Chapter XVIII

Just as expected, mushrooms of different sizes in red grew from the polish-carpeted floors, surrounding the small rocking figure of the known magician.

The atmosphere surrounding her also changed from its usual to a grim state. She ended up keeping her words true, much to Celwin’s astonishment.

Even if she was clearly overreacting.

“Are those poisonous? If not. . . I, could use some for tomorrow’s lunch”, the Venatici son asked, poking a finger on one of the blobs, while humming some weird tune underneath his breath.

His teal-optics were sparkling, awaiting for the other’s response.

Though, she ended up slapping his hand away, mumbling things along the words of ‘don’t-touch-them-you-brute’. Continuing her sulking in the corner, crouching as she rocked her figure.

After what seems to be ten minutes, Clementine finally decided to calm down— standing up from her recent position; dusting some invisible dirt that may have flown and glued themselves on her attire, while glancing every now and then towards her companion.

Who has yet left the cluster of red mushrooms.

“Celwin”, she called; voice calm however unsmiling. Clementine adjusted her collar ribbon once again, grunting as she did so.

“I sure do hope that you’ve read the letter thoroughly?”, the magician questioned, huffing as she glared down towards the tips of her soles— bother and restlessness clearly pasted on her visage.

“I did. Grave it is. Ellysia’s magician. . .on the loose. A dark magic user at that”, he commented, staring at her with profound soberness. Every lingering thought of mushrooms were eradicated in his head; filling it with acknowledgement to their current predicament.

“Yes. Henceforth, I’d like you to watch over Celeste for the mean time”, the lass nodded in conclusion, directly eyeing a pair of teal ones that glowed vibrant underneath the shade of the azure skies.

“Why? Are you off somewhere?”,

‘And here I am assuming that he read every single word. . .’ she thought secretly displeased, making her sigh again for what seems to be the nth time.

Yet, she couldn’t voice out her thoughts of dissatisfaction, not wanting to offend someone who gladly volunteered in guarding the nation, whom she’ll be leaving in a few hours.

“Indeed, I am. I couldn’t leave Celeste unwatched, especially due to the circumstances”, her voice, grave throughout each word.

Celwin nodded at this, understanding her perspective. Although he was quite confused from within. Why choose him when there are lots out there. Completely trained and experienced in combat and such.

Why task someone who mainly stays in their manor (if not, in the academy), doing absolutely weird shenanigans?

“You’re the only resort. The prince would’ve gone ballistic if I sent Rolfin or Rovic”, Clementine answered, gaze trailing down, choosing to observe the beautiful mess on the floor— the mess that was her glittering white hair. Although, it wasn’t for long, since she immediately cleaned it , within a snap of her fingers and then poof! It was gone.

“He already did, of course. I may or may not have told him that I’ll be sending Rolfin here to guard”, she bashfully whispered, barely audible for Celwin to hear. Yet, the lad still ended up hearing her shy statement.

“Is that the reason why he walked. . . rather, stomped his way back to his chambers?”, the teal-eyed young man asked, curious as he recalled the events that partook a while ago.

He kind of lost his way, unable to sense Clementine’s presence at first— luckily though, he had learned the magic of concealing his identity and aura. If not, he would’ve ran himself face first into trouble.

Celwin have heard quite— a lot of both pleasant and unpleasant stories from various people. More likely, his gossiping classmates in the academy.

The magician certainly knew what he was hinting at with that question. Rounded doe-like orbs now turning into slits, the thin line of her pink lips curving down; upset, she was upset.

“That’d be a different tale which I would likely not share to you”, she responded in haste, shaking her head to second her words, in case this overly curious cat would try delving further.

“It is mainly for me to know. And it stays there”,

“I see”, he uttered. His shining teal could read the change of ambiance from the magician before him. Whatever had happened, she was absolutely not going to openly fill his thirst of knowing the event; to which he understood.

“Let’s get back on track”, she stated.

“I’m going to travel to Sappherine and Xereisee in hopes of contacting Alejandro and Delphinium, personally”, the lass explained, motioning her hands animatedly at each stated word; her tone falling flat and neutral from its recent gloomy tune.

“There are things that I have missed during the day wherein the supposed banquet would have been held—”, she continued.

“I heard that you’re spotted being carried by His Highness, all bloodied and limp”, Celwin interrupted pointing at her bandaged hand, that was splotched with blood. He had just noticed it a second ago, and it made him wonder.

‘How can she perfectly stand and act straight, as if she wasn’t in pain?’

“It does hurt, mind you”, Clementine murmured; eventually hearing out his voiced though which he unintentionally blurted.

She the pointed the parts that where stabbed by stone pillars; her shoulder, her thigh, her shoes, and a glance to her hand. “That man is bloody mental”.

“Ah, he’s unpleasant. Older sister Rosette doesn’t like him either. And cousin Leticia would always give him a ‘stink-eye’ whenever spotted”, he quoted, smiling ever-so-lightly at the mention of his older sister, whom he adored so much.

“None of us magicians finds him endearing. Trust me”, a grumble, following after was a hiss of hatred directed to the evil-man.

“Back to the point. You have with you, is a sacred powerful sword. It can do wonders that I haven’t known. You’re the bearer, therefore you’re skilled with its advantages”, Clementine continued her dialogue, pursing her lips seriously, pleading for the lad to let her finish each statement that she’d want him to hear before leaving.

And thank gods did her silent plea was answered.

For a short while, that is.

“Other magicians out there could’ve possibly been bewitched or members of the dark cult themselves. I couldn’t trust them much. As for Alejandro and Delphinium, I want either one of them to accompany me. But it’d likely be the former who’d be more willing”, She added, earning herself a nod of understanding from his companion.

“I would also go and search for the culprit. I want him apprehended with my own two hands”,

“Truth be told. . .I don’t have any apprentices myself. I couldn’t get a grab for even one. Mainly due to my background as a girl who grew in poverty”, She sadly smiled, gripping the end of her black skirt with her uninjured hand.

All those years of being affiliated as a magician, no one dared approach her— asking to make them her apprentice.

She understood them, nonetheless. Fully giving recognition at the fact that her blood is stained with dirt in their eyes.

People were that racist to her kind. Well, some of them. She couldn’t exactly call them all racists, considering that she had also met a few nobles, even royals who acknowledged her whole.

Yet, it still wasn’t enough to garner the attention of those who wanted to be taught under her wing and become successor to her post, if the unpredictable comes.

“What’s wrong with that? You’re fairly strong. Ranked as second, remember?”, he asked, bewildered— sorry for the revelation of the girl.

The Venatici son always imagined the amount of followers that each of the main four would have. One unlikely many as the other.

However, due to Celeste’s imperial magician and her remarkable deeds, he have basically expected a whole mob of students following her feet.

Although, that expectation was shattered moments ago. And it hurt, knowing that it wasn’t the reality whom he have thought of.

“I am. But to the eyes of many nobles. A person like me wouldn’t be worth it. Magicians are of noble-blood, I have none”,

“That’s bullshit”,

Clementine grinned at his words. Touched due to his compassion. Seeing her saddened state, Celwin came forth, placing a hand on her shoulder carefully; not wanting to aggravate the recovering wound.

Albeit a single gesture, it made her lighten up a bit. The usual sparkle of her silvered-optics now coming forth slowly, not too dimmed and dull as it was when she told him her story.

“I understand your sentiments. I’ll keep an eye here. This castle seems off too”, Celwin suddenly stated, now fully serious as he glanced around the place; brows knitted in confusion.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if someone would eavesdrop to our conversation”, he then hissed, summoning his sword in hand.

The lad then disappeared from his location in front of Clementine, surprising her at the sudden movement.

Stunned, she was— brain slowly comprehending the situation due to initial shock. However, as fast as he vanished, did he also appeared back.

Though, with a companion locked tightly in his hand, sabre pointed on the person’s neck.

“B-Brixton? What are you?”, Clementine stuttered surprised, hands flailing in front of her, whilst pleading for Celwin to drop down the sword with her eyes.

Oh dear.

“Celwin, please. He means no harm”, she reasoned, approaching the two. Clementine then gripped the blade, trying her best to lower it or just budge it away from the trembling child.

“Really? I dare say not. He had this vibe coming from him. Weird.”, Celwin finished, glaring at the pale -faced young prince.

“I’ve been his guardian since he arrived in this castle. I assure you that he meant no harm, Celwin”, the magician argued, wincing slightly when she felt a deep cut forming on her palm.

Brixton quivered in his grip, obsidian-orbs shaking in fear, sweat basically cascading from his forehead down, drenching his nightwear. He had no idea how he had gotten himself in that position.

None at all.

One second he was in his room, studying, holding a quill and parchment. And the next— someone have called him.

Afterwards, he had no recollection, not until he felt a cold-sharp blade positioned on his throat.

“B-big sister? What’s going on?”, poor child stuttered, eyes widened and asking the female to help him out, to which she is desperately trying to.

“Celwin! The child would end up traumatized. Please, I’m begging you”,

At that final burst, the teal-eyed lad finally set down his weapon, silent as he let go of the child who ran immediately into the embrace of the magician.

Rubbing soft circles on his back, Clementine cooed and assured him that everything is okay, that Celwin didn’t mean to become hostile; explaining that they were just in a middle of a very important and highly confidential matter.

“My sword doesn’t agree much with this, Clei”, Celwin firmly muttered, still glaring daggers on the child’s back, making the amber-haired boy shiver.

“I know. . . I know”, Clementine murmured, hurrying her face in the prince’s neck, still calming him down.

‘They aren’t pleased, either’.