𝔬𝔫𝔢 𝔴𝔢𝔢𝔨 𝔞𝔤𝔬

Horseshoes clopped against the cobblestone main road in the capital city of the Granzreich Empire, so named after its founding imperial family, which was to whom Cécilia was summoned to and the only reason she was walking under the sun instead of moonlight and shadow.

The feeling of being out in the open, although underneath a carriage roof made her uncomfortable as she was not used to the feeling of both that and the daylight with its busy crowds and chattering civilians, who went about their lives from behind the dark curtain of the coach. 

Her elder brother, however, looked completely at ease as he had one leg crossed over the other and was whistling in a low tune as the carriage rocked slightly as it passed over a small pothole. Although he was also a member of the secretive though reputed Klaus family business, he had a polite and unassuming aura that made most people think of him as nothing more than a simple though well-dressed nobleman or something of the nature.

Well, he was much more dangerous with a white mask on than that easy smile of his.

Cécilia smoothed out her dark blue dress which matched her own and that of her brother's eye colour as the horse pulling the ride neighed and made a clop of its shoe as it paused for a moment as the palace gates where opened and it entered in, stopping a short while later as the two siblings got out to be greeted by one of the many butlers in employ to guide them.

"Now, remember Cil," her brother instructed as he took note of and fixed the blue ribbon decorating her neck so that the small jewelled dark flower was straight, the colour vibrant against her pale skin and dark hair. "We're doing this for you."

Following the ageing butler into the grandiose palace and its many long halls and polished marble tiles, they reached a door leading to the main visiting chamber where the Emperor received his dignitaries and guests upon a throne.

"Enter." Came a voice from inside as the two guards stationed at the door pushed it open for the siblings to walk into a large pillared hall which echoed the sound within. A golden chandelier hung from the ceiling which was around thirty feet from the long red carpet which ran from the door to the stairs which led to the throne.

And sitting upon that very throne was one of the most handsome men the blank-eyed girl had ever seen or probably would ever see. He truly was deserving to be called a 'Lord of Men,' with his commanding, sharp golden eyes that all the Granzreich imperial family held and long black hair which was tied back with a ribbon.

He was noted to be an incredibly charismatic ruler whom few could find anything to speak ill about, even extending to his most vehement enemies of which were few. 

 Wolfgang von Granzreich was flanked by his two closest men, his prime minister on the right and the Klaus siblings' own father on his left, who wore that faceless white mask although they knew he had a disappointed look on his face particularly directed at Cécilia though he spoke nothing.

"You look dead, child." The Emperor rested his head on his hand casually as he eyed the girl who simply stood before him as though a lifeless statue, completely cold and unfeeling towards anything the world held as she just looked on.

At seventeen years of life, she was already forever tormented by a past that could not be undone, the many lives she had taken echoing their final screams in her ears that made her wince as she bobbed before the Emperor. 

Sighing as though it were a shame to see her like this, or rather, see her talent wasted like this when she could still be used, the handsome golden-eyed man seemed to muse over the issue for a moment as he decided what to do with her.

He was already briefed on the situation earlier, as all matters pertaining to the Klaus family were the first-priority business of the Imperial clan, the two bloodlines so tightly interwoven in their shared fates as it were. They simply could not exist in this world without the other.

"I'm afraid I cannot let you go, Miss Klaus." He finally decided, tapping a finger against his chin with a pleasant smile that could easily make flowers bloom right then and there with how shamelessly beautiful it was.

Despite how elegantly it was spoken towards her, the girl felt the last bit of hope she didn't even realize she still had in her shatter right then and there.

Noting her despair, his finger moved from his chin to his lips as he barely covered the amused upturn of his lips. 

"Instead, I'll have you become a teacher. Specifically for my youngest son, Livius."

Upon hearing those words, a single tear flowed unchecked down her cheek. She was too overcome to cry more than that or even light up her eyes slightly in relief, so she just stood there as still as a statue while the meaning of the words swept over her.

It was a moment that carried her forwards until only death could release her from her own pain's clutches.

。。。。

"My name is Cécilia von Klaus, your highness, and from today onwards I shall be your teacher. If the prince wishes, I shall stay by your side until you reach of age."

The young prince blinked once at her, as though he was surprised she was speaking to him in such formal speech and etiquette before he commented on the meaning of her name, which had its meaning rooted in the language of the Old Blood.

In this world, the Granzreich Empire, which stretched over most of the Great Continent though not all, was founded by five clans of old, the most important being the Granzreich who became the rulers of the land and symbolized by an eagle the very golden colour that they carried in their eyes.

Although the Klaus were not of one of the five clans, their status was mysteriously just as influential to the imperial line, thus granting them the moniker of the 'spare royals,' the very talons in the empire's eagle.

Just as the fifth prince made his comment, he coughed violently as his cute face became distorted in pain which made Cécilia rush to kneel down by his side, placing her hands on the side of the red armchair worriedly.

As soon as she promised to become his teacher and stay with him he had a fit that made his arm stumble onto the side table to reach for a small round container emblazoned with a sun and take a round pill from, which seemed to ease his pain somewhat. 

The thought made her crease her eyebrows. She had known that he was born with a mysterious illness related to his heart and lungs, which made him fall ill quickly and easily, but he was uncertain what to do once it actually occurred before her.

She had only the hands of a murderer, not a healer. 

Peering through his fallen black bangs with golden eyes at her, the young prince who was about ten years of age though appeared a few years younger enough to be bright with innocence, smiled shyly though he seemed happy with her expression.

"You didn't look 'blind,' just now." He remarked amicably as his coughs ceased, his words surprising Cécilia.