Chereads / The Legacy of The Heavenly Demon / Chapter 2 - The Cursed Orphan (2)

Chapter 2 - The Cursed Orphan (2)

The Porcelain Lake is a stunningly beautiful and mysterious body of water that lies within the grounds of the Vermont Noble Estate. Its name derives from the fact that the lake's surface is so smooth and mirror-like that it reflects everything around it with an almost porcelain-like quality.

Surrounding the lake are lush gardens filled with exotic and rare flora, carefully tended by the estate's skilled gardeners. Here, fantastical creatures such as unicorns and griffins, even rare animals can be seen grazing and frolicking among the flowers. These animals are sometimes adopted by the heirs of the Vermont family under the pretext of making them their familiars.

On the shores of the Porcelain Lake stands a grand pavilion, made entirely of ivory and alabaster. This beautiful structure serves as a gathering place for the nobles who visit the estate, where they can enjoy the view of the lake while sipping rare wines and indulging in exotic delicacies.

At night, the pavilion is illuminated by a magical light that seems to emanate from within the lake itself, casting a warm and inviting glow over the entire estate. It is said that during special occasions, the light will take on different colors, depending on the mood of the Estate Master i.e., Duke Ashen Vermont.

And it's the Venue, which was a favorite spot of Jake's mother, Elisa Amor Vermont (Elise). She and Jake used to take walks together in the lakeside garden. They last went on a walk on a summer night when Jake was only three years old.

Jake can still clearly recall what she told him that day.

"Jake, my little boy, listen. When you encounter any challenges in your life, you must be courageous and face them head-on, but-"

Through tears, frightened eyes Jake says, "No, I want you to help me then."

"Yes, my little boy, I will, but when I'm not here, be brave and pay attention to everyone, but until then-"

As she sat in the Ivory Court beside the lake, she goes on to pick Jake up and place him on her lap.

"You can reach me at any time since I am your mother before a Matriarch."

Jake asks his mother, "But mother, what is a 'Matriarch'?" as he wipes away his tears.

Elise laughs while caressing Jake.

A trip down memory lane occurs, while Jake was being guided to the Lake.

"Young Master, We Have arrived".

An Arch of Oribi Flower, a flower of a shimmering purple which changes to Pink in the Morning to Purple in the Afternoon and Golden-White at night-time, was formed in front of the Actual Gate to the Porcelain Lake. The Gate was made up of Greta Stones (They Have a Crimson hue with a slight violet tint), as Jake enters, the Gate glows, as it was made by the First Vermont Patriarch, Aesir de Vermont (Ryo-Gae-Rong), so as to identify who is the descendant and thus it creates a purplish aura around the passer.

Whispers started to flow around as Jake slowly began to move into the garden.

"Did you see that?"

"Yeah."

"It's a Vermont, right?"

"But I heard that he doesn't participate in these events".

Whisperers started to Mumble and the whole garden was thrown into chaos. And why not, the 'Cursed Child' is participating in this sacred event. The children of the noble families small or big knew this fact, which ignited their curiosity about why did this 'child' participate in this event.

As he walked down the path leading to the Ivory Pavilion while dismissing the scorns received from the crowd.

"Hmph, the Cursed One is here I see!"

Everyone looked at the person speaking while mumbling again.

"That's the Red-Oni right!?" (*Oni = Ogre)

"I heard he was one of the 7 Sin-Swords of the Family."

"That's Him right the one who defeated the Aslan Lion, and who got the title as The 'Beast King' ."

The Seven Sin-Swords, was the title given to the Seven Heirs of the Vermont Family and not for because they used swords for battling but for the swords that chose them.

The Vermont Family had a history with Demons in the past and the First Patriarch used the Swords as a Vessel to seal Seven Sins within.

"But why is he blocking that Cursed Child's Path"

"Doesn't he fear misfortunes?!"

A tall and stout-figured man, hardly looking like he is in his teens despite the fact all the children present are 16 to 17 years of age. Red Haired, yellowish eyes with a muscular build, the boy blocked Jake's path.

"Hello, Brother Johnathan", Jake replied politely, looking straight into his eyes.

Johnathan suddenly felt a chill running down his spine. As he looked at the cold, purple eyes glaring at him intensely.

"Y-Yes, Hello brother."

"Look at that you even scared our 4th brother, Jake", a boy with a flimsy but finely built body joked as he emerged from behind Johnathan.

This boy was wearing finely made glass with a bluish-green frame.

"So, now will you not even greet me, Jake"

"Yes, Greetings, Brother Jade", Jake greeted him as humbly as he could.

Jade was flustered but didn't reveal his emotions and said, "Yes greetings, my beloved brother." As he slowly approached Jake and whispered into his ears, "Yes now you are behaving like how you should, Cursed One. A lowly weakling should be bowing his head or better be dead than be a disgrace to the family." And moves back.

Jake slowly raised his head a bit and looked at his brother's face, revealing a disgusted look as if he was some trash forgotten to be washed away.

"Oh, by the way, Jake be sure to remember to visit the Pavilion. Brother Jackson wants to meet you."

"Sure, Brother.", replied, still bowing.

Jade and Johnathan slowly walked back to the Pavilion.

Jake returns to his normal state and slowly walks towards the Pavilion.

Somewhere within the Pavilion,

"I, see so he is participating this year."

"Yes, Brother."

"What do you think about this situation, Jane?"

"What's there to think, he is here to participate, so why not help him achieve that only?", a girl with a tom-boyish voice replied.

"Then shall we welcome our beloved 6th One."

As the conversation finished, the dark figures along with others who were sitting on grand seats looked towards the door with eerie-looking eyes.