The Next Day

The Transgracian Academy for the Magical Arts. The Grand Dining Hall. Local Time: 1225 Hours

Thacea

There was a certain sense of…normalcythat came with the fourth day periods.

It lacked the explosive rhetoric that tainted Professor Articord’s lessons. Yet it wasn’t aselementaryandinoffensively blandas was the case with Professor Vanavan’s lectures.

I couldn’t yet compare it to Professor Mal’tory’s classes… as Apprentice Larial — and now Professor Sorecar — were very muchnotrepresentative of the elf’s proclivities. Or at least that’s what I assumed.

Physical Education was, frankly, a foregone conclusion. In that my opinions of such a blatantly arduous course were as self-evident as my royal pedigree would lead most to believe; much to the chagrin oftwoof my peers.

All of this was to say that, despite the banality ofPotionsas a subject, there was indeedsomethingcompelling to be found.

…

Which was much more than I could say for Ilunor’s inane tirades into the bizarre, as he plodded from conversation topic to conversation topic, unable to commit — or rather unable to understand — that I had little patience for trivial drivel when our interests simply did not align.

But an idiot the Vunerian was not.

Rather, he was simply… stubborn to a fault.

Which meant I should have expected the non sequitur that followed.

“Are you betrothed?”

That question emerged with the same inexplicable nature as any one of Emma’s actions.

My eyes narrowed as I shifted gently in my seat, setting both teaspoon and teacup down with a calculated poise that any noble worth their etiquette training would interpret as a rude rebuff.

“Excuse me?” I shot backsharply.

“I’m merely asking a question, princess. Are you or are you not betrothed?” He stood his ground, wearing that signature Vunerian smirk that had not merely found home on his visage but that had since claimed regency over his entire persona.

“You are being rather forward, Ilunor—”

“I didn’t mean it likethat, princess.” The Vunerian interjected, shaking his head as he did so. “Seeing as this conversation has grown rather one-sided, and owing to the ever encroaching march of time, I wished to introduce a topic that would undoubtedly garner your attention.” He spoke with words drenched in self-assured pride. “Seeing your rathervisceralreaction to this topic, I would say my approach has succeeded, no?”

I eyed the Vunerian down with a judgemental gaze but eventually relented, deciding to tempt the fates. “I would haveassumedthat an eminent mind such as your own would have been more than capable of determining a matter most self-evident.”

“Yes, yes, but I simply wished to—”

“The answer isno, Ilunor.” I interrupted with a pointed response before letting out a sigh. I closed my eyes for a moment, letting the silence speak for itself before continuing. “Was that all?” I shot out sharply.

“Not in the slightest.” Ilunor practically beamed out. And like an adventurer cornering his deadly prey, he wore a toothy grin as he pointed to the tables around us.

But I couldn’t predict what would come next.

“Hmm… Auris and Ladona.” He gestured his eyes towards the table in question, one which currently lacked the pronarthiarealmer in question. “Would you say they are…courting?”

I blinked my eyes rapidly in both mild surprise and a certain level of incredulity.

“I wouldn’t have the slightest idea—”

“Oh His Majesty, you don’t!” Ilunor interjected, crossing his legs and raising his nose up at me. “Out of all of our peers I knowyouto be the most analytical. At least… in matters pertinent to the more…refinedlifestyles led by highborns of our caliber, of course.” He insisted and even went so far as to provide what felt less like a backhanded compliment and more so a genuine acknowledgement of competence.

My eyes widened, as I had to ask myself…

Where didthisIlunor come from?

“Soplease, humor me, princess.” He insisted before simply shrugging and then looking the other way. “Ornot. Though, youcouldconsider this to beworkof a sort.” He added slyly as he began the tested but rather stale tactic of simplyrecontextualizingthe request. “Consider this… a meeting of the minds. A spymaster’s circle, if only for the purposes of determining the web of connections that we may use to our advantage.”

I let out a frustrated breath, my eyes once more locking with the Vunerian over the modest spread of food in front of us.

Part of me wished not to even entertain those inflammatory words with the dignity of a response.

…

But my time with Emma, and perhaps my ownboredom, had changed my tolerances in the entertainment of tripe and drivel.

“Lord Ping is impulsive.” I began plainly. “Lady Ladona… while more thoughtful, is still prone to actingbrashlyas far as social decorum allows. Their peer group, consisting of the now-subdued Lorsi and the ever-tepid Ciata, are neither obstacles nor impediments in the countering of whatever in-groupnormseither Ping or Ladona may wish to impose. This results in a lack of social reprimand, and a lack of any opposition — social or otherwise — should Ping… or even Ladona wish to pursue… courtship.”

Ilunor’s eyes practically lit up throughout my analysis as he leaned in closer, as if poised for a whisper despite the practically perpetual privacy screen we both had put up.

“That’s assessing context and external factors, princess. I’m asking what you think of theirdynamics! Are theyinterested. Do they seem…viable. Is there a spark there, or is this merely the de facto rule of a king and queen in sight alone?”

“You’re asking me for a definitive answer that I simply do not have—”

“I’m asking for yourpersonal take, princess. Do you pair them, or do younotpair them?” Ilunor grinned excitedly as ifthis… whatever it was constituted as a recreational activity for his ceaselessly rambunctious mind.

I took a moment to sip the tea in front of me, letting the Nexian stew in his own thoughts for a while, before once again locking eyes with his excited gaze.

“Yes. Yes, I do…pairthem, as you say.”

“You speak with such hesitation, princess… don’t tell me you haven’t partaken in the age-old discussions ofpairingbefore!”

I blinked my eyes slowly in response, once again setting both teacup and silverware down with deliberate intent.

“I had neither the time, the privilege, nor the opportunity for such trivial discussions, Ilunor.”

“Ah.” The Vunerian paused, and unlike his previous attempts to relentlesslydiginto what were obviously insecurities beneath the veil, he seemed to merelyacknowledgethe implications of my answer with a passing nod.

Though this momentary lapse in excitement passed rather quickly, and if anything, the noble seemed evenmoreemboldened to strike further because of it.

Though his target, rather surprisingly, was focusedexternallythis time around.

“We’ll make up for lost time then, shall we?” He grinned before gesturing his eyes at Qiv’s table. “Qiv and Airit. Nowthat’sa rather foregone conclusion, no?”

“One would imagine, yes.” I responded before the Vunerian seemed poised for a counter… of hisownproposition.

“Oh, oh! By His Eternal Wisdom, of course not! That’s an unimaginativefool’sresponse. How could I be so short-sighted?!” He rested the back of his hand against his head as he spoke. “How could I have forgotten the second, yet just as equallycompellingpossibility — Qiv and Rostario. Thatscheming,slimy, conniving, and ladder-climbing pair are a matchmadein the abyssal flames.” The Vunerian cackled before once again leveling his eyes on me. “Wouldn’t you agree, princess?”

I shot a sharp glance at the table in question, inexplicably meeting Airit’s gaze as she leveled what I could only describe as a death glare in my direction.

“From my understanding, neither realm seems to hold any reservations on such arrangements. So I do not see why not.” I answered plainly.

“Princess…please. I did say I wished for moredaringobservations, no? We are looking forinterpersonalelements, not political discourse nor the constraints placed upon personal desire brought on by adjacent customs.” Ilunor paused, as if wishing to go back ononeof those subjects. “On second thought, discussions on these mattersdoserve as theseasoningandspiceto pairing dynamics.” He admitted with a sly grin. “Though the way you phrase it makes it feel less like a dynamic discussion and more like a spymaster’s briefing—”

“Isn’t that what you wished to frame this whole conversation, Ilunnor? A spymaster’s arrangement?”

“Ugh.” Came the Vunerian’s response. “I admit that was the initial conceit, princess. But would you at the very leastpleaseentertain the possibility of conversation?”

“Alright.” I shrugged. “Let’s turn to Etholin’s group, shall we?”

Ilunor grinned widely.

“That’sthe spirit! Now…whodo you think is paired with whom?”

I let out a tired sigh, my eyes leveling across the members of that group, if only discretely.

“If we were to—” I paused, shrugging, as I attempted to see things fromIlunor’sperspective this time around.

But even then, I had some strong reservations against theunhealthypairings the Vunerian so desperately wished to be spelled out.

“We arenotgoing to even entertain the prospects of Etholin and that demon Ilphius.” I stood firm. “Though…” I paused, narrowing my gaze at the two remaining members of his group. “Icouldsee Lord Teleos Lophime and Lady Ilphius Seleat as a… as you say,pair.”

“Oh, do you now?” Ilunor responded radiantly. “Tell me, is it Teleos’ subdued stoicism? His quiet yet unassuming persona? His seemingly immovable will that could potentially stand up to Ilphius' unstoppable rage?” The Vunerian spoke with a rising vocal crescendo, inching towards a precipice that felt cruel to undermine.

“Yes.” I acknowledged. “He is seemingly the only person in the group who would not fold under Ilphius. Etholin… well… we both understandwhyhe would buckle and falter at the foot of Ilphius’ ceaseless rage. Kamil Lyonn? The man would just vanish and hide, as is stereotypically expected given his kind’s inherent inclinations towards camouflage. This leaves the quiet yet stoic Teleos Lophime… though I cannot help but wonder preciselywhatthe man’s angle is. I find there to be somethingdeeperto his story.”

“Oh, I’m sure there is, princess.” Ilunor responded in a genuinelyfriendlymanner, ignoring his food and instead diving headfirst into conversation. “Now that leaves Etholin up in the air.” He pondered vocally. “Kamil Lyonn strikes me as the type to merelyrunfrom all things — both problems and opportunities. So exactly who would…” The Vunerian paused before letting out a devious cackle. “Emma Booker, perhaps?”

My eyes widened in confusion, then outright incredulity. “Excuse me?”

“Think about it, princess, the rontalisrealmer hasalreadymade his opening moves! First in the assembly in front of crowds a hundred strong, wherein he openlyrequestedEmma’s audience! Then in his bait and switch, as he first fulfilled the role of the opportunistic adversary for a position in the Quest for the Everblooming Blossom, before just as deftly pulled the rug from under Ping’s feet. The slippery weasel continues to twist and turn, merging right and wrong with slights and retributions. At the end of the day, the man’s amerchantand he knows how to play at an unsuspecting damsel’s heartstrings.”

I blinked once, then twice, as my eyes eventually caught the cocky Vunerian’s gaze with yet another Avinor glare.

“Andhowdid you come to these conclusions?” I asked plainly.

“See my last point, princess.” Ilunor rebuffed, not once flinching from my gaze. “The man’s amerchant. Whether or not these unspoken courtly advances are genuine is up in the air. What Idoknow is that he wishes for a newrealm’s riches. Or more accurately, he wishes to be what I myself had aimed for at the beginning of this adventure.”

“Overlordship?” I clarified.

“Correct. Though his aims at overlordship are very much limited to themercantilevariety, owing to the limits of his abilities as both an adjacent realmer and a rather pathetic and weak one at that.” He shrugged.

“I see.” I acknowledged.

Taken from NovelBin, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

“The poor soul is in for a rude awakening once Emma inundates him with the truth.” Ilunor added, taking a sip of his tea in the process, clearly not wishing to come face to face with the implications of his own sentiments.

I couldn’t help buthmmphloudly at that angle of attack, as it very much implied a certain level ofacknowledgementas to Earthrealm’s capabilities.

“It is often the case that I find those most interested in others to be deeply…lackingin their own affairs, Ilunor.” I spoke, leading the momentum this time around. “Seeing as you are oh-so interested in the affairs of others, let us hear of your own exploits. Areyoubetrothed or courting someone?”

“Veryforwardof you to ask, princess—”

“Using my own rebuttals against me is a moot point, and doing so is a tactic so farbeneaththe average Nexian nobility, no?”

The Vunerian ha-rumphed at that rebuke before shifting to that cocky and confident smile he so often returned to. “No. No, I am not courting, princess. For I find such affairs to be… beneath me.”

I couldn’t help but to cock my head slightly at this, garnering but a dismissive wave from the Nexian.

“I don’t expect you, nor most others, to understand. I am simply…uninterestedin such matters. To be frank, I am already betrothed.” He spoke cryptically, as I merely raised a brow in suspicion, urging him to continue. “I have been from the first day I opened my eyes to the world.”

A… prearranged promised betrothal?I wished to posit. Though knowing Ilunor, I knew there was somethingelseto this grand sweeping claim.

So I bided my time and remained silent.

“Aren’t you going to ask—”

“Continue, Ilunor.” I responded with a sigh.

“As I was saying… I have already since been betrothed — nay, I am alreadymarried… to the arts.” He raised both hands up wide. “Where would I findtimefor another’s whinings when I have the arts, music, poetry, and, above all else, my ownpolitical ambitionsto consider?”

I knew it. I thought to myself, feeling rather vindicated in my silence.

“Is there nothing sweeter than a warm apple tart cut with a mellow eversong tea in the midst of four bardic troupes serenading you in the comfort of your courtyard?” He offered. “I find that to be moresoulfully stimulatingthananylove.”

“Perhaps — and at the risk of speaking in empty platitudes — you have yet to find ‘the one to light the spark,’ yet?” I offered.

Though Ilunor refused to respond, at least not immediately, as he simply let out yet another chuckle. “Believe me, princess. There was a reason why I wished for Overlordship as my path to prominence — I simply can’tstandthe thought of committing to another. At least, not beyond the realm of the platonic and camaraderie.”

It was at this point, perhaps too far deep into our rapid back-and-forths, that Ilunor finally realized the extent of his… frankness.

The Nexian quickly pulled back, clearing his throat as he once more shoved a piece of cake into his gaping maw.

“So! With that out of the way, perhaps we should continue to lookinwards, no?” He offered, sliding seamlessly back into that carefree persona.

“Go on?”

“Thalmin. Our dear mercenary prince. Do you believe him to be betrothed?”

We both stared at each other vacantly following this question, as something seemed toclickwithout a word being exchanged.

The highborn’s handshake, as the Nexians called it.

“He is.”

“Oh, he mostcertainlyis.”

The both of us spoke in unison.

“Now… for the mostopaqueamong us.Cadet Emma Booker. Do you believeherto be betrothed?”

“I don’tbelieveso.” I responded curtly.

“You don’tbelieveso, or you don’twishit to be so?” Ilunor jabbed with a smug and aggravating grin.

“I’m speaking based on objectivetruths, Ilunor. Considering everything we’ve learned of her society and its egalitarian tendencies, I doubt family or house could force individuals together in an arranged marriage.”

“That’s betrothal by authority, princess. But that doesn’t discount betrothal bychoiceor throughcourting. In which case… my question still stands.”

I gave the question some thought.Morethought than I had in most other instances.

A fact Ilunor was quick to notice as he placed both sides of his snout between his hands. “What are you thinking about, princess—”

“Based on what we know, I don’t believe she is, Ilunor. But perhaps this is a good time to move on, yes?” I gestured at the room’s grand timekeeping artifice. “We are close to the end of lunch.”

“As you wish, princess~” Ilunor spoke in a sing-song voice, as we both turned to watch the professors filing out of the room.

However, in the midst of that, the both of us couldn’t help but to notice a certain…presencerunning down our spines. As if the gazes of a thousand burning suns were somehow focused on the both of us; or rather,mein particular.

We both turned to unexpectedly meet the raging inferno behind Airit Airus’ eyes, whose glare was only stopped the instant she noticed our shifting attention.

I let out a sigh, ignoring it as the attendants began clearing our table plate by fine plate.

“And you’recertainyou’ve never crossed paths with this lesser avinor before? Never slighted her personally or in any official capacity?”

“Yes, Ilunor.” I reiterated.

“This…animosityis far,farmore extreme than what I would have expected—” He paused mid sentence, letting out a sharp sigh of realization as ifsomethinghad finally settled into place in the infinite puzzle that was life. “—but that’s just whatwewanted, didn’t we?”

“Correct.” I acknowledged. “This seemingly ‘harmless’ moniker spoken in jest, spoken in humor, and perpetuated in common vernacular by Nexian intent… has since sown the seeds of animosity between Aetheronrealm and Shatorealmer where there should have naturallybeennone. All as a result of our superficial similarities, and the Nexus’preferencefor our aesthetics over the Shatorealmers.”

“That and carefully crafted seeds of distracting dissent.” Ilunor spoke darkly. “An artificial animosity, to distract from more pertinent issues.” The Vunerian acknowledged. “Also allowing for needless mediation to decorate the laurels of some self-proclaimed grand diplomat from the Crownlands.”

“A raging heart burns brighter than a thoughtful mind.” I reasoned. “Airit… perhaps isn’t inherently evil. She’s simply acting out of the offense inflicted on her people’s identity. A rather…understandablereaction for an honor disgraced, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Hmmph.” Ilunor responded. “Regardless of what it is, we should keep a close eye on her. I wouldn’t worry if Qiv is around, but with Qiv currently indisposed…”

“Airit may see this as an opportunity to find some form of misguided retribution.” I finished Ilunor’s sentence for him.

“Indeed.” He nodded.

However, no sooner did we come to that conclusion were the plates completely cleared.

Following which, we immediately left for the afternoon’s lessons.

We didn’t want to be late for class, after all.

The Township of Sips. The Inn. The Royal Suite. Local Time: 1240 Hours.

Emma

[‘QUEST’ Time Elapsed: 47 Hours 40 Minutes and 20 Seconds. Time Remaining: 120 Hours 19 Minutes and 40 Seconds.]

I heard a groan.

Then, a stirring of stiff sheets.

My eyes winced as they blinked and wereimmediatelygreeted not with the ‘comfortable’ confines of the tent or the now-heavenly open spaces of my bedroom back home, but instead… a bright and glowing screen inches from my face.

I wasn’t claustrophobic.

This was something I found out many,manytimes over.

Shuttles didn’t bother me, nor did the tight confines of atruespacer station.

But power armor?

There wassomethingabout being able to wiggle around, yet nottoo much, that madethisparticular aspect of suit life acutely claustrophobic.

It was that awkward combination of being allottedsomefreedom of movement, combined with the tightness andfitof the exoskeleton, that really did it.Especiallywith the exoskeleton locked where my body was free to ‘move’ in a space measured in centimeters and inches.

And despite the space probably being a cave diver’s paradise, it simply wasnotenough for me. Especially upon waking up from weird and nonsensical dreams.

However, in spite of all of that, the claustrophobia and fear went away with one simple command.

“Give me motor control, EVI.”

“Acknowledged.”

The unlocking of the exoskeleton and the freeing motions of its actuators brought me ‘back’ into the world.

Though despite the relief that came with being in control, one realization arrived to bring anxiety skyrocketing all the way back to the stratosphere.

Local Time: 1240 Hours.

We were four hours behind schedule.

Irushedover to the still passed-out Thalmin, shaking him to wakefulness and suffering dearly for it.

[ALERT: LOCALIZED SURGE OF MANA-RADIATION DETECTED: 400% ABOVE BACKGROUND RADIATION LEVELS]

Or at least, I would have. If the attack wasn’t a pure magical assault.

The prince huffed and held Emberstride firmly in his hand before realizing what had just transpired.

“ANCESTORS, EMMMA! ARE YOU ALRIGHT?!”

“Yeah, not a scratch.” I responded.

“Alright… then might I ask why the hell you woke me up like that?!” He quickly reverted to a friendly yet stern — and very much warranted — aggression once the matter of my nonexistent injuries was cleared up.

“We’re late.” I responded simply, before moving over to the blinds and immediately drawing them, unleashing the harsh brightness of the mid-afternoon sunlight.

Thisfinally stirred something within the prince, as all grogginess from the previous night dissipated.

The sheerdreadin his face was one shared amongst many a soldier —especiallyin situations such as these — as hesprintedto the bathroom, trailing behind duvets, mattress toppers, and various other fur-covered fabrics in his wake.

The sound of running water was heard next, as it was clear the prince was making a mad dash for morning preparations.

With the ball now in Thalmin’s court, I quickly turned to the EVI, my brows scrunched with frustration. “EVI?”

“Yes, Cadet Booker?”

“Why the hell didn’t you wake me up?! I set a timer for like 8:30, 8:40, 8:45, 9:00, 9:05, 9:09, 9:15, 9:20, and 9:30, didn’t I?!” I ran through the list of staggered alarms, each of which was still very clearly markedactive.

“Correct.”

“Then why didn’t it work? Did I just not respond to the audible alarms? You could’ve just shook me or somethin—”

“Alarms were overridden.”

“What?” I shot back sharply. “By who…?”

“Override executed under Health and Safety Restorative Care Directive 12-A. Mission operator must maintain baseline cognitive readiness and acceptable physiological status. Analysis under Log: [28.192.91.a] indicated high risk of diminished performance at operator-designated rest cycle cessation intervals. Continuation of rest cycle was prioritized.”

My heart skipped a beat as I immediately brought up my hands, twiddling my fingers and moving around my wrists for good measure.

“Motor function at 100% Capacity”

“I wasn’t talking to you.” I shot back as I ‘tested’ for any delays, for any ‘hints’ of—

“Let’s go.” Thalmin shouted from down the hall, somehowalreadyin his full armor.

“That… that was surprisingly quick—”

“Magic-assisted martial drilling.” He interjected with a cocky grin. “Standard stuff for Havenbrockian battlemages. Now come on, Emma. Let’s get moving.”

“Right, yeah.” I nodded, trailing behind Thalmin, who began sprinting through the halls at a brisk pace.

It was only when we reached the elevators, however, that he spoke again, cocking his head in concern. “Are you alright? You… sounded like you saw a ghost or something.”

“No, no. It’s fine. I… I guess I’m still a bit frazzled from last night.”

This prompted the prince to punch me softly in the shoulder.

“Are youthatmuch of a lightweight that even being inproximityto alcohol causes you to become hungover?” He chided, eliciting a reciprocal chuckle from my end.

“Nah, I guess I’m just tired is all. Fightingtwomagical monsters two days in a row is a bit…”

“Eh, you get used to it, Emma.” Thalmin grinned, just as we arrived at the bottom floor.

DING!

The next few moments… were a realflurryof activity.

The hotel manager, along with the rest of his staff, was lined up to greet the both of us.

However, the prince’smercenaryproclivities took over, as he gave them the briefest of acknowledgements before rushing to the buffet table, grabbing meats, pastries, and all sorts ofdelectable goodies, and going to town on them immediately after.

To distract the staff from Thalmin’sless than princely actions, I quickly addressed the manager, smiling pleasantly all the while.

“Erm, thank you, Mr…”

“Edmure. Edmure Garh.” He bowed deeply.

“Yes, thank you, Mr. Garh, and to all the staff here today.” I continued. “Thank you for your hospitality and for, well, everything really. On behalf of both Earthrealm and Havenbrockrealm.” I attempted my hand at morning diplomacy… though it was clear I wasn’t at full yapping strength just yet.

“You’re most welcome, my lady.”

“Now, I hope you don’t mind but… I was wondering, since we were in a bit of hurry, if you could help pack the morning buffet as, like, provisions or—”

“We have already taken the liberty of doing so, my lady.” The man gestured at a neatly wrapped package sitting by the double door entrance.

“Ah. Thank you, Mr. Garh.”

“To serve is to live, my lady.” He bowed once more before I moved to the double doors, alongside a now full-bellied Thalmin.

Though before we crossed the threshold, I couldn’t help but quickly glance back to the tavern… witnessing what I could only describe as a literal disaster that the staff wasstillbusy cleaning up.

“Right.” I sighed as we both instinctively reached to cover our eyes from the afternoon’s blazing sun. “We’ll take the V4c to the Kelpie, and from there to the portal to Telaseer?”

“Sounds good.” Thalmin acknowledged, once more taking the awkward back seat as we surged forwards towards the stables.

Nilesypools Spa Town. Lady Lomadiah’s Illustrious and Grand Rest and Rejuvenation Hotel and Spa. Lady Lomadiah’s Private Thermal Suite No. 1. Local Time: 1257 Hours.

Lady Cynthis

“Unbothered.” A voice spoke softly and through the angelic harpstrings of a bardic troupe hidden behind the walls.

“Moisturized.” Another disembodied voice rang out, their words luscious and tingly, sending a ceaseless vibration down my spine and through my floating form.

“Happy in my own lane.” The first voice rang out, occasionally ringing a gong in between each word.

The whole room was scented with diffusors and incense emanating the sharp and refreshing notes of citrus, the deep and earthy notes of lemongrass, as well as the soft and flighty perfumes of flowers plucked from across the realm.

The water we floated in was likewise infused. Brimming and bubbling with heated rocks that kept the waterjustat the cusp of boiling, exuding a constant and ever-present steam.

I felt my worries wash away as I breathed in both the aerosolized herbs and sweet perfection of concoctions passed down over countless eons.

The Nexians hadperfectedrelaxation… just as they had perfectedeverythingelse the civilized mind could dream of.

“Focused.” The second voice spoke, her words combined with the harmony of the music around me once again sending sharp tingles down my spine.

“And flourishing.” The first voice once more bellowed, this time with such a deepness that I felt mycoreshuddering in response.

Everything was alright with the world.

Everything was beautiful and untainted.

Everything wasperfect.

And in that perfection, I couldn’t help but to think of Prince—

SLAM!

“OI OI OI! WHAT’S ALL THIS STEAM THEN?! I CAN’T SEE A BLOODY THING— AH!”

SPLASH!!!!

“What was that?!” I screamed, turning to Talia as we each removed the cucumbers from our eyes.

“I don’t know, Lady Cynthis, but that yelling sounded an awful lot like Apprentice Ral Alt—”

SPLLOOOSHH!

A figure emerged from the water, face obscured by the steam, gasping for air with arms splashing haphazardly.

“Oi oi, what a coincidence seeing you lot here! Shouldn’t you be picking flowers or what have you?!! In any case… have you perchance seen either the newrealmer or—”

“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!” We all screamed and, in a panicked blur, blasted him back with everything we had.

The Township of Sips. Local Transportium Junction. Local Time: 1305 Hours.

Emma

“Say… you wonder how that apprentice is doing on that boat?” I turned to Thalmin on my V4c, my gaze turned upwards at the prince who now sat regally atop the perpetually dripping magical equine.

“Can’t say I care, to be honest.” Thalmin shrugged. “So, are you ready for your first trip through the transportium, Emma?”

“You betcha.” I grinned as we both surged forwards at the insistence of the transportium attendant.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com