by Michael Sisa
“Edward Vont Roshaila,” the Emperor said in a loud and imposing voice. His beard drooped down till his chest, and his exquisite garb was filled with a variety of gold and emeralds. His white hair was braided at the back, and his jet-black eyes stared at the man before him. It twinkled with pride and anticipation. “For your contribution in the fight against the Hydra, I decree—the Roshaila Family shall rise up by a rank in nobility. You shall be entitled to an additional great seat for the years to come.”
Those that were inside the throne room were unable to believe their ears. Even though the contribution of Edward was massive, an additional great seat within the Empire meant one thing: almost absolute power. It was a reward too excessive even for such a feat.
Edward lightly bowed down his head. “Emperor, this servant of yours would like to decline. Taking another great seat would mean that a great family would lose its power. I would love to avoid that at all cost.” He meant it. That time, the Roshaila Family was in excellent terms with all of the great families. They had no ambition to further their rule.
Murmurs filled the area after Edward’s declaration. The Emperor lightly leaned forward and chuckled. “Kuhaha! As expected! Though the part wherein you would immediately refuse was out of my expectations. Hmm... not even a moment of hesitation, I see.” He tapped his armrest once. “Then... if you really do not wish to take another great seat—ask for another reward from this Emperor of yours. Ask anything, and it shall be granted.”
“Emperor, I am content with things as they are. As of the moment, I do not have anything I wish in for in life,” Edward’s voice was soft and humble.
A long pause filled the air. The Emperor rubbed his chin. Afterwards, he snapped his fingers and looked towards his left. “Athena, come here.”
A woman with snow-colored hair gently went towards the throne. Her eyes were deep blue, and it shamed even the most polished of sapphires. Her skin was soft and ivory, and it greatly complemented the flowery dress filled with short stripes at the edge.
She bowed in front of the Emperor. “Yes, Emperor? You called for me?”
“Athena, how old are you?” the Emperor asked. His eyes twinkled of amusement the moment he saw the stunned look upon Edward’s face.
“Twenty, my Lord.” Her voice seemed divine.
The Emperor turned to Edward and asked in an amused voice, “Edward Vont Roshaila—you are without a wife, correct? What do you think of my niece? She’s a goddess, is she not?”
Edward was struck speechless as the woman named Athena turned around and gazed at him. He felt that he was sucked by a spinning vortex the moment their eyes met each other. With a stuttering voice, he tried to give a decent reply but failed. “S-She’s... S-She’s... A... Ahh.....”
Athena’s lips turned into a curl after she saw the sight of the supposedly almighty Emperor of Fire. She made a suppressed giggle, and Edward could not help but feel an otherworldly feeling strike his chest. Time seemed to have stood still as he stared at the apparition of a goddess before him. For the first time, he realized that he had fallen in love.
“How about this? I shall grant you the permission to marry Athena Ulva Kulaima,” the Emperor declared. Edward gulped down as he tried to process the words he had heard. “As reward, you shall marry my niece, Athena.”
A long silence filled the air as everyone anticipated the reaction of the Emperor of Fire. Eventually, he spoke, “Emperor.” He did a polite bow and resumed. “I am very fortunate to have been granted such an opportunity... but I have to decline.” He stared straight into the eyes of the Emperor, then to Athena, and back. “I do not wish to taint such a goddess. If she is not willing, then I would not coerce her to marry me. I am unworthy of such beautiful woman.”
Edward did not notice the amused smile on Athena’s face as he awaited the Emperor’s answer. The Emperor said, “Very well. Athena shall be free to decide.” He looked at Athena with anticipation. “Well, Athena? What do you think?”
Athena did a curtsy and said, “In all due respect to the Emperor and to the Royal Magician, I refuse. I do not want to marry someone I hardly know.” She saw the dejected look upon Edward’s face. “I suggest that we get to know each other first. That is the best course of action, right?”
Edward’s world stopped after her words. He felt that his entire life was meant for that moment. With tears streaming down his left eye, he replied in an almost choking tone, “T-Thank you...” He stared straight into Athena’s eyes. He walked forward and stopped right next to her. “I am Edward Vont Roshaila... I am very honoured to meet the goddess of the Empire.”
Athena’s lips spread from ear to ear. Her eyes twinkled. “Athena Ulva Kulaima. It is a pleasure to meet you, sir magician.”
***
Five years had passed since that encounter, and without surprise, Edward and Athena married each other and bore a child. The child inherited Athena’s everything save for the strong brows that were a perfect mimic of Edward’s.
Everything seemed perfect. Their lives were a scenario straight from a fairy tale, or so they thought. One day, everything suddenly ended. After completing a mission, Edward received the news of a plague that inflicted the Empire. According to the news, it had taken tens of thousands of lives. Edward was filled with fear as he hurriedly went back to the Empire. His wife and daughter were living at the place where the plague had hit the most.
After an arduous travel filled with anxiety, he found the corpse of his wife rotting away inside their home. Miraculously, their child survived despite the isolation. Her petite body continued to float in the air as a translucent bubble-like substance enveloped it. Edward immediately knew then that Athena had cast all of her mana in her last attempt to save their child. The child was spared from the plague that infested the land, but his wife’s life was taken in exchange.
A few days after that, the news that the second prince of the Empire was the root cause of the catastrophe spread like wildfire. According to investigations, the second son, Yvaresk Kulaima, tried to perform a forbidden magic. Unfortunately, the spell rebounded and instead summoned “blight,” an incurable curse that took tens of thousands of lives.
Yvaresk Kulaima’s mind shattered after that spell, and he became nothing but a doll devoid of emotion and soul. To the Royal Family’s surprise, Edward Roshaila stormed the palace in blind rage and killed the second son of the Emperor. It was an unprecedented act. It was without doubt an act that would warrant the death sentence.
Chapter 15: The Sensation of Snow
Silence filled the dining area of the Prochson’s castle after Edward told his part of the story. Dan sat on his chair almost motionlessly as he sliced the steak on his plate. Using his fork, he placed it in his mouth and slowly chewed. After swallowing, he said, “I see... I have a question though.”
Edward was sitting in front of Dan. Beside him were Wellter and the three old men that came along with them. Edward said, “Ask.” His voice carried a hint of grimness in it. It was devoid of emotions.
“Why did you let your daughter be married to the Prochsons?” Wellter’s brows rose after Dan’s question. “She’s the only family you have left....” His voice trailed off as he stared directly into Edward’s eyes. Yvette’s eyes glimmered with a mixture of surprise and amusement as she listened. The more she learned of Dan, the more she realized that there was more to the child than what was known.
A long pause filled the air before Edward replied, “She’s the blood link between the two families. An alliance would crumble without such things.”
“Stupid,” Dan immediately said. He took the goblet on his left and sipped its crimson content. It was juice. He lightly tilted his head to a side. “Revenge... is it that important?” His question made everyone feel that time seemed to have stood still. It was a question that needed pondering. “Would it bring back the dead? I understand your anger, but if it was me... I would have sacrificed my desire of fulfilling the burning rage... if it means that my daughter c
an live in peace... in happiness.”
Dan’s voice lowered down to almost a whisper. “Is your daughter happy after she got forcefully married to an allied family?”
Edward’s eyes drooped down. His shoulders lightly quivered. “I have no choice... it’s the only way to fulfil my ambiti—”
“Will revenge bring back the dead?” Dan interjected. He almost snarled. “I can’t believe you haven’t realized it till now... I ask this of you father—which is more important: your daughter’s happiness or quenching the anger that had accumulated within your soul?”
Edward became a blank slate, and he stared at the goblet in front of him like it was a magnificent work of art. His mind was occluded with thoughts. Why had he not realized it till now? Why did he not think of her feelings? He was sure that if Athena was still alive, she would have willed for the child to be the happiest no matter what.
The silence that filled the area became even more deafening. Edward was unable to answer Dan’s question. Dan wiped his mouth with a napkin. Afterwards, he stood up and turned towards Wellter and the three men beside him. “The Elders of the Prochson Family, I suppose?”
All that Wellter and the three Elders were able to do was nod in hesitation. They were surprised of the absurd maturity the child had just displayed. Dan lightly bowed his head and said, “If you’ll excuse me... I think it would be better if I leave my father alone for the moment. Right now, he is in dire need of silence... it should help him think of the answers.” He gazed at the Elders. “I’m sorry if I won’t be able to converse with you lot.” And he turned around and exited the room. Everyone save for Edward stared at his disappearing figure.
***
An hour had passed since then, and Dan was currently outside the castle. He sat on top of a peculiarly large mound blanketed by snow. He did not mind the falling specks of white that gave chills the moment it touched his skin as he continued to gaze at the horizon. The view of the frozen mountain coupled with the clouds above formed a sphere with the rays of the sun at the middle. It was a breathtaking sight. He gently smiled as he savored the moment.
The sounds of footsteps lightly brushing against the snow-blanketed ground were heard. Dan did not look back as a small voice spoke, “So here you are~”
The scent of flowers filled the air as the owner of the seraph-like voice sat beside him. Her hair dangled on the side as she peered at Dan’s face. She smiled. “I’m speechless… what happened in the dining hall…” Her voice trailed off as she doubted her words. She wanted to ask the child before her so many questions, but she was not sure if he would answer. She eventually decided to shut her lips and gently savor the sensation of the falling snow.
“This is such precious scenery you have here, Lady Yvette,” Dan mumbled. “Most of my childhood days... it was spent in a farming village.” He raised his palm forward and let the flakes of snow touch his skin. “How’s father?”
Yvette breathed out a gust of air, forming a subtle steam in its wake. “He’s fine. After you left, he devoured the food served like there’s no tomorrow. You should have seen it.” Her voice was almost chuckling. Her eyes were dancing. “Say—what do you think of the marriage proposal?”
“Well... I’m not really in the position... I haven’t seen father’s daught—”
“Not that,” Yvette interjected. “The proposal... I mean—us.”
Dan glanced at her and stared straight into her polished sapphires. “Why?”
“Just answer it.” Yvette slightly pouted. “What do you think?”
Dan shrugged. He placed a hand on the mound and gripped the pile of snow. Somehow, he felt a soothing sensation whenever the flakes touched his skin. It reminded him of the time he traversed the road of Pica Avenue as he went his way towards his house back in his previous world. “I’m too young for such things. Besides, my family is my top priority.”
Yvette rubbed her palms and placed it on her cheeks. It was slightly red from the cold breeze. “I see.”
A long period of silence filled the air as the two both gazed at the horizon. A flock of white birds passed by, their figures lightly shrouded by the pouring snow.
"Huaa~" Yvette shrieked after a large ball of snow hit her cheeks. She glared at the source. "You little!" Her voice was a snarl but it carried with it a hint of amusement.
"Perfect pitch! I should be rewarded a medal for that," Dan sneered. His eyes were dancing. He cupped a pile of snow and formed it into ball. "Ready?" His smile was from ear to ear.
Yvette bit her lips and combed her hair to the back. With elegant gait, she also cupped the snow on her feet. The two of them walked apart from each other and stopped after reaching a good distance. They stared at each other with predatory eyes as they held the ball of snow in their hands. On cue, the two of them threw the balls of snow towards each other. Dan sidestepped as he dodged. Yvette on the other hand was unable to evade and was struck at her chest. The splattered snow covered her dress with tinges of white.
"Hooah~" Yvette heaved a sigh of resignation and glared. She bent down and cupped a large ball of snow. "You've done it. Don't regret it later—in this mountain, I'm the superior one in snow ball competitions."
"You have such competitions here?" Dan snickered. He licked his lips and tilted his head to the left. "Oh great Yvette—show this child how snow ball throwing should be done." Without word, another ball struck Yvette's face. Dan made a suppressed cackle.
"You!" Yvette stomped her feet on the snow-filled ground, making it sink a few inches inside. With great force, she threw the snow ball towards the child. Her aim was straight and focused, but Dan easily dodged again by side-stepping. "Not fair!" She said in an almost hysterical tone. Another ball of snow struck her chest, and her previously red cheeks became even redder.
The scenario continued with Yvette throwing the ball and Dan dodging, all the while a ball of snow would frequently strike back at the lady of the Prochson Family. By the time the two had finished, almost an hour had passed by. Time seemed to have dashed forward and they had easily lost track of it. Yvette sat on the mound from before. She was huffing. Although a magician, her physical traits were on the fragile side.
She pouted and said, "Unfair... not even once...." She was unable to hit Dan even once. Moreover, the grin plastered on the child's face made her even more furious and frustrated.
Dan walked towards her and sat on the same mound. He smiled as he gazed at her face. Her nose was a perfect carve. Her eyes seemed to sparkle as she huffed, creating subtle steams in its wake. Her lips were now deep red and velvet; it gave the impression that it would scar at a moment's touch.
To Dan's surprise, Yvette hunched and leaned her head on his shoulder. He glanced at her using the sides of his eyes. He felt the cold sensation from her shivering body. He asked, "Are you alright? Your body's cold."
Yvette continued to lean her head on Dan's shoulder. "I'm fine. I grew up here. I'm used to the climate." She tilted her head upwards. It almost touched Dan's. "You said before... you grew up in a farming village. I supposed that's before your father took you in? According to my grandfather, Lord Edward hid you in a certain remote village. Not really sure why he did that, but it must be hard... being without a father during that time."
Dan brushed off the tinges of white that had clung onto Yvette's hair. "Not really. It's fine. Those days back in the village was my happiest." His voice carried solemnness and a hint of reminiscence. "If I may ask... what kind of man is father's daughter married to?"
Yvette resumed her previous seat and replied. "A fine man, I guess? You shouldn't really ask me such things since my answer would be biased. My oldest brother—an A rank magician. The two of them are not here though."
Dan paused. "I see... is she happy?"
"Yes. I think so," was Yvette's immediate reply.
Dan heaved a sigh. He stood up and brushed his garb. He gazed at the horizon. The scenery remained unchanged; it was as breathtaking as before. "I wonder... even after killin
g the son of an Emperor, father was able to retain the seat of a Royal Magician. Moreover, the Roshaila Family still remained as one of the seven Great Families."
"Answer's simple. Your father's simply too much of a monster that the Empire decided not to execute him. That time, he had the backing of the populace. Everyone was in outrage after the second son performed a forbidden magic that instead summoned blight... or so my grandfather told me." Yvette also stood up and stopped next to Dan. She also gazed at the same scenery. "The Emperor had actually ordered the execution of Lord Edward, but the Royal Magicians he tasked were too afraid to further anger the beast. Instead, they advised the Emperor to think of an alternative. Fighting against the Emperor of Fire would definitely lead to the deaths of many Royal Magicians. Even though they had the same rank—Royal Magicians, the difference in power is too vast. As of now, there is only one magician capable of fighting your father in a one-on-one battle: The Lord of a Thousand Blades… if you exclude the guys from the Revolutionary Army." The last part was said in an inaudible voice.
