As the echoes of Lionel's departure faded from the colosseum, Elijah turned his attention back to his guards. His commanding presence taking hold of the atmosphere once more.
"Gather the reports from the seven borders," Elijah ordered. "I want a detailed account. Have it ready before we leave tomorrow."
The faintest shift in the air signaled the acknowledgment. "It will be done, Your Majesty," came a crisp response.
Elijah nodded, his mind already turning to the journey ahead. Tomorrow, he would leave for the border. But for the past three days, he had dedicated himself to his family.
Before departing the colosseum, Elijah's gaze flicked to another unseen figure nearby. "Send word to Butler Edwin. I want him within an hour," he commanded.
Another faint ripple in the air confirmed the order as the guard faded from sight. Elijah exhaled deeply, his expression briefly softening.
With the preparations for tomorrow underway, Elijah made his way back to the palace.
In the quiet sanctum of the royal study, Elijah sat at his ornate desk, golden lamplight illuminating a sea of reports and correspondence spread before him. His eyes moved methodically across the parchment, absorbing every detail of the kingdom's affairs.
From the shadows, a faint voice broke the silence "Your Majesty, Sir Edwin seeks an audience. Shall I grant him leave to enter?"
Elijah didn't lift his gaze from the document in his hand. "Show him in," he said calmly.
The air seemed to shift as the invisible guard vanished to fulfill the command. Moments later, the double doors to the study opened silently, and Butler Edwin entered with practiced grace. His crisp uniform was immaculate, his every movement exuding the polished demeanor of a man who had served the royal family for decades.
Edwin paused a respectful distance from the desk, bowing deeply. "Your Majesty, I am at your service."
"Edwin," Elijah began, setting the document aside, "how do you assess the stability of your realm?"
A flicker of surprise crossed Edwin's face, but he quickly composed himself. "Your Majesty, I am honored that you are aware of my recent advancement to Master realm. This progression should enable me to serve Master Liam for an twenty odd years ."
Elijah's eyes narrowed slightly. "Have you been vigilant in observing him?"
Edwin hesitated. "Your Majesty, may I request a more private setting to discuss this matter?"
Elijah nodded, signaling his guard to depart. "I trust Edwin. Leave us."
The guards departed without a sound.
"Continue," Elijah prompted.
Edwin took a measured breath. "With all respect to my king, I have not fulfilled this task as perhaps you intended."
Elijah remained silent, wanting Edwin to elaborate.
"From the time Master Liam was but three years old, I was assigned to be his butler and to observe him closely, though I was never told the reasons for this surveillance," Edwin confessed. "Despite my covert duties, Master Liam has always treated me with grace. He has never shown anger or spoken harshly. He even allocated funds from his own expenses for my daughter's education. Yet, I continued to spy on him."
Edwin's voice wavered slightly. "Whenever I sensed something amiss in his quarters—be it pain, a headache, or a troubled dream—I would intrude, not out of concern, but to fulfill my duty of surveillance. Over time, Master Liam grew distrustful. He placed a plank against his door, attempting to bar my entry, but still, I resorted to Through Sight to observe him, only to witness his suffering."
He paused, collecting himself. "On his twelfth birthday, I resolved that perhaps my king had erred in suspecting Master Liam. Compelled to serve him fully — without a shadow of espionage, I began from that day onward, knowing that by his thirteenth birthday, he would have the right to contend for the throne."
Edwin straightened, his demeanor resolute. "If Your Majesty deems my actions a betrayal, you may rightfully take my life. However, I can no longer betray Master Liam, who has shown me nothing but grace."
Elijah silently acknowledged Edwin's loyalty, his gaze steady yet burdened with unspoken thoughts. Without a word, he retrieved the small, potion bottle from his desk and held it out to the butler.
"Serve this to Liam," Elijah instructed, his voice low but firm, "without his knowledge. For the final time."
Edwin hesitated, his eyes narrowing at the bottle. As realization dawned, his hand trembled. "Essence Flame…" he whispered, his voice betraying his shock. "Why, my king? You could have given it to Prince Ad—"
Elijah cut him off, his tone calm yet resolute. "Just as you care for Liam, I care for him too— more than you could ever imagine. And even more so does his grandfather." He paused, his gaze softening. "This Essence Flame… it was from him."
The butler's expression faltered, his lips parting in surprise.
Elijah continued, his voice carrying both relief and authority. "If you've truly seen nothing wrong with Liam, aside from his condition, then I am relieved. Relieved that nothing has gone astray with him. It eases a burden I have carried for far too long."
Edwin bowed his head, his heart heavy with understanding, and carefully accepted the bottle. "As you wish, Your Majesty," he murmured.
Liam sat by his window, the quiet hum of the bell tower marking the second hour of the afternoon. He was deeply absorbed in the pages of The Mortal Dream, a book he had borrowed from the Arcanum, its cryptic text both haunting and enlightening. The world outside was distant, his focus unwavering as the words on the page seemed to speak directly to him.
A soft knock at the door interrupted his thoughts.
Without looking up, Liam flicked his mana signature, causing the door to open with a quiet creak. Edwin stepped in, his gaze falling upon Liam as he continued reading.
"Should I bring you your lunch, Master Liam?" Edwin asked, his tone polite but distant.
Liam, still with his eyes fixed on the book, replied without emotion. "Will Father be having lunch with the family?"
"Yes, Your Highness," Edwin answered. "But perhaps you should spend some time with him. He leaves for the borders soon, maybe tomorrow."
Liam didn't respond, his mind still far away. "Just bring me something to eat," he said, his voice absent.
As Edwin nodded and prepared to leave, Liam's thoughts wandered. 'Although I can't advance beyond Champion, I won't give up altogether. It doesn't matter if I become king or not, as long as I have my parents, they will always have me. I've given too much credit to my condition for my laziness. I will be the genius I once was—not in realms perhaps, but in scholarly pursuits.'
His mind refocused on the book, but his thoughts remained conflicted, uncertain.
A short while later, Edwin returned, bringing with him a meal that was far richer in flavor than usual. He placed the dish before Liam with quiet care.
Liam paused and glanced at the food, then looked up at Edwin. "What's the occasion?" he asked, his tone sharp. "Why is it different from what I usually get?"
Edwin hesitated, his expression tight. "Trisha is absent today, Your Highness. The portions were brought from the serving in the dining hall."
Liam didn't press further. Instead, he tilted his head slightly, his voice softening. "If she needs anything, tell me. The money I have here for expenses isn't meant to sit idly by, after all. Maybe some of it should be used."
Edwin offered a small, polite smile. "I appreciate your offer, but it's nothing serious. She's simply attending a personal occasion."
Liam didn't say more, simply nodding and picking at his meal. "From now on," he said, a quiet resolve in his voice, "exclude me from the special treatment list. Whatever my family eats, I will have too."
Edwin's eyes widened in surprise. The House of Orlean had a strict rule: all family members ate together. But Liam had never followed it—he couldn't be restrained by resource allotment, as he had no need for it. Edwin feared he had angered Liam.
"Shall I prepare something else for you, Your Highness?" Edwin asked, his voice hesitant. He was reluctant to seek denial, especially since the food had been prepared to mask the essence flame.
Liam's gaze lifted from the book, and he met Edwin's eyes. "Ease up. I don't need special treatment. I'm not a child anymore."
Liam set the book down and looked at the butler with calm resolve. "I just want a change. I don't want to be treated differently," he replied. "And close the door behind you."
As Edwin left, the meal before Liam slowly settled in, but with it came an overwhelming wave of sleepiness. His eyelids grew heavy, and his mind began to drift.
I will change for my family. For those who love me.
With that thought, Liam succumbed to the drowsiness, and the room around him faded as he slipped into sleep.
In Liam's dream, he found himself in a dimly lit chamber, standing before Graham, who held a small vial aloft with evident pride.
"This," Graham began, his voice filled with excitement, "is my life's work—the Essence Flame."
He gestured to the vial, its contents glowing faintly.
"The term 'flame' is a misnomer," Graham continued. "It's actually condensed mana in its purest form, so much so that it manifests as a tangible substance."
Graham's eyes gleamed with elation as he added, "And do you know how long it took me to produce just this single drop? A whole year of relentless tempering and refining. A year of dedication, and this is the result."
The familiar voice responded, its tone skeptical. "But who would willingly sacrifice their lifespan for such a thing? It's not worth it."
Graham chuckled softly. "No ascendant would do it," he replied. "I did it for research. If others knew about it, they'd seek it for resources. I realized it can't be forced; it requires a peaceful mind to create this much. The mana has to be kept in your heart, away from the pulse . . . Perhaps someone might do it for love."
The voice fell silent, contemplating Graham's words.
Graham's gaze softened as he looked at the vial. "I believe someone will," he murmured, almost to himself.
The dream began to fade, leaving Liam with a lingering sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made for the sake of love and knowledge.
Liam awoke, his body still nestled in the chair, the remnants of his meal before him. The utensils lay untouched. He called out softly, "Edwin?"
Moments later, the door creaked open, and Edwin entered, his face etched with concern. "Master Liam," he began, his voice tinged with worry, "you should respond to my knocks. I was very concerned. Only I know how I kept myself from rushing inside to check on you."
Liam met his gaze, a faint smile playing on his lips. "I apologize, Edwin," he said sincerely. "I've never had such a good meal. For the first time in my life, I felt bliss."
Edwin's expression softened, relief washing over him. "I'm glad to hear that, Master Liam," he replied, his voice warm.
As Edwin departed, carrying the tray with the remnants of Liam's meal, the bell tower chimed twelve times, signaling the second hour of the afternoon. Dinner would be served in two hours.
Liam, still seated at his desk, called out, "Edwin, please wait."
Edwin paused at the door, turning back with a questioning look.
"Will Father be having dinner with the family today?" Liam inquired.
"Yes, Master Liam," Edwin replied.
Liam nodded thoughtfully.
"Then please prepare a place for me at the table," he requested.
Edwin's face lit up with a warm smile.
"Of course, Master Liam," he said, his voice filled with genuine happiness. "There is always a place for you at the table."
With a respectful bow, Edwin exited the room, closing the door softly behind him.
Liam sat back in his chair, a sense of contentment settling over him. In a long while, he felt a need to heal the bond with his family that had been strained.