Sera's voice echoed throughout the vicinity, repeating her earlier words over and over again as it ranged through my head.
I couldn't help but tremble with fear, feeling the rhythm of my breath getting more unstable, all while feeling my body temperature drop.
I grasped the cloth around my heart, trying to calm myself down before gazing back at her. "H-He's missing?!"
Sera quickly nodded her head. "A maid found him running out of the room. Mother and father are already looking for him, but in this large place..."
Her worried face made my heart sink much deeper. I slowly raised my hand in front of me, staring at them before clenching them with fear.
I can't lose my brother again... not like this!
My breathing became more erratic even as I continued to try and calm myself down.
Maybe the thought of losing my past sibling intertwined with the current situation...
I feel so vulnerable...
Just how can I possibly be calm in this situation...?
I have to go and find him–
"Lys!"
I felt someone grab my shoulder before twirling me around. Even with my vision clouded by anxious thoughts, I could clearly see August standing in front of me. Both his hands gently grasped my shoulder, his eyes filled with worry before I heard his calm voice.
"Lys, calm down. I'll help you find him."
I don't know how… But hearing his calm voice made my muddy and anxious thoughts disappear. I slowly breathed in, nodding back at his words. But the knot in my voice wouldn't respond to his assurance...
August stared at me for a few moments, still looking worried, before gazing back at the empress. "Mother, do you think you can sense where he is?"
The empress nodded back before closing her eyes, taking a deep breath. Soon, a large insignia formed beneath us, her hair slightly hovering as blue light filled the space. After a few seconds, the insignia disappeared before she heavily sighed, stroking her chin with pure confusion.
"... That's strange... I can't sense him for some reason." Her eyes slowly lingered on me, looking as if I had the question to her dilemma. "May I ask... is your brother enhanced with present warding magic?"
My body flinched before intently shaking my head. "I-I don't think so... We never used any type of magic on him because of his weak constitution, fearing that it'll make him worse..."
She contemplates once again. "So strange. I just can't sense any other children's presence." She stood there in silence, tapping her feet for a moment before clapping her hand together. "All right, guess we're gonna have to find him the old fashion way. I will survey the entrance of the palace. Hopefully, he hasn't left the palace. All of you should check around the garden."
August nodded at her words before looking back at me, his worried eyes being directed at me once again. "Come on, we'll surely find him."
Sera quickly tugged my clothes, grabbing my attention. "Lys, don't worry! I know Everett is gonna be okay!"
Despite seeing her quivering hand, she tries to show a forced smile... I couldn't help but notice the strain on her face that made it so obvious...
I slowly breathed in before nodding along. "Yes, you're right. Let's start searching the garden."
We hurriedly made our way towards the garden, calling out his name in the process. Once we reached our destination, we saw countless servants and maids looking for him, probably under father's order. I try to expand my mana around me, trying to feel a lingering presence, but for some reason I can't sense him...
I could feel my heart pounding erratically once more, the sound deafening my ears. The soft rustle of the autumn leaves in the wind did little to soothe me. The more time that passed, the more the world around me seemed to suffocate me.
I couldn't stop running through the hallway, running while calling out his name, even if it seemed useless. I just couldn't wait.
I had to find him.
I had to find Everett.
"Lys, wait!"
I heard August call out to me with worry, but I couldn't stop.
My brother... my little brother was out there somewhere. I need to find him. I needed to make sure he was safe. I can't lose him.
Not again…
Huh…? Why did I say… again…?
I shook my head at the thought before rushing through the path of the garden, weaving past the hedges and flower beds while my breaths grew ragged.
"Why isn't he here?"
Turning my head everywhere, checking the miniscule places that he could've hid, only to be left utterly disappointed.
My thoughts were spiraling out of control, twisting with panic, with my mind unable to focus on anything but the overwhelming urge to find him.
I couldn't help but yell out once more. That this call might be different…
"Everett–"
But before I could finish my sentence, a heavy weight lunged at me, from what seemed to be a hug. I looked down to see who it was before my eyes widened. The same black hair and figure...
It was Everett.
His face buried through my clothes, and I could feel his tears damping them. But even then, I could only continue to hold him close to me, hugging him even more tightly, finally feeling relieved that I was able to find him.
As I continued to hug him into my arms, I couldn't help but think to myself…
Why is he crying? Is he scared? Is he hurt? Did he run away after being in an unfamiliar situation without anyone he knew by his side?
I want to know what's troubling him… I want to make him feel safe…
I just want to do my best as an older brother…
I tried to place my hand on top of his hair, but hesitated. I continued to let him cry, letting his feelings out first. I soon heard August and Sera's footsteps slowly reach where I was, catching their breath before they saw Everret in front of me.
He continued to cry, but less intense than a few moments ago. I gently reached out my hand to his hair, hoping to put him at ease from the possible struggle that troubles his mind.
Hoping that my simple expression of empathy can put him at ease…
As I slowly placed my hand on top of his black hair, I could feel him flinch from the sudden physical contact, his body tensing and stiffening. But slowly, I could feel his body relax, letting the current moment between us continue. He slowly raised his head to meet my eyes.
As I finally saw his face, I couldn't help but smile.
Maybe it is a hopeless wish... but I truly hope that my simple smile, the one I finally learned to express, can ease the troubles that fill his mind.
Make him feel happy…
As I continued to look into his eyes, I could see them shaking, filled with questioning thoughts and intense confusion. But on this momentary occasion, his confused face transformed into an everlasting smile.
A smile I'm all too familiar with...
His mouth quivered, hesitating to speak out the words that were clogged in his throat. He closed his mouth before looking ever so determined and happy. "Brother! We meet again!"
Once he uttered those words to me, I could feel them piercing my heart...
I don't know why, but… that pain… it puts me at ease...
I always thought that happiness is the sole emotion that overpowers all other emotions. The one that makes people who they are.
The one that makes them feel like they are truly living.
I don't know when, but I kind of realize that happiness isn't the sole expression that can make people feel complete...
Sadness... Anger... Guilt... and even despair, despite its connotative meaning... They all have a place in our hearts, and they made us into who we are today...
I only come to realize just how dear these emotions are and how they help me understand how dear my family are to me. I slowly hugged him back, wrapping my hands around him as I gently closed my eyes.
Happiness isn't the only emotion a human can depend on to feel whole, to be themselves… Happiness is just a mere fraction of what makes people feel hope for their future, for their life…
Emotions, the subtle knowledge that I can't fully grasp in my head… It intertwines with so many complexities that mechanizes the concept of being humane.
But at this moment, this very emotional moment, I strangely feel so humane...
So whole... So complete...
A small tear ran down my cheek, but I continued to show my simple smile as I hugged him tighter into my arms. The same complex emotion Chun-Jan showed me once before I died, I can somehow express now...
Gently patting his head, I opened my eyes and smiled as brightly as I could to him. "... I'm glad you're safe, Everett..."
✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ .
The young black-haired boy who finally woke up from his slumber sits on a sofa encompassing one of the guest rooms in the palace, swinging his feet with happiness as he eats one of the pastries in front of him. Next to him, the white-haired boy and girl sat with him.
At the opposite sofa in front of them sat the duke and duchess, wearing an anxious but relieved expression after finally finding their son safe and sound. Next to them stood the empress with August by her side.
As the young black-haired boy continued to stuff his face with food, he slowly opened his eyes before looking around his surroundings. Finally realising the situation he's in, his demeanor changed from carefree to awkward shyness and nervousness. He quickly scooted over to the white-haired boy and hugged him once more, trying to hide himself from the people that continued to observe him intently.
The duchess let out a solemn sigh as he saw him hide away from her. The duke began to comfort her before slowly looking back at the young boy. Once their gaze interlocked, the young boy flinched once again before he buried his face even more towards the white-haired boy's body.
It seems that the Duke doesn't have a knack of looking friendly...
"... It's okay Everett." Patting his hair once again, the white-haired boy uttered those words to try and comfort the frightened boy sticking close to him. "They're our parents. They just want to make sure you're okay."
The young boy slowly creeped out his face before slowly gazing at the two people in front of him. "Parents...?"
I continued to gently pat his hair, trying to ease his nervousness as much as I could. "Indeed. Mother and father were both worried about you when you went missing. They really missed you."
Everett looked up at me to confirm if what I said was true. I couldn't help but let out a smile back as he tried to look back at them questionably. Long moments of silence as he continued to contemplate the information presented, he slowly stood up from his seat and nervously walked up to them before sitting next to mother.
He sat there nervously for a few seconds before slowly gazing up at mother's face. His shy and bashful face tried to speak to her, but he continued to stutter. He closed his eyes, slowly breathing in, before opening them with determination. "... Mother... You're my mother...?"
Hearing those words, mother couldn't help but silently let out a tear as she covered her mouth. She slowly nodded her head, placing her hand down to reveal her solemn smile before she closed her eyes to try and stop the tears from falling down. "Yes, Everett... I'm your mother..."
Everett's eyes shook with admiration as he continued to stare at her. He slowly leaned to her before hugging her, smiling as he recognized the person in front of him as his beloved mother.
"Mother..." His voice lingered in the room as he stayed silent. "I remember... You were one of the people who were by my side... When I was sleeping..."
Mother nodded once again, her tears rolling down once again. "Yes... I couldn't let my child be in pain..."
He slowly looked up at her crying face. Astounded, confused, and sad about her reaction. But even then, he couldn't help but smile brightly at her. "Thank you, mother..."
Her eyes continued to stream down tears, but her serene smile continued on as she heard his words. Everett looked at father before his whole body froze and shivered.
"... I-Is that scary person my father...?"
Father's whole body turned to stone as he heard those words. Both the empress and August couldn't contain their laughter as they saw father's expression.
Like mother, like son...
I looked back at Sera, who was also trying hard to contain her laughter...
Mother let out a small chuckle before slowly patting his head. "Indeed." She looked over to father as she slowly grabbed his hand, bringing him closer to her before placing a kiss on his cheek. Once he had time to process, father's face turned red with embarrassment as he stroked the area with confusion.
Mother looked back at Everett while still holding his hand in front of her, showing him their wedding ring. "Don't worry. He may seem scary, but he is a really kind person. He also stood by your side with me whenever he had time from work." She slowly let go of father's hand before smiling back at him. "That's the type of person your father truly is."
Father looked away embarrassedly. The empress couldn't contain her disgust at the lovely scene while August tried to calm her down.
"... Guess they share some similarities..."
I heard Sera whisper something she let out a sigh.
Everett continued to look at both of them, a mix of emotions expressed throughout his eyes, just like a normal child would. But even after being dumped with so much new information, he continued to smile brightly.
"A happy family with brother... How nice..."
"What about me? Did you forget about me?"
Everett soon turned to Sera. She quickly hugged me tightly while playfully grinning at him. "You're not the only one who has a brother you know..."
Everett's face turned solemn before bitterly smiling. "It's okay... I'm also glad I have a sister..."
Her body soon tensed up before looking guilty, letting go of me as she looked away to a random spot in the room. Everett smiled once again before a thought rang through his mind.
He fiddled his thumbs in between each other, trying to hide his nervousness once again. "B-By the way brother... What's your name?"
I tilted my head before smiling back at him. His eager face filled with anticipation to learn my identity was so heartwarming. "My name…" I stopped, feeling a sense of uneasiness coursing through my body before forcing out the answer with a forced smile. "My name… is Lysander. Lysander Blakesty."
The room soon turned silent. Only the eerie sound of the whimsical wind echoed through the room. A cold sweat ran down his face before he looked down at the ground with utter fear and confusion.
Mother placed her hand around his shoulder, looking worriedly as she checked on his condition. "Everett, are you feeling unwell?"
Everett continued to look down at the ground before looking back up at me. His eyes widened before he quickly changed his gaze to Sera. His nervousness held him back from speaking, but he forcefully tried to speak again, even with the fear of the possible answer. "... By chance... Is your name Seraphina...?"
Sera looked back at him, tilting her head with confusion as to how he knew her name. "Indeed. How did you know...?"
His eyes widened once more. I can see his face turning pale, fear instilling his thoughts. He desperately looked around the room, staring at mother and father once more.
He looked towards where August was, his eyes widened once more as he continued to stare at the physical appearance of his face. "Augustus Rutherford..."
August's body tensed up as he heard him call out his name. Upon observing his reaction, Everett felt a sudden chill go through his body. He looked down at the ground once more, trying to process the current situation as fast as he could.
"Lysander... Seraphina... Augustus..."
He looked around the room again and again, looking at the features of the remaining people that surround him, from head to toe. His face filled with panic, angst, and even despair.
"There's no doubt about it... the other three people should be Isabella and Laurence Blakesty... and Empress Elena... The same characters in the novel..."
His gaze lingered on me once more, eyes widened with utter despair as he stretched out his hands towards me.
"That means he's going to die...! No... Not after I finally reunited with him...!"
He jumped out of his seat, running towards me as subtle tears began forming under his eyes before finally hugging me tightly, his arms desperately wrapping around me with intense force. "Brother...! Please don't go…"
Feeling his shaking body, I slowly patted his back, trying to calm him down. Thankfully, it began to have an effect as his quivering and cold body soon began to stabilize.
"Don't worry, I won't go anywhere."
As he heard those words, his sad heart soon calmed down. The young boy closed his eyes as he continued to hug his brother tightly, before slowly letting go as his consciousness began to fade away, falling asleep with a single thought left in his mind.
"This is so cruel... Just why did the goddess choose this world for us to finally reunite...?"
As I heard him sleeping peacefully on my lap, mother slowly walked towards me. She caressed his black hair, each stroke filled with happiness but traces left with sadness. "... I'll take him to his room. It seems like he's too exhausted after being exposed to so many things. Still… I can't help but finally be happy that he is no longer suffering…"
As she was about to pick Everett up, Father slowly interjected and picked him up gracefully and delicately. Using both his arms to carry him like an infant, but giving him enough room to feel safe and comfortable, he then looked at mother. "I'll take him to his room. You can continue to rest here for the time being. I'm sure there's a lot of things you want to think about."
Mother stared at him with subtle emptiness, slowly turning her gaze towards the floor before breathing out slowly with sadness. "I guess you're right… Please, make sure to keep him safe."
Father nodded. "Don't worry, I'll stay by his side until he wakes up.."
Reassured by her worries, mother smiled back at him as he slowly walked away, carrying Everett in his arms. As the door closed, the empress walked up to the empty seat next to mother and sat by her, patting her back.
"It's gonna be okay, Isabella. Let's just be glad that he's finally awake."
The empress continued to be by mother 's side, trying to lift her sad spirit up again. Sera walked over to mother's side, gently hugging her while saying nothing. Offering a presence that was just there to listen to her worries, just like an adult...
I continued to look over them, my current emotions mixed with sadness, calmness, and reassurance.
I felt a hand placed over my head before they gently moved my head towards their shoulder. I slowly look up to see August's calm face looking straight ahead with a small blush over his cheek.
He gently stroked my hair before slowly looking at my eyes, smiling warmly to ease the solemn atmosphere around us. "... If you feel uncomfortable, just let me know."
He continued to stroke my hair gently and warmly... I don't know why but it is the same feeling that I get whenever I'm with my family... but a little different.
I don't know what emotion is... but I want to continue feeling more of it...
✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ .
The young black-haired boy lay sorrowfully in the wide bed, his head filled with countless thoughts that no other human around him could ever understand.
The duke sat beside him, watching him carefully and calmly. The door of the room suddenly opened before the familiar Head Mage stepped inside, stroking his beard.
The duke gazed at the mage from the corner of his eyes before he slowly got up from his seat, looking at the Mage with slight anxiousness. "Can you feel his presence...?"
The mage looked at the young child for a long moment before shaking his head. The duke looked at the child before thinking to himself the possible reason. In the midst of things, a small, golden glow emerged from one of the boy's hands, catching the attention of both people in the room.
Their suspicion is now proven to be true. The duke slowly looked to see the symbol that was glowing on his hand.
"The same patterns instilled just like the Imperial Prince's..."
He looked at the Mage once more, waiting anxiously for an answer before the mage let out a sigh.
"... I don't know what to say..." The mage opened his eyes seriously. "The lack of presence being hidden away from the light above. The symbol that I saw countless times in the books from long ago. Above all..."
The mage looked back at the sleeping boy, feeling the large amount of holy power spreading around him.
Shining all around and filling the place with pure light, just like a saint...
"This amount of power... it's more grander than that of the Saintess of the Holy Empire... There's no doubt."
"... He possesses the Blessing of Light..."
The Mage nodded with agreement. "I could check to truly confirm, but there's little doubt about it... That means that the Saintess' words are false..."
The duke let out a long sight, worrying about how this could affect his child. "If news about this spread out, there could be war... They would try to hurt him for their own benefits..."
Upon the same room that Lysander was in, still laying his head on August's shoulder, he slowly opened his eyes before a thought came up to him.
"The Saintess... The Second Villain of the Novel..."
In an isolated tower, a young girl clothed with pure whiteness from head to toe, wearing a gown stringing along with the motion of the wind, floating in the air as her golden hair and green eyes resonated with her beauty.
She looks up at the golden sky filled with pure white light, her gaze following the streaming clouds that cover the sun before gazing at the birds flying freely with the wind.
She slowly stretched her hand up high. Her eyes widened with pure astoundment, making it seem like this is her first time seeing the golden hue sky. She slowly brings her hand closer to her heart, smiling warmly before closing them again.
As she continued to feel the air caressing her body, she slowly opened her eyes once more, her green irises soon transformed into a blood red color.
She then looks down from the tower, smiling down at the scene below with serenity. "... The world is filled with many beautiful things..."
A small butterfly glided down to her. She watches with astonishment once again before forwarding her hand to the butterfly, watchin it land on her hand before slowly bringing it close to her.
"How I wished I could be human..."
Her smile turned solemn, watching the butterfly soon fly towards the sky above. Slowly, the hand that held the butterfly began to burn from the sun's ray. But even then, she doesn't react to the pain of the sun, only from the pain of being alone…
The voice of the white-haired boy continued to echo through the space as the girl's hand continued to burn. "The one with the Blessing of Darkness..."