Chapter 5 - A Mother's Wish

Lysander Blakesty

The cold and ruthless villain in the novel Ways of the Mystic.

Upon hearing that name being directed at me, I knew what world I had transmigrated to. And I knew the identities of the people in front of me.

Still holding the teddy bear arm on my right hand and holding the finger of the women on my left, I began to look directly at her.

A warm and delicate smile showering upon me. I knew the identity of this person.

Isabella Blakesty. The mother of Lysander and the only wife of the duke. A kind and lovely women cast aside from her household due to her weak constitution. A frail body that was not fit for combat in this novel.

Yes... In this novel, Gender is never a concept of debate. Both male and female could hold titles, work any sort of jobs, and even work in the army. They both had equal rights in power and politics.

Ever since she was young, she always trained to be the perfect heir for her father, Count Orestilla Avington. Her household was a renowned knight family, where the sword meant everything, even one's fate in the family. Forced to learn everything from education such as mathematics and history, to politics and combat. But her weak body couldn't hold on to these strict regiments. The count was in anguish. Disappointed that his only child could not meet his expectations.

Shortly after her younger brother was born. A child that could master any concepts with ease and had more potential in swordsmanship than her.

Her father was finally pleased, finding an heir that could succeed the household. At this point, all expectations were eliminated from her. But despite the odds, she wanted to be a worthy heir. The first child of the household has the right to succeed the title. Knowing this, she went on with her perseverance.

She constantly trained her body, and soon she found that she had more talent for magic. But despite being adept with magic, the count continued to favor the young boy, who was more skilled with the sword, to be his successor.

But she didn't give up. She wished to become someone worthy to become the successor. With her diligence and perseverance, she became a student of the Imperial Head Mage Marcus, the strongest mage in the Empire.

Being a student by the top mage, she began to learn values.

'Not everything in life is to become a successor of the House.'

Little by little, her mind went from trying to become someone worthy of a title, to being someone who can use her talent to help the world.

From someone who wished for her father's eyes, to seeing her teacher as a true father figure she never had.

Alongside her she found a friend, Elena, the royal princess at the time. Under the same teacher, they became inseparable.

Like a sister she never had.

But at the age of sixteen, every heir from a noble family is sent to combat to gain experience.

On her father's order, she was forced into battle once she became sixteen. Parents are meant to cherish their children's. But most nobles of this world only care about power and a rightful heir for their households. Upon hearing these words, she knew what this meant.

He wanted her gone from the succession.

But she abided towards the decision, not knowing the cruelty of it, to prove to her father her true worth and be free. But once she entered the battlefield, she saw the horror of war. Facing the enemy with your own life, smelling the blood of allies and foes all over the battlefield. An undeniable nightmare. Countless battles passing through, injuries after injuries.

Isabella could not hope to survive in this cruel battle with her weak body. She used up every ounce of her mana and had no more stamina left, but the battlefield doesn't care about one's wellbeing. It is the survival of the fittest. An enemy was close to slashing her. She hoped for someone to save her in this dire moment, and that's when she saw him.

The man next to her. Laurence Blakesty.

Just as the enemy was about to slash her body, Laurence came and rescued her.

Despite being one year older than her, he already earned a title on the battlefield.

The Duke of Blood

Despite already being a duke, he went to the battlefield out of his own agreement.

People whispered that he would kill the enemies mercilessly and enjoy the suffering as they cry out their last breath with a smile in his face.

Rumors have said that the only reason he joined the battlefield was because he craved the anguish and the violence in the battlefield.

But upon slashing the man that was about to kill Isabella, the duke pointed her sword towards her throat and asked a question.

"... Who are you...?"

Looking at her with a sad expression, his eyes tired from the constant battles that he had faced. Injuries all over his bodies, he asked the weakened person in front of her the question to sustain his sanity, being in the verge of an emotional outbreak.

The woman that was kneeling could feel the pain in his eyes. The same loneliness and despair that she once experienced in the past could be seen in the eyes of the person in front of her. But much more severe.

She reached for his face and put her injured right hand on his cheeks with the same emotion in her eye. She knew that her father wanted her to die in this place after the birth of her younger brother, someone that was more competent than her.

She couldn't help my but try and sympathize with the man that may or may not kill her.

"... I'm just a nobody... Someone who was just forced in this battlefield... Just like you..."

The man widened his eyes. His sword began to shake, and soon pointed it to the ground. Those words tore a hole in his heart.

After slowly thinking for a bit, he closed his eyes, fell to his knees, and rested his head on the woman's shoulder, getting the rest that he never thought about.

In that moment, their love began to blossom...

The relationship between these people was talked about between Seraphina and the Prince in the novel, so I do know a little about these people's past.

But it is amazing seeing those people who were once in fiction now be real. There are physical features that were always described on the pages of the book that couldn't illustrate their true appearance and personality.

The door suddenly opened, and a middle-aged man with brown hair and glasses wearing a butler outfit came through the room, he bowed down and began to talk.

"Your Grace, the carriage has been promptly prepared and ready to travel."

The duke turned towards the butler and nodded.

"Put the soldiers on standby... we can't let anything be at risk."

"Yes, your Grace."

The butler exited the room and closed the door softly.

The duke suddenly faced the Duchess. He gently placed his hands on her shoulder.

"Do you want to rest for a bit until we depart? Your body still needs to recover"

The duchess, who was still smiling at her precious child while it was still holding onto her finger, answered with a soft and lovely voice.

"It's okay, if what the doctor said is true, then we need to go to the imperial palace to see if there's anything to be worried about."

I didn't notice that I was still clinging to her finger and swiftly let go.

This stuffed teddy bear feels so soft... I want to hold onto it more.

Soon the baby fell asleep once again without any worries.

The man sighed disappointedly but accepted her decision. He gently called out for the maids who were waiting outside the door.

They swiftly and carefully began to enter the room. Some bring clothes, some bring jewelry and accessories, and others bring daily necessities for the body, and for the face.

Shortly after, the maids began to dress the Duchess and promptly tend to the baby and prepare for travel, the duke left the room and went where the carriage was stationed.

Many maids combed the silky white hair of the Duchess, and many began to select the dress and necessary jewelry to wear for the trip to the imperial palace.

Maids carefully began to change the baby into some blue baby undergarments, gave him a pacifier, and carefully placed him into a transportable crip.

Shortly, The Duchess finished her preparations and wore a sky-blue gown, the bottom of the dress being layered by different shades of blue, leaving the bottom middle of the gown white, and her arms being covered by long sleeves, being loose around her forearm and tight under her wrist. Exposing her shoulder and collarbone, and a diamond jewelry connecting both ends of the front and back dress together, so it doesn't slide down. Her hair tied up in a 4-strand braid manner, positioned in her left shoulder.

The maids all admired the beauty of the duchess, who doesn't even require makeup, and followed her diligently as she was left the room and headed to the entrance of the mansion.

Upon going down the luxurious carpeted stairs, she saw her husband waiting for her. His hair pulled back and styled, wearing a dark shade of a midnight blue ceremonial dress uniform and trouser, underneath the dress wearing a white buttoned blouse, wearing white gloves, a silver chain going from his right chest towards his left abdominal, and black oxford shoes, and a few more noteworthy details that enhance the suit furthermore.

Once the Duchess stepped towards the last tile of the stairs, the duke offered his hand towards her and slightly bowed.

She accepted his gesture and placed her hand on top of his. The duke held her hand gently and began to walk towards the carriage outside the mansion.

Guards awaiting outside the door lined up and stood in position as they saw the couple walk towards the carriage, mesmerized by the beauty that befalls them like the midnight snow in winter. Cold, but nevertheless beautiful.

Shortly after the couple entered the carriage, a maid of average height, long curly brown hair, and rose skin carefully strolled the baby in a pram. Once near the carriage entrance, she carefully and gently picked up the baby. She carefully entered the carriage, and gently placed the baby in a cradle without waking him up. She wiped the sweat off her forehead and got out of the carriage promptly, and bowed after she got out.

The Duchess chuckled a bit.

"Thank you, Mia. Sorry for troubling you"

Mia, the maid, raised her head swiftly with a sparkle in her eye.

"It was no trouble at all, My Lady!"

She closed her eyes and smiled brightly right before the carriage driver gently closed the carriage door.

Shortly after, the carriage began moving, and everyone who was outside bowed as the Duke and Duchess were leaving.

Mia raised her head a bit and saw the Duchess gently wave goodbye to her. She smiled brightly and waved goodbye to her, and soon they were out the gates of the manor.

Sitting across from the Duchess, the Duke stared at her waving before speaking.

"You have quite the bond with the workers, don't you? It is not normal for a maid to casually talk to their employer in such a tone."

Isabella closed her eyes for a moment and opened them again. Smiling gleefully as she saw them through the window.

"She's quite a cute child. I think of her like a sister."

Laurence smiled at her bright expression.

"I wasn't criticizing you or anything. I find it fascinating that you can easily befriend all the residents in the manor."

Isabella looked at him and showed quite a curious expression.

"Are you, by chance, wanting to befriend them too?"

Laurence looked away bashfully and went silent for a bit before answering.

"... Well, isn't it good to befriend the people you see every day?"

Isabella thought for a bit. Although it was just recently that they settled in the manor, he hadn't gotten to know the people that work for them that much.

"... Are you, per chance, having difficulties befriending them?"

He sheepishly looked towards her and answered immediately.

"No!"

"..."

"... I don't think so...?"

"..."

He embarrassedly closes his eyes and looks away.

"... Is kind of hard since whenever I try to make small talk with anyone, they begin to look at me with fear."

The duchess thought for a bit and spoke out her mind.

"One step at a time. These are the people who will stick with us in in the future. Befriending is no easy task. Just be simple and mindful, and soon everyone will realize your intent."

"You say that, but isn't everyone at the manor somewhat on your side already?"

"... That's beside the point."

"?!"

"Just take your time, no need to rush things."

The duchess looked towards her child, and began to close her eyes while humming quietly, all while the duke sat in the carriage gloomily.

A peaceful ride to the palace, where a huge commotion will happen soon because of a special child.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

Breathing in and out. I begin to wake up to the sensation of my surroundings moving and shaking. I opened my eyes and saw that I was in a baby blue pram, being strolled by a butler, and right beside me were the Duke and Duchess.

The scene beforehand mesmerized me.

As we approach the palace entrance, my attention is drawn to the grand gates flanked by sturdy stone walls. Crafted from wrought iron, the gates stand tall and sturdy, their intricate designs hinting at the craftsmanship within. The palace door soon opens with a soft rumble, revealing a pathway lined with ancient trees, their branches reaching out into the palace's embrace.

The pathway leads to a grand archway, its stone columns rising majestically towards the sky. Carved into the archway are symbols that I don't know of.

Beyond the archway lies the courtyard, a spacious expanse paved with smooth stone. A fountain stands at its center, its waters shimmering in the sunlight and casting dancing reflections on the surrounding walls. To either side, manicured gardens bloom with colorful flowers, their sweet fragrance mingling with the scent of fresh-cut grass.

At the far end of the courtyard looms the entrance to the palace itself, a massive wooden door flanked by stone statues of regal lions. Carved into the door are intricate patterns and designs, each adding to the sense of wonder and awe. As we approach the inner palace, the door swings open silently, revealing the opulent interior of the palace beyond.

Soon, we reached the grand door where someone important lies at the other side of the room.

The duke and duchess closed their eyes, took a deep breath, and soon positioned themselves.

Judging from how serious their expressions are, and how opulent the place and decorations. We must be meeting the royal family.

The door to the palace swings open, the butler emerges, pushing the pram inside. Walking beside the butler was the Duke and Duchess, their faces composed with a sense of respectful anticipation.

With measured steps, they make their way through the palace's grand corridors, their footsteps muffled by plush carpets that line the floors. Paintings depicting scenes of royal grandeur adorn the walls, while the soft glow of candlelight flickers from ornate sconces.

At last, we reach the throne room, where the Empress sits upon her throne, regal and poised, while the emperor sits beside her. The royal couple, though seated, exude an air of authority that fills the room.

The atmosphere is tinged with formality as we approach these people, their expressions serious and focused. The Duke and Duchess exchange polite pleasantries with the Empress and Emperor, their voices hushed in deference to the royal presence.

With a subtle nod, the Empress dismisses all but one attendant that is next to her, leaving the couple alone with the royal pair. The air is thick with anticipation.

The Empress sits upon her throne with poise, her countenance radiating grace and composure. Her features are strikingly regal, with high cheekbones and a straight, noble nose. Her eyes, a deep shade of sapphire blue, possess a piercing intelligence tempered by warmth and compassion. Soft tendrils of chestnut hair frame her face, carefully styled to enhance her natural beauty. A subtle smile graces her lips, conveying both kindness and authority.

Beside her, the emperor stands tall and dignified, his expression solemn yet regal. His jaw is strong, chiseled with determination, while his eyes, a rich shade of hazel, exude power and strength. A neatly trimmed beard frames his face, adding to his air of authority, and his hair as blue as the midnight sky.

This whole scenario is out of my area, since no scene like this was described in the book. The only thing I can do is stay still and listen.

The Empress subtly looks at me. Looking directly into my eyes.

Behind her lies a huge white fog the same size as when I saw the duke, yet it was calm and didn't harm me or anything.

"I see... the subject you mentioned in the letter is indeed noteworthy."

The Empress snapped her finger for the attendant next to her.

"Please bring in the Royal Head Mage for me."

The attendant bowed quickly.

"Yes, your Majesty!"

He swiftly leaves the room in a hurry.

After the attendant left, the atmosphere got light, and the Empress smiled blissfully.

"Congratulations on the birth of your Child."

The Duchess and Duke bowed slightly.

"Thank you, your majesty."

The Empress let's out sigh. She waves her hand.

"The pleasantries are not needed; we've known each other way before my coronation."

The Duchess smiled warmly.

"This is a formal occasion; I need to abide to the proper etiquettes."

The Empress sulks a bit, the emperor besides her remains silent. He soon walks away towards the door. The Empress shrugged while both the duke and duchess watched him from the corner of their eye.

The door slammed, and soon the couple faced the Empress once more.

The duke began to speak.

"... Your Majesty, can I speak to you in private after this?"

The Duchess looks at the duke in the corner of her eyes, waiting to hear the reason.

The Empress smiles semantically.

"Do present me the reason. Your wife surely doesn't want you talking to other women alone."

The duke froze for a bit. He quickly faced his wife in a hurry.

But alas, she pouts a bit before looking dignified again.

He coughs for a bit and looks straight at the Empress.

"Very well then, can I impose you a favor then."

"Ho ho?" The Empress smiles ambiguously, "A favor between friends is no problem. Of course, if it isn't something grand."

The duke looks at the me for a bit, then looks at the Empress.

"... whatever the result might be, can you prevent outsiders from approaching us in the future."

The Empress eye shimmers a bit, still smiling.

As she smiled, she tapped her finger along the handle of the seat. Both the Duke and Empress looked at each other for a moment, as if their eyes were saying words.

The Empress layered her elbow on the handle of the throne, putting her left cheek to lay on her knuckle.

"... Indeed, some people just can't follow simple regulations. I'll try and see what I can do."

"Thank you-"

But as the Duke was about to finish his sentence, all of them felt a heavy presence coming from the door.

The Empress shifted her hand down and sat up properly.

"... we shall continue this conversation after this."

The grand doors of the throne room open once more, revealing a figure of immense stature. From the looks of it, it must be the Royal Head Mage, the pinnacle of magical authority in the Empire.

Cloaked in robes of rich indigo, adorned with intricate golden symbols that catch the flickering torchlight, the Head Mage strides forward with purpose. Each step is deliberate, echoing the weight of his position and the knowledge he bears.

Tall and imposing, he carries himself with a dignified grace. His face, etched with the marks of age and wisdom, holds eyes that gleam with a profound depth of understanding. A large white bear that reaches his chest, and short messy hair.

Approaching the throne with measured steps, the Head Mage bows respectfully before the seated Empress. In this moment, the entire chamber is suffused with his aura of power.

'It's so... powerful. But it is also warm...'

"I give my greetings to her Majesty, The Empress."

The Empress sighs.

"Don't act like this you senile old man, you aren't this nice whenever we meet."

The Mage lifts his head and strokes his beard.

"Ho ho ho, we're in front of guests right now, of course we need to show modesty."

The mage soon faces us.

"It's been a while, Laurence, Isabella"

Both nod their heads and respond.

"It's been a while, Head Mage Marcus."

The Mage laughs profoundly.

"You've all grown, and you even have a child now. My my, how time flies when you grow old..."

The Mage looks at me, his eyes shimmer a bit before closing it.

"So, regarding your son's condition. I suspect you want me to analyze whether is true or not"

The duke calmly responds.

"Yes, that is right."

The Mage strokes his beard once more.

The Mage suddenly starts walking towards me.

Suddenly an insignia appeared right behind him, it looked like the drawing of a wooden staff covered and wrapped around leaves.

"Many stories have unfolded about the five Gods. The God of magic, Arcanor, the Weaver of Realm. "

Another insignia appeared showing the image of a sword filled with an aura.

"The Goddess of swords, Valora, the Blade Lord. "

His once closed eyes then opened and changed into a purple flame color. Soon a new insignia appeared, showing the image of an angel hugging an orb.

"The Goddess of life, Elysia, the mother of Vitality."

The atmosphere begins to feel heavy once again. Everyone feeling the pressure has their head looking down and cannot move.

But for some reason, I feel completely fine...

Soon, anew insignia appeared, showing the image of someone's hand both stretched out, overfilled, and spilling a liquid substance"

"The God of death, Mortanis, the Eternal Reaper."

And now, he stands before me, with both his hands behind him and staring at me. An insignia of a massive tree then appeared.

"And the God of the spirits, Astraeus, the Whisperer of Essence."

He stretched his hand over me, but without touching me. He then looked back; everyone's faces seemed relieved.

"My apologies. The Spell requires an extraordinary amount of mana and preparations. I thought of using the mana gathered to showcase a light tale."

The Empress smiles with a cold sweat on her face.

"Geezer... What monstrous mana manipulation do you have for you to say that..."

The Duchess covers her mouth with nausea, while the duke helps her with her balance.

He looked directly at the mage with a piercing eye.

"... Are you sure this is safe?"

Still holding out his hands on top of me, he laughs for a bit then replies.

"It sure is. This spell is handed down from generations of Head Mages, whenever a time came such as this."

His face once again looks at me, his hands covered with a light purple mist.

"A simple spell such as analyze cannot see through the Gods blessing. That is why a spell was created to identify them specifically."

All the insignia suddenly lined up together and merged. Soon deconstructing and the fragmented particle began going towards the mage's stretched hand.

The purple light soon engulfed me, and my whole body began to feel warm.

After a few moments, a wave of mana soon burst out, and an insignia of the wooden staff stood right above me.

"... Indeed, he has the Blessing of the Mana."

He faced towards the Empress, stroking his beard with his eyes closed, showing a serious expression.

The Empress tapped her fingers on the throne and contemplating the outcome, the Duke and Duchess expressed solemnness.

"... I see, then this means only one thing..."

The Mage slowly opened his eyes.

"A great omen of disaster will come about in the future..."

The Empress let out sigh once again. She responded to the Mage's words.

"A war..."

The Mage looks at the couple once again.

"Your child is special indeed, not only does his aptitude in magic is high, but I also suspect he has a large quantity of mana"

He looks at the child once again.

"Mana so vast that not even I can fathom its limit."

The couple's faces were surprised. The Duchess put her hands on her chest and subtly raised her voice.

"Does that mean..."

The Mage looks at her quite happy.

"He will surely become a Mage that will change the world. Even among those with the Blessing of the Mana, never have I read about them having utmost infinite amount of mana."

The Duchess began to walk towards me, with quite a solemn expression.

"... Can't he live a normal life?"

"... I'm afraid that will difficult."

"I see..."

Her expression looks sad, as if she's about to cry.

'I don't want people to cry about me anymore.'

I stretched out my hands, my face unable to control itself showed a happy smile towards her mother. A smile I wish I could show.

Her complexion softens, touching my hands once again. She smiled with a hint of sadness on her face.

"I see... I suppose it is inevitable."

She gently let go of my hand. She faced the Mage and looked at him with a serious expression.

"If fate has already been predetermined, then it cannot be helped."

The duke, who was standing at bay, walked towards her with a solemn expression.

"Even if my child has to carry the weight of the world, I should help him as a mother."

The duke gently holds her hand.

She gently looked at him, and as if they decided something by looking at each other, she looked down, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath before looking at the Mage once more.

"Head Mage Marcus, my teacher, can you give me your support on teaching my child? Not about how to use magic to kill. Not to use formulas as a weapon. But can you help him teach him more about the world? Teach him what he's going to protect soon. Teach him the values of life and the wisdom of knowledge. Let him enjoy the world and let him decide if it's a world that is meant to be protected."

She clenches her hand before speaking once again.

"Teach him how to be happy, to live every moment with glee. Make him feel safe, for what he is not yet a man with responsibilities. But a child that is yet to know."

A tear fell from one of her eyes. Running down her cheeks.

"These words are not for you alone. But also, for me, her mother, and his father. As my teacher, and someone who I see as like my father. I want to guarantee his happiness."

She places one of her hands in chest, as if what comes next is something not in the moment but came from her heart.

"Because that is a mother's wish!"