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2024-10-29 19:42:56Unexpectedly, he hands me a glass of water. "Please have some water. You look pale, Lady Airis."
I glance at the glass and hesitate. He did attempt to kill me last night and mention he needs to eliminate my existence. What if it's poisoned?
Perhaps noticing my hesitation, he let out a sigh and places the glass on the night table beside. "I apologize again for last night. I didn't realize I was crossing the line."
I grasp my blanket tightly. Again, the unmeaningful fake words. Anger, mad, and upset. Those are the feelings I'm currently oppressing from bursting.
'Hah, don't joke with me. Didn't realize you were crossing the line? Does he thinks drawing a sword aimed at a person's neck isn't crossing the line?! Is a person's life so trifling to you?'
Despite my eagerness to slap that all straight into his thick-skinned face, I remain calm. My life is more important. Even though he's in our manor, that doesn't mean he can't kill me right now. I better confirm he's not here to kill me.
"Why didn't Your Highness kill me?" I daringly ask.
"As I said before, I mistook you for a spy. There's no reason to kill you."
"How are you sure that I'm not a spy?"
"The Absalom bloodline swore an eternal blood oath to the imperial family. If any of you betrayed us, you would cough out blood and die. But you didn't cough out any blood nor die, so that's enough proof." He casually shrugs as he explains.
"Ohh…" I reply in a low voice. Guess my life is safe. Well, for now. "May I ask what happened last night, Your Highness?"
He fixates his gaze on me, arms crossed. "After you fainted at the balcony, your handkerchief with the duchy's crest fell along. I took you home after I've confirmed your identity."
I nod in acknowledgment. His gaze is still directed to me as if waiting for something. Is he expecting a thanks? Hell no. You're the reason I'm lying here.
"And… I think I should take full responsibility since I have caused your neck injury." He adds a bit of guilt in his voice.
"Is that why Your Highness is here?" I ask, though my intention is to insult him. So this arrogant prince is aware after all. He halts for a second before answering.
"…Yes and no. I'm also here for the information you know."
'Just tell me directly you want to know the mastermind behind Amira and Zane's death.' I roll my eyes sarcastically while looking down in case he would see.
"Your Highness meant the mastermind of the murder, correct?"
"Indeed, yet considering your condition right now, I will come by another time after you have fully recovered."
He stands up, intending to leave. No. He can't leave – not yet. As if my hand understands and moves on its own, I pull his sleeve, signing him to sit down.
'I need to draw the deal now. The crown prince election is 3 months. There's no time to waste.'
"Is there anything you want to say?"
"About yesterday-"
"Pulling the sleeve of an imperial could give you prison for a year." He cut me, looking down at his tugged sleeve. I pull my hand back, freeing his captive sleeve. Don't tell me he's pissed just because of that?
"But I forgive you this once for I have caused you to be lying in bed right now." He straightens his sleeves, sitting back down.
"Your Highness, I don't mind talking about Her Highness Amira and Prince Zane's murder now, but under one condition."
"Which is?"
"Make a deal with me."
A long sigh comes out of his mouth. "The deal you had been bringing up about last night?"
"Yes."
"What's your proposal?"
"I'll make you the next emperor."
He freezes for a second with a surprised expression, then a laugh echoes the whole room. "Hahaha! And what do you want in return? The empress' position?" He asks in a mocking tone, assuming that I want power.
"No. In return, cover me. I want to travel around the world." I answer seriously despite being ridiculed. He bursts into laughter once again. My palms slowly curl into a fist from this rude attitude.
"I thought you're mature considering your status, but you're no different from the fool you are last night, Lady Airis." He says, finally finishing that very unmannered laugh.
Hearing that, my blood boils from being on fire. Oh, really. If not for the fact that I need him, he'd be a corpse buried in the ground being eaten by bugs after this. Fool, he says? Says the middle-era prince to a successful 21st-century girl.
"Is Absalom's wealth not enough? I'm sure the duchy's wealth is more than enough for you to travel the world."
"It's not like that, Your Highness. What will people say if the duke's daughter carelessly goes traveling here and there? I never wish to tarnish my family's name."
"Then, what do you want me to do?"
"Cover all my expenses and appear my travel from 'traveling around' to 'completing the emperor's orders'. Besides, I don't want to use the duchy's money.
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"Do you accept? No matter how you see it, Your Highness has nothing to lose." I say in a vendor-like manner. No matter what, the deal needs to be done today!"I have a question. Why do you intend to help me become the next emperor? Everyone knows that Aiden is more likely to be the next one."I scoff in disgust. "I think Your Highness of all people should know how Ardiane will unfold if that scumbag becomes the emperor.""Scumbag?""That evil two-faced guy doesn't deserve to be called a prince. He acts like 'Hello. I'm the empire's precious diamond for you all' when he's actually the 'I'm a plagiarized diamond made by a pirated company'. I'm sure the empire, no. The world would be better without his existence." I purposely make fun of Aiden, the villain in my dream in front of Azher, the hero.A laugh breaks out from him again. Though this time, it isn't a mocking laugh. It's a genuine laugh. "That's the first time anyone had ever insulted an imper
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I walk out of Lady Airis' room and slowly sigh. What a weird lady. Thank god Felix helped me carry and took her home last night. However, I'm curious. How come she's aware of the truth behind Mother and Zane's murder? Even father, whose position is the emperor, isn't aware of it. I know the truth from Felix, who secretly witnessed that accident. I'm unsure whether to trust her or not, but time will decide that.And the deal about helping me become the next emperor. I originally thought she was there to confess last night, but I was wrong. When she proclaimed knowing the truth of the murder, I quickly assumed she was a spy sent to threaten me. Turns out, she just wanted to make a deal. A weird deal at that.Morefore, she's something else. Not your average noble lady. In my entire life, I have never met someone who dares mock an imperial in front of another imperial without any hesitation."Your Highness!" Someone shouts from behind, though I don't need to guess w
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"Let's get you to engage!" I voice my idea excitedly, clapping my hands once."W-What?!" Julian stutters in shock. Just by his reaction, it's clear he completely disagrees. But there's no solution better than this one!"Think about it. Not many rumors affect Lady Cecilia every time she bothers and clings to you. But if you have a fiancée, people will say she's disturbing another's fiancée and she'll be forced to stop." I explain, then munch on a chocolate cookie served on white porcelain with gold lines on the table.Julian and I are talking in my room about how to solve matters with Lady Cecilia – the daughter of a count who clings onto my brother as if Julian is her husband – without tarnishing Absalom's reputation. This had been occurring for over a year now. I'm helping him because he had helped me a lot when I 'forgot things' – he's not aware of the truth – and I regard him as my 'real brother'. I'm certain the original
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Vision Of Ardiane MEMORY 4: New Technology (Pt.1)
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- Vision Of Ardiane
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
- Vision Of Ardiane
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
- Vision Of Ardiane
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
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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
- Vision Of Ardiane
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
- Vision Of Ardiane
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
- Vision Of Ardiane
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
- Vision Of Ardiane
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
- Vision Of Ardiane
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
