A Background Character's Fate

[2] 72. Days To Danger

After the massive assassination failure, many members of the academy were put under the council's inspection. While some were accused of orchestrating the attempt and were publicly executed, I suspect the main culprits go scot-free, and there is most likely a co-conspirator within the council.

As for me, I return to a small mansion arranged by Julius as he settles the aftermath. He said there won't be any retaliation so soon from his siblings after such a messy incident. In addition, the forces of his older sister suffered, and the balance of power was shaking. None smart enough will make any big moves from such turbulence backlash.

Some of his retainers, whether from jealousy or concern, are worried about my identity to which Julius assured them I am his friend and closest aide. It's stuffy but I have to wear this mask wherever I go until I perfect my muscle contraction technique.

Now I'm stuck in this royal guest room, unlike the simple bare wood of my family's house. Here, the spacious high ceilings and plaster walls are adorned with rich tapestries, the colours so vivid they tell a thousand words. The grandeur and comfort of the furniture and enormous fireplace put me into a world not meant for commoners.

I stare at the ceiling lying on the large canopy bed draped in fine linens. The soft mattress sinks into my skin, cleansing my fatigue away but...it does not feel good.

I want my family to experience this comfort too...

The boy is out playing with the servants, exploring the capital and eating food with Julius' wealth. I've been practising my perception and the muscle contraction technique during the day and working on my shadow techniques at night. It's been a week since the incident.

I close my eyes and start my training. Thousands of sound waves enter my ears, my goal is to separate and identify one specified sound amidst the ocean. A soft breeze blows snowflakes and hits the window. A servant is chatting with another servant in the kitchen; they are talking about the gardener's peculiar obsession with flowers. In the garden of the backyard, several servants are shoving snow out of the garden pathway as the gardener tends to every nature like babies of his own. Lastly, I hear footsteps at the gate of the mansion, the guards bow at the person and allow entry without question. I lock my senses on this person. Countless information about him poured into my mind and the obscure but burning aura sealed the deal. Julius is finally back.

I put on my mask and head out of the room. A servant passing by notices and asks me if I require any assistance.

"It's alright, thank you."

I walk past the servant to the main hall where I come across Julius. Behind him is another retainer who is trying to report something to him. Julius stops his conversation and tells the retainer to direct each document to his office before tending to me.

"Loi? How have you been?"

"Hmm...good. Pardon me but I need to speak to you as soon as possible," I say.

Julius stares at my request and slowly nods. "Alright...I can spare some time. Let's...uh...go to the shed in the garden or the orangery. Have you had breakfast?"

"Not yet..."

"Alright," he walks to a servant by the door. "Miss Katherine, get the cook to whip up something and bring it to the shed."

"Yes, my lord."

...

"What? Let's go."

We head to the shed as the gardener finishes his duty. I can see some strings of magic maintaining the flowers from the cold.

"You seem to have some talent for magic, want to learn some? It's convenient." Julius says.

"I'm fine. I would rather dig one well than die of thirst," I reply.