We stopped at the rusted gate of my appartement. I fished out my keys.
— Stay here, I'll bring it quickly
She didn't answer and just leaned against the rusted wall, arms crossed, one ponytail slipping away.
I headed inside the building, the stairwell smelled like old paint and someone's burnt dinner. I was halfway up when I heard voices below.
— Who are you?
Cherley jumped, "Oh! You must be Eda's older sister! I'm Cherley. I'm his classmate. I…just live around the corner!"
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When I came back down, carrying a backpack that slung over one shoulder, they were standing as Cherley yapped her mouth.
"I'm here.", I got down and was now face to face with my sister. I stared right into her eyes. Her makeup seemed to leak down and she was carrying a bag full of groceries in one hand. I didn't say anything and just walked past her, completely ignoring her.
"You're going somewhere?", she opened her mouth as she saw me carrying my backpack to which I held tightly.
I stayed silent next to Cherley. She looked at me curiously, she was probably thinking what would happen next.
"Just make sure you come back for dinner."
I grabbed Cherley and we both walked away.
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We walked in silence at the beginning then Cherley decided to not let that interaction ruin our whole journey, "You know, I can't imagine the amount of money we'll have!"I was more excited than her but my body didn't show it. My eyes finally glowing, just the thought of that much money. I'd probably travel all over Victoria without anyone stopping me, then maybe I'll visit the Rosette kingdom just on the other side.
Looking back as we climbed, the city was shrinking behind us. Her skirt fluttered in the wind, and she kept having to shove her glasses up her nose.
Eventually, we reached the ridge, the one that overlooked the old train bridge. The tracks cut through the valley like a scar, and just as we got here, the train came rumbling through, a long silver snake winding between the cliffs.
Both our mouths were wide open, like two babies. Cherley adjusted her glasses and said, "We'll take that train to Victoria, we'll meet the queen there."
I was completely left shocked by the scenery in front of me. Trapped in that tavern and that smelly city, I've never seen something like this. The air was fresh, the sun was bright hitting the crystal blue river.
— Has
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[ ???]
She sat with stillness that suggested discipline and deliberation, not rest. The stool beneath her lacked a back, yet her posture remained poised, shoulders drawn, spine straight. Before her, the desk was scattered with papers and delicate instruments each one touched with care. From behind, her silhouette was a study in contrast : the tight black clung to her frame like ink on a white paper. Its only adornment was a diamond-shaped cutout at the collarbone. Her hair, half gathered into a loose bun, while the rest cascaded down her back in gentle waves, catching the lamplight like threads of lacquered silk.
A hush-like voice came from the distance, "Your excellency…"
The young lady was pale as a ghost, her hair was a pale emerald, the color of spring leaves caught in moonlight. It fell in two low ponytails, tied neatly at the ends with dark bands, the strands wavering slightly as she shifted. Her bangs, parted down the middle, bore the uneven precision of self-cutting—each segment deliberate, not careless. Two longer pieces framed her face, curling softly in their descent, bound at the tips.
— The report is here. From Master Sen and our messenger.
She turned her body towards the young lady, "Emerald, you may start. I've been waiting to know."
Her bangs, parted cleanly down the center, framed her face in a sequence of short and medium strands, an intentional asymmetry that softened the severity of her profile. Though her expression was hidden, the curve of her jaw and the tilt of her head portrayed a narrow face, focused and intent.
And then, just above the bridge of her nose, painted with precision, was a small red symbol. A horizontal wave—neither a flame nor feather, but something in between, resting like a soft whisper on her forehead.
「 MERTHA VICTORIA, Head of the
Emerald began,
— 1 week ago, Anny was captured in
Emerald wore a garment that defied singular tradition: part shrine maiden, part warrior. The layered robes bore the crimson and the white of ceremonial wear, but were cinched with belts that held small blades and lacquered charms. Armor plates,light,mobile clung to her shoulders and forearms, their edges worn but polished. A talisman hung from her hip, swaying with each breath.
「 EMERALD VICTORIA, Vice-president, Messenger 」
— I got in contact with Raily and she told me Anny is with her.
"What about her royal guard? Where is he?"
"Victor is the royal guard, your excellency and Raily told me that he's also there with her. They're both in
One hand grips her dress, fingers curled tight, the other rubs slowly against her own fingertips, like a quiet rhythm full of worry.
— Emerald, I want you to keep a close eye on Raily. She doesn't possess incredible skills nor power like her brother but she's still an Inori.
Her jaw was clenched, teeth pressed tight behind parted lips. A single sweat drop slid down her cheek. Her brows were furrowed, eyes sharp and fixed, and her fingers twitched with restrained urgency.
— Her having our trump card can be very dangerous knowing how unpredictable of a person she is…I want you to request Anny to be with us.
Emerald bowed before, "Yes, your excellency, I'll immediately request to relocate Anny.
Mertha laid back and took a breath.
— Also…speaking of Raily…Any updates on Zack? It's been a bit too long since I heard about him…
Her features softened, the tension melting right after mentioning his name. Her lips curved faintly—not quite a smile, but close, like the memory of one.
Her eyes held a quiet glow, unfocused and warm, even the way her shoulders settled spoke of ease.
The room fell silent, sudden and complete as if the air itself had paused to listen. Mertha's expression was still soft, touched with the quiet glow of someone waiting for the news with excitement.
Mertha waited for Emerald to say something, yet it felt like she was having trouble getting words out of her mouth.
The silence stretched even longer. Emerald didn't answer, not because she hadn't heard, but because the words wouldn't come as hard as she tried, her lips trembling, her throat tightened. She finally spoke, "Your excellency.."
— Zack...zack…he..
The young girl's breath hitched. Her hands rose to her chest, her fingers splayed like she was trying to hold something in place, something from leaking out. Her eyes closed, lashes trembling and a few tears slipped down her cheeks as she continued with effort,
— He unfortunately passed away…almost two to three weeks ago.
Mertha rose from her seat, her face changing drastically.
The warmth drained from her face in an instant. Her lips parted, but no sound came. Her eyes, once soft, froze wide— not from shock but something deeper and more heavier. Her breath caught, her shoulders stiffening as if each word had struck her chest like arrows on fire. One hand rose slowly, hovering near her mouth, fingers trembling. The glow in her gaze dimmed, like someone had blown the candle, and now the whole room felt cold, replaced by a hollow stillness.
She was in a state Emerald couldn't stand, she quickly bent her head down,
— I..I apologise for not reporting early. I, too, was in shock and in denial! I wanted to check if it was true and.. when i went to the scene… I saw his body. It was burned.
— Are you certain it was Zack?!
[…]
— Yes…I could still feel the aura around his body.…
…
[ If Emerald could see his aura around his deceased body then….it must be true.. ]
Emerald has special eyes like how ours only have 1 vertical line, hers have an additional horizontal line.
In fact Emerald was born with just 1 line like the rest of
However she was found to be blind.
She could not see, making her god gifted eyes useless. Her father, Edward, did not accept it.
He summoned powerful figures and tried finding a cure for her daughter.
Unfortunately, nothing worked and he began giving up on her…
Emerald then went to Rosette Kingdom and there she met a teacher who was willing to teach her
She can see and recognize people by their 'aura', the energy of their soul. In simple terms, she can see through someone's soul.
To her advantage, she's immune to certain power types such as 'manipulation', 'deception', etc. [ Abilities that can alter your eyes or deceive you.]
My voice was trembling but I had to stay strong now.
— Who was it?
— I found someone else's aura on his body. I investigated and… it belonged to one of Master Sen's men..
Now my anger was boiling, hearing that dirtbag dare lay his hand on my grandson.
I shouted, "THAT PIECE OF SHIT!", I snapped, "How dare he send an assassin to my grandson?!"
I clenched my jaw so hard it ached. I try to keep my voice low. But my hands were shaking.
Humiliating.