The setting sun was almost gone, making the scenery from where I gazed through the carriage's window a deep shade of black and blue. Countless trees were rooted down to the earth, and their leaves filled with multitudes of hues fell down to the ground to prepare for winter.
From the corner of my eyes, I could spot guards on horses following us from behind, keeping guard for any possible danger.
I was in deep thoughts as to how to deal with the current situation at hand.
My gaze then shifted to the seat in front of me, and saw Nilo sitting there with his arms crossed and eyes closed—not sleeping, but meditating. The same weapons he had before were still attached to his body.
I then looked at the seat next to me, and saw August resting his arm on the edge of the carriage window—staring emptily at the moving scene.
The more I gazed at his window reflection, the more I could see the troubles that surrounded him.
I want to help him, but I think it's best to give him some space for the moment...
Hesitantly, I looked back at Nilo. After a while of feeling my stare, Nilo slowly opened, and looked at me coldly before letting out a sigh.
"Young Master... I really wonder what goes through that little head of yours."
I couldn't help but scratch my head awkwardly. "... My apologies for dragging you with me, Nilo."
Nilo shook his head before showing his usual stoic face. "Don't be. Even if it was rash, you did it because you wanted to help His Highness, didn't you?"
He tapped the side of his head with his finger, and stayed silent for a moment. "... That was the first time you asked for something, to the point of arguing with His Grace." He then let out a subtle smile before gazing out the window. "Everyone, even His Grace, was surprised by the selfish request you made."
I looked at him, feeling slightly confused, before looking down at the carriage floor.
"I see..."
Selfishness: being concerned excessively or exclusively with oneself; seeking or concentrating on one's own advantage, pleasure, or well-being without regard for others.
Carnal desires that stemmed from being selfish... I never understood.
Even when my current parents wanted to pamper or spoil me, I just went along with them without asking for anything else. And whenever they asked if I wanted something more, I just respectfully declined the offer.
Even in my past life... the idea of being spoiled was non-existent.
But even when I didn't know how to spoil... I tried to spoil them whenever the chance arrived, so they didn't turn out just like me...
But for the first time, I portrayed an act of selfishness. Even if it was for a compelling cause, it hindered other people who regarded my personal wellbeing, and almost put my relationship with them in jeopardy.
I couldn't help but feel so guilty.
I did it to help August, so he wouldn't experience the tragedies from the novel…
But was that the right choice to make?
With that question lingering in my head, I looked back at August—who continued to gaze at the scenery outside. But through the window's reflection, I could slightly see him gazing at me, as if interested by our conversation.
As we interlocked eyes, I warmly smiled at him before looking back at Nilo. "Even then... I don't regret the choice I made."
After uttering those words, I felt a heavy weight on my right shoulder. I turned my head around, and saw August laying his head on my shoulder with his eyes finally closed.
"... Thank you for going with me, Lys."
Feeling touched by his sudden gratitude, I shook my head, and slowly closed before laying my head next to his. "Like I said to you before August: I'm here for you."
Hearing those words, August smiled warmly before interlocking his hand with mine. We both relaxed in this momentary peace, just caring about each other before we arrived at the place of conflict.
"There are so many thoughts juggling inside my head."
What do we do once we arrive at the Imperial Palace? How exactly can I resolve the situation? How exactly can I help? What do we do when we are in danger?
But... maybe it was because I kept thinking about such things, that my mind began to wander.
Having my eyes closed—in a peaceful setting, all while the sky was dark is making me feel so… sleepy.
This will be the only time where we can rest without worrying about what will come our way. The only certain time where August will feel at ease...
Nilo continued to look at the now sleeping children in front of him. He slightly leaned forward on his seat, and stroked his chin as he stared at their interlocked hands.
"... Friends, huh?"
He then leaned back, and gazed out the window. The night sky finally consumed the whole sky—leaving no trace of the golden sun, and countless stars began to shimmer with the crescent moon shining beautifully in the middle.
As he continued to gaze at the sky, his mouth slowly curved up into a subtle smile.
"I wonder when they'll realize that their actions don't reflect what friends would normally do..."
Despite the hour of rest already being here, he made sure to stay awake and protect these two boys as they slept peacefully with one another—even after they reached their destination.
✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦
A sudden ray of light passed through my eyelids, and I heard a continuous voice echoing through my head. As the voice slowly grew louder and louder, I slowly began opening my eyes.
"... Lys!"
The same echoing voice finally called out my name, and I felt a slight shake from my shoulder, causing me to immediately wake up.
I gently rubbed my eyes, and looked up to see August standing near me—showing me a warm smile that was on par with the sunlight behind him.
"Good morning, Lys."
I let out a small yawn, and rubbed my eyes before wiping off a subtle tear.
"... Good morning, August."
After finally regaining my vision, I looked outside the carriage window and saw the gray paved building that resembled slightly like a castle—but on a smaller scale.
Once the doors of the carriage were opened by the guards, August was the first to walk down the small stairs. As he finally reached the end of the stairs, he then stretched his hand towards me with a smile.
"Take my hand. I don't want you to fall."
I stared at his hand for a moment, and then smiled before placing my hand on top of his. He gently pulled me forward as I continued to walk down the stairs, and once I got down, he shifted his gaze to the building.
"We have arrived at the terminal gate."
"I see..."
I shifted my gaze back to the building.
"So, this is one of the terminal gates…"
The magic properties in this world can be divided into two categories: elemental and non-elemental.
The way fire moves and blazes while burning everything it touches, or how water flows freely through the stream using mana can be considered elemental magic. Other magic, such as teleportation, can be considered non-elemental magic.
In each region controlled by a noble, there is at least one terminal gate installed.
These terminal gates are buildings that use teleportation magic to transport a single person, or group, from one location immediately to another. A convenient way of traveling between large distances.
It is quite pricey, but not too expensive, so most people tend to use such means of transportation for long distances.
I looked around the area, and saw Nilo talking to some of the guards that were accompanying us during our trip.
Once he was done talking to the guard, he shifted his gaze towards us. He then began walking our way, and once he stood in front of me, he slightly bowed down. "Good morning, Young Master, Your Highness. I hope you two were able to sleep well in the carriage."
I nodded back to his words. "It wasn't that uncomfortable."
August then took a step forward, and looked anxiously at Nilo. "... How long before the teleportation gate is ready?"
Nilo silently stood there for a moment before responding. "... Approximately two hours, Your Highness."
August's eyes slightly widened before he looked down at the ground, and clenched his hand into a fist. "... I see. It can't be helped. It's already good enough that we can get there quickly at least."
Another moment of silence passed by once again before August looked up at the sky with his slightly tired eyes. After closing his eyes, and taking a deep breath, he then began walking towards the building.
Seeing him suddenly walk away without a word, I tried to reach out my hand to him and go after him.
But for some odd reason, I stopped.
The only thing I could do was look at his back as he slowly disappeared inside the building.
"I don't know what to do…"
How can I make him feel better?
Do I just say happy things? Do I stand there by his side? Do I have to bring him something?
As I continued to have these thoughts, I felt someone place their hands on my shoulder. I looked up to see Nilo standing behind me, looking at me with his usual stoic face before he let out a sigh.
"... Do not overthink it, Young Master. I have been by your side for an exceptionally long time to know what troubles you." His unmoving lips slowly curved up into a subtle smile. "Just be yourself."
My eyes widened at those words. "Be myself...?"
"You really do act like a child when it comes to such things." He then placed his hand behind my back before gently pushing me forward. "Follow him, and be by his side. That is the only thing he is hoping for at this time of crisis: your presence."
I anxiously looked in front of me once more.
Even though it's obvious, August is nowhere to be seen.
Maybe it is because of what Nilo said, but I instinctively tried to follow where he might've gone. My hesitant, small steps became larger and quicker until I eventually began running towards the building.
As I ran inside the building, I looked around to so many people of diverse backgrounds and statuses walking along the hallway corridor. From the common people and noblemen, to beastmen, elves and dwarfs that I only read about in books.
Workers in dark blue attires were positioned everywhere, and the lounges were all filled with red cushioned couches, while a huge golden chandelier hovered in the center.
I continued to run on the hallway, and towards the center where the chandelier hovered.
But before I knew it, I ran out of breath, and stopped amidst my track before placing my hands on my knees to try and catch my breath.
Someone then walked in front of me. I looked up and saw a young woman in worker attire looking at me worriedly.
"Are you lost?"
I shook my head, still catching my breath. "N-No... I'm just trying to find someone."
"I see. Maybe I'll be able to help. Can you perhaps tell me what they look like?"
Once I caught my breath, I slowly began to think about how to describe August before the words of the novel suddenly popped into my mind.
"... He has deep, midnight-colored hair and keen sapphire eyes."
The lady began to think for a moment before talking once again.
"I think I know who you are referring to."
"Y-You do…?!"
She nodded before pointing towards one of the lounges. "He's resting in one of the seats there. One of my coworkers tried to talk to him, but—"
"Thank you!"
I quickly walked towards the direction she pointed while waving sincerely at her.
Her surprised face slowly turned into a smile before she waved back. Once I reached the location she talked about, I could vividly see August.
He was sitting on one of the red-cushioned couches, and was resting his head on it with his eyes closed shut. I quickly began to approach him. As I finally stood in front of him, August began to move his head forward from the seat with his eyes still closed before looking slightly annoyed.
"I already said that I just want to be alone—"
"August!"
Once he heard my voice, his eyes immediately opened wide. He stared at me for a few long seconds before looking away with shame.
"... I just want to be alone."
I let out a small sigh before I sat right next to him, and laid my head on his shoulder. The sudden contact made him flinch, but he didn't try to move my head away.
"... Just let me be by your side, August. We don't have to talk, but... I just want to make sure you are okay."
August slowly looked at me. His worried expression slowly softened before he rested his head back on the couch.
"I see... Thank you."
He closed his eyes once again, and began to feel more relaxed as the moments of silence continued on before he broke the silence. "... Are you sure you really want to go with me to the palace? It's still not too late to head back."
I gazed at him from the corner of my eyes, slightly curious about his words. "... Is the Imperial Palace truly a dangerous place to be in?"
He let out a chuckle, and slowly opened his eyes to gaze at the countless shimmering lights that emerge from the golden chandelier above. "... It's a dangerous place, Lys. Every little movement I do is being watched carefully by people who wish to make me disappear."
He looked back at me, and showed me a bitter smile. "There were countless times where my life was in danger. Countless times where I was betrayed by the people who I thought were on my side..."
He then reached out for my hand, trying to at least find a source of warmth behind his cold and dim words. "... I got used to such things, especially after receiving the Blessing of the Swords, but... I don't want anything to happen to you."
I looked at his eyes, and saw the lingering sadness in them before I squeezed his hand back in response. "... But I also don't want to see you get hurt, August. That's why I came with you." I then smiled before continuing on with my words.
"I guess we both just don't want to see each other get hurt."
August continued to look at me, his eyes widening with awe, before he looked away with a small blush.
"... I see." He gently squeezed my hand back before letting out a smile. "Your presence means a lot to me right now..."
I patted his shoulder. "If you ever worried about anything, just know that you can depend on me."
He continued to look away with a blush before taking a deep breath. After slowly calming himself down, he looked back at me with his usual warm smile.
"... Thank you, Lys."
We then began conversing about the many things that caught our attention—in the hopes of making August feel more at ease. The more we talked, the more we got to know each other better than back in the mansion.
And for some reason… this warm feeling in my heart continued to grow even bigger.
"Young Master, Your Highness. The teleportation gate is ready."
As we continued to sit down on the couch, Nilo suddenly stood before us. His stoic still remained even as we stared at him for questions.
After a moment of silence staring, I hesitantly opened my mouth.
"How long have you been there...?"
Nilo stayed silent before slightly gazing away. "... I'm always by your side, Young Master. Even if it doesn't seem like it."
"Ah... Okay." I quickly stood up, and looked up at him once more. "Shall we start heading to the teleportation gate now?"
Hearing those words, August also stood up from the couch, and immediately nodded. "The faster we get there, the better the chances of saving my mother."
"I see." Nilo stretched his hand, and gestured towards one of the hallways. "Then let me lead you both to the teleportation gate we will be traveling through. For the moment, only the three of us would go to the gate. The rest of the guards have said that they will travel by foot by different orders."
August warily looked at Nilo before stroking his chin. "... They intend to split us up from the get-go."
Nilo nodded back. "The letter given to the guards was absolute—stating that it was under the Empress, despite her being sick in bed..."
"It doesn't matter. Even if our forces are divided, I'm confident that we can at least protect ourselves."
"Indeed. But even then, I have the responsibility of protecting Your Highness and the Young Master under His Grace's orders."
August let out a small smile. "That is relieving to hear... But you should also prioritize your own safety if things get dire."
Nilo shook his head. "I won't make any strong promises."
We then began making our way towards the corridor. After a few minutes of constant walking, the same corridor led to a hallway filled with similar-looking brown doors—each labeled with different numbers and letters.
Nilo then stopped at one of the doors.
"... Door 1A556. I suppose this is our room."
He then opened the door, and inside exposed a liquid or gas type substance filling the wall with a mixture of blue, red, and purple colored substances swirling among each other like a black hole.
My eyes widened as a condensed amount of mana began to focus on the center of the gate. "So, this is a teleportation gate..."
"Indeed. Every time I use the gate, it's always a new… experience." August clenched his hand. "Hopefully, mother is not in any dire state."
Nilo took a step inside the room before turning his head to us. "The teleportation gate is on a smaller scale since we are a small group." He then glanced at the gate. "Nevertheless, we should remain vigilant on what comes on the other side."
As Nilo said those words, August's body slightly began to shake.
I gently held his shaking hand, and squeezed it to try and calm him down. He flinched at the touch before looking down at our hands. After he saw that it was my hand, he slowly smiled before interlocking his fingers with mine.
As I felt his shaking hand subside, I looked up to him and smiled.
"We will surely save her."
August looked at me briefly before nodding with determination.
Nilo quickly began to usher us to the gate. Once we stood before it, we waited for Nilo's order.
"In the count of three, let us enter the gate together."
I gulped and gently squeezed August's hand.
"Three!"
August looked down at our interlocked hands once more, and gently squeezed my hand back before looking at me. "Don't be afraid. Just like you said, I will be by your side and protect you."
"Two!"
I shifted my gaze from the portal to August, and looked straight into his sapphire-colored eyes.
"Strangely enough... looking at him helped me calm down."
In response to his warm touch, I slowly smiled back and nodded.
"Yes... I'll also protect you."
"One! Now!"
As we all took a step forward and entered the gate, the feeling of being submerged in water resonated throughout my whole body. The feeling is vastly different from the normal teleportation magic that I use—maybe because this is a more advanced version.
My consciousness soon began to fade, and my whole surroundings turned black.
"Huh... this is an awfully similar experience... an experience I don't wish to remember again…"
✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦
Countless maids, doctors, and priests hurriedly entered and left a singular room—panicking while bringing in multitudes of things for the patient inside.
As one of the maids entered the room, she hurriedly made her way to the bed, and placed a warm cloth on the patient's burning head.
Who was the patient laying on the bed?
It was none other than the Empress of the Izora Empire: Elena Rutherford.
Her shriveled, red hair spread out all around the bed, while her pale complexion rummaged by the constant sweat filled her whole face. Every few minutes or so, the same maid would constantly change the wet towel from her forehead, while doctors and priests continued to stay by her side to try and cure her.
In the other end of the room stood the Head Mage Marcus, worrying about the Empress as she continued to suffer from the poison.
Soon, one of the priests hurriedly made his way towards the mage.
"Lord Marcus, none of the healing spells or medications are currently working. The poisoning is rapidly spreading through different sections of her body. At this rate, she will not be able to make it!"
Marcus gripped the wooden staff tightly. "... It's unfortunate that I cannot use any healing spells since I do not have any affinity with the light attribute."
A doctor then came running to the mage. "Lord Marcus. We have contacted many high ranking priests with at least six rings or above, but I am not sure how long it will be before they arrive!"
The maid who was changing the towel suddenly shouted. "Lord Marcus, her body temperature keeps rising into dangerous levels!"
"Lord Marcus! Many of the herbs required to create a tonic are missing in the alchemy room, even though they were there the last time we checked!"
"Lord Marcus! There are issues regarding the analysis of the poison that the Empress consumed!"
"Lord Marcus!"
"Lord Marcus!"
"Lord Marcus!"
Countless voices began to call out to him, but he continued to look anxiously at the sick Empress—having found no way to save her.
"Is there really no way to save you, Elena...?"
Shortly after, a guard entered the room. "Lord Marcus. The Imperial Prince, alongside some people from the Blakesty Duchy, have arrived!"
The mage's head slowly rose to the guard.
Soon, August ran towards the sickened Empress. So out of breath, yet the only thing he could do was stare down at the sick Empress without ever so blinking. After a few seconds, he stretched his trembling hand towards her, and gently touched her sickly and burning face.
"Mother..."
He then gently held her sick hand. The Empress' eyes opened, and she saw her son's face briefly before closing them again, and falling into a deep sleep.
August slowly let go of her hand before his sorrowful face turned cold.
He stood up, looked around the room, and coldly gazed at everyone before stopping at a middle-aged male doctor and one of the female maids.
His face darkened before he pointed at them.
"Imprison those two."
Two guards that were by the door immediately fixed their posture before bowing respectfully.
"Yes, Your Highness!"
The two guards then began to apprehend the people that August pointed at. They struggled to break free from their grasp. But struggling as they might, their hands were then tied up behind their back. Just as they were being dragged through the door, they quickly looked up at August one last time before begging for mercy.
"Y-Your Highness, I did not have any part of this conspiracy!"
"P-Please believe me, Your Highness! I did nothing wrong!"
But August scoffed in response before coldly walking toward the male doctor. Once he stood in front of him, his sapphire eyes narrowed with complete anger before he aggressively grabbed the doctor's mouth—shutting him up—before lifting his frightened face.
"Please do not make it worse for yourself by telling lies. If you truly did nothing, then cooperate with the guards to prove your innocence."
After saying those words, August released the doctor—who was now cowering with so much fear—and dusted his hand off with a handkerchief. He then began talking to the guards about what to do with them, and how they should proceed with the interrogation.
Soon, the white-haired boy entered the room with Nilo.
The mage, who witnessed the situation without intervening, slowly walked up to the two people who just entered.
August also began walking towards them as he finished talking with the guards. "Lord Marcus. These two are people from the Blakesty Duchy: Lysander Blakesty and his guard, Nilo."
The mage looked at me before showing a smile. "I see. Glad to make your acquaintances."
I tilted my head, remembering the time I first met this person, before smiling. "... This isn't our first-time meeting though, is it?"
The mage looks surprised before smiling once again.
"You have quite a keen memory..." He slowly stroked his beard. "Indeed. I had the pleasure to meet you a day after you were born. The bearer of the Blessing of the Mana..." He then let out a subtle sigh, and looked at the chaotic room. "But what brings you here? As you can see... we are experiencing a dire situation..."
"I'm here to help."
His eyes widened as he heard my words. "I see... I appreciate the gesture, but I am not sure this is something that can be resolved easily..." He then looked at the sick Empress. "... I can't even do anything to help."
The mage quietly began walking towards the sick Empress.
As he stood next to her, I slowly shifted my gaze to the sick Empress. August soon walked to where the mage was, looking sad once again, and held to the Empress hand before conversing with the mage.
The first time I saw the Empress in the throne room, I remember her upward and elegant appearance that showed nothing but power and authority.
But in her bed, that appearance was now overshadowed by her pale complexion and thin, malnourished body.
As I continued to look at the Empress's sick body, my eyes slowly widened.
"What is that...?"
Maybe it's because I can see the physical manifestation of mana, but a dark substance began to intertwine with the powerful mana of the Empress.
The same black substance that I saw that day when I was young, with the pink-haired girl, is now engulfing the Empress...
"There's no way that this is a coincidence..."
I tugged at Nilo's clothes. "Nilo. Do you remember when the pink-haired magic swordsman consumed that mysterious pill?"
Nilo gazed down at me before nodding. "I do recall that event—" His eyes then widened as he began stroking his chin. "You don't mean..."
I nodded before looking at the sick empress again. "I can see it. The same black power that engulfed that girl is now trying to engulf the Empress. There must be a link between these two cases..."
This is not a simple case of being poisoned.
She was cursed...