《Astral Mage》Within the Mayoubhoughergoise Mansion
Advertisement
That night, the four of us had tea in front of the beautiful portrait of Milla's mother. According to her, it was their favorite pass time. She wouldn't stop talking about her mother. In every topic to where the conversation led to, her mother will always be present for discussion. I wouldn't blame her, I would as well.
"Now then, you two clean up," Sebas commanded the two maids as he carried on his arms the deep sleeping Milla. "Miss Fifirisha, do come with me."
"Ah, okay," I followed him. Both of is were walking on a quiet empty hallway towards Milla's room, with only a few lamps to guide us.
Only our footsteps were heard echoing through the dim hallway.
"Miss Fifirisha," Sebas then asked. "Will there be a possibility for you to stay with milady?"
"I'm sorry," I didn't hold back. I felt the need to be direct. "I need to continue on this journey of mine. I will not trade it, not for anything..."
Not stopping from walking, he responded, "I see. You are a very respectable little lady. Thank you for your honesty."
We then went inside another room, a much more beautiful one than the room I awoken up to. Perhaps this was Milla's room. It had plenty of portraits of her and her mother.
Sebas then gently placed Milla on the bed and tucked her in, "Such a darling angel, is she not?" Sebas let out a small tear out his left eye, "Such innocence..."
I could see how he cared so much for both Milla and her mother. I could say, Milla is very lucky to have him. If I were to have a henchman, he should be as great as Sebas.
"Now miss Fifirisha," he turned to me and whispered. "Shall I accompany you to your room?"
"No need," I said. "I easily remembered the way there. I'll be capable on my own. Besides, I would prefer you to not leave Milla out of your sight."
"Servants are prohibited to stay inside their master's room when the master is asleep," he sighed. "That too is considered high treason for high nobles."
"Man these rules," I too sighed. "No helping it. I'll stay with her in this room."
"Oh, really?" he sounded unsure.
"Is there a rule about that too?" I wondered.
"No, there is none," he replied. "However, milady has weird sleeping habits."
"Weird? Like what?" I asked, raising one eyebrow.
"She would talk a lot in her sleep," he said.
"That's all?"
"Ah, yes..."
"That's not much of a problem for me. I could fold my ears to minimize sound from entering. Even if I won't, sleep talk won't bother me," I was confident because I was planning on meditating instead of sleeping.
"Well, if you say so then..."
"In my case, I would also prefer not to be alone. I feel like I'm in danger in these walls as well."
"Worry not, for I shall keep guard on this room."
"Ah, let's just both do our best," I smirked so proudly.
With that, Sebas left me and the sleeping Milla inside the room.
"Well then," I said to myself. "I should start meditating to enhance my spell chanting, albeit a little."
I levitated on air and closed my eyes. As soon I felt relaxed, I could feel the realea around me very closely. It was like I was the room itself; feeling every single movement. I then immersed my mind deeper, towards the very core of my soul. As soon as I felt like I found my core...
Advertisement
"MY!" I was instantly dragged to my senses. "TWO IS THREE IN DIFFERENT DIMENSIONS?!"
"H-huh?"
"...DEAR ME!! WHAT FLAVOR!!" is this Milla's sleep talk? "SEVENTEEN STICKS FOREVER JOY!!"
No, this isn't sleep talking...
"SUCH A MARVEL TO GAZE THAT COUNTING!! OH, DEFINITELY! I HATE SLUG MOUNTAINS!!"
She's way louder than that loud noble back at the slime lake. And what is she saying? It's just a jumble of words.
"YES! MAYBE END!"
I folded my ears to boost my defenses by at least fifty percent. Even so, her piercing shouts penetrated through. "...REASON OF THE MARSHMALLOW!"
"Never mind meditation, I cannot even relax at this rate," I ran out of the room and closed the door. Her voice can still be heard clearly.
"Fifirisha?" I heard someone behind me.
"Ah!" I turned in quite a fright. "S-sir Handso-I mean Xandel-uhh..."
"No need to recite everything. Just call me whatever, as long as it resembles my name," he said.
"A-ah... sir Xandel it is," I smiled awkwardly.
He looked at the door, heard the ear-piercing banshee inside before looking back at me, "Why are you not in your room?"
"Ah, about that," I explained to him our conversation with Sebas about Milla's safety.
"I see," he nodded. "However, I believe you regretted your decision."
"Well..." I felt embarrassed.
"Why?" he asked. "I believe my little sister and you have not met before. Why did you help her?"
I don't really know why myself. Perhaps I was just confused and reacted without thinking clearly.
"I would like to think it's about money but," he looked serious. "I don't feel like It's quite right."
"Well, money does not interest me," I replied. "In truth, I just did what I felt like doing."
It became quiet for a few seconds.
"Fifirisha was it? I believe you did not state your last name," Xandel's question made me nervous.
"Uh, ah, It's uh," thinking of a last name is hard, I ended up making a name of my own. "Y-yu-yellowleaf," was the sudden name I could think of.
"Yellowleaf?" Xandel's face gave the hint of doubt. I was quite nervous as to how he would react, yet. "Well, whatever"
I gave off a huge sigh of relief after hearing that.
"Millavuenoghatthendillia has always been dear mother's favorite. It was somehow envious but it doesn't really matter. We all loved our dear mother despite that fact," Xandel's cold eyes looked gloomy. "Anyway, she will be moving to our grandmother's manor. She will be taken good care there instead of living her life in misery here."
"Oh," I looked back at the door and asked Xandel. "Will she really be okay there?"
"Hopefully..." Xandel suddenly halted his words. "It has already been decided. She will be leaving tomorrow afternoon."
"About the incident," I asked. "Why do you think Milla was being targeted?"
He gave me a rather cold look, which somehow shook my knees.
"Probably because of the heritage," he answered. "She needs to be away from the rest of us siblings. I believe one of us staged for her murder."
"Heritage?" I asked.
"Ah, I thought Sebas told you," he looked puzzled despite the serious look.
"No, he didn't tell me anything," I should not say anything that could raise suspicion to Sebas.
"Anyway, due to a said-to-be unknown cause, our mother died a week ago. According to the rules, the eldest child shall be responsible for splitting the fortune to the rest of the siblings as he/she sees fit. However, a maidservant found mother's last will. It was like she knew she was going to die and had made it in advance."
Advertisement
"Could it be, Milla got everything?"
"No, mother wasn't that greedy. Still, the fortune was split in an unfairly fashion. Millavuenoghatthendillia received half of the entire fortune while the other half was divided for the five of us."
"Really? That's amazing!" I exclaimed. "I mean, for her at least."
"Not really, especially with her situation now," he sighed. "Anyway, I believe one of us siblings is behind it. That's why it would be better for her to be away here for now."
"How sure are you she will be safe there?" I asked.
"Definitely," he answered sternly. "By grandmother, I meant mother's mother."
"I see," although I wasn't that convinced, I accepted.
He looked at me with a serious look before sighing, "Sebas will be with her. As long as he is around, Milla will be safe. There is no need to worry that much." He turned his back to leave.
"I'm not that worried!"
"Is that so?" he just continued walking away. "Two hours. Millavuenoghatthendillia will go quiet by then."
I looked at the door, still hearing piercing screams from the other side.
"No helping it then," I sat down on the ground. "Two hours huh..."
* * *
"Miss Fifirisha," I heard my name being called again. "Wake up."
"Ah!" I just woke up. "I slept?!"
"Very soundly," Sebas smiled. "It's already morning."
"Seriously?" I looked at the end of the hallways and was convinced. "Well, even from behind this door, I could still hear Milla's cursed words."
Sebas chuckled, "Milady surely has a weird sleeping habit."
"Very weird," I stood up, patted dust off my dress, and arranged the hat. As I did so, Sebas pushed open the door of the room.
"Oh, it's just you Sebas," Milla was already awake, with an elegant dress on each hand in front of the mirror. "Oh! Miss Fifirisha too!"
She threw the clothes up in the air and ran towards me. Thankfully, Sebas caught them.
"Such a delightful morning to you," and she grabbed my hand and dragged me inside. "Now then, let us have you wear fresher clothing."
"Ah, no need," I declined.
However, Milla just ran towards her closet, no closets, and opened them both, revealing loads of eye-appealing dresses and other clothing. She rested her chin on her thumb and index finger while examining her massive collection.
"Sebas, get me that one," she pointed at a frilly fuchsia-colored dress.
"Right away," and Sebas jumped and instantly got the dress his highness ordered.
"Magnificent!" Milla snatched it right off his hand and went to me. "It looks more than perfect! Let us have you wear this."
"Ah, wait..."
"See? It suits you perfectly!" Milla whirled in delight, while my reflection on the mirror frowned as much as I did.
"Bravo miss Millavuenoghatthendillia!" one of the maids clapped her hands.
"You truly have the eye for fashion!" the other did as well.
Yes, these two came in the moment I was struggling against my will to wear this dress (Don't worry, Sebas was kicked out of the room.)
"Don't forget this!" one maid grabbed another wide-brimmed hat which matched the dress and put it on my head. "Perfecter!"
I sighed at the sight of three girls laughing so proudly as they puffed up their chests. I once again looked in the mirror... Well it wasn't that bad, I guess...
Spending the entire morning with Milla, Sebas, and her two maids were plenty new to me. I wasn't familiar with their lifestyle, but I was able to learn some things. Although most of our time was spent on tea, fashion talk, royal dances, and making fun of Sebas, it was one long morning and noon. By afternoon, Milla will be taken to her grandmother's manor, where she will be taken good care of. I wouldn't lie, I had fun.
"Here you are miss Fifirisha," Sebas extended something.
"My bag!" I accepted it and checked inside. "Everything is here, even my clothes. Ah, but the veiled hat..."
"Ah, I truly apologize but we were unable to retrieve that. It seems that you lost it during the fight against the bandits," Sebastian slightly bowed his head.
"Well, I think I'll just trace back my steps. It's very important for me. Another memento of my mother."
"Oh, I see. Looks like you and miss Millavuenoghatthendillia truly will get along. You seem to be able to understand each other."
"Ahaha, probably. Too bad I won't be with her."
"I see, so you will continue on with your journey to be an Astral Mage?"
"Wait, how'd you know?"
Sebas chuckled, "That boy really likes to talk a lot."
I contemplated before remembering someone, "Aah! Felgard! Where is he?!"
"He was in the dungeon underground."
"Ohoho!" if he's in the dungeon, then that's good. Without him to disturb me anymore, I can be at peace on my journey. Wait, was?
"Although he managed to escape last night..."
"What?!" if he's escaped then it could spell trouble. He might end up telling everyone in this mansion my identity. But maybe he won't...
"Sir Sebas," one of the two maids called from the window. 'It appears the carriage has arrived."
"Oh, so it did," Sebas confirmed. "Well then miss Millavuenoghatthendillia, shall we get going?"
"...Indeed, let us," Milla sounded sad, despite the happy look on her face.
Sebas went and knelt down in front of her, "I have no right to tell you to cheer up. However, I still want to tell you... Do cheer up milady."
Milla looked down, hiding her face, "What on earth are you saying Sebas?.." She came closer and hugged him, "I am your responsibility. So you better cheer me up."
Milla's eyes began to tear up, and finally, let her emotion out. She gripped Sebas' neck tight as she sniffled and tears streamed down her cheeks. Seeing her like that, felt quite heart-warming.
* * *
The five of us went out of the room. As soon as Sebas had closed the door, someone called out from the hallway.
"Millavuenoghatthendillia, are you not to say goodbye to dear mother one more time? Should you not at least say goodbye?" he sounded kinda fishy to me.
"Sir Adamanthiniobellandero, I believe doing so might take us more time-"
"I believe I am talking to my sister Sebas. Are you after treason?"
"I deeply apologize sir, but-"
"It's alright Sebas," Milla took an elegant composure as she faced her brother. "I have already planned to do so."
The two siblings locked eyes for a while.
"Come come miss Fifirisha! Let us go." Milla then went to me and grabbed my hand as we walked, the two maids and Sebas trailed behind us.
There, her mother smiled the usual way as last night. The urn below her portrait silently awaited Milla one more time.
Milla stood in front of her, raised her dress on both sides as she crossed her legs, "Dearest mother, I shall leave now. Please do visit me. I will always have tea time with you."
"Miss Millavuenoghatthendillia," Sebas went to her. "Let us go now." Milla stayed for a few seconds before looking at Sebas and nodded.
However, for me, there was an ominous feeling in the air. Despite my magic being unstable, my body was not.I was sure of it, I sensed flame realea! I closed my eyes and focused my senses to wherever it might be.
"Everyone away from the corners!!" just after I said that, the walls were engulfed in flames in all four corners of the room. We were completely surrounded.
"Ahhhh! Dear heavens!! What's going on!!" Milla immediately clung unto Sebas. The maids were terrified as they went to the center of the room with us.
This sensation, it's definitely ignited by magic. But who?
Advertisement
- In Serial30 Chapters
Skybound
The adventures of Morgan Mackenzie and her sidekick Lulu the Loofah continue! The [Skyclad Sorceress] has made new friends, discovered she has some enemies, and now along with the Worldwalker Dana and the survivors of the Expedition she is working to get out of the Wildlands. Meanwhile, the Deskren have beseiged Fort Expedition, and The General rides with his troops to their relief. He is followed by The Hammer, leading the Children of the First Beast. Certainly an impressive and dangerous force, but will they get to Expedition in time to save the city? If they arrive in time, can they hold the walls until the Tribes arrive? As the northern continent slips deeper into autumn and winter, the Empire in the south prepares for spring and the planting of crops. Their raiding campaign into the north has not gone well, and tensions are rising as food shortages loom, and all is not as it seems in Nouveau Deskra.
8 210 - In Serial16 Chapters
The Fortunate Cultivator's Treasure [to Greatness]
Oh, the Cultivator's Treasure, the most powerful group of mercenaries—and cultivators—to ever exist in the Eight Kingdoms. Legends say that they defeated the Spiritual Beast of the West with their hands tied and while drinking Daqujiu. According to Bakhtam's own accounts, they even defeated the Golden Dragon of the Southeast during Sun King's Summer Solstice. Truly an impressive feat that echoed across the Eight Kingdoms faster than Hari could say good heavens! However, at the height of its power and absurd stories, the Cultivator's Treasure disappeared. And now that the Eight Kingdoms are no more, and the Jade Immortal slowly grows his hold on the North, it's up to Hari to find the Cultivator's Treasure again and bring them back together. But do they even exist? Who knows? Follow Hari and her search for the Cultivator's Treasure, while she tries to find her place in a world filled with war. - - [I hope you all enjoy the story. From a Cultivation fan to another.] [Participant in the Royal Road Writathon challenge] [Also, on SpaceBattles and Scribblehub.]
8 192 - In Serial23 Chapters
Nine Circles
Bringing us to Now, in the Fifth Circle, land of Game and Lumber under the Sign of the plentiful Tree, two brothers find themselves embroiled in the games of Birds and Men. They have come to celebrate the Red Harvest, the Last Day before the Winter, when the sky burns red and the night grows longest. Tolan and Vir, Woodsmen from the Wolf Hair Mountains, have come to gather with friends and family upon this night. However, a strange and powerful storm keeps them in town for days, as spirits grow restless and Talk of evil things comes to pass. Later, when the storm subsides, the two brothers venture forth to find their way home and discover something else. There the woods, by the path they travel, they find a pale beautiful woman, in a strange dress, cast down in a ditch. This is Althea, Granddaughter to Malic of the Demons House of Fire, promised bride the current Head of the Demons House of Salmon, Red Fish. And trouble for the Nine. Her abduction has set forth into motion, a feud between the Demonic Houses, which even now threatens to spill into the Nine Circles proper and bring about a new age of darkness. Tolan and Vir must set out to return Althea to her people to prevent war, but not all are so simple. For there are those who stand to profit from such ill fortunes, Both Below the Earth and Above it. And they will tolerate no disruption of their plans, even to the extent of death.
8 183 - In Serial81 Chapters
Nova: Omega
Nova: Omega is the story of Hitori Seishin, a mercenary on the planet of Esper. He leads Omega team in the Nova Mercenary Academy, and is the son of the legendary warrior Maia Seishin, now deceased. He is in the final days of his education at the elite Academy, where at the last minute he’s assigned a new teammate, Elvira. She is a total novice, but her unique abilities make her a promising addition to his team. We join the pair on their journey, Hitori, fighting to prove he belongs amongst the ranks of warriors indisputably his better, and Elvira, struggling to adapt to a world where the trophy for second place is a tombstone. Meanwhile, ancient and powerful forces clash in the shadows, racing across the globe to secure powerful artifacts capable of upending the foundations of the world. New chapters released every MWF. Sorry for the random tiny chapters. I structured and uploaded this as a series of scenes, some of which just didn't need to be very long. I could probably attach the "sub-scenes" to previous chapters, but that'd only be covering it up, so I'm not sure its worth it. Anyway if you find them annoying, let me know, and I'll put some more thought into it. I did, at least, make a point of always posting at least a thousand words on any given day (after I noticed the problem), which hopefully mitigates the problem.
8 209 - In Serial39 Chapters
The Alteras Games: World Jumper Book 2
Jetsford finally made it back to Earth. Just to jump away to save his friends, or so he thought. When he comes to, Jefferson is right there with him. Before Jetsford is able to leave the world he has to reconnect with his friend. Of course it is never that easy for him. Found guilty of their crimes both Jetsford and Jefferson are thrown into the Alteras Games.
8 144 - In Serial41 Chapters
Dark Market
KILL ANYONE, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME...AND NEVER GET CAUGHT.John Savage is a special force of one. A corporate investigator who had to leave when an investigation went wrong. He's become a 21st century warrior serving overseas but not for any one government only the highest bidder. When he finds a dead body with links to his old life he returns and finds that what forced him out was only the beginning of a conspiracy to commit murder on a grand scale. The Dark Market. In which anyone can take part and anyone can be a victim. Now Savage must battle to finish what he started. "There is something refreshingly Hemingway-esque about Coles..." BBC's Focus magazine.[The story you are about to read is intended for readers age 18+ due to its content and language. It may not be appropriate for all audiences. Please read at your own discretion.]
8 253

