So, the original purpose of my visit to the imperial palace today was to discuss Phantom with Azher – telling him the data I’ve learned from my discussion with Killian before. Yet, as if luck isn’t on my side, he’s not there. I can’t believe he forgot our meeting! Although, my visit now isn’t exactly meaningless. I bumped into Aiden in the hallway and we agreed to take a walk together around the garden. Well, I must confirm my suspicions of whether he’s Phantom or not.
While walking, just when I’m about to ask, Aiden fires a question. “Have you found a fiancée, Airis?”
“Fiancée? Not yet.” I answer without thinking. I’d be leaving after Azher becomes emperor, so why would I bother about my love life here?
“What about someone you like?” The second question comes. Suddenly, Azher’s face pops into my mind.
‘Huh…?! Why is his face suddenly-!’
“May I ask where is this question coming from?” I ask, avoiding the question.
“Ah! Did I make you u
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Vision Of Ardiane MEMORY 19: Small Crack Between Us (Pt.2)
“Huff… Huff… Huff…” We both pant in exhaustion, instantly sitting our butts down on the floor of the palace’s outer hallway. Aiden pushes wet our umbrella – his suit jacket – to the side. We’re wet like stray cats. “I, huff… Can’t believe, huff… I run in the rain with a noble lady…” Aiden pants, still catching his breath. “Hahaha! It’ll be a memorable memory, don’t you think?” I say, shifting my head to him. Despite the loud heavy rain sound, I can listen to his words quite clearly, like my hearings are focused only on him. “You bet I-” “A-Aiden, you…” I stutter in shock with eyes open so wide as cutting him off. Tongue speechless, I’m aghast seeing something. Something I’ve never thought of. Because Aiden is wearing a white shirt and is wet at that, it penetrates his body. Numerous scars of cuts and burns are all over, marking each horrible past of his. I hazily spot a bandage wrapped around his stomach, a bit entangled from our running. Aide
Vision Of Ardiane MEMORY 20: Clearer Picture (Pt.1)
After the rainy scene with Aiden last time, Aiden finally decides to fully open up to me. Based on his story, indeed, he was abused by his mother since childhood. I must say, Lilith would be great at raising tyrants and craving-for-love children. I can’t believe she abused Aiden every time he ‘failed’ her. Aiden was afraid of telling me because he thought I’d look at him with disgusted and sickening eyes, just like the maids and servants. Hah, how dare they! Because of you guys, he has trauma! What if he suffers from PTSD?! The reason why Aiden didn’t report this to His Majesty is that he doesn’t want rumors about his abuse to go flying around the empire. But I don’t buy that. I think he actually doesn’t want people to talk bad about his mom. Even though he said he hates Lilith, deep in his heart, he loves her as his mother and he’s sad as to why she’s acting like that. So now, I hereby say I refuse to believe such a soft innocent boy is this empire’s disaster! “My l
Vision Of Ardiane MEMORY 20: Clearer Picture (Pt.2)
After the financial calculation test, Azher immediately heads to his second private place in Winter Palace, his office. His mind is drained, exhausted from overworking his brain. Not because of the test, but ways to explain his reason for avoiding Airis to her. He acknowledges her indefatigable efforts of approaching him and feels guilty about it. If to follow his desires, he wants to see Airis every single day, but… what he witnessed in the rain had caused him to be self-conscious. Arrived, he enters his office. *Click-!* Just as he’s a few steps further from the door, the sound of the door being locked, followed by the familiar voice startles Azher. “Never thought I’ll have to break into your office just to meet you, Azher.” The voice speaks. Recognizing the owner of the voice, he turns around. It is Airis with her hood pulled down, standing stealthily beside the door, her back leaning on the wall. Her expression is grim and aloof, a
Vision Of Ardiane MEMORY 20: Clearer Picture (Pt.3)
“What are you doing?” Another hoarse voice speaks with utter seriousness that shows off his full authority. A sense of relived hits the two hiding rats. Azher instantly recognizes the voice very well while Airis spots those crimson red eyes. “S-Sir Felix…!” Alfred stutters, taken aback by Felix’s sudden appearance at the front door, carrying a pile of papers. “Answer me, Alfred. What are you doing at His Highness’ desk?” “I was putting a glass of water for His Highness.” He answers, just to be lucky enough that he did bring a glass of water with him. “His Highness won’t be in his office until tomorrow.” Felix places down the pile of papers, then turns to Alfred, arms crossed with all high and mighty. “Forgive my impudence, but I’m sure you know His Highness hates people invading his privacy.” He says out front, no hesitation whatsoever. “And as far as I recall, it’s not a butler’s work to serve water for His Highness.” He adds, giving
Vision Of Ardiane MEMORY 21: Dinner Hangout (Pt.1)
“I remember our meet time was at 5:45 p.m.?” I ask questionably, hand at my hip. “I want to see you practice swordsmanship.” I nod and roll my eyes in a ‘whatever you say’ manner. Well, it’s not like this is the first time he came unannounced. “But I have a question. Why is he here?” Azher points to Killian who is standing beside me. Killian gives him a ‘Hah?’ look. “Killian helps me practice.” I give out a simple answer. “Why?” “Because he’s-” “My lady’s knight.” Killian cuts me off, answering Azher’s question first. “Is that so? I never meet a knight who trains with his lady.” Azher walks to Killian, glaring. “And dares to cut off their lady while speaking.” He continues. “Well, Your Highness just met one now.” Killian replies in a slack manner. I, who is in the middle of them both can see the tension and lightning sharp stares from their eyes. Very tense. ‘Hohoho… What’s this? Two men fighting
Vision Of Ardiane MEMORY 21: Dinner Hangout (Pt.2)
“Yeah… I find it unbelievable that I’m with the true inventor of the empire right now.” I say, giving her a tender look which she doesn’t notice. She laughs softly, pausing her current work, and gives me her full attention. “What’s with the praise? I thought that mouth of yours don’t know how to flatter.” “This isn’t me trying to flatter you.” “Huh?” “Truthfully, I dislike interacting with people and prefer to be alone. Yet, you… I don’t know why but I find your company enjoyable.” “Is that so? I’m glad.” She wears a warm lovely smile, lovelier than all the flowers here combined. Unconsciously, I speak, “You know, you changed me so much that I find myself unfamiliar.” “Pardon?” “U-Uh… How about we dig in? It wouldn’t taste good if the food is cold.” I stutter, quickly grabbing the eating utensils placed beside the food. “Sure…” She says indifferently, also reaching her eating utensils. ***
Vision Of Ardiane MEMORY 22: Two Hearts (Pt.1)
I avert my eyes away, cheeks and ears both heating up. My mind is occupied with only a question – how will Airis react? Though my heart is on the verge of exploding, who knew I’d feel good when it gets off my chest. ‘…I did it. I confessed-’ *Bam-!* I startle. The sound of the table being slammed once again echoed throughout the restaurant. Unexpectedly, Airis rises from her seat with a very determined expression – while slamming the table unconsciously. Her head turns around with eagle eyes that seem to scan every angle of the restaurant, not leaving a single blind spot. Less than a minute, she hurriedly runs outside in a flash, as if late for an important meeting. “…” I’m too stunned to even speak anything. Was she always this dense?! Despite that, I follow her out to the restaurant’s entrance. She is searching thoroughly while turning her head left and right non-stop, putting all her effort into finding my ‘crush’. “Found her?” I ask.
Vision Of Ardiane MEMORY 22: Two Hearts (Pt.2)
“You ready?” “Does it look like I’m not?” I ask, opening my arms. “Confident, I like.” Felix sneers, patting my back. “Is Airis coming?” “She’s already here.” “This early? Did you see her?” “I met her and she had a little something for you.” He takes out a cream envelope from his pocket. I quickly snatch it, thrilled to know the contents. As I open the envelope and am about to read the letter, Felix buts his head in. I give him a stingy glare. “Jeez… So secretive.” He scowls, yet backs away while holding his hands up like surrendering. “I’ll be checking the security and guards. Don’t take too long.” I nod. *Thud.* Felix closes the door, resulting in me alone in my bedroom. Staring at the letter in hand, I quickly read it. Good luck with the voting session today! I am confident you will get the most votes. Even if you do not, you have mine! – and the worst-case scenar
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