Iris was tossing and turning on the bed because she couldn't sleep. Her mind was filled with the day's events. Leon's words when he proposed still ring in her head. Also, when Leon was about to kiss her, Iris couldn't forget his face.
"Ugh…. Why do I keep thinking about it…"
Iris covered her face with the blanket. The day's events played over and over in her mind. And every time she remembered it, her heart fluttered and her face felt hot.
"Ah ... annoying."
Finally, Iris got up from her bed. She looked out the window. The moon is shining bright. For a moment she was mesmerized to see the moon.
But then Iris picked up the book that was on the table. The book she had taken from the Greyson family library. Iris had borrowed it because it seemed that it contained healing magic spells.
There aren't as many books in the Greyson family library as there are in the Barrington family library. However, the books they have seem uncommon and rare. Iris read it excitedly while occasionally drinking the glass of water nearby.
Without realizing it, Iris had already read half of the book. When she was about to drink, it turns out the water in her glass has run out. Iris stood up while stretching her body. She felt thirsty but because it was already night there was no maid to get it.
Iris decided to go downstairs to the kitchen to fetch her own water. She took the candle that was on the table and opened the door to her room.
Silence and darkness greeted her. Slowly Iris walked towards the stairs.
Suddenly, a candlelight was seen passing quickly beneath her.
"Ah… Maybe, it's one of the maids. I can ask her for help.", Iris immediately followed it.
But when she took a closer look, it turned out to be Leon who was walking with Duke Albert.
Iris was surprised to see them.
Leon and…. Uncle? What are they doing here late at night?"
They didn't notice Iris' presence and continued walking until they entered a room.
Iris silently approached the door they entered that appeared to be partially open. It seemed that other than Leon and her uncle, there was someone else inside. Iris tried to hear what they were talking about.
"So, word about them didn't get out?"
"As Your Grace dictates, we are keeping the matter a secret."
"Good. Our king has specifically requested that the incident at the opera house be kept secret until the investigation is complete."
For a moment there was silence. Then the man continued his words.
"Thank you for all your good work. I have to go home soon."
"Let me escort you out, Your Grace."
Iris looked panicked. She immediately opened a nearby door to hide. Iris sat in a corner terrified.
Footsteps were heard in the hall past the room where she was hiding and then away.
Iris sighed in relief. She rose to her feet and surveyed the room she was hiding in. It looks like a workspace. Many documents and artifacts hung on the walls.
Her gaze stopped when she saw a familiar image. Image of Seraphine Aile. Iris stared in disbelief.
With trembling hands, Iris held the paper with Seraphine Aile's image on the table.
"Why? Why is the picture of Seraphine Aile in here?"
The question was racing in Iris' head. Among the many places why is it in Leon's residence.
When she noticed a nearby desk, Iris gasped in surprise. On the table she found many documents written about her.
Iris put down her candle to take a closer look at what was on the table.
Her age, hair color and anything related to her personal data, including the color she likes. In addition to loading things that she likes, there are also notes about things that she doesn't like. Iris also found some sketches of her.
Among the many documents about her, Iris also found writings about her having been kidnapped since childhood by High Priest Carlos to become the wielder of Seraphine Aile because of her extraordinary magical abilities. There was also written a footnote that the great trauma caused the white magic Iris had disappeared.
Iris looked at all the papers that were on the table. Her heart was beating fast. Her face turned pale.
"What is the meaning of all this? Why are all my secrets all here? Is…. Leon…. been observing me all along…?"
Her gaze stopped when she found a thick maroon book. The cover of the book looks very ancient and is made of thick velvet with carved designs all around it. In the center is a gold emblem that juts out from the cover of the book.
"I think I've seen this emblem before...where is it?"
Iris took the book and carefully opened it.
When she opened the first page, Iris found handwritten:
I dedicate my research to my wife and child
Varos
Iris let out a gasp of surprise and closed the book. Her memory goes back to the time when she was little and still lived in the church of St. Varos. She had seen a painting of St. Varos wore the same brooch as the emblem on the book cover.
Apparently, the book was written by St. Varos.
"How did a rare book like this end up in Leon's possession? The books that have been written by St. Varos has been missing for a century. Even to my knowledge the church of St. Varos just doesn't have it."
Curious, Iris opened the book again and read it.
This book contains the results of my hard work so far. The dedication I give as a leader, husband and perhaps… father.
As the kingdom's mage leader or also known as the archmage, I take orders directly under the King. A position I never thought I would hold because I was originally just an orphan. My life that has no future changed, when the kingdom looked for mage seeds from children. They recruited me since childhood, when they found out I had high magical potential.
At first, I felt foreign to the different and turbulent situation of the palace. But I ignored everything and focused on training my magic until they entrusted me to become the archmage of the kingdom.
However…. being the archmage of the kingdom isn't bad either, hence I can meet my wife who is also a mage. Mage who comes from a foreign country in the context of cultural exchange. The two of us often spent time together trying out new magic or conducting research experiments.
It is her voice and smile that brightens up my life.
Ah… those beautiful and peaceful days.
But my happiness is not eternal.
Not long after… a civil war broke out and my wife died because of it... along with our child in her womb...
My life felt like it was falling to pieces. The turbulent war demands, that I find a new magic that can defeat all enemies of my king. So that I do not have time to mourn.
I also spend my days in my study room. Drowning in my work It was the artifacts and documents of the magic spell that accompanied me.
In my solitude, a taboo desire emerges. What if...but I immediately shook off the words I was about to say. But it never stopped bothering me. Until I gave up and started my own research in secret.
My research led me to remember an encounter in the past…. old encounter with someone…. An encounter that took place, when I just assumed the position of being the archmage of the kingdom.
An encounter with the holder of Seraphine Aile. Seraphine aile is a sacred symbol of the kingdom that has pure magic power. Only passed on to The Chosen Vessel and their descendants.
I thought of transferring Seraphine Aile to-
"Iris?"
A voice startled Iris who was focused on reading. She didn't notice someone's presence behind her.
It was Leon who had just entered the room.
Just like her, Leon looked shocked.
Even more than shocked, Leon's face turned tense when he realized Iris had seen what was in his study.
"Iris....", Leon said as he was about to approach Iris.
"Stop coming closer.", Iris moved backwards while closing the book she was holding.
"Let me explain."
"No. Now I understand why you know me so well….", answered Iris with a sad face
"You're wrong, Iris. I saw you once at a party and I wanted to get to know you. Because of that I-"
"Liar. All this information is the things that my family keeps secret. Even grandma doesn't know the details…. only...some people know..."
Leon clenched his hands. He knew his lie had been exposed and no matter what he said, Iris wouldn't believe him.
"I'm sorry, Iris….", Leon said in a weak voice.
"So, from the start you knew everything even…. about my name Iris?
Leon nodded slowly.
"Did…. did my uncle do it?", Iris asked in a trembling voice.
Leon sighed heavily.
"Yes. It's been a long time since your uncle wanted to match us up. During this half a year, he was providing me with information and giving me directions on how...I approach you…. He wants to make sure 100% that our wedding happens."
"Is that so... it seems you approached me... not because you love me…."
Iris said with tears streaming down while running past Leon.
But quickly Leon grabbed Iris arm. Prevent her from leaving.
"Please Iris listen to me-"
JDUM!
ARGH!
Suddenly there was a loud bang in the Red Peak mansion accompanied by screams.
"What happened?!"
Iris asked fearfully.
As if realizing something off, Leon looked at Iris and took her hand.
"Looks like something happened. I'll take you back to your room. Just to be safe."
However, when they were about to leave the room suddenly the door opened and they saw members of The Free Insurgents. One of The Free Insurgent members pointed their swords at Leon and Iris.
Leon quickly picked up the sword that was hanging on the wall. After attacking each other for a while Leon finally managed to injure him. The man groaned in pain and blood gushed from the wounds on his body. Iris stared in horror.
"Let's go!"
Leon's voice brought Iris to her senses. Soon Iris followed Leon out of the room. When in the mansion hall, they could see from a distance The Free Insurgents who were busy killing the servants.
"Shh…"
Leon motioned for Iris to come upstairs. They sneaked up the stairs then hid behind a wall when The Free Insurgents passed by.
After making sure it was safe, they came out from behind the wall. They had only taken a few steps when one of the Free Insurgents saw them.
"Hey! There are people here!"
They immediately ran down the hall. When arriving at the fork. Leon immediately turned around and tried to stop the members of The Free Insurgents who were chasing them. Another The Free Insurgents also came from other directions.
"Go Iris! I will stop them!"
"But Leon-"
"No time! Go now!"
Iris had no other choice but to follow what Leon said. She stared at Leon for a moment before running away.
Iris immediately ran down the passage as fast as she could. The passage led to a staircase that led up to the attic. At the end, there are several doors. Iris opened one of them and hid behind a pile of things while tightly hugging the St. Varos book that she brought.
Fear filled Iris but she tried to stay calm. She knew exactly Isabel must be looking for her and all she could do now was hide until Isabel came.
For a moment, the atmosphere was suddenly quiet. Iris could feel her heart pounding. Faintly heard footsteps. It seems they checked the whole room. The sound of footsteps stopped in front of the room where she was hiding.
Krick….
There was the sound of a door being opened.
A raffish man seemed to inspect the room. Iris covered her mouth with one hand. Trying to hold her breath when the raffish man approached where she was hiding.
"Got you!"
Suddenly the raffish man appears from above and surprises Iris.
Iris tried to run. But the raffish man managed to catch one of her hands.
"L-Let go!"
Iris hit the raffish man on the head with St. Varos book. However, her efforts only made the raffish man angry. The raffish man pushed Iris down to the floor and grabbed her other hand. Iris writhed her hands trying to free herself but the raffish man pinned her down so she couldn't move.
"Hehe, where are you going to run?", grinned the raffish man.
Iris' face paled in fright. She knew she was alone and no one could help her. With all her strength she tried to fight back.
"Anyone please….", screamed Iris weakly.
Suddenly some screams were heard in the distance. And the sound of people fighting. Then there was silence but everything was only for a moment because the door suddenly opened with a loud sound.
"What the-"
The raffish man had not finished speaking. Someone picked him up and threw him unconscious.
Iris stared in shock at the sight before her. She sat up with her body trembling. Amidst the scattered dust a shadowy figure appeared.
"Iris, are you all right?"
Iris immediately recognized the voice.
"Can you sta-"
Iris immediately hugged the person while crying. For a few moments there was Iris' sobbing.
As if he understood what Iris was going through just now, Joshua stroked Iris' head gently. Trying to calm her down.