he gently placed his hand on my waist. I followed his lead, one hand resting lightly on his shoulder, the other still held firmly in his grasp.
The music slowly began, and so the dance commenced.
August led me effortlessly with grace, his movements precise and fluid just like before. I found myself following instinctively, my steps mirroring his as if we had rehearsed before the ball.
His hand guided me alongside the tempo of the music, gently tightening his grasp around my waist before he slowly brought his face closer to mine. "How are you faring? You seemed troubled back there."
I looked deep into his eyes, seeing his warm eyes gazing down at me before smiling warmly in response. "I'm doing well. The sudden question just threw me off... I hadn't anticipated being asked to be someone's dance partner."
He let out a small chuckle, twirling me around to the next sequence of the dance as he continued to smile endearingly. "Then I must be lucky to have asked you beforehand. If not, you might've danced with someone else."
I chuckled at his response before we shifted to the next phase of the dance.
We moved through the open space, the sound of the orchestra being our only guide. I could slightly feel the weight of the room's attention, but ever since stepping into the ballroom, it didn't feel as suffocating.
With each step, the quiet murmurs seemed to fade, leaving only the music, the soft echo of our movements, and the steady rhythm of August's presence.
As I gently closed my eyes, I could feel the warmth of his hand coursing through my body. The way he gently holds me while leading me to the dance, twirling me before bringing me back, while showing me such a warm and endearing smile…
I felt as if the world was gone, and it was just us two.
As the waltz reached its finale, August led me into a graceful turn before the final note lingered in the air, and we came to a gentle stop, our positions held in perfect form.
The room erupted into polite applause for the people that danced, the sound breaking the trance-like atmosphere that had surrounded us. I slowly breathed in before glancing at August as he offered a slight bow.
"Thank you, Lord Lysander, for dancing with me."
I returned the bow, a faint warmth creeping into my cheeks. "Thank you, your highness. I couldn't have asked for a better partner."
As the applause subsided and the orchestra prepared for the next piece, August extended his arm slightly, a subtle invitation to walk off the floor together. I accepted, and we moved back toward the edge of the room, the whispers and gazes trailing behind us like the fading notes of the music.
He carefully led me away from the ballroom and into the outside balcony. Despite it being accessible to the people in the room, it was surprisingly empty.
As I gazed up at the sky, I could see the midnight sky covered with stars with the crescent moon shining above. As we quietly walked towards the balcony edge, August slowly let go of my hand before placing his arms on the stone fence.
He stared at the sky, letting the cold air envelop us before he slowly closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath. The moonlight rayed on him beautifully, his hair glistening alongside the sky and stars. I couldn't help but be in awe at his beautiful appearance…
I followed his every movement, enjoying the beautiful scene in front of me as the silence continued to fill the space between us.
It didn't feel unpleasant, but relaxing...
After a while of the fleeting silence, his warm voice slowly emerged. "... I'm sure that Lady Seraphina is going to get angry for dancing with you first."
I slowly glanced at him, letting out a small chuckle before looking back at the ballroom behind us. "Don't worry, I'm sure she will understand... There's still plenty of time left after all."
The black-haired boy glanced at white-haired boy with a small blush on his face, hoping that his feelings will one day be delivered, and accepted. "Indeed... There is still time left. I wouldn't want to miss any of it… especially with you…"
I glanced at him one more time. Hearing those words, I couldn't help but smile warmly at him.. "Me neither..."
The festive ball continued, with music and chatter filling the air. The emperor who was still sitting in his chair quietly left the main hall. His departure went unnoticed as the nobles remained focused on their mundane chatter and jitters.
His footsteps echoed throughout the empty corridors as he walked away from the ball. The lively atmosphere of the ball faded into silence. Reaching a random door, he looked around to ensure no one was watching before stepping inside and locking the door behind him.
The room was dark and empty, with only the faint glistering of the moonlight shining through the small window. He stood still for a moment before his body started to change.
His form began to shrink, his wide shoulders hunching forward. His skin melted away, revealing the dark, scarred flesh underneath. Deep marks and jagged scars covered her body. The regal outfit transformed into a black assassin's cloak, and her black middle-length hair fell past her shoulders. Black cat ears twitched slightly, and a dark tail swayed behind her. Her dead black eyes scanned the room, cold and unmoving.
She pulled a small red gem from a pocket in her cloak. Slowly putting a sip of mana, she brought it close to her lips before the red gem lit up.
[What is the current situation?]
She stood in silence, unable to utter a single word. Her mouth slowly opened with hesitation before responding back. "... An absolute failure."
[... Tsk, Again? Not only did we fail to assassinate a single person from the Blakesty Household, but we couldn't even eliminate the empress? Ten years of hard work all down the drain. No matter. Starts heading back, the saint has finally awakened, we can't deal with any more failures now.]
The red gem soon dimmed, and the girl brought her hand down from her mouth. She looks at the moon emotionlessly before painfully closing her eyes as her body begins to morph into the emperor once again.
"... So cold..."
The royal ball continued on throughout the night without any signs of stopping. Once it ended, we soon returned back home.
August came with us since he is still learning under father, and the peaceful days continued on without any major incidents occurring.
Before I knew it, four years had passed.
Standing in the same garden that I am all too familiar with, I gently extended my hand towards a falling leaf petal. Once it landed on my palm, l gently closed my hand before slowly releasing my grasp, the leaf now frozen on top of my hand.
It soon dissipates into the air. Shimmering through the air like snow...
"Lys!"
I heard the familiar voice calling out my name. I slowly turned around to see August waving his hand at me.
More muscular than four years ago, his facial features are even more chiseled and defined as his hair grew slightly longer and wavier.
Once he got close to me, he suddenly pulled me into a tight embrace.
I can't tell when, but lately he's been more touchy with me...
But for some reason… I don't mind it. In fact, every time he does so, I can feel my face turn slightly red.
As he glanced at my face, he suddenly smirked and closed his eyes, burying his face deeper on my neck. His hand was clinging around me more tightly on my back before speaking warmly to me. "How has your day been, Lys?"
I hesitantly placed my hands around his shoulder, hugging him back before responding. "... It was the same as usual. How about you?"
He let out a small chuckle. "That's good to hear. My training has been getting more intense lately. The entrance exam will soon commence after all."
I patted his back after hearing his struggle.
Yes... The entrance exam is about to commence.
Lusia Academy, the place where I may spend the next four years in.