Chapter 97: The End of a Festival (I).
"Hah…"
The Japanese streamer, Analissa Blanchet, took a deep breath, steadying herself as she grasped her new wand. She focused on the unconscious form of Lady Evelyn, her hand trembling slightly with the weight of the magic she was about to cast.
She whispered softly, her voice filled with quiet determination.
"To bind the light with the flesh, to seek the rot and cleanse the body and soul of all sickness within." Her eyes closed in concentration as the air around her shimmered. "Let the light heal… what is broken."
A brilliant, intricate magic circle began to materialize beneath Lady Evelyn's body, glowing with ethereal light. The symbols danced like stars, ancient and powerful.
Everyone watched in stunned silence, the only one unaffected being the elven professor, whose eyes narrowed with understanding. The light from the magic circle began to pulse, growing brighter, its rays reaching upward into the sky like an immense beacon.
"[Light Magic: Radiant Purge]." Analissa's voice rang out, clear and commanding, as she invoked the spell.
The air crackled with energy as the light enveloped Lady Evelyn, cascading over her, washing away the poison and the deep burns. It was as if the very heavens had opened to aid in her healing.
"I feel my strength fading…" (Analissa) whispered, her voice soft, the toll of the spell becoming apparent as her body began to weaken.
But despite the growing exhaustion, she didn't stop.
She couldn't.
The light continued to burn brightly, washing away the dark poison that had clung to Lady Evelyn's form, its heat and energy overwhelming her senses, but all that mattered was saving the villainess now.
"Lady Analissa-!" (Lord Ein) rushed forward just in time to catch Analissa, her body swaying as exhaustion overcame her.
His arms were steady, but the look on his face betrayed his worry. The Crown Prince, who had been watching the scene unfold, stiffened in anger and jealousy, but he knew he couldn't act rashly- not with so many eyes on him.
'Since when did Ein get so close to Analissa?' Crown Prince Dereck's mind churned, frustration bubbling beneath his calm exterior. But he bit his tongue, unwilling to make a move that would ruin his carefully crafted image in front of the others.
Analissa, her energy completely drained, could only weakly point at her wand and the book floating nervously nearby. Her face was pale, and her voice barely above a whisper. "M-My wand and grimoire. I don't think I can stay awake… I-I want to sleep."
Her words were soft and fragile, and despite her usual strength, she seemed so small and vulnerable in that moment.
The floating grimoire hovered around her, uneasy, sensing its new master's weakness and growing fatigue.
Lord Ein felt a pang of guilt watching her in this state.
She had been through so much that day- fighting, healing, pushing herself to the limit. Now, to see her so tired, so broken, made his heart ache.
He gently took the wand of light and the magical book from, carefully keeping it close to his chest before casting the inventory spell. "[Inventorium]. I'll keep it safe for you, please rest. I'll explain everything I can when you wake up."
"Remember… our promise. Thank you… Lord Ein." Her voice was soft, filled with gratitude, but the exhaustion weighed heavily on her, and her eyes fluttered shut.
Professor Fraeya watched the scene carefully from the side, her expression serious. She took a few cautious steps forward and knelt down beside the unconscious Analissa, her brow furrowing with concern.
All the professors that watched the miracle unfolded were shocked and amazed, they all took a good look at the heroine and began singing each of their praises.
"Lady Alarie looks as if nothing had happened! Her skin is now in good condition!"
"I can't believe it- is this the true power of light magic? This is the first time I've seen a huge magic circle glowing so bright it covered the whole arena!"
"Truly astounding, she will be in fact the next saintess!"
"She's out of mana. Miss Analissa Blanchet is a good kid, and what she did was no easy feat," She murmured softly, her tone both admiring and sympathetic.
"Ngh." (Lady Evelyn) groaned softly, her body aching as she slowly regained consciousness. She blinked, the world around her fuzzy at first.
"What in the world happened?" Her voice was hoarse, and her head throbbed with a dull pain. She tried to move, but her body was weak, and she winced in discomfort.
"You're awake-!" Lord Ein's voice rang out with relief as he looked down at her. His face was full of concern, but his gaze softened when he saw her stir.
Lady Evelyn's eyes darted around the scene, confused and disoriented. Her gaze flicked to Lord Ein, who was sitting beside her, and then to the figure of Analissa, still cradled in his arms. Her heart skipped a beat, but she was too exhausted to process the situation fully.
"Are you alright, Lady Evelyn?" The professors around them murmured, looking at Analissa with wide-eyed awe. "We've been trying to get the poison out of your body for a long while. We thought you weren't going to make it."
They were clearly stunned, but their attention was divided between the two women- Analissa and Lady Evelyn.
"I… was poisoned?" Lady Evelyn's confusion only deepened as she saw the concerned faces of the professors. She tried to move, expecting to be in pain but she was surprised that she was just feeling fine. "It doesn't feel like I was poisoned."
"Why is she laying in your arms?" she asked, her voice weak and strained. She could barely comprehend what she was seeing.
Lord Ein quickly adjusted his grip on Analissa, who had fainted from exhaustion, her body still limp in his arms. His face reflected a mixture of admiration and worry.
Lady Evelyn, still reeling from the events, struggled to piece together what had happened.
She looked at the professors, but their expressions were filled with awe and admiration- something she didn't understand, especially considering her current state.
Her current… state?
"Why do I feel… good?" She stretched her fingers and saw that her arm didn't have any other lingering effects from overclocking/using too much of her mana. 'Even my overclocking symptoms were completely removed. As expected, her light magic abilities and adaptability to learn spells fast is amazing. Normal healing magic can't heal poison…'
Analissa was sleeping soundly, her pale and weakened form lying still. Her breathing was shallow, and her exhaustion was evident in every slow rise and fall of her chest.
Lady Evelyn reached out with a trembling hand to touch her cheek, feeling a deep surge of concern. But before she could process more of the situation-
"...cough!"
Analissa suddenly coughed, her body convulsing slightly as blood spilled from her mouth. The crimson liquid stained her clothes, and everyone around them gasped in shock.
"Hold on-!" The professors scrambled, panic evident in their faces, as they rushed to hold Analissa still. Her fragile state made it difficult to stabilize her, but they acted quickly, their concern mounting with each passing second. "[Heal]!"
The sight of blood splattered on her clothes- her own blood- made Lady Evelyn's stomach twist. Her eyes widened in alarm.
"W-Why is she coughing up blood?!" The villainess who had been accidentally spat on by the blood exclaimed in a frantic panic.
Lord Ein cried out, his voice strained with confusion and fear.
"I-I don't know!" His mind raced as he watched the blood trickle from Analissa's mouth. His own body was stiff with shock, unsure of how to help her.
"Analissa!" (Lady Evelyn) called out her name, desperation creeping into her tone. She leaned over her, trying to use her healing magic. She summoned a soft light, attempting to heal Analissa's wounds and ease her suffering, but to her horror, nothing worked. The magic failed to take hold, and the blood continued to flow.
Professor Fraeya, seeing the dire situation unfold, quickly took charge.
"The both of you, hold her still, [Inventorium]." She pulled something from her inventory hastily, a small vial containing glowing blue liquid. "We'll make her drink this. Don't worry, this is just a regular mana potion. I have a feeling she used every ounce of her mana just to save you."
As the mana potion was given to Analissa putting it into her mouth, her coughing ceased, and the blood flow slowed. Slowly, her critical condition stabilized, but her skin remained pale, and her breathing still shallow.
Lady Evelyn gently placed her hand on Analissa's forehead and frowned, feeling the warmth radiating from her skin.
"Could it be another cold coming? S-She's warm." (Lady Evelyn) muttered, her worry growing as she watched the girl who had saved her now in such a vulnerable state.
Professor Fraeya shook her head, her expression grave. "No, this must be a symptom of her using too much light magic in one day. Duchess Alarie, please, you have to understand- she wanted to save you."
"I know that, but…" Lady Evelyn's voice faltered, the weight of guilt and helplessness pressing down on her.
"I... I don't…" She was on the verge of breaking down, tears welling in her eyes, but she knew Analissa needed help more than anything. "I have to get her out of here. Please, let me take her to the infirmary."
Lord Ein, though deeply concerned for both women, knew that he couldn't allow someone still recovering from their own injuries to carry Analissa.
"You just recovered, so I'll take her to the infirmary-" He began, but his words were interrupted by a forceful, angry shout from behind.
"What in the hell, Ein?!" The Crown Prince stormed forward, his face twisted in jealousy and frustration. He had been standing off to the side, watching the scene unfold with growing irritation, but now, unable to suppress his anger, he stepped toward them and kicked Lord Ein in his back.
Thud!
"Ngh!" (Lord Ein) groans in pain.
But he tries his best to make sure Analissa Blanchet doesn't get hurt.
"Y-Your highness! What are you-?!"
"Shut up all of you!"
Everyone around them stood not knowing what to do. They were teachers… people whose duty it was to teach children and guide them to the right path.
"Since when did you get chummy with this lot? And I told you…" His voice rose, becoming a shout. "Analissa Blanchet is mine! I should be the one to take her to the infirmary! Anyone who gets in my way I will have them taken care of!"
"...!"
At that moment every professor felt fear and helplessness as they realized their life might be in danger if they got in between.
The tension in the air was thick, as Lord Ein and the Crown Prince locked eyes. Lord Ein's expression hardened, trying to keep calm. The Crown Prince's behavior, so openly possessive, only fueled his growing frustration.
Professor Fraeya, seeing the escalating conflict, stepped in between Lord Ein and the Crown Prince with a calm but commanding presence. She placed a hand firmly on Lord Ein's shoulder, her voice smooth but authoritative.
"Your highness, I suggest you take a deep breath and calm yourself down." She looked at the Crown Prince with quiet disdain. "I have no time to listen to threats from a human child who can do nothing but bark orders… and your threats mean nothing to me."
But before she could finish her reprimand, a sharp, swift motion came from behind, catching everyone by surprise.
Crack!
"Ungh!"
Lady Evelyn, still reeling from the rush of emotions, had swung her fist across the Crown Prince's face with a force that made his nose bleed.
The punch landed straight on his nose, the impact of it startling him, but before he could react, she swung again, her rage bubbling over. Her knuckles were bruised, the blood rushing to her hand as she threw another punch.
The fury she had been holding in was now exploding- "It must be your fault why she's like this!"
She was beyond caring about the consequences now. Seeing Analissa, the heroine, lying unconscious on the ground- her body spent from sacrificing every ounce of mana to save her- only made Lady Evelyn angrier.
'I'll kill him! I'll kill him! I'll kill him!' She had been through so much, and now she was in this state because of the poison that he had caused. With a final, forceful motion, Lady Evelyn got on top of the Crown Prince, locking him in place before landing several more punches on him, each one fueled by her mounting rage.
Crown Prince Dereck, though surprised by her outburst, chuckled darkly, a malicious grin creeping across his face despite the pain.
"No, it's your fault!" He spat, his voice thick with venom. "You had to go and-"
But before he could finish his sentence, Lady Evelyn's fist landed once more, followed by another sickening blow. She wasn't done with him. "You poisoned me! You hurt her! You-!"
"[Obex Claustrum]." Professor Fraeya's voice rang out, the air around her rippling with the force of her command. A sound barrier was casted as the two continued to throw insults at one another.
No one could hear them.
"The two of you should watch your mouths! You're in front of so many people! I suggest you not continue with whatever you're about to do. You're both acting like children!" Her stern tone cut through the tension like a blade, but the gravity of the situation made the words all the more piercing.
They continued to fight.
She sighs, realizing that these two really are human children. She holds the villainess by the back collar of her clothes, dragging her away from the crown prince.
"Your father is coming, best if you could hold yourself together before he arrives and sees this mess. Many people are watching, calm yourself down." (Professor Fraeya) added, her voice low and dangerous, a reminder that the consequences of their actions were about to escalate.
But even with the mention of Lady Evelyn's father she didn't stop.
"I want to kill you, stab you right now for even pulling such a cheating trick on me and endangering Miss Blanchet like this!" Lady Evelyn's voice shook with barely contained rage, the intensity of her anger growing with each word.
She looked at the Crown Prince with nothing but contempt, her fists clenched. "I expected it, but… I wasn't expecting Analissa to… now… if she doesn't wake up, I'll kill you."
"You're the reason why she's not awake. The feeling is mutual," He replied calmly, wiping the blood off his cheek, his eyes never leaving the villainess'. His words were filled with a cold, calculated resolve. "Leave Analissa's care to me, this is your future king's orders."
He's done it again.
Every time he's faced with an argument he can't win… he reminds everyone in the room that one day he will be King. No one would bat an eye, even agree with him or even lick his feet.
But Lady Evelyn has her limits tested and broken.
"Hell no." Lady Evelyn's voice snapped, her refusal final. "I refuse, I will not give her to you because you think you can own her."
She wasn't going to back down from this, not when Analissa's life was in the balance.
"Both of you, this is not the time." Professor Fraeya's voice rose, exasperated. Her patience had worn thin, but she understood the weight of the situation.
Lord Ein's gaze lingered on Analissa's sleeping face, her exhaustion clear in the peaceful expression despite the turmoil she had endured. His eyes softened as he looked at Lady Evelyn, who was still seething with anger.
He gently pulled at her sleeve, trying to calm her down. "Lady Alarie, please calm yourself down. What she needs right now… is you. If you have the strength to punch him multiple times, then you're more than capable of carrying her to the infirmary."
Crown Prince Dereck clicked his tongue, frustration evident in his posture. He had been too distracted before, but now he understood the situation all too well.
'Evelyn Alarie only got lucky because I wasn't paying attention…' His mind seethed with jealousy, but his pride kept him from making another rash move.
"However, if you continue to let your mind be clouded by nothing but anger and frustration," Lord Ein's voice softened but held a stern edge, "I fear you're not stable enough to care for Analissa Blanchet. Please, calm down for her sake."
Lady Evelyn took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling as she struggled to control the fire within her. Her anger still burned, but she was beginning to steady herself.
"Hah…" She looked at Lord Ein, her voice quieter but resolute. "My apologies, Lord Ein. You're right. I have calmed down. Please, let me carry her to the infirmary. I promise, she… is more important than arguing with him."
Lord Ein smiled faintly, feeling a sense of relief as he carefully passed Analissa into Lady Evelyn's arms.
His heart ached, seeing the girl who had sacrificed so much now so vulnerable.
"Y-You!" Crown Prince Dereck's voice trembled with frustration, his pride and jealousy gnawing at him.
He had expected Lady Evelyn to react this way, but hearing it aloud only stung more. His frustration was evident in the tight clenching of his fists, but he didn't move- he couldn't risk making a scene.
Lady Evelyn rose to her feet, holding Analissa in a princess carry. Her eyes were steady, her voice unshaken as she addressed Crown Prince Dereck with a pointed, cutting remark.
"You've won our match, haven't you? Why don't you celebrate? Because clearly, you wanted to win right?" She met his gaze with cold defiance, no longer caring about the competition or the man before her.
"Lady Alarie, there's still a chance you could request a rematch. There is clear evidence that this might've been sabotaged-" One of the professors began, trying to diffuse the situation.
"There is no need for a rematch," Lady Evelyn's voice rang out, firm and final. "I forfeit, because Analissa Blanchet is more important to me than this."
Everyone became shocked and flustered with the sudden announcement.
Who knew the daughter of THE Duke Vernon Alarie could be this sweet.
"Well I'll be damned." (Professor Fraeya) couldn't help but feel a bit happy and proud at her boldness. Seeing the figure of the girl, she could see the resemblance of her cousin, Olivia Charlotte Alarie.
The madwoman who orchestrated a fake suicide plan just to escape with her woman.
Mr. Wazinki couldn't help but comment on the situation as well. The announcer's voice echoed through the stadium, a sharp contrast to the tension in the air.
"The winner of the match is Crown Prince Dereck Louvecroft! It seems that Lady Evelyn Alarie is leaving the arena! She forfeits the match to take her good friend to the infirmary!" The crowd murmured, some whispering in surprise, others confused by the sudden shift.
The crowd quickly murmured to form their own opinions.
"Lady Alarie is forfeiting? She's carrying someone, look! By the light it's Analissa Blanchet"
"I can't believe that a huge magic circle was used! What do you think? I couldn't see properly much."
"S-She's princess carrying someone! Lady Alarie's good friend? Who is that?"
A few were interested in Analissa and Evelyn's condition while the other half who was not aware what was happening just cheered for the crown prince, all clapping and not even caring. As long as someone won, they could all take attendance and go home.
"Whoo! Congratulations, your highness!"
"We love you! Glory to the crown!"
"Amazing!"
"It won't change anything even if you forfeit. Give her to me!" Crown Prince Dereck's voice rose with possessiveness, his anger mixing with his desperation. The jealousy burned in his eyes as he glared at Lady Evelyn, unwilling to let her leave with Analissa, who had "interfered" with his plans.
Why did she go ahead and live?
He was so… so close to obtaining his happy ending.
Lord Ein stood tall, his body positioning itself firmly between Lady Evelyn and the Crown Prince. His gaze was unwavering, a protective barrier for both women. "Go."
His voice was calm but filled with quiet authority, his eyes fixed on Crown Prince Dereck, daring him to make a move. "I'll handle him."
"You still have a lot of explaining to do, Einsel Loucrat." Lady Evelyn's voice was firm, and though her anger still smoldered beneath the surface, she wasn't finished with him yet. She turned her gaze toward Lord Ein, her eyes filled with an unspoken request.
"And I will give you answers. Just get her checked out first," (Lord Ein) said smiling, his tone serious, but his eyes still filled with concern for Analissa. "She's our good friend after all."
To Lord Ein she is his good friend.
But to Lady Evelyn… She's her everything.