Markov Hyrphonus - At the library, IMEMR
The empty library was filled with the sound of my own breathing, and I could practically meditate in such an isolated place. Thirty minutes had passed since departure. That's why it was so quiet. Too quiet…
I sat idly, waiting for a certain someone. Even the librarian had gone home. The golden twilight reflected on my side as I sat by the crystal window, enjoying the sunset scenery without any intrusion from the outside world. A lot had happened lately.
Almost five days had passed since Audel's disappearance. I had no way of knowing whether he was alive or dead, but I could only hope he was doing fine. He was my close friend, after all. Only one person was aware of Audel's situation, and I was waiting for her
.
The white-haired girl took a seat in front of me, her curly hair floating mystically in the air. She kept her gaze on the table, a frowny smile accompanying her composed facade. Lady Hera, the princess of Tritine, sat across from me. I straightened my posture, cleared my throat, and fixed my gaze on hers. Her frown transformed into a wary look.
"What are you planning exactly? Were you the one who spread the news about the outsiders?" I asked.
"It seems you are indeed a keen observer, boy. Yes, it was me," she replied.
Clenching my fists under the table, I pressed further. "While I agree it was the best course of action to sow doubt among the nobles, do you have a plan to actually divide them from the king's regime and bring them to Vestiron's rebellion? I'm just a bit confused about your actions. Are you being intentional with all this?"
"Are you worried about the nobles? That I've caused them to have sleepless nights? If so, then I'm sorry for that," she said softly.
"Liar," I accused. "Spill the truth now, for God's sake. Or I might find it difficult to aid you in this... propagation."
"Propagation?" She looked amused. "It's the truth. They deserve to know they're at great risk. I'm only spreading awareness."
Pausing for a moment, she continued, "You, who abandoned your own family, have no right to question my morality. It's hypocritical, Hyrphonus."
I leaned closer, my eyes reflecting in her crystal-like pearly blue gaze. "And you informed Jerome about Vestiron's connection with Audel, didn't you? What was the reason?"
Her smile disappeared. "You—how did you figure it out? About Jerome—oh, I see." She looked at my eyes, which now radiated a brilliant golden hue. "You read his intentions with those eyes of yours, I see."
I could see her composure falter slightly, though she hid it well. "It's a gambit."
"You're baiting Audel's sister and Miss Boltaire. But why?" I asked.
I sighed. "Princess, it's high time you explained what's going on. I'm just trying to help you. Help Audel and his family. But why did you risk revealing his connections?"
Her eyes grew distant. "I... I can't tell you that. Or else... it won't work. The gambit, I mean."
"Alright," I said, getting up from the chair. Her gaze remained fixed on the table, refusing to meet mine. "So, you're not the main mastermind. I understand."
Her face jolted up to meet my eyes, searching for answers, almost desperate. I added with a soft smile, "I've read your intentions, Princess Hera. You don't need to burden yourself with such a heavy duty."
I wasn't exactly lying. I knew exactly what was going on, as I had been spying on her almost every day. She wasn't the one pulling the strings. It was someone more powerful. Someone stronger than any mortal.
"Send Lady Lyra my regards," I said, waving her off as I walked away. The Diviner of All-Seer, Lady Lyra, had the power to communicate with her direct descendants. So, it was no surprise that Princess Hera had been working under Lady Lyra's shadow all along. After all, Lady Lyra could see infinite possibilities in the future.
PRINCESS HERA - LIBRARY, IMEMR
I eased myself as I watched the door close. Now alone in the vast library, I glanced at my right hand, which radiated a faint blue aura. I called upon Lady Lyra, chanting her name softly. A shard of broken glass materialized in my palm, its surface reflecting an eye that bloomed like a yellow marigold. Yet, despite its beauty, the eye was ever-threatening and ever-wary.
A voice echoed in my mind—Lady Lyra's. "The boy is cunning. Do not lose yourself to him."
I replied inwardly, "I won't. What's with him?"
The eye closed for a moment before reopening, its gaze piercing into my soul. "Even though I bear the title of 'All-Seer,' I cannot see that boy's future. He is... an anomaly, Hera. Don't lose him."
"I won't," I assured her, then asked, "What's the next course of action?"
"Sending a spy to monitor him won't work; he's too sharp. However, it's time you made your move against the Eukaphrotian spy."
"The Eukaphrotian spy? Who?" I asked, feigning ignorance.
"Don't play foolish with me, girl," the eye replied, its tone laced with amusement. "I've seen through your lies."
I sighed. "Alright, I get it. I was just uncertain about that boy."
"Do you understand who I'm referring to?"
"Yes, maybe. It's Raphael, right?"
"Hmm," the eye seemed to drift for a moment before responding. "How did you know though?"
Crossing my legs, I leaned back into the chair, basking in the golden light streaming through the window. With a soft smile, I replied, "Markov. He hinted at it. But, of course, you wouldn't have known. His actions... everything he does is a blind spot for you, isn't it?"
"You're leaning too much on him. Do you trust him that much?"
I hesitated, my smile fading slightly. "I... I want to. But he's too... different."