Misconceptions and journals

As the final lecture ended sometime past noon, Lucas could feel his steps become lighter, filled with more purpose than before. Giving the elderly professor a respectful nod before leaving, he took off toward the one place he still had on his list. However, as he went on, he could feel his mind diverging with multiple thoughts. One of them, in particular, felt like an annoying, unreachable itch.

'Is it just because of my Insight?' he pondered as a shiver ran down his spine. '...I feel like everyone was stealing glances at me... just how they did during the previous lectures.' he thought, a bitter grimace in his spirit. The memory of the teachings of Sienna Riven from just this morning was faint, partly due to Lucas constantly feeling everyone's eyes on him. The following 90-minute Magic History was more of the same, as was the lecture he just left. 'And they didn't even approach... a family name's power is to be reckoned with.' he conceded, reminding himself that this situation was similar to yesterday's.

During the lectures, he did the same thing he had done on Tuesday - secured a covert position and used Astral Projection. He made sure that his trips to the astral plane were short, but he did his best to learn more about controlling that state.

Using that, he had taken a few trips around the classrooms. The quiet, indistinct chatter between some students bordered numerous subjects. From someone's thoughts on the lectures to another's current life situation, the topics were rather mundane, and he did his best to not eavesdrop.

However, one pair of students caught his attention back then. Lucas grimaced, remembering the conversation.

"What do you think his class is? He's so relaxed..."

"I don't know," came the answer. "I heard that everyone in his family has access to magic, so he's probably a Mage. Apparently, his eldest sister achieved 5th circle just after turning 26, so he's probably 3rd circle at least."

"3rd? I've barely grasped 2nd last year... no wonder he's sleeping in class."

'...maybe using Astral Projection during lectures isn't the best idea.' Lucas languidly nodded, turning the corner and finally stopping in front of the library. 'Well, I'll wonder about that later. Now, I have one last thing I want to find here.'

Making his way inside, he exchanged words with the librarian before focusing on the numerous rows of knowledge volumes. Guided by the man's words, the young Stormrider approached a particular row. Within minutes, he made his way to the reading section, putting five on the table and sitting.

'It feels like it'll be a futile endeavor, but it doesn't mean I won't attempt it.' he nodded to himself, slowly opening the first book. 'I won't believe a Mage like ahjussi could appear out of thin air-- wait, what?' Lucas suddenly frowned, his gaze escaping sideways, away from the pages before him.

A tiny part of him almost expected the quiet voice in the back of his mind to chuckle at him already using the strange word to describe Eamon. As he felt nothing, Lucas slowly released a sigh, turning the pages of the index.

It took him a few minutes to breeze through the pages. However, even when he scoured the pages about Ruminis, the family Seraphina had told him had great Mages, Eamon's name didn't pop up once. Likewise, the Cindermoon family Lucas had glanced over contained no Mages.

He sighed, slowly closing the book and grabbing another.

...

...

...

As he put down the final lexicon, the white-haired Stormrider man felt a burgeoning sense of frustration within his spirit. Although he expected this outcome, he still hoped that he'd have been wrong. Alas, he could only begrudgingly accept the reality.

He looked at the glass ceiling. Briefly, the surface reminded him of the blonde Rune Mage he'd last seen yesterday. With that came another ponder.

'...Perhaps I should look for anything on the matter related to our chosen subject.' he decided. He brought his status up, noticing that his Willpower had almost completely regenerated. 'But first, a short break. Astral Projection.'

Immediately, the floaty sensation overcame him. Using that moment, Lucas sat on the table, or rather, tried to. With his astral form being intangible, the best he could do was levitate just above it. Taking a look around, he slowly descended to the ground and started walking around. Well, it was still closer to gliding or swimming. Still, with some focus, Lucas found himself capable of almost mimicking the movements. Even the slight lag of his motions was nearly dismissable.

Lurking between a few shelves nearby, Lucas scanned their titles. Noticing that they all referred to topics unrelated to his pursuits, he turned his attention to different tomes. Eventually, as he failed to find anything that piqued his interest, he closed his eyes, taking his time. With a single command, he felt himself drift slowly toward his body, levitating some distance above its sleeping form.

Suddenly, he felt something prod at his mind. No, rather, it was like a distant sensation akin to being poked in his shoulder. Rubbing the spot, he instinctively looked around, immediately finding the source of the pokes in a duo that stood near him, one of them gently pushing against his robe as though trying to wake him.

'So, I can feel if something is happening to my body in this state. Cancel.'

As soon as Lucas felt the weight of his physical body encompass his spirit again, he breathed in suddenly, his violet eyes snapping open. The man who reached to his shoulder nearly jumped away, and the woman next to him took half a breath, both visibly startled.

Lucas glanced at the two as he rose from his position. He noticed the two flinch as he scanned them. His brow raised.

But before he asked what the two wanted, the black-haired man started, "Excuse me," he gave Lucas a slightly unsure smile, his green eyes scanning him with scrutiny. "Sorry to bother you. I'm Prescan, we're in the same year as you," he introduced himself. "You are Lucas, correct?"

Lucas nodded. "Uh, yes, that's true," he answered. 'Prescan... Glenn, was it?' he pondered, reminding himself of when the man answered Professor Riven's questions on Monday. Then, he looked at the woman.

"I'm Agnis," she answered. Her golden eyes sparkled briefly, catching the brief hint of interest Lucas showed them. "It's nice to meet you."

"Ah, yes, likewise..." Lucas trailed off briefly before his gaze flickered between the two.

'They’re up to something.' he thought, his Insight sparking faintly again. 'They're the ones who discussed what my class was back then...' the thought made him feel bitter. The reason for the two approaching him turned almost crystal-clear to him immediately. No matter how friendly the two might've seemed, once they learned of his official status as a Classless, they would turn on him immediately. That was the reality of the world. Without a class, a person would be discarded immediately, no matter their brilliance. The only ones who could see past that short-sightedness were those who knew its struggles.

"May I know what are you reading?" Prescan brought him out of his ponders.

"It's... nothing much," Lucas shrugged, still uncertain of how he should react. He felt Agnis scan him diligently, and realized that she was gauging his reactions. "Just some about Inallel, is all," his reply came with a firm voice, although it failed to conceal his brief hesitance completely.

The brown-haired woman seemed to catch that immediately. She gave him a warm smile, her eyes glimmering with warmth.

"Inallel?" her brow raised. "Your horizons are quite broad. The land of elves is rather far away," she commented.

"Well, it just came out like this," Lucas replied, gazing sideways for but a blink. It appeared that there was almost nobody bar the two with him in the library.

Suddenly, the golden-eyed woman broke the momentary consternation, "Well, since we're in the same year, it's fair that we learn more about one another, no?" Agnis looked at Lucas expectantly, her eyes sparkling like twin suns. "I'm a beginner Artificer."

"And I'm a 2nd-circle Mage."

Then, the two gazed expectantly at the white-haired Stormrider heir in front of them.

A tiny shiver went down Lucas's spine. It was much like he expected.

'I can't keep my status as a Classless hidden forever. But if I'm bound to be turned on anyway, I might as well play into this charade a little.'

However, before he even considered his response in full, another voice made its presence known.

"Don't you think it's rude to inquire about someone's class on your first meeting?" a voice not belonging to any of the three sounded. It was a rather high yet melodic tone that would likely sound most beguiling, if not for its lack of emotion.

The words hung in the air, drawing immediate reactions from everyone present. Agnis’s head snapped in the direction of the voice, her hands curling slightly on the table. Prescan stiffened but didn’t respond, his posture tense as he exchanged a glance with Agnis.

Lucas, for his part, couldn’t mask his surprise as he looked at Ester standing to his right, just past the table.

'When did she come here? I should’ve noticed her earlier... shouldn’t I? Especially with my Insight...'

"Ester Breshnaw," Agnis reacted virtually viciously. Lucas could tell that she was not ecstatic about seeing Illan's sister.

"Agnis Tezmi," Ester nodded toward the Artificer, her expression unreadable. She either feigned obliviousness to Agnis's hostility or decided to not respond.

'Tezmi?' Lucas glanced at Agnis briefly. 'From the merchant group of Tezmi? She's the sister of Karis and Ronald Tezmi I've heard about in the past, then?'

His ponders, however, were cut short.

"We told him our classes out of politeness," the Tezmi woman opposed. "Isn't it a gesture of courtesy to introduce yourself fully?"

"I don't recall him asking your classes, though?" the black-eyed woman made a slightly pondering expression. "Am I wrong?"

'Don't recall? How... long has she been here? How didn't I notice her?' the questions exploded in Lucas's head. Even in his astral form, he was sure he was alone. Did he miss some spot around accidentally?

"You two are quite forward," Ester commented further. "Wouldn't a brief introduction be sufficient?"

"You're the one to talk," Agnis spat back. "Coming here without even saying your name."

A brief staredown ensued. Lucas could almost physically feel the tension lingering between Agnis and Ester. Whatever had happened between them in the past was not pleasant.

Prescan was the first one to respond. Deciding to diffuse the situation, he interjected, "We apologize, we didn't mean to overstep," he came forth, nodding at Ester. Pulling at Agnis's hand, he glanced at Lucas once last time before stepping back. "Sorry if we bothered you," he added, offering a small wave as the pair retreated.

Lucas hardly had time to respond as the two retreated. His violet eyes lingered on them briefly.

The silence that followed was tense but brief. When he turned his gaze back, Ester had already moved closer, pulling out a chair. She sat down across from him, her black eyes meeting his. They were like a dark abyss, no particular emotion escaping its confines as she scanned him slowly.

...

A few long seconds passed in silence. The indistinct sounds of the library going about its life were the only indication that time even passed.

"...hello, Lucas," Ester broke the quiet atmosphere, her tone tinged with hesitance.

"...Ester," he scanned her face. Immediately, comparing it to his memories, he noticed that it had gained a fair bit of definition from the plump cheeks she'd had as a child. Her dark eyes had the same, intelligent gaze as always, but there was far more depth to them, perhaps an illusion since her hair had darkened.

"How are you?" she asked, her hands slowly making their way up to the table. Her long, pale fingers intertwined.

"...I'm alright," Lucas gave her a laconic response. Immediately after, he collected all five books he'd picked, putting them on a small pile. '...why is she here?' he pondered. He'd not seen Ester in years. That and the fact that she was Illan's sister made him wary. There was no way for him to tell what she was like. Did she take after her brother or not? Lucas was not inclined to find out on his own skin.

"That's good," the Breshnaw woman nodded. The young Stormrider could not help but feel sincere relief from her tone. "I heard about your situation with the Academy."

'Of course you did. Illan probably spared no details on how he browbeat me.' Lucas felt a scoff rise in his spirit. Scanning Ester's calm demeanor, a faint prod at his options surfaced. Within them, one thing started calling out to him.

Seeing his lack of answer, Ester exhaled shallowly, focusing on him. Lucas met her acute gaze, his mind racing through the possibilities of why she had approached him now, of all times. Her demeanor was calm, even inviting. What did she have in mind by intervening? Why would she help him?

"...Have I overstepped by coming here?" she asked carefully, her tone shifting slightly. Lucas could not help but notice a tinge of unease creeping onto Ester's expression.

Lucas didn't react for a few seconds. Watching Ester, he couldn't shake a strange feeling off. It was a sensation that told him that something about her didn't match what his suspicions were. If she were like Illan, she wouldn't have stepped in in such a manner. If she was a reflection of her brother, she'd have long since proclaimed Lucas's status around to revel in how everyone turned their heads away.

'...what should I do?'

The ponder bounced around his cranium. The young Breshnaw woman gave him a curious look, indicating that she awaited his answer patiently. Taking in the moment of calm, he activated Keen Senses. The distinct smell of parchments all around became much more pronounced, as did the light entering his eyes. In between the spectacle, Ester sat as Lucas glanced over her entire form instantly.

From her toned chest hidden by the robe to the carefully made braid descending onto it, from her eyes black like night to her thin fingers, from her cheeks to her ears, he searched for any indication of her motives.

...However, he found nothing. Ester showed no definitive openings, her face a fortress of calmness.

Suddenly, a faint memory reverberated.

'Trust yourself.' Adlin's voice interjected his own ponders. It beckoned, pushing him to take action, almost as if the voice was present with him at the moment. 'Trust myself...' he blinked once or twice, deactivating Keen Senses.

"...it's alright," Lucas gave her an answer. "I... didn't expect to see you, is all. How have you been, Ester?"

He noticed an immediate reaction in how she flinched. She seemed surprised but quickly composed herself.

"I'm alright, thank you."

Her voice, so far barren of anything but sound, now felt as if faint warmth was sprinkled atop. She pointed at the books.

"I heard your family has guests from Inallel. I see you're learning about them," she remarked, wholly unaware of how far from truth she was. "Have you seen them?"

"...Only glances from a distance," Lucas shook his head. 'Right... Mother did visit Breshnaws lately, and even Illan came around yesterday. Makes sense Ester would know as well.'

"How are you enjoying the Academy, Lucas?"

"It's alright. How about you?"

"I like it here," she responded, her gaze flickering around as though to indicate she meant the library in particular. "Though..."

"...?"

"I couldn't help but notice that you... sleep in class. Has something happened?" she inquired.

'Have I been... wrong about her?'

The sudden thought made Lucas flinch as his gaze met Ester's again. No particular emotion escaped the confines of the dark orbs, but there was a strange sensation in his spirit. It was almost like a tinge of understanding could be read from her, as if it had crossed her mind for the briefest of moments.

"I'm alright. Just a little tired."

"...I see."

"I should get going," he said abruptly, standing up and gathering the volumes with deliberate movements. He avoided Ester’s gaze as he picked the books up, but he could feel her eyes on him.

"Oh..." she made a sound tinged with disappointment. Visible surprise was painted on her face, staining the otherwise clean facade she'd put up.

"It was nice to see you," he said, quickly walking between some shelves and putting the books in their proper places.

"Yes, I enjoyed that, too," Ester gave him an answer, standing up from her position. The black braid swung lightly as she whisked it to her back.

"I'll see you around. Goodbye."

Then, without waiting for any response, Lucas moved toward the door to the library. Exiting the room, he felt the crispy air of the corridor.

The interaction from just now replayed in his mind as he walked down the corridor. As it did so, a small realization dawned upon him like a bolstering bellow that took some weight off his shoulders.

'...she's different from Illan.'

-Meanwhile-

"...goodbye," Ester said, but the man was already way out of the hearing range.

Her gaze lingered on his back until she could no longer see him. A quiet sigh escaped her lips, the faintest trace of disappointment clinging to her expression. For a moment, she stood there in the silence of the library, her mind churning with unspoken thoughts.

She leaned against the table, staring at the empty chair across from her. The sway of her chest went unnoticed as she traced the places where Lucas's five books had laid for the past minutes. During their talk, Ester had read all five titles, which made her realize the man's intent behind coming to the library - curiosity about the guests at his home.

A small smile tugged at her lips.

'He's definitely changed.' she thought, reminding herself of the talk. Lucas's somewhat guarded demeanor was difficult to ignore. However, that wasn't everything she'd noticed. 'But he's as curious as he used to be.'

...

'...perhaps, we may speak again tomorrow.'

-45 minutes later-

Lucas closed the door quietly. The servant's passage was the same as he'd remembered, letting him strut down its length unhindered. Its chilly atmosphere was a pleasant contrast to the outside's searing temperatures.

His thoughts diverged to the actions of the day so far. With a sigh, a small smile formed on his face when he thought of Nimue.

'I wonder where she is.'

In his mind's eye, he could already see her strutting forth with the little gift he'd given her tied in her hair. He imagined how the chains and the tiny jewel-like stones would shine in the sunlight. He hoped to see her with it soon.

As he stepped into his room, he almost immediately undid the clasp of his robe, pulling out some change of clothes from a drawer.

...

Suddenly, he heard a knock on the door.

"???" he frowned. Whoever was behind the wooden construct, they did nothing to announce their presence bar knocking. As he did one last checkup on his state, Lucas walked slightly closer.

The knocking repeated. The white-haired Stormrider instinctively grabbed the handle, ready to block it in case anything unexpected happened. With a small pull, he opened the door.

Then, however, his heart halted, seeing a familiar curtain of silver.

Ophelia scrutinized him hastily, her expression difficult to make out. A large, fiery red dress hugged her body, its fine accents doing nothing to hide her curves. Even the minimal opening around its neck was stretched mercilessly by her prodigious bust. Small jewelry hung from her ears, glimmering with gold at the faintest motion.

Lucas almost staggered half a step. A surge of emotions went rampant within his spirit. One of the most prominent ones, however, was a memory of what happened not that long ago. Ophelia's hypnotized state and the ending of their confrontation were still vivid in his mind. Underneath all that, however, lurked a feeling of fear. Why was she here?

"Lucas," she stated, focusing on his face briefly. Some indescribable emotion crossed her face, almost like a faint sense of understanding... or perhaps remorse? "There you are," her eyes glimmered for the shortest blink. Lucas almost immediately picked on the fact that her tone wasn't... aggressive.

"...Ophelia," he replied, his body tensing up. "...what do you want?" he squinted, noticing that Ophelia's posture didn't seem to indicate that she was angry. Rather, it seemed akin to impatience. Or perhaps... tension? "I thought you'd be seeing Princess Seraphina."

Lucas's sister scoffed at the remark. However, she didn't waste time. Putting a hand on the door's surface, Ophelia leaned in marginally.

"Mother is having a meeting with Lis'te, and that'll last. For now, Princess Seraphina is on her own in the garden."

"...and?"

Ophelia took half a step closer, now standing in Lucas's reach. The obvious line of her cleavage was even easier to look at from Lucas's vantage point, but she appeared to not care in the slightest. Rather, she sighed, her blue eyes focused on him. "I came here with a request."

-Meanwhile-

Aveline released a small sigh, looking down the corridor's length. For a few tense seconds, she scanned every square centimeter she could discern, from the slightly worn-down walls to the windows and carpets littering the place. Then, confirming that she was alone, she raised her hand, pressing down on the large, metal handle.

The large, metal door moved slowly, letting her into the alchemy lab. As she entered, the blonde Stormrider immediately closed herself in, pulling out a large key from a pocket and locking the door. With a clear clang, the blockade was set in place, effectively sealing her from the outside world.

*Sigh*

Her eyes closed briefly. With an absentminded motion, Aveline searched the light jacket she wore, entering its inner pocket and grasping at the item hidden within.

She paced through the room, her violet eyes continuously searching for anything out of place. Seeing the state of a few items nearby, she almost flinched before reminding herself that Lucas had used this room on Saturday.

'Looks clear. Let's begin.'

She placed the item on the nearby table. The rugged and somewhat torn cover of the small book had a visibly tainted brown color, signaling that it had been through a lot. Likewise, the rustle of its almost bronze pages was dull and loud, almost as though they could crumble if turned too quickly. Black lines filled every spot Aveline looked at, some converging into letters and words. In contrast, others depicted some pictures - instructions and visual cues for the processes described within.

Aveline exhaled shallowly. No matter how many times she opened this book, the same sensation of dread did not want to leave her throat. This writing style was not hers. Some refined lines signaled an old and dignified person writing it - no doubt her grandfather, Iwo Stormrider - while others were visibly sharper, although with a similar style - those belonged to Valerian, her father. Some words or pieces of pages were inked over and torn, making the text nearly impossible to decipher.

Her fingers briefly clutched around one page in particular. Likewise, her other hand went into her pocket, fishing out a small bottle. Clutching it with some strength like she had done many times before, she could sense its weight shuffle. Slowly lifting it, Aveline watched its dark silver contents slosh quietly. The bottle was about one-third full.

Faint memories associated with this item in particular surfaced, only to be immediately squashed into oblivion. Right now, she had more pressing matters than ponders.

Aveline put the bottle down next to the book. With a quick look, she located the items she needed for her work. Within minutes, she was prepared.

Her hands moved expertly and with precision - proof of this not being her first time doing this. Every last ingredient, be it Lynic Roots, mana stones, or shards of metals taken from their containers, were processed as they ought to be - cooked, pulverized, soaked in a solution, and many more. Referring to the book now and again, the blonde woman continued her work for more than a quarter.

Add a bit of powdered mana stones, stir at a boiling temperature for a few minutes, pour into an alembic, and siphon through a sinerium-infused filter to rid it the last of impurities - not once, however, did Aveline rush the steps. Although she was confident she could do this work twice as fast, she measured her movements, not wanting to give any chances for mishaps to ruin her work.

Finally, she put down the final few ingredients in their respective vials and machines. The setup now looked as though it was prepared to whip up an array of potions, with three whole alembics connected to numerous vials and tubes. Crystals of Ardenum radiated heat like tiny suns, their colors shifting between fiery orange and timid red. And at the end of that chain was a singular bottle.

*Drip drip*

The splashing sounds were almost indiscernible, the fluid's dark red color slowly filling the container with every drop. This process would surely take some time to be completed.

Using that time, Aveline cleaned up the surroundings. Then, as she finished, she sat down in a chair. Her hand went to the book. Turning a few pages, she slowly traced pieces of it.

=-Day 1-

Today, we searched (...) after the (...) attacks from demons. Within, we found (...). She is guarded toward us but (...) me to give her (...). Right after (...), she skittered away. The speed (...) is enormous even for (...). We could not (...) her into the place.

The child returned to us after a few hours. (...) to particularly like me. Mayhaps it is because (...) food last time. I cannot (...) wonder, what has (...)?

-Day 2-

(...) to us once more. She understands Mins, although (...). While she is (...) and does not (...) be touched at all, I cannot help but feel (...) not aggressive.

-Day 5-

She returned to (...). She appears slightly (...) ease, now. When asked about her name, she (...) as (...). I can tell it's (...) of Limen. I have read some (...) his work. The disgusting reality (...) survive for long due to (...). D(...) is one of them. Even if that doesn't kill her, the royalty will, (...) it's not her fault. I don't want (...) to die like this. She (...) better than that. Although I cannot promise (...) now, I wish to take her in.

-Day 9-

Although most of the notes on the (...)****(...) were destroyed by (...), the apparatus is (...) untouched. I do not know what (...) had for Li(...) can only be assumed to be connected (...). The only thing I could find that (...) associated with them is labeled Gereval (...). We managed to find (...) a single bottle full of it. However, I cannot (...) manufacturing (...).=

Aveline's eyes darted to the small bottle, instinctively drawing the connection between the strange name and its contents. The singular strands of light piercing the room's still atmosphere appeared to reflect in its silver shade, casting a myriad of minuscule reflections in all directions.

Her heart thumped almost painfully. She had read this journal many times before, each word etched into her mind with deep clarity. It was difficult for her not to let an instinctual anger surge in her, but that didn't stop her from reading on.

=-Day 13-

(...) some notes. The formulas appear connected in (...) are almost indescribable. However, I cannot (...) the importance concerning (...).

Together with them, innumerable descriptions (...) procedures became apparent, although (...) not be reconstructed fully. What is clear, however, (...) be impossible. Under normal circumstances, (...) would reject (...). However, perhaps (...) Alchemist Limen (...) a way to bypass that (...).

Is this (...) were created?

However, one thing that (...) attention is the mention of Gereval in some of the (...). Its descriptions suggest it (...) to block or even control (...) of those affected. This appears to be (...) controlled them.

But the dosage is intricately (...).

-Day 20-

We have arrived back (...). (...) appears to like it here, although (...) is not inclined to go (...) without me. She has formed a bond with me, but I cannot (...) why she would (...) trust in anyone, given what (...).

-Day 22-

I have decided to (...) name. I wish that with it, she may (...) the bounds of (...) past. At the same time, I hope for the (...) to be truly hers. Therefore, I will teach her to (...) and write. More than that, learning (...) would be beneficial to her.

I could keep her as a guest, but (...) last forever. If I want to escape (...) insight, I must (...). I'll take her in as a servant, or even (...) if need be. She must (...) found.

-Day 30-

(...) is beginning to open up to (...), although she shows tremendous restraint with anyone but me. She wouldn't accept (...) from anyone but me. Mayhaps this is a form of (...) in her (...).

Today, she (...) that she wanted to (...) name as I had promised her. Therefore, we went to (...) searching for a proper one. It's been (...) by now that she is asleep in my lap. This (...) is so peaceful like this that it's hard to (...) what she (...).

The name (...) is Nimue.=

Aveline swallowed with a heavy feeling lingering in her throat. Her fingers shook, the tremble reflecting the turmoil within her spirit. Glancing at the vial to the side, she confirmed that it was about halfway full. Her attention was brought back to the lecture in her hand. Turning the page, she focused on the following text.

=-Day 42-

Nimue has fallen ill.=

The four words made Aveline almost **** on her breath. Despite having read this passage numerous times, it still felt heavy on her shoulders. It was like a weight that threatened to crush her.

=I do not know why exactly (...) happened, but it seems connected to her invoking (...) previously. The (...) her illness do not (...) any that I've ever seen. Her body is (...) and she (...). She is in pain that I cannot (...). Why? She's still (...). What did (...) to deserve that?

-Day 44-

Nimue's condition is slowly worsening. I'm doing (...) to find a solution, but I'm afraid it's futile. (...) notes describe this (...) 'punishment'. From the (...), this process is (...). The best we (...) is to stall for time.=

Aveline exhaled heavily. Her eyes glossed over, but she wiped the salty drops quickly. Putting the book down, she looked at the vial again. Confirming that it was three-quarters full, she replaced it with an empty one. Then, she carefully opened the bottle with the silver liquid. With a pipette, she scooped a bit of the fluid. With measured motions, Aveline lowered it just over the vial, releasing a single drop within.

*SIZZLE!*

The reaction happened almost immediately. The red fluid appeared to boil, releasing faint blows of nearly opaque vapor in a deep silver color. This state persisted for a few seconds before the compound calmed down. Its color shifted in tone slightly, to a hue that was more familiar to the young Stormrider's eyes.

Aveline raised the vial. Its surface now felt somewhat warm. It was finished successfully. Yet, only weight lingered in her heart as she looked back on the bottle of Gereval.

With a deep sigh, she corked the vial, putting it on a small plate nearby.

=-Day 50-

One of the formulas (...) documents showed promise. A carefully prepared solution with Gereval may be (...) effects.

When administered, Nimue (...) asleep very quickly. However, her state (...) better than before.

-Day 51-

Nimue is back to full health.

It's (...) believe, yet the results (...) themselves.

However, I cannot help but (...). (...) any other methods. Battling (...) this without at least equal strength is impossible in the long run, and controlling (...) ego can't be achieved witho(...). We can only stall for time. (...) long as (...) does not overuse (...), (...)er, it may be possible to prolong her lifespan. How (...) is undefined.

To (...) I pass this notebook on: (...) must ever know (...) condition.=

Aveline closed the book. Her grandfather's writings filled her with equal amounts of hope and dread, as did the small bottle next to her hand. It was about a third full.

Her mind crossed with memories of her talk with Nimue. The situation that was unfolding right underneath everyone's noses was tense and riddled with uncertainties.

'...I did not think Princess Seraphina would be able to figure out who Nimue is. Information about Limen is not divulged even between royalty members... how did she learn of him?' her brow raised with uncertainty. 'Something about her bothers me...'

Aveline released a groan, pacing around the table languidly. The steady, quiet dripping of the red potion into a vial informed her of the passing time as she stared out the window. The amethyst shade of her eyes glimmered briefly as she thought of her brother.

'...Lucas met Princess Seraphina, huh.' Aveline suddenly chuckled at the thought. Something about that situation felt uproarious to her. 'Perhaps I shouldn't be surprised. If she was sensitive enough to figure out Nimue's nature, feeling Lucas do his things was definitely not an issue. And even Ophelia knows about it... haha.' she suddenly burst into brief laughter. 'Oh, that's laughable. Mother is the only one kept in the dark. I wonder if Ophee will speak up about it when Princess Seraphina leaves...' her expression grew burdened at the thought. A queasy sensation similar to a stomachache stirred in her guts.

Turning around, she noticed that the next vial was about to be filled to a satisfactory level. Aveline approached, deciding to stop her ponders. Slowly repeating what she'd done with the previous vial, the blonde Stormrider threw herself in the whirl of her work. She had enough of her own burdens to care about right now. There was someone who depended on her, after all.

Yet, her mind slowly drifted toward her brother again. The image of Lucas and Nimue as she'd seen them last time was still vivid in her mind. Aveline could be a little blunt around the edges, but she wasn't an idiot. She knew well the implications.

'...I hope he's worth it, Nimue.'

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