by Feng Yue
But after the ripple, the image became clear again. No matter what Charles did, it persisted like the moon’s reflection in water.
“Rune · mirror’?” Charles turned to look at the Professor, his eyes confused. “Professor, I don’t understand.”
Abraham’s expression was stiff. He did not know what to say.
“Rune · mirror” was the most complex of the common runes. Even for lessons, it was put at the back of the textbook. They had never seen someone who could jump straight to the end and learn the hardest part, but was still stuck on the first step.
“The rune’s effect is very stable and the hymn was clear. From the rune’s perspective, you’ve already reached the apprentice level.” Abraham gazed at Ye Qingxuan. “How did you do it?”
“I don’t know.” Ye Qingxuan was confused too. Looking down at the reflection of Old Phil, he scratched his head. “The runes and syllables were in my head. I somehow felt that doing that was the correct thing to do, so I did it.”
He suddenly reached out and pressed onto Old Phil, doing it again. In a flash of light, the mirror reflection of Old Phil reappeared. The two mirror images changed continuously, revealing Old Phil’s upset face. Ye Qingxuan stared in awe at the two images. Pressing down, he did it again, calling forth another mirror image.
As if he had gone crazy, he cast the rune over and over again. Finally, seven mirror images shattered at once. Ye Qingxuan collapsed to the ground as if he his energy had been sapped. Panting heavily, his forehead was covered in sweat, and his face was pale.
“Hey, junior, are you crazy?” Charles quickly cleared the table and laid Ye on it. He opened his shirt buttons to help him breathe. Then he commanded Bai Xi to boil some salt water.
“Casting runes requires strength! Mirror is a continuous effect, and you made seven at once. You’re trying to get yourself killed…”
On the table, Ye Qingxuan had fallen into a trance and was covered in sweat. In his daze, he grabbed onto Charles’s hand and panted, “I know…Charles…I know…I know how to fix the ‘feeling’ problem.” Seeing Abraham and Charles’s shocked expressions, Ye Qingxuan laughed. “Professor, can I borrow some books?”
—
“Analysis of the Equal Temperament Prologue,““Research of Changes in Pronunciation of Basic Runes,““Victor’s Experiment Record: Changes of Rune · Light,““Seventeen Uses of Rune · Light,““Pattern of Basic Syllables,““Introduction to Jorde Hymns.”
Ye Qingxuan flipped to the last page of the Equal Temperament and found the books in the references list from Abraham’s library. According to the books’ chapters and glossary, and other mentioned literature, he created another list of fourteen books.
Of these, three were in Abraham’s library. The other eleven books were kept in the school library, but identification cards were needed to enter the library and Ye Qingxuan was not allowed to yet, so he could only let it go.
Two hours later, with a giant pile of books in his arms, he got paper, a pen, and “Dictionary of the Rune Language” from Abraham’s library.
“What are you doing with all these books?” Charles was shocked. “Can you finish them all?”
“Some are just for reference. Others I’ll flip through.” Ye Qingxuan patted the pile of books up to his waist, his expression a little helpless. “Hopefully I won’t need to read too much. Oh right, is there anywhere that’s quiet so I won’t be disturbed?”
Abraham thought for a moment. “The basement. It used to be Charles’ workshop, but he owes too much money and can’t work for now. People usually don’t go there. If you need it, I can give you the key.”
“Thank you so much.” Ye Qingxuan smiled, took the key, and bent over to pick up the pile of books. Looking back, he said, “Oh, right. I won’t be coming out for two days. If there are any public classes, tell Bai Xi to take attendance for me…”
Bai Xi was still confused. “Hey, Cousin, what exactly are you doing?”
“Reading. Doing what I do best.” With the books in his arms, Ye Qingxuan left without looking back. His voice came from the distance, “Reading is my favorite thing.”
—
In the library, Charles and Bai Xi stared at each other. Abraham seemed to understand something and stayed silent.
“Professor, did he go crazy?” Charles asked uncertainly.
“Maybe, but maybe he found some feeling, right?” Abraham let out a rare smile and patted his shoulder. “Are your notes still here from when I taught you how to decipher ancient languages and runes?”
Charles shook his head sadly. “I’m not really interested in your research. I don’t know where the notes are. Why do you want them? Are you forcing me to learn it again?”
“Everyone has their own strong points. It’s good that you have your own ideas, so I won’t force you anymore. But please find the notes within the next two days.”
Looking down at the thick pile of handwritten notes on the table, Abraham laughed suddenly.
“Professor, are you okay?” Charles looked at Abraham, his eyes full of concern. “Has work been too stressful recently? Is the school board cutting down on our budget again? It’s okay, we can quit! Junior is already like this, we can’t have you going crazy too…”
“Watch your words!” Abraham knocked Charles’ head, his expression becoming stern. “Go stand!”
After comforting Bai Xi, Abraham left the library, leaving behind two confused students. He sat on a stone stool outside the building under the afternoon sun, humming an unclear tune. He raised his head to look at the specks of light shining through the verdure. Using his metal hand to fill his pipe with tobacco, he lit it with a lighter.
Humming and smoking, he laughed quietly. He no longer seemed like a stern and rigid professor, but more like an ignorant farmer who saw that his crops had turned golden and suddenly felt happy. Maybe he was old now.
Thinking of this, his smile became both helpless and relieved. The thought that he had a successor made him so, so happy.
67 Negotiation
The next afternoon in the Westminster Palace, the atmosphere was serious and suffocating. Security kept all of the outsiders away.
Usually, this place was full of people. Known as the capitol, the senators of the Upper and Lower House would play the game of politics here. But now, it was silent because a more important discussion was happening in secrecy.
It was already the third day of conferences between Anglo and Yunlou City. It was an important event between the two nations, but the conference hall was empty. There were no government officials, no judges, and no military personnel participating.
At the left of the long table, Yunlou officials clad in long robes clustered around a silent white-haired girl. At the right, other than the secretary for recording the meeting and the necessary representatives, there were only two men leading the talks.
One of them sat in the chair casually. His eyes were not open fully, as if he had just been dragged out of bed. Not only was his white beard messy, but a button on his sleeve had been buttoned incorrectly too. He sat there spacing out, as if he was not listening to the talk at all. The smell of alcohol radiated from him.
A few minutes earlier, the man, Maxwell, had even been snoring. Now, his eyes were open, and it was an impressive feat. No one understood why the Queen would give such an important task to him, and the “insane” guy wearing a white coat beside him.
The old man was silent and had not said a word the entire time. As if he had just been let out of the asylum, he stared at the princess with wild and enthusiastic eyes. His hands shook as if he wanted to reach out and strangle the girl!
Everyone in Avalon knew that the Royal Institute of Research was right next to Arkham Asylum. Even more ironic was that both places were full of crazy and insane people. If the officials went crazy, they would use up the nation’s budget, while the patients would use up all the taxpayer’s money. In short, they were nothing good!
It was fortunate t
hat Princess Yunlou did not lose her temper as she was faced with these two unreliable guys. But sadly, the discussion still had to go on. For international matters, arguing about every inch of land was basic. Arguing over every little pebble was expected.
—
“The welcoming ceremony, the state guesthouse, the royal banquet hall. The attacks have not stopped since you entered the city. Until today, there have already been six attacks.” Maxwell pounded the table, his old face filled with pain. “Terrorist attacks because of your presence have already killed and wounded dozens. Of these, one earl was slightly wounded, two viscounts were wounded heavily, and six barons suffered emotional trauma. Even now, they are bedridden and suffer from insomnia.
“They were all talents who were the pillars of our nation’s future. But now they are useless things who hide under their servants’ skirts. Is there nothing that Yunlou City has to say?”
“Ridiculous!” Without waiting for the girl to speak, the official beside her laughed coldly. “We traveled to Anglo as ambassadors. Shouldn’t it be your duty to ensure the safety of the ambassadors? And if the Princess had been hurt, it would be even more embarrassing for you, would it not?”
“Of course, but…” Maxwell arched an eyebrow and laughed softly. “If the reason lies with Yunlou City itself, then it’s a different matter.”
“My apologies, but please explain.”
“According to our research, the assassins should be related to Yunlou’s exiled regime, correct?” Maxwell threw a pile of resources onto the table. “They’ve entered Avalon and caused chaos. According to others, they’re even performing human trafficking. The police are in a terrible situation.
Maxwell continued, “According to our research, their leader is an Easterner named Yunlou Qingxi. He calls himself the true leader of Yunlou, and announced that he is just trying to find justice. What does Yunlou City have to say in regard to this?”
“Absurd,” the main official scoffed. “There is only one leader of Yunlou City and that is the Princess’s father—His Majesty, Yunlou Qingshu. How is there an exiled regime? We hope that the royalty of Anglo won’t be fooled by some hooligans.”
“Really? Then maybe we have a misunderstanding.” Maxwell nodded as his eyes turned cold. “As everyone knows, Her Highness’s father, Yunlou Qingshu, is not the legitimate heir of the Yunlou title. He has always been criticized. As the leader, the ruler of the Eastern Aurora Empire has failed to recognize Yunlou Qingshu’s rule over Yunlou City. This has resulted in Yunlou’s endless chaos.”
Maxwell’s eyes were heavy with pain, he shook his head and sighed. “If Yunlou City wants to leave the Eastern camp, despite being riddled with inner chaos, make alliances with Western nations and become independent. Even Her Highness, the Queen, will find it difficult to support Yunlou.”
“If that is Anglo’s opinion, then what is the point of this conference?” The silent girl sitting primly in the middle finally looked up. As if sensing something interesting, she took in Maxwell’s appearance. Her tone was gentle, but her soft voice somehow stopped the commotion.
The white-haired girl said quietly, “My father once taught me that there are all sorts of lessons in life, but in the end, it is all about two things: accepting and rejecting.” She continued, “Nothing in the world is full of benefits, with no consequences to worry about. And even if we did give you the technology for creating the Bloodline of the Dragon, would Anglo dare to accept it?”
“Really?” The crazed man in the white cloak beside Maxwell suddenly burst out in joy. “Accept it! Why not?”
Maxwell rolled his eyes and kicked him. “Newton, don’t forget that you’re here just as an observer and have no right to speak. We do not need to support technology now.”
Newton pursed his lips and sat back down.
—
“According to Yunlou City’s terms, you will exchange the purification technology of the Bloodline of the Dragon for Anglo’s support of Yunlou City’s independence. This is beneficial for both parties. After all, Yunlou City is alone overseas and the tribute relationship with the East only survives in theory.” Maxwell spoke again, but this time, he spoke in fluent Aurorian Mandarin. His accent was native and flawless. “But there is still something I don’t understand.”
He paused, gazing at the girl’s neutral expression. “The purification technology of the East is a byproduct created during the research for the Bloodline of the Dragon. No, it is more accurate to say that the medium for this technology is Dragon blood.”
“If you are to give us this technology, you are essentially giving us a Deva with the Bloodline of the Dragon. Or to put it more bluntly, the only one from Yunlou City who qualifies is Your Highness. Even the king’s blood is not pure enough. Is it as the rumors say, that you are planning on marrying our Prince?”
“That is not impossible,” the girl replied softly. “If there is marriage, the relationship between our two nations would be more stable.”
“Yes! Good!” Newton became excited. “And if Your Highness is interested, you can come visit the research institute. I’ll sweep, sweep that thing to welcome you!”
“I told you to shut up, Newton.” Maxwell glared at him and he quieted down. But Maxwell’s head started to hurt.
This Princess was not as simple as she seemed. Whether someone placed obvious pressure on her, or said a sly insult, neither had any effect on her.
He sighed. “To be honest, I was dragged back the manor last night and rushed here to to represent Anglo and speak with you. For public matters, I’d love it if Your Highness would marry our nation and form a long-lasting relationship. But privately…”
Maxwell’s eyes filled with sadness. “To be honest, Your Highness may be young, but you are already so beautiful. You may be the most beautiful woman I’ve seen in my life. But our Prince has had many ailments since childhood. Uh, okay, he is an idiot who believes he’s a sheep. He-he-he…he isn’t good enough for you!”
He became visibly angry and slammed down on the table. “Let’s just… let’s just let things go!”
Newton asked in panic, “Hey, Maxwell! Whose side are you on?”
“Manners, beauty, and justice are the essence of humanity,” Maxwell stated. “Since beauty equals justice, I stand on the side of justice, of course! And anyway, compared to the lifelong happiness of a girl, this is nothing!”
Newton was about to burst. The faces of the Yunlou officials darkened.
This guy may have just reduced Anglo royalty to nothing, but he was really moving forward by retreating. If they really did just let things be as he said, it would be even more awkward for Yunlou. Aurora Empire, riddled with inner problems for many years, was finally recovering. The emperor had already started turning his attention toward Yunlou City, alone overseas and full of riches. If they did not receive the West’s support, Yunlou City would be in a dire situation.
The officials stared at each other in silence. The lead ritual official opened his mouth to speak, but saw the white-haired girl lower her hand. His expression tightened, but he sat down without saying anything.
The princess’s voice shattered the silence. “Mr. Maxwell, you’ve worried too much. Compared to the nation, my sacrifices are nothing. And furthermore, if our talk ended just like this, your country would be troubled too, would it not?”
“It’s okay. Yunlou is not the only nation with the Eastern purification technique. We can find someone else to ruin! There are so many people in the East, and it shouldn’t be a problem to find the right one. But King Yunlou might have to find another country to support his vision of an independent nation.”
“You may have misunderstood. Eastern nations are not very open to outsiders, and the Nine Families of the Dragon Bloodline fight constantly with each other. They don’t even follow the orders of the Emperor. Anglo, which is so far away from them, will find it hard to offer something that will move them,” the girl said lightly.
“And furthermore, other than
Yunlou City, which often interacts with the West, who else would be willing to risk offending the heavens and use the blood of their ancestors to exchange with barbarians?”
“Oh?” Maxwell laughed. “Does Yunlou not fear the wrath of the heavens and ancestors?”
Behind the long table, the Yunlou official’s faces turned stormy, no longer able to hide their anger. Indeed, using the blood of ancestors to exchange with barbarians would be a big humiliation if others discovered, but Yunlou had prepared to be criticized by all. But now, the first to mock them was not one of the other families of the Dragon Bloodline, but their supposed “ally”! How humiliating was that?
The light tone pierced their skin like needles. Their faces reddened, eyes full of fury.
But as they glared in silence, the girl’s cool voice sounded. “Everyone, please calm down. What Mr. Maxwell said isn’t without reason.” Just like that, the white-haired girl confirmed everything Maxwell had said. “If the others hear of this, Yunlou City will be mocked by everyone. If the ancestors are angered and wish to punish us, it will be our own fault. Unexpectedly she said, “But what of it?”
In the deathly silence, everyone gaped at the girl.
Maxwell raised his head in shock. Looking at the girl, he seemed to see something and the “kind” smile on his face slowly froze. As if a fire had been ignited in her heart, the girl finally looked up. There seemed to be a blazing light in those cool eyes, forcing others to look away.
Subconsciously, Maxwell stood up, the mockery in his eyes gone. He said, “I cannot understand the Princess’s words.”
“This is something my father told me before I departed. Now, I am only the messenger.” Lightly, the girl said, “The hundred years of a lifetime is like a white stallion galloping. The glory of morning dies away quickly. If one wishes to be accomplished, one cannot follow all of the rules. If one dreams of the world, one must be revolutionary, and have no limits. A man’s words are insufficient to be pitied, the ancestors are insufficient to be law, and the changes of the world are insufficient to be feared!”
