"Want some, Master?" Theron asks, her voice isn't far from me.
I open my eyes, seeing Theron flying right on top of me while holding a fruit tart using her mouth. I smile. How considerate.
"It's okay. You eat it. Those are for you after all."
Without any second thought, she swallows the whole thing. Her moving cheeks are quite visible from munching on the tart. I softly chuckle. Quite a big appetite, this dragon has. The cakes and tarts I had asked for are enough for three people to eat. Guess she's famished.
I sit back up, beside the flying Theron. The wind from her flapping wings brushes my face, like a small portable fan.
"Didn't know you're a sweet tooth."
"My teeth aren't sweet."
"Hahaha…!" I laugh out loud at her ridiculous reply. Surely she did not just translate the meaning solely from the word? "Sweet tooth means someone who likes to eat sweet things." I explain, wiping the tears that harbor in my eyelids.
"Oh…
"Ah!" Julian gasps as his sword is thrown to the side, falling on the grassy ground. I smirk in satisfaction. He must've didn't see that coming. "I'm impressed. Your swordsmanship skills are getting better." He compliments, both hands on his waist. "Thanks. I've been practicing a lot lately." I say. Truthfully, it's all thanks to Theron. My stamina, agility, and strength had increased rapidly because I'm a liv. The first time I tried exercising in this body, less than one full lap around the training grounds, my energy was fully drained and my body ached for 3 days. The original Airis was indeed not the athletic type, but that's understandable considering other noble ladies are also like that. Even so, I'm lacking skills, so I go to the training grounds regularly. As of now, I haven't awakened my power yet. Theron said there's no need to push and they'll come when the time is right. Perhaps I'm being too impatient. "I know. The knights talked
I constantly put on a smile despite the uncomfortable feeling flowing and dancing within me. ‘Seriously, how the hell did this happen?! Things are okay just a while ago!’ After leaving the training grounds with Azher, I went straight to my room to get changed. I certainly can’t meet him as to how I did with Felix. But when I arrived, the atmosphere is weirdly very tense and murderous. Turns out, Aiden was there too! He waited long for me in the guest lounge for he didn’t want to disturb my training. Azher’s untold visit is shocking enough, and now, Aiden too?! “Is the tea to Your Highnesses’ tastes?” I ask, a huge smile showing. I’m trying to break this tension. One is my potential killer and the other is someone who can save me from being killed. Just what kind of drama plot is this? “It’s good.” An immediate response from Azher, though he hasn’t even touched his cup. “This tea is very nice.” Aiden replies in a friendly tone. Again, s
Right after Aiden leaves, Theron appears. “I did good, right, Master?” Theron asks, her body bouncing up and down, expecting praise. “Was it you?!” My eyes widen. “Yes. I thought Master hated the sight of him.” …Unbelievable. I hug Theron tightly. “Thank you! I’ll prepare lots of sweets just for you!” “M-Mas… Master…” Realizing I am choking Theron, I let go. “Sorry. I got a little carried away, didn’t I?” “Yes, you did.” Azher slips in, pinpointing his existence which I already forget. Hence, I introduce both of them. “Your Highness, meet Theron, my inner spirit. Theron, this is the fourth prince of Ardiane, Prince Azher Alexander Ambrose.” “Throughout all our secret meetings, you have never once introduced me to your inner spirit.” He says, a sheer sarcasm in his tone. I look down, being hit on the nail. “Sorry…” “From the dragon clan. Impressive.” Azher compliments, scanning Theron’s figures. “Thank yo
“Wear it.” He orders. “Pardon?” “As your dragon said, I… want you to wear it.” He admits shyly, avoiding my eyes and touching his chin. I chuckle, seeing this oddly cute side of his. Granting his wish, I take out the necklace. As I am about to try wearing the necklace myself, Azher snatches it from my hand from behind. I startle. ‘Eh? Since when was he standing there?’ “It’s hard to wear it by yourself.” He speaks, hands already at the back of my neck, helping me wear it. I flinch at his unexpected action. A lemon-mint scent spikes my nostrils along with the warmth felt behind my neck. Strands of my back hair are brushed to the side gently by him. I flush by this kind gesture. My heart is beating like a roller coaster. I first think I might have lost my senses, but thinking back, maybe it’s because I’ve never gotten close to any boy other than my brothers and cousins in my previous life. After finishing helping me, he takes a l
After Azher’s leave, I go relax in my bedroom. The term ‘relaxing’ is actually me replanning my plan, enjoying snacks, and finishing some paperwork. I insist on doing some of the duchy’s paperwork to find opportunities for Azher and useful information. I’m still lacking intel on the nobility world and Ardiane’s situation. While signing my signature on a document, Theron rants suddenly. “Master, take off that necklace.” “What’s with the sudden change of heart? Earlier, you liked it more than I do.” I say, not averting from the document. “I sensed magic in it. I’m sure it’s to keep you in check.” Hearing that, my hand halts, the black ink stains the paper, ruining my signature. I cast the magic detector spell taught by Theron before – the most basic and simplest spell. “You’re right. There’s a detect location spell.” I’m sure Felix is the caster. “You know it too, so take off that necklace!” Theron pounces on me, pulling the necklace usi
“What kind of dirty tricks you used on Julian, huh?!” Cecilia shouts in anger. The glasses that are stacked in a triangle form can barely handle breaking from her high pitch tone. Even my eardrums are suffering from her high-pitched voice despite plugging them using my fingers. “Please calm down, Lady Cecilia.” Yuri remains rational, trying to calm this angry bull. “He would never choose you over me! You must have used black magic and seduced him!” Her ranting continues, now wildly accusing Yuri. “Lady Cecilia, I didn’t do any of those.” “Liar!” Cecilia raises her hand on Yuri. Seeing how this might be getting out of hand, I step in between, grasping her wrist tightly. I can slamdunk her and break her wrist now if I want, but good for her, maintaining my reputation and influence is holding me from doing so. “L-Lady Airis!” Cecilia gasps in shock. She must’ve expected I would only watch from the sidelines – since the original Airis only
“My lady looks gorgeous. It reminds me of my young days.” Olivia praises me while making my hair. I already said it’s fine and a maid can do it, but she keeps on insisting. “My beauty is no match to Miss Olivia’s.” I carefully glance back to not ruin the hard work she put in. “You flatter me, my lady.” I changed into a golden yellow dress, one of Her Majesty’s old yet new dresses, still fashionable. I thought they’ll give me a simple dress to wear. Olivia finishes styling my hair with a long twisted crown braid style. It’s done very neatly. After finishing giving me a makeover like a doll, Olivia escorts me back to the banquet hall. We were having a good chat until bumped into Azher on the way. “Good afternoon, Your Highness. Are you on the way to the banquet too?” Olivia asks. Judging by her tone, it seems she’s very much familiar with Azher. Not that questionable since she’s Her Majesty’s lady-in-waiting. “Yes. I have to settle some
“Please enjoy the snacks. I order only the finest for you.” Aiden says, pointing to the multiple types of desserts serve on a dark green multi-layer cake plate with gold lines. “I appreciate the thought, Your Highness. Thank you.” But does he expects me to finish all this? I just ate lunch! “By the way, I never got the chance to tell you. You don’t have to be so formal.” ‘How can I not? Even if he’s the catastrophe I have to stop, he’s still a prince.’ “Just relax. Call me Aiden.” He adds. “That’s impossible. You’re a prince. I-” “Well, I’m the one who talked casually first. Or should I order you to talk casually with me?” He cuts me off. He leans his body to the front, in my direction. “Say my name.” The words sound like a demand. Seeing how this prince doesn’t know a thing about personal space, I back away a bit, eyes avoiding the front. “A-Aiden…” I finally stutter his bare name, can no more stand this uncomf
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
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
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
“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
*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
*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
“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
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
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