Chapter 53: Chapter 52: Blind and Ready (1)

Amongst the thriving streets of Anthor City, a parade of armed guards stood post outside a merchant building. A prim and polished set of double palisade timbers enclosed the area, giving it a more homely touch when compared to the businesses that surrounded it.

Silencing formations were embedded within the walls of the store, allowing no noise to either enter or escape. This was common practice amongst most upscale businesses as it provided their customers a certain peace of mind when performing transactions. Additionally, the practice allowed shop owners to create a more harmonious environment, which only accentuated the experience.

Within the store, a soft tinkering noise fluctuated in a particular rhythm as if it were the ambience of choice. However, this was only the product of an aged and heavyset woman who remained hunched over a hand-sized metallic object, striking it cautiously with a small hammer like it were an art-form.

“Shopkeep Tomio… about the locking mechanism. Did you find a way?”

A hesitant voice called out from a suit of armor about an arm’s distance away. A ruby red and gold-trimmed cloak was fastened around the man’s shoulders, giving his silver plating a much-needed splash of color.

“Hmm?!”

Tomio turned to the face the man. Her cheeks were chubby and plump, while her eyes were like two massive orbs hiding behind a pair of spectacles with lens that were a finger’s width thick.

“Oh, no, no, no. The glyphs you’ve shown me are much too complex! I’ve yet to find anything even after all these months. Whatever lock is using those patterns won’t come undone without the key, I tell ya for sure!”

She flipped back to the metallic sphere and tinkered away. The man’s shoulders drooped low, and he let out a despondent sigh.

“I see that you’re busy. Thank you, Shopkeep Tomio, for your efforts. I’ll continue to find a way. Keep the glyph diagrams for yourself, and if you happen to discover anything, please let me know.”

Tomio waved her hand through the air as if to send him off, but before he could step away, she smacked her forehead with an open palm.

“That’s right! The other formation glyphs you wanted me to look at! It’s a one-way teleportation gateway. Young man, I’m not sure where you found such a thing, but those glyphs were only used in ancient times and they’re very basic.”

She pulled on the skin below her chin in thought.

“I would recommend not taking that gateway. Only the creator would know the destination and considering the ancient usage of glyphs… it must have been made thousands of years ago. There’s no guarantee that it’s safe.”

The armored man lingered for a moment as he mumbled to himself.

“A one-way teleport huh… Thank you, again. I’ll return later for-“

“Bobo!”

An annoyed shout rang throughout the shop.

“Bobo! Where the hell are you! Bobo!”

Upon hearing the voice, Tomio shook her head vigorously like a bulldog.

“Nope, not in here. You go deal with the prince. I don’t want that bumbling idiot in here.”

She waved off the armored guard once more.

“I’ll come back later. Pardon me.”

The man walked toward the origin of the cacophony.

“Hello?! Bobo?!”

In the distance, a man with sunken cheeks and a pallid complexion cried out once more. He held a thin cane in his hands, which he swung about back and forth aggressively as he took careful steps into the store.

“I’m here, I’m here. Calm down Prince Marlow.”

“Ah! Bobo, there you are. Where did you run off to? Ugh, this place reeks of formation supplies.”

Bobo, the armed guard, approached the prince, neatly dodging the cane that never ceased to fly through the air.

“Yes, this is a formation supply shop. We might visit another, but most likely not. Also, I have a real name… you know.”

“Huh? Your name is Bobo! I still remember the day I found you. A destitute beggar, wearing torn and bloody rags. You were kneeling in the dirt looking quite haggard! If it weren’t for me, where you would be now?”

Prince Marlow laughed boisterously, leaning his weight on the cane. His gaze went nowhere in particular.

“I was wearing torn and bloody rags because I had just defeated my opponent in the tournament finals. Don’t you remember?”

Bobo let out an exasperated sigh. This wasn’t the first time he has reminded the prince of their initial encounter.

“What finals? Who cares about some finals. Let us leave this shabby formation shop. If you wanted a formation expert to help you, then you should have just asked me! I know a place!”

Prince Marlow spun around and waved his stick through the air once again, scanning for any objects in his path. He continued speaking, unbothered and without care as he walked away from the exit. Bobo helplessly chased after him, steering him in the proper direction by the shoulders.

“Why that place is famous in all of Anthor City! It’s called Blessed Baubles, but it’s run by a cranky old witch.”

“Yes, yes-“

“Why if I could still see, I’d stare directly into that witch’s giant eyes and insult her ancestors.”

“Alright, Prince Marlow, that’s enough now. We have to prepare for your father’s return tomorrow.”

Bobo tried to usher him through the door, but before he could, a cold voice called out from behind.

“I may be losing my sight, but at least I’m not a completely blind fool like yourself.”

Prince Marlow sucked in a breath of air at the sound of Tomio’s voice.

“S-Shopkeep Tomio?! Bobo! Why didn’t you tell me!”

“You didn’t give me a chance…”

Bobo shook his head in exhaustion—it was like he was babysitting a man-child.

“How could I possibly imagine that you thought so low of me. And to think that I was going to give you a tip that could possibly cure your blindness.”

Tomio clicked her tongue in disappointment.

“Wait—cure my blindness? You can do that?!”

Prince Marlow cried out in alarm.

“Oh, gorgeous and beautiful Tomio, how could I ever think low of you? I’m not cut out for the blind lifestyle, please you have to help me on account of our history!”

“What history? I have no history with you!”

“Then on account of my father, the king!”

Tomio let out a sigh. Although the prince was a known playboy, he wasn’t particularly a bad individual. However, the king was a different story, and not the type of story that she wanted to be in.

“Fine, fine. Stop your groveling, child. I was looking into it for myself as these lenses are only getting thicker over the years.”

“Looking into what?”

Prince Marlow vibrated with happiness. If Shopkeep Tomio was considering something, then it must have a high likelihood of success.

“Last week, an alchemy shop skyrocketed in popularity. Everyone in the inner city has been talking about it recently. It’s not surprising that you haven’t heard about it, considering that you waste away in the palace all day.”

With most of Bobo’s face hidden behind his full helm, one could barely make out his intrigued and squinted eyes.

“An alchemy shop? Pardon my rudeness, but the king’s advisor has toiled for countless hours in an attempt to cure the Prince Marlow’s blindness through alchemy. He says it’s impossible.”

“Perhaps, but the great advisor is only one person. They say a miracle alchemist is developing cures; there’s no illness, disease, or poison they can’t cure, including Twilight Fel. At least, that’s what the rumors say. I haven’t gone personally.”

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Prince Marlow scoffed and squared his shoulders.

“How pompous to make such bold claims! Why, should I ever come face to face with them…”

He spoke at the wall with all the imposing authority he could muster. Bobo let out a sigh as he watched the oblivious prince.

“Prince Marlow, you’re talking to a wall. Shopkeep Tomio, thank you for the information. What was the name of the alchemy shop? We’ll be sure to visit on our way back to the palace.”

Tomio watched the prince continue his charade to no one in particular. She revealed a sardonic smirk at his newfound handicap.

“Herbs and Cauldrons is the name. Heh, best get going… I hear the lines become quite long later in the day. Although, I’m sure you’ll manage one way or another.”

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Within Herbs and Cauldrons, a woman stood within a spacious room. Her tailor-made dress complimented her aging, yet graceful, features. With eyes of wisdom and skepticism, she inspected the only other person in the room with her.

“Lady Elsie… was it?”

The woman called out to the person, a vibrant and beautiful flower whose very smile sparkled with all the radiance of the sun, yet also the gentleness of the moon.

“Mm! Now, how may I help you miss… ?”

Elsie’s voice lingered.

“Madam Altores, if you will.”

“Ah! So it’s Madam Altores!”

Elsie’s eyes lit up as she exclaimed with bubbly enthusiasm. Madam Altores let out a sigh of relief.

“So you recognize me? That makes things easier-“

“Nope! I have no idea who are you!”

Madam Altores paused in embarrassment, but Elsie’s beaming smile never ceased even for a moment.

“However, don’t you worry Madam Alty, you’re in good hands!”

“M-Madam Alty?!”

“Now, how may I help you?”

Madam Altores, both dismayed and exasperated, twitched her mouth and replied.

“I heard… a rumor. That you can cure Twilight Fel. Is this true?”

She scanned her surroundings, while her voice, hushed and cautious, lingered within the empty room.

“Of course we can! You have chosen the right alchemy shop for your needs!”

Elsie nodded her head with vigor and confidence.

“N-Not so loud, the king’s factor has ears all over-“

“Madam Alty, not to worry one bit! Herbs and Cauldrons provides the best privacy a shop can possibly deliver. Here, we can speak freely. Consider it as customer confidentiality!”

Madam Altores glanced around the room with a peculiar gaze.

“Lady Elsie… where are the other customers? I could have sworn I entered the building behind a family of five.”

“Shush-shush! Such minor details, let us focus on you instead. Twilight Fel? Is it just one cure? Or how many do you need?”

Elsie waved off her question, probing the woman for more information. Madam Altores straightened her posture and cleared her throat.

“I need three cures. My three children… please, whatever the cost. If it’s the real deal, I’m prepared to sell off my entire industry if needed—I just want my precious babies back.”

Madam Altores clasped her hands together with an anxious expression.

“Don’t be silly. The price is just a small upcharge from the material cost. Three you said? That’ll run you five low-rank spirit shards per Daybreak Remedy. Your total will be 15 low-rank spirit shards!”

Elsie triumphantly and expectantly held her hand out. At the same time, Madam Altores stared at her with a mixture of shock and confusion.

“Just 15 low-rank spirit shards? Are you sure you don’t want more? Do you really not know who I am?”

“Huh? Of course I know who you are! You’re Madam Alty, we just met. Now, 15 low-rank spirit shards and you can be on your way!”

Elsie procured three vials, which each held a sky-blue pill.

“This is the cure. Here, take it.”

Madam Altores stared at the vials in her hands while a range of emotions danced across her heart.

“Lady Elsie… here, keep the change.”

The woman tossed over a high-rank spirit shard before racing out the exit. Tears of excitement and hope collected at the corners of her eyes.

“Ahh, not again. Another overpaying customer.”

With a flip of Elsie’s hand, the spirit shard disappeared into the air. She let out a sigh before her body burst into motes of light.

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Outside Herbs and Cauldrons, Bobo and Prince Marlow stood before the entrance, the former held a strange expression, while the latter was stalwart and stoic. Behind them stood a handful of guards, who fended off the long line of customers that wound and stretched into the distance.

“This place is certainly popular…”

Bobo muttered, his eyes lingering on the massive line of annoyed citizens—each waiting for a chance to enter the building.

“Popular? More like deserted! We were able to walk right up to the door without a hassle! That old witch was wrong again.”

Prince Marlow spouted nonsense, once again facing a random direction. Bobo sighed and shook his head. The only reason they were able to walk up to the door was due to the entourage of imposing guards that followed them all throughout the city. If they had to wait in line normally, they wouldn’t have been able to enter even if they waited all night.

“Let’s go, Bobo!”

Prince Marlow called out, beckoning with his left hand.

“Prince Marlow, I’m on your other side…”

Bobo muttered and followed his charge toward the door. However before he could open it, a woman burst out, nearly knocking him over.

“Oh, I’m sorry dear. W-Wait, Prince Marlow?!”

Madam Altores cried out in surprise upon seeing the prince and the surrounding troupe of guards.

“Blast it! Which cretin dares block our way!”

The prince whirled around and shouted in all directions.

“Prince Marlow, no one’s blocking our way, stop with your nonsense.”

Bobo placed his hands on the prince’s shoulders and steered him toward the door. He gave the woman a nod of acknowledgement.

“Madam Altores, please enjoy the rest of your day.”

The woman gave a weak smile and hastily walked away.

“Madam Altores is here? Why wasn’t I informed! Madam Altores, where are you! Your son never visits me anymore! Tell that bastard that I want to go drinking again! Give me my friend back! Hey!”

Bobo guided the loudmouthed prince inside the building, tuning out his incessant demands.

“Hello, welcome to—Geh.”

A sonorous voice called out before pausing abruptly.

“Geh?”

Prince Marlow cocked his head as if he were listening closer.

“What is… geh?”

With his walking stick in hand, he then ambled about the empty room, making steady progress toward the nearest wall. At the same time, Bobo stared at the woman, petrified.

“It’s her? That means… he’s here.”

He mumbled under his breath, but his words didn’t go unheard due to Elsie’s unnatural senses. Before Bobo could say another word, Elsie had already appeared before him with a piercing gaze.

“And who might you be?”

Her smile had all but vanished, and her face was like a frigid sculpture of immaculate perfection.

“I-I’m… no one, in particular. I just recall-”

“Not another word.”

Elsie glanced at Prince Marlow, who had successfully found two of the four walls with his face.

“What a moron. Why doesn’t he use his walking stick?”

She commented while crossing her arms in contempt.

“Prince Marlow is a big believer in fate. No matter which direction he walks, he believes it will always be the right path. As you can see… this is the result.”

“Shopkeeper!! I demand that your alchemist cure my blindness!”

Prince Marlow shouted at the third wall with all the authority and power he could muster.

“We refuse.”

The reply was calm, cold, and collected. Bobo expected such an outcome considering the prince’s former interaction with Elsie back in Kenchi City.

“Wha-? What did you just say?!”

Prince Marlow was beyond astonished as he questioned the wall in disbelief.

“I said we, as in us at Herbs and Cauldrons, refuse to cure your blindness. May you forever live a life void of sight and stumble your way into a coffin.”

“Bobo! Did she just wish me an early death?!”

“Uh…”

Bobo hesitantly glanced back and forth between the two. Before he could respond, Prince Marlow continued his shouting.

“I can pardon your threats, but I demand to speak to your alchemist!”

“I can assure you, my alchemist will also refuse you.”

Elsie smirked at the prince’s misfortune.

“How can you be certain? I demand to speak to the alchemist this instant!”

Prince Marlow roamed across the room once more, finding a new wall to shout at.

“Fine, but just so you know it’ll be a waste of time.”

Elsie’s fingers made a clear snap, and the next second she disappeared from her spot.

“What in the…”

Bobo rapidly blinked and shook his head from side to side. The room was no longer empty with just himself, Prince Marlow, and Elsie. Instead, a handful of people were scattered about the room, while staring aimlessly into the air.

“Illusions? This whole time, we were in an illusion? Wait, even Prince Marlow?”

Bobo muttered while glancing at the prince, whom of which was also standing still as if he were in a comatose. The prince shook himself awake but was none the wiser to the change in surroundings.

“Come, this way.”

Elsie called out from an open door, which lead to the back room.

“Prince Marlow, let’s go meet the alchemist.”

“Huh? Where are they! Also, Bobo, how much should I offer to cure my blindness? Even the great advisor couldn’t cure it. If by chance this person can, then-”

“I think you should worry about whether you can convince them to cure you in the first place.”

Bobo sighed, fully understanding that the prince would not be cured today under any circumstances. After all, Elsie was the woman that somehow blinded him in the first place, all with a single smile.

As the prince and guard approached the backroom, Elsie’s voice rang out with a string of commands.

“Lemma, three String Steel Body Elixirs for the lady in white! Elder Hoplin, after you’re done practicing reverse composition on the Sinew Restoration Pill, I want you to learn the advanced approach from Sans.”

“Yes, Lady Elsie!”

Lemma’s voice echoed from out the door. The next moment, a vibrant and cheerful woman raced out with three elixirs and delivered them to a woman that stood with her family of five.

Bobo watched the process in awe as he made his way to the back room with Prince Marlow in tow.

“Incredible. Elsie handles all of the customers with illusions, while the alchemists work in the background.”

He commented on their workflow and entered the back room, finding two men concentrating intensely. Sans was focused on a complex arrangement of materials, while Elder Hoplin had sweat dripping off his face as he worked through his own task.

“Oh? It smells like medicines in here. Honorable alchemist where are you? Cure me!”

Prince Marlow shouted immediately upon entering the room, causing Sans to glance up from his work.

“Geh!”

Sans immediately grunted in dissatisfaction with an awkward wince.

“Geh…?”

Prince Marlow repeated the sound in confusion.

“Whatever you’re asking, I refuse. I have other things to do.”

Sans was quick to the figurative punch and didn’t waste any time. There was no way he was willing to cure this man of blindness, especially not with the way he stared at Elsie before.

“What? You’re refusing the Prince of Anthor? You must cure me. How much do you want? I can pay any sum of money that you’re asking.”

“I don’t want your money, and I don’t want to cure you. Stay blind!”

Prince Marlow recoiled in shock and horror.

“How could you say such things to me?! I bet you’re saying that because you can’t cure me!“

“You misunderstand, I can cure you. I just don’t want to!”

Prince Marlow’s face grew hot and red.

“U-Unreasonable! Ridiculous! You think I won’t call my guards? Refusing to cure me is like a crime against the kingdom!”

Bobo’s eyes lit up and he grasped onto the prince’s shoulders, pushing him out the door.

“Prince Marlow, they’ve done nothing against the law and we can’t have lawlessness. Do you think you’re above the king? Let’s leave and rethink this. Come along now.”

“No! I refuse to leave until I am cured!”

“Come, you’ll get cured in the end. Let’s just go for now.”

Bobo relentlessly corralled the prince out the door despite his constant protests. The moment they made it outside, Prince Marlow punched out at Bobo, striking nothing but air.

“You-you-you! How could you have stopped me! That alchemist even said he could cure me!”

“Prince Marlow, listen to me.”

Bobo held the man still with both hands.

“Unhand me, Bobo!”

“They’ve done nothing wrong, but don’t you remember the rumors? If they’re curing Twilight Fel, then perhaps you might know someone who would be interested in that information… someone with power. Maybe that person could convince them, don’t you think?”

Prince Marlow froze as the information registered in his head.

“You’re right… Bobo, you’re brilliant! Let us be off to the palace!”

Bobo let out a sigh as he watched the prince begin his march.

“Prince Marlow… you’re going the wrong way.”