The sound of two wooden swords clashing against each other rummaged throughout the training ground again and again, creating a never ending cycle as the chilly autumn wind glides in between the dirt and sand.
A man with short, wavy black hair and deep brown eyes and skin held one of the wooden swords that created the clashing sound, while his other hand hid behind his back—as if to hold back against his opponent.
The sunlight hit his face, and exposed a scar that went horizontally through his nose. He backed away from his opponent, causing the black long-sleeved compression-like shirt with grey pants he wore to slightly puff up. A small dagger was banded on his right tight, while two short blades were hung in his lower back just in case any sudden danger were to appear.
He stood motionlessly in the middle of the sparring ground, while the other person backed away near the edge—exposing their messy and ruffled midnight hair covered in sweat, while their narrow sapphire eyes keened at the man.
Just before tension arose between them once again, the young man shifted his gaze to the beaming sun before looking down back at the boy in front of him.
"It is time to conclude today's training, Your Highness."
The midnight-haired boy wiped away the sweat off his forehead with his white long-sleeve button up before taking a deep breath. "I see. Sparring with you takes quite a toll on me."
The young boy then walked towards a nearby bench, sat down, and slowly closed his eyes before resting both his hands on the bench.
After a long while of peaceful silence, a white cold towel suddenly covered his eyes. The boy flinched in response before quickly taking it off. He then looked at the person who suddenly gave him the towel.
His tired and confused expression quickly turned happy as he saw the white-haired boy sitting next to him with a subtle smile on his face.
"Thank you for the towel, Lys!"
The white-haired boy smiled before gently shaking his head with a smile.
"I'm happy to help you, August."
With a chuckle, the midnight-haired boy now known as August began to wipe his sweat off with the towel. The white-haired boy then shifted his gaze towards the young man, who quietly began walking towards them.
Once he stood in front of them, he bowed before the white-haired boy.
"It has been a while, Young Master."
The white-haired boy nodded with agreement. "Indeed. How have you been, Nilo?"
The man now known as Nilo contemplated for a bit before responding. "It has been... quite eventful these past few days." He looked at August for a split moment before gazing back at the white-haired boy. "I have been assigned to be His Highness sparring partner for the time since His Grace is currently busy with some important matters."
"I see."
It has already been a few months since father agreed to be August's teacher.
Every day, they would exercise in the early morning—and spar late at noon until it became dark. The Empress also allowed August to stay with us, so I practically see him every day.
Even when I'm cooped up inside the library, he would make sure to visit me and talk about my day, or any other topics that caught our interest. The more I talked to him, the more I felt this warm feeling coursing through my heart.
Especially when I see that bright smile on his face. It always puts me at ease…
I'm glad to have made a friend with someone like him.
However, I'm not the... best when it comes to creating small talk. I usually remain silent, but listen attentively to whatever August said or did.
Little by little, we began to get closer. Even now, I just felt like seeing him train, and also made sure to bring a cold towel with me just in case he needed it.
I continued to look at Nilo, who's demeanor showed a hint of worry. "... Is there something bothering you, Nilo?"
He flinched before looking away, scratching his cheek awkwardly. "It's just that... Qadir has been sent on a mission..."
"Ah... It has been a while since he went on a mission, especially since that incident."
"True... I just can't help but be worried. He insisted on going on this mission by himself since he's been cooped up here. His Grace hesitantly allowed him, but..."
August slightly nudged my shoulder. I turned around in response, and saw his face so close to me—smirking while a hint of curiosity glimmers his eyes.
"Who are you two talking about?"
Nilo closed his eyes with a bashful expression, slowly looking away while covering his mouth. "Ah. We're talking about Qadir, my... partner."
August's eyes widened, slightly surprised by the information. "That's quite unexpected. You only mentioned that you had a twin sister before. I didn't expect that you would have a partner." He then smiled warmly. "But it's nice to know more about you. I hope that nothing happens to the person you care about."
Hearing such unexpected words, Nilo gazed at August before letting out a subtle smile. "Your words are comforting, Your Highness. I... also wish for his safety." He then closed his eyes and sighed before gazing back at me. "Anyways, what brings you to the training grounds this morning, Young Master?"
I tilted my head, contemplating for an answer while gently stroking my chin. I slowly glanced at August, who stared at me with a curious smile as he awaited my answer.
"... I just felt like seeing August train."
August's face quickly lit up before he gently held both my hands. "Really? You came just to see me?!"
Though it is true I did want to see him, there was no need to. We could've met later like always, but... It always felt like he was the one that came to me.
I guess... I just felt like being the one to look for him this time, and initiate the conversation just like a normal friend would. And seeing so happy with my response, I couldn't help but smile back while gently squeezing his hand.
"... It's true. I just wanted to see what you were up to."
He smiled brightly once again before slowly letting go of my hand. "Then it's good that I just finished my training. Do you wish to grab a cup of tea while we talk—just like we always do?"
I looked at August, and contemplated his suggestion before responding. "... If you want, we can hang out in the garden."
I looked away with a small blush as I suggested my own way to spend time together. August tilted his head before showing his usual warm smile. He gently grabbed one of my hands, and began leading me towards the garden.
"Then let us go! This is the first time you told me where you want to hang out."
A few rose petals began to drift in the air as I saw August's warm smile. Seeing such a beautiful scene, with August being the main subject of awe, I couldn't help but nod with another simple smile.
"Yes. Let us go."
✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦
Me and August laid near an empty lot in the garden, and talked just about anything. We occasionally talked about the different shapes of the clouds, or the type of birds that flew across the sky—brightly smiling in response as they reminded us of certain things.
Slightly gazing around the garden, I could see the beautiful sight of the blooming roses as the fall season began. The air feels a bit windier and colder, but I prefer such weather than the constant heat of the summer seasons that makes you sweat.
August closed his eyes, and let the warm sunlight of the sun embrace him. "... Maybe it's because you're always at the library, but you always seem to know everything, Lys."
I shifted my gaze from the blue sky to August, who continued to lie on the ground. He slowly opened his eyes to me, and grinned as our gaze interlocked.
"I recall you saying that you already finished all your formal education. When did you finish them again?"
I stayed silent before answering. "... By the age of four."
He let out an awed expression towards my answer. "Impressive! I only managed to finish everything until I was eight so I can focus more on my swordsmanship."
All noble children are expected to commence their formal education once they reach the age of six or seven.
From advanced mathematics, history, and moral ethical values and behavior, to classical dancing, instrument lessons, and primary introduction on the concept of mana or swordsmanship.
There are more things to be learned, but those concepts are to be learned in an academy.
What exactly are they?
To my understanding, they're a selection of schools all throughout—and provided by—the Empire to give a more robust understanding of difficult concepts like wielding magic, aura, and beast riding.
Ever since the incident where I learned magic at an early age, father has enforced a prohibition on me about which books I could or could not read. Most of the books locked away are subjects I'll soon learn when I enter the academy.
There are sixty academies in the Izora Empire, the empire I currently reside in. Each is ranked according to how well their teachings progress the students for the four years they reside.
If I recall, the number one academy resides in the capital city of the Izora Empire, Kanta, where the Imperial palace is located: Lusia Academy.
Just like its name, only the brightest that will light up and change the world may attend. Not limited to nobles, people of any socioeconomic class can freely join without tuition problems.
August continued to stare at me, waiting for my response as I continued my monologue. For some reason, it has become a habit to remember and say everything about this world...
I let out a subtle smile. "That is still impressive. You started your study at the age of six, no? Just shortening your studies that will normally last four years by one is a grand feat. But you managed to learn everything in two years."
Once he heard my answer, he laid on his side, and continued to gaze warmly into my eyes. "Maybe... but that just goes to show just how much more amazing you are. You started your studies earlier than me, no?"
I let out a chuckle, slowly looking at the sky filled with the fleeting motions of the clouds and birds. "... It's not impressive. I would say that it's weird."
Everything that I do... is always weird.
I still have this hopeful wish that I can finally live a normal life. But... I don't think that wish will ever come true. My life continues to be hindered by my emotionless and rigid personality that only depends on intelligence.
I could only continue to look at the sky above me, and follow the white birds flying freely in the sky.
I wonder…
How would it feel to feel free just like them? How would it feel to not have to worry about the minuscule details that trouble me?
How would it feel to be a true human being?
I continued to gaze at the blue sky—letting the warm sunlight embrace my cold self before I slowly shifted my gaze to August, who began to hold my hand.
"... Do not condemn yourself, Lys."
He then interlocked his fingers with mine.
"I've always wondered... Why do you feel sad when it comes to such topics?" With his other hand, he gently moved a strand of hair out of my face with a warm smile. "I wish for you to only worry about those who genuinely care about you. You're special, Lys. You're loved by so many people who willingly placed their trust in you."
I slowly widened my eyes with awe, feeling the emotional weight of his words.
"Ah... his words once again makes me feel this foreign feeling... It's similar to when I feel happy, but also to when I feel sad…"
Is this what you call... comfort?
As I continued to look directly at his eyes, I could only smile at his comforting words. "Thank you... August."
He grinned brightly in response. "I just don't wish to see you sad."
Being able to comfort someone with words so easily. Truly... this is the one of the traits that surrounds the male protagonist, Augustus Rutherford.
In the novel, Ways of the Mystics, the story follows in the eyes of Augustus—the main protagonist—through his journey to becoming a worthy king for the Empire, while removing the corruption that wishes to bring him down.
With a sword in his hand, not even the beasts that lingered in this world would be a threat to him.
I know the character Augustus from the novel, even more so than what the current Augustus knows about himself now...
A cold sweat ran down my face as I had that thought.
"Hmm... Hearing myself say that out loud... feels quite creepy."
I slowly closed my eyes, and let the wave of tranquility course through my body as we both went silent and enjoyed this moment of peace.
The chilly wind breezed through the leaves once again before caressing our skin. But despite the chilly air, I could only feel the warmth of August as we continued to interlock our hands together.
A long time has already passed, but for some reason it only felt like a moment...
I soon felt a slight poke on my cheek. I slowly opened my eyes, and turned my head to see Sera squatting down—still having her finger on my cheek. After seeing me awake, she let out a gentle smile before removing her finger.
Further in the back I saw a familiar figure.
Her wavy brown hair that was once messy is now carefully groomed and laced with precision as it reached further down her back. The childish appearance that I once remembered seeing now evolved into a more refined and sophisticated outlook.
It was Mia.
Once Mia saw August lying next to me, she let out a gentle chuckle. "Quite a sight to see..."
I sat up on the ground, and slowly waved at her with a smile. "It has been a while, Mia."
"It has surely been a long time, Young Master. Ever since His Grace has assigned me to be Lady Seraphina's personal maid, I have been unable to catch up with you. My apologies."
I shook my head. "It's alright. I believe that taking care of Sera is more eventful than being stuck with me."
She smiled warmly at my response. "Don't be like that, Young Master. The time that I have spent with you has been joyous." She then shifted her gaze behind me.
I followed her gaze, and saw August stretching his arms before looking at Sera and Mia. He then waved at them with a gentle smile.
"Greetings."
Mia bows down. "Greetings, Your Highness."
Sera sighed as he heard his voice. "You two must've gotten really comfortable to sleep alongside each other like this in the open."
August chuckled awkwardly while he scratched his cheek. "I just went with the mood... I was also able to rest very well after the harsh training with Nilo."
Sera sentimentally tilted her head at his response. "I see... You must've had it rough then."
"Nothing that I can't handle!"
I shifted my gaze between them as they continued to talk. It seems that they are on more friendly terms than when they first met.
I brought my knees towards me, and laid my head on top of it before interjecting in their conversation.
"You two seem much closer now."
Sera and August both froze at the mention of my words before they immediately looked away from each other with disdain.
Sera then began fidgeting her hands. "We came into an... agreement of sorts. So, for now, there's no need for hostility."
August began to awkwardly scratch his hair. "Agreement... Yes, we came to an agreement." He then smiled at me to ease my worries. "Let's just say that we have something in common that we wish to do."
Agreement...? That seems strange. I looked at Mia, but all she did was shake her head to show that she doesn't know anything.
I guess it's best to leave such things be.
Mia walked up close to Sera before gently placing a hand on her shoulder. "Forgive me for interrupting, but I must ensure that Lady Seraphina attends her afternoon classes." She then smiled at me. "Hopefully we can meet later to reminisce about the past, Young Master."
I let out a subtle smile at her response before nodding. "Of course."
Mia and Sera began to walk towards the manor while waving goodbye to us. As they entered the manor, I looked up at the sky once again, rested my hands on the ground before slightly leaning back.
"... Aren't you curious about what Sera and I were talking about?"
I stayed silent, and just continued to gaze at the blue sky while contemplating on how to answer his sudden question.
"... I am curious, but I can't force you to tell me. Everyone holds secrets. I'm no exception. It's quite rude for me to ask your secret when I can't even tell you mine."
A moment of silence continued between us until August stood up, and dusted off his clothes before making his way in front of me. As he now stood in front of me, he covered up the whole sun, yet… his bright smile substituted the warmth that I would feel from it.
He then stretched his hand for me to take. "What you say is true. Everyone has a secret they wish to keep..." His smile then turned bitter. "I'm also no exception..."
Behind that warm and bitter smile lies a hint of sorrow. I continued to look at him before slowly accepting his hand. Once he felt my touch, he smiled and gently pulled me up.
As I stood up with his help, he let go of our hands and hesitantly looked away.
"I wish... I can tell you the things that trouble me."
I looked at him for a moment before gently reaching out for his hands. He quickly flinched from the touch before looking back at me. I smiled and looked down at our interlocked fingers before quietly closing my eyes.
"You don't have to tell me. But if you want to tell me all that worries you, then I'm willing to listen—just like you did for me."
As he heard my words, his worried and anxious eyes slowly relaxed. He gently squeezed our hands together, and finally showed his signature warm smile to me as the negative thoughts harboring his mind began to disappear.
"... Thank you, Lys. You don't know how much those words mean to me right now."
But just before I was about to respond, a guard came up to us with an exasperated look.
"Y-Your highness! I have urgent news!"
August gazed towards the guard as he gently let go of my hand—his relieved expression turning sour once more.
Once the guard caught his breath, he looked up and immediately began to speak. "The Empress has been poisoned!"
August's face distorted in response. His mouth stammered for a long moment as he tried to blurt out a response.
"T-That's impossible…! The Empress has been trained to have tolerance to all types of fatal poison..."
"It's true! The Chancellor sent out a letter—requesting that you return to the Palace immediately!"
August clenched his hand into a fist, and stared down at the ground as cold sweats began running down his anxious face. With a final grit, he began to run towards the manor.
"Prepare a carriage now! I shall immediately inform the Duke about the situation!"
"Y-Yes, Your Highness!"
August began running towards the manor, while the guard began to prepare the carriage just like August said to do.
I could only stare at August's back as he desperately ran inside the manor. Seeing the face he was making along the way, I clenched my hands and bitterly looked down at the ground as I worried about the wellbeing of his mother.
How…
How could I forget about such an important event? I clearly remember the exact dates when such an incident occurred in the novel, but for some reason the information isn't appearing in my head when I'm trying to remember—
Wait...
How... could I... forget...?
✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦
The sun was slowly setting, and the golden hue that once filled the sky was now being consumed by a midnight darkness that reminded me so much of August's hair.
Mother, father and I stood outside of the open gates of the manor—gazing at the carriage that the guard quickly prepared with August standing near it, looking so troubled. Sera slowly began to approach mother, and gently tugged at her clothes as she worriedly gazed at August from afar.
Mother looked down at Sera, and bitterly smiled before patting her head. But even though she forced out a smile, she couldn't help but clench her shirt. Even I could tell that she was worried about the situation going on in the Imperial Palace, especially regarding the Empress—who is her closest friend.
Father took a step forward, and placed his hand on August's shoulder. He hesitated for a moment, but took the courage to speak.
"... Are you sure you want to go alone?"
August stood there unresponsive before sadly nodding. "Yes. You don't have to worry about me. It's true that the chances of it being a trap is high, but I don't want to abandon my mother who is suffering..."
"I see..."
Father slowly took his hand away from his shoulder, but still looked worriedly at him. The doors to the carriage were then opened by the same guard from before.
August took a deep breath, and began to walk up the small stairs towards the carriage.
Despite only being able to see his back, I could somehow feel the strong negative emotions surrounding his body.
Seeing such dark emotions so close to consuming him, I couldn't help but grit my teeth, and clench my hand.
"I don't wish to see him suffer…"
I don't want the same thing that happened in the novel to happen. Though I did forget the time of the poisoning, I didn't forget what happened after it.
The Empress ultimately died, and Augustus was left grieving next to his mother in the cold, wide bed with her pale body all shriveled and sick.
After that, it was the start of his downfall. Nobles of the Noble Faction took full control of the Empire's power with the Emperor, and tried to eliminate him since he was the next to become Emperor. But he ultimately escaped, but was forced to hide for years until he met Seraphina again.
I don't want that to happen.
No... I won't let that happen!
I quickly ran towards the carriage.
Father quickly reached out to him once he saw running towards August.
"Lysander! Where are you going?!"
August, who heard the commotion, slowly turned his head around. I stretched out my hand to him, and tried to grab his warm hands once again.
As our gaze interlocked , I finally grabbed August's hands, and pleadingly looked into his eyes.
"Please... Let me go with you!"
I'm not even sure if what I'm doing or saying is a good idea.
But even if it isn't, I don't care. I said to myself that I won't be following the same storyline from the novel, and I wish to keep that belief.
I just don't want to see August sad.
Once August fully comprehended the words that I uttered, his body quickly tensed. His mouth then began to stammer for a response.
"N-No! It's best if you stay here." He looked away from me, gently trying to shake my hand away in the process. "I-I can't guarantee your safety..."
I could see his face turning more dim as he continued to try and shake my hand away.
The more I saw him mad, the more this unknown feel began to consume my heart. I quickly squeezed both his hands, and brought my face closer to his.
From this distance... I could see the lingering sadness that lurked within his eyes.
Seeing him in such a state makes all the more reason for me to go with him.
"Please, August…"
I stopped, unsure if I should utter the following words. But once again, I didn't care for the consequences and continued on with my words.
"Take me with you. This might be a stretch for me to say, but I may be able to save the Empress!"
His whole-body flinched. He then leaned his face closer to mine, looking so surprised, but also hopeful.
"D-Do you truly mean that?!"
But once I could respond, I felt a cold hand touch my shoulder. I slowly looked back and saw father staring at me with slight discontent.
"Lysander... I hope you're not being serious about what you said."
A shiver ran through my spine as he uttered those words with his glowing red eyes.
August also saw his cold stare, and quickly let go of my hands before looking away so defeated.
As I saw what face August made, I clenched my hand hard before looking up at father.
"Father! Please... let me go with August! You know that I learned all medical related things—especially about treating poison. So you must know that the chances to save the Empress will increase if I—"
His discontent face slowly turned into slight anger before he cut me off. "That is not something you can decide on, Lysander!"
I took a step back as I heard his angry voice. Nevertheless, I took a quick breath before angrily responding back.
"Why not?! Is it because you think I can't protect myself?"
"Yes! What if something happens to you once you get to the Imperial Palace? What if people with malicious intents try to hurt you?! Do you truly not care about the feelings from all of us?!"
I froze.
I slowly looked up at father's expression. The lingering anger on his face... It just goes to show how worried he is.
I look at mother and Sera. They also look worried about my wellbeing...
I dimly looked down at the ground, and thought about the choices presented to me. But after a long silence, I took a deep breath and calmly looked up at father.
"... I can see that everyone is worried. You too, father. But... If I can't protect my friend from the danger that lurks once he gets to the Palace, then can I truly be called a friend?"
I looked at August, who was looking away shamefully as if he thinks the earlier argument was his fault. I smiled before gently grabbing his hand, making him flinch in response as he slowly looked back at me.
"I don't want to see August suffer. I refuse to leave him behind. I know that you might hate me for this, but I wish to go with August…" I then gazed back at father with determined eyes. "I wish to be by his side!"
A moment of silence passed by. August's astounded and perplexed face continued on before a bitter smile began to take over.
Father stood there motionless, somewhat surprised, before he quickly began scratching his head with frustration.
After taking a deep breath to calm down, he gazed at me defeatedly. "... I don't know what to do with you. Honestly..." He glared at August for a split second before looking back at me. "If that is what you wish... then so be it. But on the condition that Nilo accompanies you—"
It was out of instinct, but I immediately hugged father after he said those words. He stood there surprised, but let out a defeated sigh before he began to gently stroke my hair.
"... Just make sure to stay safe."
I looked up at him, still hugging him. "Yes! I promise!"
I immediately ran towards mother and Sera before hugging them both. "Mother, Sera... I'll be back."
Mother's worried face slowly turned bitter before she forced out a smile. She leaned forward, gently cupped my face before placing a small kiss on my forehead. "Please… just make sure to stay safe. Don't put yourself in danger, Lysander."
I warmly smiled at her response, trying to ease her worries, even if by a bit.
"Yes, mother. I promise."
I then made my way towards Sera, and wrapped my arms around her for a gentle hug. I think I might've misheard it, but I heard a sigh come out of her before she hugged me back.
"Please be safe, Lys."
As I gave my final farewells to everyone, I slowly walked back to where August was. Once I walked up the small stairs of the carriage, I gazed at his face… and saw the same uneasy expression.
He rubbed behind his neck, and turned his head around. But even so, he glanced at me from the corner of his eyes before speaking in an anxious tone.
"A-Are you sure you want to go with me...?"
I slowly nodded back with a smile to ease his worry. "Of course." I then reached for his hands, and gently interlocked our fingers together. "As your friend, I should always be there for you. Let me help you save the Empress—"
But before I could finish my sentence, August quickly pulled me into his shaking arms, and embraced so tightly.
"... Thank you, Lys. You don't know just how comforting your words are to me right now..."
I was startled, but I then smiled back before hugging him back, and gently patted his back to put him more at ease. "We will definitely save your mother."
He pulled away from the hug, and once I could finally see his face… I saw his signature bright smile finally return to his face.
"Yes! With you by my side, we will definitely save my mother!"