The Lost Mage's Journey

Chapter 49: Echoes of Influence

Scene 1: An Uneasy Return to Routine

The days following Lyka and Mira's return to Lusitania had been relatively calm. The palace staff welcomed them back warmly, with bustling activity and preparations for the approaching winter festival. But even amidst the excitement, Lyka couldn't shake the worry that lingered in her mind.

As Lyka sat beside Mira on the palace terrace, they watched the sunrise over the kingdom together. But today, something was different. Mira had seemed a little distant since their return, sometimes lost in thought. She would smile, but her smiles felt... different, as if they lacked their usual warmth.

Lyka (smiling gently):
"You seem quiet, big sis. Is everything alright?"

Mira (startled, snapping out of her thoughts):
"Oh, I'm fine! Just... thinking."

Lyka raised an eyebrow, curious. Mira had always been the one to keep Lyka's spirits up, the steady presence she could lean on. But now, there was a hint of something she couldn't quite place—a feeling of detachment.

Lyka (laughing softly):
"Thinking? You're usually the one telling me to relax and stop overthinking."

Mira forced a smile, nodding, though her gaze drifted away toward the distant mountains.

Mira (softly):
"Things change, I suppose."

The subtle shift in Mira's tone caught Lyka off guard. She wanted to ask more, but something in Mira's expression stopped her.

Scene 2: A Subtle Change

Later that afternoon, Lyka and Mira joined King Elric and Queen Alicia in the royal gardens. The king had asked for Lyka's opinion on the festival decorations, hoping to add a touch of her creativity to the plans.

As they discussed, Mira remained by Lyka's side, but her gaze seemed distant, almost vacant, as if she were merely going through the motions.

Queen Alicia (warmly):
"Lyka, dear, you have such a wonderful sense for these things. Do you think we should add more lights by the entrance?"

Lyka (smiling):
"That sounds perfect! It'll make the festival feel more magical."

She turned to Mira, nudging her playfully.

Lyka (gently):
"Right, Mira? You always say that more lights make everything feel like a celebration."

But Mira didn't respond immediately. She blinked a few times as if pulling herself out of a fog, her smile faint and distracted.

Mira (softly):
"Yes, lights... they're... beautiful."

Her response felt hollow, and Lyka's smile faded, concern growing in her eyes. Even King Elric and Queen Alicia exchanged a quick, worried glance.

Lyka (quietly, leaning closer to Mira):
"Are you sure you're okay, big sis?"

Mira (nodding, forcing a reassuring smile):
"Of course, just a bit tired from the trip back. I'm fine, little mage."

But Lyka wasn't convinced. There was something wrong, something Mira wasn't telling her. She felt an unsettling chill in the pit of her stomach.