AMARANTHINE

BEYOND THE EVERLASTING

BY NIE

Chapter 4

From Prisoner to Royal

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“Sorry, She IS cheating”

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The statues stand firmly as they holding a sword where the tip is pointing down. The statues although its only contain empty steel full armor and helmet, they are like alive as San observing them thoroughly. The sword they holding also a real huge steel sword.

As expected, this is the typical Syrr’s interior style.

San was sitting right before the throne, there stood a man whom she familiar. Since San brought here, he just walked around the throne for quite along. None of them tried to start the conversation, especially the brown-haired girl.

Although San looked like normal, deep inside she already knew something about that man.

Based on Saga’s information: this man, the ruler, the king. That long-haired emperor also kind has some blessing. He can feel the Faltea. Yes, but not see them. this is a rare case, except Guador, not any being can use nor feel the Faltea directly. As for San and her colleges in the Aelux realm was the special case indeed. But this man still not knowing what was that feeling.

San doesn’t know what to do. He doesn’t talk, nor she.

They are just like that for one hour and that’s the end of this chapter, the next will continue—

“QUIT BEING A STICK! YOU ARE A WOMEN, SLAP HIM!” Hera finally lost her temper. San sweat-dropped. If she slapped him, she will end beheaded right now.

“Hera, please, I cannot do that and don’t know what to say… this is a rare case. Is he the same as us?”

“Lass, he is not. I’m afraid this is related to ‘intercession’. He was bestowed with Faltea, indirectly. But the result is something we never find up until this moment. He is doubting you, either you can be trusted or not.”

“Miss, he planned to jail you for a while and ask later—”

“No way! Okay, I will talk, I will talk. Hera, come help me.”

San takes a deep breath and stood. “My lord…” she showed her hands thus, draw his attention completely. He is expecting. Blue crystals started evolving around soaring and gleaming right above her hands. His facial expression, cannot say bewildered, but the spark of his bloody-eyed enough to wave the flag. “this… you can feel them?” she asked with a low tone. Almost whispering, afraid the statues are alive and overheard this question.

Instead of answering her question or shaking his head, the long black-haired man closed his eyes and something appeared beside him. Red crystals, glimmering and filling the entire throne room.

“Miss, as we expected. That is rare indeed, this is long-lasting Faltea. It is heritage, this Faltea handed down from the first generation, to second, third and so on. Those red crystals, that’s why we feel the Faltea rate around the throne room is higher, if this male human wanted to, those statues could obey his order and move. Since this Faltea, those red crystals, only present for him and his later generation.”

Now Saga makes this situation clear. The information is also mentioned that this man is the last remnant of the Renata lineage. Everything tied slowly. this Renata family somehow bestowed their Faltea to their blood, until him now.

“Oi, how long you only show him the feeling? Do aggressive! Pull the crystals!” Hera as losing her temper quickly, San know behind her words. “he will show that surprise face! Come on, this IS more likely a rare chance!”

San quickly denied, “No, I won’t show him any of your monstrous super wonderful surprise weapon to show off. This is enough, we cannot let outsiders know about our arte too well.” She felt funny when she mentioned outsider, she didn’t mean it though.

“You can use them?” now he asked.

“Say no and you will be beheaded, miss.” Saga reminded her, San quickly nodded lightly.

“How come? I never met someone like you.”

“say nonsense and you will be beheaded, miss.” Saga reminded her again.

San is searching a reason as Alvey comes to help her.

“Choose around this option:

Just gamble with him. Be good at lying

Choose wisely.”

“No way, Alvey. Only two? Two safest choices?? Well NO, more like two fastest way to be beheaded.”

San sighed. She tired. She just eaten not even half of her bread, she is thirsty.

“Well, why do you wanted to know?”

She is entering the gamble. He is doubting her and she cannot trust this man, they both have their reason. she chose to say this because this is a question if she answered even with slightest lies she will be beheaded.

“Lass, good choice.” Even Alvey praise her.

She must play some pull and push game. Not in ambiguous, just to see who fallen in first.

The man silence and looked at a huge colorful glass painting above the throne. There is three painting in total. It portrayed each people gathering. The left one pointing a crowd with dark-blue background and they are raised their hand to the light above. The right one pointing a crowd with light-blue background and they don’t raise their hand to the light above instead, they hold each other hand-in-hand. The middle one pointing a crowd with a grey background crouching down and there is no light inside.

“ever since my late-father have befallen ill. I can feel them. but I don’t know what was it and sometimes in particular places, I can feel a higher presence of them.”

He turned to her after observing those three glasses portrait.

“yes, one of the particular places is when I met you at Banec’s banquet. My bet is right, you can use them. so what is ‘them’?”

“Miss, he is telling the truth.”

San sighed. Alvey doesn’t tell nor reminded her anymore, so she decided to tell him the truth.

“My lord, all I can answer for you is, I called them ‘Faltea’. They are a blessing that always resides within us. But, we can’t use them directly. They are different from Mana.”

The man mumbled her word, “Faltea… that sound… familiar…”

He looked around and approached her, San was enough to jaw-dropped when the king holds her hand and pull her somewhere. They are walked around the throne and enter a door behind the throne chair, which is located quite hidden from the frontline. There is a huge room inside, a throne chamber. And the three huge portraits seemed much bigger and brighter than in the throne room.

There is no one inside and their pace seemed echoed filled the chamber.

“This is a throne chamber where no one except me can intrude. No one can listen to our conversation here.” He released her hand. “I’m sorry for dragging you here. I can’t let outsiders listen to our conversation, eyes and ears are everywhere except this chamber.”

San nodded while looking around. Surely this another huge room filled with Faltea, those red crystals somehow much higher than before. She gazed as the man before she approached the huge portraits.

“See this painting? It’s already been crafted since my first lineage. Which my late-father always told me the story behind.

There are three stories represent each painting. Some people acquired a blessing which they can achieve by sacrifice something. Some people doesn’t but the blessing still above them. and last, some people lost between them.

Mana is a magical power which this world already widely known. They represent the left one painting. They are tremendous power in which our nation tried to control them. we have currently released a regulation to maintained the harmonic between normal-being and being who used them. but the magic development is far against this basic regulation.

But, what I felt is different than Mana. I was thinking they represent one of the paintings, but which one will be? The middle one or the right one?”

San understood him quickly. There is little known about Faltea as they are a blessing which never happened directly to the creation-being. she just happened at his position when introduced with this power. More than her elementary’s book.

San pointed the right one. “there.”

The man looked at the right painting.

“Faltea normally could not use nor felt directly by us human. I don’t know why, but they are work similar to merit. They affect our daily lives indirectly. But, to the human who can felt them is a rare case.”

“now you mentioned it, I recalled when my late-father told me the tales about blessing which unseen and unfelt but they existed within the human. They have faint existence, except the only archangel can use them.

so they called Faltea… what do you know about them?”

“my knowledge is below average. I’m afraid I don't know much then you, Your Highness.”

The man chuckled, “don’t be modest now, call me Reviel. Although our age might different, I don’t mind. there is a limited source of literature that mentions this blessing, Faltea. But, your explanation has surpassed them. what kind person of this former candidate prime minister of Health at Banec?”

Ugh, San shifted her eyes to the other view, not wanting this person found too much about her.

“Are you an angel then?”

San burst to laughed. Which the other party found this cute— rare, ahem, anyway those were unbelievable responses from a stoic, anti-social woman.

“He thinks you are cute, miss.” San shushed him. Not going to accept the truth. She takes a deep breath and gazed straight to his eyes.

“No, Reviel. I’m not an angel. I’m also a normal person which coincidentally can use them, and not frequent, it just happens when I was in danger.”

The man fixed his eyes to her, to him, this is the first time after so long there is a person call him by name. so far only his late father and mother died before he even reaches the proper age to become the king. This nostalgic feeling reminded him when he still playing around his mother embrace and sparred with his late-father for fun.

The red crystals suddenly stop moving and resonating with each other. Which both of them quickly move closening the gap between, something happens between the crystals. Their back bumped as they turned to each other.

“Now what? I felt something radiate. Is that also Faltea?”

“… Yes… but—”

“Lass, I think this is responding to him. The man must be recalled his memories, for long, never be disturbed until now. they are resonating and come to produce an intercession.”

Another one?? that was quick!

San felt overjoyed as she is ready to—

“not for you, Lass, that for him.”

Ugh.

“Miss, above you.” Saga pointed and San looked up, surely there is a huge red crystal-forming something. That is intercession, the same feeling when she acquired them for the first time from her grandmother. The huge resonating crystals come down and approached her.

“well well, these crystals coming toward me, must be meant for me then.”

“Lass, the crystals wanted you to activate them. you can use Faltea directly which meant you can activate them.”

Ugh.

With her hand, she touches the gleaming crystals and grabbed something beneath. Something hard, and small. The crystals gathered and spark for the last time then faded. A thing comes to the sight.

A red crystal inside a silver ring.

“what was that? It appeared out of nowhere.”

San looking at the ring as a piece of information coming after the ring appeared.

Renata Ring. Long-lasting lineage heritage which only can be used by Renata remnant. Their power is still mysterious. First crafted and created by the first generation, which after a huge war they lost to age. now appeared to the 100th generation.

San burst, 100 what!?

“You looked stiff, what happened?”

“Here.”

“the ring, for me?”

“This is yours. They are… Renata ring. Which only you and your generation can use them.”

The man accepts the ring, he looked at the ring, “Yes, I do.”

“do what?”

“you know, is our tradition to replied when someone proposed a marriage.”

They both laughed but San quickly swapped to wrinkled her cheek. “I leave.” She turned around and walked away when he approached her.

“Wait, haha, pardon me, I never met someone daring like you. A woman usually shy and quiet, but you are straight and quiet. You also didn’t hesitate to call me by name. normally people would never dare to.” He blocks the way while holding laughed.

San stopped at her track. “is there anything more?”

“Nope, but I don’t want you to leave yet. Want to grab something to eat? I will accompany you strolling around the palace.”

San denied him, “no, my family were waiting for me.”

“I have taken care that they are resting at the guest room right now.”

“then I wanted to meet them and I have to make sure they are fine.”

“is that your way to accept my offer then?”

“yes.”

Thus, they headed toward the guest room. they chatting along the walk. Well, mostly him. He is her guide tour for today. He introduces his family, he also tells her some development which magic can do nowadays, then he chatters along with technologies in this world.

Apparently, despite this world seemed medieval with knights and magic, there have been advanced technologies like flying airship. There is the main engine for them called fusion. Which the main fuel of stars, this is a nuclear process related to hydrogen thus resulting in heat energy.

As for regulation, there IS a school of magic where people learn about magic and mana. They will learn what is mana and how to use them. thus their graduates which will be divided according to the classes;

The Songster where the user using the song or instrument to utilize the magic. They mostly are dancers or singers which giving more advantages to this type of magic. The Swordsinger where the user uses athame and wand. The athame is a short sword which commonly found during rituals. Thus, similar to the magic sword. Increasing their magic ability as well as physical skills than the other class. The Healer where the user specializes in healing and booster. Sometimes they also called as the Priest or White Mage. This class is every party-support-system, the must-have-item in every battle, war, or invasion. But, if they alone, they are easily defeated because of a lack of damage. The Wizard where the user specializes in illusion and trickery. This class is difficult to distinguish. Since they can perform any illusion or trickery, they can show magic similar to the remaining class. Mostly they worked as an officer of the government. The Mage where the user specializes in curses or charm. They excel on curses or hex either knowledge or practice. They can do curse to buff, a curse to enslave, etc. there is also forbidden curse which people called them as a dark mage and the association prohibited to practice them but enough as a lesson. The Sorcerer where the user specializes with elemental. they can utilize fire, water, air, earth, electricity, and any other elemental. sometimes for the attack, defend, or any uses. The Necromancer where the user specializes in transformation and potion. They can transform anything into anything, mostly animal though. They also excellence in the potion, mostly poison or any powder since it’s easy to make and less dangerous during making-session than liquid.

Of course, outside of these classes, there is a rare group where sometimes they can do what Mage does, then changed into Wizard, Songster and so on. They can utilize mana as their power and perform anything, which is rare. But, higher magic can do meant higher sacrifices to do. Therefore association decides that this group is either illegally students or working under crimes syndicate.

The regulations or laws are issued to limit the use of magic and mana, especially discuss the expenditure. the Association agreed that the act of using humans as a basis for expenditure is strictly prohibited. To sustained and balanced this power, the Association formulating mediator than can substitute into expenditure mana, called Mana Charger or Mager for short. They are extraction of sacrificed from the animals, plants, beast, and other creatures being. which is legal and widely known.

The Mager came out for the first time in the form of liquid that must be drunk to fill the Mana. Along with the development of science and technology, Mager began to develop into stone, this stone can be used or attached both as to body accessories, as well as materials for weapons, armor, helmets, even all clothing that is usually worn every day. Improving the efficiency and ease of access.

Reviel resumed, “currently, our nation is developing the Mager as a protective-barrier construction project that can spread and cover all the Syrr Regnum and the branches. We are focusing on improving national defense.”

“hey, is this safe, suddenly telling your big-bang project to the former outsider like me?”

Reviel grinned, “I don’t see why,”

Oh, right. San is only a peasant girl. She can’t do anything even if she spread this project to enemies, no one will take heed to a lowly peasant. There is a limit to mocking her, she is pissed right now. when she has a higher position, she swears she will punch down that barrier and show that to him.

Revied added, “because we are an acquaintance in arms now. I felt better if you knew this, I don’t want to hide anything from you as well as improving your trust toward me.”

Damn, you are cheating. Now, San can’t reply anything as this is the first time someone straightforwardly says this. trust is not something easy to deal with.

“Sweetie just replied; you are hot when being honest. All men weakness is praise. ” Hera you only put oil over a flame. Also, calling them hot is neither good.

San chooses to reply, “what a beast. I swear you planned to behead me if I say nonsensed or lied when we were at the throne room. then you are trying to befriend me? Don’t put me as a joke.”

She has pride! If he wanted her to trust him, then she will urge the opposite. This push and pull game shall not be ended easily!

Reviel stopped his track suddenly, making the brown-haired lady turned to him as they are facing each other. The man wears an undescribed face, “I am sorry, San.” This is the second time he called her by name. he resumed, “I’m at loss that time. Showing one feeling is nothing but a weakness for me. I’m still don’t know what was that feeling before, and meeting you was my most-joyful moment after so long. You answer me.” He slowly approached her,

One step, “your action that night makes me realized something,” he must be meant that banquet.

The second step, “realizing you also possessed the blessing,”

The third step, “realizing that time, I’m grateful to meet you.”

The distance between them was only half a cubit, he slowly raised his hand and Saga reminded her; he wanted to caress her cheeks. San warned and takes a step back. Making the man stopped again, his face is looked normal, still faintly smiled with fixed eyes on her, but if you observe him, he looked sad.

He resumed, “please don’t leave me.”

…

They have arrived in the guest room.

Opened the door and greeted with lots of hugs by the children and the old man. Repeatedly saying their big sis/grand-daughter is innocent. The king also assured them that none penalty or punishment would befall their big sis/grand-daughter as long they here. He also swears in front of them to protect her from any harm and treat her well.

For San, that awkward. She may give him the right like proposing, but she never imagined the most fearful-scariest-wide-known-and-dominating emperor like him would make a vow right in front of her. he turned around to her afterward, smiling full of triumph.

So this is his game huh?

“No, Miss, he is being sincere from the beginning.” Shut up, Saga. San accepts his challenge, she must win this push-pull game and this decision making all her arte sweat-dropped. They admit they have a half stubborn and half strong-willed master.

After some short-conversation, they headed to the backyard, which makes the girl confused.

“Why we here?”

Reviel wriggling the bushes, behind the bushes were an enormous wall and it looks like there is a hidden door behind the bushes. “duh, we are going to sneak outside.”

“You said you are going to take me a stroll. This seems illegal.”

“well, with a most-wanted person like me, the danger is everywhere. Also, my subordinates won’t allow it, they will arrange troops and guards to accompany me and that is troublesome.”

Reviel moved to the side and grabbed something inside the tree hollow, there is a secret compartment inside filled with fabrics. Swiftly, he put down his crown-attire and put it inside the compartment. His bare chest comes into view. Suddenly changing clothes, San swears if any girl were in her position right now they might have a heart-attack or racing heart, especially her friend, Zephy, she more like to scream right now.

San observes his body. It looks muscular, the muscle trained and used properly as they are bulking at each arm and chest. The strong and well-developed muscle. Why it looks muscular? Although he looked hench as his body shape still attractive. San observes while walking around him, she found there are so many scars on his back. She slightly was taken aback, what happened? Is this because of his training?

San unconsciously touches his back. Making the figure stopped when trying to wear peasant attire. He didn’t respond as the innocent girl running her fingers touching each of the scars.

“you are not afraid?”

San only replied with “Hnn… I wonder…”

Reviel, with bare upper body and hands, still gripped the clothes, he let the girl touch his scars. As if, he still chewed her answer. San resumed, “I wonder who can do this to you, I’m jealous. They must be strong.” The man burst to laugh again. He grinned and put the clothes while San takes back her fingers from him.

“then, shall we?” San nodded and they enter the hidden door which leads to the city.

They walked along a forest and arrived at the footpath on the edge of the city. Although it’s not the main city where all the brand shops or restaurants opened, this side of the city wasn’t bad. There is a small restaurant on the left road and the environment seemed peaceful. Not bustling as the main city.

“I always take chances to sneak outside when I was a child.” He chatted his childhood memories where he met with some people at the Guild Bar. San thinks they headed toward the place he told about, the Guild Bar.

Her prediction is right, they enter the wooden door and head inside. There is a downstairs greet them. after taking the stairs, a sight comes into view. A cozy place filled with tables and chairs, there is a long counter where the owner usually served the customer. At the bar, around six people are consisting of four males and two females hanging around.

The first notice their presence is the one behind the counter, he looked young with short red hair. “Oh, our captain is here at last!” thus, making the others turned around. “and brought a girl!” two of them frowned. San already has a bad feeling when the attention gathered around her.

“Miss, the ladies are jealous.” Thanks, Saga.

“Lord Reviel~ why you never play with me again~?” the woman with long-wavy red hair approached him. She looked releasing all her attraction with her bare cleave looked opened, showing two bumpy mountain.

A woman not so far behind her also approached him, but with more mannerism-attire. “Lord Reviel, how do you do” she smiled gracefully.

“what took you so long?” this time a man with green hair sitting at the counter chair.

“who is this plain girl?” said a man with dark blue hair and a node at the side of his left eye, his hand still gripped the drink.

“… don’t be noisy, it just a girl.” A man with grey hair and a dark spot around his eyes at the corner, he looked disturbed with the commotion.

Reviel steps up, “stay patience, everyone. Here I brought my acquaintance, former citizen of Banec Regnum. Treat her nicely.” Reviel pointed her to introduce herself.

San coughed slightly, “My name is San Roel. just call me San, nice to meet you, everyone.”

“Hello San, I’m—” the red-haired man interrupted with Reviel resuming his statement.

“Alright, San. I will introduce you, my people, here;

That chatterbox with red-hair is Kyle Blight. He is the bartender at this bar.”

A data coming right afterward:

Kyle Blight. The Field General of Imperial Military Syrr Regnum. He is one of Reviel’s childhood friends. Excellence at ground terrain strategy, battle as well as dueling. Not fond of using magic, but fond of the gun.

And the later continues with Kyle’s CV.

“the red-haired woman over here is his sister. Katherine Blight. The current owner of this bar, since her brother, aren’t good tending administrative and so so.” Making the red man snapped right at him, but Reviel still resumed.

A second data coming:

Katherine Blight. one of the headmasters in the Ministry of Magic Academy. She is the strongest magic user as she excels both as Mage and Songster. In love with Reviel, one-sided.

HA, the last part makes San almost choke. Data is no joke.

“the woman behind her is Sarah Casanova.”

A third data coming:

Sarah Casanova Tandeu. One of the headmasters in the Ministry of Magic Academy. she also granted as the unbeatable Nova, since she excels both as Healer, Sorcerer and now she currently learning as Swordsinger in secret. She has the potential to excel in all the classes. She has a gentle and kind attitude but her jealousy is somewhat higher. Also in love with Reviel, one-sided.

Secret? What San going to do if she already knows her secretly practicing to be Swordsinger. Data is a spoiler. Also, both of these women are all-in-love with this twisted man beside her. ugh, San wished she didn’t being dragged down to this teenager affairs in the future.

“the green one is Damien O'Hara. The blue one is Louis Eklan. The grey one is Adolf Vladislav.”

More continuous data followed:

Damien O'Hara. The Air Chief Marshal of Imperial Air Forces Syrr Regnum.

Louis Eklan. The Admiral of Imperial Navy Syrr Regnum.

Adolf Vladislav. The vice General of Imperial Military Syrr Regnum the youngest one.

Woah, okay, wait. In summary, this people is NO ordinary people. They ARE important people who held important positions. Who knows they like to gather around this secluded bar??

“Nice to meet you, San~ here, come sit here, I will make you some foods. Anything you like!” Kyle pointing a chair and so the girl obeyed and sat. all eyes still glued to her.

“Miss, want to know what’s on their mind?” it’s quite rare if Saga offered something to her. but, it’s meant there is good news and bad news inside. Then, No. it will only make her nervous and felt awkward.

“keep monitoring, tell me only when something to do with me.”

“well, both ladies want you to scram, the red man thinks you are cute, the blue one thinks you are—” San quickly stopped Saga.

Ok, thanks. San could not stop lowered her gaze. Although there are two women here, hearing this will only make her felt bad. Then, No. she felt uncomfortable.

Kyle serves her a cup of warm cocoa topped with melted marshmallow and two toast with melted butter. “here, my home dish specialty. Perfect with this cold climate.” San thanking him, Kyle wanted to chat with her but get interrupted again by Reviel. “Lord Reviel, you meanie—!”

“after this, is there any particular place you wanted to go to?”

San was munched down the toast, it was delicious. Since she is only taking two bites of her breakfast today, they all looked mouth-watered to her. Kyle continued to bring her a bowl filled with fruit salad and warm water.

San swallowed the last bite, “it’s there any place or office for any mainland news lately ?” exactly more like, is newspaper exist in this world? She needs global news for tracking her quest. What states right now? what is the problem? Who are her enemies?

“There is. May I ask why?”

“There is something I need to know.”

“the most precise one or a common one, which one you seek?”

“The first one.”

“Alright, I’m your guy here. What do you want to know?”

“…”

“he is more aggressive than you, sweetie.” San agreed with Hera. How could she forget, he IS the ruler here, nothing information and news better than from him. Even top secret news he knew them all. He has many eyes and ears in the entire territory. No wonder he did invasion or raid at a short period. He is the database.

“Lass, use this person at your benefit. He has whole information to dig in. just trigger him, and let Saga do the rest.”

Good, this team is perfect!

“is there any news lately? I’m looking for some particular cases or problems.”

“Let see…

First, right now there is only ten regnum active. Although we are not very close, there is something happened similar to each nation. Currently, there is a mysterious group who secretly—”

“Lord Reviel!” Damien suddenly barked in, making the conversation cut-off. Both she and Reviel turned around to him. “… what are you saying…”

“Lord Reviel, that is top secret information. You can’t just tell a peasant like this.” Katherine expression turned to grim.

Oh, is it? Well, let’s use the trump card.

“Pardon me, I’m only a peasant girl. Please, I do not mean harm. I’m just curious, I’m sheltered and less knowledge about the outside world. Even if I know about the information, who would believe a lowly people like us?” San stood up and bow to Reviel, “Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness.” Then she turned to other people. “I’m aware my question just now has broken the boundary and rude, forgive me Chief Marshal Damien, Headmaster Katherine and everyone here.”

silence.

“He-hey… it’s okay, just let her be…” Kyle being all awkward, he is a kind person who didn’t want any bloodshed here.

The grey one finally makes his statement, “You… knew us?”

Yes, it’s quite rare to know who is these people. Syrr Regnum is but a wondrous nation which rare to meet these people. They are always working at the front line, even outside if they are not the rulers or the generals will never know these people. They are important but secluded people.

San nodded lightly. All eyes glued on her.

“Then you are a spy?”

San shakes her head. “No, Lord Damien. I’m just common people.”

“commoner has no right to know us even our face.” Sarah finally intrudes, looks like still gentle but her tone is firm.

Yeah, she also didn’t know but read the databases. Sorry, she IS cheating.

The awkward broke when Reviel finally shut them. “Silence, watch your mouth. She is special, not commoner. We will take our leave then,” Reviel held her hand and bring her exit the bar, not caring the attention or Kyle’s whined to get them back here.

They walked with fast-paced after exiting the bar, the street looked desolate although it is still noon. After some steps, the man who held her hand slowed his pace and gradually they stopped.

“Miss, he felt bad for bringing you there.” San nodded to Saga. The man still backs facing here, maybe still re-arranging some statements.

“Hey, where are we going?”

“… is there any particular place you wanted to go? Except for the last one,”

“Mhm, well, your throne chamber.”

The man turned around to her. “pardon me?”

“your throne chamber. That place is filled with Faltea, thus I thought you are at most comfortable being at that place. Also, there is something I wanted to ask you.”

He smiled, “Sure.”

After arriving at the throne chamber, they began to sit side by side at the red puffy sofa.

“I’m sorry on behalf of my acquaintances at the bar. They are but kind people.”

“no worries, I know. They are just trying to protect you and their beloved regnum. Besides, here something I wanted to ask.”

All Reviel attention goes toward her as he is listening to her earnestly,

To acquire the most secret information, San realizes being an outsider and commoner won’t help her. she must have a firm position, which also permits her to access the information, but don’t be well-known. She still set her mind to be a low-key person.

“Is there any open registration to work here? I’m not very capable of holding weapon or magic, but I’m formerly a candidate to be prime minister of Health at former Banec Regnum that time.”

Reviel thinks and after some good decision, he said, “Yes, I know. I have figured your reports and achievement at that time. But, unfortunately, this Syrr Prime Minister of Health does not need additional assistants nor aid.” The latter part makes her lowered her gaze, she thinks this is too much. They just meet and suddenly she asked something to him. “But, I do.”

Huh?

She looked at the man beside her.

“I know to access the crucial information, you need a higher position than you are right now. I can give them to you. However, there are certain circumstances according to our deal.”

As she predicted, nothing easy to get. “what is it?”

“First, tell me your hidden objective. I know you need this information, but I think curiousness doesn’t match well with this ‘information’ you wanted about. There should be more,”

Yeah, more top-secret than she expected, she didn’t even know what is her enemies, what is her answer to get back to her world, more importantly; she should avoid death or ended her trials in vain.

“Second, everything you do, you should report them and ask for my permission. As I’m the only responsible for your action.”

Ugh, another troublesome thing, reports, and permission.

“Third, tell me more about your discovery about Faltea.”

Fine!

Hence, she replied “No prob.”

“Sweetie, your speaks, please” Hera warned her as she finds this habit of her quite not-girly and this is different from her original modern world with a modern attitude. This is almost like the medieval but with advanced technology, and the person who she talked to asked her with such politeness. San analyzed the man, and true, Reviel had a slight wide-eyed and slightly jaw dropped.

Ugh, she did wish to bury herself someday at the certain airship, right?

“Miss, the man is bewildered,” Saga added a pinch of salt on the wound. Ugh, her stomach now ached again. She doesn’t feel good.

“Haha, you are different.” Lord Reviel broke the short-silenced. He looks amused. He smiled at her and handed her some documents. San could recognize the documents at once, it was her report and some achievement overall her study as a medical scholar. “I found them at this regnum’s database room. it would be a waste to ruin them, so I decide to offer your rightful position, but who know you the person itself ask for it.”

Quite straight forward. San held the documents and reports as she only did some screening.

“The human resources from Banec Regnum is quite famous and flourished. Therefore, it’s quite a catch if I may say.” San looked at him Lord Reviel smiled at her with a coy smile. You know, the smile appeared by figures who already know everything and being powerful. Honestly, San does not want to lose like that.

She replied, “when can I start to work?”

HA!

How about that. In her original world, the person who interview the other will ask things like; you may start your work on… Indicating the other party gets accepted to work. Well, this is medieval times, surely no one would be very bravery as a reserve as this.

Lord Reviel chuckle again and said, “you may work at any time. You should check your office though. My subordinates will send you the official attire as my Personal Medic.”

HA!

Say what!?

“My Lord, aren’t there is quite numbers of physician or healer?”

“Yes, but not personal. These are our advantages. As a personal medic, you have the right to access the same information as me.”

San hummed inside. This person catches her interest. It’s good to have him as a close slave—friend.

They both walked along the corridor to reach her new office. San quite enjoyed how they are conversing with the interactions. Lord Reviel urged her to call him by name only since he still young and all. He also tried his subordinates to do so but failed. San learned that Lord Reviel is a very modest-mixed-mysterious person, he is very earnest, calm and collected. His red eyes were very intimidating but he honestly (thanks to Saga) said that it was hereditary in his lineage family. Sometimes he cracked a joke, a crunchy one that makes San’s face more stoic than before, yes, he only cracked a joke to make himself laughed again.

They walk while chatting along the way toward her new office. It’s located—

“…”

“Aren’t this is your room, my Lord?”

“Not anymore, from now on I granted you the authority.”

Yep, her office is the king’s chamber, a.k.a Lord Reviel’s chamber right now. it’s a huge room consist of huge bed and golden interiors. San looked bewildered at the huge space before her. This entire room was her office??

San coughed and Reviel laughed again.

“If this is another crunchy joke, please stop.”

“Pardon me, but I’m serious. Your response is a bit over-handed, so I laughed. I meant your office is wherever I am and I give you the authority to help your responsible as my Personal Medic.”

Damn, she is being played at. She cannot lose,

She replied, “Well, I’m dead-serious when related to my work.” She wanted to add, and her trial, but lost within her tight-lipped mouth.

Thus, Reviel laughed again.

As his order, some subordinates come to give her the attire. San wears them, sure it looked elegant, simple but catchy. She wears a long black blouse and covered them with a green satin coat. There is a badge attached at her right upper hand, forming the same symbols when she looked at the ship’s sail, a huge red crescent moon and five flower petals were forming a half-cycle inside. The Royal sign of Syrr Regnum.

There is also another dark green brooch, it formed the same one with the royal badge but only differ in color. San supposed it was the sign of her division, royal Prime Minister of Health in Syrr Regnum. She attached them at the left side of her chest part, any badge or royal sign must be placed right where the heart is.

Satisfied with how she looked, she turned around in front of the big mirror.

“that suits you.”

She realized she is not alone in this huge goldy-goldy room.

She coughed and take her desk, “Th-thanks.”

…

Her first to-do list was accompanied by her lord. That long black-haired man only working behind his throne or desk, scribbling something inside his office. She simply doesn’t do anything as she felt bored. There is no incident, what a waste.

Sorry. Alvey got mad at her when she unconsciously wanted something bad happens to her lordship.

She could count, every four hours a maid or butler come inside to deliver some refreshment and more document, the refreshment was also delivered for her, but no documents.

Thus, San started the conversation. Starting conversation is very rare for an anti-social like her.

“Excuse me, Reviel.” And she already brave enough to call her lordship without ‘Lord’. Of course, it only when they are the only one inside a room. outside, San will call him added with ‘Lord or Your Highness’.

Reviel looked at her and replied, “Yes?”

“Are there any medical records? Surely, you have, right? I need them to check your daily and current condition”

Reviel takes a sip of his drink. “There is, please wait. Because of privacy matters, they will arrive soon.”

“Thank you for your trouble, Reviel.”

Saga explained his condition; “Miss, his current condition is normal. At the end of the day, there is slight fatigue due to his current works. He has anemia due to a low level of iron, also I detected another cause; vitamin B12 and folate deficiency. this anemia sign and symptoms occurred mostly when he overworks himself.”

San nodded, she prescribes with the help from Saga. Even without medical records, she still can diagnose him. But, she still needs them as they might have something different than Saga based observation.

Reviel was immersed in his pile of works, San could not help but observing him since she was bored with eating and drinking. His right-hand was busy writing while the other seemed to hold his long hair. San could take a hint and she searching around her desk and find a rubber band.

“Reviel, hang on.” She approached him. Reviel was immersed in his work and slightly tensed when San’s hand touched his hair from behind the neck. Reviel doesn’t blink nor move, he stayed still like thinking deeply. While San collected those long hair and tied them with the band. She made Reviel’s hair become horsetail style. “Done, you may continue.” Thus, San walked back at her place. As she turned her back, Reviel glanced at her and muttering something.

“Miss, this man thinking that he always lived in a dangerous situation, therefore when you touch him, he was thinking he should grab your hand and act all vigilant toward you. But, his body won’t move and quietly waiting for you. He just said, unbelievable.”

O-Oh… many thanks to Saga. She forgot that this is world different than her original world, where danger around and mysteries lies behind. Her act just now can be counted as rude and there are chances to attack him. She should adapt to this situation, sometimes she wonders how the heroines could adapt quickly with their new world. San sits again and her eyes met the red eyes. Reviel smiled coyly toward her.

“Wh-What?” she stuttered.

“How do I look?” he smiled playfully.

“Tell him you looked hot, Sweetie~”

“Hot.” She replied to him straightforwardly with a stoic face as Reviel wide-eyed at her and burst to laugh. Herda also somehow laughed in a high octave (note: those hohoho things)

…

It’s already evening. Right now, there is a meeting at the hall and San decides to take some breathes outside, she has the permission and sitting at the balcony. Today she can visit her family as they granted a residence at the Castle District and managed to explained that she has a job as royal ‘personal’ Medic. Then the remaining day was sitting and accompanied her lordship at his desk, chamber, throne, and this meeting. But, she bored and decided to take a breather outside.

San takes a deep breath. Her stomach growling and she opened her supposed-to-be-lunch box from the time she visits her family. She denied eating her lunch since she takes much sweet till lunch. Thus, she will eat them right now. She munches the bread, again, she bored with loaf things. She wanted to cook something like croquettes, cream soup, and chicken fillets. If she finished with today, she will run her legs toward the markets to buy some groceries or eating at the restaurant, she still didn’t know any dish in this world. Maybe there is something different than her original world.

“booriing, there is no battle!”

“Lass, you should aware to eat nutritious foods.”

San silently nodded at them. she silently agreed with Hera, there is no battle. She wished she can get her main quest or answer and get back to her world with peace, without involving in any bloodshed war.

“Miss, someone is approaching.”

San nodded again and said out of nowhere with enough volume, “Hey, you. Come sit here, today night sky is also a catch if I may say.” She knew who is the person that approached her silently.

“then, I will bother you for a while.”

That red-eyes man sat beside her. San eyes were lightly closed as she was munched her food, Saga already reminded her; that man, although he looked like observing the sky, truthfully, he is observing the brown-haired lady beside him.

She cannot take the gaze any longer but she also doesn’t want directly hit his nail. She has enough giving the hints.

After gulping the food she said, “Forgive me, my Lord, this servant is being rude and only notice since you glanced here too long, here some refreshment my family makes them for me. Hope it will fit my Lord taste.”

Reviel lift his eyebrows and said, “Oh, you notice? Alright, I will take them.” therefore, he took a piece of bread and have a bite. Good reasoning followed by good trickery, huh. San admitted they both play along quite well.

They were eating together and no conversation continue again. San wanted to ask his reason helping her grandpa, the real reason. And ask what will he do to the former king and royals (the citizens had been released). But she just feeling tired, she didn’t do anything and bored and now she is tired.

She sighed slightly. But, her movement always catchy in those red eyes.

“What’s wrong? You look tired, I don’t force you to anything right?”

Good grief, please do not engage conversation over her even-slightest movement. She just wanted a day to rest from all of this.

“Mhm… No, Reviel. You didn’t.” San closed her eyes gradually, She leaned back at the chair and humming some anime opening, enjoying the night breeze. There is no one except them around the balcony. “which favors you abandoned…” she meant to herself.

“You may rest at your office, though.” He grinned and also leaned his body.

“Haha…” her face doesn’t change to a real laughing. “You are quite funny.”

“No, I’m serious. I’m always serious.” He pressed this statement for over than tenth times today.

“Right, sorry, you are but the most sincere person I have met.” And Saga has reminded her about that man; he is being sincere from the beginning, for more than tenth times and whenever she doubted him. Despite the data said this is a twisted man.

No reply. She glanced at him, and find a somewhat funny face.

“is that how your face blushing?” she teased him. His mouth is slightly opened as he fixed his eyes to her.

He quickly regained his composure, “Yes.”

Damn!

“Ooow, you lose sweetie~” shut up, Hera. Now she can feel her face being at heat and reddening.

“is that how your face blushing?” now it was his turn to teased her.

“don’t see this way!”

“I won’t, you don’t have to be embarrassed.”

GROWL.

Now her stomach sound higher, they both stopped. One becomes red tomatoes and one smiled devilishly to her.

“go away!”

“now this your real embarrassed face.”

“Shut up!”

They teased along while much to their unknown, someone is hiding behind the pillars. Observing them as the unknown figure clenched the right arm, looks pissed.

Tomorrow might a long day for them, well her mostly.

…

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To Be Continued

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