The banquet ended before I could notice it. I feel so humiliated because I failed to kill Lia. Although I can always try until there's no poison left, it will be harder for me not to get suspicious knowing that Victor is around.
I quickly walked out of the banquet hall and didn't wait any longer for Alhan. I'm taking this time as an opportunity to end Lia's life before she can go back to her dorm. In the middle of the hallways, before I know it, Victor is in front of me with a disturbed expression.
"Raphael, did you do something on Verphillia's plate? She refused to eat for the whole banquet." Victor asked while crossing his arms. "Is she alright?" I confusingly replied. I can still get away from this if I answer him correctly.
Victor smirked and bit his bottom lip, "I knew it. You really did something. Tell me, what did you do?" Huh? I said nothing, so what kind of evaluation did he do to conclude that I did something? I shrugged my shoulders and replied, "I did nothing, Victor. Why are you suspecting me? Besides, she seems fine the whole time."
"I suspect you because you are the only person who asked for Verphillia's assigned table. Isn't that a bit obvious?"
"So? That doesn't prove anything. Verphillia not eating her dinner must be a coincidence then."
Victor averted his gaze with an annoyed expression, "How can that be a coincidence when Verphillia requested another meal?" I kept my confused face and replied, "What if she just doesn't like the dinner?"
"She asked for the same meal but requested different cutlery and plates. She is now eating in the cookery as the helpers are cleaning the banquet hall."
Well, that was unexpected. Given Lia's current state, she wouldn't be that cautious enough. I'll be more suspicious if I still won't admit what I did. I expressed a doubtful expression and responded, "She's not yet that smart to know."
Of course, I won't directly admit it. For Victor not to be more suspicious of me, I need to act as if I'm reluctant to share the truth.
Victor raised his eyebrows and cornered me. He asked me again what I did, but his actions irritated me that I failed to stay composed. However, despite my disturbed mood, he still could not get any information from me.
"You know what? There's no way you'll tell me the truth. Verphillia won't tell me a thing as well."
Victor let go of his tight grip on my shoulders. He pinched the bridge of his nose and uttered a sigh. I looked directly into his eyes, and all I could see was his hostile stare. I quickly averted my gaze away from him and acted as if nothing had happened a few seconds ago.
He then reminded me not to harm her. I just rolled my eyes in response to his condescending expression. Victor took a deep breath and instantly changed to his cold and aloof face. "I'll keep my eyes on you, Raphael. It's getting late. It would help if you had energy for tomorrow. Go take your rest." He said nothing no more and instead walked away in the opposite direction.
In the long hallways, I was left alone and speechless. I won't be able to sleep early so I'll just get some fresh air. I looked around and observed the location.
'It seems I'm near the Academy Garden,' I thought. It's a good thing that I won't waste much time getting there. I didn't need to make haste. I went to the garden and spent a little time for myself.
When I arrived at the garden's entrance, a long walkway leading to darkness welcomed me. That's probably the reason why no students stroll here in the evening.
I pondered before entering. 'This is just the entrance; will I be able to find my way inside?'
Well, since I'm already here, I might as well take that risk. I entered the path and fortunately, flower arches above the ornamental plants served as my guide to find the main garden. If my memory is correct, it's a large garden with a lake in the middle.
As I followed the flower arches, I noticed how a slight shade of light from the moon captured the essence of the garden's beauty. I couldn't see the colors correctly since I was in the dark; the garden's atmosphere must be different during the day. However, the garden's night ambiance is enough for me to appreciate.
It's probably my first time appreciating the garden since Lia doesn't like coming here.
The moment I arrived, the sky caught my attention. The heavenly bodies are peaceful, quietly twinkling in the midnight sky: the astral compliments its deep blue color, reflecting its celestial beauty on the lake. I can say it is a truly majestic view.
I've been here before, but only to catch the sunset. Seeing how the night sky compliments the garden, I should have considered coming here at night.
I lay down on the grass to capture the sky's beauty thoroughly in my mind. After a few moments, I took a deep breath. It feels as if my body relaxed after living for twenty-seven years. Have I always been so tensed? I feel so comfortable now that I could fall asleep in no time. If only I were not worried I'd oversleep.
***
I've been trying my best to manipulate Victor's army for two straight years and still have no progress.
"Sigh."
'I'm already twenty-seven, yet I have only dominated a few lands. If only I hadn't run away from the Olphiticus house back then, I could've easily used my surname to connect with the nobles.'
Thinking about how unfortunate I am made me slam the table in front of me. Who would have thought I would only be staying here in one of Victor's fortresses as a Knight Commander? Although people still considered me a noble, I could only use my dignified position until my father died.
"Lord Raphael, where is the King?!" One of the sergeants entered my room with no hesitation in distress. "He promised he would personally talk to us today. Where is he?" He continued.
I smirked as if I had been anticipating this moment to happen. Victor assigned me to serve as his voice to spread his command to his army, but I used the position he gave me to tarnish his reputation as the 'Wise King of the West.'
I altered my smirking expression to a hopeless one, "He's always been promising us, but it seems that our King can't stay on his word." The sergeant in front of me showed an uncertain expression and asked, "Do you remember his reply to your request, my Lord?"
I nodded and replied, "He promised to give the knights of this fortress his time. I am also perplexed that our King is breaking his promises. Perhaps, it is because of the girl he loves?" I stood up and continued as the sergeant in front of me was baffled. "The King's fiancé is a noble who resides in the North, and the North is the farthest nation. No wonder why the King can't manage his time."
'It's a lie,' I thought to myself. There was never a promise to begin with. These clueless knights used me to communicate with the King, but I never told Victor their message. Likewise, for Victor's command.
Victor does treat Lia differently than the rest, but he has always been a capable Prince, let alone how he handles the West as a King. The reason why no King comes to this fortress is because of me. I wonder why he still trusts me so much despite what happened to us at Core Academy.
"The King has become irrational. Lord Raphael, just say a word, and all the knights under my order will follow your command. We do not need a King who ignores his people."
I smiled mischievously. After two years, I finally made some progress. These knights are dumb. Let me use them for my good! I went nearer the sergeant and ordered him to prepare the army as we would attack the North. The knight looked happy and followed my order like a loyal dog when he exited the room.
It took me a while before I could show my true colors. I laughed hysterically.
"FOOLS! THEY ARE SUCH IDIOTS!" If only I had known that this method would work, I could've done it two years ago. Ha! My time has come! I knew it! I can feel it!
I won't be able to stop praising myself the whole night. Ahh, Verphillia, I wonder what your miserable face looks like. Imagine hearing that your beloved one betrayed you and attacked your nation only to have your people consider you a traitor.
The future events I imagine are making me excited. I can't wait to see how far my domination can go.
***
The time when I manipulated Victor's knights played a scene in my mind.
Now that I think about it, I was narcissistic back then. Hence, the reason why I died. Who would have thought that my foolish plans backfired on me? So much for calling those idiot knights such fools.
I continued to stare at the majestic view of the sky, pondering what happened after I died in the future...no...it's the past. Wait... this is confusing me. I came from the future and the body I am in is in the present, which I can consider my past. What? No, let me repeat. This is the past. However, this is present for everybody. My consciousness is from the future, and now I consider that future my history because my past has become the present.
I sit up in confusion. No matter how much I decipher it, my interpretations don't make any sense. I leaned back on my arms and uttered a puzzled sigh.
"You've been staring at the sky for so long, Mister." A girl unexpectedly spoke with a sweet familiar voice.
I was startled; I quickly glanced in the direction where the voice came from―a girl's shadow with a familiar figure below the flower arches caught my gaze.
"It's already late. Why are you still roaming around?" I asked. The girl didn't move an inch as she replied, "I could ask you the same question." I couldn't see who she was due to the darkness, but I suppose she is just being cautious.
"Why are you hiding there?" I decided to change the topic. I heard her sigh before replying, "I am not hiding; I was watching you stare at the sky the whole time since I arrived." And here I thought I was alone. I am annoyed, but I can't get furious with a girl whose voice is so sweet and tender. Instead, I smiled reassuringly, "You should have said something. I won't be mad."
She didn't give any response, and there was an awkward silence between the two of us. She reminds me of someone because of how we converse, but she's more expressive and reserved.
This silence can't go on. I need to say something, "I am Raphael Olphiticus from the West. May I know who you are?"
The girl stepped forward, and it revealed the attire she wore from the banquet. Her dress seems a lot similar to Lia's. She stood still and coldly introduced herself, "I am Verphillia Adroguild from the North. It's a pleasure to meet you, Raphael."
"..."
I was stunned. My mind went blank from the shock, and my body froze out of the blue. My eyes grew more prominent as they revealed how frightened I was to hear her name. I didn't care about my expressions anymore; I just wanted to run away from here.
I was unable to do anything than utter her name.
"Lia?"