The sound of the fax machine filled the office as a sheet of paper emerged from it. Lia, who had been napping on the couch, was the first to stir, followed by Ganesha.
Lawaine picked up the telegram and exclaimed:
"Everyone, look here."
He appeared serious, as his face stiffened.
"Let me see," Lia said, leaning in to read.
[Suspension of the time on Floating Island for an unidentified reason]
-Suspension of Floating Island operations. Suspected to be the result of magical attacks. Loss of communication. No access possible.
"Is this also Deculein's doing?" asked Lawaine.
Lia rubbed her chin thoughtfully. This event was not part of the quest line. The Floating Island had not been taken over for hundreds of years, and the wizard in question was not powerful enough to do so.
"No, it's someone else," she finally said.
"Who else could… You mean Epherene?"
A sudden knock echoed through the room, interrupting their pondering. Before anyone could inquire about the identity of the visitor, the door opened and in walked Head Professor Louina and Ihelm.
Ihelm looked around the room.
"Is this Masal? The team formed by her Majesty to kill Deculein?"
He chuckled and added, "It's shabby. Ah, all the wealthy bastards choose to stick with Deculein."
Lia ignored Ihelm and turned to Louina.
"What happened?"
Louina replied with a wry smile.
"It's a long story. What's this about?" she gestured to the piece of paper in Lia's hand.
Lia handed the telegram to Louina, who looked at it and became serious. Meanwhile, the fax machine spat out another piece of paper. Lia couldn't help but feel apprehensive, as she wondered what other bad news it would bring.
[Temporary Storage Document]
– In the event that the existing documents concerning Deculein or the Lighthouse are lost on Floating Island, a copy will be sent directly to the department under Masal. Researches should continue.
Lia gasped, drawing Louina and Ihelm's attention. Peering at the paper, Louina quickly figured out what this was about.
"May I?" she inquired cautiously, holding out her hand.
"Of course. Aren't you going to join our team anyway?" answered Lia with a mischievous smile.
Louina blinked several times at the sudden invitation before nodding sourly. As she perused the document, Ihelm approached and gazed over her shoulder.
"This is only half of it. I won't know anything without interpretation or analysis," Louina muttered in disappointment. "We don't have enough time or manpower to complete this alone. Are we the only two wizards on this team?"
"So far," replied Lia.
"Then, can I write a letter?"
"A letter? Why?"
At Lia's question, Louina puffed up her chest.
"I have several students who can help us with the research."
* * *
The next day, more than 200 people crammed into Masal's residence. There were not only Louisa's disciples, but also Ihelm's most reliable royal wizards, and even demon blood who excelled in theory, accompanied by some ash wizards.
Despite the impressive lineup, they found no clues or even a starting point to analyze Deculein's invention, causing frustration among many.
Meanwhile, the cat Emperor Sophien was possessing dropped from Lia's shoulder and sat.
-Lia.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
-I'm closing the palace.
"What? Why?"
- I need time to think. It won't take more than 10 days, she said with a low voice.
* * *
The Islands, home to the Yukline mansion.
As I contemplated the night sky, a roar echoed. Light emerged, expanded, then faded.
A downpour washed over the street, drenching it in darkness.
"I don't think I'll last a month," said Julie.
"I'm the same."
I gazed at her. Although her fingertips had already turned blue, a smile was still illuminating her face.
She was like a doll on the brink of breaking.
No, it was already broken.
Nevertheless, Julie braved on, repeatedly freezing her body with her own cold, over and over again.
She placed her hand on my back and shared her chill, caressing my arms.
The sound of the rain filled the world, its steady rhythm tapping against the earth like a thousand tiny drums.
"It's not even the rainy season but it's raining a lot," she said, snuggled in my arms.
I gave a faint smile.
"It means God is coming."
"God... The one who made you suffer so much."
Her cute pouting made me grin.
"Don't worry," I said, caressing Julie's cheek. "I will not lose."
"I know."
"But I will need your help," I added.
"I know that too."
She smiled and buried her face in my chest. Her tiny gestures brought immense joy to me.
"They'll soon figure it out," I said, referring to Louina and Ihelm analyzing my lighthouse. "Before "that day" arrives, they'll see my intentions. You will have to prevent them from intervening."
"Of course," she nodded resolutely. "I'll protect you."
-Breaking News.
The radio abruptly announced.
-This morning, Her Majesty Sophien Aekater Augus von Jaegus Gifrein sealed all the doors of the Imperial Palace.
* * *
'It hurts,' Sophien thought as she tossed and turned in her bed, clutching a pillow to her chest in a desperate search for comfort. She had believed that she had a heart of steel after facing so much pain in her life, but she found out now that she had been wrong. Even the strongest emperor could have unbearable moments, and the thought of killing someone she loved was one of them.
"Your Majesty," a voice called out.
She looked up to see the rain pouring down outside her window, covering all the gardens of the palace - winter, spring, summer and autumn. It was an unusual occurrence, as if the weather was reflecting her mood.
"He thinks it's easy to kill him," she whispered, wiping away her tears. "It's not." The pain was unbearable but she didn't want to give it up, as it made her feel alive. "How can I kill him? I won't be able to truly live without him. I'd rather die," she said, shaking her head.
"Your Majesty," Ahan called out again, interrupting her thoughts. She was pressing a crystal ball to her ear as if receiving an update.
"What's going on?" asked Sophien grimly.
Ahan looked troubled.
"Deculein is here," she answered.
"Send him back. I'm not dealing with him now," Sophien ordered, but Ahan shook her head.
"He's at the front door. He won't go back until Your Majesty gives him the order," Ahan explained, projecting the image of Deculein at the main entrance in the crystal ball. Despite the rain, wind, and mud, he stood steadfast, as if he knew of Sophien's troubles.
"He's really something," Sophien muttered, looking at him and biting her lip, causing the blood from her broken skin to seep into her teeth.