"Though our most prized festival was cut short, and we solemnly remember the lives lost this sad evening, that's not why we're here. I'd like to present and congratulate the heroes that saved our beautiful city!" the Duke announced.
The massive crowd cheered.
I couldn't hold back a smile, standing there on the stage. Liora, Marielle, and both princes stood beside me. Prince's caretaker, Thalia, was at the estate recovering, and Jezebel and Ahab had left the city right after the event. I believe they didn't want to stick around for Alwyn to return.
I looked at Liora. Her face perturbed me, a red blush settled across her face and she was giggling strangely.
"What's wrong with you?" I whispered.
"Huh? What do you mean? Ehehehe..."
"I'll now reward our heroes with medals of honor! The Twin Apprentices of Alwyn The Everflame, Lin and Liora," he said.
'The Twin Apprentices'??? When have we ever been called that! I'm definitely not her twin!
"Look at that, Linnie. They love us..." Liora whispered.
"Prince Sylven, for your great debut! And Crown Prince Odrick, for another great feat which only further proves his capabilities!"
The crowd's cheers were a lot louder for the princes.
"And I am so proud and honored to award the final medal to my own daughter, Marielle! As many of you know, she is a very promising swordstress! Though I feel there isn't a better time than now to announce—"
"Father, is now really the time?"
"Of course it is. You're leaving soon, what better time than now?"
"Hmph. Do as you wish."
"Sorry about that, my people! I proudly announce that your Lady Marielle has been gifted by Gaud and his saints with an aptitude for magic!"
The crowd murmured, confused.
"I know many of you are surprised and wondering to yourself, 'does this mean she's going to become a witch of the tower?' OF COURSE NOT!" he roared with laughter. "She would never! Corvailles is a city of the kingdom, Marielle will still become a knight!"
I looked around. It seemed that the crowd was as confused as I was.
"Yes, yes, I'm being vague, aren't I? Well, give it up for your lady, Marielle, for she is to become a magic swordstress! One of the very few in the entire kingdom!"
The crowd's cheers were the loudest I'd ever heard for Marielle. The people certainly loved her, but I was still confused.
A magic swordstress... that's a knight that can use magic, isn't it? It seems obvious, so why have I never heard of such a thing before? And to think this noble girl ended up being this impressive...?
"Have you ever heard of a magic swordstress?" Liora asked me.
"No... but I guess it's something special for the crowd to have such a reaction."
We were on that stage a while longer, listening to The Duke speak. He told the people of Malachai's doings and fate. It was, despite the man's evil deeds, still a hit to The Duke's reputation. He'd managed to sink his teeth too deep into the people.
See, Malachai had grown up a lower class citizen of Corvailles. He achieved a very rare and prestigious scholarship to the local university, and there he met The Duke. They soon grew close, and he was even accepted as The Duke's ward.
He'd become sort of an uncle figure to Marielle in her early years. But, soon enough, he became plagued by a religious mania. Worship of Pischt was especially strong in the lower class neighborhoods, and so Malachai had grown up in Pischt's Septry of The Dreaming Maiden.
Originally a pillar of his revolutionary urban development, his obsession with Pischt consumed his work, eventually leading to him creating his 'cult' and performing rituals in order to contact Pischt. It did succeed, and he came in contact with Poseidon, the devil of the sea, who took his dream and made him false promises.
Or perhaps it truly was Pischt. Personally, I held no doubt that the deity that stole my rest would do the same to another.
Of course, The Duke didn't say all of this. Only the first part and his crimes. I learned it all from a different source.
"But even after all of that, I got no closer to Pischt. You were wrong."
"I apologize, Lin. Please don't think I misled you on purpose. It's just that, deities like these are far too unpredictable."
"So what can I do now? We're sure to leave Corvailles as soon as Alwyn gets back. This was my only lead!"
"Don't be so dramatic. This was your only lead because it was the only lead I gave you."
"So? You have another one?"
"...I will."
"So you're as clueless as I am. Great..."
"You will get your dream back, I promise. But, in the meantime, rely on the girl."
That's right, I nearly forgot.
"Is that what you meant the first time? That she could put me to sleep?"
"That's part of it. I think you'll find her useful in a multitude of ways. Helping you rest is one of them. Keep her close."
Ehhh... I guess I have no choice.
"Was it you?"
"What do you mean?"
"Did you put her in my path so Alwyn would take her in?"
"Haaa, no. I don't have that kind of influence. It was just a happy coincidence."
"What are you?"
"...? I'm a simple spirit."
Yeah, right.
"Lin, hold on. Don't you hear that?"
"Hear what?"
"Shhhh... listen. Footsteps."
The shadow was right. Footsteps. And they were far too heavy to be Liora's or Prince's.
"Intruders? Are they the cultists?"
"Hmmm, that's for you to find out, isn't it? How would I know?"
With that, she disappeared again. But it wasn't so late that the sun forced her away, so I assumed she just didn't want to talk to me anymore.
If it's a remaining group of cultists, then they could only be trying to do one thing...! They're here to assassinate The Duke!
I quietly peeked into the hallway. They were already gone from the guest wing. I grabbed my hat off the hanger and slid into my robes. Running as quietly as I could, I made my way to The Duke's quarters.
I made it to his hallway, but there were no assassins to be seen. Well, it was quite foolish of me to assume I would just see the assassins lingering there in the first place. I fell on my face; a dozen small throwing daggers stuck from my back.
Oh great, I can't move. Is it poison? I can't die here, after all of this, can I?
The assassins came into view. Two, to be exact. They were completely concealed in black, I couldn't even see their eyes.
"Why? After your leader failed and we defeated that monster, why try and assassinate The Duke!? It's over, what's the point?" I questioned.
The two looked at each other for a moment, before one spoke. "Leader? Monster? We have no idea what you're talking about, sorry. We're here for my own reasons. The Duke of Corvailles must die."
What? They aren't cultists? Then who!?
"Who? Who are you?"
"You're better off not knowing. This is a lot bigger than you, kid. I don't want to have to kill you. Just hold still while I make you forget."
"Don't touch me!" I slapped his hand away.
"You heard the boy. Don't touch him."
Ha! No way, it can't be!?
Alwyn stood at the end of the grand hallway. The two assassins jumped back to the door, clearly nervous.
"You two didn't seriously think you escaped me, did you? Your group really is persistent, which Khazar do you serve under? The Obsidian Hand? Or the Sand Viper?"
"How do you know of our Khazars!? Who are you, maridim? They said your kind don't cooperate with the king of Caelthar!"
"Ahh... that's right. You thought you would have an easy little plan while all the knights were drawn away. Sorry, but I'm not like the other... what do you call them? 'Maridim'?" he laughed.
He waved his staff and a stone hand emerged from the ceiling, crushing the two assassins underneath the palm in an instant.
"That's gonna be a pain to clean up..." he sighed. "Lin! I almost didn't notice you there. What're you doing on the floor? There's no way you let those fools sneak up on you..."
"What!? Maybe I would've stood a chance if you taught me magic already!"
"Ha! That's right, you're still a pathetic boy who relies on chants to cast spells. You're not even an apprentice at this point... but no fear, those days are finally coming to an end!"
"You were waiting for Marielle before teaching us, weren't you?"
"Who said anything about the young lady?"
"She's the apprentice you came to Corvailles for, isn't she?
"My apprentice is so sharp-witted. That's right, I was waiting until I gathered all my apprentices so I could avoid re-teaching. That would be such a drag..."
"It's because she's a magic swordstress, right? The reason you decided to take her as your apprentice, I mean."
"Oh, Gaud no. Not at all. Spellswords are totally lame in my opinion. But... I owe The Duke. And he paid quite a large sum, too!"
"Spellsword... lame? Why?"
"They're so inefficient! You have to go through ruthless training to become a knight and become an adept spellcaster. Why not just sink all your time into magic!? It's certain to bring a better result! Ah, but it's the girl's choice, not mine."
"She's quite talented. In fact, it feels like I'm the least talented out of the three of us..."
"Why do you say that?"
"Well... they were able to fly a broom much quicker than I was!"
"I told you already, it's harder for you since you've got such a large pool. Marielle flying a broom is no impressive feat..."
"But Liora! She has even more mana than I do, and she learned it first try..."
"Well... maybe she is more talented than you!" he laughed.
I waited for reassurance, but none came.
Oh man...
"...Can you help me up, now?"
After Alwyn removed the daggers from my back and gave me a health potion, he sent me off to bed so he could clean up on his own. I returned to my room, tired. But, of course, I couldn't sleep.
I crawled under the covers, but what the shadow had said was in my mind. I couldn't relax. I wanted it... I wanted to sleep. So, I threw away my pride and left to the hallway. I knocked on Liora's door, hoping she was awake.
Near instantly, the door swung open.
"What're you doing at my door so late, Linnie?"
She doesn't seem all that sleepy... what was she doing?
I swallowed. "Ehem... I was wondering if...?"
"Hmmmm? I don't get it?"
"Could you suck my blood!?" I blurted out.
I led her into my room and we sat together on my bed. It was beyond embarrassing, and I felt... promiscuous. But it was nothing like that! I simply wanted to sleep.
"It's like I'm your mommy tucking you in... hehehe."
"The hell!? Don't say that! That's weird!"
"Calm down, how are you going to fall asleep like this?"
"...Go ahead."
She sunk her fangs into my neck. It was a lot different than the previous three times, as I was accepting of it now. Since I wasn't resisting, the feeling of warm calm washed over me much more quickly.
I felt my eyes droop, and I yawned. In only a few moments, I was awake, greeted by the sun. I had slept, but it truly felt strange to 'sleep' without a dream. It was almost like a blink that skipped through time.
It's morning... I feel... strange.
I, for the first time in a long time, energetically jumped out of bed.
I feel great!
I had slept the entire night, thanks to Liora. I brought my hand to my neck, feeling where she bit me. It seemed that the puncture wounds healed very quickly, no doubt thanks to the unique Siaryn anatomy.
I started to pack, since we were leaving right after breakfast. Not that I had much to pack in the first place. And everything I did have I just threw into my hat. I left my room and saw both Liora's and Prince's doors open. They'd already left.
I entered the breakfast hall to quite the lively sight. Liora, Marielle, both princes, The Duke, The Duchess, Aliza, and Alwyn were all sitting along the table. It wasn't calm and dignified like I'd pictured a noble breakfast—though I doubt it was by choice.
It was certainly Alwyn and Liora that were the... rowdy factor.
"Linnie, you're finally awake," Aliza laughed.
I took the seat next to her, across from Liora and Marielle.
"So you decided to visit the estate once before we left?"
"Not by choice. Alwyn had to... well, it's not important! Hurry and eat up, we've got to leave soon."
I scooped the gourmet breakfast onto my plate and dug in.
"Where are we headed to after we leave? Do you know?"
"I don't. I imagine we're still heading towards the capital, but I don't know what stops Alwyn needs to make along the way."
"AS IF!"
We all went silent and turned to The Crown Prince.
"Calm down, your highness, you're acting unruly," Alwyn scoffed.
He was picking his teeth, leaning back in his chair while his feet were on the table.
His manners are terrible...!? Worse than mine!
"What can I do when you speak blasphemy!" The Crown Prince laughed. "Knights are far superior to the likes of you magics. We don't need petty tricks to fight for us, only our inner strength!"
"Petty tricks? Seems like someone's jealous he can't use mana~"
"It's a known fact that wizards on average wish they were knights."
"A known fact!? Says who!?" Alwyn slammed his hands on the table.
"Ahem, you're getting food on your fancy wizard robes."
"I don't have to worry about stains, my robes are magical."
"Magic-magic-magic! It's all about magic with you magics."
"Are you purposely being doltish? It's not a good look for the future monarch..."
"Really? We'll see who's doltish. Let's go have a battle on the field outside!"
"...No, I don't think I will. I wouldn't want to accidentally blow The Duke's estate to smithereens, not after he's been so hospitable to me and my apprentices."
"Sounds like someone's scared~!"
Someone shut them up already...
Before they could continue, Aliza slammed Alwyn's head into the table and the younger prince kicked his brother off of his chair.
"Stop arguing!" they both said.
"Hohoho..." The Duke was amused.
The Crown Prince returned to his seat and politely ate his food. Alwyn, though...
Is he unconscious!?!?!?
"Linnie, did you hear?" Liora poked me. "Mari is going to join our party! She's the apprentice we came to Corvailles for. Aren't her witch robes so pretty?"
I hadn't noticed it, but Marielle was dressed in pink robes. Her hat was on her lap, so I could only see the very tip pointing up from beneath the table.
"Yeah, I already know."
"You don't sound particularly enthused about it," Marielle laughed.
"Hm? No, not at all. It's you who shouldn't be so enthused. From noble life to using leaves as toilet paper? Ahhh... I feel bad for you."
"What!? Stop lying, I've packed plenty of toilet paper in my hat. You know, Linnie, you were a lot more polite when we first met. Where did all the respect go?"
"Tsk, who allowed you to call me 'Linnie'? You're no longer a lady, are you? You're Alwyn's apprentice, and as far as I'm concerned, I'm your senior. You should be the one talking politely, to me."
Ahh... the perks of being Alwyn's first apprentice. I feel so powerful right now... haha...ha.
"Well, I thought that since we're now peers, we could call each other by our nicknames. Because, you know, we're equals."
Equals!? Did you not hear a word I just said!?
"But—no, that's right, Mari."
It seemed to hurt her pride to be called that. Not that I knew why it hurt only when I called her that... how was I so different from Liora!?
"Ah! Time to go, guys!"
Alwyn gave his thanks to The Duke and ushered us out. The six of us left through the front door, and we started for the front gate.
Wait a minute... six of us? Alwyn, Aliza, Liora, Marielle, me... and?
"What are you staring at me like that for?" the youngest prince asked.
"Why are you following us?"
"Hm? What do you mean? I'm coming with you, of course."
I stepped back and observed the boy. He was wearing royal purple robes accented with expensive looking gold dust. On his head was his crown, like usual, but it was fitted snugly on top of a large pointed hat.
"Lin, what are you holding us up for?" Alwyn groaned.
"But—it doesn't make any sense... why is he wearing wizard attire?"
"No one told you? The prince came here to Corvailles so he didn't have to wait until we got to the capital. He's my final apprentice."
"HUH!?"