~ Boom !!
– That person did what ?!
The prince’s hand stamped firmly on the desk, which if it had been an ordinary one would have turned to rubble.
– Erudite? He’s obviously a phony! And yet… How the hell did a complete stranger get to obtain fragments of our holy scriptures? – He exclaimed in a fit of disbelief.
– Only basic references … – A voice rang out of nowhere.
– One word is enough! More importantly… is he using our fire deep path to teach some stray kids? Has he lost his mind? !!
Silence.
Time passed as the prince controlled his breathing to regain his calm. It was a long time since he had fallen into such turmoil.
– All right. Show me this book you’re talking about … – extending his hand.
– ………
Silence.
– ………? – looking confused.
– ………
Fortunately for her, the prince couldn’t see her mouth opening and closing without making a sound. If he was confused, her mind was more so. Why didn’t she even consider taking that little girl’s book?
– Anyway … What else have you discovered? – He continued, frowning slightly, not knowing how to interpret this silence.
Maybe this had some kind of protection?
– Actually … it’s not just the path of fire …
– Oh … the foundations of another deep path … – forgetting for a moment his irritation – Wind? Earth? Ice? …
– ……… Yes.
– Excuse me?
– He is teaching… all the ways.
– ……… ??
– Also…
– There’s still more?! – He exclaimed incredulously.
If he didn’t know her personality, he would think she was playing a prank on him.
As the prince rubbed his temple, Tania’s expression seemed to be struggling with some kind of important decision.
Silence.
– He also mentioned… the divergences…
Silence.
– By divergences … you can’t be including …
– Yes … – she murmured.
Silence.
Although this information had undoubtedly affected him as much or more than the rest, the prince’s face showed a completely different reaction to the previous ones. He closed his eyes for a moment and after a deep breath he sat back down on his desk, keeping his brow deeply furrowed and more serious than it ever was.
– Can it be useful?
– I don’t know … but the fundamentals didn’t seem inferior to the rest.
– No wonder… no wonder my sister was deceived. But… Where the hell did that person get this from?
– ………
– Have you heard anything from her? …
– Mrs. Virgil mentioned it …
– Oh … that’s useful. What was her opinion?
– She called him … – hesitant pause – … “vulgar” …
– As you say?
– Her words were “that vulgar and inconsiderate man … What does it matter if he’s a little clever?”
– ………
– I must come back? – she asked quietly.
– Even with that judgment, that man dares to ignore royalty, and despise the sacred ways of cultivation in children … – he continued, ignoring her – So, he is either a suicidal lunatic … or he believes that his background can protect him. But nothing makes sense … – showing sure of his words.
– ………
For a moment he absently tapped his finger on the desk, until his eyes focused again and his expression took an abrupt turn, as if a wild idea had suddenly crossed his mind.
– That makes no sense…
– ………?
Deep in thought, he opened the desk to remove a black and metal emblem. In it were engraved three concentric circles united on a strange “L”. After observing this for a moment, he got up in the direction of the door.
– If mother does not know, then there will be a way to find out …
~ Sss
The journey didn’t last long, and he stopped a few feet from the exit with a confused expression.
– What is the meaning of this?
Behind him a young woman with black hair had appeared bent.
– ………
– You know that you should never show yourself near his domain … even here he could perceive you. – between rebuking and asking.
She of course understood that, but not why she had acted that way.
– Sorry. I think maybe … could … this job …
– No. – He interrupted sharply – You’ve already spent enough time on this. You will continue to train “that” technique. If that man has any information about the domain of space, you will have it.
– I understand … – lowering his head.
– ……… Is there anything else I should know about this trip? – raising an eyebrow.
Silence.
– Nothing…
– All right. You can withdraw …
~ Sss
Despite the initial rush, the prince stood for a time with a thoughtful expression before departing. A moment before doing so, he had raised an interrogative eyebrow, as if suddenly remembering something.
– A bracelet?
–
–
Two days later the routine continued its course for everyone in the city. The same was for young Airy, who was preparing to leave a little earlier than usual with a candid smile humming a song.
– You take this job very seriously …
This time it was Violett who was there to see her off.
– Well… it’s because they are orders from the princess after all. – She nodded vehemently.
– Is that so? – with a certain irony. For a long time she did not seem to care about that – Anyway … That fool still has not returned?
– Please don’t talk about Mr. Lehm like that … – she replied, puffing her cheeks in an adorable way, then showing a worried expression – But … he hasn’t come back yet. I hope nothing happened …
– I would be surprised if that person does not make enemies wherever he goes …
Hearing that, Airy’s face stared at the ground with even greater concern and Violett winced uncomfortably at the sight.
– Surely he is fine …
– Mhm… – she nodded low.
– You really care about him… uh…
Hearing the tone in her voice, Airy blushed slightly and spread her hands in rejection.
– It’s not like that. Mr. Lehm is a good person … and he has been good to me …
– Good with you … – raising an eyebrow.
– I mean… nice.
That clarification didn’t help much and Violett narrowed her eyes suspiciously. However, before being able to make any comments a new voice was added from the outside.
– Coming out?
– My lady!
The princess arrived again this time in casual clothes and a thoughtful expression.
– Something happens? – Violett inquired immediately.
– Mmm … brother asked for my return …
– ………?
She and the first prince weren’t exactly friendly with each other, so they used to ignore each other most of the time.
– Reason?
– Uncertain …
– Suspicious … but it would probably be better to agree.
– Mhm… – she agreed vaguely – Prepare everything.
– Ehh?
Airy muttered involuntarily at this unexpected change, then looked at Tiana with an innocent expression, but was unable to formulate her words.
Seeing her young maid’s reaction, a cunning smile temporarily replaced the princess’s serious countenance.
– Do you want to stay?
– This … I have to attend to you.
– Then you don’t want … – she said, meaningfully.
– Well … – tapping her fingers – … the children …
– You must obey my orders.
– Yes …
– You will continue your important mission in our absence. I want a report of any news … Is that clear?
A big smile involuntarily formed on Airy’s face as she responded animatedly.
– Yes! Of course … Count on me princess!
– That’s what I’m doing. Now … what are you waiting for? Go … shu … shu …
– Oh yeah, I’m late. Young Bran must begin his training. Have a good trip princess … – she greeted bowing, then hurriedly leave.
Tiana shook her head and turned inward as her expression turned concerned again. Together with Violett they did not take long to make their return.
Although Ongard was not characterized by it beast trainers, as a princess she could have a powerful winged beast to travel with, but for her this was too striking.
Due to this, the trip to the capital was not the fastest, easiest or safest, considering the long stretches between cities that included dangerous wild territories.
However, this never worried Tiana. The woman in front of her, who had accompanied her since she was little, was someone that no bandit or beast would want to anger.
What occupied her mind were problems of a different nature.
– You are angry? – She inquired suddenly after a very, very long silence.
– Why should I…? – Violett replied in an ambiguous tone.
– You are angry.
Violett’s green eyes stopped looking apathetically outward and faced her young protégé.
– I just … I still don’t understand what we’ve been doing the last few months.
– I have already told you … what is necessary.
– Is it really that important to attract that person?
– It is for me … – she said in a tone that left no room for doubt.
It wasn’t the first time Violett had gotten similar responses, and she raised her eyebrow each time.
– Still not going to tell me what you talked to His Majesty?
At that mention, Tiana’s face faded a bit and she looked away.
– Uffff … forget it.
Silence.
– If… if I wasn’t really… you still…?
Seemingly finding it difficult to finish the sentence, she decided to go back to silence.
– ………
Violett stared at that crestfallen face and suddenly stood up, extending her hand to her cheek. Then at the last minute she flexed a finger and struck Tiana’s forehead.
– Ouch!
Returning to her seat, she turned her face outwards to return to the same starting position.
– Silly girl.
– Annoying old woman.
– What have you said?
– What have you heard?
– Young lady, do not force me to use force to educate you. I have the endorsement of His Majesty if necessary.
– Oh… I correct myself. Violent old woman …
– That’s all … come here – rising with her hands towards her.
– Old lady … What are you trying to do m … pfff — pfja ha … ha … !!
– This will teach you to respect …
– Hahaha … pftt … no … enough … me … haha … me … I give up! …
Even miles from the imperial capital, within the carriage the animated noises were heard for a long time.
–
–
– ~ Traaa, laa laaa … the force will come … ~
Silence.
– ~ Hitting … hitting … also training … ~
– ………
In the basement of the house, Quin was sitting in the lotus position, imitating her brother. He was surrounded by various green stones and different ointments were applied to various points on his body.
His semi-naked torso looked considerably more trained than his casual appearance suggested. Since moving in, he had used this underground room to train frequently, and although Quin took great pains to repeat that “the house was a refuge from bad guys,” the reason was purely financial. He also didn’t want to join a martial clan yet.
Seeing her brother’s concentration, she put her hands on her knees and closed her eyes.
– Ohmmmmm …
Few minutes passed in a pleasant silence, however Quin’s face, far from calming down, was slowly inflating her cheeks, as if she were making a great effort.
– Ufffffffffffffff… – releasing a great breath of air – Getting strong does take a long time.
The static Bran finally gave signs of life, lifting the corner of his mouth.
– You don’t need to come with me. Airy can take care of you while I try to complete my advance.
– Aha… – She nodded obediently.
However, she put her hands on her knees again and closed her eyes.
– ………
Making a wry face, he released his position and opened his eyes. Then he took something from his waist and began to swing it in his hand with slow, refined movements.
– Oh! It’s your favorite thing… Can I try it?
– No. – blunt.
– Buuuu …
– This is … a weapon.
Although this clarification was sin of obvious, his tone denoted something else. It seemed to imply that he “really” considered it that way. This beautiful dagger with a black handle and strange white blade was the result of a lot of time and money.
But what was special about it was not only the materials. On one of her expeditions around the house, Quin had found a certain notebook. He didn’t care when she offered it to him, but leafing through it days later found it full of surprising ideas.
Considering the zeal with which information was protected in this world, this was probably the home of a great master in the past.
In any case, the last month he had spent most of his time absorbed by these ideas, and the fruit of all that practice resided in his hand. Thanks to this lucky coincidence, his abilities were taking a leap to another level.
– Hehe … it’s the strange face again.
– ………
Without realizing it, when observing the edge and details of his weapon a somewhat chilling smile took over his face. The first time Airy met that smile she jumped back like a scared rabbit.
– Definitely … a weapon … – accelerating his movements without losing precision.
The weapon and he seemed at times to be part of a whole, as if the two pieces of something were joined. The little girl opened her mouth in an “O” while giving small claps, enraptured by her brother’s skill.
– Brother…
– Hmm? …
– Teacher loves you.
– # $ € & @ !?…
The elegant weapon nearly fell from his hand as he felt a chill run through his body.
What is that supposed to mean?!
Of course, this was another of countless attempts by his sister to ask him to accept “teacher” as “his” teacher. However, the more he got to know him his uncertainties increased rather than diminished.
Putting on a serious face, he slowly shook his head.
– That person is …
– Oh! Welcome back…!
Airy’s excited voice interrupted his words as well as a radiant glint in Quin’s eyes, who rose like a lobster toward the staircase.
– Teacherrrrrr….!
– ………………
After looking up for a moment with an indecisive expression, Bran closed his eyes and returned to his starting position even more determined.
–
–
** – ~ Te… aaaa… che… rrrrr….! ~
As her eyes caught the hues of white and silver, Quin leaped around the center table to the large sofa in the living room, and swiftly past Airy she pounced on that figure with a wide smile.
However, after all that vivacity and joy, she buried her head in his clothes and hugged him like a bear to a tree, ceasing any kind of activity or sound.
Airy gently patted her back.
– Quin … I’m happy for you … – she encouraged sincerely. Then she looked up at Lehm – Mr. Lehm, she really missed you.
– At least someone did it … – Directing his gaze towards the basement.
– Well… of course… m-me too… – tapping her fingers shyly as she misinterpreted his words – Right! I’ll go prepare something special for tonight … – turning to the kitchen.
Despite this tasty statement, Quin surprisingly showed no reaction and held on silently with her face hidden.
Lehm lowered his head and began to gently rub her hair.
– Can i sit?
Still without saying a word, little Quin nodded her head, parting slightly. Then she put her arm across her eyes and lifted them with her usual impetus, showing a wide smile.
– Teacher… it’s like you said! Sad makes you happy …
– Mhm …
– Wow … – Airy muttered.
Quin really had the gift of making deep things simple.
Although she let Lehm move, she proceeded to hold onto his arm and settled next to him on the couch. He rested his head on the backrest and simply rested his hands in his lap.
– You know… I have greeeeat news. The space thing is not so bad anymore … brother is getting better at hitting things … I have a new friend, and she is very cool … also …
Like a tide held back for a long time, Quin leaned down beside him without letting go of his arm and began to tell him all the news. This could normally go on for long periods, however the sweet voice trailed off a few moments later and she looked up at the lack of response.
– Wooooh …
Opening her mouth in surprise, she reached out her small hand and gently poked his cheek.
– Teacher… – she whispered.
Silence.
After a moment’s observation, she patted his head and leaned on his shoulder, still holding his arm firmly.
Unexpectedly, her teacher was asleep.
– Poor teacher, work must have been terrible. That’s why you must stay here … listen to your best disciple … – she murmured while also closing her eyes.
Then all became quiet.
Thus, one minute at a time the night approached peacefully. Airy avoided disturbing the duo, and only for moments a small voice was heard in the room.
– Silly teacher …
Silence.
– Teacher silly…
Silence.
– ………
For no apparent reason, the warm atmosphere suddenly stalled, and Lehm’s eyelids fluttered half open. The two moon eyes hiding behind showed signs of life, and an unusually cold expression came from them.
This state lasted as long as a breath, after which his eyelids gently dropped again and everything returned to normal, as if nothing had happened. However, a few meters below there Bran’s body had collapsed and lay unconscious, as an imperceptible dark aura began to surround him.
