Meanwhile, where the stars never lose their glimmer, an unexpected guest arrived. Dressed in heavy robes, he went straight to the audience room to meet someone.
His robes flutter as he gracefully walks. His quick steps echo as he walks the silent empty hallways of this huge crystal palace.
He didn't bother to hide his anxiety as he approaches his destination. His business is more important than mere appearances.
The man is surprised when the door suddenly opened, and this person's sudden arrival. It could only mean unfortunate news, after all.
He let down his hood, and a beautiful lady appears before him.
Her golden hair shimmers like the sun's rays, her eyes are like amethyst gems, and her fair complexion has a pinkish blush.
"Dear..." the man started.
"Don't you, 'Dear' me!" the lady interrupted.
He sighs as he approaches the lady. She is obviously agitated about something.
"Everything is under control. We cannot interfere." he told her.
"But that person. What are you doing?" she worriedly asked.
"You worry too much. I assure you that everything is well taken care of..." he said reassuringly.
He guides her to the balcony and shows her the proof. He waves his hand, and the clouds unveil the sea of stars.
The beautiful lady was astonished as she widens her eyes. She can't believe he finally succeeded, but there are still matters to be concern about.
"You…!" she exclaimed.
"This must be more beneficial. We must wait and have more patience..." he calmly responded.
The lady leans on his arm as she finally felt more at ease. He was probably hiding this fact, in order, not to worry her.
The man smiles as he holds her close. He truly never wanted to hide these matters to her anymore.
"Rest assured, I'll take care of everything..." he reassures her.
Days passed by after the festivities, and their enemies didn't make any more movements. The shadows they also captured suddenly died in prison.
Reone is disappointed that he couldn't extract any useful information from them. They didn't cause trouble, but they also refuse to speak.
"This is indeed unfortunate." Aryen commented.
They are once again at a dead-end regarding their investigations. They really hope to gather valuable information on why this is all happening after all.
Not long, Eu and Di'Anon came to visit their barracks. They heard the news and found it rather peculiar.
They are convinced the shadows plans to cause havoc, but they didn't. What makes them change?
What is their intention?
They are somewhat thankful she came to give her insights. She is more experience dealing with them, after all.
She listened to their report and analyzed them carefully.
Based on their encounter, the Shadows tried to break through their defenses and head towards Inner Courts. They are stealthy and blends in well with their surroundings.
Someone is leading them that night and suspects he manages to pass through. Though, they can't prove he did since no disturbance ever occurred.
Eu is silent as she nods from time to time. If her suspicion is correct, the man behind the shadows was Noite, but he isn't the person she fought.
If so, why did he didn't go through their plan?
She thanked them after gathering enough information. She didn't disclose anything to them yet as she requests them to watch the border more closely for any irregularities.
Di'Anon noticed something before they left the premises. He feels that she has more or less have an idea who is the culprit.
Still, he remains silent as he finds the right opportunity to bring it up and ask. He always respects Eu's decisions, after all.
Meanwhile, in Themis, the brothers are currently discussing the progress of their plans. The Master expects to hear a massacre during the festival, but his brother halted the command.
"I'm sorry I failed you. Some of my men were captured, and we had to cease the operation..." the younger brother explained.
"Uhhhmmm..." he nods nonchalantly on his report.
He knew that his brother has a small chance to go with the plan. Still, he hopes that he would accomplish such a task for him.
He thought that his brother might have remembered Lady Emilia and starts having reservations. He looked at him with an icy cold gaze but refrained himself to convey his thoughts regarding the issue.
"Don't worry, I will carry on with the plan, but I require more time to finish the preparations." he assures him.
His brother nods but remained cold to him. He doesn't like empty promises after all, and he will be more thrilled to see results.
Back in Mystic Spirit, Di'Anon and Eu head back to Limes Temple. Eu remained silent the entire journey while she tries to understand the brother's reasons.
Noite seems like a very rational person, while the one she fought was aggressive and unrelenting. She can only assume the elder brother is the one responsible in regards to the earlier attacks.
But why?
She thought to seek the High Council's guidance, but she knew they would flatly refuse her. They are always against divulging information, especially ancient ones.
"Brother Di'Anon..." she calls out, breaking her silence.
"Hmmm~" Di'Anon responded.
"Can you investigate someone for me?" she asked.
Her request is not really unusual. Eu asked him to gather information before, yet why does it sound peculiar?
He turned to her and nods.
"Please work with Fugue and Canon. I want more information about Noite and his elder brother. They have silver hair and golden amber eyes. They are currently in Celesea. Specifically, in Themis..." she started to give him as much information as she could.
"What are you planning?" Di'Anon asked.
"I just wanted to know their reason. I felt his brother's rage, but I can't explain why. Noite seems to know me as someone else, as well... It's strange..." she discloses.
He listened to her reasons and accepted the assignment. He always trusts her instincts, after all.
They turned back and heads to Bordertown while they exchange more information regarding the situation. They also shared their insights and analysis regarding the matter.
Hatred. That is the only reason they could think of, but why?
How deep is this grudge they are holding against the Oracle Clan?
How much are they willing to go to pursue this?
It is dark when they finally reached the bustling border. They headed straight to their reserved accommodation and contacted the others.
They started filling them in and informing them of the changes in their plans. She has a strong feeling they are press in time.
They can't wait for things to unfold. Eu only injured their enemy after all.
He will come back to retaliate with a much greater force than the first time. Eu knew he is using this time to his benefit.
She cannot be complacent with their temporary silence and inactivity.
Di'Anon, on the other hand, left to rendezvous with the twins as agreed. They started working soon after exchanging information with each other and laid out the plan.
Morning came. The breeze is chilly with its wintery atmosphere while the sky is dim and cloudy.
Eu left the Golden Inn and carry on with her plans to meet the Divine Lord while Di'Anon went with the twins to Celesea.
Eu is thinking plenty of issues as she walks the Bordertown streets.
There is a reason why they can move freely despite the Division of Realms.
Do they have a link?
Nullification ability?
Who are these Shadows?
She heavily sighs as she bumped into someone.
"I'm sorry…"
"Pardon me. I wasn't even looking…"
They were surprised to find themselves in the same awkward situation as they met.
"It's you…!" Noite exclaimed as he continues, "Euer..."
"Noite…?" Eu smiles as she sees the familiar face she bumped into and continues, "We have a strange way of meeting each other."
She is thinking of him, and his so-called 'sickly brother' and the heavens made way for this encounter. She can only consider herself blessed.
"Where are you going? Is something bothering you?" Noite curiously inquired.
"Nothing really. Random stuff." Eu responded.
"If you don't mind, I can listen. I have time today." Noite offered.
His voice is gentle and friendly. He has a calming presence as well.
Eu still can't believe that she is suspecting him. Though, she also sure that he is the one lurking in Inner Courts.
"Hmmm… It's not really a big deal, so it's okay. Hey, how is your brother?" Eu changes the subject.
"He is recuperating very well, but a part of me wanted him not to. I wanted him to stay at home and relax. Am I bad?" He truthfully said as he sighs.
He is afraid his brother will start making havoc once he fully restores his powers. Though, he knew that this handicap would also not stop him too.
His elder brother has done admirable feats, and he believes nothing really could restrain him.
"So, what is your business here today?" Eu curiously asked.
"Nothing really. Fresh air, I guess." Noite chuckles.
Eu silently nods as she accepted his answer. She can't straightforwardly doubt his reasons.
Meanwhile, Noite seems like not as enthusiastic as their first meeting. He is obviously bothered as well.
Eu sensed the heavy mood and wanted to probe why he is feeling troubled. Still, she can't just inquire about such sensitive matters.
Is he forced to do something he didn't want to pursue?
She simply doesn't want to alert him that she is unto him. After all, there are matters she wanted to understand, and he can only answer.