Discordant Note: Crescendo | TBATE

Chapter 271: Lightening the Shade

This chapter is dedicated to all those who wanted a proper explanation from Arthur to Ellie about his previous life in canon, instead of her just "figuring it out."

Thank you to my beta reader and editor, GlassThreads!

Arthur Leywin

Ellie's pure mana arrows thunked solidly into half a dozen floating targets. The glowing yellow projections glimmered with victory as she shouted in triumph, pumping her arms in the air and whooping. Boo even grunted in appreciation. Kathyln Glayder nodded in slow acknowledgment, her small lips quirking up into a smile.

I stood near the edge of the training ground, a slight smile on my face as I watched Ellie give Kathyln an exuberant hug, and the poor ice princess awkwardly patted my sister on the back in return. The former princess of Sapin still didn't do physical contact well.

This specific training yard wasn't even really a training yard. It was more an expansive, grassy balcony that looked out on the endless sea of clouds around Dicathen's flying castle. The kiss of the wind pulled at my shoulder-length hair, which I rarely kept in a knot anymore.

Ellie said something, then grabbed her bow again. She prepared to line up a few more shots as Kathyln stepped backward, observing with a critical eye.

I exhaled, letting my hold on Mirage Walk—which I'd improved even further with my constant sight of all four elements—slip. For an instant, my mana signature flared slightly.

Kathyln perked up, her high core purity allowing her to just barely glimpse what I released. Her hand darted to her waist, where her crystal-topped wand waited for battle. She swiveled her head around, covertly scanning the grounds for intruders or enemies.

When her eyes finally found mine, she relaxed. The former princess said something to Ellie—who also glanced briefly in my direction. My little sister's nose wrinkled slightly, her brows furrowing. Then she turned away, her posture rigid as she lined up shots with her bow. Each one made me want to wince, especially with the compounding gaze of King Grey at the edges of my vision.

The thunk-thunk-thunk of arrows slamming into targets followed Kathyln Glayder's footsteps as she glided over to me, her expression serene and icy cool beneath her long, black hair.

The former princess of Sapin wore a conservative navy dress that covered much of her pale skin. The flaring sleeves were lined with light blue trim that almost seemed to sparkle like ice, drawing the eyes to the way the young woman seemed to float like a dainty ghost. With each flow of that embroidery, she became a flash of blue light in a small dark expanse.

I stood straighter as the former princess of Sapin approached me, locking one arm behind my back in the noble manner. She lowered her eyes slightly as she took the edges of her dresses, curtsying lightly.

"Your Majesty," she said coolly. "How can I assist you today?"

I restrained a bit of a sigh. Kathyln had been more formal than ever since my ascension. She'd been reluctant to assist me in my endeavors as well until she'd spoken in private with Blaine for a time.

I raised my other hand in a covert gesture for Kath to rise. She did so, staring at me serenely. The perfect picture of a Dicathian noblewoman. "I received news that House Flamesworth have been more cooperative recently with your efforts to reel them in."

Kathyln nodded slowly, brushing a single lock of hair behind her ear. "They have been more receptive to my offers and pushes since I drew Elder Hester into your sphere of control," she said, her voice nearly a monotone. "The contract for production of steel barrels has gone through successfully. And those bullets have become a higher production priority than arrowheads near Blackbend. With their influence it is progressing far more smoothly."