"What's with that face? Are you alright?" Asher asked. He's been coming here every… I dunno minutes. Maybe checking if I'm doing well while reading the book. He must've known that this book will shock me to the bones.
"This book never ceases to surprise me every time I turn a page…" I replied. He chuckled and summoned a chair beside my bed.
"By the way, I thought you're busy?"
He nodded.
"Yep. Just taking a rest," he said, closing his eyes.
"If you wanna rest, there's the couch," he didn't reply and just stayed quiet. Well, if he wants to rest on that wooden chair.
Anyway, based on this book, it looks like Raini descended after he found this lifeless world, and gave it life. He made the five Gods, which he called "The Primal Luminars". He then planted a golden seed, and this golden seed is said to grow after ten years. As of now, I still haven't got to the page when the tree has grown and it looks like the divine dragon wasn't created yet. Anyway, Raini handed the authority of this world to the Primal Luminars. And… I dunno what's next. I stopped reading it for a moment because I decided to calm my mind and heart.
*Sighs*
"What's with that sigh? Are you actually alright?" I turned to Asher and saw him looking at me with a creased forehead. He notices everything.
"Hmm. Asher, is this the only copy of this book?"
"Yes. Like I said, it's supposed to be a secret between the Astras and the Selene," I slowly nodded my head.
"Oh, right. If I keep reading this, will I reach the part when you and your siblings were born?" Their story must've been written here as well, hehe. I can't wait!
"Yes. IF you keep reading it,"
"I won't give up!" I replied, giving him a huge smile. He stared at me for a few seconds, and then smiled.
"Good luck, then," he stood up and then the chair disappeared. He walked towards the couch.
"Your next class is a few minutes away. Shouldn't you prepare for it?" That's right.
"Okay… thanks Asher!"
"Yeah, yeah,"
***
My head hurts… business class is not really for me. I don't like it. I was a business student, but I don't really like studying before...
"Ali?" Ahh…
"Brother Aeliiii!" It feels like it's been so long since I last saw him! I ran towards him and threw myself to him.
Brother Aeli looks extra pretty today! He had his hair tied up and left a few strands on both sides of his head. He looks so neat and clean! So attractive! I'm so happy I have gorgeous brothers!
"Ahahaha, you look happy, Ali. Did you enjoy your business class?"
"Err, no… seeing you makes me happy!" I made sure he wouldn't hear that 'no', hehe.
"Is that so? Did you miss me, Ali?"
"That's right, brother! Where have you been?" I asked, pouting at him. It's been a week since I last saw him.
"Ahh…" he turned his head away from me and scratched the back of his head. What's with the reaction?
"I had to make potions. The neighboring kingdom requested it. It looks like a war is about to break out," What? War?!
"Fortunately, we are not involved in their wars. However, they're requesting quite a bunch of potions, that's why I've been busy," Brother Aeli is a real hard worker!
"Brother… Do you need help?" it's not like I'll be able to help him imbue mana, but at least helping him with the tools?
"Haha, Ali's really kind. It's fine, my dear sister…" he carried me and gave me a forehead kiss.
"Your classes are done, right? Why don't we go out and have a stroll in the plaza?" Huh? But I thought he's busy?
"Aren't you busy, brother Aeli?"
"I can make time for my dear sister. And we haven't seen each other for a week, you know? I missed you so much," I gave him a smile and nodded repeatedly.
Oh, to be brother Aeli's sister ~
"Pardon me, Your Highnesses," both Brother and I turned to the person that suddenly showed up behind him.
"It's the Astra. Greetings,"
Wow, he showed up in front of brother Aeli. Quite a development.
"I would like to give this to His Highness and Her Highness. It wasn't my intention to eavesdrop, but I overheard you talking about strolling outside the palace. Please wear this, just in case…" he's lying—he's probably following me while he's invisible and he just pretended to 'suddenly appear". What a liar.
And what's that?
Necklace, with ring pendants.
"Thank you for your concern, Astra. We'll gladly accept it," brother Aeli replied. Is he not annoyed by Asher now?
In just a split second, the necklaces are already hanging on our necks.
"It also changes the way you appear to other people. That way, you won't have to worry about your distinctive traits," okay, he's starting to sound really normal now.
"Thanks, Asher! You're always so thoughtful!" Asher nodded at me, but…
"Don't cause trouble,"
I won't!
***
Jeez, that Asher. Why does he keep telling me to avoid trouble? It's not like I always meet with trouble! Oh, I hope I didn't jinx myself with that.
"Woah… this brooch looks cool," I mumbled. Staring at the silver brooch from one of the jewelry stalls.
"This brooch, please," Eh?
Brother Aeli didn't even ask me if I wanted it or not?
"You've got good eyes, buddy! This brooch is imbued with nullifying magic—"
"Ahh, then I don't want it," I cut the seller's words.
"B-but, little miss this is an amazing item! You can protect yourself if you were attacked by some magical beasts," Err… I don't think I need it, we're already wearing a necklace made by the actual incarnation of a God.
"Are you sure, Ali?" Brother asked, looking at me worriedly. Why is he looking at me like that?
"Well, he said it nullifies magic, brother. Asher gave us this necklace and it's probably for protection. If we have a nullifying magic brooch, wouldn't the magic Asher placed in this necklace be nullified?" I whispered.
"Ah, you're right," it'll be a waste of Asher's effort and mana.
"Then, we're fine. Sir. We'll buy something else instead. Is there jewelry that is not imbued with any magic?" my brother asked. The seller looks relieved after hearing his words. He then turned around and opened the chest behind him, pulling a white linen clothe? He opened it and set it down in front of us.
"We have a lot, sir! Please, just pick anything you want!"
Hmm, what should I choose…
'Here...'
Huh? What's that?
I turned to a certain item, a black anklet?
It looks ominous.
What's with that…? Is it just me or there's something sinister about that anklet...?
'Here...'
Where…? Hng... my head suddenly feels light.
I don't know why, but suddenly I started reaching for that black anklet.
"Ali? Do you want it?"
'That's right... Here...'
I didn't even bother to give brother Aeli a reply. As if my focus has been directed to that black brooch…
"Ali?"
As I was about to touch it, my hand was deflected and golden dust suddenly emerged from the necklace I am wearing.
"Ali!"
"Ouch—"
Brother Aeli pulled me away from the brooch, and I was surprised to feel a pain in my hand. What was that…?
"Does this item also have magic in it?" Brother Aeli's voice sounds so serious.
"I'm not sure, sir…"
"Where did you get that? And why is it imbued with dark magic?" What? Dark magic?!
"W-what, sir? I have no idea what you're talking about…" the seller raised both his hands, he's sweating. And it looks like he really doesn't know.
"Brother… let's buy that anklet and have Asher look at it," brother Aeli stared at me for a moment.
"But, Ali. We have no idea what that anklet is capable of…" what does he mean by that? Can an anklet do something dangerous? Hmm…
If that's the case.
"Asher,"
"Did you cause trouble?" Even Brother Aeli was surprised to see Asher suddenly appearing out of thin air. I wonder how he can do this thing? And it feels so good that I can just say Asher's name and he'll teleport right away. Kinda satisfying, hahaha!
"I think so…?"
"Hm?" His expression became dark as he turned to a certain item.
Of course, it was the anklet.
He grabbed it and it disintegrated right away, producing dark smoke.
"That…" I looked at brother Aeli and he looked worried? No… scared? Huh? What's that expression? I can't tell if he's worried, scared, or surprised.
"Yes, Your Highness. It was the same smoke we saw when curing the Princess two years ago," What?
"Huh… Your Highness? Princess…?"
The seller was ignored, but he's so surprised.
"And you." the seller flinched.
"I really don't know anything! Please, spare me!"
"Who sent you these items?" Asher sounded so serious… well, it is related to dark magic after all.
"I'm… sorry. I don't know. But, it was a kid. They were wearing a hooded robe, I didn't get to see their face," A little kid?
Why would a little kid send him items imbued with magic, and there's one with dark magic too. Unless, this kid is somehow related to that Virexon? Huh? But how?!
"I see. We'll buy this anklet…" Asher looked at the other items one-by-one, and he grabbed a few.
"I'll purchase all these," he said, handing the seller all the items he chose. That could only mean one thing—all of it was infused with dark magic.
"U-understood, I'll pack it right away!"
It's been so peaceful these past few days that I totally forgot about Virexon. Dang it…
Ah, that's right! It's possible that Virexon's story is in that book as well! The book that Asher gave me!
"Hah ~ what a mess," Asher murmured.
"Astra. If they were selling these kinds of items, could it be that many people have already bought them?" that's right…
"Possible. It won't be difficult to track them, I'll ask help from the cathedral," I hope it's not just Sir Kiernan searching for the people who bought items with dark magic.
"Are you two still planning to stick around?" Asher asked.
"No. We're going back," Brother Aeli replied. The almighty Astra just nodded his head, and in an instant we're back to the palace. They really had a normal conversation just now. That was an amazing development.
Phew… we didn't even get to stay in the plaza for thirty minutes, but why do I feel so tired? Was it because of the collision of Asher's magic and the dark magic when I almost touched that anklet? It might've had an effect on my body.
Asher stared at me, and then snapped his fingers. I don't know what he did but my body feels light now! He really notices everything!
"I'll be going now, Your Highnesses," he gave us a bow and then vanished into thin air.
"Ali… sorry, we couldn't hang out today. Let's do it some other time, shall we?" Brother Aeli patted my head with a smile.
"Yeees!" I replied cheerfully. That made him chuckle and carry me again.
"Let's get you to your room now. I'm sure you are exhausted from your business class," Indeed, I am.
Maybe I'll sleep first, and then read the book once I wake up. Hah…
I wrapped my arms around brother Aeli and leaned my chin on his shoulder, closing my eyes.
I hope nothing bad happens…
I wonder who that kid was. The one that sent the seller all those items. Were they aware that there were items with dark magic? I hope the kid was unaware of it. They're probably just trying to work diligently.
Hmm…
I'm so curious. I hope Asher tells me everything after investigating those items.
***