Dimly lit Streets

As I gazed at the crystal globe displaying the world of Quailsham, my thoughts raced with questions. Could the Sealing Charm be lifted? Was there a way for me to regain my true identity and break free from this hidden confinement?

Turning back to the old man, I posed my inquiry, hoping for a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty. "Is there a way to remove the Sealing Charm?" I asked, my voice tinged with urgency.

The old man paused, his gaze shifting from the globe to meet my eyes. His expression softened with understanding as he spoke in a calm and reassuring tone. "Yes, it is possible," he began, "but only a Geass with equal power can dispel such a curse. The Sealing Charm is not permanent. Its duration depends on the intentions of the one who cast it. However, extending its effects for a prolonged period requires a sacrifice—a life given in exchange."

The revelation filled me with a mix of apprehension and determination, knowing that if I wanted to reclaim my true self, I would have to delve into the depths of ancient magic and face its consequences head-on. 

After much contemplation, I made the decision to purchase the hairpin despite the cost of five drops of my blood. 

The old man carefully fitted the Phoenix Blood Harvester onto my finger, adjusting it to ensure a precise extraction. As he activated the device, I felt a gentle warmth spreading from the gauntlet's fiery tendrils, followed by a slight prickling sensation as they penetrated my skin. To my surprise, the process was nearly painless, thanks to the fire element's sterilizing effect.

I watched in fascination as the ethereal tubes of shimmering energy transported my blood into the crystal vial embedded within the gauntlet. The vial glowed with a pulsating phoenix flame, indicating the amount of blood collected. It was a mesmerizing sight, the phoenix motif reflecting the magical essence of the device.

Once the extraction was complete, the gauntlet retracted its fiery tendrils and deactivated, leaving me with a sense of awe at the marvel of alchemical and magical engineering before me. The harvested blood, preserved within the vial, retained its potency and properties, ready to be utilized when needed.

With the transaction concluded and gratitude expressed to the old man, I turned to leave but was captivated by a familiar sight. A plant of unparalleled beauty caught my eye, nestled within a massive transparent jar that seemed to amplify its radiance. The plant resembled molten gold basking in the sun, each petal shimmering with an ethereal glow that was impossible to miss.

Approaching the display with a sense of wonder, I couldn't shake the feeling that I had seen this flower before. It was reminiscent of the one I had glimpsed in Hiyasmin's room, tucked away in a cabinet as if preserving a precious secret.

"What do you call this flower?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued.

The old man, sensing my fascination, hurried over with an eager expression. He carefully tended to the jar containing the flower, treating it with the reverence it deserved. "Stardew Hyacinth," he replied simply, his voice tinged with admiration. "It's a rare bloom, known to blossom only in the Kingdom of Elvens."

I nodded in awe, my admiration for the flower growing with each passing moment. Despite its confinement within the jar, devoid of sunlight or natural elements, the Stardew Hyacinth retained its exquisite beauty, a testament to nature's enchanting creations. "It's truly mesmerizing," I remarked, unable to tear my gaze away.

The old man nodded sagely, his eyes gleaming with knowledge. "Besides its unparalleled beauty, the Stardew Hyacinth is renowned for its mystical properties."

I was taken aback, my curiosity growing as he spoke of the flower's powers. The world of Quailsham never ceased to amaze me with its magical wonders. "What exactly does it do?" I inquired eagerly.

"This flower blooms only at the stroke of midnight, unfurling its petals to release tiny, shimmering golden seeds," the old man explained, gesturing toward the delicate seeds at the base of the flower. "If these seeds are inhaled, they induce a deep, prolonged sleep. Those who succumb to its effects cannot be roused from slumber by ordinary means, but a few possess the strength to resist the drowsiness, provided they have the innate resilience within their own bodies."

The old man's words added another layer of intrigue to the already fascinating tale of the Stardew Hyacinth. I listened intently, eager to learn more about this rare and mystical flower.

"It rarely blooms, but if it does, it is usually located near the frontier of the Evergreen," the old man elaborated, his eyes glinting with knowledge. The "Elvens have mastered the art of harnessing nature's magic, and the Stardew Hyacinth is one of their most potent tools in warding off intruders. Its enchantments are woven into the very fabric of their borders, ensuring that unauthorized entry is met with a formidable defense. It is also a symbol of hope and renewal, cherished by the Elvenkind for centuries."

As I left Hidden Hollow, the town had fallen into a serene silence. Only a few people were still walking about, their footsteps echoing softly in the quiet streets. Despite knowing that it would take about an hour to reach the castle on foot, I opted against taking a carriage to avoid drawing attention to my whereabouts.

With a sense of determination, I made my way back towards the orphanage where I had spent many meaningful moments with the children. The night air was cool and calm, wrapping around me like a comforting embrace. The familiar path to the orphanage felt like a journey back to a place of solace and understanding.

Then, the suddenness of being pulled into the carriage left me startled and breathless. My heart raced as I tried to comprehend what was happening, but the hand over my mouth prevented any sound from escaping. I struggled against the firm grip holding me. Darkness enveloped the carriage, concealing the identity of my captor. Fear and confusion mingled within me, wondering who would take such drastic measures to whisk me away in secrecy.

The carriage rumbled along the dimly lit streets, its movements swift and calculated. I attempted to gather my thoughts, searching for any clue or hint that could unravel this mysterious turn of events. Was this a rescue or a sinister plot?

The silence inside the carriage was suffocating, broken only by the rhythmic sounds of hooves against the cobblestones. My mind raced with questions, yet I dared not speak, unsure of the intentions behind this clandestine journey.

After what felt like an eternity of tense silence, the carriage finally came to a halt. The hand released my mouth, and I turned to face my unexpected captor. It was Ludwig, his expression unreadable in the dim light. 

A sudden surge of conflicting emotions overwhelmed me—pain, anger, irritation, sadness, and a fleeting sense of happiness. However, before I could voice my turmoil and seek an explanation, Ludwig's voice pierced the night air with a mix of concern and frustration.