CHAPTER FIVE: KHALIL'S BIRTHDAY PART ONE

CHAPTER FIVE

Kaizer: the young lady's Mana is too incredible despite having a small and fragile body.

Luke: is that a good thing or bad thing?

Kaizer: by the looks of it, it's a good thing, as long the young lady can control her mana, there won't be a problem.

Argos: but having this much Mana at a young age..

Kaizer: is the lady's mother a sorcerer?

Noah, Luke and Tino, all of them looked at Argos.

Argos: Stella.. stella didn't have any traits of being a sorcerer, she does have Mana but that's it.

Kaizer: ( he doesn't seem to be lying.. ) I see.. the young lady must be gifted then..

Noah: ( gifted huh?... )

Argos: Noah, Second commander.

Tino / Noah: yes, sire / father?

Argos: make sure to report this to his majesty, and find out who caused this.

Tino: is there any fracture of the magic stone left? I can try to use my magic to sense where the stone came from.

Noah: that would be helpful, I'll try and ask the knights later.

With Luke just staring at scarlett.

Luke: . . . ( For a child to have such bloodthirst in a young age.. I don't know.. im scared that I won't be able to protect you.. I'm still too weak.. im scared, what if I couldn't protect you.. I don't want to lose you, please wake up soon.. scarlett. ”

Scarlett: . . .

Somewhere in Scarlett's head.

?: seriously..

Scarlett: can't you just tell me who you are?

?: A hint won't be bad I guess..

Scarlett: are you somehow connected with my reincarnation?

?: that I can't be sure.. ( I guess sealing your memories is a little better... ) Anyway, I used to be by your side, all the time.

Scarlett: used to be by my side? ( Did I miss some chapters? There was nothing stated in the novel that scarlett has someone by her side.. )

?: ( She's thinking too hard.. pfft.. ) yes, I used to serve you.

Scarlett: then what's your name?

?: My name is.. —

Scarlett Opened her eyes and sees a familiar roof.

She slowly sat up and rubs her eyes.

Scarlett: I couldn't hear him..

Kaizer: hear who, my lady?

Scarlett: *looks at kaizer* what are you doing here?

Kaizer: the Duke called me to heal you, ofcourse.

Scarlett: you sure love playing the innocent one here, your highness the 2nd prince.

Kaizer: . . . ( Hah.. ) you knew from the start didn't you?..

Scarlett: look at the mirror and see why. Your eyes can be only be found in the royal family.

Kaizer: my eyes? But I used Mana to change the color, does that mean...

Scarlett: is there?

Kaizer: I really find the young lady amazing..

Scarlett: what do you mean?

Kaizer: the lady is so intelligent that you saw through my disguise.. other than that, your swordmanship is amazing, you were also praised by his grace. And the mana capacity that the lady hold with that tiny body.

Scarlett: I see.

Kaizer: the lady doesn't seem to be surprised?

Scarlett: who would be? You're Kashmir one of the smartest people in the kingdom. There won't be any doubt that you'll find about it, sooner or later.

Kaizer: that's true.. *smiles*

Scarlett: ( my eyes feels heavy.. )

Kaizer: is the lady sleepy? *glares at her*

Scarlett: ah- seriously.. are you going to kill me for finding out your little disguise.

Scarlett closed her eyes as mana starts to surround her.

Kaizer: ( she's removing the poison with mana.. hah )

The little poison at her body started to disappear.

Scarlett: haa.. listen here, I don't give a shit if you're some prince or not. You can continue your little play as much as you want.

Kaizer: . . . ( Really this child.. ) you really are filled with surprises *laughs* it's making me want to do something else—

Scarlett's eyes turned crimson red as she points the knife beside her to kaizer's neck.

Scarlett: touch my people and you're done.

Kaizer: !! ( such speedness.. I couldn't even feel her presence.. also her eyes.. is this bloodthirst?.. ) is that supposed to be a threat, my lady? *Laughs awkwardly*

Scarlett: No, it's a warning.

Kaizer: I see.. alright, alright, I won't do anything.

Kaizer turns his head away.

Kaizer: ( her eyes.. it's telling me “one wrong move and your head will fly away” I've never seen a kid this dangerous before.. )

Scarlett removes the knife and lays down on her bed.

Kaizer: are you planning to be a knight soon?

Scarlett: yeah, is there a problem?

Kaizer: I saw a flier under your bed earlier so..

Scarlett: how often do you go to the palace?

Kaizer: why the sudden question?

Scarlett: you're a priest, a priest who's always have to be in the temple, wouldn't that be a common question?

Kaizer: I do visit the palace at night to check on my father the king and my siblings.

Scarlett: I heard that the first prince has deep blue hair. But you have pink—

Kaizer: didn't you just call me the second prince earlier?...

Scarlett: well yeah. I only have 2 theories so far, it's either there's another prince who uses your name. Or you're that prince but pretends to be innocent.

Kaizer: right.. isn't it weird?

Scarlett: already is. However.. don't let it down you.

Kaizer: you do know that you're talking to an adult right?

Scarlett: does it matter? Age is only a number after all, not my fault my brain was developed too early to have a mindset like you adults do.

Kaizer: that's right.. Will you be attending my brother's birthday?

Scarlett: you can count on it.

Kaizer: pfft, I see. I'll be expecting you there then.

MOMENTS PASSED — with Noah inside of Scarlett's room, sitting by her side.

Noah: . . . ( does she really not plan on talking? )

Scarlett: ( what's he doing here? )

Both looked at each other's eyes.

Noah: ( it's been 11 years... I haven't seen your face since then.. )

Scarlett: ( noah and scarlett didn't have a nice relationship, no? since noah would always ignore scarlett without any reason, but now.. ) so, what are you doing here?

Noah: do I have no rights to be here?

Scarlett: I don't know, you've been ignoring me ever since, funny seeing you talking to me.

Noah: ah.. apologies, if I acted in such ways.

Scarlett: so what is it, why you're here?

Noah: to check up on you.

Scarlett: I see— well I'm doing good.

Noah: and to apologize to you personally..

Scarlett: apologize about?

Noah clenched his fist.

Noah: for neglecting you, for not treating you as my little sister, for being a horrible Big brother.

Scarlett: . . .

Scarlett sighed and Noah felt a little embarrassed.

Scarlett: I don't know what made you ignore me all these years, but sure, your apology is accepted.

( Despite having the same appearance.. he seems uncomfortable looking at me.. ) if you're uncomfortable you can leave now.

Noah: a-ah.. no, it's not that... I'm not uncomfortable..

Scarlett: you suck at lying, you're sweating.

Noah: E-eh?! Hmm.. *sighs* it's not like that.. you just really...

Scarlett: I just really what now?

Noah: look alot like mother...

Scarlett: do you perhaps hate mother?...

Noah: w-what? No, it's nothing like that!

Scarlett: then what?

Noah: you just resemble mother alot..

Scarlett: you do know we have the same features when it comes to face right? Never looked at the mirror before?

Noah cracked. Meanwhile outside the door there Luke is laughing.

Luke: HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! HOHOHOO! that was a good one!

Noah heard it and quickly felt more embarrassed.

Scarlett walked to the door and opens it.

Scarlett: you're quite loud arent you?

Scarlett sees Tino and Luke infront if the door.

Luke: I still... HAHAHAHAHHA can't.. HAHAHAHA

Scarlett: is he really this childish?...

Noah and Tino nodded their heads.

Scarlett: broken humor..

Tino: say, young lady?

Scarlett turned to tino.

Scarlett: ( this person.. ) ... yes?

Tino: allow me to introduce myself, I am Tino Lechys Lia, 2nd knight commander.

Scarlett: a sorcerer...

Tino: yes, I'm pleased to meet the young lady.

Scarlett: I see. ( A Lia.. cool. )

Tino: im a little interested in the young lady.

Scarlett, Noah and Luke cracked.

Luke: SHES A MINOR TINO! LOOK FOR SOMEONE ELSE WHO'S IN YOUR AGEEEE!

Noah: This will probably reach father..

Tino: ITS NOTHING LIKE THAT!

Scarlett clears her throat.

Scarlett: then what does the 2nd commander mean?

Tino: I want to study magic with you. I know this might be sudden, but as the priest said, the young lady has a great amount of Mana in her body—

Scarlett: you want to study magic with me?

Tino: yes.

Luke: she's just 13, tino. She's too young.

Tino: indeed.. ( however.. a 13 years old surpassed my Barrier.. ) please allow me to study with you, young lady.

Scarlett: ( A Lia asking a O'Hara? ) You're aware of the consequences of this right? If people finds this out, there might be a conflict between the Lia Duchy and the O'Hara duchy.

Scarlett: It's better if you asked permission first or atleast make the Duke, your father. Aware of this. To avoid conflicts between the two duchy.

Tino: you're not wrong..

Noah: ( she thought of it that deeply?... )

Scarlett: until then, I won't answer.

Tino: ofcourse.

When Noah, Luke, And Tino left Scarlett's room.

“ unexpectedly, I had fun with the three of them. ”

“ this is truly what peace means. ”

“ and I hope this will last a life time. ”

“ pfft.. is this what it feels like to have a family?”

“ I will never know, I had no one in my first life... ”

THE NEXT DAY — with Argos, Noah, Luke, and Scarlett, having breakfast.

Argos: are you sure you're well enough to attend the party, scarlett?

Noah, Luke and Argos turned to scarlett.

Scarlett: yes, im sure.

Argos: alright, tell me if you need anything.

Scarlett: mhmm.

Luke: scarlett..

Scarlett: Hm?

Luke: yesterday, the aura that came out from your sword is—

Scarlett: I know.

Noah: Do you know why?

Scarlett: sadly not.

Noah: can we believe those words?

Argos & Luke: Noah / Brother.

Scarlett: I don't need to prove myself to anyone now, do I? I will be soon leaving the duchy, so there won't be any problem soon.

Noah & Luke: You're leaving the duchy?...

Scarlett: didn't his grace told you?

Both of them turned to Argos.

Luke: father, what's she talking about?

Argos: I told you it's a no, you're not leaving.

Scarlett; and do you think you can stop me?

Scarlett looks at the tree of them as her eyes turned crimson red.

Argos: ( it's those eyes again... ) Ofcourse.

Scarlett: . . .

Noah: your eyes.

Scarlett's eyes turns back to Green and looks at Noah.

Scarlett: what about my eyes?

Noah: ( it turned back to green.. )

Luke: but i thought you said, you wanna be a knight? How can you be a knight if—

Scarlett puts down her fork and knife and looks at Luke.

Scarlett: The Academy is still there, is it not?

Argos; it'll take you 3 years to be a knight, if you plan on going to the Academy..

Scarlett: that's not a problem.

Luke: but father can easily set you up for the final exam, you wouldn't have to wait for 3 years—

Scarlett: I want to become a knight, without any help. Without anything having to do with this family.

Argos: but you we won't see you until the graduation—

Scarlett: and? you didn't see me for the past 5 years before, what's so hard about it?

Noah: watch your tone, you're talking to our father.

Luke: . . .

Scarlett: it's true. I don't speak Nothing but facts.

Noah: you're crossing the line, scarlett.

Scarlett: and do you think you're not?

The atmosphere lead to silence, looking at each other.

Noah: tsk, I'm sure mother will be disappointed seeing this attitude you're showing—

Scarlett: I wouldn't know..

Scarlett stood up and looks up to noah.

Scarlett: she was never by my side after all.

Noah's eyes widened. While argos and luke fall into silence.

Scarlett: I'm done, thank you for the food.

Scarlett bowed and leaves the room.

Noah: . . .

Luke stood up.

Luke: I'm also done.

Luke bowed and leaves the room, following scarlett.

Noah: was I wrong father?...

Argos: I supposed it's about time for you and luke to know what your little sister went through for the past 5 years..

Noah: What do you mean?...

Argos: philip.

Philip went inside the dining room.

Philip: yes, your grace?

Argos: call for luke in my office.

Philip: as you wish.

Argos stood up and looks down at Noah.

Argos: go to my office.

Noah: y-yes..

AFEW MINUTES LATER — At the duke's office with Argos and Noah waiting for Luke.

Suddenly the door opened and luke enters.

Luke: you called for me, father?

Argos; have a seat.

Luke took a seat beside noah.

Argos: alright, both of you listen carefully. I know your little sister has been showing some attitude lately.

Noah: she's crossing the line—

Luke: can't you just shut it for now?

Argos: both of you.

Luke: tsk. Continue father.

Argos: I'm asking for your understanding, to understand what your little sister have been feeling.

Argos: what your little sister went through for the past 5 years, was not something a child should go through.

Luke: what do you mean father...?

Argos: ... scarlett was being tortured while all of us are away for war.

Noah: what?..

Luke: who tortured her?

Argos: calm down, luke. Let me finish.

Luke: . . .

Argos: a I've said.. your little sister was being tortured by the past few maids here at the duchy.

Argos: I have already dealt with those maids who made your little sister suffer.

Argos: when I asked philip to investigate about those maids philip found out that they were sent by the queen.

Noah clenched his fist.

Argos: the reason why? I'm still not sure. What I am sure about is the queen wants to make scarlett suffer.

Luke: shouldn't we report this?

Argos: for now, let's hold it in. All the evidences were taken care of them queen, it'll be a big scandal for the kingdom.

Noah: what did they do scarlett?..

Argos: she gets whipped everyday, maids making her eat the leftover foods. cutting her wrist, if she ever disobeyed them...

Luke: what happened to those maids?...

Argos: all in their graves.

MEANWHILE WITH SCARLETT — At her desk tapping her fingers on the table.

Scarlett: ( he seriously have to argue with me just going to a knight's academy... )

“ I'm currently 13 and if it'll take 3 years before I graduate in that Academy, I'll be probably back here at 17. ”

[ Khalil Arc Lupus | 14 years old ]

“ Khalil is two years older than me... He'll be crowned at his 21 birthday. He'll be turning 15. ”

[ Alicia | 12 years old ]

“ Alicia is currently 12 which means she will be able to meet khalil when she's 18.. ”

“ at the same time meeting Luciano.. ”

[ Luciano Excart | 14 years old ]

“ Excart.. I guess Luciano is from another kingdom. There are no Excart here in the kingdom. I guess Luciano was sold as a slave. ”

“just a weird theory. Luciano was first introduce when a couple adopted him. He was 15 at that time."

“ the couple who adopted him treated him so poorly, no difference to a slave. ”

Scarlett sighed and shoves her head down.

“ I feel like I'm forgetting something.. ”

“ what was it again... ”she started Patting her head.

“ oh- yes.. that's right.. luke's death is in a year. ”

“if I leave now, luke's death might not be stopped.”

“ the first prince's trying to take over the throne will happen next year.. if only I could stop this before it happens.. ”she was in silence for awhile but then.

“ that's right! Kassimir will be having a talk at khalil's birthday with the guys he's with to take over the throne. I also need to sabotage the magic stone they'll be using. ”

“ this is perfect. I can still go to the academy. Before the novel starts. Before Luciano could even meet alicia. ”

SOMEWHERE — far with a kid wearing a hoodie. the kid took his hoodie off.

Luciano: ( finally, im here I can finally see you again. )

“ waiting for a hundred years is worth it.. ”

“ just to be embraced by you again.. ”

“ I'm not letting you go this time. ”

He flicked his fingers and slowly disappears.

“ I better get ready for his party. ”

2 DAYS LATER — at the palace. with all the maids preparing for khalil's birthday.

Yang: please prepare everything in order, and make sure not one bit lacks. we can't embarrass his highness.

Yang: the decorations, the foods, clean the throne room.

Maids: Yes, secretary Yang.

AT THE TRAINING GROUNDS — with Noah and Luke

Noah: Prepare for tonight's scouting. We must be aware of our surroundings in order to protect his highness. We can never take this job for a joke. Do I make myself clear.

Luke & Knights: Yes, first commander!

INSIDE THE PALACE WITH KHALIL — preparing his clothes for his party at the evening.

Khalil: . . .

someone suddenly knocked at his door.

Khalil: come in.

a guy with pink hair and blue eyes suddenly entered.

Kaizer: Happy 15th Birthday, my dear little brother~

Khalil quickly turns around as he hears kaizer's voice and walks up to him.

Khalil: pfft, thank you big brother.

Kaizer: you've grown up so well.

Khalil: big brother..

Kaizer: hm?

Khalil: will you be alright?

Kaizer: ah...

Khalil looked down as kaizer patted his head and smiles. Khalil looks up.

Khalil: big brother?...

Kaizer: don't worry, I'll be alright. don't be so negative alright? Today's your party.

Khalil; how can I not worry about big brother, when mother is being so strict with you...

Kaizer kneeled and hugs khalil.

Kaizer: then once you've become the king, make sure to change the system of the kingdom.

Khalil hugged kaizer back.

Khalil: I will.

Meanwhile, outside of the door there kassimir listening to them.

Kassimir: ( be the king huh?... if that's ever gonna happen. ) . . . ( I will be the king, not him. )

FLASHBACK.

“you must be the king! Never allow the prophecy to determine your fate! Believe me, one day you'll be—”

FLASHBACK ENDS.

Kassimir: ( the throne is mine. )

BACK AT THE TRAINING GROUNDS. — with Luke at his quarters along with tino.

Luke: ughhhhh!.. what do I wearrrrr! This is a nightmare!

Tino: you should've asked the palace's sewer to sew you a uniform...

Luke: there was an attack remember!!????

Tino: I'd lend you my uniform but you're working for Achlys, while I work for Boreas.

Luke; I know thaaaaat!

Someone suddenly knocked at his door. Luke walked to the door and opens it as one of the knight is standing right infront of them holding a package.

Knight: sir, the young lady scarlett, wants you to have This.

The knight handed the package and immediately leaves.

Luke: he didn't even say what's inside...

Luke closed the door and puts the package on top of the table as he and Tino stares at it.

Tino: well? Not gonna open it?

Luke: hmm...

Luke slowly opened the package and sees.

Luke: t-this is!..

WITH SCARLETT AT THE DUCHY — walking at the hall with Maria and Tasha.

Tasha; it's been awhile, my lady!

Scarlett: yes.. it has been awhile.

Tasha; has the young lady give the uniform for his grace?

Scarlett; not yet, but since you said it. you do it.

Tasha; e-eh!? I can't do that, my lady.

Scarlett: Maria then.

Maria; I'm scared of his grace, my lady.

Tasha and Maria looked at each other and giggled a little.

Scarlett: you two are doing this on purpose huh?...

Tasha; there's nothing to be shy about my lady. The sketches you gave me were fantastic.

Scarlett: I see.

Tasha & Maria: im sure his grace will love it.

Scarlett, maria and tasha continued to walk until they reached her room. The three of them went inside.

Scarlett took out her sword and start cleaning it.

Scarlett: I'm busy. So..

Maria & Tasha: ( you have to be kidding... )

Scarlett: ( their faces says it all. ) Anyways, tasha.

Tasha; y-yes?

Scarlett: how's the store?

Tasha: it's been going well thanks to my lady...

Scarlett: no problem?

Tasha; hmm..

Scarlett; is there?

Scarlett puts her sword down at her desk and looks at tasha.

Tasha; there was just a little probably.. but it's nothing major, I can take care of it.

Scarlett; what was it?

Tasha; there are just orphan kids who sometimes goes inside the store. Don't get me wrong my lady, I have no problem if there are it's just that.. I can't see them be just like that..

Scarlett; I see. Thank you for saying.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***