《I Was The Real Owner of Elheim》 Chapter 1 - How to get out of the family. ¡°Liarte Elheim.¡± It rained on her 20th birthday. The sky, covered with blue light, was unusually similar to the atmosphere of a funeral. Liarte, sitting on top of the enormous magic circle made of water, slowly raised her head at the call. ¡°No one in the family will forget your sacrifice.¡± The blue-eyed woman stared at her father, the Duke of Elheim. Heavy handcuffs that crush her wrists and a chain that forcibly tied her feet together prevented her from running away. It was a punishment for Liarte, Elheim¡¯s only unawakened* sinner. T/L Note: *Unconcious refers to her unawakened powers ¡®You¡¯re going to kill me.¡¯ Someone said that the power of water in the magic circle would drain Liarte¡¯s vitality. Even though no one spoke it out, today, for her, was a ¡®death sentence¡¯. Relatives who considered themselves as her family were waiting for Liarte¡¯s death, who was surrounded by a magic circle. ¡°Get started.¡± In the rain, the young man who was sitting on the highest throne, was her twin brother with the same dark hair and deep ocean-blue eyes. ¡®Lian.¡¯ Unlike Liarte, the unconscious, he had the power of water comparable to the first monarch. An obedient boy loved by everyone in the family. He was the reason why Liarte had to die. *** The Duke of Elheim was a family who wielded the power of water. Unlike most other families who lost almost all their powers over the years, Duke Elheim still had strong awakenings of water. However, unlike what is known to the public, Elheim was gradually losing power. ¡°Liarte, you still haven¡¯t learned the power of water yet?¡± As a child, Liarte had lowered her eyes in front of the Duke of Elheim. No one was interested in the fact that the tiny body was trembling with fear. ¡°I couldn¡¯t give up my expectations since you were born on the day the spirit stone shone so brightly, but I should¡¯ve known that you were completely useless.¡± The duke clicked his tongue coldly. As time went by, the direct blood relatives of Elheim also found that their water capacity was weakening. Then Liarte, who was born in the middle of it, was completely unconscious of her power. The family regarded Liarte as a disgrace to the family. The more Liarte tried to be loved, the more contempt filled gazes she received. ¡°Keep in mind. Your existence is only allowed as Lianrius¡¯s shadow.¡± The duke in her memory has always been like that. Lianrius, her twin brother, was a child born with everything. With his mighty water power, a beautiful appearance, and a noble, indifferent personality, everyone at Elheim loved Lianrius. However, Lianrius had a secret that was known only to those inside the family. If Liarte, his twin, is not around, he cannot use the power of water. Therefore, the Duke of Elheim raised her as the shadow of the Lianrius. Liarte was always dragged out when Lianrius had to use the power of water. At first, she only wished to be loved by my family. However, as time passed, Liarte gradually learned to resign. The more affectionate she was, the more the Duke of Elheim and her brother, the Heir of Elheim despised Liarte. ¡®Why did they go so far?¡¯ In their eyes, Liarte was just a stupid woman who was begging for love foolishly. However, Liarte¡¯s feelings were not eternal. The love that had been consumed unilaterally, had reached the bottom at some point. The resignation was long been cemented by abandonment. When she started to erase her expectations one by one, this happened. ¡°Your Excellency, I have finally found out,¡± the physician found a clue about Lianrius¡¯s ability. Unlike Lianrius, who sat beside the Duke, Liarte was kneeling on the floor. ¡°Is it the spirit stone?¡± She couldn¡¯t hear it properly, but she could only remember the duke¡¯s trembling voice. ¡°Yes.¡± The attending physician was from a family that had only researched about the Awakening of Water clan since the beginning of Elheim. ¡°You will remember that when the young master was born, the Spirit Stone had shone very brightly.¡± On the day the twins were born, the Spirit stone shone on its own. The spirit stone is a stone with enormous mana asleep inside it, and it was a legacy left behind by the first housekeeper, Juren, with his will. ¡°Someday, the real owner will appear and awaken the spirit stone and revive the family.¡± From generation to generation, all the Dukes of Elheim¡¯s wish was to awaken the spirit Stone. However, there was no sign of awakening the spirit stone for a long time. ¡°When Lianrius was born, it lit up for a while.¡± A real master to wake up the Spirit Stone. The people of the Duke of Elheim were inwardly convinced that it was Lian. ¡°Because the young master is a twin, he is not yet complete.¡± ¡°Because they are twins?¡± The Duke¡¯s unpleasant eyes turned to Liarte, who was still kneeling. ¡°According to the ancient literature of our ancestors, when the awakening process happens in twins, the power of the awakening may be partially transferred to the other twin.¡± Lianrius¡¯s water capacity that cannot be used without Liarte. The Spiritual stone had shone only on the day of he was born. ¡°You mean it¡¯s because of Liarte.¡± ¡®All the fault was with the unconscious Liarte.¡¯ Elheim¡¯s immediate blood relatives began to think so. After that, more time passed. At his Coming-of-Age Ceremony, Lianrius was able to use his abilities without Liarte. But for some reason, he wasn¡¯t as powerful as before. ¡®That¡¯s when it started.¡¯ After recollecting her hazy memories, Liarte opened her eyes in the pouring rain. ¡®The thought of killing me.¡¯ It was now known to the outside world that the water capacity of the Duke of Elheim was decreasing. The Spirit Stone, which had been expected to shine as Lian alone could use the power of water, did not shine twice. ¡°You have to kill Liarte.¡± Someone said at the time when she hid behind a corner. She didn¡¯t remember who he was in the family. Even if she remembers it, he meant nothing anymore. ¡°Without Liarte, Lianrius would be completed as the true owner of the family.¡± No one objected to the idea of ??killing the unconscious one. Thus, the 20-year-old¡¯s birthday was set in the form of Liarte¡¯s execution. *** ¡°This is a great thing.¡± Her first brother, Aynias, said lowly to Liarte, ¡°Your death will make Lianrius the real owner.¡± The people of the family firmly believed that Lianrius would awaken the spirit stone. Soon, the huge magic circle of water glowed blue. There was no reason to live anyway. Liarte¡¯s blue, watery eyes were numbly dry. She just thought, ¡®I¡¯ve been trying so hard for people who are nothing.¡¯ For Liarte, the family was nothing. Because they were humans who were worse than the others. The end of abandonment finally turned into her indifference. Liarte, who had been counting the days she had lived, slowly closed her eyes. ¡®If there is a next life¡­ I will throw them away. I will get out of Elheim at any cost. Surely.¡¯ Soon the vitality was drained and her consciousness was blurred. When the dark battle finally came, Liarte¡¯s body had already collapsed. It was the death, the awakened people of the Duke of Elheim so longed for, but no one could laugh. At the same time as Liarte¡¯s death, the spirit stone shone brightly and shattered. ¡°This, no way¡­¡± With a bloody face, the Duke of Elheim collapsed. ¡°Nonsense¡­..¡± The broken debris spilled out. The enormous mana that was sleeping inside the stone was vainly extinguished. The instinct from the power of water whispered the terrifying truth. The real owner of Spirit Stone is¡­ The rain that was falling poured into the world had become heavy rain. No matter how much the Awakenings of the Water tried to stop it, it did not stop. The people of the Duke of Elheim regretted bitterly. But it was already late. Liarte, who died, did not come back. Forever. *** Then, The Time reversed. To 3 years ago. Half a year before the coming of age ceremony, Liarte Elheim slowly opened her eyes. Chapter 2 ¡®Chalang.¡¯ Liarte opened her eyes to the sound of water splashing. ¡®The sound of water?¡¯ Liarte looked to find where the water sounds were coming from. But she couldn¡¯t see any water anywhere. Instead, a low space came into view. It was a small room. The old faded gray wallpaper was still a sight to behold. There was no furniture in the space except for the bed. People might be surprised at the sight of Duke Elheim¡¯s daughter living in such a condition. ¡®Am I still alive?¡¯ This was the place where Liarte spent most of her life. As soon as it was confirmed that she was unconscious, Elheim¡¯s arbitrary relatives pushed Liarte into this room. If you know your sins, as the shame of your family, at least stay out of sight. ¡®Strange. This room should have been burnt down.¡¯ My entire body, which I unconsciously raised, was in pain. But it was nothing compared to the pain at the time of death. Yes. Liarte stopped breathing. As Liarte slowly fumbled for her memory, She remembered the memory of her death. ¡±That man¡­ ¡° The moment she spoke, her throat was sore. At the time of her execution, Elheim¡¯s Awakeners, who only fixed their gaze on the water magic circle, would not have seen it, but Liarte clearly saw a blue man. As always, the Spirit Stone was lying around her twin younger brother, Lianrius. The only difference was the light from the Spirit Stone. A faint light leaked from the surface of the stone, which fluttered like water. Liarte couldn¡¯t take her gaze away from the light and looked at it as if she were possessed. As the execution progressed, the light grew more and more intense. A blue man appeared when a dazzling light burst out. Water gathered among the broken fragments of the spirit stone to form a human shape. The blue man, completed by spirit stone, desperately reached for Liarte. [No!] The enormous energy in the spirit stone was pushed into Liarte¡¯s body. The energy of water spread throughout her body as if it had found its owner. The rain, assimilated with Liarte¡¯s feelings, poured down from the sky. At that moment, Liarte realized she had awakened. ¡®Finally.¡¯ The ability of water, which she gave up thinking she could not use it for the rest of her life, surged through her body. Rainwater flowed down like tears over her expressionless face. Liarte thought, looking at Lianrius sitting on the throne, ¡®It was my ability, not yours.¡¯ As she thought about it, darkness arrived, and that was Liarte¡¯s last memory. ¡®Chalang.¡® Water gathered at the feet of Liarte, who had risen from her seat. At that moment, Liarte¡¯s eyes widened. No matter the times her family rejected her, the scene of her dealing with the water¡¯s ability has been watched with great interest. When she followed the movements of Lianrius when he used his power and the water enveloped around his fingertips, and it was a sophisticated ability that would be admired if other water awakeners saw it. Half-Elheim. The first un-awakener to appeared in Elheim for the first time. This mentality, which followed her for an entire lifetime, was wrong. Liarte was an Awakener of the Spirit Stone. She just awakened the ability at the moment of death. Someone knocked on the door lightly. Then naturally opened the door without listening to the answer. Soon a young man walked in. ¡°Liarte.¡± It wasn¡¯t very difficult to recognize who it was, although shade fell on the face because the place where he stood was against the light. The boy whom everyone loves. Liarte whispered, ¡°Lianrius.¡± However, Liarte¡¯s face no longer displayed any hint of affection. *** The Duke of Elheim snapped at the maid who stood in front of Liarte¡¯s door. ¡°Is she still having no sign of waking up?¡± ¡°The poison has been cured for sure, and she will soon regain consciousness. Young Master Lianrius has just entered.¡± The maid, who had grasped the Duke¡¯s mood, answered quickly. The Duke of Elheim softened his anger a little when the name of his youngest son, Lianrius, was revealed. ¡°Lianrius will take care of her.¡± He did not want an answer, he just said it to himself. The duke looked back at the closed iron gate. Two weeks ago, there was an accident in Elheim. An assassin came in during a banquet in which the Duke invited the imperial family and aristocrats. ¡°How dare you enter Elheim?!¡± There was a subtle rumor that the skill of the awakeners was not the same as before. The duke¡¯s water power was quietly circulating, so the awakeners of Elheim evacuated the distinguished guests and confirmed that the water power was in good shape. I thought it was perfect so far, but Liarte was the problem. ¡°A stupid and useless thing.¡± The Duke murmured with a cold face. The assassin¡¯s target was Lianrius. It was already late when he realized that the disturbance itself was a trap aimed at Lianrius. The poisoned blade headed for Lianrius. Then, Liarte jumped in front of the blade as if she were defending Lianrius, and then she lost her consciousness. ¡®I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re holding Lianrius back from using his ability.¡¯ Lianrius can¡¯t use the water¡¯s power if he is separated from Liarte. The only thing the duke cared about was the fact that Lianrius¡¯s agenda was delayed. No one went to Liarte for a week until they read the angry Duke¡¯s countenance. The Duke, who thought they have treated her, was belatedly informed of the fact. Did they say she suffered from poison for a week? ¡®But with her life spared, it¡¯s enough.¡¯ The Duke did not care about Liarte¡¯s wounds. ¡®She¡¯ll obey again, anyway.¡¯ As always, she¡¯ll beg for affection, and that¡¯s the pathetic daughter the Duke sees. The Duke did not think that Liarte could abandon them, and the awakener¡¯s unique watery energy was felt. ¡°Father.¡± ¡°Aynias?¡± A young man with silver-gray hair appeared. Aynias was the first son who was always cold and rational. ¡°Did you find out who¡¯s behind the assassin?¡± ¡°You don¡¯t have to think deeply. It¡¯s Birce anyway.¡± There were two awakening families in the empire who had not lost their ability. Duke Elheim of Water and the Duke Birce of Death. But the relationship between the two families was not good. ¡°The only person in this empire who dared to attack Elheim is Carmen Birce. ¡° The thought of the sly Duke of Birce made his blood pressure rise. The Duke, who erased his thoughts, put his hand on Aynias¡¯s shoulder. ¡°By the way, I don¡¯t know what happened so far.¡± Among the blood and flesh, Aynias was the one who despised Liarte the most. Aynias lowered his voice. ¡°This is not the time, Father. Just a moment ago, an abnormality occurred in the spirit stone.¡± A quick whisper came to cut the Duke¡¯s words. ¡°The spirit stone has started to shine.¡± There was still a maid in front of Liarte¡¯s door. Although he refined his expression, the Duke¡¯s eyes were wide. ¡°Really?¡± Despite the will of the first family member, it was the spirit stone that had been dormant. After all, the day the Spirit Stone shined, the owner was born. The Duke was naturally thinking of Lianrius. ¡°Aynias, summon the Awakeners of Elheim.¡± The long-awaited owner of Elheim might be born. *** Lianrius¡¯s hand penetrated between Liarte¡¯s fingers. The act of holding hands. Dry contact was only a means to use the water ability. His other hand was holding Liarte, and she with her dark long hair was observing Lianrius, who looked much younger than before she died. ¡®That¡¯s weird.¡¯ Unlike the last memory, when he looked closer to a man than a boy, right now, doesn¡¯t he look like a boy in his mid-teens? At first, she thought that all of this was a dream after my death. However, the sense of breathing and the feeling of being alive was so vivid. A dream couldn¡¯t be so vivid. ¡®What the hell is with this room and Lianrius?¡¯ Liarte¡¯s room was burnt down on the morning of her execution. It was the Duke¡¯s order to remove all the traces of the disgrace of Elheim. It was as if she had come back to a few years ago. Before coming of age, Lianrius often came to her room because he couldn¡¯t use his abilities without Liarte. How many years ago was it? Lianrius¡¯s hand slid from the middle to the end of her hair. ¡°You know better, Liarte.¡± Liarte remembered this conversation. A long time ago, when she woke up after being poisoned, Lianrius said this. At that time, she shed tears, saying that she was sorry for the delay of his schedule as she couldn¡¯t wake up sooner; but it was when still she loved her family unconditionally. ¡®How foolish it was.¡¯ Words that she couldn¡¯t say before came out easily. ¡°Do you believe such a thing?¡± Liarte asked in a dry tone. ¡°That I jumped in front of the assassin to save you?¡± At first, she thought it was a dream after death, but it was not a dream. ¡°Or maybe you were told that I was poisoned, but no one in my family was coming and that I was dying?¡± She was sick like a few years ago when she got poisoned. Every time she spoke, her breathing became rough. Liarte had already experienced this situation and this conversation once. ¡®What if I really came back?¡¯ She remembered the shattered spirit stone and the enormous energy flowing into her body. What if she somehow went back in time? The possibility could not be ruled out. ¡°Don¡¯t worry Young Master Elheim.¡± Liarte¡¯s hand, which was cool without warmth, removed Lianrius¡¯s hand, and pushed it away. ¡°I¡¯m not going to waste time on such useless things again.¡± It wasn¡¯t like the usual Liarte, and there was a subtle crack in Lianrius¡¯s indifferent face. Chapter 3 ¡°What do you mean?¡± In response to her strange reaction, Lianrius¡¯s mouth subtly hardened. It was Lianrius¡¯s habit that came out when he was lost in thought. The blue eyes looked straight into Liarte¡¯s eyes. The habit of twisting the corners of the mouth while looking in the eye. ¡®He definitely fixed it after the coming of age ceremony.¡¯ Lianrius was indifferent, but he tended to express his raw feelings. After getting caught and suffering due to the Duke Birce of the House of Death, this habit was thoroughly corrected. ¡®This is surely the past.¡¯ Around this time, Liarte regarded Lianrius as the sun. A noble sun in a different position than herself. A sun that was shining brightly. She wished for the affection of her twin, her closest blood relative. She used to tremble in fear that she would be hated even if she kept her mouth shut. Liarte suddenly became annoyed with this conversation. So she roughly held their hands together. When they hold hands enough for him to use the power of water, he will return. ¡°It means I won¡¯t do anything to annoy you. Do you have a problem?¡± She felt like It was meaningless to pay attention to him and let him consume her mind. ¡®It¡¯s strangely low.¡¯ Lianrius felt a subtle distance from the reaction of his strange twin sister. ¡®It feels like she changed.¡¯ Liarte¡¯s hands were much colder than usual. An Awakened person with the water ability had a characteristic of low body temperature. But Lianrius didn¡¯t even assume that it was awakening. He just brushed it away thinking that Liarte was a patient and her body temperature had decreased. Yes, Liarte was a patient. ¡®Come to think of it, She lost consciousness for nearly two weeks after the banquet.¡¯ After contemplating for a while, he could understand this reaction from Liarte. Furthermore, the poison used in the assassination attempt is mixed with the Opertarium, which is often used by the Duke of Birce. The main symptom of Opertarium is hallucinations. ¡®This reaction is a side effect of poison. ¡®I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll go back to normal.¡¯ Lianrius concluded. At that time, the door opened without any knocking. ¡°Lianrius. It would be nice if you had time.¡± Aynias entered Liarte¡¯s room for the first time in his life. He was one of those people who asked her to die for Lianrius before her return. He walked forward and did not even look at the direction of Liarte. ¡°Father has called the Awakeners of Elheim.¡± ¡°Why am I being summoned?¡± Aynias despised Liarte, but to Lianrius, he was the caring older brother. There was only one direct reason why Aynias hated Liarte. ¡®Is it because my mother died?¡¯ It was the confession that Aynias made in the prison just before her death. The Duchess of Elheim died after giving birth to twins. Lianrius, the younger one of the twins, was the last to be born, but no one blamed Lian. This is because Aynias firmly believed that the Duchess had died due to Liarte. After all, she had given birth to an unawakened child. It was a story that she couldn¡¯t feel any inspiration from now. The two continued with the conversation as if Liarte wasn¡¯t present. ¡°I¡¯m sorry that I interrupted your time, but an abnormality has occurred in the spirit stone.¡± ¡°Tell me more, Aynias.¡± Lianrius showed interest in the conversation. ¡°The spirit stone suddenly started to glow. You should go and see if you can wake it up.¡± Liarte was capable of making it glow. ¡®That light.¡¯ The blue man appearing from the spirit stone¡­ Fragments of the Spirit Stone being broken from execution as if connected to Liarte¡­ ¡®In the past, the Spirit Stone did not shine.¡¯ The only thing that changed from the past was herself. Liarte was the Awakener of the Spirit Stone. She returned to the past while accepting the enormous energy from the spirit stone. ¡°Let¡¯s talk on our way.¡± Aynias took Lianrius out. Soon the door closed. Liarte muttered a word she saw in old books a long time ago. ¡°Regression.¡± It meant ¡®Returning of the soul to a time in the past¡¯. Elheim¡¯s blood and flesh had killed Liarte. It was doubtful that she was saved because she was the Awakener of the Spirit Stone, or if her coming back to life was because of the water magic being incomplete. In the end, it was clear that her revival had something to do with the shimmering Spirit Stone. ¡®I really came back¡­?¡¯ It was an incredible miracle. Liarte calculated the age at which she collapsed due to poison. The day she died was on her 20th birthday, and she collapsed due to poison half a year before her adulthood ceremony at the age of 17. 3 years ago. She came back to the time just before she died. At the time of her execution, she had vowed to escape from this family if she ever got a chance. Now Liarte was the Awakener of The Water. She wasn¡¯t sure whether her power was a blessing or a curse, but one thing was certain. ¡®I will escape from Elheim.¡¯ Liarte will abandon the Duke of Elheim. Just like they did. The first step was preparing for Birce¡¯s visit, which would take place two days later. * * * The carriage was heading to Elheim. A strange gold pattern was engraved on the black exterior. Anyone could see that the carriage belonged to the Duke of Birce. The wagon was unusually driven by a knight. ¡±We¡¯ll arrive soon, Young Master.¡± ¡°When?¡± The voice heard inside the cabin was captivating. His voice, like temptation that cannot be resisted, was sweet and low, stimulating the human hearing. His appearance was just as enthralling as an angel, so much so no one would be able to refuse him. It was because of this that Michael, the master of the knight Walter, was more dangerous. ¡°It usually takes five minutes to get there, so shouldn¡¯t we add ten more minutes to it?¡± ¡°You can do that in ten minutes with that skill?¡± Michael chuckled. ¡°Shall we bet? Who catches more. For reference, I always win.¡± It was a serious joke. Enemies were gathered at the mouth of the forest. The average assailant or robber would have fled immediately after seeing the infamous Birce¡¯s emblem. However, they rather gathered when they saw the pattern of Birce. It meant that Michael in the carriage was the target. Walter was on the lookout for the enemy, but it was too late. ¡°With this, I am the winner of the 800th bet.¡± ¡°And I lost 800 times.¡± Michael, a bad-tempered man, had already kicked open the door of the carriage. Walter paid his silent tribute. ¡® ¡­.won¡¯t go back alive.¡¯ Not him and Michael, but his enemies. ¡°I hate being hindered and interrupted.¡± At his drowsy tone, death spread through the woods. Without even being able to scream, the lives wrapped in black energy fell to the ground. The enemies wouldn¡¯t even know how they died. The ability to kill thousands of knights in a single stroke made the Imperial family and aristocrats wary of the Duke Birce of Death. ¡°It¡¯s over.¡± Walter sighed and cleared the remaining bodies. There were little traces left behind. ¡°There¡¯s poison in your mouth. It¡¯s a bad idea.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sure. You seem to be doing quite interesting things.¡± Michael unfastened the velvet eye patch. ¡°You still can¡¯t see anything?¡± ¡°Yes. I thought it would get better with time, but it¡¯s still dark.¡± Not long ago, Michael Birce lost his sight. It wasn¡¯t poison or a physical problem, it was a curse. The only thing that could solve his condition was an outstanding awakener of the Water with detoxification and healing powers. ¡°It¡¯s not a curse that can be released that easily.¡± ¡°By now, the imperial family must be holding a toast.¡± An information came in that assassins had appeared at Elheim¡¯s banquet. Birce knew that the Imperial family behind it. However, Elheim seemed to be convinced that Birce was the one behind the assassination attempt. After all, the Duke of Elheim¡¯s hatred for Birce was famous. In this situation, there was no way that they would welcome Michael who visited to lift the curse. ¡°Will they help the young master?¡± ¡°Who knows.¡± Michael replied nonchalantly. He pulled up his lips and smiled gracefully. ¡°It¡¯s a miracle if they can help, or I¡¯m going to get some information about Elheim. Either way, I¡¯ve got nothing to lose.¡± The faded red eyes in the eye patch were dim. The Imperial family was the only one who can use such a curse. At the same time, blinding the Birce successor, and forming a play to make Elheim hate Birce more. The imperial family must have taken Birce as a joke. It was The Duke of Birce¡¯s way of pursuing the enemy and killing him brutally. No matter who was behind the imperial family, Michael thought to return the little gift he had received. Even though he couldn¡¯t see, it won¡¯t ever affect his revenge. ¡°Then, Young Master.¡± Birce¡¯s carriage approached the castle of Elheim. ¡°One in a million, what would you do if someone could actually break the curse?¡± Walter asked carefully because he was a man who didn¡¯t know where to go. ¡°I¡¯m going to give them everything they ask for.¡± ¡°What?¡± Michael folded his fingers and counted the things he could give. ¡°Jewels, power, or honor. They¡¯ve helped Birce. I¡¯ll give them everything I can.¡± The grace was clear. Just as you must kill your enemy, you must treat your saviors with due respect. That was Birce¡¯s creed. The carriage finally arrived at the gates of Elheim. ¡°Hey! It¡¯s Birce!¡± The tightly closed door was about to open. Vigilance and vigor flowed from the elheim knights placed at the borders. They were still an unfortunate family full of hypocrites. ¡°Go to Elheim.¡± Michael told the knights of Elheim. ¡°Tell them the successor of Birce has come to the visit.¡± The next Duke of Birce. The heir to the hostile family, which was the exact opposite of Elheim had come to visit. In such a situation, Michael was the only one laughing like an angel. Chapter 4 The Room of the First Patriarch of Elheim was the place where the spirit stone and the Heirloom of Elheim were kept. Jurien, The First Patriarch and the first Awakener of Water, is said to have designed this room himself. Walls made of material similar to spirit stone had not worn down even after so many years. ¡®The report of the stone shining was true.¡¯ In the first patriarch¡¯s room, the Duke of Elheim lost his composure and swallowed his breath. Originally, the spirit stone was placed on a silver pedestal in the centre of the room. But now, it was floating in the air and was scattering a brilliant blue light. The Duke opened the door with Aynias and called for Lianrius to come in . ¡°Lianrius.¡± Except for direct descendants of Elheim, people were prohibited to enter this place, except under inevitable or special circumstances. ¡°Come this way.¡± ¡°The spirit stone really is shinning .¡± Standing next to the Duke, Lianrius looked up at the spirit stone. ¡°If you can sense something, you can say it.¡± A blue stone with a watery surface. But he couldn¡¯t sense anything. ¡°I¡¯m not sure, Father.¡± Despite the boy¡¯s indifferent answer, the Duke smiled gently. ¡°It is likely that the power of water isn¡¯t as good as you are yet to come of age. Don¡¯t worry, Lianrius.¡± Liarte¡¯s voice overlapped with that of the Duke. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Lianrius Elheim.¡± ¡°After coming-of-age ceremony, you will not need her either.¡± It was a daytime appearance that he had never seen before. ¡°I will not waste my time on such useless things again.¡± Lianrius himself didn¡¯t know why he thought of Liarte at that moment. The Duke seemed to misunderstand Lianrius. ¡°So first of all, raise your hand.¡± ¡®Elheim¡¯s youngest son everyone loves.¡¯ As if trying to erase Liarte¡¯s voice, Lianrius put his hand on the spirit stone without hesitation. Flash. The softly shining spirit stone flickered once. Mana fluctuated under the transparent crystal of water. Blink, blink. The Spirit Stone began to flicker faintly as if warning. It was somehow unstable, but no one noticed. When Lianrius released the stone, the movement of the light stopped. ¡°I¡¯m sure you are the one who will wake up the spirit stone.¡± The Duke¡¯s voice trembled. Now that the capacity of water in the family is weakening, he must have possessed a great power for the spirit stone to wake up. ¡°Is that so?¡± Lianrius looked down at his hand. He couldn¡¯t feel anything. However, it was true that Spirit Stone blinked. ¡°You met the conditions left by Jurien.¡± There were two conditions to identify the real Owner who will awaken the spirit stone and revive the family. He/she must have more powerful water power than anyone else. It must be the Awakener of the water that has waited for the longest period to bloom. Awakeners usually gained abilities within a few days of being born and as the awakening period increased, the more powerful they became. Lianrius was the only one who awakened after a long period of 7 days in this family. The time to indulge in foolish joy was not long. ¡°Your Grace!¡± The Knight Commander of Elheim, who had been guarding the gate, hurriedly opened the door. ¡°What¡¯s going on? I told you not to let anyone in here!¡± The Knight Commander rarely showed a stubborn attitude. ¡°There has been a situation, therefore I came to see you in person. The carriage has now arrived outside the gate.¡± ¡°Are you a guest who can get in the way of doing something serious at this moment?¡± The Duke expressed displeasure. Even if It¡¯s the Imperial family, they couldn¡¯t touch the Duke of Elheim so easily. ¡°That, it¡¯s Birce.¡± ¡°How dare you talk about Birce in front of me?!¡± The Duke got upset at the word Birce and screamed. Originally, Birce was labelled as a close enemy to Elheim, but after the assassin case broke out, only pure hatred and the desire to see Birce collapse was left. Thinking up to that point, enraged with anger, the Duke fumed even with just a mention of the word ¡®Birce¡¯ ¡°How dare Birce come here?¡± The Knight Commander knelt down on one knee. ¡°I saw it with my own eyes. Birce¡¯s symbol was engraved on the wagon, and they brought a visitor¡¯s note.¡± The Duke breathed in to keep his composure. ¡°So It¡¯s a visit.¡± ¡°It seemed genuine, even from a distance.¡± The visitor¡¯s note was a certificate written by the temple and the Imperial family. A protocol stating that the opponent¡¯s family will not be harmed. A person with a visitor¡¯s note could not harm the visiting family, and a family welcoming a visitor could not betray a guest. If this was violated, the entire empire can turn against the house under the permission of the Imperial family and the temple. ¡°It¡¯s not the Duke of Birce. Rather, it¡¯s the Young Heir of Birce.¡± ¡°Lead the way. ¡° Birce¡¯s successor was visiting Elheim. He didn¡¯t know the purpose behind the visit, but he had no intention of tolerating it. *** Michael, who waited in front of the closed gates of Elheim, called Walter. ¡°What do you think will happen now?¡± ¡°What do you think our visit will be like? You won¡¯t be able to see it, but I¡¯m still on the lookout for a danger.¡± Michael grinned at Walter¡¯s words. ¡°That¡¯s not what I¡¯m saying.¡± Isn¡¯t the Duke of Elheim famous for his unilateral hostility toward Birce? ¡°How many men are guarding the gate now?¡± ¡°There are countless¡­ Oh, I see.¡± Walter nodded his head. There were many knights guarding the walls and gates, but none of them appeared to be the Awakeners of Water. Even though assassins came in a while ago and the security was so strict. The water users had disappeared. ¡°What the hell happened to all the Awakeners?¡± ¡°Well.¡± Michael¡¯s senses were whispering that there was something going on. ¡®I wish it was as fun it could be.¡¯ The Elheims, who were obsessed with their family, their lineage, and awakening and proud of themselves were too boring. At that time, the gates of Elheim slowly opened. And the Duke with a stiff face appeared with the knights in tow. ¡°What brings Birce¡¯s successor here?¡± ¡°I¡¯m here to request something from Elheim.¡± The visitor¡¯s note shook and fluttered in Michael¡¯s hand. ¡®He looks exactly like his father.¡¯ Michael¡¯s gentle attitude resembled the Duke Carmen Birce. ¡°I brought the visiter¡¯s note formally, so check it out.¡± It was difficult to read the gaze because of the velvet eye patch filled with Michael. At first glance, he seemed to be smiling, but was he really laughing? Now that the Duke has determined that Lianrius was the Awakener of the Spirit Stone, he did not want the people of Birce to know, however it was impossible to dismiss the person who brought the visiting note. ¡°¡­.It¡¯s really is a visiter¡¯s note licensed from the imperial family and the temple.¡± ¡°If you are reluctant to let me visit, you can tell me to go back right now.¡± Michael, who confirmed the Duke¡¯s acceptance of the visit, said softly. ¡°It¡¯s a natural instinct to fear the power of death.¡± The ridicule that The Duke was frightened was too much for him to accept. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a big deal to have a kid like this in. ¡°I don¡¯t intend to dismiss the heir, so come in.¡± His voice reverberated through his teeth. After a while. ¡®The Duke is gentler than I heard from my father.¡¯ In the middle of the enemy¡¯s camp, Michael, who held teacup, remained calm. ¡°My eyes are completely blind. I would have called a healer if it were an injury, but it¡¯s a powerful curse.¡± ¡°¡­¡­so?¡± ¡°If there¡¯s a water awakener who can lift this curse, I¡¯d like some help. ¡° Duke Elheim¡¯s face was hardened to the point that it could no longer be pitiful. Birce does not forget favors. If it were a normal family, he would treat Michael and put a debt on Birce, but the Duke¡¯s deep-rooted hatred brought only resentment. ¡°What level of curse is it?¡± ¡±Even the saint could not restore my sight.¡± ¡°I understand.¡± The Duke answered once. However, he had no intention of helping Birce. ¡°That would put a lot of pressure on the one curing the curse. Can I attach a condition?¡± ¡°As long as you can help me.¡± Michael was a mysterious man. ¡°The deadline is one month, wait for the voluntary Awakener to appear. They may lose their life by removing the curse, so I want to leave it to choice rather than force.¡± In other words, it meant to wait quietly for the volunteer . It was a good proposition, but it meant that no one would be willing to cure the curse. ¡°It¡¯s a curse that even a saint couldn¡¯t get rid of.¡¯ No one in the current family has ever had such a powerful awakening, except for Lianrius. Even if there was, there was no way they would be willing to help Birce. They¡¯ll be afraid of the curse¡¯s reaction, so they won¡¯t willingly volunteer. It was unlikely for Birce¡¯s successor to recover his sight. ¡°Yes, I will wait for the choice as the Duke said.¡± Somehow Michael¡¯s voice sounded unnaturally low. ¡°Slowly for a month.¡± When the Duke looked back, Michael was putting down his teacup. *** At midnight, Liarte woke up. ¡®Michael Birce.¡¯ Liarte had only one purpose. Before her return, no one was able to release Michael¡¯s curse. His visit to Elheim was just an incident in which Elheim insulted Birce¡¯s successor. The Duke¡¯s judgment that he thought things would end like that was wrong. Michael, who became the next Duke, pushed Elheim to the brink of it¡¯s fall. The only thing he wanted in the future was the destruction of Elheim. Lianrius¡¯s abilities weakened after his coming of age ceremony. Michael could not restore his sight even after Liarte died. ¡®But I can do it.¡¯ She was convinced that it would be possible to get rid of the curse if she tried it herself. Even if she wasn¡¯t able to solve it, if she helps, she¡¯ll be able to put Birce in debt. Soon, Liarte arrived in front of a spectacular door for the honored guests as as she remembered. Inside it, sat Michael. Chapter 5 The bell rang at midnight. ¡°I expected it, but not a single awakener is here.¡± Walter looked at Michael¡¯s countenance and clicked his tongue as he pulled the curtain. A white clock tower was seen far away in the dark. Walter grumbled for nothing. ¡°Oh, my God. Is that clock tower present in every noble family? It¡¯s noisy every midnight.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not like that. It¡¯s only erected in the families where the awakened people are born.¡± In the moonlight that came through the window, Michael stood wearing an eye patch. The effect of his curse was not just to deprival of his sight. Even a little exposure to light caused a burning pain in his eyes. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be better for you to return to Birce?¡± The situation was so terrible that Walter spoke up. All the way to Elheim, he was followed by an assassin, and the curse of the eye was getting worse. Although unknown to the outside, Birce¡¯s ability was also limited. ¡°If you can¡¯t see, then it would be hard to control your ability. It would be funny if you accidentally kill the Duke of Elheim while trying to catch an assassin¡­¡± Walter, who was eagerly speaking, suddenly shut his mouth. It was because Michael had a pistol in his hand. ¡°I¡¯ve changed my mind.¡± Michael was unexpectedly smiling. ¡°¡®I¡¯ll stay in Elheim for a whole month. In the name of waiting for a choice .¡± It wasn¡¯t visible, but the pistol¡¯s muzzle was pointed exactly in the direction of Walter¡¯s head. ¡°So find out why the Duke of Elheim summoned the Awakeners of the Water.¡± Walter became polite when he saw the pistol aimed at his head. ¡°Of course, as your escort, I have to follow the will of the Young Master. I will collect information right away.¡± There were no people in the annex where Michael was staying, perhaps because of their guard against Birce. Instead, knights were guarding every window and door that was visible. As Michael looked down on them from the window, Walter crept up to him. ¡°Then, this loyal escort will be right back.¡± Soon Walter disappeared as he ran on to the darkness. Michael sat on the sofa only after Walter had completely left. ¡®I don¡¯t think I¡¯m ever going to get my sight back.¡¯ Saint Estella had said that he needed a powerful awakener of water to lift this curse. By adding that the person should at least be born in the direct line of Elheim. And the Duke of Elheim, as seen by Michael, seemed completely unwilling to release the curse of his eye. ¡®That¡¯s why it¡¯s difficult. At this point, I¡¯m in trouble .¡¯ For Birce, the loss of vision meant that life was over. The ability of death could be accurately controlled only with the eyes. If the target was not properly killed or even hit by the caster, the consequences might be disastrous. Michael rested his hands on the armrest of the sofa. As he was immersed in his thoughts he detected a distinct scent. ¡®Water?¡¯ Awakeners have a scent that fits their abilities. The awakeners of Death have a keen sense of smell, hence they could smell the scent from Elheim. This scent was like fresh water. Soon, the sound and sense of a person opening the door came to Michael. ¡°Oh, dear. I hate late night guests.¡± The person stopped moving when he said something similar to a joke. In exchange for being blind, Michael¡¯s other senses were much more sensitive and sharp than before. Still, the scent was too faint. Strangely, he wanted to hold onto it because he felt that it would disappear soon. He felt that he can confirm that it was alive only when it is held in his hand. It was a strange impulse that even he could not understand. Was it because he had never sensed such a scent before? He could not think of an answer. ¡°I am not an assassin.¡± A clear voice answered Michael. He could hear the sound of the footsteps nearing. The steps were quiet. ¡°The Duke of Elheim will not send an awakener of water for you.¡± ¡°Why are you here then?¡± Liarte was relieved that the place where Michael was staying was no different from the room before she returned. Otherwise, it would have taken longer to find it. Maybe it was true that he couldn¡¯t see, as the room was dark without a single ray of light. ¡°Michael Birce.¡± ¡®Unlike my past self, I will not turn Michael into an enemy.¡® ¡°I¡¯ll help you with the curse.¡± Before her regression, Elheim lost half of its Knights and Awakeners in the aftermath. On top of that, he took one eye from Aynias, the firstborn, and Danterion, the second born. He was a dangerous man but no one could ever forget him after they saw his smile. ¡°What can you give me if I put an end to the curse and restore your vision?¡± In her memory, Michael did not trust strangers. She had no guarantee of lifting the curse, but she thought that it would be better off expressing it as if it could be cured instead of using vague words. That way, she¡¯d at least get a chance to see his eyes covered in eye patches. Michael¡¯s eyes under velvet eye patch brushed Liarte. She held her breath as if suffocated. ¡°Everything.¡± Michael laughed. ¡°This is a curse which couldn¡¯t even be healed by Saint Estella, but if you could bring my eyes back¡­ I¡¯ll give you everything.¡± It was a devilish sweet whisper. ¡°All right.¡± Liarte wanted to look closely at Michael. ¡°I want to see the state of the curse first.¡± It was difficult to know the progress because of the velvet eye patch which covered his eyes. ¡°Do as you please. There is no reason not to cooperate with someone who wants to release the curse.¡± The eye patch was tied in a complicated knot, so it seemed difficult to untie it by herself. ¡°I¡¯ll remove the eye patch.¡± Michael rarely flinched, but Liarte, not aware of it, reached her hand forward. The golden pattern on the black eye patch belonged to the Duke of Birce. Liarte¡¯s hand reached over the knot on the eye patch. It was more complicated than she thought, so it took time to untie the knot. ¡°The knot is tightly tied.¡± ¡°My escort tightly tied it so that it won¡¯t be released.¡± In fact, it was a knot that only Michael himself could untie. Because he was the one who taught himself to tie the knot. However, Liarte, who wanted to solve the eye patch, did not let him do it himself. Michael held his breath every time her tactile finger touched him. A few strands of her long black hair ran down near Michael¡¯s shoulder. The scent of refreshing water kept stimulating his sense of smell. What does she look like? He couldn¡¯t imagine how she looked like even though she stood so close to him. By the time Michael unwittingly reached out for her long flowing hair, all of his knots were loosened. ¡°So this is how you looked like. ¡° Liarte whispered. He was rumored to be alluring, but his appearance was more impressive than she thought. Brilliant, heated platinum hair and thick eyelashes. His red eyes were hazy, but they looked like jewels. The lines were clear and the eyes were raised, but there was no sharp feeling. She could understand why he was described as a beauty that shook the empire in the future. Because of his fascinating appearance. This is precisely why Liarte was impressed. ¡°Don¡¯t admire it.¡± (Michael) ¡°I just admired it enough,¡± After responding, Liarte looked into Michael¡¯s eyes reflected under the moonlight, without even realizing that she was the only one who saw Michael¡¯s face without any agitation. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± ¡®I want to know what you think about me more than the pain in my eyes caused by moonlight.¡¯ Liarte stopped trying to answer. ¡®This is¡­¡¯ The pupil was dilated. When she looked closely, something identical to black letters showed a certain movement around the edge of the pupil. At first glance, she could see a glimpse of a faint smoke-like membrane. It was a curse that Liarte knew. ¡°It¡¯s black magic. It¡¯s a little different from the usual kind of curse.¡± ¡°How do you know? You¡¯re from Elheim.¡± Michael asked. The Duke of Elheim hated the power of ancient times and was a man who disliked even the mentioning of black magic. It is said that magic and black magic existed in the time of the first patriarchs. Liarte¡¯s face got closer to his. ¡°I read it in a book.¡± As Michael said, the average person of Elheim should not know this. Nonetheless, Liarte knew the information. ¡®When I couldn¡¯t give up my hope of being loved by my family, I read the books because I wanted to be helpful without the ability of water.¡® It was a fact that she had forgotten until she saw the curse. ¡°This is a seven-layered veil, a progressive curse that takes place over a certain period of time.¡± Fierce water power shattered the black letters on the curse. ¡®Who the hell is this person?¡¯ He couldn¡¯t know because he couldn¡¯t see. But was there such a powerful Water Awakener in Elheim? All of the Primary Awakeners of Elheim were men. An Awakener of Water could not have strong power unless he/she was a direct descendant of Elheim. ¡°It¡¯s done.¡± Liarte regained tranquility after feeling a slight tension. It was her first time using her water ability, but she destroyed the letter without difficulty. ¡°There¡¯s a letter at the top that acts as a seal, and there are seven layers below it. I removed one letter today, and I¡¯ll be removing one layer at a time.¡± Liarte leaned back after explaining. ¡°So, I¡¯ll be back tomorrow. Michael Birce.¡± Soon it would be dawn. Liarte turned around and used the power of water. She wasn¡¯t familiar with the application yet, but she was able to avoid the eyes of the patrolling knights. ¡°Wait. I don¡¯t know your name.¡± Michael¡¯s gaze moved in Liarte¡¯s direction. ¡°See you tomorrow.¡± A clear voice replied to his question. ¡°Yes¡­ see you tomorrow.¡± It was the first someone had greeted Liarte back. Soon the refreshing scent disappeared. Michael felt thirsty. Chapter 6 The light from the window lit up the bedside. The noon was a rare time of sunshine in the room. ¡®Afternoon?¡¯ Liarte blinked. I fell asleep right away yesterday, perhaps because I was mentally exhausted while using the power of water. When she opened her hand, clenching something, she saw a black string. It was one of the knots that tied Michael¡¯s eye patch. ¡±It wasn¡¯t a dream. I met Michael Birce.¡± Liarte succeeded in changing the future a little. Before her return, he had no contact with Michael. There was no one to inform the abandoned princess Liarte of Birche¡¯s visit. At that time, her fever continued to rise because of the after-effects of poison, and she was sick. ¡°Is it because of the ability of the awakened water that I didn¡¯t suffer from heat unlike before returning?¡± It was only a few years later that she learned how the Duke insulted Michael. The future Michael took half of the estate of Elheim by war. Driven by the limits, the Duke of Elheim confessed this to Liarte beyond the jail bars. ¡°That¡¯s why Birce is trying to avenge us.¡± Then the Duke forced Liarte to die. He said you had to complete Lianrius with your death and wake up the Spirit Stone. The families believed that when the Spirit Stone woke up, the water¡¯s ability would be strong enough to drive Birce out. Contrary to their conviction, it was Liarte that Spirit Stone chose. ¡®I have to hide this fact thoroughly.¡¯ The awakening and the spirit stone had to be thoroughly concealed until adulthood. If Eheim knew, they would never let Liarte go. Liarte came up with imperial law. Minor nobles born to the Awakened Family were forced to reside in the family until they reached adulthood. Instead, after reaching adulthood, they were free to choose their own residence. ¡®There are two cases of legal adulthood.¡¯ It was when the family held a commemoration ceremony or the 17th birthday. The coming of age ceremony was held by the awakened family after the age of 16. With twins, when one of them had an adult ceremony, the other twin was also recognized as an adult. ¡¯17th birthday or Lianrius¡¯s coming of age ceremony, ¡® That day, Liarte will be able to completely escape from Elheim. This time Michael was indebted to her. So if things go wrong, she can get Birce¡¯s help. ¡°See you tomorrow.¡± Suddenly, Michael¡¯s greeting came to Liarte¡¯s mind. There were many times when she was polite to say that they should meet again, but it was the first time that Liarte had actually made an appointment with someone. It was the first time she had close contact with someone other than Lianrius. Unlike the cool body temperature of the awakener of water, Michael¡¯s body temperature was warmer than she expected. There was still a slight warmth in his palm. Click. While she was lost in thought, the door opened. ¡°Liarte.¡± The person who entered was unexpectedly Lianrius. By habit, Liarte calculated the cycle. If the contact time* was when she returned and woke up, Lianrius should be able to use the water ability by himself for the next few days. (T/N: * it means that there is a cycle for them to have contact so that Lianrius could use power of water and it wasn¡¯t the time for them to have the contact wasn¡¯t yet so Liarte was confused on why Lianrius was there) She was wary of why he came here. ¡®Did you find out I went to Michael? Or Is it because you sense the power of water that I used?¡¯ She thought she had hidden the traces thoroughly, but did he notice it? Contrary to Liarte¡¯s thoughts, Lianrius¡¯s gaze shifted towards Liarte¡¯s face. She still looked at Lianrius emotionlessly. At that moment, his expression hardened. Just a while ago. -flashback- ¡°The light of the Spirit Stone is stronger than yesterday, Lianrius.¡± Aynias spoke to Lianrius. At the centre of the First Patriarch¡¯s Chamber, the spirit stone was shining brighter than yesterday. ¡°Since when has this been like this, Aynias?¡± ¡°Hwi-Amin said that the light suddenly became darker around this dawn.¡± Aynias asked carefully, ¡°What did you do?¡± Lianrius looked up at the spirit stone. He couldn¡¯t feel anything. Nevertheless, Lianrius did not take his eyes off the spirit stone. ¡°Lianrius?¡± The blue color of the spirit stone. The eyes that were as cold as the crystal-cold surface came to mind. ¡°I won¡¯t waste my time on such useless things again.¡± Liarte¡¯s words, which were strangely annoying, passed through his ears. ¡°Lianrius? Are you listening?¡± Aynias put his hand on Lianrius¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Is there something wrong with the Spirit Stone? You¡¯ve been making a face as if you¡¯re displeased.¡± At Aynias¡¯s words, Lianrius realized his feelings. ¡®Yes, I felt a slight discomfort when I heard Liarte.¡¯ Until now, for Lianrius, Liarte was nothing more than his twin sister who allowed him to use the water ability. It¡¯s not worth taking the time to think of it. However, Liarte¡¯s dry attitude did not leave his mind. That unfamiliar coldness disturbed him as she didn¡¯t look at him with her tear-filled affectionate eyes. ¡°Now that time has passed, the side effects of the poison have almost been resolved.¡± The side effects of Opertarium lasts for one day at most. As Lianrius moved, Aynias asked from behind. ¡°Lianrius, where are you going?¡± ¡°I need to go check on something.¡± He was going to go to Liarte¡¯s room. If he sees Liarte, who will have returned to her original state, the interest will soon fade. He was thinking of confirming his feelings that did not differ from usual. -end of flashback- The plan collapsed the moment Lianrius entered Liarte¡¯s room. ¡°What is it?¡± Liarte still felt unfamiliar to him. Rather than rejoicing at the fact that Lianrius had come, her attitude of asking the matter felt businesslike. ¡®Why?¡¯ Hallucinations and the aftereffects of poison should have disappeared. ¡°I came to see if you still have the after effects of poison. How is your body?¡± ¡°Why are you curious about that?¡± Lianrius doubted his ears. Why did it seem like Liarte sincerely rejected him? ¡°The only thing that matters to you anyway is whether I can regain consciousness, Lianrius.¡± Liarte replied calmly. Lianrius could not use the water¡¯s ability, no matter how much contact he made when Liarte is unconsciousness. That¡¯s why even when Liarte was ill, if Lianrius needed her power, she was forced to wake up. ¡®I¡¯ve never rested, even when I was suffering from a high fever.¡¯ ¡°No, your condition is important to me.¡± Lianrius finally admitted that Liarte had changed. The Liarte who jumped in front of the assassin¡¯s blade differed from the Liarte who had woken up again after collapsing. ¡°Speak of the matter, you came in to say.¡± Feeling strange, Lianrius went on. ¡°I¡¯ll unlock the room for a while, so you can walk around freely during the day, Liarte.¡± Although he impulsively gave her freedom, Liarte did not respond. In fact, to Liarte, Lianrius was nothing. ¡®If he asks me whether I like it, I¡¯ll say no, but that¡¯s it. ¡® Lianrius went out of the room to organize his thoughts. Liarte has changed. For some reason, her present appearance kept flashing before his eyes. * * * The midnight bell rang. Michael breathed in the refreshing fragrance. Then he greeted her. ¡°Hello.¡± It was a gentle attitude that Walter, who went out to gather information, would be frightened to see. Liarte greeted him back. ¡±Hello, Michael Birce.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it too tiring to include my last name?¡± The scent from the invisible benefactor stimulated Michael. When he realized that, his throat felt dry like before. ¡°Then shall I call you Prince Birce?¡± ¡°No. I¡¯d like you to call me by my first name.¡± As Liarte approached, Michael stopped breathing for a moment. ¡°Alright, Michael.¡± He heard a clear voice close to his ear. ¡°I have to remove the curse, so I¡¯ll remove the eye patch again today.¡± Unlike yesterday, when the knot was tightly tied, the bandage on the eye patch was loosely tied. Thanks to that, the eye patch was easily peeled off. ¡°How are your eyes?¡± ¡°Until yesterday, I felt uneasy if I was subjected to even the slightest of light, but I¡¯m okay today.¡± His eyes were exposed to the moonlight coming through the window, but Michael was not feeling uncomfortable. The pain that did not disappear even when saint Estella poured her strength into it, calmed down. This allowed Michael to fall asleep for a long time today. It¡¯s been a while since I slept for hours without waking up. ¡°That¡¯s a relief.¡± Liarte leaned her head forward towards Michael. It was an act to look closely into the eyes. ¡°But if the seven layers of the curse aren¡¯t peeled off, the pain will intensify again. Let me know if it hurts after getting rid of a layer today.¡± Compared to Michael, who was tall and strong, the benefactor¡¯s body was slim and delicate. That fact was strange. ¡°It¡¯s all right.¡± Liarte interpreted Michael¡¯s silence in a different direction. ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous. I can give you back your eyesight. In the future, you won¡¯t feel pain when you see the light.¡± It was a very attentive and gentle touch that caressed his face. ¡®You¡¯re small enough to come into my arms if I pull you, and you¡¯re trying to soothe me.¡¯ ¡°Yes, I believe in you.¡± Michael touched the ends of Liarte¡¯s hair that brushed against his hand. ¡°I won¡¯t be nervous about my eyes anymore.¡± He never really felt anxious, but somehow did he not want to correct her misunderstanding. As he lowered his head a little, her slender shoulders touched Michael¡¯s cheek. ¡°If I get sick, you will heal me.¡± Michael¡¯s eyes were bent beautifully. Liarte was not aware of his strange attitude. Chapter 7 ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll treat you so that you don¡¯t get sick.¡± Liarte raised Michael¡¯s head. Cursed red eyes shone dimly under the moonlight. ¡°This time, I¡¯m going to erase a layer of the curse under the letters. So don¡¯t close your eyes and wait.¡± Blinking was a reaction that Michael had forgotten about when he leaned on her shoulder. Because of her periodic contact with Lianrius, Liarte was rather calm even when others touched her. Done. Soon the energy of water flowed into Michael¡¯s eyes. ¡®You have to be careful to erase only one layer.¡¯ Liarte carefully moved the water so as not to touch any other layers. The Seven Veiled Curse was the most dangerous hex in black magic. This was because if you accidentally touch another layer while trying to take off one layer, the condition will irreversibly deteriorate. ¡®That¡¯s a strong force.¡¯ Michael admired silently. ¡°Michael, are you uncomfortable?¡± ¡°No. It didn¡¯t hurt at all because of your consideration.¡± It was not his benefactor¡¯s strong ability that caught Michael¡¯s interest. He liked the heartfelt concern and careful consideration towards the notorious Heir of Birce. ¡®I like the tenderness mixed with indifference.¡¯ Michael thought. ¡®Oh, I want to see it with my own eyes.¡¯ What kind of expression does the other person make at the moment they look at each other? The distance was close enough for him to feel her breath, but he didn¡¯t even know how she looked like. ¡®I want to know her name.¡¯ Of course, Michael purposefully did not recollect the identity of his ally. There must be a reason why no one knew about a water awakener at this level. Moreover, she was able to help Michael by avoiding the eyes of the Duke of Elheim. ¡®You¡¯ve got to quit, Michael.¡¯ You may notice who your ally is by guessing. Michael was in debt. The benefactor did not say her name. It would be so stupid of him if he tries to find out about the person who tries to hide her identity. ¡°I¡¯ll pay you back on the day I get better. Then will I be able to hear your name someday?¡± A faint light appeared in the place where the dark spot had faded. A layer of the curse was peeled off, and finally, he was able to see a little. Liarte slowly took in the energy of the water. ¡®You don¡¯t know who I am.¡¯ She thought he had already investigated. ¡°I¡¯m not going to find out anything on my own unless you tell me yourself.¡± Michael reached out his hand gently to prevent his opponent from running away. The lips that fell on the back of Liarte¡¯s hands were warm and polite. ¡°So tell me your name. But if it¡¯s hard, you don¡¯t have to tell me.¡± ¡°You¡¯re sweet, Michael.¡± Liarte let Michael hold her hand. ¡°Well, it¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve ever heard that.¡± Dozens of humans would be frightened just to see Michael begging a woman like this. Even more so if it were a Birce employee. ¡°My name, I¡¯ll tell you after your eyes are completely healed, Michael.¡± Liarte promised. Michael Birce was a friendly man, unlike her pre-regression memories. It was a judgment she made, unaware that Michael that his soft attitude was limited only to her. ¡°I like you. Thank you for your kindness, Michael.¡± Liarte¡¯s voice was dry, so he didn¡¯t misunderstand her words. Michael knew that it was a sign of intimacy, but his heart was pounding. ¡°I¡¯ll be back in two days this time.¡± ¡°Why? What happened?¡± ¡°After taking off a layer of the curse, you should let your eyes rest for at least one day. So I will come back the day after tomorrow.¡± Dawn was arriving. As Liarte moved away, her refreshing scent faded. ¡°See you in two days.¡± ¡°Yes, good night.¡± As Michael responded, he heard a light footstep and the sound of the door opening. Michael, who was left alone, remembered the sensation in his empty hands. ¡±What a shame.¡± It was a night where the two days of waiting for the other person felt exceptionally lengthy. * * * Click. The constraints on Liarte¡¯s door shook. ¡®What¡¯s going on?¡¯ Liarte opened her eyes and listened to the sound outside. The room where Liarte lived had a building that allowed people to lock it from the outside. Locks and latches are put on to confine the unawakener. The water energy of the Awakeners was able to move a stream of water to open the lock silently. ¡®So, the person who opens the door now must be a maid.¡¯ The iron bars slid with the dull sound of the lock opening. As the door opened, a bright light lit up the room. ¡°Are you awake?¡± The person who entered was Lianrius¡¯s maid. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°Young Master Lianrius has ordered the locks to be released during the day for the time being.¡± Liarte had forgotten about Lianrius until the maid mentioned him. She was busy thinking about Michael and she couldn¡¯t afford to think of others. She didn¡¯t pay any attention to Lianrius¡¯s words as most of the promises of Elheim¡¯s blood and flesh didn¡¯t mean anything. Words like saying that they would let you out of the room or give you something. Those words were lightly thrown according to the mood, so the promise was never kept. She experienced it before she returned. She had been disappointed so many times in the past. She didn¡¯t expect anything now. ¡®It turns out that I can freely move around during the day.¡¯ Lianrius had suddenly come into the room, hardened his face, and said something. It was surprising for him to do it out of kindness, but it made sense when I realized that he did it on a whim. ¡®Good.¡¯ She could at least wander around the mansion today. If she doesn¡¯t stand out in the eyes of the blood and flesh of Eheim, they will never catch her. ¡®I have to go to the library and find a book on the power of water.¡¯ If Michael¡¯s eyes were badly damaged by the curse, he needed healing. When she was unawakener, she used to read books on the power of water, so no one would find it suspicious. Liarte walked to the open door. Lianrius¡¯s maid was still standing at the door. ¡°Follow me.¡± It was a short, dry command. The maid looked strangely at Liarte¡¯s back, She seemed to be a completely different person than how she was a few days ago. The library was exactly as Liarte remembered it. The library building, built of white marble, was located far from the main building of the Elheim Dukedom. A place close to the room where Liarte lived. There was a saying that the library was built in a place where people usually didn¡¯t come because if an accident was caused by a water awakener, the books would get wet and ruined. ¡®I used to come here a lot.¡¯ As a child, Liarte went to the library to hide. It was because of the people of Elheim, who abhorred the sight of an unawakened person. The only time Liarte could rest peacefully was when she hid behind the bookshelf. ¡®Since when did I stop coming here?¡¯ It seems to have been ever since the Duke caught her and dragged her out. Since then, she seldom visited the library. Liarte headed to the bookshelf with books on the Awakening of Water. It was the only bookcase made of bluestone. To find the right information, she had to go to the second floor, where only Elheim¡¯s direct descendants could enter, but Liarte was banned from entering. Still, the available information was enough. Liarte, who pulled out a book, turned over the cover while standing. It was then that I felt the energy of water on the stairs leading to the second floor. Originally, the Awakeners did not hide their energy. It was because the Awakeners were proud of their abilities. ¡°Who is it?¡± ¡°Li-Liarte.¡± As she looked up, she saw a young man with a weak impression. Light black hair and blue eyes close to sky blue were the distinctive traits of Elheim¡¯s direct descendants. The face wearing silver-framed glasses made him look much younger. Third born, Hwi-Amin. Liarte¡¯s expression, which had confirmed her foe, grew cold. * * * There were three brothers elder to the twins. First, Aynias. Second, Danterion. Third, Hwi-Amin. Aynias and Danterion had a considerable age difference from the twins, so Liarte didn¡¯t have much contact with them. But Hwi-Amin was close to her age so they often played together. Unlike other family members, Hwi-Amin was timid and liked books. When Liarte hid in the library, avoiding the eyes of her family, the two used to read books together on the second floor of the library, where only Elheim¡¯s direct descendants could enter. It was only until Hwi-Amin touched the forbidden book. Though it happened in her childhood, Liarte still remembered the day when she first saw the ancient text. There was a hidden bookshelf behind the wall of the library. ¡°Liarte, come here and look!¡± On the day that the young Hwi-Amin pulled her sleeve with a rare look of excitement, was when Liarte first saw the hidden bookcase. There were numerous forbidden texts that Hwi-Amin had collected by avoiding the eyes of the Duke of Elheim. Ancient books on ancient powers such as magic, witchcraft, and black magic. Liarte did not know that the books were forbidden. ¡°Oppa, what is this?¡± ¡°This is remarkable knowledge that was forgotten long ago,¡± said Hwi-Amin with eyes shining with excitement. Without knowing anything, Liarte followed Hwi-Amin to read the forbidden book in the hidden bookcase. As time passed, Liarte was able to understand the contents of the book. Later, she memorized the forbidden book, hoping to help her family without the power of water. She was able to recognize Michael¡¯s curse thanks to the old books she read at that time. All the secrets are bound to be revealed one day. The secret of Hwi-Amin did not last long either. The hidden study was not a secret device*. (E/N: *It refers to a device, which¡¯s contents aka documents cannot be viewed without destruction. So here it¡¯s saying that the hidden study that they found was not destructive like the secret device thus allowing others aka Liarte and Hwi-Amin to read the books. There is no English word for the secret device thing.) It was not used because it was difficult to manage, but it was strictly looked after by the librarian. The Duke of Elheim eventually discovered the forbidden books that Hwi-Amin acquired. Chapter 8 ¡°Who brought these into Elheim?¡± The Duke was angry. Until everything broke out, Liarte did not know that the Duke hated the ancient powers. The Duke of Elheim hated the subjects of magic, sorcery, and black magic, which he thought was a power that was capable of jeopardizing the positions of the Awakened. Liarte just wanted to receive a little affection. If she had known the Duke hated the forbidden book, Liarte would never have read it. ¡°N-not me, father.¡± ¡°Then who did it, Hwi-Amin?¡± Hui-Amin¡¯s terrified finger trembled and turned towards Liarte. That day, Hwi-Amin sold out Liarte. He was born in Elheim, but he wasn¡¯t brave enough to ask Liarte money to buy forbidden books. Knowing that, the Duke punished Liarte. ¡®If you were beaten, you would¡¯ve known how painful it was.¡¯ The violence that the Duke inflicted on her using the power of water remained as a trauma before her return. Since then, Hwi-Amin has often spoke awkwardly towards her. How have you been?,The weather is nice today isn¡¯t it?, yes. Like now, coming down from the second floor of the library, as their eyes met, Hwi-Amin smiled hard. ¡°How have you been?¡± ¡°How dare you say hello to me?¡± Dry words flowed naturally. Before her return, Liarte was busy obeying and trembling every time she saw Hwi-Amin. This was because she recalled the trauma left behind by the forbidden book incident every time she saw Hwi-Amin. However, after her death, such a memory did not remain a nightmare. ¡®Now I¡¯m just offended by the sight of Hwi-Amin.¡¯ ¡®There¡¯s no time to waste. I need to read some medical books for Michael.¡¯ Hwi-Amin called Liarte who looked at him with a cold gaze and coldly turned away. ¡°Li-Liarte.¡± Stuttering was Hwi-Amin¡¯s habit when he did something wrong. ¡°I heard that you fell because of poison.¡± Hwi-Amin, who could not make eye contact with Liarte, bowed his head. ¡°So?¡± She never had good feelings towards Hwi-Amin. Hwi-Amin was different from the blood and flesh of the Elheim with his timid personality, but at the same time, he was just the same as the others. She hated the indecisive Hwi-Amin, who pretended to care more than the humans who considered unawakened people as a thorn in their eyes. ¡°I thoughtyou would avoid me after the taboo case, Hwi-Amin.¡± ¡°T-that¡¯s.¡± Hwi-Amin¡¯s face turned pale. ¡°I-I didn¡¯t mean to do that.¡± ¡°You pointed me out yourself, didn¡¯t you? You know what the Duke did to me because of you.¡± A fully awakened person using the power of water to choke an unawakened person was overwhelmingly painful. ¡°I, I¡­¡± ¡°There is no need to make excuses, Hwi-Amin, because that is exactly what all of you did to me.¡± Hwi-Amin drowned in his emotions so much that he did not notice that Liarte called the Duke as his title, and not as her father. ¡°Or are you planning on selling me off to make me get trampled by the power of water again?¡± After he regression, Liarte was able to say what she always wanted to say. Before, because of her lingering attachment to her family, she had shut her mouth and swallowed her words. Hwi-Amin¡¯s face distorted as if he would start crying anytime soon. ¡°I know what I did when I was young. Yes, I¡¯ve always wanted to apologize. I-¡± ¡°You don¡¯t need to apologize. I don¡¯t have any intention of receiving it.¡± Liarte wasn¡¯t interested in Hwi-Amin¡¯s reaction in the slightest. ¡°I¡¯m trying to apologize because I¡¯m worried about you, Liarte¡­¡± ¡°Oh, yes.¡± Liarte whispered coldly, ¡°You absolutely hate to be the bad person, don¡¯t you?¡± As she turned around, Liarte knew she would forget about Hwi-Amin. ¡®I hate him, but if I don¡¯t see him in front of me, he will be forgotten quickly.¡¯ ¡°I just wanted to atone for you, Liarte. Because you¡¯re having a hard time.¡± ¡°It is pathetic that you do not see what¡¯s before your eyes.¡± Liarte had little change in facial expression. Her eyes were cold, but she was neither angry nor mad. It was because she realized that Hwi-Amin really didn¡¯t care about how she felt. ¡°You just want to be comfortable, so you¡¯re doing this to me, right?¡± Hwi-Amin abruptly shut his mouth and could not continue his words as Liarte had hit the nail on the head. Liarte turned around. She wasn¡¯t in a mood to read, so she was thinking of leaving the library. ¡°Liarte.¡± Hwi-Amin hurriedly followed Liarte. Thwak- Hwi-Amin¡¯s hand, trying to grab her shoulder, was slapped away. Eyes that looked as if they were shrouded in ice shards diverted from Hwi-Amin. It was the first time. That Liarte had rejected Hwi-Amin. ¡±Dissembler.*¡± *a person who professes beliefs and opinions that he or she does not hold in order to conceal his or her real feelings or motives. The dry whisper brought Hwi-Amin the anxiety that he was already late. * * * ¡°It is said that the Spirit Stone will awaken,¡± reported Walter, who was visibly impoverished during the days of his visit to Elheim. ¡°You mean the stone that has been supported by generations?¡± Michael¡¯s sarcasm was harsh. ¡°You¡¯re right. How tight does the Duke of Elheim keep his mouth shut?¡± Birce also knew about the existence of the spirit stone. They couldn¡¯t know the other¡¯s situation well because of the long years of the awakening family that didn¡¯t lose their ability. But still, Michael didn¡¯t seem to trust Walter. ¡°Young Master.¡± Eventually, Walter flopped down to his knees. ¡±It may sound like bullshit, but I¡¯ve been working really hard on it.Even the Young Master of Elheim said that the Spirit was awakening.¡± ¡°So, where¡¯s the evidence?¡± ¡°It is impossible for me to go out again for a few days. I¡¯m sorry for being incompetent, but I might get caught at this rate.¡± Even Elheim, who seemed ridiculous to Birce, was a duke of the empire. Walter had to pass by the patrolling knights several times and he was almost spotted while walking around. ¡°Then it can¡¯t be helped.¡± Michael looked down at Walter. He could see that there was moonlight or light but couldn¡¯t tell the colours. ¡°I have no choice but to write to my father to find out about the Spirit Stone.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± Walter asked back in embarrassment. The only information I got from suffering for a few days was that the spirit stone was awakening. Even he couldn¡¯t get any evidence. Michael, who thought about investigating again right now, listened to his opinion. ¡®Are you finally crazy because you can¡¯t see?¡¯ Walter looked up and found a pleasant smile on Michael¡¯s mouth. ¡°You seem to be in a good mood.¡± Michael replied to what he said casually. ¡°It¡¯s been a day, and she*¡¯ll be back today.¡± Walter wasn¡¯t considerate enough to ask who she* was. (Tl note: *Actually Koreans sometimes use a gender neutral word rather than saying he/she. And It seems like Walter has no idea that it was a she who¡¯s curing Michael.) ¡®You mean the Awakened that came to release the curse?¡¯ Michael seemed to be in a good mood from the day he met her. ¡°Then I¡¯ll go to send my master a copy of the report.¡± It was said that the ally who broke Michael¡¯s curse will come after midnight. Walter noticed and quickly left. Soon, Michael, who was left alone, stood up. ¡°No wonder.¡± When he removed the eye patch, he felt the night breeze passing through his eyes. ¡°It¡¯s been so peaceful and quiet so far.¡± Since entering Elheim, the one behind the curse has been quiet. He was thinking why the one who sent the assassin to Elheim in time to prevent Michael from getting help was staying still. Human figures hidden in the room, after Michael talked to himself, popped out. ¡°I can¡¯t believe Elheim¡¯s security is so bad.¡± Left jaw-! He felt the dagger cutting through the blood vessels. Even though he couldn¡¯t see it, he could detect the blood splatter on his face. ¡®Well, it can¡¯t be helped.¡¯ He had a visitor¡¯s note with him, so he shouldn¡¯t have been seen armed. Michael didn¡¯t have any intention of attacking Elheim. If he uses the power of death, they will misunderstand it as him trying to attack Elheim. But if he used a gun, someone will come running right away because it¡¯s loud. A normal family would be embarrassed to hear that an assassin entered the guest¡¯s area, but Elheim was anything but a normal family. ¡®It would¡¯ve been nice if the Duke of Elheim doesn¡¯t go wild and makes a false accusation.¡¯ So, Michael had to deal with them quietly. He was thinking of ordering Walter to remove the blood and body. As Michael faithfully cut down his enemies, his mind was elsewhere. ¡®You¡¯re trying to keep Elheim and Birce separate.¡¯ Although at first glance, Walter seemed lax, he was one of the best in Birce at stealth. Assassins had managed to entered Elheim, as said by Walter, who were on a high alert. Had Michael been a bit more stupid or impatient, he might have decided that it was the Duke of Elheim who sent the assassins. ¡®What¡¯s the intention behind this?¡¯ When he was lost in his thoughts, the door slid open. It was Liarte who came to cure the curse of his eyes. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but please go out and wait for a minute,¡± Michael said to the door, as he avoided the attacks. He had noticed something strange about the assassins since a while ago. Some have been killed, while others have been cut by daggers, but their movements did not decrease. However, Liarte did not follow Michael. The water sprang from Liarte¡¯s feet,who came inside, bound the assassins¡¯ ankles. ¡°Are you all right, Michael?¡± Michael, who was seen under the moonlight, was bloody. Liarte approached him and looked up at Michael. ¡®It¡¯s alright. But you¡¯re not going outside. You shouldn¡¯t run away alone when you¡¯re in danger.¡± When Michael heard that, he looked somewhat dumbfounded. The awakener of water was protected by water from the moment he/she has awakened the ability. If someone attacks her, the water will wrap around Liarte by itself. So it wasn¡¯t a dangerous situation. ¡°I think your cheeks are cut. After the situation is cleared up, I¡¯ll treat you.¡± Michael was so tall that she had to tilt her head up. Liarte, realizing that she was too close, fell back insignificantly. On the other hand, Michael¡¯s ears were red. Chapter 9 ¡°That..¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Nothing.¡± Michael turned his head a little to the side so that he wouldn¡¯t get drunk on her scent. Neither of them cared too much about the assassin. Liarte was stronger than the assassins, and Michael was used to killing. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of them for now. It¡¯s okay for you to close your eyes or turn away.¡± The water was tightly binding the bodies of the assassins. Michael, who was approaching them with a dagger, stopped. ¡®I can hear a strange sound.¡¯ Most assassins carried poison for self- destruction in case they failed. He could understand that it was because of self- destruction that he could not hear their breath. However, from somewhere, he could hear the sound of sand falling. seureureureureu* (TL/N:*you guys can think of it like the sound of drinking ,but not quite drinking) ¡°Michael, wait.¡± At that moment, something fell on the place where the assassins were tied up. Liarte¡¯s water picked up the fallen object. On reflex, Liarte grabbed Michael¡¯s hand. She then pulled Michael back to prevent him from continuing to move forward. ¡°You have to be careful because an ancient force like the kind which caused the curse on your eyes may be involved.¡± Michael¡¯s ears went red again. ¡°Thanks.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s move closer carefully. Follow my lead.¡± Liarte approached the old clothes floating on the water. As soon as Michael approached, all the other assassins collapsed. The only things left were their faded clothes and a few bones. ¡°When I wrapped him in water, the person suddenly turned into a bone.¡± ¡°A bone?¡± At Michael¡¯s questioning voice, Liarte looked up. His red eyes sunk frightfully. ¡°What kind of state is it in?¡± Michael¡¯s hand, which held Liarte¡¯s, gained a little bit of strength. Liarte explained in detail to Michael, who could not see. ¡°It seems very old. And instead of the black cloth robe, he is wearing an old white velvet shroud. They may have switched people.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a relief.¡± Michael answered and relaxed his guard. ¡®It¡¯s not the worst situation I¡¯ve ever encountered.¡¯ At least things were better than what Michael had assumed. ¡®You can hold out for years even if you can¡¯t see what¡¯s ahead. So far, there has been no problem with control. ¡® Michael soon regained his composure. Liarte reached out her other hand that Michael did not hold to check the remains of the assassins. The bones and clothes raised by the water stream had no special characteristics. Most of the curses and magic always left traces such as letters and patterns. ¡°I think it¡¯s safe. It¡¯s okay to touch the bones and the clothes.¡± Liarte¡¯s movement was conveyed through the hand he held. It was only then did Michael realize he was holding his ally¡¯s hand. ¡°Hands. You keep holding it.¡± There was no more danger in the room. ¡°I did.¡± There was no reason left to hold Michael¡¯s hand and prevent him from going further or lead him to follow her. Liarte let go of his hand. ¡°Thank you for helping me. The bones and clothes will be taken care of when my escort comes back.¡± ¡°Just in case, tell him to be careful.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll tell him that.¡± Ah. It was weird. When the other person came in, saying that he couldn¡¯t escape alone and instead helped Michael, he felt pleased. All he could see then was darkness, but at that moment, it felt like the world was shining. ¡°Then I¡¯ll get rid of the curse now, Michael.¡± Michael¡¯s own name, called by her clear voice, felt sweet. The cool body temperature of the hand that he held, and the shoulder of the other person which brushed against his arm amplified his senses. The energy of the flowing water broke the second layer. ¡®Is it the second time already?¡¯ Michael thought it would be nice if time would stop like this. There were only five curses left. * * * The peculiar purple eyes were a symbol of the royal family. The Crown Prince opened his closed eyes and looked at the debris which then returned to his bones. ¡°Can¡¯t it last for a long time? It would be better to discard the bones.¡± ¡°What about the bones that have already been sent to Elheim?¡± Count Fedes, the crown prince¡¯s lieutenant, kneeled down and loyally bowed his head. ¡°Leave it alone.¡± If he was lucky, Michael Birce would get injured or cause Elheim¡¯s anger, but he didn¡¯t expect much. ¡°There will be no plans to use the bones again, so Birce wouldn¡¯t know who¡¯s behind it.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Highness.¡± The Prince, while looking down on to Count Fedes, asked ¡°Is the Duke of Elheim still quiet?¡± From the time Michael Birce visited, the Duke of Eheim was strangely quiet. Originally, it was about time for the Duke of Elheim to protest against the issue of the visitation of Birce. ¡°Yes, neither the Duke nor his sons have contacted us.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on inside anymore.¡± Elheim was a more closed off family than he thought. The three spies were able to penetrate deeply into the family, but despite that, the important information was only shared between the Duke of Elheim and his direct line, so nothing could be known. ¡°Is the Duke changing his mind and trying to cooperate with Birce?¡± At that thought which came to mind, the Prince stood up with a sharp expression. ¡°If you were to look at the nature of the Duke of Elheim, he would never cure Birce, Your Highness.¡± ¡±It ¡®s different when it comes to his son.¡± Unlike the Duke of Elheim, the Young Prince of Elheim did not hate Birce. The prince nervously shook his head. He was behind the curse of the eye of Michael, as well as the one who put a lot of effort into the curse to blind him. It was the perfect time for him to release the assassins to Elheim. ¡°First of all, send a letter saying that I will visit Elheim. The excuse is to have Lianrius have an engagement with Ninian but do so in moderation.¡± The curse on Michael had a strength that only the strongest among Elheim¡¯s bloodlines could solve. There was only one person with such awakened power as far as the Crown Prince knew. Young Master Lianrius. Lianrius Elheim. ¡°No matter how reluctant they are to welcome Birce, Elheim should be holding an event to welcome their distinguished guests who brought a visitor¡¯s note in name. Convey my intention of attending it unconditionally.¡± ¡°I will do as you wish, Your Highness.¡± Count Fedes, who answered sincerely, was still on his knees. Instead of answering, the Prince nodded arrogantly. * * * About two weeks later, a figure appeared in the Spirit Stone. As if something was about to be born, a group of light was gathered in the middle of the blue crystal. ¡°You¡¯re even beating around the bush today.¡± The Duke of Elheim muttered at the unbelievable miracle. ¡°Somehow¡­ doesn¡¯t it feel like a heart?¡± Asked Aynias, who carefully placed his hand on the spirit stone. So far, there have been certain changes in the Spirit Stone. Even if Lianrius didn¡¯t do anything, the change occurred between midnight and dawn. The light grew as the days passed. Now, when he touched it, he was able to feel the beating of a person¡¯s heart. ¡°And it¡¯s especially warmer than the day before.¡± ¡°That¡¯s what you say, Ain. Of course, it¡¯s still too early to jump to conclusions.¡± The Duke of Elheim turned around and looked at Hwi-Amin disapprovingly. ¡°Hwi-Amin. You¡¯re alone in the corner again.¡± ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m sorry.¡± As always, Hwi-Amin was far away looking scared towards the spirit stone. Lianrius was just lost in thought. ¡°You¡¯ve been working hard so far, Lian.¡± The Duke of Elheim spoke. But he didn¡¯t hear it. ¡°As Aynias said, the spirit stone looks like a heart or an egg that will soon wake up.¡± ¡°Yes, father.¡± Lianrius answered mechanically. The temperature of the spirit stone, which became lukewarm like when cold water met with warmth, and the face of Liarte came to mind as he touched the surface of the stone. ¡°No, she did not look for Young Master today.¡± That was what the maid just said. It had already been over a week since Lianrius impulsively granted Liarte freedom. It wasn¡¯t until today that Lianrius realized that he had been waiting for Liarte. Usually, Liarte would come find him to say thank you first or visit him first. But Liarte didn¡¯t even look for Lianrius. It was as if she had turned cold just like water. ¡®Did they say that people who have extreme near death experiences can change their personalities?¡¯ There must have been a change of heart in Liarte while she suffered from poison. That was Lianrius¡¯s conclusion. ¡®But so what. What do you want to do?¡¯ He couldn¡¯t understand himself; caring for Liarte was something he never did. ¡°So, Lian isn¡¯t it time to think of your spouse?¡± Aynias lightly punched Lianrius in a playful manner. Lianrius asked back, erasing the thoughts of Liarte he had in his head. ¡°A spouse?¡± ¡°Yes, you¡¯ll soon turn 17 years old and have your coming of age so you¡¯ll have to find an engagement partner.¡± The nobles of Awakened Families had been searching for a spouse in earnest since reaching adulthood. In the process, he went through several betrothals and breakups. ¡°I don¡¯t care who it is.¡± Lianrius replied indifferently. The Young Ladies admired Lianrius because he was the Duke of Elheim¡¯s favourite son and he possessed a beautiful appearance as well. Lianrius was not interested in anyone, so he just couldn¡¯t get close with someone. ¡°She just needs to have the right conditions. Choose a family that won¡¯t lose to you, Ain.¡± ¡°I knew you would say that.¡± Aynias held out a letter he had in his hand to Lian. ¡°The Crown Prince has sent back a message that he wants to visit Elheim. Oh, it seems that he wants you to be engaged with Princess Ninian.¡± It was also a famous story that Princess Ninian had an unrequited love for Lian. ¡°If it¡¯s a Ninian, then it¡¯s not a bad choice.¡± Lianrius, who was calculating the benefits of Elheim if they married, said. Ninian always blushed and giggled when she saw Lianrius. ¡®An easy partner.¡¯ Lianrius was indifferent to others, but not foolish. Ninian¡¯s feelings, which were close to blind Love, were well known. At that moment, Liarte¡¯s afterimage overlapped over Ninian¡¯s. ¡®Before her sudden changed, I had felt that she was easier than Ninian.¡¯ Why does she feel so unfamiliar and distant now? Chapter 10 ¡°Then I¡¯ll take it that you have accepted this engagement with Princess Ninian, Lian.¡± Aynias closed the letter he had opened for Lianrius to read. And after the conversation between the two, Aynias turned to the Duke of Elheim. ¡°How should I reply to this letter, Father?¡± Apart from the engagement, it was up to the Duke whether or not to invite the Crown Prince to Elheim. After the spirit stone began to shine, the people of Elheim had been silent and refrained from engaging any sort of activities. The spirit stone had never shone before. In order to keep it completely as a secret, , it was necessary that they do not attract any attention from outsiders as much as possible. ¡°Send a reply stating that you are inviting his highness, the Crown Prince to Elheim.¡± Unexpectedly, the Duke of Elheim had replied, ¡°It wouldn¡¯t hurt to have a conversation before deciding on a marriage. We are talking about the person that¡¯s to be Lian¡¯s spouse after all.¡± The strict Duke of Elheim was also weak against his youngest son, Lianrius. Furthermore, Elheim was a family that determined the next duke by their strength with the power of water. They hadn¡¯t mentioned this yet, but the elders and the duke had internally decided to make Lian the next duke. ¡°The date will be¡­¡± The Duke of Elheim coldly hardened his face. ¡°The welcoming date of the Birce¡¯s successor will be a good day.¡± An event to greet the distinguished guest who brought the visitor¡¯s note had to be held as it was mandatory. The custom originated long before and was a form of gesture that meant that there would be no intention of harming the visitor. It didn¡¯t matter if they didn¡¯t hold a welcoming event, but it would be distasteful to see Elheim become a topic for gossips ¡°We will be holding an event to welcome Michael Birce in the near future. Hold a banquet during the evening and invite the royal family, Ayn.¡± Michael, who came to have his eyes treated, had been quiet. More than half a month passed since he came, but no water awakener had been sent to clear his curse. ¡°What kind of event will you be holding during the day, father?¡± At Aynias¡¯ question, the Duke twisted his lips viciously. ¡°Let¡¯s have a hunting contest.¡± Birce¡¯s blind successor was to join an event that he could not even properly participate in. * * * There were only two layers of the curse left to be removed. ¡°I really didn¡¯t expect the curse to be lifted.¡± Walter told Michael, who untied the strap of the velvet eye patch. Michael¡¯s blurry eyes were much clearer than before. Actually, Michael was now able to distinguish the shapes. And when exposed to light, it was possible to determine what color the object in front of him was. ¡°Did you think that it was a lie then?¡± Walter held his breath. Michael¡¯s laughter was fascinating and beautiful, but he knew that he shouldn¡¯t be fascinated. That was because it was just a harbinger of the wind hole through his head. (Tl/n: Lol what he means here that even though Michael was smiling, Walter felt a foreboding of him being shot in the head.) ¡°No. Even Estella, the Saint, was thrilled to hear that with ¡®her¡¯ ability, she was able to solve the problem that she had given up on. ¡®She¡¯s¡¯ probably a great person.¡± ¡°Yes, because she¡¯s a great person.¡± It was a sincere compliment from the inside. Michael felt good when he heard it. ¡°If you can see, even with just this much, you won¡¯t have a problem if an assassin were to appear in the hunting contest.¡± With a sigh, Walter recalled the insane shriek the Duke of Elheim had made when he first visited with the notice. ¡®Totally insane.¡¯ It was known that the Duke of Elheim hated the Birces, but this time, he had crossed the line. He said that he welcomes the blind Heir of Birce. What would it be if it were not an insult to hold a hunting contest to welcome a guest who was blind? However, Michael seemed to be having a lot of fun. He just said, ¡°I will trample on Elheim someday in the future, so think of it as a past entertainment.¡± ¡°Any other news?¡± ¡°It looks like the Spirit Stone is about to wake up.¡± The people of Birce were the kind to not dwell much on the power of Death. On the other hand, Elheim was a family who maintained the power of water and were obsessed with the first owners and legends. Whenever he saw Elheim¡¯s direct line of worship surrounding the stone, Walter felt a sense of discomfort. ¡°This time, I tried to sneak into the first owner¡¯s room. It was fascinating.¡± In fact, the spirit stone he saw was overwhelming. The strong, fluctuating light in the blue crystal was frightening. ¡°I don¡¯t think it would be strange if something were to be born from it¡­¡± ¡°It has nothing to do with us.¡± ¡°It¡¯s because of that attitude! Young Master.¡± Whether Elheim was able to revive their power or grew stronger, Birce wasn¡¯t interested in it. Even the spirit stone was just a stone that wasn¡¯t even worth destroying. Then, the midnight bell rang. ¡°Get out.¡± At Michael¡¯s order, Walter went out through the window with a look as if he was being treated unfairly. His face was distorted as if he were crying, but Michael decided to leave Walter alone. The reason he was generous was because he felt good. ¡®I¡¯ll be able to see your face today.¡¯ So far, there had been a total of five curses that had been removed. Every time a curse was removed, Michael was able to see a bit more clearly. At first, it was only possible to distinguish the light, then later, it became possible to distinguish shapes even if they were blurry. Now the colours were visible. Even a shattered world was like a painting spilled with water, some colours were still distinguishable. After today, the colours may even be completely evident. ¡®You said that you¡¯d give me your name after you have solved all the curses. I wish it were today.¡¯ In the meantime, Michael has become much closer to his ally. The more they talked, the closer they became. Now, the other person would come every night at midnight, even if it was not the time to remove the curse on the eye. ¡°Michael.¡± He saw the door open. A figure approached and looked up at Michael. Then a clear voice asked him, ¡°Were you doing something fun?¡± ¡°Yes. I was waiting for you to come.¡± The eyes which he always confronted looked closer to dark blue rather than sky blue, unlike most water awakens. Michael looked ahead and thought. But then he laughed softly. ¡°Your visit is the most enjoyable thing for me.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a relief. ¡° The other person, who seemed insensitive at first, actually had a very gentle personality. Michael had realized that even though her facial expression did not change much, every time he reached out carefully for a touch, Liarte always moved closer to Michael. ¡°Me too. I enjoy meeting you the most.¡± Michael loved hearing her whispers. He was satisfied with the fact that he could keep it to himself without showing it to anyone else. ¡°Then, I¡¯ll break the curse.¡± Liarte, who approached him, looked into Michael¡¯s pupils. Michael¡¯s pupils, while under the curse, would not react. But now, the pupils would shrink when exposed to normal light. ¡°Now, how much are you able to see?¡± ¡°I can see relatively well.¡± Michael turned his eyes away from her face which was in sight. At that moment, he could see how close their distance was to each other. If he pulled her, he would be able to hug her, and if he were to exaggerate his actions for a bit, it wouldn¡¯t be strange if they were to kiss. ¡°Are you sure you can see that much?¡± A white hand fell into Michael¡¯s sight and touched his face. ¡°Yes. I can see it as long as it has a shape.¡± Michael¡¯s red ears were not revealed because it was dark. ¡°Then wait for a moment, and do not close your eyes.¡± Finally, the structure of the curse became more intricate. ¡®If I hadn¡¯t read the other forbidden books that Hwi-Amin collected, this curse might not be resolved.¡¯ The energy of the water carefully cut off the joint of the curse. ¡°I think it will take a little longer today than usual.¡± Liarte said, looking into the curse. ¡°I¡¯d Like that, but for what reason?¡± ¡°The level of the curse is higher than I thought. Can I stay here until morning, Michael?¡± ¡°Of course. You can stay here as long as you like.¡± A drowsy, full smile was spread across Michael¡¯s face. ¡°Thanks.¡± Liarte, who spoke, checked the curse again. Now, Liarte was certain that she was remarkably stronger when compared to the other Awakeners. She had reached such a conclusion by going to the library during the day and by observing the other awakeners of water from a distance. Even the Duke of Elheim, nor those siblings of hers, did not have the power as strong as Liarte¡¯s. ¡®It¡¯s more complicated than the previous layers of the curse.¡¯ The last two layers of Michael¡¯s curse were not as easy as before. She wasn¡¯t saying that she couldn¡¯t resolve it. But it would take some more time and energy than she used previously. ¡®How did they even manage to put a curse like this? It¡¯s too strong to be the seven-layer veil that I know of.¡¯ It seemed to have reminded her of something. She wanted to search the forbidden book again and find the data on the seven-layer veil. Unfortunately, the books on the curse were burned by Duke Elheim. Since the ancient books themselves were rare, there was less chance of getting the same book again. So she had to come up with it herself. ¡®Curse. The Seven layers of veil.¡¯ At that moment, a fact about the curse came to Liarte¡¯s mind. ¡°I remember, Michael.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°The power of the curse depends on the offering.¡± The offerings could range from inanimate objects to living things. ¡°It¡¯s a curse made from human sacrifices.¡± The abilities of the Awakened and the ancient powers had opposite properties. In order to be able to influence Michael, Birce¡¯s immediate lineage, many people¡¯s lives would have been sacrificed. Michael said, who heard all of Liarte¡¯s explanations. ¡°If it¡¯s a sacrifice, there is one thing to point out.¡± Shortly before the curse appeared on his eyes, the small city of Siaroon in the north was completely destroyed. The external reason was because of an epidemic. The Royal family restricted access to Siaroon because the epidemic could further spread as it was found to do so easily and it was also deemed to be fatal. ¡°Now that you mention it, it does seem strange that an entire city was destroyed overnight. I¡¯ll order my escort to investigate Siaroon.¡± Michael didn¡¯t even care about Walter¡¯s cry. ¡°Yes, but you have to be careful.¡± Her fine lips rose gently. It was a thin smile that only Michael saw up close. ¡®I can see her?¡¯ Michael looked straight ahead. The water¡¯s energy was taking off the curse. The blurry vision began to dissipate and became clearer. At last, the image of his ally was completely captured within Michael¡¯s vision. Chapter 11 The first thing that caught Michael¡¯s eye was the long ebony colored hair. It was very long and it came down the waist and looked very beautiful. The small white face possessed dense and clear features. The most striking part was the deep blue watery eyes that were visible under the fine black lashes. They were mystic and beautiful. It was as if her eyes were jewels. Michael was mesmerized by her gaze. A thin neckline was revealed over the gray dress. ¡°I think I lifted the curse. I tried to remove it completely, but I don¡¯t know if it worked.¡± Liarte approached Michael again, who did not answer. ¡°Michael?¡± As she brought her face closer, Michael¡¯s ears burned red. Liarte realized it the moment the man, who had not been responding to eye contact until now, avoided her gaze. There was now only one curse left. ¡°Your sight has returned.¡± ¡°The things that are near looking the same as they were, but those that are far are still blurry.¡± Michael, who answered, didn¡¯t seem to realize Liarte¡¯s identity. ¡®I¡¯ve heard a lot of people say that we don¡¯t look alike.¡¯ Lianrius and Liarte had the same color and similar impression, but they did not appear to be twins. Lianrius, who was raised like the sun from birth, and Liarte, who was raised in captivity because she was an unawakener, were bound to be different. The difference in lifestyle may have caused a difference in mood. ¡°Can you see, Michael?¡± Michael could smell the sweet scent of water from Liarte. ¡°I can see.¡± His desire made him thirsty and his mouth burned sweetly. Michael laughed without realizing that his voice was shaking. ¡°I can see you very well.¡± Michael was not impressed even after seeing many beautiful women. Now, it was difficult to control his strangely trembling heart at the blue gaze he encountered. ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re the first one I saw as soon as I got my sight back.¡± Michael let out his raw sincerity. ¡°And thank you.¡± Michael kissed Liarte on the back of her hand. The joy of seeing the other person was coursing throughout Michael¡¯s whole body. ¡°Thank you for restoring my vision as promised. Birce does not forget compassion. You have returned my eyes, to the successor, so all of Birce will treat you as a benefactor.¡± Liarte felt that the sensation of hot lips touching the skin on the back of her cool hand was unfamiliar. ¡°There is still one last layer of the curse out of the seven. I have to get rid of that layer for you to get your eyesight entirely back.¡± Finally, Michael saw her. The owner of the voice he pursued treating it as Light in the darkness. ¡°Yes. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll get my eyesight back soon. So now tell me what you want.¡± Michael promised his ally that if she lifted the curse, he would give her everything. ¡°I¡¯ll give you everything. Whatever it is.¡± Now it was time to keep that promise. It was also the moment Liarte had been waiting for. ¡°Michael.¡± After organizing her mind, Liarte faced Michael. ¡°Now I¡¯ll tell you my name.¡± I was ready to hold Birce¡¯s hand and change the future. Elheim would never let Liarte go easily. Even before her return, they were the ones who detained Liarte in the family, saying that they would hide their only stain. They will try to hold on to Liarte even more if she¡¯s known as the Awakener. But this time, even if she has to turn the Imperial House, the backing of Elheim, into an enemy, she will leave the house. ¡°I¡¯m Liarte Elheim.¡± The shame of the Duke of Elheim. The only person in the family was born as an unawakener. Half-Elheim. I¡¯ve been meagerly living all my life. After being executed, she finally put down her emotions. Liarte looked up at Michael. The dawn light shone over the open window. ¡°My wish is to leave Elheim.¡± I just want to leave this family, it doesn¡¯t matter if I did afterward. After my revival, I have lived my life only with the purpose of leaving Elheim. ¡°So help me. Help me get out of Elheim.¡± Michael did not change his expression even though he knew the story of Elheim¡¯s unawakened princess. ¡°You said it was Liarte, right?¡± Then he laughed happily. ¡°That¡¯s a pretty name.¡± The blue rose, which blooms only for a week in the summer, was called Liartera in the ancient language. Michael, holding Liarte¡¯s hand said, ¡°I think it¡¯s a name that suits you really well.¡± The name of my savior that I¡¯ve yearned to know. Michael knew that in the future he would love flowers that glowed blue in the summer sun. Michael whispered sweetly, covering her delicate hands with his own. ¡°Yes, Liarte. Everything will be yours.¡± While fascinated by her appearance, the shabby gray clothes and the scars covered by her sleeves were not revealed. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure you get out of Elheim.¡± Liarte, struck by Michael¡¯s red eyes, failed to notice the dangerous gleam in it. * * * It was dawn. Michael, sitting next to the sofa, said, ¡°I¡¯m Michael Birce. As you know, I have a father and am the heir to Birce Dukedom. Not long ago, I had a grandfather.¡± He was so different from the people of Elheim who were bound by their families, their awakenings, and their abilities. He didn¡¯t even ask why Liarte, who is known as an unawakener, was able to use the power of water. Liarte felt comfortable with Michael¡¯s reaction. ¡°I am Liarte.¡± Neither Elheim nor Awakener, just Liarte. Liarte, who was agonizing about what to say, added, ¡°Maybe I like animals.¡± I didn¡¯t know anything because I lived in captivity all my life. Liarte didn¡¯t even know what she liked and disliked. Because she has never had such an experience. When she was young, she had a vague memory that she liked animals. ¡°Do you like birds? The little white ones.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Liarte¡¯s face, whose emotions were not revealed, was slightly relaxed. ¡°Maybe you like it.¡± This is because she remembers seeing a bird flying in the sky while she was imprisoned behind the bars. ¡°Then how about them, Liarte?¡± Birds flew in by Michael¡¯s hand. ¡°The birds are managed and raised in Birce.¡± The bird was so small that it could sit on his finger. The white and fluffy fur looked like a ball of cotton. The pair of dark eyes looked cute. Because there was no space in Michael¡¯s hand, a bird landed on Liarte¡¯s finger. ¡°It¡¯s such a cute little bird.¡± Liarte whispered affectionately towards the bird. Michael who forgot to answer stared blankly at Liarte¡¯s face. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°Nothing.¡± There was a small note on the ankles of the birds. Unlike their cute appearance, they flew was very fast, so Birce used it mainly for communication. Michael, who removed the note, opened the small letter. ¡°It¡¯s sent by my father.¡± It was a letter from the Duke of Birce who Liarte had heard about only in words. ¡°I sent an account about someone at Elheim who helps me. My father is indebted to you, so he told me to honor your opinion.¡± Michael quickly wrote down the reply and hung it on the bird¡¯s ankle. The bird flew out of the window. ¡°When do you plan on leaving Elheim? If you want, we can leave right away.¡± Michael recalled that Liarte was Lianrius¡¯s twin. She was over 16 years old, but she has not yet attended the ceremony, and she had half a year left until she¡¯s 17, but there was no problem. It wouldn¡¯t be bad to trample on Elheim and wage a war. ¡°I¡¯m still a minor, Michael.¡± Liarte answered calmly. ¡°If I leave now, Elheim will mobilize the Imperial family and try to catch me. They might turn the whole empire against you.¡± It was a good idea in Michael¡¯s calculations. There have been countless wars in history that have fought to exploit Birce¡¯s ability of death. So he couldn¡¯t say that it was fine and comfortable to fight for the Empire for years. Liarte was normal, unlike Michael, who was insensitive to murder. ¡°So there¡¯s half a year left for you to become an adult?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Liarte recalled the time before the regression. ¡°If the twins¡¯ coming-of-age ceremony is held quickly, we could leave be a little earlier.¡± Liarte¡¯s poor condition had left Lianrius¡¯s abilities unstable for some time after the assassination attempt. Her memories of being accused by the Duke of Elheim of having to postpone the coming-of-age ceremony because of her were also fresh. ¡°Then, I¡¯ll take it as leaving on the day of coming of age or on the 17th birthday.¡± Michael answered as he calculated. He did not want to leave Liarte alone in the Duke of Elheim. But he was also able to stay here for 2 more weeks. A few days after the hunting competition, Michael will be leaving. Soon it was a hunting contest. * * * The water¡¯s ability had become more stable. Elheim¡¯s blood relatives said it was because of the spirit stone. ¡®Today, I had enough energy to use the power of water without visiting Liarte.¡¯ But Lianrius went to Liarte¡¯s room again. He did not know why. Whenever Lianrius saw her with an emotionless face, he kept getting unknown impulses and chills. Lianrius arrived at Liarte¡¯s room and opened the locks with the power of water. Liarte stood in front of a bright barred window. And a little bird sat on her white finger. The smile with her eyes closed was the same image of Liarte that Lianrius always knew. There was a scene where she whispered affectionately to the bird. Small anticipation and hope made him hold his breath. Soon Liarte found Lianrius. The emotions were erased from her smile, which was a little sweet. Soon, her gaze, without any emotions or expectations, turned to Lianrius. For some reason, her appearance shocked him. Chapter 12 So far, Lianrius had only thought that Liarte had completely changed due to the after effects of the poisoning. He believed that after her circumstances changed, she would go back to being his twin sister who had always loved and envied Lianrius. ¡°Lianrius.¡± He tried to reach out to Liarte, who was being indifferent to him. Her soft smile that was filled with affection was the same as before, but the subject of her affection was not directed towards Lianrius. He felt nervous at the smile that suddenly took over her. She was still the same twin, Liarte, who was an unawakener that was kept in confinement and Lianrius was the one who was unreservedly being considered as the next duke of Elheim. But Liarte wasn¡¯t always blaming herself for her inability to manifest the power of water, let alone be jealous. ¡®From that day until now, I¡¯ve never called him Lian again.¡¯ Her family used nicknames just for their beloved ones. However, Liarte desperately called him Lian because she wanted to become a part of the family somehow. ¡°Liarte.¡± ¡°What is it, Lianrius?¡± It was a tone that seemed like she was dealing with some stranger. It was as if she thought Lian was nothing. It kept on scratching on his nerves. ¡®Why?¡¯ He wanted to ask why she wouldn¡¯t smile affectionately at him anymore. Liarte then sent Birce¡¯s little bird back. She knew now that even as a child before her regression, she still liked animals. Liarte¡¯s indifference was limited towards Elheim. She was exhausted, but when she saw the bird sitting by her window, then poured a bit of water for it, she became delighted like a child. Meanwhile, Lianrius, who suddenly came in, was an uninvited guest. ¡°Do you have any business?¡± Soon enough the voice, which was friendly even to the birds, turned ice cold again. Liarte watched Lianrius, who was standing still. ¡®Did you recognize Birce¡¯s bird?¡¯ Fortunately, there were too many white birds in the empire. Liarte asked for Lianrius, who continued to look at her with an unknown expression. ¡°Or do you need strength?¡± ¡°Do you think that¡¯s the only reason why I¡¯m coming here?¡± Lianrius hardened his mouth. It was true that once he came to Liarte¡¯s room, it was only to use her water abilities. Liarte suddenly felt that he was saying something strange. However, she recently got used to Lianrius, who had been acting strangely, so Liarte erased her thoughts. Lianrius felt his stomach twist. ¡°My father decided to hold a hunting contest in honor of the Birce¡¯s successor.¡± She already heard about it from Michael so Liarte knew about it. It was the same as before her return, so she couldn¡¯t forget. Usually, everything went the same as before the regression. What changed was Lianrius. ¡°And so, you should attend as well Liarte.¡± Lianrius mechanically grabbed the tip of Liarte¡¯s hair. It was the same contact, but it was different from Michael¡¯s Unlike Michael¡¯s careful treatment of Liarte as if for fear of breaking her, Lianrius¡¯s touch felt cynical when held her hair. He had changed his mind. He originally intended to leave Liarte behind because it was an event where only water awakeners gathered. But now, he had decided that it was better to place her next to him. There was no one in Elheim who would oppose Lianrius¡¯s decision anyway. Even the Duke would turn a blind eye. If he brought her to the event, Liarte might return to her original self. A timid, unnoticed person who, as before, thought of Lianrius as her everything in her world. ¡°If you want me to attend, I¡¯ll do so.¡± She still spoke in a dry voice. It was so different from how she whispered to the small bird, like a spring breeze. Lianrius unwittingly clenched his fist, leaving a mark on his palm. * * * Two days before the hunting competition. A man passed the gate of the Duke of Elheim. The man who was walking cheerfully looked easy-going. Aynias glanced at him with his arms folded. ¡°You¡¯re too late, Danterion.¡± The man, Danterion, waved his hand when he found Aynias. ¡°Oh, this brother is very busy, Ain.¡± ¡°Hasn¡¯t it been a month since I wrote the letter about the spirit stone? Why did you stop by Elheim now?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s because I was so busy with the work of the Imperial Palace.¡± The smiling Danterion was the second oldest son of the Duke¡¯s children. His long scarlet hair that was tied up and his pierced ear gave him an atmosphere of a rogue. Aynias never liked this look of his. Originally, Elheim¡¯s direct lineage had monochromatic hair, such as white, gray, ash, and black and blue eyes. However, Danterion went to a colour-handling awakener and permanently changed his hair colour because he said his original color was not fun. Unlike the ones in his family , he did not help with work in Elheim, but instead volunteered to escort the Imperial Princess Ninian. ¡°How is Princess Ninian doing?¡± ¡°I heard that Lianrius sent her a proposal. She must be so excited right now.¡± The weird thing was that Danterion had no interest in the Imperial princess Ninian, the subject of his escort. Originally, Danterion was a human being who was thoroughly interested in life. The spirits passed down to the Duke of Elheim was a special and strong being like him and Lianrius. Danterion was someone who could risk his life in order to pursue things that seemed fun. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be using such disrespectful words and show disrespectful deeds to the princess.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not like this in front of others. The princess herself was also having fun.¡± Danterion, who spoke, looked around. ¡°By the way, where is the spirit stone?¡± Among his blood relatives, Danterion was particularly obsessed with the spirit stone. ¡°It¡¯s still in the First Owner¡¯s room. If you¡¯re so curious, why didn¡¯t you come to Elheim as soon as you got the letter?¡± As one could see from his personality alone, Danterion wasn¡¯t the kind to work so diligently. The imperial family tried to keep up with the mood as much as possible as Elheim¡¯s direct line, who was different from other water awakeners, escorted the princess. ¡°Ah, I was a little busy at that time.¡± Danterion shrugged his shoulders. ¡°I had an important job to do.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± Aynias asked, wondering what his priority was over Spirit Stone. Danterion was still single. ¡°That is, of course, a secret. If I were to give you a few hints, it would be about underground and secret places?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t even know what you¡¯re talking about.¡± ¡°Because you aren¡¯t very knowledgeable.¡± Aynias sighed and glared at Danterion. ¡°I hope you¡¯re not putting Elheim in danger.¡± Danterion recalled the prince¡¯s face. It started when that prince secretly went somewhere with his close aide, Count Fedes, so he followed them out of curiosity. ¡°Ah, no way. I still only have a single clue.¡± There was a hidden and secret place in the Imperial Palace. The entrance was a huge gate which stood underneath the Prince¡¯s Palace. It was not known what the royal family had hidden in it. He just had a hunch and thought that it might be something dangerous. ¡°Well, I¡¯ll share a secret with you next time.¡± Danterion grinned. The two headed to the room of the First Owner. They passed through the Duke¡¯s office in the main building and headed towards a path which was the passage that would lead them to their destination . ¡°You should stop by and see our father, Danterion.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not too late to give greetings after seeing Spirit Stone.¡± Danterion was unstoppable. Eventually, he had no choice but to pass the passage and entered the room of the First Owner. As they entered inside, he felt the energy of the water. ¡°This is great.¡± Danterion whistled. ¡°Why did you not express such a great thing as shining only? If I knew it was this much, I would have come back earlier.¡± The spirit stone floated close to the ceiling. The scattered light and the flowing stream surrounding the spirit stone looked spectacular. A clear sound resonated inside the crystal, and the unknown letters engraved all over the wall shone white. Aynias was embarrassed and stopped. ¡°It wasn¡¯t like this in the first place?¡± The light was bright, but not this much. At that moment, the gathered lights began to move as if they were alive. A barrier-like force field appeared around the spirit stone. And then there was a strong splash. Clear water was filling up in the room. Both were water awakeners, so they had no problem breathing, but they couldn¡¯t resist the flow of water. The vortex twirled around the two, emitting a powerful energy. ¡®I can¡¯t control it.¡¯ Aynias thought. The awakeners of water were able to manipulate water that they did not create just by touching it with their hands. It was called control. However, no matter how hard they tried, they couldn¡¯t control the water which filled the room of the First Owner. The whole room was filled with circulating water and moved the spirit stone. From the water, the spirit stone emerged with a brilliant light. As the light grew stronger, Danterion eventually closed his eyes. The strong energy of the water, which gave goose bumps, weighed down everywhere. ¡®What is this?¡¯ Aynias opened his eyes. It was a force to be feared. He had the instinct to get down on my knees right away. It seemed like he was being blinded by the light, but he couldn¡¯t take his gaze off from the spirit stone. The barrier squeezed the water, sucked it in, and broke off. The light that grew inside the Spirit Stone took on a blue shape. A boy appeared as the water level went down. Transparent watery blue hair and fluttering blue body, a colour that could never come naturally out of humans. A boy was born from the Spirit Stone. Aynias felt his legs buck and he fell down to the floor. There was no emotion in the solemn, cold boy¡¯s face. Danterion, who opened his eyes, was completely wet and was breathing roughly. ¡®It¡¯s not human.¡¯ It felt so strong that it seemed that it was a being close to God. It was as if they were looking at nature itself. Soon, the boy opened his eyes. Looking at the one on the floor, he realized it wasn¡¯t the one who woke him up. There was strong anger in his gaze. [Who are you?] The boy growled at the uninvited guests. Chapter 13 [Where is the one who woke me up?] As if it was in accordance with the boy¡¯s emotions, the water disappeared and appeared in an instant. Even the strongest awakener could not control the water this perfectly. They couldn¡¯t breathe because of his presence. It occurred to them that there was a monster, or god, that was far beyond human recognition. Aynias, who was on the floor, looked up and asked. ¡°Who are you?¡± [You dare ask me first.] In an instant, the water sharply wrapped Aynias and Danterion and lifted them into the air. Resistance was also impossible because they couldn¡¯t take control over it. Even if they tried to make new water, it was not possible to do so. If they fell from here, the two would die. [The first contractor of Jurien. Rayad¡¯s tenth weapon.] Danterion raised his head at the name of the First Owner of Elheim. [In your words, it is correct to call me the Spirit King.] Water Spirit King. There were occasional records of Water Spirit Kings in the legends of Elheim. He was a friend of the First Owner Jurien, and was said to have lent him the power of water. The Duke of Elheim covered up the ancient books, but there was also a record that the powers of the Awakeners came from the Spirit King. ¡®The name of the Spirit Stone is surely¡­.¡¯ He didn¡¯t know if the name might have been given because he was the Spirit King. Aynias thought. ¡°We are¡­.¡± Even Danterion used honorifics. [You must be a distant descendant of Jurien.] The Spirit King, who confirmed their ability of water, flicked his finger. The water that the two could not resist was quickly cleaned up. The Spirit King¡¯s transparent water-coloured eyes seemed to see through the insides of a person. [I will ask again. Where is the one who woke me up?] The two glanced at each other. The person who woke up Spirit Stone must have been Lianrius. The First Owner, Jurien, said that one day the true owner who will wake up the spirit stone would revive the family. However, it was not possible to determine whether the Water Spirit King would have favour or hostility toward Lianrius. [If you don¡¯t answer, I¡¯ll kill you.] The Spirit King¡¯s energy crushed the two. Realizing he was really going to kill them, Aynias opened his mouth first. ¡°The child is outside now.¡± His body trembled because of the force. [Do you know the successor to Jurien?] For the first time, the water Spirit King showed interest. The cold face, which seemed to turn irritated even at the slightest human intervention, became a little softer. It was in contrast with how he looked down at the two as if they were ants. ¡°Do you want me to bring Lianrius?¡± Danterion¡¯s voice was full of joy. [Yes, but not today.] The Spirit King spoke with his eyes closed. Fear and awe of the existence of the being who dealt with water continued to prevail. [After three days, bring the successor.] It was said in a tone as if he would not allow anyone¡¯s questions. Eventually, the body of the Spirit King that was floating on the Spirit Stone was wrapped in water. The force field barrier unfolded in a swirl of water, fully enveloping the Spirit King. In the barrier, the water blurred the silouhette of the Spirit King in the form of a boy as his presence slowly faded away. It wasn¡¯t until long before both Aynias and Danterion raised their heads. The water that formed in the shape of a huge spirit stone did not move any more. ¡°Are you asleep?¡± There was no reply given. Calming his trembling body, Aynias raised Danterion up. An unexpected accident occurred. The Spirit King woke up from the Spirit Stone and gave an order to bring the true owner. ¡°Come on, Danterion.¡± They had to go to the Duke right away. If the Spirit King wrote in the ancient books that if the true owner shared the power of water, then the revival of the family would surely follow. The Heir of Jurien, the one spoken of by the Spirit King. The Real Owner. It must have been Lianrius. Foolishly, Aynias held on to this belief strongly. * * * As time went by, the morning of the hunting competition arrived. The Duke of Elheim swallowed his saliva in front of the chamber of the first Owner. ¡°It won¡¯t open again.¡± Aynias, Danterion, Hwi-Amin. The three sons were gathered with the Duke. When he heard the story of the Water Spirit King , the Duke had hurried to the room of the First Owner, but the door was already firmly closed. Originally, there was no lock in the room of the First Owner. He tried opening it with the power of water, wondering if it would be effective, but it didn¡¯t work. It was impossible to bring new water into the room nor take control over it. ¡°One of you should have been inside.¡± ¡°Yes, father. I don¡¯t know how many times you¡¯ve told us that.¡± Danterion gently pulled Hwi-Amin¡¯s collar. ¡°Do you know what will happen if you are alone with the Spirit King? What if they¡¯re cannibals?¡± ¡°Danterion.¡± When the Duke of Elheim suddenly became angry, Hwi-Amin got restless and alternately looked at the family¡¯s eyes. At that time, Aynias stepped out. ¡°The Spirit King told me to bring the real owner with me in three days. Maybe the door will open soon, Father.¡± It was a reasonable explanation. ¡°Well, he¡¯s as spineless as a worm, so he¡¯s scared.¡± Danterion laughed as he pulled the back of Hwi-Amin¡¯s collar for no reason. ¡°Let me go, brother.¡± ¡°Since I¡¯m not the intellectual type, so why not let second brother mess around with you?¡± ¡°Both of you. Stop fooling around.¡± Aynias intervened. ¡°I hope you know that His Highness the Crown Prince and the Princess are visiting during this evening¡¯s banquet. I¡¯m sure they¡¯re on their way. Are you going to be like this even then?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know?¡± Danterion jokingly replied. Aynias was on high alert. ¡°It will be a formal meeting with the Imperial family before the engagement. Please stay still for Lian.¡± ¡°Ain¡¯s right.¡± The Duke of Elheim deeply frowned at him, as if displeased. ¡°And Birce¡¯s rat seems to be wandering around in Elheim recently.¡± No matter how excellent Birce was, this was the home of Elheim. Since he didn¡¯t leave any evidence and they couldn¡¯t hold onto it, the Duke had no choice but to gloss over it even though he knew about it. ¡°The truth about the Spirit King must be hidden. Never do anything that will stand out.¡± Neither the heir of Birce nor the royal family should be aware of the existence of the Spirit King. ¡°First of all, summon the awakeners of the water to the hunting ground.¡± He didn¡¯t want to, but he had to hold a nominal welcome. ¡°What should I do with her? Lian said he called her. Shall I get rid of her now?¡± Aynias asked. The Duke was concerned about Lianrius, who has been recently spending time over at Liarte¡¯s place, but there was no way. ¡°No, let her come to the hunting ground. We have to respect Lian¡¯s will.¡± ¡®I will go first and bring Liarte. ¡® The Duke closed his eyes, recalling the image of his youngest son who notified him. Somehow, Lian¡¯s feelings felt close to obsession, which made him nervous. * * * The day was clear. At Elheim¡¯s old hunting grounds, all the Awakeners of Water gathered. Unlike before her return, Liarte stood behind Lianrius. The Duke of Elheim approached Michael, who saw the scene. ¡°Well, Birce¡¯s successor.¡± ¡°The weather is nice. I think it¡¯ll be a fun hunt.¡± Now, Michael could see almost perfectly. The last layer of the curse had already been lifted, as Liarte said, but it would take several days for it to disappear completely. He couldn¡¯t see an extremely distant place, but the rest seemed vivid. ¡°It will be a fun day.¡± As Michael¡¯s lips, wearing a velvet eye patch, rose smoothly, the Duke of Elheim had to hide his furious expression. ¡°I hope you have a fun time hunting.¡± ¡°I will. Don¡¯t you agree, Walter?¡± Walther, who was standing next to Michael, received the cold gaze of the Duke of Elheim. ¡°It seems that the successor¡¯s escort knight likes to take a night walk.¡± ¡°No way. Walter is a very gentle knight.¡± Michael was having fun with the current situation. The Duke was constantly wary of whether Michael had noticed something from him. It was easy to read the Duke of Elheim who crushed the other dukes with the power of water alone. Soon something caught the eye of the Duke of Elheim. ¡°It will begin soon.¡± The role given to Michael today was to just sightsee. When someone catches a prey, he would just sit there smiling. At that moment, Michael¡¯s eyes fell on Liarte. Her twin, Lianrius Elheim, was holding Liarte. The conversation between the two did not seem smooth at first sight. At first glance, the word ¡®prey¡¯ could be made out from Lianrius¡¯s mouth when he spoke. Liarte has yet to tell her own circumstances in detail. Michael was also thinking of waiting. He had no intention of pressuring her to tell so he could hear what had happened to her until she told him herself. ¡®But this is different.¡¯ Lianrius¡¯s hand held firmly onto Liarte¡¯s wrist. ¡®Did they say that he was like a saint with a beautiful appearance and who has received the blessing? If he looks at his twin as if he would eat her at any moment, one wouldn¡¯t be able to see such an appearance.¡¯ ¡°Duke.¡± Michael laughed at the Duke of Elheim. ¡°I¡¯m going to go hunting, too.¡± If she enters the forest, he will be able to meet Liarte. After she does, he would ask her something. * * * Lianrius became strange. ¡°Liarte.¡± Far beyond the hunting ground were the Duke of Elheim and Michael. As soon as Hwi-Amin, who was circling around her, talked to her, Lianrius approached them, calling Liarte¡¯s name. And, as if he didn¡¯t like something, he stared at Hwi-Amin. Hwi-Amin soon walked back and disappeared. ¡°Is there anything you want to have?¡± It was a strange question. ¡®I went to the library often, so I have some common sense.¡¯ She once read the phrase that men would give a lady the prey he caught in a hunting competition. ¡°No.¡± ¡°If you don¡¯t have one, then think about it. ¡° It was the interest she had longed for before she returned. ¡°I¡¯ll bring you something from the hunt.¡± But now it was just annoying. Lian, too, in this situation. Chapter 14 Lianrius changed after the day he saw her hold Birce¡¯s white bird on her finger. For some reason, he stared at Liarte¡¯s face, and then told her information that was shared only inside the family. The harvest was only one thing. ¡®Spirit Stone.¡¯ A stone that might have had something to do with her regression, and may have been awakened by Liarte. It was said that a blue boy appeared from it. But what Liarte saw from the future was not a boy, but a man instead. However, she decided not to judge the spirit stone. ¡°Liarte.¡± Lianrius held the wrist of Liarte who was about to pass by. Liarte pondered. She had seen a booklet in the library which talked about the living creatures in the Elheim hunting ground. ¡°Then, a silver fox.¡± It was an animal that inhabited moderately deep inside the forest. It wasn¡¯t a dangerous animal and one didn¡¯t even have to go deep into the forest to find it. However, obstacles such as tree trunks, vines, and stones existed around it. ¡°Catch the silver fox. Alive.¡± She hated the thought of killing animals unless it was unavoidable. The rare silver fox lived in a tricky terrain and her condition was to catch it alive, therefore it would take time for Lianrius to return. In the meantime, she didn¡¯t have to bother with Lianrius. She wasn¡¯t very interested in why Lianrius offered to catch her a prey. It wasn¡¯t even worthwhile to think about it. ¡°I¡¯ll keep my word. For sure.¡± Lianrius stared at his twin. He thought Liarte, who lived her whole life in Elheim, was the only one who had ever pushed him away. He felt a strange feeling at the end of his nerves. The little warmth he felt in his hands belonged to the hand that only came into contact with his whenever he needed to use the ability of water. Could this be her blood and flesh? He thought that if Liarte had heard his thoughts, she would have just ignored it. It was only after Lianrius moved away did Liarte become free. There were no men guarding Liarte. ¡®All knights and awakeners should be escorting Lian.¡¯ Now that the Spirit King of Water woke up, the Duke was going to try to protect Lianrius in every way. As a result, Liarte, who was usually monitored, was able to roam freely. ¡®Perhaps he thinks it¡¯s okay now because the Spirit King of Water will give him power now and won¡¯t be needing me anymore.¡¯ It was a good thing anyway. It was pleasant to walk outside during the day. Sunlight and a cool breeze could be felt through the leaves. Even the sound of birds chirping could be heard. Then, a black shadow approached behind Liarte. ¡°I found you.¡± She heard a pleasant low tone. The man standing behind her was Michael, who had taken off his velvet eye patch. Michael smelled as he felt the wind in the forest. ¡°Michael?¡± The branches swaying in the wind stopped moving, and birds and animals became quiet, as if they were holding their breath. It was her first time meeting him during the day as she had always seen him at night. ¡°I¡¯ve been looking for you, Liarte.¡± Michael was smiling prettily. She didn¡¯t know if it was a good way to describe his expression as he was a guy who was a head taller than Liarte after all. ¡°How did you know you I was here?¡± Instead of saying that he followed the refreshing scent through the wind, Michael said. ¡°Just by feeling. Somehow, I felt that I would meet you when I came here.¡± Walther, who hid among the trees, dropped his jaw as he stared at Michael. It was absurd that the same person who usually acted cocky and showed a dog-like attitude would suddenly use a soft voice. ¡®Moreover, that person is..¡¯ It was Liarte Elheim, who was also known as an unawakener. In fact, it was the first time Walter saw her in person. But he had followed Lianrius, so he recognized her similar face. ¡°Are your eyes okay?¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay. I didn¡¯t get sick today.¡± In fact, as soon as he entered the forest, he stopped hunting and chased after Liarte. Fortunately, her twin wasn¡¯t near Liarte. Michael carefully touched her wrist where the blue bruise was starting to become visible for fear that he would end up hurting her if he wasn¡¯t attentive enough. ¡°You¡¯re bruised. It must have hurt.¡± ¡°It didn¡¯t hurt.¡± ¡°Just looking at it hurts. That¡¯s a bad bruise.¡± Michael took out a small ointment. He then applied his medicine to Liarte¡¯s wrist. ¡°I hope it gets better soon.¡± Healing her wounds would¡¯ve been simple with her watery powers, but now, Liarte was acting like an unawakener. ¡°Thank you.¡± Liarte¡¯s long lashes fluttered as she looked down. She was indifferent but sweet, and she was too weak to other people¡¯s kindness. ¡°Why are you here?¡± ¡°I missed you. Liarte.¡± A friendly statement that was full of respect for Liarte. It was different from the people here who didn¡¯t even see her as a person. ¡±Me too, it¡¯s good to see you,¡± Walter shook his head from a distance as he witnessed the unfamiliar atmosphere. The aid pretended not to know anything. Michael had said that he liked her, and in Walter¡¯s eyes, it seemed that Liarte also liked Michael too. Walter eventually had to cover his eyes and ears as they looked like lovers before even dating. ¡°The Duke is watching, so I should go back soon. Are you attending today¡¯s banquet?¡± Liarte recalled Lianrius¡¯s words. ¡°Come to the banquet.¡± The dresses and accessories that Lianrius had sent were still left unopened in her room. ¡°If you¡¯ll go, I¡¯ll go too.¡± Liarte replied. ¡°Would you like to dance together then?¡± ¡°I can¡¯t dance.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll teach you, Liarte.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Liarte nodded her head. Michael, who was about to return, looked at Liarte again. ¡°Oh, I have a question.¡± In fact, this was the main point. Michael whispered into Liarte¡¯s ear. ¡®It¡¯s a trivial question, but I don¡¯t know why you¡¯re asking that.¡¯ She then made an indifferent look. Michael just smiled sweetly and brightly. ¡°It¡¯s because you need me.¡± Liarte then equally whispered her answer into Michael¡¯s ear. ???????????? ¡®Silver fox.¡¯ Lianrius was on the move. As Elheim¡¯s direct lineage, he had the basic skills of a nobleman. Among them, hunting was something that he was quite good at and so Lianrius was called a genius in that field. If I bring her the silver fox, Liarte may laugh again. He remembered that she liked animals since a long time ago. ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re going to catch a silver fox?¡± ¡°Leave him alone, brother. Who would like a fox.¡± Aynias and Danterion questioned the youngest, who was chasing a fox. It was not a big game, but they did not ask deeply. Hwi-Amin looked out of place. Liarte chose the silver fox just so she could be separated from Lianrius, but he considered her to be anticipating it. ¡®There¡¯s a footprint.¡¯ Animals living in the Elheim estate had little body odour, perhaps due to the influence of the water¡¯s ability. Thanks to this, he could only chase the prey only by their traces. Soon, Lianrius found the silver fox¡¯s fur. However, when he followed the trail, he found a dead end. He felt as if it was laughing at him. The silver fox was surely smart. ¡°Lian.¡± The Duke of Elheim, who caught two predators, found his youngest son. ¡°It¡¯s no big deal. You¡¯ll catch the silver fox.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a small animal, not a beast, but it has to be caught for some reason.¡± ¡°You picked a hard prey.¡± ¡°The fox?¡± ¡°Since the breed was killed by our predecessors, the silver fox is supposed to be extinct.¡± ¡°But we have already found traces.¡± Lianrius, who had said that, realized. ¡®Maybe this silver fox was the last one left in Elheim.¡¯ ¡°Catch the silver fox. Alive.¡± They had to catch it. The two pursued the silver fox. The Duke moved quickly and fixed the longest rifle behind him. The footsteps and fur of the fox grew more and more. ¡°Shall I shoot it down?¡± ¡°No, it must be captured alive.¡± Lianrius¡¯s blue eyes burned. Soon, the fox was in front of him. It was Lianrius who first discovered the silver fox. A fox with a mix of black and silver fur stood out, had its triangular ears raised. The sparkly amber eyes looked at the opponent intelligently. The silver fox walked and hid itself. It was too far for it to be held at once by the ability of water. Lianrius immediately pursued the fox. The silver fox, who was walking sneakily, started running faster. Lianrius continued to chase after the running silver fox. ¡®A little more.¡¯ Soon, the distance was narrowed. As they moved, they set traps on the places the fox could escape, and the hole that looked like foxholes were covered with water. There was nowhere for the fox to go anymore. If he stretched out his hand, it seemed like he would be able to catch the silver fox. By the time he almost got it, Lianrius saw someone close by. Bang! Gunshots rang out. A black pistol with gold ornament. The man who shot the gun was wearing a velvet eye patch. The hunting ground was a place where one could use a gun. The bullet cleverly passed by the fox¡¯s foot. The shocked fox staggered from the sudden attack. Michael Birce approached slowly. He then leisurely picked up the silver fox and held it in his arms. It was an easy capture with little blood. Lianrius clenched his teeth. ¡°Just what are you doing, Young Master Birce?¡± The Duke of Elheim, who followed him late, looked at the two alternately. It was because the situation couldn¡¯t be easily grasped. ¡°What is it?¡± The lips raised under the eye patch. Michael then laughed, like his father, Carmen Birce. ¡°It seems like Young Master Lianrius Elheim, who can see, is less capable of hunting than me, who is blinded by a curse.¡± Originally, it was against the dignity of the aristocracy to claim a prey that the other was chasing. ¡°Isn¡¯t that right?¡± The way he spoke was as sweet as candy. But anyone could tell that Michael was being sarcastic. Even though he couldn¡¯t see, he naturally trimmed his pistol and put it in place perfectly. ¡°Next time, try to catch it quickly.¡± Michael laughed politely, just like the laugh he showed to Liarte. However the eyes under the velvet eye patch were cold. ¡°You won¡¯t realize if it¡¯s going to be taken from you again.¡± Chapter 15 The end of the hunting competition was a mess. Obviously, it was an event held by the Duke of Elheim in order to mock Michael Birce. However, the Duke of Elheim¡¯s mood was rather low. They did not even announce the lady of the hunting competition or to bestow the game. ¡°This is the end of the afternoon schedule.¡± Aynias announced. Michael left the hunting ground with light steps holding the silver fox. Lianrius looked at him and clenched his teeth. He lost. But what he couldn¡¯t bear more than the feeling of defeat was the fact that he couldn¡¯t give the prey to Liarte. He saw Liarte mixing among the people and the return to the duchy. ¡®I can¡¯t face you.¡¯ In fact, Liarte forgot to even ask Lianrius about the silver fox. ¡°Lian.¡± Aynias caught Lianrius from behind. ¡°The royal family has decided to come in the evening. Are you ready to meet Princess Ninian?¡± His father, the Duke of Elheim, was furious at Birce. ¡°Yes.¡± For the first time in his life, Lianrius was feeling distressed. It was an unfamiliar feeling to him, as someone who had reigned over Elheim all his life. ¡®Liarte.¡¯ From the moment Liarte changed, Lianrius¡¯s life began to get messed up. * * * In the past, before her regression, the royal family did not visit. ¡®Why has the future changed?¡¯ Most of the change occurred around Liarte. It was the same for the case where the spirit stone woke up and the people of Elheim failed to insult Michael. Liarte recalled the events that would occur three years later. Before her execution. The future Michael Birce would attack the imperial family. It was for that reason that the Royal family did not provide any support when half of the Elheim estate disappeared. The embattled imperial family went as far as to touch the ancient power and curses. Liarte stopped. ¡®I remember.¡¯ The Imperial Palace was the only place with the largest number of ancient books about ancient power. The assassins would enter Elheim¡¯s banquet and Michael, who would be suspected of being the culprit, would not be given the chance for the curse to be removed which eventually led to the loss of his sight. A force capable of offering many sacrifices to create the curse of the seven layered veil. ¡®The Imperial family may be behind it.¡¯ It was also suspicious that assassins could enter Elheim. It is not known where the assassins entered from on that day. It was speculated that they came through a secret passage. ¡®Maybe the Royal family brought them in.¡¯ The only carriage that Elheim did not check was that of the Imperial family. However, it was too early to jump into conclusions. It was because it was just a theory. The Imperial family and Elheim closely interacted. ¡®They probably didn¡¯t try to hurt Lianrius¡¯s future.¡¯ Liarte, who was an unawakener, had managed to survive the poison without dying. ¡®It must have been to prevent Lianrius from doing any sort of activities.¡¯ There were two Awakening families that supported the empire. The Duke of Elheim and the Duke of Birce. Elheim was a representative nobleman who supported the Imperial family. Birce was an independent force, but they weren¡¯t cooperative with the Empire in the slightest. However, thanks to Birce, other countries could not easily enter the Empire. For the Imperial Family, Birce was both a necessary evil and a shield. ¡®Then why did they make Michael blind?¡¯ It could be assumed that they put a curse on him because they couldn¡¯t kill him. However, if so, it would have been better to get rid of other parts instead of the eyes. ¡®Wait.¡¯ Unlike before the return, the royal family was visiting this time. And now there was Michael in Elheim. She had heard that the removal of the curse would cause a reaction to the one who had casted this curse. What changed the future was Michael¡¯s eyes. Perhaps the visit of the Crown Prince and the princess was just a confirmation of the curse. Liarte recalled the two of them before she returned to the past. ¡®Princess Ninian.¡¯ The Princess was a person who really didn¡¯t think about anything. Liarte knew about it firsthand since she had experienced it a lot before she went back in time. As a person who grew up in a greenhouse, she didn¡¯t even know what the awakeners were like. She remembered that the princess did a lot of favours for Liarte. ¡®Prince Lucas.¡¯ On the other hand, Prince Lucas was evaluated for his trait of having a good political sense. It was also the prince who would be directly involved with the ancient powers and curses in the future. Liarte was convinced that one of the people behind Michael¡¯s curse was Prince Lucas. She decided to discuss the rest of her thoughts with Michael after they met. Liarte opened a large box that was sent by Lianrius. Today as well, the box was slightly open. Soon, dresses and accessories she had never seen before caught her eyes. They were all unfamiliar items. ¡®Would an ordinary princess* have enjoyed this?¡¯ (Tl/ N: sometimes the sons and daughters of dukes can be referred to as princesses/princes. And it¡¯s completely different from the Imperial fam¡¯s prince and princess.) It looked hard to wear it by herself, but she could use the power of water. Liarte was reflected in the mirror that was made by raising water. Her hair was long enough to go down to her waist as she couldn¡¯t cut it. The gray dress was the same as before as she had several sets of it. Now, her dress was short enough that her ankles and calves could be seen at first glance. ¡®That¡¯s ridiculous.¡¯ She looked younger than from the time before she died. Liarte reached out to the mirror and touched the image of herself from three years in the past. If it had been before, she wouldn¡¯t have had any regrets in life. However, she felt that the only thing she wanted now was to live in a world where Michael was. The grey clothes were then changed to those given by Lianrius. Her necklace could also be worn by herself using the power of water. The door suddenly opened. Liarte, who removed her water mirror, turned her body. ¡°Lady?¡± Lianrius¡¯s maid, as if surprised, had her mouth wide open. * * * In the evening, the carriage of the Imperial family arrived. The Emperor couple did not visit Elheim very often. This was because there had already been a flurry of appeals for complaints that they would empower the people of Elheim even more if they visited often and this would result into making Elheim the most dominant. Instead, the Crown Prince became the face of the Imperial couple. After getting off the fancy carriage, Princess Ninian immediately headed toward Lianrius. ¡°Young Master Lianrius!¡± With bright red cheeks, the princess ran towards him and wrapped Lianrius¡¯s arms with her¡¯s. The two were arranged to be partners during the banquet. Even if it wasn¡¯t arranged, it was allowed because they grew up like childhood friends. Next to him stood the other brothers of Elheim. ¡°I guess you won¡¯t notice me anymore.¡± The princess laughed when she saw the well-dressed Danterion. ¡°It really doesn¡¯t suit you.¡± ¡°I think so too.¡± Danterion shrugged. At that moment, no one noticed that Danterion¡¯s gaze had stayed on the Crown Prince who was following the princess. ¡°Your Highness.¡± ¡°Ain.¡± ¡°Thank you for visiting.¡± Aynias and the Crown Prince greeted each other warmly. ¡°Thank you for the mineral you sent me last time.¡± ¡°It¡¯s from Mount Gehardt. It doesn¡¯t melt at moderate temperatures.¡± ¡°Thank you for your loyalty, for sending me something so precious. By the way, I heard there was a hunting contest today.¡± Since they visited Elheim with the engagement used as an excuse, the prince deliberately avoided the subject of Birce. The reason he brought up the story of the hunting competition was because he thought that Birce might have been in trouble. ¡°Yes, there was.¡± Aynias¡¯s expression became a little stiff. The people of Elheim could not conceal their expressions skillfully as they were more used to solving anything with the power of water. ¡®Something must have happened.¡¯ The prince looked around the banquet hall, pretending not to know. Where was Michael Birce? It was a banquet for him so it should have been time for him to appear. As soon as he thought about it, he saw Michael leaning against the wall. When the prince saw him wearing a velvet eye patch, the prince was relieved. ¡®It looks like the curse is still intact.¡¯ The characteristic of the Imperial family were purple eyes. Although it was not known externally, there was a fact that only Elheim and the Imperial family knew. The royal family also had unusual abilities like the Awakeners. Ancient powers, curses, and magic did not work on the royal family. Thanks to that, the Crown Prince was able to put the curse on Michael and still be safely unaffected by it. He tried curses through other people, but most of them failed to withstand large-scale curses unlike the Crown Prince. ¡®How disappointing¡¯ Without knowing anything, Princess Ninian, who was closely attached to Lianrius the whole time, approached the prince. ¡°What are you thinking, brother?¡± ¡°I was thinking that Young Master Lianrius was unfortunate enough to get engaged to you. Didn¡¯t you skip your homework again today? ¡°Be quiet!¡± Ninian covered the prince¡¯s mouth. Despite that, Lianrius couldn¡¯t hear what they were talking about because he was thinking about something else alone. ¡°Young Master Lianrius looks so depressed today.¡± ¡°It¡¯s his first engagement, so he must be upset. He¡¯ll have a lot to think about.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Ninian was easily convinced. ¡°I was just wondering if his twin was coming to the banquet.¡± The children born in the Imperial family, other than Elheim and Birce, seemed to only have little ability. Hence, Unawakened people were common. Therefore, Ninian did not understand why Elheim rejected the only unawakener. ¡°That person is pretty. She looks similar to Lianrius.¡± Because of that, the Duke of Elheim hated her even more. Lianrius was the last born, but he believed that Liarte had killed his wife. ¡°Really¡­ oh.¡± Suddenly, the banquet hall became quiet. This was because the door opened and a lady who they had never seen before entered. The Crown Prince recognized Liarte. The Liarte in his memory was almost shabby and easily intimidated, so he couldn¡¯t recognize her immediately. ¡®The lady who entered is the unawakened princess.¡¯ Only after seeing her indifferent appearance did he realize that she was Lianrius¡¯s twin. She wore a navy blue dress and diamond jewellery. Liarte, with her hair braided halfway, turned her head to find Michael. At that moment, those with the blood of Elheim recognized Liarte. However, no one could easily approach her. The silence lasted for a while. Chapter 16 Even the Duke of Elheim was shaken greatly for an instant but then immediately hardened. Danterion couldn¡¯t even laugh as would usually have done. In the silence, Aynias murmured in a small voice. ¡°¡­..Mother.¡± Liarte was dazzlingly pretty. Aynias thought that it would be fortunate if she didn¡¯t embarrass the family when Lianrius said he wanted her to attend the banquet. And today, she was uncanningly resembling the Duchess of Elheim. The Duchess of Elheim was from Elheim¡¯s distant side, but she did not have the power of water. To the extent that she was no different from the normal aristocrats. However, she was a very loving person, and she deeply loved and cared for Aynias and Danterion. A blue dress was a favourite of the Duchess of Elheim. Of course, the dress in front of him was almost navy. With the exception of the delicate line that resembled the Duchess, Liarte resembled the face of the sober Duke of Elheim. ¡°Wow, she really looks like a lady.¡± Princess Ninian clapped without thinking. Only then did the silence break. Hwi-Amin had a feeling of guilt as he alternated between the princess and Liarte. ¡°What?¡± Lianrius asked. ¡°It¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve ever seen Liarte in a dress like that.¡± It was a dress that she could have never worn in the name of not allowing luxury to sinners. Lianrius nodded. Clearly, Liarte stood out. The appearance that he didn¡¯t know when she wore a gray dress was revealed. Perhaps it was because her straight posture while facing the front made her stand out even more than her usual one where her head was always looking down at the floor. Even her courtesy was not far behind other nobles. Lianrius looked at the figure unfamiliarly. The clothes he gave. The trinkets he gave. The twin sister who was alive for Lianrius and existed because of Lianrius. ¡®I had been thinking of hiding and weighing myself down since I¡¯ve been an unawakener just until a while ago.¡¯ There was no soft conciliatory option. Anyway, even if Liarte was not treated well, she still followed Elheim¡¯s blood. Was she like this because she was always hungry for affection and was too excited to be able to enter his family? Today was the first time he thought that Liarte had also shared his blood. Lianrius took a step. ¡°Where are you going?¡± ¡°To request a dance.¡± ¡°To the Princess?¡± ¡°No.¡± Hwi-Amin expressed doubts about Lianrius¡¯s words, but he didn¡¯t dare to ask. He was afraid of his brother, who was even younger than himself. Liarte soon leaned against the wall. She seemed to have given up on looking for someone. Would Liarte laugh again like before if he relieved her mood today? Even if she doesn¡¯t, her mood should still change and she could relax her expression. Lianrius approached Liarte, who was leaning against the wall. Her eyes still looked at him dryly when she swept through Lianrius. However, there was no word for a request to dance. Lianrius had never initiated to ask a woman to dance before. He paused and realized he couldn¡¯t talk. It was the first time in his life that Lianrius publicly asked for something from the most humble being in the family. Then the price of hesitation was immediately paid. Someone approached them. ¡°The kind Princess.¡± It was the same drowsy low tone he heard when the silver fox was taken away. Michael Birce reached out his hand towards Liarte. People held their breath at the boldness of the Young Master of Birce as he approached the Unawakened Princess. ¡°Would you like to dance with me?¡± The promise to dance at the banquet was kept. Lianrius felt, oddly enough, that the person Liarte was waiting for was Michael Birce. However, he thought that it was just an illusion and brushed it away. Liarte looked at the two men in front of her. Lianrius. And Michael. From the beginning, her choice when choosing between the two was already set to Michael. ¡°Liarte.¡± Lianrius reached out his hand. He didn¡¯t know why, but he wanted to catch Liarte before she danced with Michael. Then for the first time, Liarte spoke calmly. ¡°I¡¯m willing.¡± Lianrius got the illusion that the red eyes inside the velvet eye patch were somehow bent. Michael then led Liarte to the center of the room. ¡°Next time, try to catch it quickly.¡± The words he heard in the forest hunting ground were still vivid. ¡°You won¡¯t realize if it¡¯s going to be taken from you again.¡± And his bright smile. This time, the lips under the velvet eye patch were fully raised, giving an elegant smile. It was an obvious sign of ridicule. It was taken again. Again. What bothered Lianrius more was that Liarte seemed comfortable to be with Michael. She looked like she couldn¡¯t relax even if Lianrius gave her freedom and clothes. Liarte looked more natural with Michael than when she was together with anyone else in Elheim. It was different from how she treated Lianrius. Lianrius¡¯s blue eyes burned with anger. He patiently endured the desire to launch an attack with water towards Michael. There was nothing Lianrius could do. Liarte had long chosen Michael. Regardless of Lianrius¡¯s reaction, Michael and Liarte listened to music. The songs that played while they were dancing were romantic. Before her regression, she used to think about a destiny for a romance with a knight. However, she couldn¡¯t immerse herself in that fantasy because she couldn¡¯t even remember herself being loved by others. She abandoned all her fantasies after her coming of age ceremony. ¡°Do you like this song?¡± Michael laughed softly. He was friendly as if the moment where he mocked Lianrius was a lie. ¡°A long time ago.¡± As she followed Michael¡¯s guidance, her movement became roughly correct. Liarte¡¯s movement, which was a little awkward because she didn¡¯t know how to dance, became a little smoother. Liarte whispered, ¡°Can we dance in public like this? The one behind the curse of your eyes is in the banquet hall.¡± ¡°The Crown Prince?¡± Michael whispered low enough to be heard only by Liarte. ¡°I was going to tell you later because my thoughts have yet to be organized, but you noticed it first. But it won¡¯t be a problem. Even if I was really blind, I would have acted like I am now.¡± Well, even when he really was blind, Michael would still have looked at Liarte exactly like a man who still had his sight. ¡°What¡¯s in front of you?¡± ¡°You. I can see you.¡± Michael moved very slowly so that Liarte would not get hurt. The man who made Elheim a sea of ??fire in the future was as gentle as spring to Liarte. ¡°You look pretty today.¡± ¡°You look good, too. That outfit.¡± ¡°Actually, I wanted to send you a dress.¡± The Duke of Elheim¡¯s people were abusing Liarte. It didn¡¯t matter if she danced only once, but if he got deeply involved, such as sending a dress, the duke and his other children would question Liarte. ¡°There¡¯s no point in that. It¡¯s expensive.¡± ¡°Birce is overflowing with useless money. Actually, such a material thing can¡¯t be compared to what you did to save me, Liarte.¡± It wasn¡¯t just Michael that Liarte saved. In principle, a Birce, who could not control the power of death, had to be killed directly by the hands of his immediate family. The only relatives left for the Duke of Birce were his father Carmen and Michael. ¡°I don¡¯t want to kill my blood.¡± He remembered Carmen muttering bitterly to Michael. ¡°My father had locked me up, but I can¡¯t do that to you.¡± Carmen, who was like that, was also saved by Liarte. Birce owed her a debt he could not pay even with his entire life. Liarte thought and became convinced. ¡°That¡¯s possible.¡± She did not intend to refuse to be treated with such excessive humility. ¡°That¡¯s why,¡± Michael asked. ¡°If you ever leave this place, where would you like to stay, Liarte?¡± She was unfamiliar with the question of how she would live in the future. ¡°I don¡¯t have a place in mind yet. But, I want to be with you.¡± Michael¡¯s first thought was to ask Liarte to come to Birce. He was planning to give her everything, saying she could live there her whole life. But it turns out that he was not the only one who wanted to meet her after her coming of age. ¡°How about Birce? All Birce people will welcome you. And I also wish to be together with you. Let¡¯s go together to Birce, Liarte.¡± ¡°Can I?¡± Liarte asked Michael, leaning closely. It was an important matter, so she intended to avoid the ears of people around them. The whispering voice was very close. ¡°Of course.¡± The scent that was a mixture of a refreshing scent and perfume was emitted from Liarte. Michael¡¯s ears burned red as Liarte leaned against his chest. ¡°What is it?¡± She was too close as she looked up. ¡°Shall we keep a little distance?¡± ¡°No. Let¡¯s continue.¡± Michael smiled sweetly. The two looked like lovers. After performing a few more songs with Michael, Liarte left the banquet hall and returned to her room. Lianrius had watched them the whole time. ¡°Young Master Lianrius.¡± Princess Ninian pulled his arm. ¡°My feet would hurt if we danced to one more song. Why don¡¯t you go and talk with my brother?¡± Ninian was like the protagonist of this banquet. She wore colourful clothes, had a bright personality, and had high status. But he wasn¡¯t focused on her at all. Soon enough, the Crown Prince and those of Elheim gathered around. ¡°I will report to my father and mother as soon as I get back, Duke.¡± ¡°Please send my greetings to His Majesty.¡± The Duke of Elheim and the Crown Prince were having a conversation with a friendly atmosphere. Lianrius was the only one who felt a burning sensation. It shouldn¡¯t be like this. When Liarte leaves, he¡­ ¡°Can I send the engagement documents as customary?¡± The moment the Crown Prince spoke, Lianrius stepped forward. ¡°No. I won¡¯t be engaged.¡± To avoid embarrassment, Lianrius brought up the most plausible reason. ¡°I¡¯m over 16 years old, so I¡¯m going to hold the coming-of-age ceremony first.¡± He sounded as if he wanted to be engaged in adulthood. But Lianrius didn¡¯t know. The fact that Liarte was waiting for the coming of age ceremony. Chapter 17 Soon, the Crown Prince bursted into laughter. ¡°Duke, the youngest son of the Duke is truly a serious person.¡± ¡°He is a child who thinks that much about the imperial daughter.¡± The Duke of Elheim answered. The underage engagement was fragile, but the adult engagement with the royal family was accepted as a definite wedding. ¡°You scared me, Lian.¡± Danterion giggled and struck Lianrius on his back. ¡°If someone saw you, they would have thought that you were really going to break the engagement.¡± ¡°You¡¯re asking me to get engaged when I¡¯m an adult.¡± Princess Ninian hugged Lianrius with joy. ¡°Thank you, Young Master.¡± However, Lianrius¡¯s gaze was glued on Michael¡¯s back, who was leisurely leaving the banquet hall. Elheim was a family that completely decided the next Duke by their power of water. The order of birth had nothing to do with it. The strongest awakener at the moment was Lianrius. So when he reaches adulthood, Lianrius would become the successor to the Duke of Elheim. The Next Duke. After he reaches adulthood, he would be able to hold on to Liarte as much as he pleases. ¡®I will never let Birce visit again.¡¯ The night of the banquet was filled with twisted thoughts. * * * After midnight, the prince returned with the princess. Having checked Michael¡¯s eyes, there was no reason to be at the banquet anymore. The Elheim household, who did not know of it, were simply relieved that the royal family hadn¡¯t stayed for long. In the deep night, the Duke and the sons of Elheim gathered in front of the room of the First Owner. ¡°If we count the dates, it¡¯s still only two days.¡± Danterion seemed to have come to his senses by that time. ¡°You never know. Oh, it¡¯s open.¡± Aynias was seen pushing the door carefully. The Duke of Elheim felt a cold sweat starting to flow from the tension. When Danterion first talked about the Spirit King, the Duke tried to end the conversation, saying that it was nonsense. However, he had no choice but to believe in the existence of the Spirit King because it was said that theSpirit King of Water would be born from that spirit stone. The Duke swallowed his dry saliva again. ¡®It didn¡¯t appear in the family history.¡¯ Like the families of the Awakened, Elheim¡¯s history books were divided into political affairs and Ancient powers. Most of the time, political affairs were ordinary, and Ancient powers were more of a myth. And in the ancient books, it was clearly written that all the abilities of the Awakened came from the Spirit King. It was the first time he had seen an ancient power in person as he was always angry at that part. ¡°The door is open, so I will go in first, Father.¡± Aynias took the lead and first entered the room. After that, Danterion and Hwi-Amin entered. The Duke breathed deeply as he entered the room of the First Owner of Elheim. It was said that the Spirit King of Water was friends with the first Owner, Jurien. When the gates of the spirit world closed and humans and spirits could no longer interact, only the Spirit King of Water remained on the ground along with the Jurien. That one part was what caught his eyes. ¡®He was more like an evil god.¡¯ It was said that the Spirit King of Water did not pay any attention to humans. He had a very different attitude from other spirit kings who loved humans. It was unbelievable that the angry Spirit King of Water swept away the imperial palace and the capital. It was like a violent natural disaster that humans couldn¡¯t handle. Most of the ancient books expressed the Spirit King of Water that way. ¡°Lian. When I say it¡¯s safe, follow me in.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± He was the one who had awakened the Spirit King and was the one whom he sought, but even after he brought Lianrius, the Spirit King was still asleep. ¡°Are you asleep? See I told you. Tomorrow is the third day, and today is still the second day.¡± Listening to Danterion¡¯s words, the Duke looked at the spirit stone. A different type of energy than usual filled the room. Like a prey thrown in front of an upper predator, his strength had suddenly drained. He was so blinded by fear that he couldn¡¯t run away. ¡°Father?¡± The pressure felt by the Duke was several times higher than that of his children because he had a higher proficiency with the water ability. A cold sweat ran down his face. He barely looked up and saw the boy who was asleep on the Spirit Stone. A creature with clear watery hair and body. On the other hand, he was in awe because it was so mysterious. The room was full of water. However, it did not spill out of the open door but instead, it wrapped around the Spirit King. ¡°Lian, do you feel anything?¡± Lianrius looked up. It felt very familiar. It was the same strong energy as he had always experienced. ¡°Maybe.¡± Sadly, the boy didn¡¯t open his eyes. However, the Duke and his sons were relieved that they could step inside. Hwi-Amin couldn¡¯t even look at the Spirit King of Water and had a white face. The Duke of Elheim said. ¡°It really is the Spirit King. As you and Danterion said. At first, I felt hopeless and distant.¡± Aynias understood the Duke¡¯s feeling. ¡°That existence couldn¡¯t be explained except by saying that it was a Spirit King.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t believe that Lian has to deal with such an entity.¡± Duke Elheim was worried. After much consideration, the Duke finally came to his conclusion. ¡°We should announce Lian as our successor at the coming-of-age ceremony. I think it¡¯s better to confirm him as the next Duke.¡± From the moment Lianrius was born, the three brothers didn¡¯t think they were going to be dukes. So Aynias could only nod his head. ¡°It would be better.¡± Aynias and Hwi-Amin had to help the family for Lianrius. ¡°Because I can no longer hide Lianrius¡¯s abilities.¡± ¡°Yes, it¡¯s Lianrius who¡¯s going to be dealing with the Spirit of Water.¡± The Duke out came out of the room after their agreement. If the Spirit King woke up tomorrow, he would bring Lian. It was the moment when the real owner was about to be born, as per Jurien¡¯s will. Just imagining the supreme Spirit King tied to Elheim was thrilling. The duke was sure that he would have good dreams tonight. But before that, the Duke of Elheim had to go to find his daughter. * * * ¡®It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve been here.¡¯ The building which Liarte used was mainly a warehouse that was rarely used. The gray room was the discipline room. The locked door next to the room was where Liarte was trapped in. It was a place that was usually opened when the Duke punished Liarte. Liarte had forgotten this place. A few old chairs and a piano. It was said that it was the place where the dead Duchess of Elheim played the piano for her three sons. It was also said that even the Duke sang together with her at that time. The place, which used to be a music room before becoming a discipline room, was closed after the death of the Duchess. The Duke¡¯s purpose for placing Liarte in this place was to blame her for breaking the harmony of the family. Liarte sat on the chair. Soon after, the Duke entered the room. He had a slightly distorted expression. ¡®I¡¯ll give you some advice about the dinner party.¡¯ Dancing with Birce. She was supposed to be an innocent person who should not be noticed by others. In fact, he thought that his daughter, in the dress Lian had given her, resembled the dead duchess. ¡®Honey.¡¯ A lady with medium-length braided hair. For a moment, he looked at Liarte and tried to ignore the fact that he felt something towards her. He didn¡¯t want to think of her as someone who shared the same blood as his beloved wife. ¡°Liarte.¡± The Duke¡¯s voice coldly said Liarte¡¯s name. ¡°I saw that you had contact with Birce this evening. Do you have any excuses for this?¡± It was an obvious question, as Liarte had expected. Even if she hadn¡¯t danced with Michael, the Duke would still have found fault with her. He was only forced to accept Lianrius¡¯s request. Originally, the Duke could not withstand Liarte, who was unable to awaken the power of water, to come and go to family events. ¡°Do I look like I have something to say?¡± It was an emotionless voice. After Liarte¡¯s return, she acted as she wished. She only had to hide about the fact that she was an awakened person as she was planning to leave this overly hindering family and about the fact that she awakened the spirit stone. She had no intention of suppressing her words and actions because of Elheim. ¡°How dare you dance with Birce¡¯s successor?¡± ¡°But I did it.¡± She could only tolerate him up to a certain point. ¡°I danced with him. Do you have a problem?¡± Every word from Liarte was monotonous. Duke Elheim felt that his daughter had changed a lot from before. The lake-like eyes were dry, and she didn¡¯t obey him anymore. There was only one person who didn¡¯t obey the duke. Liarte resembled the dead duchess exceptionally today. Even more so because she was sitting upright instead of slouching and hiding. ¡°Obviously, because you knew I hated Birce, you did it to rebel.¡± But the Duke thought it was a trick to attract attention. She was just acting in a new way to be loved. ¡° A foolish attack indeed.¡± The Duke tried to suppress Liarte by using abusive language as he usually did. ¡°I don¡¯t care what you do with Birce.¡± He¡¯s always thought of her as a hindrance. ¡°Don¡¯t be mistaken.¡± He then spat out the words Liarte was most afraid of, the words that made her pale with fright. ¡°You are never my daughter. You¡¯ll never be able to become an Elheim in your life.¡± But it was different this time. ¡°That¡¯s great.¡± A heartless voice was heard. Liarte sat with a perfectly fine face. ¡°Because I don¡¯t see you as my father either.¡± The Duke became doubtful of his ears. Chapter 18 CH 18: The Truth and The Coming of Age Ceremony The reason why Liarte¡¯s words didn¡¯t reach him right away was because it was so unrealistic. ¡®Don¡¯t consider you family.¡® It was not something that Liarte could say in front of the Duke. He knew that she herself didn¡¯t know that the person she was most attached to in the family was the Duke of Elheim. From an early age, Liarte looked up to the duke and her brothers. Whenever he held Lianrius, she was sitting with envy. He knew she wanted to be an awakener more than anyone else. She was such a fool for trying to be part of Elheim. ¡°Do you know what you¡¯re talking about?¡± The Duke questioned Liarte¡¯s state of mind. He thought that the poison, which affected her instead of Lian, was now showing it¡¯s side effects. ¡°You said you don¡¯t consider me family?¡± It was hard to believe. ¡°Looks like you don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about yourself.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not me who doesn¡¯t know what I¡¯m talking about, Duke.¡± She somehow felt different from when she used to call him father. ¡®Why did I even try to love you without any reason?¡¯ Liarte thought, as she looked at the Duke dryly. He was a man of Elheim who wasn¡¯t even worth her time. ¡°Weren¡¯t you the one who said that I would never be able to become an Elheim?.¡± It was the verbal abuse that the Duke just said, saying that she would never be his daughter. ¡°I am not Elheim, but I have to stay away from Birce by following the obligations of the Elheim people, and if I dance, I¡¯m accused of forsaking my duty.¡± The Duke¡¯s bewildered gaze resembled that of Lianrius¡¯s. ¡°It¡¯s not me who is contradicting, is it, your grace?¡± It was such a funny family. He said that she wasn¡¯t an Elheim and that she wasn¡¯t his daughter yet he wanted her to stay away from the heir of Birce like the other people in Elheim. She could have met Michael at night. Liarte felt that she was wasting her time here. She didn¡¯t say much, but the Duke was caught off guard and stood there. He was shocked by Liarte¡¯s words. It wasn¡¯t wrong. He did say that Liarte was not an Elheim, but at the same time, he thought that she had to comply with Elheim¡¯s obligations. Liarte had said, ¡°I don¡¯t think of you as a family either.¡± Liarte in the Duke¡¯s head had always been a child. But in reality, Liarte was just afraid of the duke because she was locked up in a room, unable to meet people, and was not educated. ¡°You.¡± The duke opened and closed his mouth. ¡°You know what this room is.¡± Liarte¡¯s gaze became cold. ¡®It¡¯s the same even before my regression.¡¯ Before her execution. Liarte came to the prison where he was trapped and asked the Duke for the first time, who spoke through the bars. ¡®Why would you sacrifice me for Lian and Elheim if you didn¡¯t even consider me as an Elheim?¡® At that time, the Duke replied the same as he did now. She wasn¡¯t disappointed. It was because she already knew the answer that would follow. ¡°You killed your mother.¡± ¡°Was the Duchess¡¯ last will revenge?¡± Liarte didn¡¯t stop talking. ¡°Then take revenge on Lianrius. The last person who was born and decisively killed the Duchess was Lianrius.¡± The reaction she had expected to come back was a slap on the cheek or an attack using the power of water. Unexpectedly, the Duke couldn¡¯t say anything. The Duke himself knew that what she had said was right. It wasn¡¯t just because she couldn¡¯t awaken the power of water that she was falsely accused of the crime. The Duchess, who had already given birth to three sons, was visibly weakened. That was what Liarte heard. Even so, it was said that Lianrius was the one to be born last and the duchess had held the twins until her last moments. Only the Duke knew the will of the Duchess. ¡®It wouldn¡¯t be a good story,¡¯ Liarte thought. ¡°It¡¯s all because of you.¡± This was what the Duke with bloodshot eyes had said after it was revealed that Liarte was an unawakener. It was already a few years after the duchess had died. The reason she cried when he said she killed her mother was because Liarte was young. ¡°If you have nothing more to say, I¡¯m leaving.¡± Liarte stood up and left the room. The door to the discipline room opened and closed. Her place to return was the next room anyway. The Prison room with a lock. The duke, who was left alone, sat on a piano chair. It was the first time Liarte had rejected him. He thought it was possible for him to push Liarte away, but it was impossible for Liarte to reject him. His felt as if his chest was dug out a little bit. ¡°Eileen.¡± The Duke recalled the will of his deceased wife. ¡°Please love the child as you loved me, honey.¡± He buried his face in both hands. It was the Duke who asked his weak wife to have children. But he didn¡¯t know that twins would be born. His wife gave birth to an unawakener and died. Therefore, it was comfortable to think that Liarte was not his child. She was the shame of the family, not a part of the family or blood. He neve expected to hear from Liarte that she didn¡¯t consider him as family. Never. The Duke tried to comfort himself again. The whole cause was that Liarte was an unawakener. The Duchess was weak, but she wasn¡¯t diagnosed with a risk of pregnancy. What he did to her wasn¡¯t abuse. It was his rightful authority as Duke of Elheim. The Duke kept repeating himself. ¡°Pretty daughter, isn¡¯t she?¡± Liarte in a dress. The Duchess of Elheim, who died a long time ago. This was not the time. The Duke recalled Lianrius. My beloved youngest son who shouldn¡¯t get hurt. The only thing that mattered now was about Lianrius and the Spirit King of Water. * * * ¡°What happened yesterday?¡± When she visited him the next night, Michael asked. ¡°I went to the disciplinary room for a while yesterday.¡± The first thing Michael checked was to see if Liarte was hurt. On the outside she looked perfectly clean. There was no sign of violence. ¡°How¡¯s your sight, Michael?¡± ¡°Now, it¡¯s really no different from before. I can see well.¡± He could even see the white clock tower in the distance. Liarte approached Michael¡¯s side and sat on the sofa. ¡°You can lean on me if you¡¯re sleepy. You must be tired because of the banquet yesterday.¡± Michael said sweetly like falling honey. Liarte leaned heavily on Michael without much thought. She wasn¡¯t tired, but she felt mentally unstable. Liarte was not aware of Michael, who was unable to move and had hardened. ¡°That¡¯s it. Thank you.¡± And then she woke up. She felt fully energized. ¡°You can stay longer.¡± Liarte pondered for a moment. Michael opened his mouth in the meantime. ¡°I got a reply from my father today. Of course, he said he would protect you and welcome you to Birce.¡± ¡°Thank God.¡± Suddenly Liarte got close. If one person moved their head a little, their lips might touch each other. Unlike Michael, who was nervous, Liarte was concentrating. The last layer of the curse was removed before the hunting competition. However, it took time for his eyes to fully recover. ¡°Oh, there you go.¡± Using her healing powers, Michael¡¯s eyesight returned completely. Not believing in herself, Liarte looked down at her hand. Her water abilities were getting stronger and more sophisticated. It would have been difficult a week ago. Michael realized that the curse that had imprisoned him was finally removed. Because his body was feeling light. ¡°Thanks. All the layers of the curse are now cleared.¡± The red eyes twinkled beautifully. Michael was good at reading the atmosphere. He felt that she would answer even if he didn¡¯t ask her. ¡°First of all, may I ask you what the men of Elheim did?¡± Michael asked, kissing the back of Liarte¡¯s hand. Liarte did not notice the coldness in his voice that was masked with a friendly tone. The camouflage was perfect. * * * It was finally the day. The Duke and his sons headed to the room of the First Owner. Hwi-Amin was frightened, but he didn¡¯t say he didn¡¯t want to go. It was late at night, but the bodies of the Elheim family began to tremble with anticipation. Except for Lianrius. ¡°Finally.¡± Even Danterion was delighted with the fact that a special existence was being completed. The room of the First Owner opened. The Spirit King of Water was still asleep. However, today there was no barrier surrounding the spirit king. ¡°The Spirit King.¡± At least Aynias, who already met the Spirit King, opened his mouth. However, his body was already shaking like a tree. ¡°I brought the true owner of the spirit stone whom you were looking for.¡± Lianrius¡¯s abilities had recently become stronger than before. Now, Lianrius had the power to win even if he faced many awakeners at once. ¡°He is the one who awakened you.¡± The stream of water went down and the water that had filled the room was scattered at once. Obvious affection appeared on the face of the Spirit King once he opened his eyes. The Duke and his sons trembled with anticipation and joy. Lianrius stepped forward. But soon the water froze like frost. Then, devastating energy of water stretched out. The Spirit King¡¯s abilities began to run wild. Dark clouds began to cover the Duke of Elheim¡¯s residence. [This woke me up?] Lightning struck. The Spirit King of Water in the form of a boy. The existence of a being, which was fierce and closely resembled evil spirits was angry. It was already too late when they felt something was wrong. [This is fake.] Elheim had believed that Lianrius was the master of the Spirit Stone. But their faith was shattered. The Spirit King had strongly denied Lianrius. Chapter 19 The duke stared blankly ahead as he felt his heart drop. He wanted to believe that he had heard it wrong. ¡®No way.¡¯ However, the Spirit King of Water never corrected his words. Rather, he just looked down at Lianrius with a cold look. Elheim loved Lianrius. He was a child who, as Jurien said, was believed to be the real owner of the family. They loved Lianrius, who would become the great Owner, so they wanted to give him everything they had. [This is not the one who awakened the spirit stone.] He thought that this couldn¡¯t be several times. He even thought that the Spirit King might have seen it wrong. His anxious mind was barely able to follow the words of the Spirit King. Fake He was not even the one who woke up the Spirit Stone. ¡°I can¡¯t believe it¡¯s not Lian.¡¯ They could not believe that Elheim¡¯s judgment, where they had firmly believed that Lianrius was to be the owner of the Spirit Stone all his life, was wrong. ¡®Then who the hell?¡¯ If it was not the beloved Lianrius, then who? Who woke up the Spirit Stone? ¡®It doesn¡¯t make sense.¡¯ The Duke of Elheim and Aynias were forced to kneel down to the unbelievably vain truth. However, the work was not over even after they realized the truth. They couldn¡¯t see the outside from the room in the First Owner, so the rain and lightning could not be seen. Boom-! The Duke only noticed that something was happening outside when lightning struck and the building shook. The announcement of the successor. Since Lianrius was originally strong, he naturally believed that he was still strong even if he was not the owner of the spirit stone. [How dare you bring a fake and deceive me.] The problem was that the Spirit King was frighteningly angry. Rain poured down from the black sky outside. The cruel energy of the Spirit King of Water crushed the Duke of Elheim. [I¡¯ll kill you all.] It rained. It was at that moment when Michael was about to hear about what the people of Elheim had done to Liarte. But Michael felt the presence of a transcendent being. But it didn¡¯t intimidate Michael. It was just a little unpleasant because it had the properties of the opposite pole. ¡°Michael, what¡¯s going on?¡± Liarte, who was next to him, also approached the window. In an instant, dark clouds rose, and unstoppable rain started to pour down. It was a sky similar to the last sight she saw before her return. ¡®It¡¯s similar to my execution.¡¯ The day when the magic circle of water took her life. A blue man had come out of the shining spirit stone and stretched out his hand desperately saying no. But now the feeling was different from then. Powerful energy and lightning bolted down and destroyed the house. The sight of water soaring from the ground that used to be a garden, gave fear to the beings on earth. Michael reached out to the rain with his palm. ¡°What is this?¡± ¡°I can feel the energy of the water.¡± If Liarte had a refreshing scent, then the rain didn¡¯t smell anything. The fact that Birce, who was sensitive to the smell of awakeners or abilities, couldn¡¯t smell anything was weird. In the meantime, Walter couldn¡¯t enter the room and was looking sadly at Michael from afar. Michael recalled his conversation with Walter. ¡°You said there was a spirit stone in Elheim.¡± ¡°Right. According to Lian, the Spirit King has awakened.¡± But she didn¡¯t know why the Spirit King was angry with Elheim. Michael smiled slyly ¡°Oh, it looks like things aren¡¯t going well. I was very excited because the Duke was going to announce that the youngest son was to be the successor during the coming of age ceremony.¡± It would even be more pleasant if Elheim collapsed without Birce having to use his hand. Michael just had to take Liarte and leave for Birce. Once again, lightning hit the mansion. People screamed as the strong wind shook the roof. Only Liarte was calm among the scenery where the world was about to perish. She already died once, so two deaths were nothing to fear. But somehow, Liarte wasn¡¯t afraid of this dark being. Liarte, who reached out her hand, received some of the rain. ¡®You¡¯re feeling lonely.¡¯ Deep loneliness was conveyed through the rain. It was a strange feeling. The outside was so full of life, but she could feel the desperate and frail sadness. It felt like it was crying. As if it were a man who bursted into tears in sorrow because he was at a loss. He seemed to be sad because what he had been waiting for so long had collapsed. Then, she remembered a memory that she had forgotten. After the death of Liarte, who was executed, someone sang a song. Liarte thought it was the blue man. Michael did not disturb Liarte as she walked slowly. He just respected whatever she did. Liarte was the only one who went out to the balcony in the middle of the mess. Rain soaked Liarte¡¯s body. ¡°A long time ago, a silver river.¡± She sang a song that suddenly came to her mind. ¡°When my willow tree blooms and fogs.¡± It was an old song that had been circulated in Elheim. She didn¡¯t know the meaning, but she thought it was familiar from the moment she first heard it. However, Liarte was not good at singing this song. Who sang this song to Liarte in the memory that she had forgotten? ¡°A blue bird flew in and sat on a branch and embraced you, whom I love.¡± A light foggy rain fell over the swirling blizzard. Fog touched the mansion as if to cover the anger. The small drops of rain mixed with the rain were friendly and soft. As the fog thickened, the stronger the power faded.¡± As if someone had heard Liarte¡¯s song, the noisy rain began to subside. She couldn¡¯t remember the chorus. But it was enough. The world was already quiet. [Jurien.] Where Liarte could not see, the Spirit King, who was in the room of the First Owner, closed his eyes. A long time ago, Jurien Elheim sang this song. ¡°I can¡¯t memorize the chorus part no matter how hard I listen to it,¡± said Jurien Elheim. A careless but gentle voice calmed the anger. It was someone who would rather sing a song than be afraid. [I miss you.] The Spirit King of Water answered through the sound of rain. It was not a language that humans could hear. The descendants of Jurien were self-righteous and were deeply protecting their own safety. Those who were obsessed with the power of water could not have been educated about the wills of the Spirit Stone nor Jurien¡¯s. Why didn¡¯t the successor of Jurien appear? There must be a reason for that. The Spirit King of Water looked down at the useless descendants of Jurien. Even Danterion lost his usual composure and hardened. Fear was engraved on their bodies because they had just experienced an ability that could not be compared to humans. He had softened, but the killing intent was still there. The Spirit King was still thinking of killing them. [Find the real owner of the spirit stone.] Still, Elheim was generous to those who possess the power of water, so the heir to the Jurien must be doing well. That was why the Spirit King restrained his anger. [The successor of Jurien is here. Bring that person and make them sing.] The Spirit King of Water closed his eyes once again after saying that. The more he used his abilities, the more he could loosen the barriers that sealed the evil presence of the Imperial Palace. As he hid and trembled, the duke lowered his head deeply. ¡°I will do what you want.¡± He said as he tried to recall everyone in his head. From the upper awakeners to the lower awakeners who could barely express the power of water. Just in case, he was even going to bring in servants again and again. However, his only mistake was that he ruled out Liarte, the unawakener. * * * ¡°It¡¯s all right, Lian.¡± Aynias spoke affectionately. ¡°Even before you were born, I had no desire for the position of the duke. My dream is to assist you even if you are not the owner of the Spirit Stone.¡± Lianrius¡¯s own ability was enough to become a duke. The fact that he wasn¡¯t the owner of the Spirit Stone was just regrettable. When the Spirit King of Water was angry, Lianrius was in quite a mess. ¡°Now that it¡¯s dawn, I have to go back.¡± Danterion was carrying a luggage bag. Aynias recalled a forgotten fact. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going back with the Princess?¡± ¡°I was going to, but the Crown Prince is leaving too quickly. Let¡¯s go to the palace now. Thanks to you, I took a good look.¡± Soon, Danterion left his seat with a sigh. ¡°Lian.¡± ¡°Leave me alone, Ayn.¡± Lianrius¡¯s voice was low. Aynias nodded his head and carefully went out and closed the door. ¡®The aftermath of the Spirit Stone is greater than I thought.¡¯ Aynias went down toward the garden. Meanwhile, Birce¡¯s successor was quiet. ¡®You¡¯re not coming to ask what happened yesterday.¡¯ He felt stuffy because he didn¡¯t know what was going on. If he took a walk in the garden, his head should become clear. ¡®I don¡¯t even know what it means to say that Lian is a fake.¡¯ It was at times like this that he would miss his childhood. The happiest time for Aynias. At that time, his mother was alive. It was a time when everyone laughed and everything was peaceful. The reason that he was reminded of that time was probably because of the appearance of Liarte at the banquet. The dead Duchess of Elheim and Liarte did not resemble much. However, he suddenly realized that she had grown up into a noble lady. Aynias, who was walking slowly, entered the garden. ¡®Who is it?¡¯ There was someone standing between the blue flowers, which were fresh from the rain. Liarte¡¯s eyes which looked at his side were also blue. However, she turned away without a second of hesitation. Chapter 20 ¡°Liarte.¡± Aynias caught up with Liarte. Liarte, who was trying to leave because she felt it would be too annoying to deal with him, was forced to stop. The reason she came to the garden was because of the rain that fell last night. But there was no trace of the Spirit King of Water. ¡°Where are you going?¡± ¡°I¡¯m going back to my room.¡± ¡°Even though Lian allowed you, don¡¯t go around as you please.¡± It wasn¡¯t just this. She couldn¡¯t figure out what to do with the conversation because she had only been blamed all her life. Aynias¡¯ heart was softened by her appearance at the banquet hall and blue flowers. ¡°Alright.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡­. Wait.¡± Aynias stopped Liarte, who was about to turn away again. The Duchess of Elheim was a weak and friendly person. Being her first child, Aynias was able to spend a lot of time with the Duchess. She had a slender neckline and a small body, and he remembered her twirling around while she walked in the garden and laughing sweetly. This garden was the place where he would meet with his beloved mother during his childhood days to run and play. ¡°Ain.¡± One summer day, the Duchess spoke to Aynias, stroking her swollen belly. ¡°Aren¡¯t the blue roses pretty?¡± It was like a duchess who liked blue. In ancient words, the blue rose was pronounced as Liartera. When the Duchess found out that she had twins, she was very happy. ¡°My daughter, who has the name of my favourite flower, the blue rose, will be very happy.¡± She told Aynias that again and again. The Duchess always wanted to have a daughter. This memory came to mind because the blue flowers resembled the blue rose that the Duchess liked. The Duchess loved Liarte¡¯s eye-catching blue colour. Memories kept overwhelming Aynias. It was after the twins were born that all peace was broken. On the day the blue rose bloomed, it rained and the Duchess died. One of the children who was born could not awaken to the ability of water. He tried to give affection to his sister, but he couldn¡¯t. He felt betrayed. Unlike the Duchess, she looked timidly aware of her low self-esteem. He thought it was disdainful for her to somehow try to get in between his family. Liarte¡¯s lips suddenly opened. ¡°Do you have anything to say?¡± When she was not as intimidated as before, he saw parts of her resembling the Duchess. Her slender body. She gave off a much softer impression than he thought. Aynias did not believe that he had been rejected. ¡°What to say.¡± Aynias spat out. He couldn¡¯t think of something to say. ¡°I¡¯ll forgive you a little bit.¡± Liarte was listening to what he was saying without any expression. He suddenly had a strange thought. ¡®Was my mother an awakener?¡¯ He had heard that the Duchess¡¯ parents had a strong water capacity. And thanks to that, she caught the eyes of the Duke of Elheim. It was more common than expected that an unawakened person was born between two awakeners, unless they were of direct origin. Since Liarte Elheim was from the direct line, she was considered a disgrace. ¡®But my mother.¡¯ The Duchess was a bright person who grew up loved and loved everyone no matter what. Perhaps. Would the duchess perhaps still loved Liarte even after knowing that she was an unawakener? He recalled his mother, who seemed to be loved and raised in an ordinary family. She was the duchess and she liked gardens and flowers and unlike other people, she was honest. The Duchess of Elheim was rarely used to socializing or being a Duchess. Aynias shook his head. ¡®It can¡¯t be.¡¯ After the birth of Liarte, the Duchess suffered a long period of labour and died in a difficult time. It should be all Liarte¡¯s fault. He believed that she would be willing to punish Liarte even though she was the kind Duchess. Aynias spoke with pride. ¡°I¡¯ll be nice to you a little bit.¡± The appearance at the banquet a few days ago, if Liarte had grown up normally, she would have already enjoyed it. If she was raised as an ordinary princess or lady, she would have always lived that way. ¡°I¡¯ll be gracious to you, an unawakener, as a member of Elheim.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Liarte had no expectations. She did not look at Aynias as a person. She did not want to get involved with, such as giving or receiving affection. She looked at Aynias colder than she ever did. ¡°Because you are my-.¡± Aynias was embarrassed. To say that she was his family, there must¡¯ve been something wrong with him. ¡°You are abandoned, Liarte, do not dare think of putting the name of Elhaim.¡± ¡°My only flesh and blood is Lian.¡± He casually trampled on the child filled with expectations. Liarte, who was puzzled, grasped the situation. He also had his eyes on Liarte But Liarte also had eyes. Aynias¡¯ subtle attitude was due to guilt and hypocrisy as if he had suddenly realized that she too was a family member. The reason was because of her sudden change. The exhaustion of her emotions began in her last life. She didn¡¯t do anything, but she couldn¡¯t figure out why all of a sudden Lianrius and Aynias were behaving like this. It was just easy for Liarte to change and do as she pleased. ¡°Do as you always did, Aynias.¡± She spoke informally. ¡°Think of me as an unawakened person as you always did and ignore me. Don¡¯t tell me to play family games because they don¡¯t even work anymore.¡± She didn¡¯t expect Aynias to have that look after she stopped behaving only with admiration and fear. She only felt a deep boredom. Was the affection I wanted in my previous life only this shallow? Strangely, at this moment, she missed Michael a little bit. * * * Knock, knock A knock was heard. The Duke of Elheim was looking through documents in his office. ¡°Come in.¡± The door was opened. ¡°Father.¡± Aynias had a terrible look on his face. ¡°Never mind what happened to Lian, Ayn.¡± The Awakeners of Water sang in front of the room of the First Owner. So far, no one had been found to be the true owner of the spirit stone. ¡°It¡¯s not about Lian¡¯s situation.¡± Aynias shook his head. Because it was late at night, the light of the lamp fluttered. Aynias exhaled and sighed deeply. ¡°I thought about Liarte all day.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t mention that child.¡± The Duke¡¯s reaction was weaker than before. ¡°Was what we did right?¡± He wondered what it would have been like to teach her humility and raise her like a normal young lady. Still, the two considered discrimination against the unawakener as something to be more natural to do. But it was harsh on the young Liarte. He also thought. ¡°She looked like Eileen.¡± Suddenly, the duchess¡¯ name came out. ¡°When you saw her at the banquet, I know father thought the same thing.¡± ¡°Blue was Eileen¡¯s favorite color.¡± ¡°We should have been a little more generous.¡± Women were precious in awakened families. In the immediate family, daughters were scarce enough to be born once in every few generations. ¡°Daughter.¡± The Duke of Elheim said in a small voice. Yeah, he didn¡¯t realize it, but Liarte was the Duke¡¯s only daughter. Usually, Liarte¡¯s appearance was either messy or poor. However, seeing her dressed up like a noble young woman, she finally felt that she was a member of Elheim. Elheim was the family which had the least number of daughters born compared to other awakened families. ¡°Is she the only girl in the blood of Elheim¡¯s immediate blood?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Aynias answered. Liarte was his younger sister. She was weaker than her other siblings and needed to be protected. (Tl/n: OMG she acted cold only once and look at the way they changed!!! UNBELEIVABLE. SMH) (E/n: My heart is burning with anger too ((¨p¡ñ?¡ñ)) He did a lot of things he shouldn¡¯t have done, but now, he was willing to treat her well. He also recalled the reaction of Liarte, who was not pleased at all. Even though he knew it was too late, he tried hard to turn a blind eye to it. ¡®I can turn her back.¡¯ He forced himself to think, but Liarte¡¯s dry attitude continued to haunt him. * * * ¡°Yes, good boy.¡± The bird flapped its wings and sat on Liarte¡¯s finger and rubbed its head. Michael couldn¡¯t take his eyes off Liarte¡¯s constant smile. ¡°Pretty.¡± It was not the bird that looked pretty. The sun shone softly as it twinkled. Liarte smiled softly when Michael and her eyes met. Michael was pleased with this change. A relationship where you could give and receive trust. He liked Liarte. He couldn¡¯t stand it all because she was lovely now. But the month would be over soon. ¡°Michael.¡± Liarte tilted her head. Red irises as clear as jewels. Black pupils and some golden dots were revealed under the light. It was a mysterious appearance. She thought that if he had lost these eyes because of a curse, it would have been a waste. Michael, who could not miss his approaching lady luck, remained as still as possible. His ears were burning red. The whole world became soft and sweet when he was with Liarte. He felt like his whole heart was melting. Michael and Liarte knew they had to split up soon. Therefore, Liarte, who had always visited at midnight, took the risk and came today during the day. ¡°Michael, can I tell you something I couldn¡¯t tell you last time?¡± The reason why she wanted to leave Elheim. ¡°I want to be of help to you, but it¡¯s okay not to talk if it¡¯s painful to remember. I don¡¯t want to force you .¡± Michael¡¯s hand wrapped around the Liarte¡¯s cold hand. She had a warm body temperature. ¡°It¡¯s okay. It¡¯s not that much of a complicated story.¡± She slowly started to recall. ¡°It probably started when I was four.¡± For Liarte, it was a casual past. Chapter 21 It was her first time telling someone else about the past that she had only thought of in fragments to herself so far. ¡°You eventually turned out to be an unawakener.¡± In the memory that came to mind, the Duke of Elheim was looking down at her coldly. ¡°If it stays the same for more than three years, she won¡¯t be able to express the power of water for the rest of her life.¡± Next to the duke stood his doctor. ¡°If it weren¡¯t for Lian.¡± The Duke clicked his tongue. Liarte had trembled and tried to keep herself upright somehow. She had to avoid being blamed as much as possible. Otherwise, I¡¯ll be thrown away again, Liarte thought so. During her childhood, the thing that she feared the most was being abandoned. Elheim¡¯s direct lineage manifested the power of water within a week of birth. The matter of Lianrius, who was the only awakener between them, took more than a week¡¯s time to awaken, the longest period of time, and Liarte, the unawakened one who couldn¡¯t awaken to the power of water, spread to other families of awakeners in the empire. Those who knew the tendencies of the Duke of Elheim wondered why he left the unawakened alive in his family. Someone had said, ¡°Still, I wonder what the reason was as to why she wasn¡¯t sent to another place aside from blood relation.¡± ¡°You look nothing like your mother.¡± If that person had seen the Duke in person, he would have known that he did not consider Liarte as his blood. Even the duke¡¯s employees hated Liarte¡¯s personality, saying she was timid and gloomy. They gossiped that she did not resemble the Duchess at all. Then one day, the Duke abandoned Liarte. ¡°I don¡¯t remember how exactly I was abandoned.¡± She had seen her father and brothers talk. They whispered, taking turns to look at Liarte and Lianrius. They alternated between Liarte and Lianrius and whispered something. ¡°But when I came to my senses, I found myself standing in front of the cabin in a mess.¡± Her small fingernails were crushed, and her cheeks were sore from the frozen tears. She had bruises all over her fingers and wrists which showed how much she resisted. A mountain cabin coated with white snow, and since it was located deep inside the forest, she couldn¡¯t go out. No people existed there either. ¡°Maybe it was the thought that I was afraid that urged me to lock myself away for the rest of my life.¡± Once a week, someone would bring her groceries. She was lonely, but she gradually got used to life at the mountain cabin. ¡°I should have known that I¡¯d be happier being abandoned.¡± Liarte whispered. At first, she wanted to see her family, but she didn¡¯t look for them. Liarte was a clever child. It wasn¡¯t soon after that she understood that her family had abandoned her. Half a year later, Liarte became accustomed to living alone. Then, the Duke of Elheim¡¯s carriage came. ¡°At first, I thought my family came to pick me up because they regretted it.¡± But it wasn¡¯t. The moment she went to Lianrius, who was surrounded by the knights of the Duke of Elheim, ¡°This is the only way.¡± Elheim¡¯s doctor, who usually took care of the awakeners of water, bowed his head. ¡°Take Lian¡¯s hand.¡± The Duke looked at Liarte unpleasantly. Lianrius, who sat on her bed, was looking far away. The moment she held his hand, a stream of water flowed out of Lianrius¡¯s hand. ¡°Lianrius is in a constitution in which he can only use the power of water by having contact with her.¡± Twins were rarely born into the direct line from the awakened person, so the cause was unknown, the doctor had said. ¡°The duke hated me even more after that. He thought that I had killed his wife and had stolen the glory and power of his youngest son.¡± And so, the members of Elheim imprisoned Liarte. ¡°The room where I live has a structure that allows people to lock it from the outside. They had also installed bars on the windows to prevent me from going out.¡± It was the day that Hwi-Amin¡¯s ancient books were discovered that the lock was attached. ¡°I¡¯ve been locked up all my life.¡± During the days of the rainy season, there was a time when water had filled her room. But no one came. She had crouched in the room half submerged in water until Lianrius later visited and removed the water. ¡°I mistook Lianrius for helping me.¡± Lianrius only came to her room to use the power of water. Even though she knew it, she needed the warmth of the person in front of her. She was desperate enough to believe that he was interested in her. ¡°The other members hit me.¡± As soon as he heard it, Michael endured his urge to go to Duke of Elheim right away. She used to be trapped in a gray prison and was a life that could only come out of the room when Lianrius needed her. Occasionally, she was given free time to wander out of the room, but the Duke used his hand every time he saw her. It was because he was ashamed of what he saw. ¡°When did it start getting too much?¡± Liarte counted the time with her fingers. Perhaps it was after the second sexual characteristic came. On the day when she was severely beaten and shaken by the power of water, she had her bleeding. Even then, the Duke did not call a doctor. It was the same way she had been left unattended when she was on the edge of death due to the poisoned blade and was wandering through life and death. The first born Aynias struck her cheek the same way as her father did, and the second born Danterion treated Liarte as if she didn¡¯t exist. Hwi-Amin, a hypocrite, and Lianrius, a bystander, quietly sympathized with the other brothers. In the old days, she was so sorry for herself that she often sobbed, blaming herself. She did not want to be abandoned. She wanted to be loved. Now they felt like memories that belonged to someone else¡¯s past. ¡°Nothing special. That¡¯s all I¡¯ve been living so far.¡± Liarte ended the story monotonously. Later, Elheim executed Liarte to complete Lianrius as the master of the Spirit Stone. It was funny that those who used to hate her so much wanted to come and play a flimsy family game now. Even more if the reason behind it was due to the minor change in Liarte¡¯s attitude. A drop of water fell over her hand. ¡°Michael?¡± Michael was crying. Wet platinum eyelashes and a cold face. Tears flowed down from Michael¡¯s eyes and kept falling on the back of her hand. ¡°Why are you crying?¡± People cried mainly when they were sad. However, Michael¡¯s red eyes were full of dark life. In such a state, the tears were falling. ¡°I¡¯m sad that you¡¯ve been through such a situation.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°My heart hurts.¡± Michael¡¯s words touched Liarte¡¯s heart. What Liarte wanted in the past was this. She hoped that someday, someone who would listen and empathize with her story would appear. She had put everything down, and she had erased such thoughts from her mind now. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Michael. You can cry for me.¡± Liarte had been expressionless since a long time ago. Her emotions had already worn off and faded away. Michael had finally fully understood the thing that was missing in Liarte. Sometimes, when she was alone, Liarte looked like an empty shell of a person. She seldom felt emotions, and she didn¡¯t feel much of the pain even if she hurt herself or was attacked. Liarte¡¯s life, which she had expressed so calmly, was so terrible. Throughout her life, she was locked in a small room, and as if it was not enough, she was made a tool for her twin brother, and was even subjected to violence. It was a miracle that she hadn¡¯t gone crazy so far. ¡®Her twin.¡¯ Michael recalled Lianrius¡¯s eyes. He had looked at Liarte as if she were an object, not as a person. He had been sitting on the sidelines indifferently and now he¡¯d seem to have developed an attachment towards her. After all this, he really didn¡¯t like Elheim. However, Michael did not say he would kill them. It didn¡¯t work that way with Liarte. ¡°Thank you for hanging in there for so long, Liarte. I¡¯m sorry I¡¯m so late.¡± He wanted to tear them all apart. Even if the power of the sons of Elheim was powerful and also those whose water capability that was said to be very good. However, the fate of Elheim should be left to Liarte. Michael thought of respecting and following Liarte¡¯s choice. That¡¯s why he said tenderly with tears forming, ¡°I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯ll never have to come back here again. I¡¯ll help you get out of here forever.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Liarte replied shortly afterwards. ¡°I¡¯ll give you whatever you want.¡± Even at this moment, Michael did not ask why the unawakened twin was able to use the power of water. He didn¡¯t even think about it. He simply listened to Liarte consistently. ¡®Anything you want.¡¯ Liarte suddenly remembered. ¡°There is something I want to do when I leave the family.¡± ¡°What is that?¡± ¡°I want to see the sea.¡± The plan after leaving Elheim felt blurry. It may have been because she had little experience with the outside world. The promise to live in Birce with Michael was still unrealized. ¡°I saw it in a book. The sea is full of salt water, and I thought I wanted to see it at least once before I died.¡± It was a wish that came to her mind just before her execution. Liarte was not able to see the sea until she died. ¡°You¡¯ll see it.¡± Michael whispered strongly. The big hand that held hers had a little strength to it. It was warm. Why was this person crying for her? ¡®I don¡¯t know why you¡¯re so sweet.¡¯ But she knew that she liked it. ¡°On the day you and your twin have your coming of age, I¡¯ll pick you up.¡± The day Liarte comes of age. ¡°Let¡¯s go to Birce that day. And let¡¯s go see the sea.¡± It was a promise for the future. However, unlike how she had reacted when the members of Elheim had promised, she believed in his words. ¡°I¡¯ll believe you.¡± Michael smiled brightly with a very pretty face. ¡°I swear my promise under Birce¡¯s name, Liarte.¡± * * * Lianrius looked up at the ceiling, lying quietly in his bedroom. ¡®Liarte.¡¯ The interest that began to come eventually led to an obsessive mind. He recalled Liarte, who was dancing with Michael. He felt like he was robbed of his possessions. She had a chilly attitude towards him, but did not push Michael, the heir of Birce, away. The voice of the Spirit King echoed in his mind, saying, ¡°This is not the Real Owner,¡± and he thought of King Water, who looked down at Lianrius. The family was too prejudiced against the unawakened that they just overlooked her, but he played the same role as Liarte¡¯s on the day the spirit stone had shined. ¡®It can¡¯t be like this.¡¯ The coming-of-age ceremony has to be moved up. It was at that moment that Lianrius¡¯s feelings completely turned into obsession. Chapter 22 Lianrius got out of his room after he got himself out of bed. It had been a long time since the Spirit of Water came out of the room after being angry. The place where Lianrius, who had been walking, had arrived at was the Duke¡¯s office. Before he could schedule the coming of age ceremony, he had a job to do. ¡®I have to get rid of Michael Birce.¡¯ Five days remained in the one-month period the Duke of Elheim gave Michael to stay. However, Michael Birce was very annoying. As if it was not enough to easily take away the silver fox that Lianrius was pursuing and to go back with it leisurely, he had also danced with Liarte. A dance with the Liarte and the silver fox. In Lianrius¡¯s perception, Liarte and Michael had met only once at a dinner banquet. Strangely, he thought that Michael was going to take Liarte away. So he had to get rid of him. ¡°Father.¡± After knocking, Lianrius opened the door. ¡°Lian?¡± The Duke of Elheim put down the documents he was looking at right away, and he walked towards him. ¡°You came out of the room.¡± The Duke slowly hugged Lianrius. ¡°Don¡¯t be heartbroken. Even if you aren¡¯t the owner of Spirit Stone, aren¡¯t you the next duke of Elheim? I¡¯ll be right under you as the former duke to guide you.¡± ¡°Yes, I decided not to mind what happened that day.¡± ¡°I¡¯m proud.¡± Elheim was a society thoroughly based on the power of water. At the top were the awakeners, in the order of direct line, and below them were people in the order of how strong the power of water they possessed was. And at the bottom were ordinary people. The fact that Lianrius, who wasn¡¯t identified as the owner of the Spirit Stone, reigns over the others, remained unchanged. ¡°I have something to say.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°I would like to get Birce¡¯s successor straight out of Elheim.¡± ¡°Lian, I, the Duke, promised a month in front of people. I can¡¯t break it.¡± ¡°Won¡¯t he find out about the existence of the Spirit King?¡± Lianrius shot back quickly. There were plenty of ways to move the Duke¡¯s resolve. ¡°Even if he can¡¯t see and doesn¡¯t know about the Spirit King, he¡¯ll think it¡¯s strange that there was a sudden lightning storm at night and water in the mansion.¡± ¡°That¡¯s,¡± The Duke¡¯s hesitation was not missed by Lianrius. Finally, he came up with the name the Duke would be most angry with. ¡°What will you do if Carmen Birce, the current Duke of Birce, notices something about the Spirit King?¡± The Duke passionately hated the Duke of Birce. It was easy to incite. As soon as he heard the name, the Duke¡¯s complexion changed and the veins on his hands stood out. ¡°That guy, how dare he.¡± ¡°It would be better to be laughed at for breaking public promises than to have the secret about the existence of the Spirit King be caught.¡± In the end, the Duke nodded. ¡°You¡¯re right, Lian. I left Birce¡¯s successor alone too much because he was blind.¡± ¡°Why don¡¯t you send him back today?¡± The Duke was brittle and weak to his beloved youngest son. ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll do as you advised. I¡¯ll have them go back this very day.¡± The duke picked up a pen and wrote something on the paper. Lianrius, who stood still until the moment the duke tried to send the paper outside with the power of water, continued. ¡°And I want to hold my coming of age ceremony as soon as possible.¡± ¡°It¡¯ll take at least two months to get ready.¡± The awakening ceremony was a ritual. He didn¡¯t know what it was held for, but a child who held it or celebrated it on the 17th birthday had stronger abilities than before. ¡°I don¡¯t care.¡± Lianrius replied. ¡°I want to have power quickly.¡± When it was announced that he was the next Duke, Lianrius was given power. It was the way to be able to treat Liarte better than before. * * * The dazzling sunlight lit up the residence of the Duke of Elheim. Walter laughed in a faint manner in the cool breeze. ¡°Are they really telling us to go like this?¡± He was notified that the Duke of Elheim would like them to go back five days earlier than expected because the Duke was busy with his youngest son¡¯s preparations for the ceremony. Today, the Duke of Elheim had sent a message to him. ¡°Even if they ignore Birce, we¡¯re still a powerful faction. I¡¯ve never seen such an idiotic family in my life.¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t have anything else to do, did you?¡± The Duke, who noticed the presence of Walter, who wandered around the mansion every night, strengthened Elheim¡¯s security. In particular, the surrounding of the Room of the First Owner, was covered with numerous water awakeners, so it was no longer possible to enter. ¡°That¡¯s true. Still, it¡¯s a rude deportation order.¡± Walter scratched his head. ¡°It must be because you were sweet too.¡± Michael laughed as if it was funny. He did not explain further to Walter, who seemed to be unable to comprehend. ¡®The Duke of Elheim is not the kind of person people would deem as rude just because he made us leave in such an abrupt manner.¡¯ Someone encouraged the duke to throw Michael out. There was only one person who was close to the duke and had a strong voice. ¡°I¡¯m here to see you off because you¡¯re leaving.¡± Lianrius appeared with the energy of the water. ¡°Thank you for seeing me off.¡± Michael frowned at the fishy scent. It was different from when he encountered Liarte, it seemed that he was quickly repulsed by the scent of Lianrius¡¯s power. Lianrius walked toward Michael, who was about to get into Birce¡¯s carriage. In Michael¡¯s arms, a silver fox, whom Liarte had asked Lianrius to catch, was being embraced. Lianrius asked with a cold, stiff face, ¡°Do you have any plans to sell that fox?¡± ¡°Silver foxes are not common in the world. It¡¯s not something that the Young Master, who has everything in his hand, without trying, would hope for.¡± In harmony with the words of the smiling Michael, the silver fox let out a small cry. ¡°By the way, thanks to you, I¡¯m doing well. The Young Master makes my life here less boring.¡± The eyes covered by the eye patch were eerie and murderous. When he thought about the story he had heard from Liarte, it was abominable. Since when had he been interested in his twin sister? The most unpleasant thing was that attitude of his that considered Liarte as his possession. The state of mind, which did not regard his unawakened twin as a person, was also contemptuous. ¡°My twin sister and the heir will never meet again.¡± Lianrius clenched his fists invisibly. Michael understood that this was Lianrius¡¯s point, and raised his lips to ridicule. ¡°The Young Master must see the world more broadly.¡± It was the sound of mockery. A mockery of the heavenly beings who did not recognize the awakeners in front of them, and who do not know that there was more to the woman named Liarte. Lianrius answered hard. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it.¡± ¡°I hope so.¡± Whether early or late, Elheim, who has only relied on the power of water, would self-destruct. As the water¡¯s capacity had weakened throughout the generation, their ending was even more destined. He hoped that one day they would clearly realize what the existence of Liarte, whom they had trampled upon with their own hands, was like. It wouldn¡¯t be bad if they didn¡¯t know until the end. ¡°I hope not to see you again.¡± ¡°Who knows.¡± At Lianrius¡¯s words, Michael bid him goodbye in an elegant manner. ¡°Maybe the Young Master will see me at least once more.¡± Lianrius dismissed Michael¡¯s words as bullshit. Even though he came all the way here, he was insulted and could not regain his sight, so he thought he was venting his anger. Michael got into the carriage with the help of Walter. The black carriage with the design of Birce gradually drifted apart. ¡®It¡¯s all over now.¡¯ Lianrius erased the afterimage of Liarte, who was dancing comfortably with Michael. The two will never meet again. He hoped so. In the future, there would be only Lianrius, the twin and blood, next to Liarte. * * * Michael left. Liarte looked at the small window with a bar. It seemed like a white little bird was coming through the window. Birce¡¯s white birds had also left with Michael. ¡°I¡¯ll be back for sure.¡± Liarte had to be patient and wait until her coming of age ceremony. There was nothing different from her previous life. Only after midnight did she realize that her meetings with Michael had disappeared. Strangely, life felt more monotonous than before. At that time, the lock was opened. Liarte, who thought that Lianrius¡¯s maid was opening the door today, felt a change. There were too many people outside. Quad deuk! The lock on the door was completely ripped off by the tool. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± There were faces she¡¯d seen from afar. Aynias¡¯s attendant, the attendant who attended the Duke, and Lianrius¡¯s maid. ¡°I was ordered to escort you.¡± The Duke¡¯s attendant said, trying not to make eye contact with the unawakener. ¡°To where?¡± One of the reasons Liarte was executed in the future was because unlike Lianrius, who was the same age as her, she was able to use her water powers on her own. At this time, Lianrius was still unable to use his abilities without Liarte. She was useful, so they didn¡¯t kill her just yet. ¡°If you come with us, you will know. Please follow me.¡± There was an attitude that seemed to say, ¡®I will not allow Liarte to reject.¡¯, and so, Liarte quietly followed them. It was the main building of the duke¡¯s residence. The space where Elheim¡¯s immediate family lived, where the duke and his sons lived in the bedroom. ¡®Did Lianrius call me?¡¯ Liarte, while thinking about it, stopped at the door of the first room on the first hallway on the first floor. The attendant opened the door. ¡°You¡¯ll be staying here from now on.¡± It was a room that would be used by female members of the household. It wasn¡¯t located on the highest floor like the bedrooms of other direct bloodlines, but it was obviously a grand bedroom. ¡°Here?¡± ¡°Yes, you will live here in the future.¡± The people of the Duke of Elheim, Aynias, and Lianrius nodded. It was not Liarte¡¯s concern as to why the members of Elheim, who had told her to remain invisible for life, were now doing this. And so, several months had passed by. Chapter 23 ¡°Liarte.¡± Lianrius entered the room of the still unfamiliar main building. Several months had already passed by since Michael left. Meanwhile, Liarte had been living in a room she was relocated to on the first floor of the main building. There were no special changes. There was no lock, but Liarte was just as trapped as before, and Lianrius usually came to use the water¡¯s powers as he was now. Other members of the family did not come but Liarte noticed them from afar. Sometimes, when she accidently ran into them while on a walk, they looked at her with an unfamiliar expression mixed with guilt. At first, she was puzzled, but when she got used to it, she soon forgot about it. ¡°What are you thinking?¡± Lianrius sat on the side of Liarte¡¯s bed. He then reached out his hand and gently grasped Liarte¡¯s hair. She saw Lianrius kissing the end of her long black hair. It was a heart fluttering sight, but Liarte felt no emotion. ¡°I¡¯m not thinking about anything.¡± The reason she stayed still without offending Lianrius was simply because she was familiar with the contact. ¡®It wasn¡¯t like that with Michael.¡¯ It was warm when she held his hand. When she got close, he stopped breathing, and she heard Michael¡¯s heart beating rapidly. It was fun to have a conversation together. At that moment, Lianrius¡¯s expression hardened coldly. ¡°Who are you thinking of now?¡± The tone of his voice was also lowered. ¡°You don¡¯t have to know.¡± ¡°Say it.¡± The more she pushed and shoved them away, the more the people of Elheim annoyed Liarte. The maids she hadn¡¯t had before her return, the useless dresses sent by the Duke, and Aynias¡¯s greetings. Among them, Lianrius¡¯s condition was the worst. Whenever she thought of Michael, Lianrius would bite his teeth and interrogate Liarte. ¡°I asked you who you thought of, Liarte.¡± In fact, the drier Liarte¡¯s attitude showed towards him, the crazier Lianrius felt. ¡°I was thinking about the coming of age ceremony.¡± It was Lianrius¡¯s coming of age soon. Michael had decided to return that day, so it wasn¡¯t wrong to say that she was thinking about the coming of age ceremony. A little subdued, Lianrius replied. ¡°Answer quickly next time. Then I won¡¯t have to be sharp, all right? Liarte did not answer. If this had been in the past, Lianrius would have added more of his cold criticism. The weight of their relationship had been leaning towards Liarte for some time. However, Lianrius tried to get into his twin sister¡¯s eyes. ¡°What do you want to do when you reach adulthood?¡± ¡°Well.¡± Liarte had no choice. The social activities and hobbies usually enjoyed by aristocrats were only available to those who had a budget for themselves and could go out. ¡°Is there any present you want?¡± ¡°No.¡± Liarte stared at the unglazed window. Birce¡¯s scriptures did not appear today. She remembered Michael¡¯s words that he would return. Michael was someone who would keep his promise to her to see the sea. Looking at the clear sky outside, Liarte looked like a woman who yearned for freedom. ¡°Liarte. Do you want to leave Elheim?¡± Liarte turned her head at the words Lianrius threw. It had been a long time since she looked directly at him. As her dark ocean blue eyes contained herself, Lianrius felt a thrill that he could not compare with. ¡°Is my answer important?¡± Liarte didn¡¯t lie. She was inclined to not to talk empty words to people of no importance since it was meaningless. It meant that she wanted to leave Elheim. ¡°Yes, but you can¡¯t go out.¡± Having Liarte by his side, Lianrius could use his powers. No, that wasn¡¯t the only reason. Lianrius was seized with an indescribable feeling. ¡°You¡¯ll never get out of the family, Liarte. Your death will also happen in Elheim.¡± He had no intention of letting Liarte go until her death. ¡°No.¡± Liarte replied in a strong tone. ¡°You are wrong, Lianrius.¡± Liarte recalled the time before her return. Liarte, who celebrated her coming of age, was imprisoned despite being able to use the power of water on her own. Eventually she recalled her execution in Elheim. ¡°I¡¯m not going to repeat the same life over and over again.¡± She swore upon death that she would surely escape Elheim. Before the coming of age ceremony, she was going to keep it a secret as much as she could. However, there was no regret for the early announcement of her intention to get out. * * * ¡°The date of the coming of age ceremony of Young Master Lianrius is approaching, Your Highness.¡± Inside the Prince¡¯s Palace. A close aide, Count Fedes, was reporting to the Crown Prince. ¡°When Ninian hears of this, she¡¯ll be jumping with joy.¡± The Crown prince approached the bookcase inside his office. When he moved some books and pressed the hidden button, a door appeared on the floor. ¡°I¡¯m going down.¡± At the gesture of the Crown prince, Count Fedes politely followed him. After passing through the long passage, a huge door appeared. It was the entrance to a temple made of unusual stone. A building that was built by the First Owners of the Awakened Family. When the prince pressed his hand against the pattern, the huge door slid open. The Crown prince walked in with Count Fedes. ¡°I greet his highness, the Crown Prince.¡± One of the shadows guarding the underground temple bowed deeply. The Crown Prince nodded his head arrogantly. ¡°How is the condition of ¡°her¡±?¡± ¡°She still hasn¡¯t opened her eyes today.¡± On the wide wall of the temple, a woman dyed in black was hung. This was a fallen spirit king that has been handed down from generation to generation in the royal family. It was said that the First Owners gained power by contracting with the spirit kings long ago. However, as the gates of the spirit world were closing, all the spirit kings returned, and the power of the awakeners weakened. Whenever the prince heard this hypothesis, he would laugh at the person saying it as it was just a nonsense legend. The day when he first descended underground, holding the hand of the emperor, was when he learned that it was true. On that day when he witnessed the spirit king, the Crown prince felt awe and fascination at the same time. She was in a comatose state with her eyes closed, but her expression was distorted with anger. Her body was floating in the air and her long hair fluttered. ¡°It feels like I¡¯m lying when I say I saw you open your eyes.¡± The crown prince raised his hand over a window installed so that people could not reach the Spirit King directly. ¡°It¡¯s so beautiful.¡± So many years had passed, but the Spirit King never opened her eyes. However, a few months ago, the day he returned from Elheim¡¯s banquet, the Spirit King opened her eyes brightly for a moment. The reaction was just that. She couldn¡¯t speak and showed no abilities. At that time, the only other abnormalities that happened in the empire was the lightning and water which were said to have hit Elheim. ¡°Bring a bottle to contain her energy.¡± ¡°Are you thinking of collecting it yourself today?¡± Count Fedes failed to dissuade the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince was adamant. ¡°Don¡¯t you know the power of the imperial family?¡± For the royal family with purple eyes, the abilities of the awakened people hardly worked. Moreover, this Spirit King was only half a piece. Surprisingly, according to the records of the first emperor, the black Spirit King was said to be a fragment of the whole spirit king cut in half. ¡°Please be careful, Your Majesty.¡± The prince walked to the wall and looked up at the sleeping spirit king, feeling overwhelmed. The sand in the hourglass was set straight. Black energy soared and crashed as it turned over and over again. In the specially manufactured glass bottle, the Spirit King¡¯s energy fell down like black grains of sand. When the bottle was half full, the crown prince raised his hand. ¡°I think that¡¯s enough.¡± This black powder from the Spirit King had a special ability. The creatures that inhaled or swallowed the powder lost their reason and ran wild. The same was true even if it came into contact with the powder. As an experiment, when black powder was sprayed on the bones of a dead person, it had temporarily changed to the state before the person had died and had gone crazy. That was the identity of the assassin sent to Michael Birce, who visited Elheim. ¡°I want to make this Spirit King whole. Or rather, I want to have the full power of the Spirit King.¡± The prince was intoxicated with his words and laughed haughtily. ¡°It is my dream to establish an absolute imperial power that is not so swayed by things such as awakeners.¡± ¡°It will go as you please, Your Highness.¡±, Count Fedes replied. ¡°How¡¯s Birce these days?¡± ¡°It¡¯s still quiet with the gates still closed.¡± After the blinding of his successor, Michael Birce, the Duke of Birce had walked towards the gates to lock them and was still in silence. ¡°Birce¡¯s successor is blind, and that grandfather will never see the light of the world. It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve had a toast.¡± Normally, he would have stayed here for a long time, but he had a lot of work to do today. The two men went back up to the office. ¡°When did you say Young Master Lianrius was coming of age?¡± ¡°In three days.¡± ¡°Show them thorough courtesy. He¡¯s a powerful awakener born in a long while in Elheim after a few generations.¡± Indulging in the story, they couldn¡¯t even notice the presence of a person quietly moving away. ¡°Haha.¡± Danterion, who finally arrived in his room, removed the water that had covered his whole body. ¡®It seems that the secret hidden by the Crown Prince is the spirit king.¡¯ After a long endeavour, Danterion succeeded in hiding in the underground temple. He might have been caught if the Crown Prince had come even a little closer. His curiosity was big enough enough to take such a risk. ¡®But it wasn¡¯t as big as I thought.¡¯ Danterion has already seen the Spirit King of Water, intact and strong. The spirit king, split in half, was a strong entity that he could not dare to touch. ¡®I have to go back to Elheim.¡¯ Several months had passed, but the owner of the Spirit Stone still hadn¡¯t appeared yet. Chapter 24 [You still haven¡¯t found the Heir?] The Spirit King opened his eyes. All the awakeners of water had sung in front of the room of the First Owner. Then the knights sang, and after them, the servants. ¡°Sorry. I¡¯m trying my best to find the Owner.¡± The Duke of Elheim had been busy recently. Lianrius¡¯s coming-of-age ceremony approached the day after tomorrow, and it was hectic. [The owner of the Spirit Stone was the one present at Elheim that night.] ¡°I¡¯ll keep checking to see if I missed someone.¡± No matter how much they tried to silence the servants, it wasn¡¯t enough to prevent the spread of rumours. There was already a widespread rumour in the Empire that the Duke of Elheim had gone mad and had the people of his household sing. He felt like the situation was getting even more twisted without any progress. ¡®I mobilized most of the people in Elheim that day, but I couldn¡¯t find the owner.¡¯ He felt like he was missing something. The mistakes of the Duke and his family were taken as excessive prejudice and contempt for the unawakeners. Even in that moment, no one recalled Liarte¡¯s existence. ¡°I hope you¡¯ll wait until the day after tomorrow.¡± [Why should I wait for such pathetic things like you?] ¡°There is a coming-of-age ceremony that happens once in the rise and fall of the family.¡± The Water Spirit King in the form of a boy laughed bitterly as if he was sad. [You mean that fake? You don¡¯t know what¡¯s important, so you¡¯re looking after something like that. Do whatever you want.] ¡°Thank you, Spirit King.¡± The Duke bowed his head. The duke didn¡¯t know that suspicion lingered within the Spirit King who looked down on him. The duke¡¯s stupid blood and flesh really didn¡¯t know who the Real Owner of the spirit stone was. If she was born as the successor to Jurien, she couldn¡¯t know that Spirit Stone had chosen her. Nevertheless, it was suspicious that she was deliberately hiding herself and did not appear so far. ¡°I¡¯m surprised, but I have a question.¡± The duke asked, still afraid of the spirit king. ¡°You have that kind of power, but why aren¡¯t you looking for the Owner yourself?¡± [Are you questioning me now?] The Duke suddenly realized why the ancient books described the water spirit king as an evil deity. Before he knew it, the Duke bowed his head again. ¡°I made a mistake. I will go out.¡± The appearance of the duke going out in cold sweat was even more pathetic. The Spirit King, who was left alone, closed his eyes again. [You¡¯re stabbing in my sore spot.] The day when the duke brought in a fake, claiming it to be the owner of the spirit stone, he felt so overwhelmed with sadness that it made him angry. Although the ability was vast, most of the power of the Water Spirit King was used in the sealing. Long ago, it was the cause of the death of the First Owner Jurien. The fallen spirit kings were separated and one was sealed in the imperial palace and the other one in Birce. The Water Spirit King could not even get out of this room as the seal might get released. He couldn¡¯t even try to find the owner of the spirit stone with all his strength. The heir to the Jurien was so close. [Please come and find me.] The Spirit King closed his eyes. He had to sleep again until his lost strength was restored. * * * Danterion arrived at the Duke of Elheim. ¡°Hello, Young Master.¡± ¡°Good afternoon. Knight Commander Dupard.¡± He felt good enough to send a sincere greeting to the division commander, who he would have ignored when he wasn¡¯t interested. The knight commander, who was amazed for a moment, greeted him again and stepped away. ¡®Everyone¡¯s love for the youngest is special.¡¯ Danterion cared about Lianrius. It was mainly because he was really interested in his strong ability. Even though he wasn¡¯t the owner of Spirit Stone, he still cared for Lianrius, although his feelings were less stronger than before. The only thing that bothered him was the unawakener. ¡°Oh, so brother was telling me the truth, wasn¡¯t he?¡± Standing in the main building, Danterion looked out at the room decorated on the first floor. In the empty room, there were curtains, beds, and furniture that were supposed to be used by female residents. Liarte never had access to this mansion, where the direct descendants lived. Originally, Duke and Aynias hated Liarte appearing around the main building. ¡®I thought I read the letter wrong because it said that she was both a daughter and a younger sister.¡¯ For Danterion, Liarte was the same thing as nothing. Aynias pursued yet despised Liarte when he saw her, but Danterion treated her as a mere nobody. It was not interesting to the general public in the first place. Liarte, who was a direct descendant of Elheim and had no abilities, was reluctant to say anything against him. He, to be precise, didn¡¯t even think of her as a human being. [Ed/n : I wish I can isekai and punch that face of yours right now (¨p ¨° ? ¨®)] ¡°S-second brother.¡± Danterion encountered Hwi-Amin, who was snooping around the window of Liarte¡¯s room. A blue flower was held in Hwi-Amin¡¯s hand. ¡°What is this? Are you going to beg?¡± ¡°Ah, no¡­¡± ¡°Don¡¯t bother Hwi-Amin, Dante.¡± Suddenly Aynias appeared. ¡°It¡¯s not a bad thing to give flowers to our kin.¡± ¡°Brother, are you crazy?¡± Danterion was disgusted by Aynias, who allegedly mentioned Liarte as his flesh. ¡°The child resembles our mother a little. And she¡¯s our one and only youngest sister¡­¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t Lian our one and only youngest?¡± ¡°Danterion!¡± ¡°Since when has my brother ever taken care of her? I kept thinking about it from the time you wrote down the words that father thought of her as his daughter, but seriously. Did all of you eat something wrong?¡± Danterion then saw Liarte walking in the direction of the garden. She always wore the same gray dress, the clothes the duke had given her, almost as if it was a uniform, as he couldn¡¯t give her extravagant clothes and forgive her for killing their mother. Danterion knew that they were clothes that even the commoners would not wear. What changed in her was her straight posture and front-facing gaze. The indifferent gaze diverted away from the place where the three brothers were gathered. As if they were strangers she didn¡¯t know. Danterion witnessed two people watching Liarte move away. ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on.¡± Hwi-Amin was in trouble with his eyes red. It was a similar reaction, something he did usually, so they paid no heed. Aynias barely stopped his hand, which reached out to her as if he couldn¡¯t speak his words out or hold onto her. It was when he visited the Duke¡¯s office that Danterion felt a certain surprise. In fact, Danterion was thinking of going to the room of the First Owner. Before the memory of the half-sleeping spirit king in the imperial palace was forgotten, he wanted to see and compare it with the water spirit king. It was then that Lianrius¡¯s voice came out through the slightly open door. ¡°What will father do when Liarte reaches adulthood?¡± Danterion looked through the slightly open door. He was having a conversation with the duke. ¡°When you reach adulthood, that child will also become an adult.¡± The duke mumbled. ¡°I am of age.¡± Elheim¡¯s doctor had said that when he reaches adulthood, it was highly likely that Lianrius would be able to use the power of water on his own. He added that there would not be any need for Liarte anymore. When the awakening ceremony is held before or on the 17th birthday, the awakening vessel would become stronger than before. It was said that the body becomes stronger and the water¡¯s ability would circulate in a good condition. ¡°If you don¡¯t need that child, I will send her away.¡± ¡°No.¡± Lianrius replied strongly. Those blue eyes had been smudged dark for months. It was the same colour as water, but Liarte¡¯s eyes were similar to a brighter lake, while the light of Lianrius¡¯s eyes reminded him of the deep sea. ¡°I need Liarte. I wanted her to be by my side.¡± Lately, Lianrius had been obsessed about his twin sister. The Duke knew it well. ¡°Let¡¯s keep Liarte in our family.¡± ¡°At one time, I thought that way, but when I think of your deceased mother, I can¡¯t do it. Furthermore, she might leave the family one day. There is no legal right to hold onto her.¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t we just forcing them to let us detain her?¡± The Duke of Elheim wasn¡¯t in his sane mind. He was calculating that if she went out and looked around the world, Liarte would come back just as before. Wouldn¡¯t it be hard to live alone outside? Even though she has changed now, Liarte was originally a child who was hungry for affection. He again thought that he regretted treating her so bad and wished for her to come back to her old self. ¡°It was you, father, who said that Liarte was my property.¡± Liarte¡¯s fate has already been decided since childhood. Even without Lianrius looking back, Liarte had been blindly devoted to him. ¡°You¡¯re right, Lian.¡± Danterion, listening to the conversation, pushed the door. And he reached them with a single stride. ¡°If Liarte doesn¡¯t listen to us, make it impossible for her to walk or go outside. Are the wishes of that person important?¡± Lianrius¡¯s expression froze when he heard Danterion¡¯s words. ¡°We just need to break her legs so that she can¡¯t go outside. It doesn¡¯t matter if she gets locked up.¡± [Tl/n: You crazy psychopaths!!] [Ed/n: Why don¡¯t we break yours? You won¡¯t complain right? ((¨p¡ñ?¡ñ)] Even though his personality was to chase his interests, Danterion loved Elheim. He loved the duke and his family and the power of water. The only thing that he didn¡¯t was Liarte. Had Liarte been an awakener of water, he would not have done it, but he was able to be cruel enough because she failed to express her ability. ¡°You can do whatever you want, Lian.¡± Danterion smiled as he saw Lianrius agonizing silently. Then, words flashed by in the Duke¡¯s head. ¡®Fake.¡¯ Whenever he saw his youngest son, he kept getting reminded of that word. Lianrius had lowered his head, after realizing that he wasn¡¯t the real owner of the family. He had always thought of him as a child of noble character. ¡°Yes, Danterion is right.¡± In the end, he chose Lianrius and abandoned Liarte. The Duke knew that he himself did not know whether his judgment was really correct. But the foreboding that something was wrong kept ringing like an alarm. Chapter 25 At the Duchy of Birce. Thwuk-! Michael kicked the body with his feet. It was a murderer, whom he would have deliberately ignored, walking in the opposite direction, if it were ordinary circumstances. However, anything that could possibly threaten Liarte, inevitably had to be eliminated. ¡°Ah, there you go.¡± He grabbed the hair of the murderer he had accidentally caught on his way back to Birce. ¡°Your Grace, please kill me. Please.¡± The murderer, who had been badly tortured and horribly scarred, was begging to be killed. All the victims killed by this murderer probably said those exact words. The reason he caught the killer, just as he was passing Elheim, was because all his victims had long black hair. In addition, the estate where the killer lived was right next to Elheim. He didn¡¯t think that Liarte would fail to defend herself, but a feeling in his heart told him to catch the murderer, as soon as Michael laid eyes on him. ¡°Thank you for the compliment.¡± Michael smiled languidly. ¡°I think killing someone is the best tribute. My father would have killed you. He¡¯s more merciful than you think.¡± ¡°Pl¡­¡­ease.¡± At that moment, the blade pierced the killer¡¯s body. Dead. Michael threw a wanted card at the killer, who was starting to harden. ¡°He¡¯s lucky to die from a heart attack just before my sword pierced his heart.¡± ¡°I agree, Son.¡± A man with silver hair and red eyes. Duke Carmen Birce had a relaxed look resembling Michael, who was holding a sword in his hand. ¡°Is that it?¡± ¡°Yes, father.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t wait to meet your benefactor. I can¡¯t believe you¡¯ve changed this much.¡± Michael locked the gate and began cleaning the interior. The beautiful yet bloody mansion had turned increasingly brighter. Conversely, all spies and assassins who had been left behind for the purpose of investigation were removed. Outsiders seemed to misunderstand that the reason Birce¡¯s successor locked the gates was because he lost his sight. ¡°I have to go right now.¡± Soon, it was the day Liarte came of age. The Duke of Birce was ready to meet his benefactor. Michael dropped the velvet eye patch that was no longer needed. * * * Elheim was noisy with the preparations for the coming of age ceremony. It was a scene that felt far away to Liarte. The blood and flesh of Elheim did not come to see her directly, except for Lianrius. They stood far away and had conversations with each other. Liarte recalled what she had overheard Aynias say not long ago. ¡®She is the only daughter and our sister.¡¯ If she was indeed a daughter, and if they had considered her as their sister, they would have put Liarte¡¯s name on the Duke of Elheim¡¯s family register. Even now, Liarte was not a member of Elheim. It was only to this degree, the so-called ¡®affection¡¯ between those of Elheim¡¯s bloodline. They came after her because she wasn¡¯t interested in them anymore, but they don¡¯t want her to be recognized as an official member. Liarte looked up at the window. Tomorrow was Lianrius¡¯s coming-of-age ceremony. So far, Michael¡¯s white birds had not flown in. She was waiting, and she was sure that even without Michael¡¯s help, she could get out of Elheim. She, herself, knew that she had to make preparations in order to break out of the family. Liarte was stronger than before as she practiced her water skills in her room whenever those of the Elheim family were not around. ¡°Liarte.¡± Lianrius had entered the room before she knew it. Liarte felt that Lianrius¡¯s face wasn¡¯t any different from yesterday as she looked at him through the reflection in the window. ¡°Do you still intend to leave the family?¡± Before her return, after witnessing Lianrius freely use the power of water at their coming of age ceremony, Liarte was seized with the fear of being abandoned. But on the other hand, she still had hopes that she would be able to leave Elheim. Although the result was that when her coming of age ceremony was over, she had once again ended up being dragged into the prison-like room. ¡°What are you implying?¡± ¡°I¡¯m trying to make sure you don¡¯t regret leaving, Liarte.¡± Unlike Liarte, who was illuminated by the sunlight, which seeped in through the window, Lianrius, who stood inside the room, was shaded. ¡°Just because I said that I want to escape doesn¡¯t mean I want to leave my family.¡± ¡°Do you hate our family?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t hate my family.¡± Of course she hated the family of Elheim. She still remembered the members of the family who were obsessed with the power of water trying to trample her. Even the general passersby called Liarte Half-Elheim. ¡°I hate you, Lianrius.¡± However, she hated those who believed there was nothing more important than blood and power. ¡°I¡¯ll give you a day to change your mind.¡± Lianrius said with dark eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll come back tomorrow morning, for our coming-of-age ceremony. I may forgive you if you change back to how you were in the past.¡± Danterion said that there is no need to be considerate of the unawakener. He pointed out that Lianrius, who will be the next Duke, could move as he wanted and handle her as he pleased. Lianrius had somewhat agreed with his words. However, if Liarte made eye contact or smiled at him, Lianrius thought that he could favour Liarte a little bit, just like before. ¡°Fine. Do whatever you want.¡± In fact, Liarte listened to Lianrius¡¯s words indifferently. It reminded her of what she had to do today regarding the coming of age ceremony. The reason she wasn¡¯t afraid of him anymore was because Liarte, herself, was a strong awakener. No matter what Lianrius planned to do, he would never be able to stop Liarte. Lianrius warned silently. ¡°Keep that in mind, Liarte.¡± Tomorrow was the coming of age ceremony. Lianrius persistently stared at Liarte, who remained indifferent to him until the end. Then, he returned, and only Liarte stood there alone. ¡®No. I have to wait until nightfall.¡¯ Tonight, Liarte was planning to visit the room of the First Owner. She hadn¡¯t been there even before her regression. This is because she grew up as an unawakener and her every movement was opposed by the Duke. ¡®Now that I think about it, before my regression, almost everyone in Elheim was busy tonight.¡¯ She heard that there were so many things to prepare for the coming of age ceremony. If it was an ordinary day, people would¡¯ve been singing in front of the room of the First Owner, and either the duke or Aynias would be watching over them. However, at least tonight, the day before the coming of age ceremony, they would all be too busy to pay attention to the Water King of Spirits. Liarte waited for the night to fall. * * * Liarte woke up and saw the moon high in the sky. It was deep in the night. The fear of encountering someone along her path was not there. The foggy cloud of water that she had developed over the past few months completely enshrouded Liarte¡¯s presence, and made her disappear. ¡®The Duke¡¯s office.¡¯ Liarte recalled what she had heard before her return and the information Lianrius had told her not long ago. Liarte roughly knew the location of the Duke¡¯s office. ¡®I heard you¡¯ll find a long passage if you walk from there.¡¯ There were two knights guarding the passage, but none of them felt Liarte¡¯s presence. As she passed through the long passage, she saw a stone door. Mysterious patterns were engraved on the door. According to Lianrius, it can only be opened by Elheim¡¯s direct descendants. Liarte raised her hand. The engraving turned blue. For the Heir. No one could interpret the pattern on the engraving. However, strangely in Liarte¡¯s eyes, the pattern appeared like individual letters. The door opened. ¡®Thank god.¡¯ After her regression, she was concerned about the manifestation of the water¡¯s power inside of her. She worried whether it would help her open the door, but thankfully she entered the room of the First Owner without any difficulty. Liarte stepped inside. The blue boy floated above the spirit stone and had his eyes closed. ¡®They look alike.¡¯ Before her death, the boy had appeared before her as a blue man, who reached out while shouting ¡®no.¡¯ Although he had a clear presence, it was not enough to weigh a person down as she heard. When she looked closely at his posture, it seemed like the boy was wrapped in water. The power of water which filled the room penetrated into Liarte¡¯s body. Somehow she felt like she was being filled with joy. ¡°Hi.¡± The Water Spirit King did not wake up despite her greetings. ¡®He said to sing.¡¯ There must be a reason as to why so many people were asked to come to the first Owner¡¯s room to sing. Liarte opened her mouth. She sang a song in a low voice that could hardly be heard, with sweet lips. Soon the water fluctuated. [Who is it?] After a while, the water spirit king in the form of a boy opened his eyes. The first thing that she encountered were harsh eyes and a strong energy, like that of a ruler. His expression looked more solemn and colder than when he had his eyes closed. The energy of the water stretched out freely. Liarte felt like she was going to be overwhelmed by the overbearing aura. However, the Spirit King did not treat Lirate as harshly as he did with others. Nor did he happen to look down, overbearingly, from above. While floating on top of the water, the Spirit King looked at her in a very cautious manner. [You are here now.] It was a voice full of uncontrollable joy. Somehow, it seemed like he was excited. The spirit king, who had acted like an evil spirit, became as gentle as an angel in front of Liarte. It was a scene that the Duke of Elheim and his sons would never believe, even if they saw it. [My master.] The Water Spirit King came down from the top of the Spirit Stone and caught her gaze. Then he put his hand on Liarte¡¯s forehead. A voice filled with immeasurable affection rang inside Liarte¡¯s mind desperately. [My only contractor.] The overwhelming emotion of the spirit king was conveyed onto Liarte. The waves were scattered, and the spirit stone, which she had thought to have lost it¡¯s light, began to shine brightly. The engravings on the walls in the room of the First Owner shone gold. The spirit king of water laughed. [I¡¯ve been waiting only for you for a very long time.]