
A month had passed without feeling. Novella who has now turned into the figure of Elthia, making good use of every passing time. Because the Lucretia family is a noble who has a high position. It was not difficult for him to obtain information within the past month.
The place he was so fond of was incomparable to anything he had ever had in his former life. This place that feels like heavenly pleasure has become a favorite place that is so favored by him to always be visited. As someone who loves books. He immediately fell in love at first sight as soon as he saw the private library owned by the Lucretia family.
The number of books neatly arranged in every shelf in the super large room, not one bit makes him feel bored to always come to him. Every time I see a book in the library. Elthia-Novella-can't help herself from clucking with excitement. It feels good when he can feel the peerless pleasure that he always craved from this first.
The fragrant aroma that emanated from the paper of every book she read, did not in the least make her feel careless. On the contrary, every time he read, the fragrant aroma became opium for him. Elthia felt so addicted to reading more. It felt like the book itself was asking her to continue to be by his side.
"No, you like to read. But, haven't you been overdoing it lately, and over-exerting yourself?"
That anxious comment directed at him made Elthia distract him. He showed a small smile as soon as his eyes were already staring directly at the two green netra figures beside him.
"So calm down. I'm resting enough, okay."
"Don't lie, Elthia." Answer the figure while taking the book that is now being read by Elthia. He kept it under the folds of his hand when Elthia tried to take it back.
"Look at this tired, eye-pocketed face."
The big hand that cupped her cheek, not Elthia tepis. His face, slowly stroked, had become a normal thing for him.
"Have you had trouble sleeping lately?"
Elthia sighed. The two hands that had been stuck to his cheek were lowered. "I've always had bad dreams" he replied honestly. The face that previously felt foreign but now was a normal thing for her, Elthia noticed. Ever since he decided to become his new self. He chose to be the figure he always imagined if he had a family. So, because Elthia in the story is also an honest person to her own feelings. He can open his heart without hesitation to those who now mean so much to him.
"Somewhere it's dark. I tortured a man."
The memories that were twisted before he was thrown into this world, felt so stifling. However, all that is still not comparable to the nightmares of the storyline that haunts him lately. With the silence of the elder brother the sign he listened, it became an indirect encouragement for Elthia. He loved the attention given by his older brother. It feels good to have people who love him so sincerely and are always by his side like Sebastian, Evander, and all the residents of this Lucretia residence.
"Everyone is lying with a body covered in blood. Leave me a man who can only stare at the horror of everything."
The soft grip Sebastian gave off as a form of reinforcement, was reciprocated by him. All the anxiety that was harbored by her as Elthia during this time, she spilled through the story. "There's nothing I can do. As the only person left, I was accused of rebellion and sentenced to death."
"Did that man do it?"
"Yes. He did it."
A hug Sebastian suddenly gave off was quite shocking to him. Elthia tried to let go of herself. However, instead of loosening his arms, Sebastian tightened it even more as Elthia rebelled against him because she was not used to this behavior.
"Leave it like this" he whispered. His silver-bladed head that was buried in the shoulder, made Elthia squeak. The tickling sensation when the silver mane touched his skin, somehow did not feel teasing.
"Sister listened to you. You can continue the story."
Elthia. It does not directly obey. The smell of citrus emanating from Sebastian's hair and body, provided an amazing calming sensation. Elthia closed her eyes. Before continuing his story, he took his breath first, then exhaled slowly. After feeling a little better, he again said. "The man threw away all the wrongs he had done to me. In exchange for her, I bear every result of her actions that I never did."
Either this is the influence of Sebastian's embrace is so warm and comfortable. Or because he was no longer able to withstand all his anxiety. Elthia could not hold back the flood so soothing elusan felt behind her back.
"The smile when my head was about to be beheaded was terrible. When I see that, I..."
"Sssstttt."
Understand what's holding him back. Sebastian did not ask her to continue the story again. Instead, Sebastian let her cry. Shedding every burden that felt gnawing at the heart. Expose all the fears that have haunted him lately.
"Sister is here. So, don't be afraid anymore, will you?"
Elthia nodded her head. What had been the burden of his mind all this time, he poured out. Elthia let all those things flow on their own. Like river water, it lets everything move naturally.
Thanks brother.
°·°·°·°·°·°
Because in the story is not described about neighboring countries. Elthia found out for herself by reading so many books. And he knew that as it turned out, not only the Istvan Kingdom existed on this continent.
The Lucinda continent where magical powers live. It had three lands, with each of them being led by a King. The Istvan kingdom led a country called Pyralis. This country is located in the southern part of the continent. While the other two kingdoms, are in the east and west.
In the east, there is a country called Antares. The land of the humans, which is famous for its dark magic power, is owned by the kingdom of Ambrogio. The Kingdom of Eleftharia was in the western part of the continent. The country where they live is called Yodea.
As the only land not exposed to the dark fog a hundred years ago. The Kingdom of Eleftharia did not lose their magical powers. As the only country that had such formidable power, naturally the kingdom of Elefthria became even more threatening to the other two kingdoms.
The relationship of the three leaders before the dark fog trade occurred, was actually very good. There is no hostility between them. In fact, for even the trivial.
However, it was not like the Istvan kingdom that chose to keep the peace and accepted with great air about what had happened. The king of the kingdom of Ambrogio, who had lost his power, revoked a symbol of peace that was five hundred years old.
Making two kingdoms at once as enemies is actually very bad. But, since king Ambrogio was blind to power, he did not care much about the impact of his rash decision. Many of the armies of the king of Ambrogio were killed when the war had already begun. In the end, the king's selfish desires produced nothing. Not to regain the honor, and the strength of his country. The king made his palace and all his people fall in ruin.
The land of Antares was destroyed eighty years ago. He was crushed under the power of Istvan and Eleftharia, who had offered him peace.
"Elthian. Are you planning on relaxing or studying?"
The upset from someone managed to mess with Elthia's concentration. Her speech that did not stop even though Elthia had already removed her attention from the book, was disturbing to her hearing.
"I'm relaxing right now, Elenio." Elthia replied in a tone that was no less than ketus. The two eyes were the same color as his cousin's moon, he stared sharply. "So don't bother me."
"Looking around you said? What I see, instead of relaxing, you seem to wander the reading world further and further."
The glance given by Elenio was not the least able to disturb Elthia. On the contrary, the more Elenio bothered him, the further Elthia was immersed in the imaginary world of the book she read. Though this is a tea party that is usually held by noble children in general. But, Elthia did not even seem to enjoy it. As someone who likes a peaceful atmosphere. Drinking tea with Elenio Illaron Antoinette was very unpleasant for him. Elenio who was always blabbering as if he would never run out of this topic was even much worse than Astrella, his beloved orange cat in this world.
"Hey, Elthia! Don't ignore me!"
The annoying noise passed like a gust of wind in Elthia's ear. The figure of a person who is not so expected his arrival, he is considered like an invisible creature.
Elenio is not here. This noise is just the sound of flies entering the mating season.
Elthia did not like the presence of Elenio. The assumption he imagined in order to remove the figure of the cousin from the mind, arguably quite outrageous.
"Sister Sebastian!! Elthia ignored sister's warning!!" could not bear being ignored continuously by Elthia. Elenio who accidentally caught Sebastian passing by in the park, shouted his name. Once Sebastian's previously focused attention on Evander by his side was diverted to him, Elenio ran towards Elthia's older sister who was five years older than him.
"Look at that, brother! He did not pay any attention to me at all, and instead busy himself with his reading book!!"
Elenio's complaint that echoed in the Lucretia family park, not once gave a threatening impression. Even though Elenio had dragged her brother to join her, Elthia remained in her position. The two different colors of hers were beautiful, not one bit separated from the book before her.
"Elthia's."
Although now both eyes of Elthia look so focused on reading. That doesn't mean Elthia doesn't pay attention to the atmosphere around. The call from Sebastian, can be heard clearly. "Yes. What's up, brother?" tanyakanya. The book that had been his main focus, he ignored.
"Does my sister want help?"
Sebastian shakes. The stifling smile she saw did not fade in the least. "Please enjoy this special Elenio party for you." Sebastian's two green netra glanced at Elenio, Elthia followed. Elthia's breath was let out as her cousin's scowled face was seen in her sight.
"Preciate this effort even if it's just pretend," Sebastian's advice was accompanied by a sinless smile. As if what he said just now was not heard by the person concerned, Sebastian patted his sister's shoulder gently.
"Please, huh? Elthia?"
Before giving her answer, Elthia glanced at Elenio. The hurt expression that was painted on the face of the cousin who was two years older than him and Evander, somehow felt so pitiful. Having no other choice, Elthia responded to her brother's request.
"Alright" he answered. The pile of books that had filled part of their round table, handed it to two servants whom Evander called.
"I don't expect you to push yourself too much."
Elthia nodded. "Yes." Yeah."
"If you want something, tell me." Evander said, do not want to lose. He also followed Sebastian's movements, stroking Elthia's head.
"We go first." Evander and Sebastian who were already satisfied with their activities, nodded at Elenio. Ignoring Elenio's expression that seemed unwilling with their departure, Sebastian and Evander went by after saying.
"Until we meet again."
Elthia watched Sebastian's back move away. Alongside the older brother who had entered adolescence, eight-year-old Evander looked petite when walking side by side with him.
I'll protect you.
To avoid a tragic end that threatens his family. Elthia will fight hard. The smile, as well as the warm treatment of the surrounding people, for this time he would not let it disappear.
No matter, even if I have to face danger though. As long as you all survive. I'll fight for it.
"Sir Sebastian is cruel."
Hearing Elenio's miserable ringing, Elthia rolled her eyes bored. Because her two brothers had already disappeared from sight, Elthia sat in her place. Elenio who had also returned to his position, he noticed.
"You know what my brother is. So, stop whining. And, tell me what you want!" he said, urging Elenio. His two different colored eyes stared at the moon netra of Elenio full of demands.
"Why are you so cruel, anyway?" Not stop whining. Elenio was complaining. The sadistic attitude of the two brothers Lucretia, not unusual Elenio received when he was in his residence.
"I am, your cousin. At least treat me well."
"Later you will get used to it."
Elthia's indifferent answer made Elenio sigh. The two moon-like netra of hers noticed Elthia who was now drinking her tea.
"All right, young lady. I'll remember it."
Understand that his complaints will not be heard. Elenio decided to give up. He obeyed the orders of Elthia who asked her to tell him what the real purpose of why he was in the duke Lucretia's residence.
"You're both gonna have a birthday soon, right?"
Elthia looked at Elenio's serious face carefully. He knows, his cousin is also included in the list of people who are very attentive to 'himself'. However, he somehow felt the awkwardness behind the question that Elenio asked. It was like the Antoinette family was planning something suspicious.
"Yes, right. Why why?"
Unaccustomed to being noticed by others with a face that seemed serious, Elenio sipped his saliva nervously. Elthia's sharp gaze that led to him, felt different from what she was used to. As if, his cousin already knew what thoughts came to his mind.
"Because you can awaken magic. My mother asked me if you wanted to study at the Secilia academy or not?"
Uh. So, because of that huh?
Actually, Elthia also did not expect that she and Evander could awaken magic power this fast. The first of all things happened, and Elthia was not expecting it.
Half a month ago, Elthia invited her two brothers to train together. Because he already knew that there would be an accidental meeting with Prince Luca if he followed his father to the city. Elthia chose to avoid him by reasoning to train with Sebastian and Evander. The permission given by the father about his request who wanted to learn the sword at first actually got a strong repulsion. But, once Elthia said that she wanted to at least, be able to protect herself from unexpected conditions. Taking into account what benefits the child can get. In the end, his father gave his permission. On condition, the daughter had to replace the sword with an arrow.
So, on the second day of training. Or, exactly, half a month ago. The three of them were hunting in a forest. What the forest was called, Elthia did not know. But clearly, the forest is not dangerous and is also located not too far from the residence of Lucretia.
At first everything went well. The teacher explained and practiced some examples that the three of them had to do. Both of his brothers practiced swords. Sebastian and Evander hone their skills by facing each other. And compete with each other about who collects the most hunted creatures.
Paying attention to the book and experiencing an event directly, of course, is very different. Before venturing out to make a request to be taught to sword to the father. Elthia had read so many books on swords, arrows and the like as a form of insight enhancer. The action he took was very useful when he was on the field. With the information gathered in her head, Elthia could understand the teacher's explanation more accurately.
At that time, Elthia practiced aiming for the deer that her teacher had pointed at. Thanks to the supplies that have been prepared in advance, Elthia who does have an intelligent brain can certainly master it easily. He can release his arrows to the core of the deer's life without missing.
Having a student who is genius and quick to respond is certainly a proud thing for a teacher. Just like any other teacher. The teacher specially appointed by the head of the Lucretia family was unceasingly praising and boasting Elthia.
The praises and words of one's exaltedness did not sound foreign to Elthia. Since she had already been in another world for half a month back then, as the only daughter of the duke's family it was already a matter of course, as if it had already become an everyday meal for her.
Elthia and the teacher in the teaching process. Make them slow to notice any approaching threats. Sebastian and Evander who had been busy exploring the two accidentally teased a big bear. Because the land of Pyralis is a world created from an imagination written by someone. Sure, the bear that Sebastian and Evander accidentally teased was a little different from the bear Elthia used to meet in her previous life.
The brownish-black fur that should have looked soft belonged to the bear, standing upright like a porcupine thorn. The taper edges give off a strangely indigo-colored liquid. His eyes were red, while both fangs were pointy, resembling fangs that a wolf normally had.
The creepy bear that looks more like a merging creature because the author runs out of sense to imagine this, never once did Elthia find her description when she was in another life. Because of the storyline that was supposed to bring him and the prince he changed. Elthia did not in the least expect to get a surprise in the form of a strange bear of unknown type and name like this, in this condition.
The attack of a bear who was angry because of disturbed sleep, certainly a bad thing to be faced by the three Lucretia brothers. An adult who can only sword without magical powers is not strong enough to defeat him.
At that time, the teacher was defeated. Because the only figure who has above average ability is uprooted. In the end, Elthia, Sebastian, and Evander whose abilities were still not honed, were cornered.
Elthia remembered how trembling her body was, as well as her two siblings when the monstrous bear approached the three of them. Since there was nothing she could do to get rid of the bear, Elthia was only able to close her eyes as the bear swung its paws.
Whether this is the brazen writer's fad for the sake of testing it, or punishing him for trying to change the existing storyline. Elthia could not guess definitively between the two. However, the warm and gentle light that emanated from her body at that time, made Elthia immediately undo her intention to give the author an oath of absorption even further.
As soon as Elthia opened both her eyes. The bear had already disappeared from his sight. It was not that the bear had injured one of the three. Elthia saw something that she never thought happened.
At that moment, in front of his body. His two brothers stood up bravely. Although the bodies of the two of them look still trembling because they try to fight against fear, the courage that comes from the two sons of the pride of the Lucretia family is also no less powerful.
Seeing the scene where Sebastian and Evander are trying to protect him is certainly not a surprise. Elthia had expected these two brothers would definitely make themselves as human shields if he was threatened in danger.
Only, there was one thing that bothered him. Evander's body, which emits a soft bluish glow, reminds Elthia of the storyline where the power of twin sister Lucretia is awakened thanks to the uncle's scheming to get rid of their father.
With their age still eight years old, there was still two more years before awakening their magic power. So, what was presented before him at that time, was very unexpected.
Evander awakened his power. And so did Elthia. Although the light coming out of Sebastian's body is very thin. Elthia also learned that her eldest brother, unexpectedly, also had a great possibility of awakening the power that had disappeared in the land of Pyralis for a hundred years.
The three Lucretia brothers were able to awaken magic at the same time?
Elthia did not know what kind of plan the writer had prepared for her. But if there are any other surprises. Elthia wanted to admit, that the events of half a month ago alone had greatly hanged her. Especially if there are other surprises. Elthia did not guarantee that she would be killed because of Prince Luca's cruelty. Even death at the hands of Luca or death at the hands of others is also the author's freedom against him. For some reason, Elthia felt she died because the author's fad was much greater.
He just hopes that he can find a third-party figure as soon as possible. Because only the character is the only one who is able to give him protection. Life in the story ends tragically let alone being a main character who had predicted his death, is not wearing. As long as it has not found a figure who has a position equivalent to Prince Luca. Elthia could not consider herself safe from the threat of death. Given how cruel the author is in making the plot of life 'Elthia' in the story. He has to fight hard to make a happy ending happen.
"So, has your father decided to put you there?"
The question that Elenio asked, made Elthia wake up from her nostalgia session. The events of half a month ago in which his life began to change, somehow always cause a sense of anxiety in his heart, in every time Elthia accidentally remembered him.
"Dad hasn't given his decision."
Because of the magic Elthia and Evander rise up in a place that not many pairs of eyes notice. News of them both could be prevented from spreading more widely quickly. Besides the teacher who taught them, and Sebastian who was on the scene. No one else knows of the events that could shake the Pyralist country if it is not told.
"What about you? Do you intend to go to school there?"
Elthia looked at Elenio's face. The radiance of disrelief reflected from the two moon-like neutrals, was clearly visible.
"It would be great if I could find out more about magic."
I can also know more about magic. The academy also had a high possibility of being able to match him with a third-person figure. In a place where many children of the upper class nobility, the two countries studied together like the Academy of Secilia this was impossible for Elthia to miss.
"I really hope you'll let us study there."
It would be great if Elthia was able to persuade her father to give her and Evander permission to study there.
"The Secilia Academy doesn't teach magic, does it? Are you also interested in studying there?" elthia asked Elenio. Even though his cousin is very noisy, and he does not really like the sound of his bells. That doesn't mean Elthia hates Elenio. Regardless of the question he asked seemed strange and had other intentions behind it. Personally, Elthia liked Elenio who was notoriously noisy and was always outspoken in this talk.
"Mother said if you go in there, I'm also allowed to study there."
The nervous face that was turned away, as well as Elenio's flushed cheeks made Elthia lessen her suspicions a bit.
"If you're not mistaken, your father is a Yodea duke, right?"
Because Elenio's mother was the sister of Elthia's father. Lucretia, her last name, changed to her husband's surname. On the continent of Lucinda is already a natural thing if a woman's last name changes when married. Most women from among the nobility will have the last name of the husband in follow. Like Elenio's mother. The name Athalita Eudocia Lucretia, which she owned before her marriage, changed to Athalita Eudocia Antoinette after she took a holy oath with Darien, Elthia's uncle.
His uncle, Darien Tadzio Antoinette, was a duke of Yodea. Although it is not too thick. The blood of the kingdom of Eleftharia still flowed in his veins.
"Did your father do magic?"
This unexpected question that Elthia asked slightly jolted Elenio. "He can do it," he replied with a suddenly changed expression.
"Even if I inherit a little bit of the royal blood of Eleftharia. I can't awaken magic power like father."
This shocking expression from Elenio, infused the guilt in Elthia's heart. "Don't give up, yeah. Someday, I'm sure you'll be able to." He said as he squeezed the hand of Elenio on the table.
Elenio smiled back. Both eyes are different colors Elthia in the eye carefully. "Thank you, Elthia" he said, putting a free hand over the smaller hand of Elthia.
"So, if your father has allowed it. Please tell me, yes!"
The sadness that had previously been seen adorning Elenio's face disappeared in an instant. Because Elenio is indeed a figure of a cheerful personality, Elthia is not too surprised about the change in attitude of the cousin she saw.
"What do you want, if I've studied there? Do you want to be one of my other bodyguards?"
His mood is good. Elthia tried to tease Elenio. The tea that was in his cup, he had spent a long time. Although Elthia is a bookworm. In matters of speech, the youngest Lucretia family can not be underestimated. Because Elthia was a smart kid. Replying to the words of others is not too difficult for him.
"Actually my mother only told me to accompany you because the Secilia Academy is adjacent to the border of the two kingdoms and the residence of duke Antoinette." Elenio propped up his chin. Because Elenio was so positive, Elthia's temptation felt like a familiar phrase thrown at peers.
"But, it seems like it would be nice if we could continue together like this."
The plain answer Elenio gave made Elthia laugh. He had guessed. Teasing Elenio is useless. Her innocent cousin did not realize that Elthia was trying to tease him.
"Goodoo. In this way, I don't have to bother finding new friends."
"So, you don't mind drinking tea with me anymore, do you!"
Elenio's wrong interpretation, Elthia responded in the form of a breath. "Unconditionally, don't be so noisy when I'm reading." Since Elenio was only troubled by his noisy mouth, there was nothing else Elthia needed to give as a condition of their familiarity as friends other than that one thing.
"Heee."
"You can keep raving as you please. Even if I'm reading, I'm still listening to it." Elthia smiled without sin. With his smile on his back right now, the resemblance he had with his eldest brother could be seen a little. The smiling faces of Sebastian and Elthia can sometimes make a person feel irritated for no apparent reason.
"So, you want to make me look like a crazy person?"
"Hmmm... can you say that?"
The answer Elthia gave made Elenio speechless. Both of his eyes were looking, as if he was looking suspiciously at Elthia this was no match for him.
"As usual, you're so mean, huh?"
"Thank you for the adulation."
Elthia laughs. Elenio who saw Elthia's relaxed expression also let out a laugh.
"Miss Elthia. Mr. Elenio."
The arrival of a servant, stopped the laughter of the two of them. Elthia and Elenio. Even though their laughter had subsided, they still threw smiles at each other.
Elthia who broke off their contact first, asked a question. "Did anyone call me?"
"Your brother, young Master Sebastian. Asking me to pick you up to come with him."
"Don't want to go out?"
Elthia glanced at Elenio who was also listening to his conversation with the servant. Her two brightly lit eyes when she heard the word 'go out' meant to be a walk, somehow making her look even more like Astrella, her bushy male orange cat.
"Because he has a lot of free time. Young master Sebastian says he wants to spend time with you by taking a walk in the city."
Elthia nodded. "alright. I'll go" he said, rising from his sitting position. This action certainly did not escape the attention of Elenio.
"What about me? Am I also invited?" Elenio pointed at himself. Because he used to be taken around by Sebastian every time he visited the Lucretia residence. Elenio little hope, he can also join the event along with Elthia and Evander as well.
"Sorry, Mr. Elenio. Young Master Sebastian says that you should not come along, because you will only interfere."
The message that the servant delivered made Elenio's bright face turn gloomy in an instant. Sebastian's cruel repulsion, it's not so good to hear.
"But, the young master also advised, that if he has free time next time, and you happen to visit here. You can go with all three of them."
"As always, big brother does like to surprise someone, huh?" elthia's comments about Sebastian's message delivered by the servant. If only this servant did not express himself flatly, but smiled when conveying the message. Elthia was sure, what her brother said would feel more alive and sound more annoying.
"Don't laugh at me!" Elenio who had just realized that he was being bullied, covered his face with both hands. Even if Elenio covered his red face, it was useless. Elthia had already seen that red hue on her cheek.
"Thank you for the banquet, sir." Because making the brother wait too long is not a good thing. Elthia finished their conversation. She lifted a little bit both sides of her blue-colored dress. Her graceful and flexible movements managed to hypnotize Elenio.
"It's great to know you enjoyed this meeting, Miss." Carrying the atmosphere, Elenio also paid his respects. Since the greetings that the noblewomen and male nobles did were not the same, Elenio lowered his head slightly. His right hand, he put it right on his chest.
"If you are pleased. Can you meet my invitation at the next meeting?"
A polite smile was painted on Elenio's lips, making Elthia laugh. The attitude of formality that Elenio shows today with his usual behavior, is quite opposite. Seeing how elegant the more ordinary Elenio was known for his haphazard attitude like this, Elthia could not help but laugh. For him, the other side of Elenio this one is very sweet. And himself, he liked it.
"I'll consider it," he said as it passed. Elthia who still felt Elenio's gaze fixed on her, nodded. A sweet smile that was again on her lips. Provides a strange sensation for Elenio who is now watching his back.
what is this feeling?
Elenio touched his chest. A fleeting rustling sound rang out, shrinking the foreign feeling within him.