Year 3988, 1st Day of the 9th Moon
Continent of Humana

NOT A single sound broke out between Elise and Aricson. It was not the comfortable silence that Elise was accustomed to but the suffocating one that she did not know how to get rid of it.

Even the sway of the carriage that had made her motion sick from last time could not disturb her contemplations. The stillness engulfing them did not help either and she was stuck overthinking.

She knew she had to decide sooner or later. It was unusual for her to be indecisive but what else could she do? Guilt was tugging her on both sides.

It was either she chose to return back home with her family or stay with the person she was falling in love with. Choosing one would end up sacrificing and hurting the other.

For the first time in her life, she could actually relate to the female lead in her mother's novels. She always thought they were being stupid and naïve, even losing their selves with love but now she was trapped in the same situation.

The carriage tipped downwards without any alarm and Aricson quickly held her hand as her body jerked from the abrupt shift of the carriage.

She turned to him but he was looking straight into nothingness with that impassive face of his Elise was aware this cold war was all due to her rejection. She would understand if he ignored her, which in fact he did, but with the warmth of his touch easing her anxiousness, he was slowly breaking the walls she had fixed time and time again.

However, like earlier, Aricson let go after the carriage stabilized. He rapped the carriage's roof and the door was quickly opened by the servant.

He offered his hand and assisted her without saying anything. He was the quiet type but this was taking to another level. She was not demanding greater than a civil conversation despite what happened yet it was as if he became aphonic.

She climbed down and her worries vanished in an instant as her eyes centered on another wonder of this world.

They were in front of a building that was most likely steam-punk inspired by how the heavy metals and machine parts adorned the exterior. It was beautiful and ugly at the same time. But the most astonishing part was the blazing arc on the entryway. Even from afar, she could fairly conclude it was a real fire.

A sudden nudge took her away from her distraction. Aricson pulled her closer and she followed him.

As they come nearer, she was right, it was indeed scorching flames. Embers were softly blown by the wind but with its wide span, no person would catch fire while passing through.

They came in and she was ultimately flabbergasted by the sight. She expected to see decors that could be only seen in science fiction but the bright crystal chandeliers dangling above proved otherwise. The ornate walls and light-colored palettes were nothing she was presuming.

The design was similar to the castle in Ember Isle but the way they furnished was far from each other. The castle of Aricson's family took a simple yet elegant approach but this place screamed of extravagance.

There was a huge open space upon entering with hardwood tables and benches spread across the room. What made it special was the gilded gold that seemed to illuminate and border the frames of the furniture.

On the center was a wooden platform draped with red curtains while a long bar counter was on its left. Behind the counter was a huge collection of drinks displayed in the glass cabinet, running along from end to end of the whole place. She could have assumed she was in an elegant bar of a seven-star hotel.

"Oh, look who do we haf here? Our elusive Rei Arishon!"

A man slurring approached them from behind. He staggered on his feet as long black tresses covered most of his face. He had a bottle in hand and was grinning, showcasing a perfect set of teeth. 

The man settled his other arm in Aricson, though it looked off since he was a few inches shorter than Aricson.

"You must have no mission to be drinking in broad daylight, Exel," Aricson grunted and moved away from him. 

The man stumbled to his feet with his butt landing on the marble floor. 

"Sho cold..." he fussed and fixed his hair.

The drunk guy's eyes shoot up and landed on her. She had seen people with heterochromia before but not with his combination.

It was heaven and hell. His left eye was the brightest blue as clear as the summer sky while the other one was red, so bright and it was akin to freshly-spilled blood.

She had always been fascinated by people who had complete heterochromia because of its peculiar's beauty. Her hand unconsciously reached out to the new guy but Aricson dragged her to his side.

"He 'ven brought a woman, y'all!" the man announced, his deep timbre echoing the empty halls.

"Where is Master Hernan, Exel?" Aricson questioned.

"Ish 'Guildmashter Hernan', my dear shire," the man corrected.

"Why? Where is Guildmaster Cai?"

"Gave up hish tatle, mah lord." The man became more incoherent as he answered.

Aricson let out a breath. "Just tell me where is Master Hernan, you drunkard."

"Taf floor, chap."

Aricson who was still holding her hand dragged her along and they ascended the stairs. Halfway through it, her spine unexpectedly tingled.

She had always been sensitive, making her peer down to see who was looking at her. Gone with the foolishness, the hazy irises earlier sharpened on her. A frown was embedded on the man's face, appearing perplexed but as they stepped up she could only guess what he was thinking.

ELISE DID not know how many turns they took. This was certainly not a simple floor, it was more like a labyrinth from what she had experienced.

Aricson who was obviously familiar with the place guided her to the left with his fast strides. They walked further as the dimly lighted corridor became darker and darker until they stopped across an arched double door.

He knocked thrice and slid the knob without waiting for a reply. They went inside and she was welcomed by a simple adorned room with only a white two-seater sofa and an armchair with shelves adjacent to the walls.

Her shoes grazed on the pristine white rug that was tucked underneath the desk. Only the gray hairs of the man were visible as he stooped so low while writing.

Sensing their presence, the man's eyes squinted at them. His appearance was youthful but she had no doubt he was old. It would not be astonishing anymore since she was gradually adjusting that the people here look so young despite their real age.

Upon closer inspection, she realized his hair was not gray but was tinged in silver. The loose strands reached up until his waist and based on her observations, it was pretty common to have long hair even for a man.

Elise tried to imagine Aricson having long red hair and it was enough to make her heart skip a beat. 'Too bad I don't think I can stay longer to see it grow.'

"Greetings, Guildmaser Hernan," Aricson addressed.

"Greetings. It seems like you know what had happened to hear you call me that." There was a familial glee in his obsidian eyes, a stark difference from his pale hair.

"I apologize for my brother's behavior, Guildmaster. I was not notified he had gone and left his title."

The man's brow winged towards his hairline before he responded, "It's fine. He had done it twice already. But I'm more curious why you have come, young lord. I thought the summit is still this afternoon."

"I am aware, Guildmaster, but I am here for a personal reason."

"Personal, you say? Cai had disappeared and left me a headache I hope you wouldn't add to it. Putting that aside, why don't you introduce me to your guest? I'm confident I never had her name." His lips were upturned as he spoke, reminding her of Gustavious with his friendly ambiance.

"Her name's Elise. She is my personal servant. Elise, this is Guildmaster Hernan, he was also the guildmaster when I was still working as a mage," Aricson said.

Her mind froze right when he mentioned that she was a personal servant. It undeniably stung that he only thought about her that much and yet he was asking to be her boyfriend yesterday.

The soft chuckle let out by Hernan disrupted her thoughts.

"How nostalgic," he commented and stood up. "I remember Rei Aciel once brought your mother here and introduced her as his personal servant too. You even revealed your relation to Cai. Then do tell me, is this the future Rainha I'm getting acquainted with?"

He offered his hand and Elise accepted it before replying.

"I don't think so. Nice to meet you, Guildmaster Hernan."

"Likewise," he paused, gesturing to the couch. "Let's have a seat first."

The two of them sat on the sofa while Hernan took the armchair and offered them tea. She politely declined while Aricson spoke.

"I am here regarding the missive I have sent you, Guildmaster."

"What missive?"

"I sent you one almost a month ago but you haven't replied. Even Lord Ivannov and King Pravus have not responded so I was wondering if I can ask for your help, Godfather?"

"Well, if you're referring to me as your godfather, I have no way to refuse. However, I have to clarify I haven't received any missive from you."

Not even a pin drop could be heard for a second while she looked back and forth between them, bewildered by the sudden silence.

Aricson cleared his throat. "I see... I'll check my people once I go back."

"Better. So, what is the favor that made you even leave your precious isle?"

"I need you to help me persuade Lord Ivannov to let me see the Overseer."

Hernan stirred his drink and took a sip, taking his time answering. "That's quite a hard task even for me. Aside from that, Ivannov may already have used his chance."

"I already asked around and he still had not come to the Divine Peak after the tournament."

"If you say so but I must inform you, Ivannov loves to collect favors and he takes his time before collecting it." Hernan paused and gave her a peek but she paid no heed and continued listening.

"You should be prepared that he might request for the most unexpected. In case it's not that obvious for you, a union between your families is the thing he had been hinting for so long," he added.

'Oh...' She should have anticipated that. Even in different worlds, arrange marriage was prevalent.

"I know, Godfather," Aricsonreturned curtly while also taking a glimpse at her as if she would misunderstand.

If she had no idea he had been single all his life, she would have but it was apparent that even if they were a political family, they were the kinds of people that do marry for love. Just look at Dryann who had no man despite her age and Brennan who always had Arllian's name in his mouth.

"If that's the case, I'll talk to him first but I can't promise you anything."

"Thank you, Godfather. Also, please keep this matter from Uncle Orin."

"No problem. It's rare for you to ask for something anyway."

"Then, we'll send ourselves out. I'm sure you're busy after becoming a guildmaster and I apologize once again for Cai's action," Aricson muttered and bowed at a perfect right angle.

"No need to be so stiff, Aricson. If you see him, send him to me directly so I can scold that brat."

Aricson straightened his back. "Please reprimand him as you seem fit, Godfather. Thank you for your time."

It was the perfect time to exit but the two men resumed having small talks and minutes passed until Aricson lead her out of the room.

THE TRAVEL back home had nothing out of the ordinary. The carriage dropped them off at the entrance of the castle.

She decided to walk ahead but Aricson grabbed her hand.

He cleared his throat but his eyes dodged her. "I need to go to Vesfrost Kingdom later. I heard you like the pastries that Faylinn brought to you from there. Do you want me to take some back for you?"

'So are we back in talking terms again?'  That was the longest sentence he spoke to her today. She did not want to lengthen the contention either so she bobbed her head.

"Sure."

They reached the palace door and what awaited them was a crowd gathering in the main atrium.

"Please, Lord Orin. Save my husband!"

A woman's cry echoed throughout the place. She could only see Orin's head surrounded by a swarm of uniformed servants and knights. It was quite a spectacle seeing them huddling during a commotion.

Some of the people spotted them and gave way. At the center was a middle-aged woman on her knees and grabbing Orin's leg. Discerning the expressions around her, it seemed like they did not know how to deal with the woman.

"Rei," Orin greeted.

The woman suddenly faced them and rushed to Aricson but she could not even come a meter near when she was stopped by the knights.

"Rei! Please help me save my husband!" she bawled and struggled to break free.

Aricson glanced at Orin who quickly started explaining the situation.

"Luke is fading, sire. He showed symptoms almost an hour ago and he had not glistered yet but it'll happen in just a few hours."

The two latecomer's eyes fell upon May. The woman's tears did not show any signs of stopping as she mumbled and pleaded.

"May."

A single word from Aricson made the woman's wailing end. He signaled the knights to let her go and he helped her stand up while Elise tried to pat the woman's back and calmed her down.

"You know we could do nothing once it starts," Aricson continued.

"But, sire. Please check on him, Rei. Just do anything! I'm begging you, Rei!"

The woman's speech was full of anguish as she kneeled on his feet once again. Elise recalled the times when the patient's guardians became desperate to save their loved one and she could not simply ignore it.

As long as she had the abilities, she was willing to do her duties as a doctor.

"If you're fine with me, I can help."

Orin and Aricson sharply turned towards her.

"This is not a simple matter, Elise," Orin advised, his voice laced with grimness.

"Uncle is right. This is completely different from Hadrien's case. No matter how you bury yourself into books, there is no way you can help," Aricson seconded.

She eluded their stares and moved to the woman who was the personification of misery at the moment.

"Knights, take May back to the village, and the rest of you shall go back to your business," Aricson ordered and the crowd dispersed.

Elise remained in her position while she was deliberating on her next move.

She had long concluded that the illnesses she had encountered here were similar to those in her world. The only difference was the use of magic to speed up the process and ensure a hundred percent effectiveness.

If she could have enough information, she knew she could do something about it. She didn't simply have the knowledge about this world but also from where she came from so she had no doubt about her capabilities.

"Elise," Aricson called.

"What?"

"Stop thinking about it. You should not involve yourself in this case, Elise. You are different from what we are."

There was a warning in his tone but for some reason, that ticked her in the wrong way and just made her want to prove something.