─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
Hansol cleared his throat. Ezra continued looking around in amusement.
"Imperial mage, firstly, I would like to thank you for seeing us on short notice. I assume you must be quite busy dealing with important affairs, so I will get to the point."
"A man with logic, I respect that. However, there is no need to explain. I already know what you need. As much as I would like to help, my chances of making the emperor love the princess are quite slim. Also, I would be breaking an imperial law. Making a spell or even a drinking potion is dangerous and has high risks, it can harm both parties involved. I would be executed, and all of my mages will also be hanged. I rather not involve myself in this matter."
"Really?! I am Ezra! The third prince! What if I allow it? I have royal blood running through my veins, If I request such order, it is okay! Right, Hansol?" questioned Ezra as he looked at Hansol for confirmation.
Hansol remained quiet. He placed his hand underneath his chin as a sign of thought. He nodded and looked at the imperial mage.
"I understand your concern, I do. Placing a spell or giving the emperor the potion is a sign of the threat to the emperor. It is also committing treason at the highest level. I agree that it is dangerous. How about you create the potion, and I will be the one to give it to the emperor and the princess? Technically, you made a potion that could be for anyone. I just happened to steal it and give it to them. This is completely out of your responsibility. I will be the one committing treason. Not you. Correct?"
"Yes! That is right, Hansol! That is right! I can even give it to the emperor if you want!" Ezra said excitedly.
"So this is the almighty grand commander, and the third prince of Giodivonia -Ezra, "The blood demon of Giodivonia." With all due respect, I did not think you would be the type to smile with so much energy, Your Majesty."
Hansol looked at the imperial mage as he walked closer to her.
"What if we come to some...sort of trade? Money? Jewels? Anything you favor, I can easily give it to you. What do you say?"
"How do I know this is not a trick? What if you are testing my loyalty as the imperial mage? What if I get executed for such matters? I would never go against the empire or his majesty."
"I knew you would say that. That is why I wrote a certified imperial contract. It is stamped by the imperial signature as well. As chancellor, and official document handler of all imperial matters, It is only right. Like I have mentioned before, and it is even written in the contract, you may ask for any favor or trade of your liking. Of course, as long as it is reasonable and logical."
"... May I see the contract before answering?" hesitated the imperial mage.
She read the contract carefully and paused with thought. Both Hansol and Ezra studied her reaction with interest.
"Before you respond, keep in mind that you have my word as the imperial chancellor."
"And mine, as the third prince and grand commander of the imperial emerald knights."
The imperial mage smirked. The imperial mage walked around the desk and walked towards the tower balcony.
"Very well. However, as I mentioned before, this has a high chance of not working. It may not work at all. Are you willing to risk that chance for such a hefty trade?"
Hansol and Ezra both looked at each other.
"Should we risk it? Should we try?" Hansol said in Ezra's mind.
Ezra nodded.
"It is worth a try. Let's hear the imperial mage's trade offer first."
They both nodded at each other.
"Let's hear your trade offer first. If it is within logic and reason, then let's sign the contract and get started." Stated Hansol.
The imperial mage smiled and faced Hansol and Ezra.
"I want the death flower. The only way to get it is by using royal mana to open the portal and visiting the death garden. Since there are two royals in front of me, this is the perfect opportunity."
"Wait… the death flower? What is that?" question Ezra.
Hansol paused in thought.
"May I ask what you need it for?" asked Hansol.
"You see chancellor, the death flower is exactly how the legend has it. It has healing powers that are enough to revive the dead if need be. There are only 5 in the whole universe. Only mages who are skilled enough with mana and have royal blood to help them transport to another dimension can get it. I am possibly one of the strongest mages ever to walk this earth. I am confident about my skill and mana level. Suppose I have this flower that no other mage has ever seen or able to obtain. If that is the case, I will not only have the title as one of the greatest mages to ever exist. But I can also study the plant, perhaps grow its seeds and make antidotes for those who need it."
"Every good has it's bad. What are the consequences of this flower? Say you manage to get it. However, the death flower is not what it seems to be? What if you are not able to come back to this world if you succeed in opening the portal?"
"Simple. It is not a physical portal but a mental one. I will open the portal in an unconscious state. Using the blood of the third prince and yours, I will be able to go through many portals. Once I have the death flower, I will simply mention my spell and wake up. I am quite experienced in terms of outer body spells."
"So… how can you be there mentally, but bring a physical object back?" Questioned Ezra as he raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"My mana is strong enough to manipulate objects into its exact shape and form. It will take time and much effort. However, It can be done. Once I have studied the flower, I will know how to create it in its exact identity."
Hansol and Ezra both looked at each other in hesitation.
"Using royal blood on spells or anything related to mana is far too dangerous. We know nothing about this...death flower. What if what we are doing puts us in jeopardy? I suppose it is too late to go back now. What harm could it do?" Hansol said in Ezra's head.
Ezra shrugged his shoulders and sighed gently.
The room grew silent for a second.
Hansol quickly cleared his throat and nodded.
"Very well. You need our blood...is that it? Fine. So be it. Make a potion. Make the best potion. I need it to be as effective as you can make it. You said it has a high chance of it not working. However, you are dealing with a hefty trade. You must do your best. Understood imperial mage?" Hansol commanded with confidence.
"Let me explain once more. I understand the concern you two must-have. However, it is not as easy as making just any spell or potion out of herbs and ancient, encrypted words. To make the emperor love the princess is nearly impossible for two reasons. 1. He despises the princess. 2. She despises him. If this were to be a one-sided love, I'd say we would have a much higher outcome of success. However, that is not the case" The imperial mage explained.
"How is that possible, imperial mage? She is only a baby! She is lovely and innocent. Her smile will break souls in half! It can even make a demon fall on its knees!"
Hansol tilted his head back and sighed. He furrowed his eyebrows as he placed his thumb and index between his nose bridge in frustration.
"The princess wishes the emperor dead. I can read her mind. She has stated her feelings for him many times."
"But…. she is only a baby… how can she talk?! How do you understand her?"
"The princess is special."said the imperial mage and Hansol at the same time.
"I believe that if they can at least get along. To some degree, the potion will work more effectively. Otherwise, the potion will be nothing but a drink. You understand what I am trying to say, correct?"
Hansol sighed lightly and nodded.
"Very well. Let's go, Ezra. We have work to do." Hansol demanded as he walked away.
The imperial mage smiled and looked out the tower's window once again.
"This will be an interesting sight to see." She said as she looked at her crystal ball from afar.