"Uh, Silver… Are you okay?"
Upon hearing those words, Silver stared at Ariadne for a few seconds. He was unsure what to do at that moment. But then, he suddenly laughed it off, in an awkward, tense way, deciding that was the best thing to do at that moment. "Yeah… I'm alright. I just had a strange dream…"
However, Ariadne didn't stop staring at him oddly, and this time around Silver knew he wouldn't be able to escape explaining some of the things he was up to this morning.
"You were dreaming? So, how come you're so far from your bed? And, even if you somehow manage to come up with a reason for that, there's no way you can explain the star drawn on the floor for some reason…"
Silver panicked internally. He didn't know if it was the right choice to tell his sister of all the strange happenings that had occurred to him so recently, and, even if he did, disclosing the fact that he had become acquainted with mysticism; an incredibly rare accomplishment, was… an iffy decision, for multiple reasons.
The flesh of those acquainted with the mysterious nature of the lands is enchanted with a strange essence, and this made their flesh, heart, blood and even bones desirable to grind down and sell as potions or special elixirs.
Yet, Ariadne, as his twin sister, was trustworthy in a way others weren't. In some cases, she could even be considered his "other half." Not in those other bizarre ways, of course.
And so, he decided to tell her, in a slightly straight-forward but still clumsy manner. "…Then, since I won't be able to escape telling you, I'll just tell it to you straight. I've become acquainted with mysticism."
"…What?" Ariadne replied, pondering whether her twin brother took her as a fool.
"You know, someone with the power of mysticism…? I know it's incredibly rare, and incredibly dangerous for people like us to gain that sort of power with a mysticism expert, but, I've obtained it, and through the use of that book!" Silver replied, pointing to the Mysticism Studies that was flung to a corner of the room. "I'm not lying, honestly! I can show you too…"
He prepared to flick his finger but noticed that Ariadne eyed him rather suspiciously. "…Do you expect me to believe that, out of the blue? Without the help of a mysticism expert, becoming acquainted with mysticism is impossible, and they charge stupendously large fees before they can even get into the process of enabling you."
"…But, it also kinda explains a small, teensy-weensy bit of the unusual things I've noticed throughout the past few days… like, how we somehow met a templar knight on the street yesterday… an encounter with somebody like that was so unexpected that I just dismissed it on the account that I was hallucinating until I fell asleep at night and woke up the next day, recollecting that moment instantly. I almost let out a blood-curdling scream containing all sorts of emotions, and soon after, I heard that darn racket coming from your room!"
"Yeah, apologies…" He responded. "But, Ariadne… you have to believe me! I've gained the power of mysticism, and I can control luck! Somewhat…"
But then, Ariadne suddenly giggled. "…Don't worry, since I believe you already! Like most others, I don't understand how mysticism works, and I don't intend on getting entangled in it for now, but, if you've truly acquired mysticism, then show me! Right here, right now!"
Silver nodded and then flicked his finger. To be perfectly honest, he didn't know at all of the extent of a Fatespinner's abilities, and he also only knew from the book that the characteristics of the Flame of Soul could be enhanced somehow, which gave someone acquainted with mysticism further abilities, so it could have been possible that all he could do now was increase his chance of fortuitous encounters. However, this was a situation where he would only know if he tried to find out.
As soon as he did the action, in a surprising twist, countless threads withholding mystical properties appeared from thin air, intertwining with each other and gracefully avoiding Silver and Ariadne. These threads were golden, and emitted a strange, faint mist of uncertainty, as if they were strings representative of the future. And then, these threads, as if they had a mind of their own, shot at Silver's hand and wrapped it in layers of thread as if his hand had donned a silken glove.
Silver looked dazed, and Ariadne slightly fearful, as they stared at his hand wrapped in the finest golden silk threads. This was the innate power of all Fatespinners and the main ability that they used the most often; these were:
"The Threads of Timeless Romance."
***
It was dark, deep within the Castle of Blood. And, inside the chambers of this castle's ruins, a petite maiden slept, alone. Until, the silent, grave footsteps of a warrior began to echo as they approached, with an uneven gait across the hallways.
A fearsomely tall man standing in the dark, who wore black robes with silver embroidery and had a covered face, dragged himself and his weapon to the maiden's bed-chamber, and declared, "Get up, Soulless Maiden, and heed our words."
"Soulless Maiden" was a name that the Black Knights of the Underworld Court often called the Lady of Salvation, as she had no heart for anyone, not even the Gods.
"…What is it?"
"…" The Black Knight remained silent for a moment, before saying something unexpected. "The maiden has not even the decency or dignity to ask for my name? I, Solrad, see why you are soulless. You, who abandoned the prestige of being a priestess of the Bloodlit Candles, our brother cult in service to the Accursed Goddess, the Bleeding Thorn Beauty."
"…There is no need to bring up the past to fuel your anger towards me, Black Knight. I have long since abandoned the creator Gods, and even the Accursed Gods do not deserve my worship."
The Black Knight, Solrad, clenched his fist with wrath. He was often resolute and unyielding with any words that would disgrace him, but at that moment, he wished to reply with a foul remark, implying that the Whirlpool of Suffering wouldn't need her pitiful worship anyway. However, he held back.
"…I have come here to receive your help. Among the lands of the Eastern Boundary, Lindsayer, we have finally discovered the whereabouts of the Silvermoon Dynasty's ruins. Yet, our "perfect sacrifice" is noncompliant with us."
"…Hm… seeing as the Nightly Assassins of the Underworld Court haven't yet killed this perfect sacrifice, I suppose he is meant to be kept alive?" The Lady of Salvation asked. Solrad nodded in response.
"…Then, you should take my familiar, Medea, with you. She hasn't seen the light in long, after all, and she is rather good at stealing those who are disobedient…"
"…But, I only hope that you will stay out of my way after this. There's no telling what will happen when the Sanguistree is so close to fruition."
Solrad lifted his hand in agreement, as the steps of a small beast grew nearer upon the mention of its name.
"Of course."
"…I vow, that the Underworld Court shall no longer bother you or your business after we obtain the perfect sacrifice."