The midnight-haired boy lays down on the couch, his head on top of his arms as he stares solemnly at the empty ceiling. The shimmering lights of the midnight sky and stars pass through the window and embrace him with utter tranquility, yet unable to ease his worries.
As he listens to the sound of the bustling wind outside, he finally lets out a sigh before gazing at the white-haired boy sleeping on the bed.
His eyes slowly saddened as he recalls what the flame being said to him. "... They said they were protecting him, but I just can't trust them…"
He clenches his hand, looking away shamefully as he couldn't even protect the person he cares about. "I still don't know their true intentions… Their sinister aura just makes their words even more doubtful…."
What bothers me even more is that I still don't know the things that Lys has gone through... That being said that Lys suffered a lot during his childhood, but I just can't see the Blakesty household as such a toxic environment.
I feel quite empty... I've only been by his side for a few months, but I just can't help but try and understand him… Try and learn more about him…
Is this what it feels like to genuinely adore someone? To the point of trying to understand their pain and sorrow? Trying to figure out a way to get rid of those negative emotions so they can feel happy?
The boy slowly extends his hands up to the ceiling, carefully closing my eyes before clenching his extended hand.
An hour passed as the boy continued to stay motionless in the utter silence, but that silence was gently accompanied by the breathing of the white-haired boy sleeping peacefully.
Being able to feel his presence, the midnight-haired boy couldn't help but smile warmly.
But that smile didn't last long… He slowly brings back his hand down to his chest, looking at the ceiling solemnly once again.
"... There are so many enemies in the palace, all of which seek to fulfill their greed. I couldn't help but blame myself for bringing him into such a dangerous place. He almost got hurt…"
A single thought ran across his mind as he continued to stare at the ceiling. "I don't want to see him in pain…"
The boy places his arm over his eyes, blocking out the dim light of the night sky before letting out a deep sigh. After a while, a sudden knock emerged from the door, catching his attention.
He slowly rose up from the couch, gazing at the door. "... Come in."
The doors slowly opened before two familiar people entered the room: Ema and Nilo.
They slowly began walking towards the midnight-haired boy. Once they stood right in front of him, Ema shifted her gaze around the room before looking to where the white-haired was sleeping.
Her eyes showed slight worry before stoically looking back at August. "... Is he feeling unwell?"
August stayed silent before gazing shamefully away.. "I cannot say..." He then looked towards the sleeping boy in the bed with worry. "... Today's event was too much for him to handle."
She slowly stroked her chin, thinking deeply for a moment. "I see. We should let him rest without disturbance then. Do you want to go to another room?"
He shook his head. "It's alright." He then snapped his finger. In an instant, a large insignia formed underneath the three people before a thick barrier soon surrounded them.
Ema looks around once more. "A silent spell..." She glanced at the boy, looking questionably at him "I'm assuming you obtained your fourth ring then?"
"Training with the duke has helped me a lot. He made me realize what I wanted to protect and how to cherish this world..."
After hearing his response, she threw herself onto the couch, crossing her legs before flicking her hair back while placing her arm on the couch's side frame. As she feels comfortable sitting down on the couch, she finally looks at the boy irritably. "You really like to keep secrets. So, I'm guessing he also taught you how to cast such magic, hmm?"
"Indeed. He told me to always be prepared in case of–"
"Yeah, Yeah. Don't spare me the tiny details. I just wanted a yes or no. Let's just get on topic now."
Flicking her hand towards me annoyingly, I couldn't help but let out a frigid smile. I looked towards Sir Nilo, who was still standing up with some sections of his clothes burnt off.
"Thankfully, you are safe." I looked towards the ground solemnly. "I wasn't able to be of any use to you there... I was more of a burden..."
Sir Nilo shook his head. "Do not worry, your highness. I'm willing to give up my life for both you and the young master. It was just coincidental that I was able to attain my seventh ring at the moment."
I couldn't help but sigh at his response. I slowly looked at the section where his clothes were burnt off. His lower abdomen also seems to have been injured.
I can't help but blame my incompetence. He got injured just to protect us. Despite that, he's not mad or disappointed with me…
I continued to look at his abdomen before closely seeing his toned muscles and abs. "... I'm quite surprised. You have a very toned body. I always thought you were slim with little muscle..."
His stoic eyes soon showed a hint of disdain as I said those words. "... That's quite rude." He sighs before crossing his arms. "I need to have the physical capability to carry his grace's orders. If I can't do that, how can I continue serving under him?"
Seeing him get angry at me... I can't help but feel relieved, even if he's angry at me for a different reason.
I sheepishly looked away. "Ah.... forgive me if what I said sounded wrong. I don't have a knack for words."
Ema let out a chuckle. "That's true. You tend to try and give out compliments, but they end up turning out to be insults."
I couldn't help but scratch my hair with embarrassment. Sir Nilo soon sat down in one of the empty chairs near the couches before looking seriously at me.
"Setting that aside, I have some news for you." He paused for a moment, deciding what to say first. "The Head Mage was able to successfully dispel the curse from the empress. Furthermore, we captured some of the remaining enemies hiding and lurking around the palace's parameters."
My eyes widened as I heard those words. "I see. Does that mean mother is safe now?"
Nilo looked at Ema, trying to get her to answer my question. She sighs before flicking her hand at us with annoyance. "She's going to be fine, but her recovery is something that still needs to be considered, which brings us to the current topic…"
Her closed eyes soon slowly opened before they sharpened right at me. "I believe you should remain in the palace, your highness."
"... For what reason?"
She leaned her body forward, fiddling her hands. "Nothing major. The recovery will take around a month or so with the help of magic and other procedures. Rumors have begun circulating about the well-being of the empress. If nobles find out that she is out of commission..."
"There will be some implications over the imperial family's authority."
Ema nodded at Sir Nilo's response. "Indeed. To avoid such a thing, we must first show that the empress is up and going again."
I began contemplating what they said.
The nobles questioning the empress's authority will lead to people trying to find a new power holder to take her place as the ruler of the Empire. Corruption will inevitably result from such things and will make the Empire crumble from within...
I can't let that happen.
I looked back at them as I finished up my thoughts. "Do you intend to plan an Imperial Ball then?"
Both nodded before Ema looked back at me. "It might be short notice, but we've talked about this with Lord Marcus. In fact, he was the one who suggested this idea. Seeing how he said the ball would commence in a month, he must have a plan to successfully help the empress recover to her former state during that time."
"I see... so you want me to stay here to ensure that there are no more people who have infiltrated the palace then?"
Ema quickly folded her arms before leaning back on the couch. "You're quick to catch on. With your blessing, it will ensure the utmost security before and during the event. Of course, we can't force you to stay, but I do hope you agree with this plan."
I stood there silently.
What they're saying is right. With the blessing, I can be sure to identify the enemies.
I want to help, I do, but... for some reason, I just can't come to any conclusion by myself...
I sheepishly look down at the ground once more. "I... I'll think about it..."
Ema continued to sit on the couch before closing her eyes with agreement. "I see. Take your time thinking about it then. Whatever your decision is, we'll be sure to accept it."
She began walking towards me, placing her hand on my shoulder as she tried to comfort me. "Make sure to get sufficient rest..." She then looks right where Lys was. "Though I doubt that'll be possible."
I couldn't help but let out a scoff before looking away from her with embarrassment. "Please... Just leave."
A small chuckle escaped her mouth. "Fine, Fine. I'll stop teasing. I have no doubt you're not that kind of person, your highness."
I deeply sighed "... I'm still a child. You know that, right?"
She stood there thinking in silence before looking slightly coldly at me. "You don't strike me as a child."
Right as she was about to exit the room, she paused for a moment. She slowly turned her head before letting out a gentle smile. "Still, make sure to take care of the little princess. I have a feeling he won't wake up for a while."
I couldn't help but feel gloomy as she said those words. She finally exited the room, leaving Sir Nilo and me alone in the silent room.
"... Your highness. I will remain here with the young master, so you can sleep in another room if you wish too." He then closes his eyes. "Of course, I can't help it if you wish to remain in the room with the young master."
I let out a chuckle before subtly smiling back. "... Thanks. I'll–"
Just before I was to finish my sentence, Sir Nilo quickly walked towards the couch that I was sleeping on before laying himself down, closing his eyes as if he was about to go to sleep. "I'll be taking the couch. I can't have his highness sleeping in such an uncomfortable way." He then opened one of his eyes. "... I trust you won't do anything rash?"
"If you don't trust me, then it's better for me to sleep on the couch."
He let out a sigh. "At least be grateful that I'm giving you an opportunity. You may think you're shrewd, but practically everyone knows about your feelings for the young master."
I couldn't help but feel my face turning red from embarrassment. "I-Is it that obvious?!"
Hearing my response, I could hear him let out a small chuckle. "I'm surprised. You always seem calm and collected. But when it comes to the young master, that poised appearance changes completely." He lays there in silence before speaking again. "Love is a random emotion that pops up whenever it wants..."
He slowly sits up and looks at me with a caring expression. "I just hope that love is truly genuine. I have no right to get in the way of that emotion or abstain you from it."
He then let out a caring smile. "But what I can do is help it get stronger.'
My mind blanked as I heard his acceptance of my feelings for Lys. I've always seen Sir Nilo with his stoic expression, but seeing this caring and expressive side of him... I can't help but feel at ease.
"... Is that something you experienced before with your partner?"
He slowly closes his eyes, lays back down on the couch before letting out a small chuckle once more. "I guess you can say that. Just accept my kindness. I have no issues with the two of you."
I slowly gazed at the bed that Lys was sleeping in. Seeing his peaceful and relaxed face… I couldn't help but walk towards him. As my slow and silent steps finally reached the edge of the bed, I finally gazed closer at his sleeping face.
I couldn't help but smile the more I looked at him. I couldn't help but move a strand of his hair away from his face and move it behind his ear. I carefully got into bed, trying hard to not wake him up before laying side by side.
I couldn't help but continue to look at him with utmost care and affection, before slowly intertwining my hand with his.
His warmth... his fluffy aura... it puts me at ease...
I couldn't help but fall asleep to this loving feeling of his presence…
I couldn't help but continue to love him even more...
✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ .
I felt the bright light of the sun shining through my eyelids, forcing me to wake up from my slumber. As I slowly sat up from this unfamiliar bed, I began to inspect my surroundings while gently rubbing my swollen eyes. Upon feeling the warmth of someone laying on my legs, I saw a familiar figure.
Her winter-white hair scattered around the bed as she slept without a care in the world. As I continued to look at her with disbelief, she slowly woke up from her sleep, rubbing her eyes before looking at me.
Her sleepy expression quickly turned happy as she hugged me tightly. "Lys! You're finally awake!"
"Sera...? What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at the estate?"
She looked up at me with a bright smile, still hugging me tightly. "Mother, Father, and I came here after hearing about you. Thank goodness you're not hurt!"
After she said those words, the doors slowly creaked open. Behind the door stood Mother and Father. Once they saw me, they hurriedly walked towards me with worry written on their faces.
Mother gently slowly embraced me into her arms. "Lysander! I'm glad you're safe."
Father slowly walked towards me before gently patting my head with a gentle smile on his face. "... I'm glad that you're safe, Lysander."
Just before Mother released me from her hug, I tilted my head with confusion. "Did something happen...?"
Father let out a deep sigh while mother let out a bitter smile.
After a moment of silence, father spoke once again. "You were asleep for a whole week."
My whole body flinched. I slowly looked down at the bed, clenching the sheets with my hand before looking back up at them with a bitter smile, feeling slightly guilty for making them worried. "I see... Did I cause any more inconvenience?"
Mother quickly shook her head. "That's not it, Lysander. We were just worried about you that we decided to travel here..." She paused for a moment, stroking my hair before smiling warmly. "You helped resolve the crisis here. I can't help but feel grateful to you for saving the empress..."
She hugged me once again. Sera looked at us before jumping in. "Let me in too!"
Mother laughed before looking at Father. "Why don't you join in too?"
Father flinched at those words before fidgeting his hands while looking slightly embarrassed. "... Sure." He slowly walked up to us before joining in on the hug.
The warmth of their embrace... I can't help but continue to love these people...
My family...
A few seconds later, the door opened before August entered the room, behind him were Nila and Priya. Once he saw what we were doing, he let out a small cough. As father heard that signal, he quickly gently removed his hands around us before looking embarrassed at August."G-Greetings, your highness."
August slightly chuckled as he nodded at his words before looking at me, showing his usual warm smile. "It's good to see that you are awake, Lys..."
I smiled at his response before looking at Nila and Priya. Once our gazes connected they smiled warmly before waving at me.
I couldn't help but smile back.
It's been so long since I last saw them...
Priya's once shy and awkward attitude is now poised and elegant. Her wavy red hair is carefully groomed behind her.
Nila's ponytail reached further down her lower back, still looking mature just like before, but now showing a wild and adventurous personality that she never had.
August looked back at father with a subtle smile. "I just came up to see how Lys was doing. I hope you don't mind that."
Father contemplates for a bit. "... Not at all. You've been visiting him every day, so I must thank you for caring about my son." He then sarcastically smiles back at him. "Though, of course… this amount of care is quite abnormal if I must say, your highness."
"Lys is my closest friend, so how can I bear to see him in any pain?"
Father lets out an annoyed smile before letting out a sigh. "... I see. I cannot argue with that. I must thank you for protecting my son."
August lets out a small chuckle before looking back at me with a smile. "I'll be on my way now. I just wanted to see how Lys was doing." He then winks at me. "Of course, if my visit wasn't enough for you then come to the training ground. I'll be there with Ema."
I let out a small chuckle. "I see. I'll make sure to visit you then."
After hearing that, he warmly waves goodbye before leaving the room.
Father and Sera seem to look a bit annoyed for some reason while mother continued to smile while stroking my hair.
Priya walked towards me before slightly leaning forward, placing her hand on my forehead. She closed her eyes as a small trickle of mana slowly entered me. After a minute, she opened her eyes. "Everything seems stable." She then smiles at me before looking at both mother and father. "He seems to be in good condition, your grace."
Right as she said that, Nila came up to me and ruffled my hair somewhat aggressively. "Sleeping for a week straight, guess you were feeling tired."
I let out another small chuckle. "But now I feel awake with everyone here."
Everyone smiled as I said those words. With their warm gazes all over me, I couldn't help but feel that I'm actually loved…
Mother brought me into her arms once more. "Lysander... I'm always grateful to have you as my son. Whoever you love, whoever you wish to see, or whoever you wish to protect. I will always be by your side."
I don't know why, but those words made me feel emotional...
Who do I love...?
I closed my eyes and embraced her back, feeling the warmth of my true mother as I asked myself that question... When I opened my eyes, I looked behind me to see Sera gone, alongside Nila.
"Maybe she went outside... but why do I have a bad feeling about this?"
It is just as the young boy predicted.
In the imperial training grounds, the midnight-haired boy can be seen talking to Ema as the soldiers around them continued on with their harsh training.
Loud footsteps slowly emerged from the sandy ground before stopping. August felt the peculiar, yet familiar, presence before looking away from Ema.
Behind him, he saw the young white-haired girl with Nila behind her.
August tilts his head somewhat confused before bidding farewell to Eme and walking towards her.
As he finally stands in front of Seraphina, he slightly bowed down. "Lady Seraphina, what brings you to the training ground?"
Seraphina stood silent, looking at the boy with slight disdain. "You... we need to talk."
August slowly closes his eyes with a hum, unfazed about what she said, before standing back up. "I see. I suppose I have some free time now." He then let out a subtle smile. "I didn't expect you, out of all the people, to be the one to visit me. I was eagerly expecting Lys to be the one to come."
Seraphina's once childish nature soon turned stoic and matured, still holding a hint of grudge behind her eyes. "I'm sorry for ruining your expectations, but I just want to make sure of something."
August slightly tilts his head. "About?"
Seraphina crosses her arms, tapping her fingers on her forearm impatiently as she tries to work out her thoughts.
"... Have your feelings for Lys changed...?"