Chapter 3
To Live: 2
He was pacing all over his office, his brows furrowed, one hand behind his back holding a small paper, and the other tightly clutching his soft silver hair... His appearance had become messy; his black clothes adorned with silver buttons were wrinkled, and his carefully styled hair was dishevelled.
The aide who delivered the message was nervous. Nearly two hours had passed and the Emperor had not opened his mouth to speak a single word, allowing fear to invade his heart.
Finally, after the Emperor calmed down, his lips moved roughly:
"How did you receive the message?"
The aide stammered ten times until he finally gathered himself:
"Your Majesty, I... I received it from a lady... I do not know. She said the message was important and must reach Your Majesty, and it carried a spell that made it invisible to anyone but its recipient. The official and I tried to open it and indeed found nothing. I thought it might be something that concerns you, Your Highness, so I brought it."
He opened his eyes like a small rabbit standing before a large predatory beast. The Emperor sighed and spoke in a less rough tone:
"Alright, did you identify the woman?"
The aide bowed in fear and surrender:
"No, we could not... Please forgive my negligence."
"You may leave."
The aide rushed out quickly and fearfully before the Emperor could change his mind. Raphael wiped his face calmly and took a deep breath, then lifted the small paper the size of his palm and read it again, a message written in elegant, tidy handwriting:
[To the Sun of Cassian, Emperor Raphael de Cassian... Do you want me to continue with greetings and words of praise? Hmmm, I don't think you need them.
Your Majesty the Emperor, what I carry is something the Emperor desperately needs. Do not think I am extorting you, quite the opposite; what I seek is an exchange of benefits. I need a favor from you, and I will give you a favor. The price is simple, but the benefit is great... I will not tell you my identity now. Meet me tomorrow evening at the 'Soul' Pub in the Litan Public Market. I know it is a place for commoners, but it is the suitable location. I will introduce myself. Oh, by the way, try to come disguised... I will come alone, and the same goes for Your Majesty. Rest assured, I am too weak to harm you. Unknown]
Raphael sat on his chair and re-read the message several times:
'Does the person who wrote the message know me well? It might be a trick, or it might be someone who genuinely knows what I need... Even if it's a trick, why shouldn't I try my luck?'
I closed my eyes to soothe the pain; I have done much, but this agony is almost tearing me apart. What I fear is losing my mind.
I sat up straight and rang the bell, and the aide entered with his nervousness. This aide has endured me; he is brave, unlike his predecessors... I raised my head to the aide and said:
"Clear my schedule tomorrow evening; I have a task I must perform."
The aide bowed and left, and I thought: Let's see what this person is planning.
She was sitting quietly in her spot, moving her eyes between the burning paper and the sunset view. She smiled with satisfaction and recalled her conversation with the wizard:
["When the message reaches the person concerned and they read it, the copy you hold will burn, so you can know the time of its reception."]
About eight months had passed since I was reincarnated into this body. The story hasn't progressed much, but I fear the Emperor might have met Elena. As in the novel, the Emperor met Elena during an exploratory trip by the Silvano Duchy Knights in Martina Forest. Elena helped him out of duty, and from there, Elena's holy powers appeared, and the Emperor began pursuing her. But I do not know the real timing of that because the novel began after the death of the real Ariana, and currently, the Duke is not married, and I don't know how the story will proceed. I must prepare for anything. Because I haven't interacted much with the social world, despite Marian's ability to relay all the rumours circulating in the social circle, the biggest social event over the past eight months was the Duke's separation from the young lady, Silas. It was certainly shocking news, but despite rumours appearing here and there, the biggest rumour—some even expected it to be the most accurate—was that Lady Silas requested the separation, and there are reports that they agreed to separate because there was no compatibility between them, meaning by mutual consent. He managed the news so that I would not be hurt. Truly, the Duke is a good person who deserves to be the novel's protagonist.
It is true that the Marquis was very angry and came to me once and severely rebuked me, but that was all he did. As for Eliot Silas, my cousin, I have never seen him, even though he lives in the mansion. I do not know his relationship with Ariana; he was not mentioned in the novel.
Knock Knock Knock!!!
"Enter."
Teeeeshk!!!
Marian entered my room and quietly placed the tea in front of me.
"How are you, Miss?"
"I am fine. I will go out tomorrow..." Before she could open her mouth: "Alone, I will go out alone."
I know Marian will make a fuss, but I spoke with a sweet, affectionate smile:
"Marian, it's not dangerous. It won't take more than two hours, and I'll be back by then, don't worry."
Marian slumped her shoulders in surrender and spoke with a worried yet enthusiastic tone:
"Alright, but if you are late, I will go out and come to you."
"Fine, if I am late for more than three hours, you can come to the Soul Pub, but don't be reckless. Our identity must never be exposed, never."
Marian clenched her fist and raised it as a sign of sincerity and enthusiasm. I stifled my laugh and allowed her to leave. Marian is loyal, but she is reckless when it comes to me, so I must be strict with my instructions to her.
Let's see now if the Emperor will come tomorrow or not. During these eight months, I gathered my strength. First, I researched and researched information through guilds, rumours, and so on. I searched for a way to leave without attracting attention, and luckily, I found memories in Ariana's mind about secret passageways in this mansion for emergencies. Perhaps even Albin does not know about them, or he thinks I don't know about them, and this is useful.
I went out of the mansion many times and managed to form an information network, and I bought some magical equipment, including the message. I bought books on magic, wizards, medicine, herbs, and so on. I read and studied them with more devotion than I did for university exams in my previous life. I hope this will be useful. I also reserved a room in the Soul Inn for the secret meeting with the Emperor.
I was forced to sell the jewelry here. Ariana did not possess much jewelry, so it seems I will be broke soon. Hence, I hope tomorrow comes quickly.
In a dark place, where no one could even see their hand, he was walking with no clear goal.
I felt a presence behind me, I turned back, but there was nothing. Darkness was everywhere. Even if the presence came closer, I would not see it... I decided to move forward, hoping for a little light, but nothing. I walked and walked but nothing. I felt fear, the darkness was not fading, I wanted to escape more and more, I was running madly... Scared. I felt the mysterious entity gripping my neck tightly, I could barely breathe. Am I going to die!? That's fine, I will rest from this pain and choking sensation. I have never felt okay, maybe in the past? I don't know.
"Cough... cough."
I woke up from a terrible nightmare. As usual, the sensation of choking was still vivid in my mind. I took a deep breath to return to reality... That painful feeling was still splitting my body.
I got out of my bed and headed to the large window that stood in the middle of this large, boring, and suffocating room.
The sun had not risen yet, but the threads of dawn appeared. Is it a sign?
"Have I started believing in superstitions?..."
Let's try today and go to that unknown person, and see what they will give me. And if they are a fraud... we will rid the world of their kind.
The sun had finally risen. Ariana got up with enthusiasm even before Marian came to her. She approached her window and saw the bright threads of the autumn sun dancing in front of her window...
'Autumn is cold, and winter is at the doors. I don't know why I love winter, even though I get severely ill in winter, it has been my favorite season since childhood. Perhaps as I grew up, I couldn't go out in winter for fear of my condition worsening, but winter is still my favorite season.'
Ariana pulled her thick shawl around her shoulders, just as Marian knocked on the door.
When Marian entered, she saw Ariana awake and active, but she was not surprised. As long as it was the day she was going out, she was always very energetic.
After preparing Ariana's breakfast, Marian proceeded to get Ariana ready as usual. Even though Ariana's outing would be in the evening, she was careful to ensure all her mistress's needs were met.
After Marian finished preparing everything for Ariana—thick disguise clothes, a large, thick robe (cloak), winter boots, a thick scarf, thick gloves, a magical heat-preserving tool to keep the honey and lemon tea Ariana preferred (it was good for soothing her cough), and a bag with the items she would take with her... Ariana looked at everything Marian had prepared and smiled with gratitude...
"Marian, thank you. But I am not leaving forever... It's only a few hours. If everything goes as planned, perhaps—and I'm not sure—I might find a cure for my illness."
Marian's eyes lit up with excitement and tears shimmered in her hazel eyes:
"My Lady, is it true!? Is it possible for you to be cured!?"
"I hope so... If I find the way, I will not hesitate to tell you, but what I want from you is that no matter what happens, do not tell anyone... Okay?"
Ariana's smile was sweet and gentle, so Marian pressed her hands to her chest and said with sincerity and honesty:
"I promise, I will not disappoint my Lady."
Ariana held Marian's hands and said gratefully:
"Thank you, Marian. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have been able to live in this place."
Ariana's words were sincere, for without Marian, she would have almost died from suffocation and loneliness in this place. Even the real Ariana was very grateful to Marian, perhaps these words are the real Ariana's wish.
The sun was high in the sky, at the Litan Public Market. The streets were crowded with people of all ages wearing simple clothes, some in very ragged appearances. He was wearing a long black robe that covered him from head to toe, hiding all his features.
'The situation is miserable. What is happening in this place? It seems there are matters that need to be discussed soon.'
There were knights around him, disguised in commoners' clothes, walking near him.
'I do not fear a fight. If he manages to kill me, they will be killed immediately.'
His thoughts were arrogant and very much like him, and he was sincere in them. After walking for a full hour due to the crowds, he finally reached the pub and entered quietly. His aura was enough to make all eyes turn towards him, even though he was completely covered.
Everyone quickly returned to their business. His gaze swept every corner of the pub, but he found no suspicious person, so he moved quietly in front of the bartender and sat on a stool there.
He did not speak, but the bartender approached him and said cheerily with a friendly face:
"Would you like something to drink, sir?"
Raphael looked at him calmly, and before he could open his mouth, the bartender spoke in a whisper:
"The second floor, the third room on the left."
He looked at him with a meaning of "How did you know?" The bartender did not answer him and returned to his work.
Raphael sighed steadily and went up to the second floor, heading to the indicated room. When he entered, he automatically lowered his hood and raised his head to find a small body covered in a dark grey robe sitting on the chair opposite the door. He entered and closed the door in complete silence. The silence that lasted for minutes was broken by the rustling sound of rough cloth as the small body bowed, and a sweet voice pierced Raphael's ears:
"Greetings."
She opened the cover, revealing honey-coloured hair, a small pale white face, two twinkling celestial eyes, and plump pink lips, topped with a sweet, breathtaking smile. Her lips finally moved gently:
"Ariana Silas greets His Royal Highness Emperor Raphael de Cassian."
Raphael's eyes widened, and he muttered internally:
'A girl? No, a young noblewoman?'
Before Ariana left, she put on her thick clothes and listened to Marian's endless recommendations. Ariana was not annoyed; rather, she knew Marian was only worried about her... Finally, she left the mansion through the secret passage connected to her room to the side gate of the mansion. When she went out, Ariana felt refreshed; the cool air made her feel free.
She walked a little, then hired a carriage to take her to the pub's entrance. Upon entering the pub, she was greeted by the owner, who did not know her face but recognized her figure. Without even exchanging words, he directed her to a seat in a corner of the pub for her to sit in quietly. The owner knew the style of the young woman who came to the pub from time to time; despite her mystery and slightly suspicious actions, he remained silent because she was not harmful, and she gave him a good amount of money. In any case, this place was of that type.
As Ariana sat in a hidden spot in the corner directly overlooking the door, she kept waiting quietly, her body moving from nervousness:
'Will he come? Maybe the plan won't succeed?... Everything will go well.'
Her thoughts clashed back and forth until she heard the sound of the pub door opening. The usual clamour quieted down, until even the sounds of breathing were barely audible. She looked at the door to see a large body with an overwhelming aura. Ariana regained her breath, and the clamour gradually returned to the pub. The man headed to the bartender. When she realized this person was the Emperor, even if his face was not shown, she knew it. At that moment, Ariana gestured to the owner, and when he nodded in understanding, she went up to the room. The owner was puzzled by her request, but he executed it with complete honesty...
Ariana went up to the medium-sized room, which was almost the best room in the inn, with a double bed, two chairs, and a table between them near the window and directly opposite the door. The furniture was cheap but still somewhat new.
Ariana sat on the chair opposite the door nervously. She wiped her sweaty hands on her robe and took a deep breath when she heard the sound of approaching footsteps. She tried to muster all her courage and skill in managing her expressions and raised her head towards the door.
When the door opened, a massive presence covering the doorway was revealed. The owner of the large body entered and dropped his robe from his face, revealing shimmering hair despite the dark corner he was in, and eyes like glowing silver stars despite the cold expressions, a raised nose, straight lips, and a harsh face with stunning features and a strong aura.
'If beauty had grades, the Duke would be ten out of ten, but the Emperor is a hundred out of ten. Isn't this beauty too much for my heart? Collect yourself, Ariana, how will you negotiate with him like this?'
Ariana took a deep breath, as her heart had started beating madly, and before she lifted the cover from her face, she spoke soberly with a sweet, confident smile, and bowed:
"Greetings."
She straightened up to remove the robe and continued to smile the same way, then bowed deeply again:
"Ariana Silas greets His Royal Highness Emperor Raphael de Cassian."
When she heard no response from him, she straightened up and looked at him suspiciously, for his gaze was like that of a stunned person.
'Is he disappointed?! Is he doubting me?! We shall see.'
She swallowed her annoyance and opened her lips with the same smile:
"Is something troubling Your Highness?"
Raphael approached, thinking internally:
'Let's see what she has.'
He replied with a confident smile and sat on the chair opposite her, motioning for her to sit.
Ariana sat, still looking at him with confidence and strong eyes. Raphael smiled subtly....
"The young lady has a great deal of courage to summon the Emperor. So tell me, what will you give me and what do you want?"
Ariana smiled confidently:
"Thank you. What I have come to you for is the illness afflicting the Emperor, Mana Hypertrophy... I have a cure for it."
Raphael opened his mouth slightly in astonishment, but he composed himself and returned to speaking arrogantly:
"If we assume your words are true, what is the price of the cure?"
Ariana smiled with a mysterious, gentle smile:
"To live."
...... To be continued ......