There was something about her that was different. Was it the way she held herself high? Her intelligence? Her regal demeanor? They couldn't figure it out. She couldn't understand it either. After all she just happened to have been saved by Ren Gyoku...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Published: 8.25.24
Leaning her head back against the plush cushions of the velvet sofa in her dimly lit bedroom, she let her gaze drift upward, where the intricately decorated tiles on the ceiling caught the soft glow of the candlelight. The cool breeze brushed through the open window, rustling the sheer curtains, but she was too lost in her memories to notice.
Closing her eyes, her thoughts drifted back to the other night when she had confronted Sinbad. The tension in the air had been palpable, a heavy weight pressing down as his piercing amber eyes met hers.
______
Sinbad's expression remained unreadable, but Lixue could see the flicker of something in his eyes—amusement, perhaps, or the faintest hint of hostility. He was a man used to navigating the intricacies of politics and power, yet she had met his subtle provocations with her own, refusing to back down.
"You speak boldly, Lixue," Sinbad replied, his voice smooth but carrying an edge that matched the intensity in his gaze. "But surely you understand that every action I take is for the greater good, for the stability of the world." He took a step closer, his presence commanding, but she held her ground, unwilling to yield even an inch.
"Stability or control?" Lixue countered, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studied his reaction. She knew Sinbad's reputation—his charm, his cunning, and his ability to bend even the strongest wills to his own. But she also knew that beneath that charismatic exterior lay a man with ambitions that could reshape the world, for better or worse.
Sinbad's lips curled into a faint smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. "You're sharp, Lixue. But be careful—words like that can make powerful enemies."
The warning was clear, but Lixue remained unmoved, her eyes hardening with resolve. "I'm well aware of the risks, Sinbad," she declared, her voice firm and unyielding, cutting through the tension like a blade. "But do not mistake my caution for fear. The allies you've so carefully manipulated may soon see through your facade—and when they do, you'll find yourself facing more than just whispered doubts."
Her gaze bore into him, challenging him to refute her words. "The Kou Empire is not to be trifled with, and neither am I. I suggest you reconsider your actions, or you may find that the consequences reach farther than you anticipate."
For a moment, the two of them stood in silence, the tension between them palpable, like a coiled spring ready to snap. The moonlight bathed the scene in an ethereal glow, casting long shadows that seemed to dance with the unspoken words left hanging in the air. Finally, Sinbad nodded, a gesture of acknowledgment, though whether it was of respect or something else entirely, Lixue couldn't be sure.
"Very well," Sinbad said at last, his tone lighter but no less serious, with a grin on his face. "Let's see how this journey unfolds. But remember, Lixue, not everything is as it seems."
With that, he turned and walked away, Ja'far falling into step beside him, leaving Lixue alone with her thoughts. The encounter had left her unsettled, not because of Sinbad's words, but because of the nagging feeling that she had only glimpsed the surface of something far more complex and dangerous.
As Sinbad walked away with a grin playing on his lips, Lixue couldn't help but scoff, her irritation barely masked by her calm exterior. How effortlessly he switched from veiled threats to that insincere charm—it was almost laughable. Internally, she marveled at the strange duality he carried, the facade he wore like a second skin.
It was as if he thrived on keeping everyone guessing, never revealing the true man beneath the mask. The thought only solidified her resolve—whatever game he was playing, she wouldn't be fooled by his slippery demeanor.
______
Lixue's eyes fluttered open, the vivid memories of her confrontation with Sinbad fading as the present pulled her back. The muffled sound of voices reached her ears, drawing her attention away from the lingering thoughts. Rising from the sofa, she moved gracefully across the room, the rich silk of her embroidered robe dragging against the polished floor. The delicate fabric, adorned with intricate patterns of blue and purple, flowed around her, a testament to the elegancy of the Kou Empire.
She reached the window, gently pushing the curtain aside as she peered out into the courtyard below. There, gathered under the morning sun, were Aladdin, Alibaba, Morgiana, Hakuryuu, and Kougyoku, engaged in conversation. Their expressions ranged from lighthearted laughter to thoughtful discussion, a stark contrast to the tension that had filled her thoughts moments before.
Lixue watched them quietly, noting the ease with which they interacted, a sense of camaraderie that seemed so effortless. Yet, beneath the surface, she knew each of them carried their own burdens, their own uncertainties about the path ahead. The sight brought a slight smile to her lips—despite everything, there was something reassuring about seeing them together, a reminder that she wasn't alone in navigating the complexities of this journey.
Lixue's gaze lingered on the group below, her mind racing with thoughts of the larger implications of their presence. Each one of them could represent a significant political power, and she couldn't help but ponder the impact if only the leaders of the world were like them.
Would it be a place of peace and prosperity, free from the ravages of war and tragedy? The idea seemed almost idyllic, a world where the conflicts and struggles that had shaped their lives were nothing more than distant memories. Yet, Lixue knew better than to entertain such fantasies for long.
Her curiosity got the better of her as she leaned out from her bedroom window, voice ringing down with a clear, melodic tone. "What's the discussion that has everyone so excited?"
The group below paused, their heads turning in unison towards her. A brief silence settled before Aladdin, his face lit with a genuine smile, took a step forward. "We were just discussing our plans for the near future," he said, his tone carrying a mix of excitement and determination.
Hakuryuu, standing a little apart, took a deep breath before speaking. His eyes, usually so sharp and guarded, were softened by a flicker of resolve. "I've decided to return to the Kou Empire," he announced. "There are unresolved issues and unfinished business waiting for me there. It's time I confront my past and handle what has been left undone."
Morgiana, who had been quietly observing, nodded in agreement. Her expression was a blend of determination and anticipation. "I'll be traveling to the Dark Continent," she revealed. "There's a part of my past and a deeper understanding of myself that I need to explore."
Aladdin then turned to Lixue, his eyes reflecting a mix of excitement and contemplation. "As for me, I'm heading to Magnostadt. The pursuit of knowledge has always been my path, and there's much more to learn. Magnostadt holds the keys to furthering my understanding of magic and purpose in this world."
Lixue absorbed their words, her gaze shifting from one to the next as they spoke. She allowed herself a small smile, relieved that Aladdin had opted not to accept Sinbad's offer to become Sindria's Magi, and pleased that Morgiana was eager to explore her own history.
However, a shadow of concern crossed her features as she recalled Hakuryuu's words. To deal with unresolved issues, as he had put it, suggested significant unrest—and the idea of him returning to the Kou Empire filled her with unease. The thought of Hakuryuu potentially turning the palace upside down and disrupting the already delicate power dynamics there was troubling. It seemed clear that his return would bring a whirlwind of change, the consequences of which could ripple far beyond their immediate concerns.
