Chapter 66: Chapter 65: Calculated Risk (1)

“Ugh… where am I?”

Sans awoke, his head throbbing like something fierce. The world danced and swayed in every direction he looked, a disorienting and sickening experience.

“I brought you back. Looked like you had a lot of fun.”

Elsie’s cold response floated into his ears, sending shivers down his spine.

“Huh, what do you mean? Were you there?”

Sans rubbed the side of his head as his eyes adjusted. The world was too bright, much too bright.

“Was I there? You didn’t even notice me! How do you think your drinks were refilled so fast!”

Elsie gave him a scrutinizing gaze along with a pointed finger.

There’s no way…

It was only then that he noticed her new attire. A long burgundy cloak was draped over her body from head to toe, hiding the ethereal woman within.

I-I can’t remember, was that really her?

He palmed his head as he briefly recalled glimpses of burgundy in an eerily similar shade as the one before him.

“Well you better get ready.”

“Huh? Why?”

Sans scrambled off the floor and staggered about. His brain felt foggy, and his body felt much too loose.

Just what was in that wine?!

“The king will be here any minute. They just returned from the tenth floor and have the rest of the ingredients!”

“Ugh… right, right.”

Not a moment too soon, a knock rang out from the door.

“Ahem, come on in.”

Sans straightened his posture and righted his shoulders. With a free hand, he grasped onto the table, using it for support.

“Our honored guest, we’ve returned.”

King Anthor strode into the room. A fur cape was draped across his shoulder, running down the length of only a single side of his body. His thick black hair was well-trimmed, and his piercing gaze seemed to hold all the authority of the world.

Behind the king, hobbled in Advisor Karbone, who was all smiles and wavy hands. His sharp eyebrows were pointed to the skies and his face seemed like it had aged even more since his last appearance.

“Marlow, get in here.”

The king called out behind him.

“I’m here, I’m here.”

Prince Marlow was guided in by Chenbo, and the two of them stood off to the side.

“Wait a second, first the ingredients.”

Sans stuck out a flat palm with a neutral gaze. Without hesitation, the king tossed over a storage ring with a confident smile.

“Within that ring is the rest of the ingredients you sought after.”

“Including… the Ragnar variant?”

Sans cast his gaze toward Advisor Karbone. After all, it was Advisor Karbone that he had relayed the instructions to.

“Ah, this… no. The Ragnar variant is simply too rare.”

The advisor gave an awkward look. Before Sans could say word, the advisor continued speaking.

“You might not be aware, but Ragnar variants can only be created upon the birth of specific stars, only on the tenth floor. Due to this restriction, the tower often goes many years without seeing one. It was fortunate that we were able to find a regular Solarstone at all.”

The king glanced between the two, unsure of what to say. Alchemy was indeed not his area of expertise.

“It’s… fine.”

Sans let out a deep sigh and rubbed the side of his head.

“Come back later tonight. I’ll try to have the cure ready by then. Just know that my efforts have become more strenuous since it is not the Ragnar variant…”

The king clasped his hands together with an elated expression.

“Later tonight? Are you sure not a few years from now?”

Sans awkwardly bit his lip. He only just realized that he was previously demanding the moon, when they could have easily gotten away with just a stone.

“Uh, yes. I will use… a part of my life force to make the cure. A big sacrifice on my end but seeing as I have grown quite fond of Prince Marlow, it is a sacrifice I am willing to make.”

King Anthor clapped his hands together, his eyes shone brightly.

“This is great news! Great news! Alas, I won’t be able to make it as I have a dinner to arrange with my daughter, but Karbone will accompany my dear son. Seeing as you are both alchemists, maybe he might even have some helpful input.”

Sans waved dismissively.

“No, no. It’s fine. Enjoy the dinner with your daughter. I’ve heard rumors that she is rarely home, you should cherish the opportunity.”

“Rarely home is putting it lightly. It’s been 18 long years since I last saw her. This time, I hope to change that. She can’t avoid her duties forever.”

The king muttered as he backed away.

“Please, do all you can for my son. The future of the kingdom very well depends on it.”

The future of the kingdom?

Sans gave a reassuring nod.

“Not to worry. I’m sure everything will work out just fine.”

With a final motion, the king, Karbone, Prince Marlow, and Chenbo all exited the room, leaving behind Sans who remained as still as a statue. The moment the door shut closed, Sans threw his hands into the air in frustration.

“Damn! Damn! Damnit all! I said the Ragnar variant! Damn!”

He wanted to cry tears, but only the empty feeling of despair filled his heart.

“I told you they wouldn’t be able to find it. Even if they did, do you think they would have the funds? I don’t think you realize how rare it is.”

Elsie commented from the side as she remained lounging on the couch.

“I just… ugh. Everything is ruined…”

Sans grumbled and sprawled out onto the floor. Sensing his dejection, Elsie hopped over and sat on top of his stomach. She poked her head into view and gave him an uplifting smile.

“Haven’t you prepared for this? Don’t worry about it. We still have all of these ingredients. How about, we cure the prince and then we leave this place. We can practice illusions from now on. Then you can return later and-“

“And what? Kill the king? I already said I don’t want to do that. Didn’t you see him just now? How could a man like that, who loves his son and daughter so much, be evil? I know there’s things happening in this kingdom, but as of right now I think he’s innocent. The advisor on the other hand… less so.”

Elsie let out a sigh upon hearing Sans’ argument.

“Alright then, have it your way. I still want to save the captured people down below. With or without you, I’ll be doing that by the end of this week. I already have some plans in motion for it.”

Sans gave her an inquisitory gaze, imploring her to continue.

“What? I’ve already conscripted assistance. I plan to draw out the king and his advisor to the front gates. Meanwhile, Lady Altory will rally the anti-king’s faction and storm the basement. Besides, aren’t you forgetting something?”

Elsie poked his nose, causing him to wrinkle his face.

“Huh? What am I forgetting?”

“Your friend! Aren’t you going to help him rescue his beloved?”

She cocked her head to the side, her eyes sparkling with innocent light.

“Gahh. Yes, yes, I’ll help him… somehow. I still don’t know where she is though, or how to help.”

“She’s either on the third floor up from here or in one of the halls leading to the basement. Those are the only two rooms that are lined with Black Star Resin, so I can’t glimpse inside without physically being there.”

Elsie gave Sans an encouraging wink.

“Alright… can you get off of me now. I have to pretend to cure the prince with the mysterious power of alchemy and my life force.”

Sans grumbled while hiding a small smile.

----

Evening came swiftly, but it was ample time for Sans to prepare two different medicines. He stared at the first one, a sapphire pill. He held it against the sun’s dwindling light.

This is the Dreamscape Remedy, a sleeping medicine that is supposed to help one recover brain damage. Of course if one isn’t suffering brain damage, then it just puts them to sleep for a few days.

Next he withdrew a different pill, which was dark black in color.

Goat’s Death, a pill to mimic a deadly sickness for up to 12 hours.

He wanted them to believe he was truly going all out since he was allegedly risking life and limb. All in all, it was only some added insurance for him to pocket the materials for himself. He smiled just as a knock came from the door.

“Let us begin!”

Sans popped the Goat’s Death pill into his mouth and swallowed without hesitation. The next moment, his cheeks sunk lower and his face grew sallow. Black and heavy bags formed under his eyes like charcoal saucers.

“Kack-Kagh!”

He hacked and coughed with ragged breath.

“C-Come in.”

A light stream of laughter came from the side of the room. It was Elsie, stifling a chuckle behind the sleeves of her cloak.

I didn’t think the effects of Goat’s Death would be so extreme…

Advisor Karbone, Prince Marlow, and Chenbo all filed into the room. The advisor’s expression became one of horror upon seeing Sans’ newfound appearance.

“A-Are you okay?!”

With a profound level of agility, Karbone immediately rushed to Sans’ side, but Sans slapped his hand away.

“Don’t worry about me. Kack-Kagh! I’ll recover… Bring Prince Marlow over, let’s get this over with.”

“R-Right. Bring the prince over.”

Chenbo marched over with the prince. As soon as he was close by, he gave Sans a concerned look, but with a stealthy wink—his worries were put to rest.

“Alright, Prince Marlow. Swallow this pill, and within a few short seconds you’ll soon be able to see again. Say ahh…”

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“Ahh…”

“Wait!”

Advisor Karbone called out, but Sans had already slammed the Dreamscape Remedy pill into Prince Marlow’s mouth.

“Sir alchemist… I wanted to inspect the pill before he consumed it.”

He sounded crestfallen, as if he had just watched a golden pig escape right through his fingertips.

“Don’t mind, there will be more opportunities.”

Sans waved him off dismissively and stood before Prince Marlow.

Dreamscape Remedy usually takes about half a minute to kick in… I’ll just be on the lookout for any signs of drowsiness, only then will I cure him.

Prince Marlow stood absolutely still, shifting his mouth from side to side impatiently.

“When is it supposed to work?”

“Just give it some time, any moment...”

The whole room went silent, but Sans kept a keen eye on the prince’s state of being.

Oh! He’s getting sleepy. Now’s the time!

Sans empowered his eyes with energy, immediately detecting the simple illusion that was perpetually cast over the prince. It wasn’t anything complex, but as with any illusion, one was often helpless if they never considered it a possibility. Not even his father, the Illusion King, had ever suspected that the prince’s loss of eyesight was the direct result of an illusion.

With a subtle snap of his fingers, Sans reached out and dispelled the illusion.

“Wah! I… I can see again!”

Prince Marlow shouted in excitement.

“Hah! Excellent, excellent!”

Advisor Karbone beamed a hearty smile.

“Somehow the world seems more dull than before. Wait, you’re… you’re…”

Prince Marlow’s eyes widened upon recognizing Sans, but the moment was short lived as he swiftly succumbed to a deep slumber. Chenbo caught the prince just as he was about to topple over.

Heh, that was close.

Sans pursed his lips and glanced over at Advisor Karbone, who shook his head in confusion.

“I don’t understand, why did he pass out?”

“Oh that, it’s a side effect of the cure. He’ll be asleep for a few days, so be sure to care for him while he rests. Not to worry though, as you heard earlier—your prince can savor the world’s beauty once more.”

Advisor Karbone let out a sigh of relief.

“Thank goodness. You’re really quite incredible for such a young lad. It’ll be quite sad to see you go.”

Sans briefly made eye contact with Chenbo, who was giving him a most pitiful look. It was a cross between hope and firm belief, a belief that Sans would be able to perform a miracle and somehow help him in his time of need. Both of them knew this would be his last chance at befriending the advisor, but how does one get close to such an ancient monster?

Haah… through alchemy, of course.

Sans dusted off his hands and nonchalantly gazed at the elder.

“What’s incredible?”

“Your alchemy, of course. First you created a cure for… a certain poison, then you proceeded to discover a new cure for the prince’s eyesight—a subject that even I failed in with all my experience. It’s incredible, and with your ethical approach-“

“Hold up.”

Sans raised a halting hand, capturing Advisor Karbone’s attention.

“What’s the matter?”

“Nothing, I just wanted to correct you. I don’t believe in ethics. I only cured Twilight Fel because I found it interesting. I would let the entire Kingdom of Anthor become addicted to the substance, if it meant furthering my knowledge in alchemy.”

He shrugged his shoulders as he explained, but he didn’t miss the fervor growing in Karbone’s gaze. Sans continued with a light smile.

“To tell you the truth, Twilight Fel was an ingenious toxin. I would have even been interested in improving the recipe, but I was missing a certain key ingredient… so I had to settle for the next best thing. It’s a pity, really.”

Advisor Karbone carved a wicked grin and his eyes widened further.

“But seeing as there’s nothing for us here-“

“Wait, wait. Would you perhaps… be interested in improving the recipe? I happen to have your missing ingredient…”

Karbone’s voice lingered as he hardened his gaze.

“Do you now? I wouldn’t want to impose…”

“Nonsense! Young lad, there is such potential within you! Come, come! Follow me! Eh-heh! Follow me and we shall experiment to our heart’s content!”

Karbone cackled a sinister laugh before glancing at Chenbo, who remained standing off to the side.

“Oh, deliver the Prince Marlow to his bed. Report back to the medicinal chamber. You can act as our good friend’s personal guard while the prince rests.”

He snapped at Chenbo, who immediately stood at attention.

“Yes sir.”

Chenbo marched out the room with the sleeping prince. Karbone shifted his gaze between Sans and Elsie before hesitantly pointing toward the leisurely woman.

“What… about her? Uh, lass. Did you want to come?”

He asked unsure of himself. It was well known that Sans and Elsie had entered the palace together, but beyond that no one knew anything else about the woman.

“Don’t mind me. I like it when Sans is willful.”

She flashed Karbone a proper smile before returning to her bored stare. Karbone glanced at Sans for confirmation.

“If she wants to stay here then she stays. If I’ve learned anything, it’s best to just listen to her and not question it. Now…”

Sans rubbed his hands together, trying his best to feign an evil smile.

“Let’s get going! I have so many ideas for us to try out!”

“Rightly spoken! Follow me!”

With an extra pep to his step, Karbone skipped his way out the door, a disorienting feat considering his aged body. Meanwhile, Sans followed closely behind, his mind racing as he thought of numerous possibilities and outcomes.

Well Chenbo, it looks like I will be helping you after all.

----

“P-Princess are you sure this is what you want?”

A maidservant called out to Princess Ling. Both were positioned before a full body mirror, inspecting the princess’ outfit with two vastly different expressions.

Princess Ling, feeling pensive and strange, was in a surreal state of being. She seemed uncertain of her every action, a foreign concept for the woman who had always grasped fate by the neck. Despite the uncertainty, a small ember of desire grew ever brighter as she stared at her appearance in the mirror.

She wore a flowing black and red floral dress. A long leg slit ran down its length, giving glimpses of her toned yet scarred legs. The upper portion was equally revealing. She opted to forgo sleeves entirely, leaving only two thin black straps looped over her shoulders to hold the dress up.

“I think it looks nice. Do you think he would like it?”

Princess Ling absentmindedly asked the maidservant, who couldn’t help but stare at her master’s womanly debut.

“Y-Yes, I would hope so… for his sake…”

The maidservant’s voice petered off into a whisper as her eyes took in each individual scar. Despite Princess Ling’s beautiful physique, her natural body was drastically more fearsome than before when it was covered in armor plating. But in no world was the maidservant ever going to mention that fact!

“Perfect. I will meet him like this.”

Princess Ling flipped her hair over her shoulder and revealed a dazzling smile. The maidservant could only remain rooted in place with a stupefied expression as she watched the princess leave the room.

This is nice… I like this.

Princess Ling’s hips briefly sashayed from side to side, before she began marching forward with rigid steps.

How embarrassing…

She shook her head to clear her mind as she approached the dining hall. Her heart raced and her eyes glowed in expectation as she pushed open the doors.

“-and I’m sure she’ll be just as delighted. Oh! My beautiful daughter is here now.”

King Anthor’s voice rumbled throughout the room, commanding a certain presence that left nothing for dispute. While normally Princess Ling hated the sound of his voice, she was willing to put it aside for this moment.

Because we’re here to discuss a marriage between…

Her cheeks grew pink as she stepped forward, but she was too caught up in her own world to notice the haunting silence that consumed the dining hall.

“S-She…”

King Anthor stared at her with his mouth agape, and he wasn’t the only one. Seated around the table were a handful of other men, one of which was Lord Orbos who began to sweat profusely.

“Mmm, I’m here.”

Her voice came out a little bashful, and her eyes nervously roamed the room. However, the next moment they dimmed upon not finding what they were looking for.

Is he not here yet? I’ll just have to put up with their babbling.

Her back sharpened, and her steps became sure footed and forceful. It was a jarring scene for the others, as they watched her transform from a demure maiden to a fierce warrior in a matter of seconds.

“Ahem… A-As we were. Lord Orbos?”

The king muttered as Princess Ling marched towards an empty chair, which was conveniently positioned beside Lord Orbos. She slid it away from the table, causing a most horrid sound as its wooden feet scraped against the stone floor. The next moment, she sat down and shot Lord Orbos a deadly glare.

“Too close.”

She spoke quietly, but the danger was not concealed in the slightest. Lord Orbos gave a nervous laugh and scooted his chair further way, closer to the gentleman on the other side.

These people have no spine… not like him.

Princess Ling sat deathly still, but no one could decipher what was on her mind. If anything, it didn’t seem she was all that present.

“So what do you think then, Lord Orbos?”

King Anthor called out to the man once again with a steely gaze.

“U-Uh, um.”

Lord Orbos gulped down the saliva that had built up. Anyone who noticed him could sense the adrenaline racing through his body, his fight or flight instincts kicking into overdrive.

“C-Can I think on-“

He paused upon meeting the threatening glare from King Anthor. The other men at the table grimaced in pity upon seeing his misfortune.

“H-Happy t-to accept… the proposal…”

Lord Orbos sank into his chair. Anyone present could hear the defeat in his voice, that is if they were listening in the first place.

“Wonderful! Let’s eat then!”

The king announced with a brilliant smile as everyone began to pick at the curated meal. An awkward silence hung in the air as two individuals in particular neglected to touch a single piece of food—Lord Orbos and Princess Ling.

Where is he? Why isn’t he here? Why was I called here then?

“So I heard Master Tonfe is in town.”

“Is he?”

“Yes, apparently he chanced upon a new disciple and has been helping him with the floor trial.”

A few of the men broke out into a separate conversation, leaving Lord Orbos to sit in silence. At the same time, no one dared to speak to the battle-hardened princess.

Time passed, and eventually the various Counts and other officials excused themselves one by one. The entire time, Princess Ling sat in silence, staring at her empty plate while lost in thought.

“Congratulations Lord Orbos, I think you two will make a lovely couple.”

Another man left the table.

I’m tired of waiting. Why would they arrange this only for him to not show up?

Princess Ling bit her lip in frustration before standing up from the table. Her expression was full of neutrality as she turned to Lord Orbos beside her.

“Congratulations on… whatever it is. You two will make a lovely couple.”

She repeated the same phrase to him that she had heard many times before. As she stepped away, Lord Orbos stood up, finally mustering what little courage he could.

“At least acknowledge me for once? How could you speak about us so distantly!”

In a fit of emotion, he yelled behind Princess Ling’s back, causing her to pause and turn around.

“Excuse me?”

Her eyes sharpened and a subtle pressure radiated outward.

“Y-You heard me! If we’re going to be married, then at least act like a wife! Instead of…of… whatever you are!”

Princess Ling scoffed before revealing a condescending sneer.

“Marry? You? Why would I waste my time on an insect such as yourself. The air you breathe is causing too much stress for the trees. Please, do the world a favor.”

“Control yourself!”

King Anthor roared as he slammed the dining table. Seeing as the king had his back, Lord Orbos regained a small amount of confidence.

“Why did you even come here, dressed like that no less, if you didn’t want to marry me? Weren’t you told what this dinner was for?!”

Lord Orbos cried out.

“Huh… You really thought I would dress this way for you? I see the way you look at me, the way you all look at me. Do you not think I am considerate when I wear my armor? Do you think I am stupid?”

She snorted in disdain, but the next moment she revealed a rare, warm smile.

“But him, he likes me for who I am… I…”

Alarmed expressions sprung up throughout the room. Even the king himself was staring at a foreign version of his daughter. It was almost scarier than her normal self!

I see now. I… I need to go to him!

She snapped out of her daze and narrowed her eyes. The next moment, she stormed out of the room without a care, and no one dared to stop her.

Where was his room? The main guest room?

Princess Ling stormed through the halls, causing a stir no matter where she went. She ignored the insignificant gossip around her as she single-mindedly followed the unknown emotion that controlled her every action.

Will he accept me? Of course he will… only he could.

It didn’t take her long to arrive in front of Sans’ room. She knocked, but without waiting for any confirmation, she immediately barged inside.

“I-I’m here!”

Her chest heaved as her head swiveled, scanning the room. For some reason she was out of breath, but she couldn’t understand why.

“Yes? You’re here? What of it?”

Elsie’s cold voice came from the distant table. It was only then that Princess Ling noticed her presence.

“Oh, sorry. I was looking for… Sans.”

Her face flushed after she spoke his name. It was the first time she had ever mentioned it out loud.

“And why do you seek my husband?”

“To marry… what?”

Princess Ling’s heart sank to the bottom of her stomach. Her eyes glazed over as she stared at the dainty girl before her.

Husband? Married? He’s married? He didn’t say anything.

Elsie stood up from her seat, and with a wave of her hand the door slammed shut behind Princess Ling.

“To marry? Marry my husband?”

Who is this girl? Why is she here? Why is she in the way?

Princess Ling’s voice caught up in her throat as her heart swirled with emotions. Emotions that she never knew existed. Before she knew it, Elsie was already face to face with the confused princess.

“No cloudy grey in your eyes? You’re not charmed? I see—you’re just crazy.”

Crazy?

Elsie reached out with a steady hand and turned Princess Ling’s head from side to side. Despite being handled, the only thing she could do was stand as still as a statue. Her brain simply couldn’t process any other action.

“You really aren’t charmed? Just what did that bastard do to you. You look like a love-sick puppy, poor dear.”

Princess Ling’s breathing quickened as her mind ran a million meters a second. Reality was bearing down too strong and too quick.

This, can’t be… I refuse.

She sucked in a deep breath and focused her attention on Elsie.

“I’ll be taking him into my care. I’m a princess, and a powerful one at that. I can offer him more in this life than you can.”

Her gut wrenched upon uttering those words. She knew it was twisted, but she couldn’t bear to see any other outcome. However, despite her words, Elsie let out a bellyful of laughter.

“Ahaha! So you’ve truly come to steal my husband?”

Elsie clutched onto her stomach and covered her mouth with the back of her hand.

“Yes, and I will take care of him. I promise.”

“Ah…hah… you? He’s not interested in you. Even if he was, you would never be able to care for him.”

Like a sheet of ice dousing out a flame, Elsie’s expression shifted, revealing a cold smile. Despite this, Princess Ling refused to accept her words.

“Who do you think you are to say that?”

Princess Ling snapped at the small woman before her. After straightening her posture and holding her head high, the princess towered over Elsie like an oak over a sapling. Yet strangely, Elsie didn’t back down for even a second.

“Little snake… the real question is… who are you?”

Elsie’s voice darkened, and the air thickened. The walls seemed to crack and moan while the scent of death revealed itself. Elsie’s eyes flash black, tinged with gold, and an illusionary visage appeared around her. At first it was merely a set of ethereal bones, but it quickly transformed into a terrifying maw, one that threatened to consume Princess Ling’s soul should she stare for too long.

D-Dragon Fear!

Princess Ling fell to her knees as she averted her eyes away from the illusionary dragon that surrounded Elsie.

An elder dragon… how could this be?!

Her chest felt stifled, but as suffocated as she was—she didn’t dare breathe. Every race of dragonkin had some form of dragon fear, which acted like a natural hierarchy amongst their kind. Considering that she only had an inherited bloodline, it was impossible for her to compete against a true dragon, especially an elder one.

“Did you think you could act willful after inheriting some small draconic bloodline? Did you think you could really take what is mine?”

Sensing the princess’ silence, Elsie relinquished the pressure around them. Before Princess Ling could reply, Elsie grasped at the talisman around her neck.

“He gave you this?”

Elsie’s gaze flicked upward from the talisman, staring into Princess Ling’s eyes.

“Please don’t take that…”

Princess Ling’s voice was meek, but there was nothing she could do in front of Elsie.

“I see. Keep it then.”

Tears formed around Princess Ling’s eyes, but she didn’t dare show weakness. Was it love, or infatuation? Either way it didn’t matter now. The princess tried to push the rediscovered emotion down to the deepest pits of her heart.

Elsie sensed all this and more. Letting out a gentle sigh, she embraced the heartbroken princess and stroked her hair.

“I’m sorry little one, but it isn’t meant to be.”

Her soothing voice came out like an endearing mother, doting on a beloved child. A case of irony, consider their physical differences. Nonetheless, her words acted like a battering ram, crashing open the last barriers of resistance that Princess Ling clung to.

The next moment, tears gushed out from the princess. She threw her arms around Elsie, devolving into a shattered mess of emotion. Perhaps in front of others she was an invincible warrior, one that could survive in the face of adversity and fight above her level. However, before this tiny woman she was only human.