2022-03-26 00:02:20“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
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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
Vision Of Ardiane MEMORY 22: Two Hearts (Pt.3)
“I don’t see what’s wrong with calling a piece of sh*t ‘a piece of sh*t’.” I remark coldly. “Killian, unmask him.” I order. Killian nods, taking off his mask using his sword, and throwing it away. ‘Oh, he is…’ Count Gall Lorence, one of Aiden’s judgemental supporters. But his family isn’t that influential nor wealthy to execute such a crime. Somebody must be behind him. “Hey, pale one. What did this ‘responsible’ count offer?” I ask, turning to the other man. “He… fainted, my lady.” Killian informs indifferently. “Such a coward for someone who tried to earn money the dirty way.” I roll my eyes. “So, Count. Wanna confess?” “You ain’t getting anything out of me, b*tch!” “Hah, is that so?” I scoff, slowly pushing the heel of my high heel into his head. “Ahhh-!” He screams in excessive pain. “I’m sure you know that I’ve slain over 10 magical beasts at once and destroyed a man’s entire bloodline durin
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
There are numerous people who I wish to thank for helping me in making Vision Of Ardiane a reality. For instance, the person I want to thank first is my little sister, Qaisara. Thank you so much for listening to my crazy ideas and proofreading my story countless times. Your feedbacks are either the best or the harshest I’ve received to this day. Thank you too for your encouragement. And foremost, thank you for being my first biggest fan.Second, I express my most thanks to my beloved parents. Thank you for supporting me all the way. Thank you too for helping me publish Vision Of Ardiane. Vision Of Ardiane wouldn’t be possible without your help.Third, my thanks go to my last three little siblings. Thank you for letting me use the laptop for who knows how long (it’s silly, I know, but yeah. Thanks)Next, I also wish to thank MegaNovel and GoodNovel for giving me an opportunity to officially publish my work and sharing this to the world. This mea
ABOUT AUTHOR
Hello, sweeties! I’m Daphne Blaze, your author! Congratulations on finishing Vision Of Ardiane! Thank you so much for reading my precious masterpiece of imagination!Little facts about myself, I live in Southeast Asia and I enjoy writing since young – it feels as if I’m realizing my imagination into the world. My birthday is on 8th January and umm… I’m pretty young, not old, HAHAHA. I live in a family that is the big-cheerful-loud type – this is a given when your mom gave birth to 5 childeren. Other than reading and writing, I also love doing embroidery, taking walks outside, listening to music, and shopping (who doesn’t, right?). I'm a huge fan of sweet things, especially desserts! You all can find me on Instagram (@writervoa). You can share your feedback with me there (or here at the reviews) or we can be friends!Publishing Vision Of Ardiane feels like a miracle. A dream come true. In making this book possible, I
MEMORY 31: How It Ends (Pt.2)
I grip the glass in my hand, looking into the reflection of me in the cold water. My eyes are red and puffy from crying. Thankfully, my makeup is waterproof, or it’ll be messy due to the tears. Azher comes and sits beside me after putting away his suit – “Hot.” He says, despite the aircon turned on 18oC.“Theron didn’t erase your memories and told you everything, right?” I fire my assumption, eyes fixated on the water.“…Yes. She thought I have a say in this matter.” Azher truthfully admits, though halting before that.“…” I say nothing. Honestly, I want to complain, but it already took place, so it’s no use.“How are you here?” My head shifts to him, asking a more interesting question.“Theron sent me here.”“How?”“Is it important? I’m here now, aren’t I?” He says, appearing to avoid my qu
MEMORY 31: How It Ends (Pt.1)
“You…! Are you alright?!” He yells, rushing towards me and crouching down to check my legs. “How can you be so careless? What if it burns your legs?” He scolds me with an angry frown, but I give no response, only looking at his familiar black hair. He stands up, looking at me a few seconds later. From this nearer distance, I stare at his face, examining every single feature. It’s him. It’s really him. My hand reaches his cheek. It’s chubby. It’s solid. This is real. This isn’t a dream. “Is it… really you?” I ask, somehow sounding desperate. He smiles warmly, grabbing my hand. He looks into my eyes as I look into his. That charming smile. That mesmerizing gaze. Those that I haven’t seen for 5 years. “I found you, Kira.” Thinking no more, my body moves on its own. I hastily pull his suit, hugging him so tight that I don’t care if he’s choking. “Azher! It’s really you!” I cry, squeezing my embrace
MEMORY 30: Found You (Pt.3)
*Splash!* “Huff… Huff…” I pant from splashing my face with cold water numerous times, hands leaning on the sink. Yet why am I still not calm?! You deserve to be happy, Kira. You always do. I stare into the reflection of me in the mirror, eyes captured on the purple gem necklace I’ve never taken off in the past 5 years. It’s Purple Tears, the one Azher gave me. It’s also the only thing from Ardiane that’s here in my world – it was around my neck by the time I woke from a coma. Even I don’t understand how it’s possible. “…Hah. I’m pissed.” Not because of Ihan’s words. But because of me. Because of my ignorant self who neglects my happiness. I’m disappointed… with myself. There’s been a thought that frequently lingers in my mind for the past 3 years. For how long are you going to be like this, Kira? Yes, for how long am I going to refuse to move on from Azher? He was somebody I was willing to let go. For
MEMORY 30: Found You (Pt.2)
*Click.* Ihan pushes the up arrow button and takes a step back – standing beside me. I discreetly glance at him. He’s wearing a poker face, not the smiley one he’d often wear when visiting other companies. I softly sigh, careful not to get caught. Throughout the journey, we didn’t exchange any words other than the previous unfinished conversation. Yeah, it was also that. ‘What did you mean by that? Surely, not…’ *Ding-!* The system rings, signing the lift has arrived. The door opens, presenting zero souls. I gulp as I enter the lift after Ihan. There are 31 levels in our journey – our destination is at the 35th level. 4 levels had passed yet the awkward bridge between us hadn’t been destroyed. This is definitely the awkwardest lift ride in my entire life! I wish to find a way to break this barrier. Even though Ihan is my mentor, we’re really close friends. Similar to my relationship with… “…” …K
MEMORY 30: Found You (Pt.1)
“You’ll get a stomachache if you eat it like that, Kira.” Ihan reminds me, sipping his three shots of Americano. “It’s your treat. Might as well get the best of it.” I answer, continuing to take another bite of the slices of different cakes I’ve ordered despite an empty stomach. Ihan Arias, my mentor and colleague at Memoir – a European cosmetic company. We’ve known each other since a year ago – when I first joined the company. “Why are you craving so many sweets? Stressed?” My hand halts. I lift my head with my messy mouth, expressionless. “Yes! Very! Absolutely!” I yell with the utmost frustration. “Hahaha!” Ihan laughs at my answer, perhaps enjoying my torment. “You’re particularly a female Einstein. How can you be stressed at work?” “Einstein is human and I’m human too, you know?” “A prodigy isn’t human.” He takes another sip. “It’s amazing how you got enrolled in a top university and graduated early despite being i
MEMORY 29: It’s ‘See You Later’ (Pt.2)
I start to monitor Kira’s breathing and heartbeat – suddenly remembered first aid – and try to stop her from bleeding more. As time flies, her breath gets heavier to the point I can hear it. She’s starting to have trouble breathing. I check her airways and they’re not clogged. It can mean only one thing… “Azher… Can you… help me?” She asks in an intermittent voice from heavy breathing. “Anything for you.” “I’ve… summoned Theron, yet… she hasn’t… arrived… Can you…” “I’m not leaving you alone.” I say firmly, knowing what the next words are. “No…” She denies. Her eyes avert to Killian’s corpse. “Destroy… moon brooch.” My head shifts and spot a crescent moon brooch. “I think… that’s blocking…” I stand up, not burdening Kira to explain further. Since it’s not far I go and fetch the brooch. As it’s in my grasp, I drop and quickly step on it – to destroy it. But, it doesn’t crack. Not even a little. “…?” I bend
MEMORY 29: It’s ‘See You Later’ (Pt.1)
I sprint towards Aiden near the walls – honestly be vibing like a ninja. Azher is doing a great job at averting his attention – shouting and jumping like a wild monkey that escaped from a zoo, and dodging his attacks without a hitch. *Knock!* Aiden falls into my arms from my knock on his neck, lifeless and defenseless. The wooden planks aiming at Azher also fall on the ground because there’s no mana to make flying or floating possible. “Mission complet-” “Kira, let go of that moron!” Azher yells. *Plop.* My body automatically obeys his childish demand – raising both of my hands after letting Aiden fall just like that. “There. Happy?” “Very.” He answers with a chuckle. I smile, then dash to him. He opens his arms wide and I jump right in. “We did it.” I whisper into his ear, standing on my tiptoes with my arms around his neck. My tears are about to fall from this immense joy within me. “Yeah, we did.” He
