{Joei}
What a nice day...though a little too early but its a nice morning.
I yawned as the sound of birds chirping by the window echoed my room, my finger instinctively rubbing the ring that leads to the sky room as I remembered the guy from yesterday he's not woken up yet but, luckily he's doing well especially when his wounds had healed nicely.
Right now though, he's in the sky room that I can access by having this silver ring that had sapphire line beautifully embedded on it like roots with a small sapphire mana stone at the middle.
No one really knows about this ring till later on the book when the heroine was looking for clues on an evil dark magis ritual being conducted in this manor which were spell books that the OG Joie created when she was the head of a that cult.
Anyways, lets hope we don't get to that point of the novel and I hope the guy wakes up okay but given that the sky room has the ability to heal wounds as serious as decapitation if you stay in for a long period of time, I guess there's nothing to worry about.
I then got startled when someone is knocking at my door which confused me because normally no one comes to my room this early in the morning but I just shrugged it off because it maybe one of my maids who woke up early to clean my room. I stood up my bed and grab and wore a big brown scarf around my shoulder and went to the door to unlock it.
As I opened it though I nearly jumped when it was Silva by my door holding what looks like a pile of documents in a big brown parcel bag.
"Hello there prince Silva. Good morning" I greeted him politely smiling with a small bow
"Likewise your highness, good morning" He responded as he bowed his head
"What brings you here so early in the morning? Shouldn't you be training with sir Hugo to grow your gains rather than being a messenger?" I jokingly asked as I pulled the door while gesturing him to come in
He stared at me a little confused before sighing.
What did I do so early to ruin his mood?
"Apparently training ended early, your highness. You know, It fascinates me that you say words weirdly but somehow I can understand it well" He commented as he sat on the couch and sighed
"Well if it's not any different from what it means then isn't that alright" I said with a smirk as I sat across him
"I guess if it does, it does. By the way I am here because I wanted to let you know that the people responsible involve in that assassination attempt got the verdict and were publicly executed at the town square as punishment " He informed me while opening the parcel as he took out the documents and neatly put it on the table.
I read the documents and news and wow...the families of those people got stripped from their titles, wealth and, some noble rights and as for the traitors who were found by the emperor, were given the sentence of death by curse.
Dang... dad really chose violence waking up on that day huh.
Well I guess they deserve it especially those spies were one the reasons why the crown princess Bree got cursed and died in the original story but I got to hand it to him for double tapping the loose ends.
"I'm glad things were settled thoroughly" I said as I put some of the documents back on the table
"Indeed. But you, your highness, still need to be careful because ,unlike your siblings, you basically have no solid power aside from your own to protect you especially with in the rules of your empire" he warned
"Wow, look at you knowing such complicated adult word phrasing" I teased as I found it funny that he sound so mature for his age
"Likewise my lady. I maybe young but I am very well versed in social and political talk since I am a prince, your highness, maybe I could teach you if you'd like" He said with a cheeky smirk
This made me laugh and said "My~my let us see your highness, but for now I may need to focus more on recovering my still painful leg so I could actually socialize"
"Alright, I'll be waiting for that then your highness" He responded with a smile
"But just so you know, I do understand what you mean by being careful, especially when my two brothers, you, and sir Hugo , especially since he's alive, are now aware of me which already changes a lot of the things of this damn story " I said as I lean back slightly pissed off where things are off now
He narrowed his eyes for some reason and sighed "You know lady Joie, if you're so upset about this "story" changing, why did you even save us in the first place?! It's not like we're asking you to burden our existence to you as this so called villainess of this story" he sharply asked as he crossed his arms across his chest
I went silent a minute and glared at him and sighed as I know where this is heading "First of all , I'm not blaming you nor your dear friend surviving because I CHOSE to save you! Get that through your pretty thick head. Second, I said that not that I regret doing so but I'm just afraid if anything because the changes are happening so rapidly that I can't predict when major events might happen but given the impact it has on the story I'm terrified those events will happen but we're not prepared yet" I honestly stated not removing my eye contact to this stubborn kid
His face soften as he uncrossed his arms "I apologize, I got too emotional because of how the fate of my friend Hugo is to me. I may not know how grave things yet as I don't even know things are real from the whole "this is a story that you've read in a dream" but for now we will help to at least return the favor for saving us that time my lady" he calmly responded
She just sighed but smiled a bit as she leaned back on her chair relaxing herself rather unladylike to which made Silva slightly chuckle"If...if I may ask in that story you said we are in that you read in your dreams...what happened to me if he did die that day?" He asked glancing at me, his eyes tight and worried and his body trembling but is trying his best to remained composed
I can't look at him back with that pitiful look because he's too young to even think of it especially since Hugo is alive now, he shouldn't bother adding more upsetting thoughts.
I closed my eyes and sighed "Look Silva , I can't, because telling you is not going to improve the situation we're in and especially to you, mentally. Having known anything I know may haunt your thoughts" I explained
"But still I want to know maybe it's a go-" he replied
"I said it won't tell you! It's something of no importance now" I snapped cutting him back
His brows crossed "Why not?! He's my companion! Anything that involves him will be my importance!" He exclaimed slamming his hands on the table
"It's because it didn't happen and he's still alive!" I fired back
"If it's not important then why are you keeping it from me?! Is the death of a person too nonsensical to you that it's not important!" He argued louder
I was gritting my teeth and clenching my hands irritated towards him
This stubborn ass boy!
You know what, Fine!
Since this brat will likely be my fiancé in this damn book, might as well tell him more to scare him from getting involved with me!
I leaned towards him , slamming my hand on the table and angrily replied staring back at his ruby eyes
"YOU WANT TO KNOW IT THAT BADLY?! FINE!! Hugo, dying , would had caused you to awaken your damn magis core then become the official imperial heir of Veran,after beating your father and brother during the ceremonial coronation, BUT you would had been sent back to your empire, be labeled as a pathetic coward for letting that friend of yours die! Then , his family would had scorn you especially his brothers which will become revenge fueled dominions just to avenge him and guess who would kill them...YOU!" I ended huffing in anger
His face went pale and his eyes swelled up with tears as he looked down on the floor
I made a big mistake...oh fuck why the hell did I say that to him...Oh shit...I made him cry, crap I am such an ass
"Hey...look I di-"
"DON'T YOU DARE APOLOGIZE!" He yelled slightly huffing
Damn this kid and his pride!
Good thing the room is so far from the personnel or I'll get nagged by sir David again.
"What the heck?! What's wrong with you!" I snapped
"I--I said... don't. I apologize. I asked it first.. I'm sorry for not listening. It's just... frustrating that's all" he said as he lowered his head but I can clearly see the tears falling
I sighed and went to him and hugged him tight and patted his head. He was obviously hesitant but not long after he hugged back a bit tighter.
Awww....I never pictured this cold hearted psychopath to be such a sweet kid...its a good thing we prevented that death...then again his family isn't the best one either.
Sigh we have a long way to go.
"Are you okay now?" I asked as I pat his back
"Oum I am okay now...and well I apologize for everything that happened so far" he said his face still on my shoulder
He eventually let go and good lord his pretty red eyes are so puffed and his fluffy dark gray hair are all a mess.
"You look exhausted. Would you like to talk later?" I asked fixing his messy hair
He smiled and replied "I am but I can manage"
I smiled at him back and went back to my seat "By the way how are you and my big brother doing with the whole delegate situation "
"Oh, So far we're getting used to the different economy and trade the other empires had done to this empire. I was surprised that a public library has such a talented historian" he commented as he lean back on the couch
"I see that's nice to know, looks like everything will go smoothly then. Based from what I remember from the...book...yeah...that...the delegates were are here for an event...I don't quite remember but it's nice to be prepared,but they also have a secret task from father as a request to evaluate my siblings, so with that in mind and knowing that he worked hard, I can safely say he can pass"
"If I may ask...why did you help your brother? He's still a crown imperial prince candidate and given your situation it won't be much of a benefit in your end?"
"Hmmm, Well, for one thing in the original plot Nathaniel got screwed by one of my big brothers because he mistaken a gesture from Parisa which nearly caused a war. Luckily Euros was able to calm the king of fairies which I want to avoid from happening because it's petty and would actually had caused a bitter mark on the delegates in regards to the royal family and I figured nipping the bud early on will benefit us in the future. Beside, I just helped him just to get back with them. They're royal and my blood family ,but they need to learn a lesson or two"
"I see, knowing him, he won't probably make such a mistake. I was actually surprised how fast he can remember and learn when we were in the library yesterday and If I were to judge .....him, his sense of detail is remarkable and can definitely adapt to different people and situation"
"I know! He's actually much smarter than his twin despite his childish behavior at times. If we succeed here, he'd easily be known as a prodigy in the arts of magis and a sword master especially since Grand magis Cairo who currently holds the title Titanus Magnus in the order of Terran"
"Terran?"
"Ohh silly me, it's one of the five strongest knight orders in our empire. Noir, the highest and strongest order and are the shadows of the empire. They house the dark horse emblem. The Heron, the second strongest that houses the strongest marine strong hold defense and offenses and are masters of taming sea beasts and houses the ocean waves emblem. Then there is Terran the order of the east and where the strongest earth magis users and hunters are from they house the Griffin emblem. Then there is Grishan the order of the flame and weapons which in all honestly could rival Heron in ingenuity in defenses and Terran in raw power they house the Dragon emblem. Then lastly the sky knights of our empire Galeos who are the most agile and skilled snipers and spear heads of the empire. They are masters of the skies, and in taming sky beasts that even rivals the kingdom of Aerolis and has the cloud emblem"
"Ohh so if we put this into context, his highness Nathaniel is being taught by a Grand Magis of Terra and a title holder of a knight order. That is impressive" he said in awe with a hint of spark from his red orbs
I smiled at him and was about to offer him to walk with me when I felt a jolt coming from the ring of the sky room.
I also noticed that Silva's ring did the same thing as we looked at each other confusedly
"What was that? Did you feel that too your highness?" He asked as he took out the ring that he made into a necklace
"Uhmmm yeah, I'm not sure...ohhh....wait...but maybe...right.....okay it may be because of- me" I squeaked as avoid looking at him
He did sighed and asked again "What did you do?"
"I...might have I found a guy, nearly dead and took him in the sky room to recover" I answered as my voice lowered a bit
I heard a bit of a smack and a groan "I just told you to be careful ,your highness. He could easily be an assassin!! "
"I know but he was severely injured and I have a hunch he's not an enemy" I answered
He obviously was not satisfied with my answer but he didn't argue back and sighed
"Alright, let's get in there and meet this person together so you at least have someone to help you if that person hurts you"
I just nodded in defeat and we both held the rings out and then a glowing line came out from both our rings and created a halo then it grew and then it went down and before we can even react we made it in the sky room where it has a beautiful sunrise atmosphere because of the floors and ceilings reflection of the magical view of the sun rising.
"Wow" we both said astounded with how majestic this room is
Our amazement got cut when we heard groaning noises coming from the right part of the room. We headed there and we saw one hammock rocking while a red haired boy I saved yesterday rubbed his head. I figured he might had fell
He looked at us then he tilted his head as he squinted "I never knew I'd go to heaven and met with children. Are you angels?" he asked
"Unfortunately no, and given that you're probably an assassin it's unlikely, but hey look at the bright side, you're not dead" I sarcastically replied to him
He pouted and looked at me "Ohhh but this place...where am I?" He asked trailing off as his eyes wondered as the sun came up
"Hmmm that depends on my mood really. This place could be your safe house or your prison. So please answer nicely if you don't want it to be the later, I'll just ask you a few question" I said with a smirk while the room instantly darkened then the vines around the room came off the walls and crawled to the red haired boy who in turn was quickly backing to a corner as he took a dagger from his boot
Woa...this place is so cool hehehe
"Huh, my~my will you look at that, with that smirk, you now look like a real villainess" Silva bluntly teased with a smirk
I rolled my eyes and walked to the poor boy who for an assassin is easily shaken of like this "Now, tell me who the hell are you and why are you in my manor" I asked coldly as the vines followed from behind me
He didn't answer but instead took his black wand as pointed at me. I think he was trying to cast a spell since he's frantically waving at at me.
Silva chuckled while I sighed and slowly walked towards him" Oi quit doing that. You're looking dumber that you should. You see in this pocket room those who own it control it's rule and my rule here is that he and I are the only ones who could use magis. So again while I'm still nice, who the hell are you" I asked again as the vines are crept along with me as it surrounded the boy
"ALRIGHT!! HOLD THEM OFF PLEASE!! I CAME HERE BY ACCIDENT--WAIT I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHERE I AM! I'M JUST A KNIGHT FROM THE NOIR ORDER!! IM NOT AN ENEMY I SWEAR! ON MY NAME AND RANK!" He loudly admitted as he swings his arm with the dagger making the vines stand back...yeah that won't really matter since these can regenerate
"Hmmm I think we should listen to him. If he proves he is one then there's a big issue outside this Manor and he probably got lost in the chaos which we could know, he's a knight of your empire's order so maybe there's a clue that you might need that would help with your plan" Silva suggested to me
I contemplated a bit but I gave in but not fully as I mentally request the room If this boy harms us they would intervene.
The vines slowly crawled back relieving the boy as he slid and sat on the floor catching his breathe
"Alright, let's say you are, show me your broach as proof" I demanded
He quickly rummage his pocket at then threw it which I caught.
I took a good look at it, a gold square broach with a hand crafted image of a black horse made from what looks like a black crystal with ornate rope like twists around it's frame...damn it's the real deal
"It's real huh...oi you, what's your name?" Silva asked the boy
"I'm...Yuu" he said as he hid his dagger and bowed
That's the fakest name in existence but oh well let's just roll with it.
"Yuu...I see...you have a lame name. Well you said you came to my manor by accident. What exactly happened to you? This part of the palace is extremely restricted with a powerful cursed magis spell by it's area, so for you to get here is quite a suspicious" I probed him as the sky room brightened
"I have no idea honestly. I was trying to reach the nearest knight to help me in a middle of a heated fight because I was shot by an...huh...?! It healed?!" he said while his eyes are wide from shock as he frantically looked at his injuries
"Ugh yeah it did. I healed you... miraculously" I said bluntly
"Oh thank you" he answered...in a dazed
"Now what happened for you to get in a fight and nearly die? Noir Knights are known to be the best squad. So it surprised me that you got careless" I asked
"Let's just say miss that there are certain things even Noir knights are limited to being human, and what happened that evening was something I can't explain myself" he answered me as he avoid eye contact
I see I guess he isn't sharing and is not sure too. that's okay I can't expect him to break knight secrecy....but I'll keep this in mind...it could probably involve that man.
"I see, anyways you should get going then if you want to go and leave but we should probably eat first. I'm hungry" I sighed as I motioned Silva and Yuu to follow me as the room created a bright portal.
Silva quietly followed me while Yuu was very scared at first that he was hesitating to go through.
My impatient hungry ass couldn't wait for him to decide so I pushed him then we followed after to the garden.
"Please teach me to use that next time" Silva said as he hid his ring
"Sure maybe after the festival" I answered as I help poor Yuu up who still looked bewildered from what happened
We were about to go in the manor when I heard a faint call from behind us and when I turned around it was Nathaniel and Hugo running towards us
"Y-your highness where were you?! I was looking all over the manor because his highness Nathaniel needed to talk to you!" Hugo said huffing in need of air
"I'm sorry I was with her highness to talk about something" Silva explained as he looked at me and Yuu
I noticed Yuu was rather confused and looked at me intently and asked candidly "You're a princess...and you're siblings with the brown haired boy over there"
"Yes...he is my brother" I answered him as my ears panged
"You got a prob... never mind" Nathaniel chimed but cut off when he saw Yuu as if his demeanor changed slightly
Ehhh what's that about?
"Anyways, big brother, after eating breakfast would you help escort this guy outside my manor,he who got pierced by a poisoned arrow yesterday and just woke up,His captain might get upset if he doesn't come back" I said as I pointed to the red haired guy
"I told you my name is Yuu not "you" your highness" Yuu said pouting
"Yeah yeah, here have this back" I said dismissively as I gave the broach back to Yuu and motioned Sir Hugo, Silva, and Nathaniel to follow me in the manor to eat some good old breakfast
"You guys go ahead I'll just need to check on something with him, if that's all right?" He asked
"Oh yeah it's fine. We'll see you later. Take care of yourself Yuu" she said as she happily waved at us
==================≠==============Continuation===>