Chapter 14 - One's Choice

The countless trees rooted down on to the earth, staying still as their leaves filled with multitudes of hues fall as they prepare for winter. The sun began to set, making the scenery, from where I gazed at them through the carriage's window, a mellow orange, contemplating how to deal with the situation at hand. Many guards who were riding horses followed us from behind while other were in front of us, or by our side. 

I shifted my gaze from the window to the seat in front of me. Nilo sat there with his arms crossed, and eyes closed. Not sleeping but meditating. The same weapons he had before still linger on his body. I looked at the seat next to me, and saw August, with his arms on the hilt of the carriage window, staring at the scenery with dismay. 

Many thoughts must be running through his head, most of them negative if I presume. But it is best to leave him be for the moment. I shifted my gaze back towards Nilo. 

Feeling my stare, Nilo opened his eyes and raised his head, looking at me coldly before letting out a sigh. 

"... Young Master... I really wonder what goes through that little head of yours..."

I could not help but scratch my head awkwardly. "... My apologies for dragging you with me, Nilo..."

Nilo shakes his head with disagreement, then crosses his arms once again before showing a stoic face. "Don't be. Even if it was rash, you did it because you wanted to help him, didn't you?" He taps the side of his head with his finger, staying silent while still looking directly at me. "... This was the first time you asked for something, to the point to arguing with His Grace."

He smiles subtly while looking out the window. "Everyone, even His Grace, were surprised by the selfish request you made."

I looked at him with a confused expression while slightly tilting my head. "I see..."

Selfishness: Being concerned excessively or exclusively with oneself; Seeking or concentrating on one's own advantage, pleasure, or well-being without regard for others.

Carnal desires that stemmed from being selfish... I never understood. Even when my current parents wanted to pamper or spoil me, I just went along with them without asking for anything else. Whenever they asked if I wanted something more, I just respectfully refused them.

Even in my past life, the idea of being spoiled was non-existent... for me. But even then, I tried to spoil them whenever the chance arrived, so they did not turn out just like me...

But for the first time, I portrayed an act of selfishness. Even if it was for a compelling cause, it hindered other people who regarded my personal wellbeing, and almost put my relationship with them in jeopardy. 

I look down, staring deeply at the carriage floor with an emotionless expression. But behind my face, I feel a sense of guilt... I did it to help August, so he would not experience the tragedies from the Novel once more.

But was that the right choice to make?

I look towards August once more. He still looks out through the window, deep in thought. I close my eyes before facing Nilo again.

"Even then... I do not regret the choice I made..."

Soon after uttering those words, I felt a heavy weight in my right shoulder. I look to my side and see August laying his head on my shoulder with his eyes closed. "... Thank you, once again, for going with me, Lys..."

I let out a smile, I closed my eyes and gently laid my head on top of his. He once again began to interlock his hand with mine. I slowly began to close my eyes, just relaxing in this momentary peace before we arrived at the place of conflict.

There are so many things that I still wish to continue thinking about. 

What do we do once we arrive at the Imperial Palace? How exactly can I resolve the situation? How exactly can I help? What do we do when we are in danger?

Countless thoughts ring through my head. But maybe it was because I kept thinking about such things, that my mind began to wander. Having my eyes closed, in a peaceful setting, all while the sun began to set is making me feel sleepy.

This will be the only time where we can rest without worrying about what will come our way. The only certain time where August will feel at ease...

Nilo continues to look at the children in front of him. He slightly leans forward while placing his palm underneath his chin, staring as he saw the two boys interlocking hands while sleeping.

"... Friends, huh?"

He leans back and looks through the window. The setting sun soon disappears from the sky. Night soon befalls and countless stars begin to shimmer. 

Nilo continues to look at them. He then closes his eyes once more while still facing the window, and takes a deep breath before sighing, and opening his eyes again. 

"I wonder when they'll realize that their actions don't reflect what friends would normally do..."

As he continues to look ahead, he lets out a subtle smile and continues to stay awake until they reach their destination and protect these two young boys.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

A ray of light emits through my eyelids. Soon, I heard a continuous voice echoing through my head. It began to grow louder and louder as I began to wake up due to the noise.

"... Lys!"

I soon felt a slight shake from my shoulder, causing me to slightly wake up. I opened my eyes. My visions are slightly blurry, but I saw a familiar figure in front of me. I rubbed my eyes, and then looked again to see August, with his hand on my shoulder, smiling at me while he tries to gently wake me up. 

"Good morning, Lys."

I closed my eyes, covering my mouth as I was about to yawn before rubbing my eyes again as I wiped off a tear. "... Good morning, August."

I looked outside the carriage window and saw a gray paved building that resembled slightly like a castle, but on a smaller scale. 

Once the doors were opened by one of the guards, August walked down the small stairs while I tried to follow. Once he finally reached the end of the stairs, he stretched his hand towards me with a smile. 

"Take my hand while getting down. I do not want you to fall."

I stared at his hand for a moment before gently placing my hand on top of his. He gently grabbed it and slightly pulled me forward as I continued to walk down the stairs. Once I got down, he shifted his gaze to the building with a serious expression.

"... We have arrived at the terminal gate..."

"I see..."

I shifted my gaze back to the building. So, this is one of the terminal gates...

The magic properties can be divided into two categories: elemental and non-elemental. The way fire moves and blazes while burning everything it touches, and how water flows freely through the stream using mana can be considered elemental magic, while other magic such as teleportation can be considered non-elemental magic. 

In each region controlled by a Noble, there is at least one terminal gate installed. These terminal gates are buildings that use teleportation magic to transport a single person, or group, from one location immediately to another. A convenient way of traveling between large distances. It is quite pricey, but not too expensive, so most people tend to use such means of transportation for long distances.

I looked around the area and saw Nilo talking to some of the guards that were accompanied us during our travel. Once he was done talking to the guard, he shifted his gaze towards us and began walking towards where we were. Once he was standing in front of me, slightly bowing his head before fixing his posture .

"Good morning, Young Master. Hopefully, you were able to sleep well in the carriage."

I nodded. August then took a step forward with an anxious expression. "... How long before the teleport gate is ready?"

Nilo stood silent for a minute before responding. "... Approximately two hours, Your Highness..."

August looked at the ground, he clenched his hand into a fist before taking a breath. "... I see... It cannot be helped, is already enough that we are able to get there quickly at least."

Moments of silence passed once again. August looked up into the sky with a sorrowful demeanor before closing his eyes and walking towards the building. The only thing I could do was look at his back while he slowly walked away. Moments passed before I saw his shape far away from me... Soon disappearing into the building.

I clutched my hand.

I do not know what to do... I want to comfort him... But I do not know how. Do I just say happy things? Do I stand there by his side while he waits there impatiently with worries?

I just do not know much about this type of thing...

I felt a hand being placed on my shoulder, I looked up and saw Nilo behind me with his usual stoic face. 

"... Do not overthink such things, Young Master. I have been by your side for an exceptionally long time to know what troubles you." He slowly smiles. "But just being by his side will help him lessen his worries about the situation. Just do what you normally do when you are with him."

My eyes widen.

"... So just being myself...?"

Nilo let out a small chuckle. "You really do act like a child when it comes to such things." He then gently placed his hand behind my back and gently pushed me forward. "Just follow him and be by his side. That is the only thing he is hoping at this time of crisis: Your presence."

I looked in front of me once more. August is nowhere to be seen. Maybe it is because of what Nilo said, but I just instinctively tried to follow where he might've have gone. The short, slow steps became longer and quicker until I eventually began to run towards the building. 

The inside of the building looked luxurious and filled with multitudes of people from diverse backgrounds and statuses. From beast men, to elves, and dwarfs that I only read about in books. Workers were positioned everywhere in case of trouble. Lounges filled with couches and seats as a huge golden chandelier hovered in the center. I continued to run towards the hallway, and towards the middle. 

Soon, I ran out of breath and placed my hands on my knees while trying to catch my breath. Someone then walked in front of me and stood there worried. I looked up and saw a young woman with the worker attire. She had a worried expression as she looked at me. "Are you lost, young one?"

I shook my head. "No. I am trying to find someone."

"I see. Maybe I'll be able to help. Can you perhaps tell me what they look like?"

Once I caught my breath, I slowly began to think how to describe. "... He has dark, midnight color hair with sapphire eyes..."

The lady began to think for a moment before talking once again. "I think I know who you are talking about."

"Do you know where he is?!"

She pointed towards the direction of one of the lounges in place. "The young boy is resting in one of the seats there. He looked troubled, so one of the workers here tried to talk to him, but said that he just wanted to be left alone-"

"Thank you!"

I quickly walked towards the direction from where she pointed while waving at her. Her surprised face soon turned into a smile. Once I reached the location she talked about, I could vividly see where August is.

Sitting on one of the red couches, resting his head, while his eyes remained closed. I quickly approached him. Once I stood in front of him, he began to move his head forward from the seat with his eyes still closed but showing an annoyed expression.

"I already said that I just want to be alone-"

"August!"

His eyes immediately opened wide, and he looked directly at me for a few seconds before looking away shamefully. "... I just want to be alone..."

Not long after, I sat right next to him. I immediately placed my head on his shoulder, making him flinch. We stayed like that for a minute before I broke the silence. "Just let me be by your side. We do not have to talk, but I just want to make sure you are okay..."

August looked at the young boy who was resting on his shoulder before letting out a sigh with a relaxed expression on his face.

"... You really are something..."

He laid his head on the couch and closed his eyes once more. A few moments of silence continued to fill the air before he decided to speak once more.

"... Are you sure you really want to go with me to the palace? Is still not too late to head back..."

I lifted my head up and looked at him. "... Is it a truly dangerous place to be in...?"

He let out a chuckle. He opened his eyes and stared at the chandelier above him, looking at the countless lights shimmering from it. "... Is not all sunshine and rainbows... Every little movement I do is being watched carefully by people who wish to make me disappear."

He lifted his head up again and faced me with a bittersweet smile. "There were countless times where my life was in danger, and times where I was betrayed by the people who I thought to be by my side..."

He gently grabbed my hand and interlocked with it once more. "... I got used to such things, especially after receiving the Blessing of the Swords... but I do not want anything to happen to you..."

I looked at his eyes, seeing the mild sadness in them. "... But I also do not want to see you get hurt. That is why I came with you." I let out a subtle smile before continuing with my words. "I guess we just do not want to see each other get hurt."

August continued to look at me, his eyes subtly open wide before looking down to the floor, a contour of red blush showing on his face. "... I see... Your presence means a lot to me right now..."

I put my hand on his shoulder. "If you ever feel worried about anything, you can depend on me."

He continued to look down at the floor before taking a deep breath, then faced me with a smile on his face. "Thank you, Lys..."

We continued to talk about many things to ease the worries out of the way. So many things about ourselves that we did not know before, and other things that we enjoyed doing. The long conversations continued for the teleportation's waiting duration.

"Young Master, Your Highness. The teleportation gate is ready."

As we continued to sit down on the couch, Nilo suddenly stood in front of us. His stoic demeanor continued even as we stared at him for questions.

"How long have you been there...?"

Nilo tilts his head at my response. "I am always by your side, Young Master. Even if it does not seem like it."

"Ah... Okay..." I stood up and looked at him once more. "Shall we start heading to the teleportation gate now?"

August also stood up from the couch, and then nodded before responding. "The faster we get there, the better the chances on saving my mother would be."

"I see." Nilo fixed his posture before talking once again. "Then let me lead you both to the teleportation gate we will be traveling through. For the moment, only the three of us would go to the gate. The rest of the guard have said that they will travel by feet for different orders."

August looked at Nilo before stroking his chin with contemplation. "... They intend to split us up from the get-go... huh?"

Nilo nodded his head. "... The letter given to the guards were absolute, stating that it was under the Empress order, despite her being sick in bed..."

August shook his head. "It does not matter now. Even if our forces are divided, I am confident that we can at least protect ourselves during our stay in the palace."

"Indeed. But even then, I have the responsibility of protecting Your Highness and the Young Master under His Grace's orders."

August let out a smile. "That is relieving to hear... But you should also prioritize your own safety if things get dire."

Nilo shook his head. "I won't make any strong promises."

We all then headed walking towards the corridor, leading up to a hallway filled with similar-looking brown doors, each labeled with different numbers and letters. After a few minutes of walking, we stopped at a door. 

"... Door 1A556. I suppose this is our room."

Nilo opened the door, and inside exposed a liquid or gas type substance filling the opposite wall from the door, a mixture of blue, red, and purple swirling among each other. 

"So, this is a teleportation gate..." My eyes widened as a condensed amount of mana begins to focus on the center of this gate. 

"Indeed, even for me, every time I use the gate, it is always a new experience..." August clenched his hand. "Hopefully, mother is not in any dire state..."

Nilo walked inside the room and then slowly turned his body, so he faced us. "The teleportation gate is in the smaller scale since we are a small group..." He faced the gate once again. "Nevertheless, we should remain vigilance on what comes in the other side..."

August was soon filled with anxiety, his hand trembling slightly. 

I gently grabbed his opened hand. He looked down as we grabbed each other's hands, before interlocking them once again. I looked into his eyes while showing a smile. "We will surely save her."

August looked at me briefly before nodding with determination. 

"Let us stand in front of the gate so we can enter together."

We all walked near the gate, standing still as we waited for Nilo to say when to go in. 

"In the count of three, let us enter the gate together."

I gulped as the feeling of pressure towards our destination began to creep in me. I tightened my grip around August hand. 

"3!"

August looked down at our hands once more, he gently squeezed back before looking back at me. "Do not be afraid. Just like you said, I will be by your side and protect you,"

"2!"

I shifted my gaze from the portal to August, looking directly at his sapphire gen eyes. Strangely enough, looking at him helped me calm down. I let out a smile. "Thank you."

"1! Now!"

We all took a step forward and entered the gate. The feeling of being submerged in high pressure water resonated throughout my whole body. The feeling is vastly different from the normal teleportation magic that I use. Maybe because this is a more advanced version, that such feeling is accumulated.

My consciousness seems to go afloat, my surroundings becoming dark. 

Huh... this is an awfully similar experience... an experience I do not wish to relive again...

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

Countless maids and doctors begin to hurriedly enter and leave a singular room, panicking and bring in multitudes of things for the patient inside.

The Empress Elena lays in the bed, her curly red hair all spread out dry while her pale completion as sweat fills her face. Every few minutes or so, a maid would constantly change the wet towel from her forehead, while doctors and priest continued to stay by her side to try and cure her. 

In the other end of the room stood the Head Mage Marcus, worrying about the Empress as she continued to suffer from the poison. One of the priests began to hurriedly walk towards the mage.

"Lord Marcus, none of the healing spells or medications are currently working. The poising is rapidly spreading through different sections of her body. At his rate, she will not be able to make it!"

Marcus grips the wooden staff tightly. "... It is unfortunate that I cannot use any healing spells since I do not have any affinity with the light attribute..."

A doctor then came running towards the mage once more. "Lord Marcus. We have contacted many high rankings priest with at least six rings or above, but I am not sure how long it will be before they arrive!"

The maid who was changing the towel suddenly shouted. "Lord Marcus, her body temperature keeps increasing into dangerous levels!"

"Lord Marcus! Many of the herbs required to create a tonic are missing in the alchemy room, even though they were there the last time we checked!"

"Lord Marcus! There are issues regarding the analysis of the poison that the Empress consumed!"

"Lord Marcus!"

"Lord Marcus!"

"Lord Marcus!"

Countless voices began to call out to him, but he continued to look in front of him as the Empress continued to suffer, with no current way to save her.

'Is there really no way to save you, Elena...?'

Shortly after, an Imperial Guard appeared in the room. 

"Lord Marcus, the Imperial Priest, alongside some people from the Blakesty Dukedom have arrived!"

The mage's head slowly rose.

Soon, a young child began to run towards the Empress. Out of breath yet staring down at the sick person without ever so blinking once. His hand trembling as he tried to reach out his hand to the sick person. A sorrowful expression filled his face. 

"Mother..."

The boy gently grabbed her sick hand. The sick person's eyes opened briefly before closing them again into a deep sleep. He let go of the hand before his sorrowful face soon turned cold. 

The boy looked around the room, coldly and angrily looking at everyone before stopping at one middle-aged male doctor and a female maid. His face scowled before pointing at them. 

"Imprison those two..."

Two guards that were by the door immediately fixed their posture. "Yes, Your Highness!"

Each guard began to apprehend one of the people who the young boy pointed at. Each of them began to struggle to break free. But struggling as they tried, they stopped and fell on their knees and tried to beg the young boy to release them as their hands were now tied up.

"Your Highness, I did not have any part of this conspiracy!"

"Please believe me, Your Highness. I did nothing wrong!"

The young boy soon walked up to the male doctor. He stood in front of him with a cold expression, his sapphire eyes showing complete anger and a hint of bloodlust before aggressively wrapping his hands over his mouth and forcing the doctor to look up, making him unable to talk. 

"Please do not make it worse for yourself by telling such lies. If you truly did nothing, then cooperate with the guards to prove your innocence."

He then released the doctor, who was cowering in fear, and dusted his hand off with a handkerchief, and began to talk with the guards about what to do with them, and how they should proceed with the interrogation. 

Soon, another young boy came inside the room, accompanied by a dark-haired person with weapons in his waist and legs. 

The mage, who witnessed the situation without trying to intervene, slowly walked up to the other two people. The midnight blue-haired boy soon walked towards them too as he finished talking to the guards. 

"Lord Marcus. These two are people from the Blakesty Dukedom. On the right is the young heir of the Blakesty Dukedom, Lysander Blakesty. The person on the left is his guard, Nilo."

The mage looked at me before showing a smile. "I see. Glad to make your acquantaces."

I tilted my head. "This is not our first-time meeting though, is it?"

The mage showed a surprised expression before smiling once more. "You have quite a keen memory..." He strokes his beard before responding once more. "Indeed, I met you once a day after you were born. The bearer of the Blessing of the Mana..." He tilted his head before looking at me with confusion. "But what brings you here now...? As you can see... we are experiencing a dire situation at hand..."

I shook my head before looking at the mage with a serious look. "I am here to see what I can do to help with the situation at hand..."

The mage's eyes widen. "I see... I appreciate the gesture, but I am not sure this is something that can be resolved easily..." He looked at the sick person. "... Even I can do nothing but continue to look at the situation with no way to help..."

The mage soon walked up towards the direction that he looked at. He soon stopped and stared sorrowfully at the person in front of him. I shifted my gaze from the mage to the sick person in bed, the Empress. August soon walked towards the where the mage was, looking sad once again, and holding to the Empress hand.

The first time I saw the empress in the throne room, I remember her upward and elegant demeanor being shown with a powerful stature. But in her bed, that appearance is overshadowed by her pale complexion and weak stature of not being able to eat properly. 

"... huh...?'

Maybe it is because I am the only one able to see the physical manifestation of mana. But a dark substance began to intertwine with the powerful mana of the Empress...

The same black substance that I saw that day before when I was young, with the pink hair girl. That same eerie mist is now surrounding the Empress...

I began to stroke my chin. There is no way that this is a coincidence... 

I tugged at Nilo's clothes. He looked down at me with a questioning expression. 

"Nilo. Do you remember the event where the pink haired magic-swordsman consumed that mysterious pill before?"

Nilo tilted his head. "I do recall that event..." Nilo widened his eyes, he began to stroke his chin while contemplating before responding to what I said. "You don't mean that..."

I nodded before looking at the Empress again. "I can see it. The same black power that surrounded the girl is now trying to surround the Empress... There must be a link between this two cases..."

By the look of it, this is not a simple case of just being poisoned. One of the two options follow:

Someone is trying to clog the Empress mana, putting her in such a sick state. 

Or she was cursed...