Chapter 11: Uncertainty

"Inside the castle? That won't be easy. There are a lot of powerful figures residing in the castle." Indigo said.

Bishop brings out a file of documents and hands it over to Indigo and Crisis.

They accepted it and opens the folder.

It was the list of persons of interest. As they scroll their eyes down a person's name caught them in surprise.

"Whilst Cleiston? Why does the name of the ambassador in here?"

Bishop flips the document open in his hands. "You're familiar with him? Aside from the rumors?"

"I've seen him together with the king in a celebration hosted by Baron Rosalia."

Whilst Cleiston. Appointed as the ambassador by the king with his special abilities. Many coveted his abilities and the king is one of them.

He was originally a scholar from the marquisate and was highly sponsored. It was said that he betrayed the marquisate, an anti-fraction noble, to allied the king.

He's one of the geniuses that this era has.

"He might seem like a powerhouse with all he has but he is also notorious considering that he once betrayed the enemy of the king and followed him."

"The rumors are true, then." Crisis added.

"Exactly. And he was on the list because he was before a student of Szcznaya Tower."

"Wait what? If he was one then I must have recognized him before. I'm also a student there. There's no student in the tower I'm not familiar with. Even though he was three years older than me."

Bishop sighed. "I knew it." He lowly muttered.

Indigo caught the words from Bishop and directly asked him. "What do you mean by that, Bishop?"

He took moments before answering. "The years of study of Szcznaya Tower is seven years. Therefore, in Crisis's concern, Whilst Cleiston must have his senior in his years. Only those who are worthy can finish their studies there. Resulting in lesser students." He explained, putting a sugar cube in his refilled tea.

"The tower has high standards for young people. Because their teachings there are not easy to deal with. Considering that all who teach there are all outstanding in their degree. Crisis is an example. Whereas his abilities and excellence excel vastly that makes him more different."

"Now then, Whilst Cleiston was originally a former student there, as I said. He has a lot of high title holders backing him up. The tower is one of them now that the king is in authority."

Crisis's eyebrows raised. As far as he knows the tower doesn't involve their selves with nobility. An independent organization that has struggled way up to earn the title of 'Lion's Den Tower' of the north because of its extreme ways of teaching prodigies.

They only see aristocrats looking down on them knowing that they don't accept nobles as their students. Despite many contradictions of other people, the tower remains, and even more raised talented people, or rather 'monsters'.

The clear thing is that the tower and nobility are having an adverse relationship. The question arising in this situation is why the king has the tower's authority which is unreasonable knowing the tower's hostility to nobles, let alone the king.

Did the king seize the authority from the tower? Or might the tower decide to ally with the king?

It's all nonsense that Crisis thought but the uneasiness surges up inside him. For sure it was not a good feeling he assume.

"The cold war between the tower and the nobility was never caught by public eyes. I know what you're trying to figure out, Crisis." Bishop stared into his tea.

"I can't believe that it could happen. Does this mean that the king owns the Szcznaya Tower? And since when?"

"It was even before the king sat down to the throne.' Bishop reveals. He saw the emotions changing on their faces.

"W-what?" Crisis felt chaotic while Indigo appears to be troubled hidden by his silent responses.

"Whilst Cleiston, in the beginning, was not an ally of the marquisate but to the king from the start. He received special exceptions from the tower in the expectation that he will greatly contribute achievements for the successes of the king. Also same goes for the students in the tower. They raised 'monsters' for the glory of the king."

The chilling atmosphere became heavy as time goes on. Questions are piling up.

"Bishop. Why then the tower doesn't accept nobles. Wouldn't it be more advantageous for the king to gain greater support from the nobles? You said the tower doesn't accept nobles, so it only commoners who are acceptable to enter there?" Indigo asked. The question made him wonder a lot upon connecting the dots while listening.

"The nobles knew more than anyone what can the king can do. Knowing the king's personality and its cruelty. A tyrant that rules above the north. Dubiety among nobles created fractions against the king. They became silently wary. The tower declined nobles to enter because of the conflicts uprising to the nobility and the king wasn't pleased with that."

What has said made Indigo's questions cease. The answers were enough.

"Is this the reason why the marquisate was killed?" Crisis's asked, his eyes only deepen with unknown uneasiness.

"The case probably is the reason," Bishop answered back unsurely. It made Crisis think about the disappearance of his parents years ago. His parents much unknown to him might have been involved in the fight between the aristocrats.

It wasn't impossible. He knew it might not. It's possible. Because he knew the moment when his parents decided to stop the making of Serunix. He was so young, he knew nothing, but not now. Because of this, he realized that his parents' disappearance might be connected.

Even though a lot of things happening in his head, he remained silent. He can't be sure for now.

Bishop and Indigo felt the discomfort of Crisis and they knew why. However, it wasn't the time yet to tell him as per the order of the guildmaster. The disappearance of his parents and what happened to them.

Their meeting ended with a lot of questions left behind unspoken. It still lingered Crisis so much. Now he knew why the reason for his uneasiness.

Crisis and Indigo walked into the empty hallway. They heard a lot today. It was too much. Nonetheless, it was a very clear fact to them that the king is a formidable enemy.

A person not to be underestimated. A person that's not easy to deal with. A powerful being ruling over the lives of the north. He is 'fear', 'chaos', and 'despair'. A man veiled with mysteries and blood under his sleeves.

It's terror. No one can expect it.

***

Evyterr stayed in the garden for a few weeks before he was taken back to the dukedom. His health has returned back but not to its fullest. The doctor still advised him not to do heavy activities and tire himself. He would be fine after weeks if he rests well and his rigil will naturally retain its condition.

A servant guided him to his new room. He felt suffocating. He can only endure it. With his walk in the corridor, he saw nothing living there. No more servants gossiping and the irritating sneakers they create.

He didn't see his father and brothers upon coming back. Even so, Evyterr felt relieved a little.

The servant who accompanied him to his room left him as soon as he entered his room newly prepared.

Evyterr stands silently and explores his eyes to the bedroom. It was unexpectedly bright compared to his room back then. The sunlight appears to be painted the room with its light.

All made Evyterr confused. Nothing can bring back everything that's done already. Their efforts and goodwill are too late. Too late. It's almost a joke to him. Where ever he was, Evyterr always felt he was trapped. Unable to fly or wander.

The door creaked open. Evyterr looks back on who it was.

Theseus.

"Pardon my intrusion. Young master, lunch is almost ready. Where would you like to eat? Your brothers and father are not present in the meantime. The dinner table is empty if you would like."

Oh, they're not here? Not that I care anyway.

"Leave me to eat here in my chamber," I said turning back to him.

"As you wish." The door finally closed and I was alone. As I wander my eyes I saw the balcony. The flower veins already surrounded the beautifully carved railings. The flowers in the veins there bloomed.

They looked lively.

I took my feet there. There on the balcony were two sets of chairs and a table already topped with sweets and fruits.

Did they also prepare this?

The sun wasn't cruel today it seems. It was rather a warmth that's too comforting. I felt free like these flowers. But I can never forget the pains inflicted on me. It all left me broken and suffering.

I sat there, looking at the sweets made me want to taste them. I have never tasted such delicacy in my life. If I have they all taste bland to me. I forgot what 'sweet' tastes like.

I hesitated on taking the macaroon on the plate. I was about to reach it when a beautiful green butterfly with silver linings laid on my finger.

As I flinched the beautiful butterfly flew away. I followed where the butterfly flew and looked at where it was on my finger earlier.

My heart warmed with warmth. The butterfly looked like it was encouraging me. I, then, decided to take a macaroon into my mouth.

'Delicious'.

I enjoyed my time sitting and eating there on the balcony while waiting for Theseus to come. I leaned my back on the chair and let myself loose for a while. A lot of events happened lately like between me and Raffael on that day. I woke up in my bed in the garden after the incident.

I want to escape. In here, to them, to Evyterr. Whenever I think of those times I suffer just made me more miserable. I don't know how to deal with the trauma I felt and Evyterr felt.

Every time I see Raffael, Raffaelo, the duke, something's breaking out on me. It wants to get out that's why I get irritated thinking of facing them, I don't know what's this feeling Evyterr left.

I have to work hard if I wanted to leave here. The novel's villain, Evyterr, was the first villain the novel introduced. He took the first volume as the first villain and disappeared in the second volume. Evyterr, then never appeared.

So, in the summary of the first volume and Evyterr, the first volume only focuses on the protagonists dealing with the villain, Evyterr. It is where a lot of introductions and encounters of other protagonists of the novel which are the members of Iris. There are not many flashbacks about Evyterr in the novel just the circle of his revenge on the Glastieve.

As much as I know, the first volume greatly impacted the readers about Evyterr because his character is too illiterate, and his personality and attitude are detestable.

Instead of sympathizing with him about his bad experiences, the readers gave up pitying him because of his selfishness and disgusting acts just for revenge.

In other words, his existence in the novel is what an evil villain is to be. Readers' hostility to him never spared him. Well, what's to expect from a villain designed to be like that. He was someone people wanted to get rid of.

If they only knew, Evyterr. Would their mind change?

No.

It won't save us at all. Salvation won't come to us, Evyterr.

The world I'm seeing scares me, and so as pain. The broken parts of yours and mine are hideous. Who would want to embrace that? Who would want to look at our scars? No one. There's no one.

I opened my eyes looking up to the skies as it moves. The serenity of my surroundings is making me cry. I helplessly tried to convince myself not to cry. My chest became heavy and my head aches.

It breaks me. It hurts.

I want everything to stop.

I want to die.

***

"---ong Master, young master," A hand touched my shoulder and shake it gently.

What the? What happened?

I lazily opened my eyes and I met Theseus's grey eyes. I was sitting exhaustedly on the chair and a little dizzy it seems. Did I fall asleep?

Looking back at Theseus I saw him with a trolley filled with a menu for my lunch. "Young Master, are you alright? Would you like to rest inside for a while? I can prepare something else if you want." Theseus said noticing my distressed look.

My meal contains fruits and vegetables..........only? I squinted my eyes. Some of those leafy vegetables look not good to me, I honestly can't be sure if I'll be getting along with them.

I sighed, I guess I ate too many sweets today. I think I prefer sweets over 'that'.

"I see that the sweets have been your liking, young master. You almost ate half of it. Should I include a bit of dessert in your course today?"

Sweets. Sure.

My eyes lit up hearing the word 'sweet'. Oh no, I've been bewitched. I want to eat sweets, I want to say that to him.

"Young master?" He called again. "I'll eat. I will retire to bed after that." Theseus started to set up the lunch in front of me. While watching him my eyes caught an unfamiliar drink.

"What's that drink?" I asked looking directly at the drink that was all pinkish. "This is a strawberry milk, young master."

Oh, strawberry milk.

It sounded sweet.

"I have prepared two beverages today. I have a full glass of strawberry milk if want more, young master. The other one is a blended beverage with a mixture of cucumbers, celeries, and green apples." he said.

The last one he mentioned, does it taste good? I hope it does. Because it looks greeny.

I think strawberry milk would be better.

My eyes intently look at the nutritional drink that's all greeny.

I gulp. I don't think I can drink that.

I can feel that my face turned sour. I don't have a choice either, now that my body is still recovering and weak.

Curse this. Curse that drink. Curse those greeny foods.

I started eating while Theseus is standing beside me. The vegetable salad and some foods that are all vegetables contain my lunch today.

I bitterly chew the leafy foods into my mouth. Some of them taste bitter, really bitter, and bland. I don't want to eat anymore.

Why do I have to force myself to eat this? Is this torture too?

Theseus excused himself in the middle of my great struggle. He said will fetch the dessert for me.

Sweets!

I feel relieved hearing that there's a dessert after this. After he left I ate faster attempting to finish it before he arrives. Now I'm on my last meal. It's green again and mushy.

So bitter. And this one too.

I took a sip at my strawberry milk after I finish eating. I also drank the other one first. It hopefully tasted bearable, at least for me.

Mm. So sweet and refreshing. Very sweet. Like this better.

Any moment later Theseus came carrying a tray of dessert he's talking about. He lay it down on my table.

Muffins?

I took a bite without hesitation. The muffin's texture was fluffy and soft. Chocolate bits are topping above. Once I tasted it the softness melted into my mouth. It's not very sweet but it's delicious too.

Carrots?

Why am I tasting carrots? I look at my bite in the muffin the inside looks orange and there's a small sliced of carrots. Oh.

"The main ingredient for the muffin are carrots, young master. Among them are also almond and strawberry base ingredients." Theseus explained.

"Hm."

It was a mouthful meal and I feel sleepy right after. I lay on the bed knowing that my eyes would close any moment and fall to slumber.

Evyterr stared at the ceiling with his dull eyes he noticed something not-so-alarming but worrying about his butler, Theseus, he's become quite attentive after his long absence. According to the memories he had in this body Theseus has never acted like that. That servant attended Evyterr's accommodations while Evyterr stayed in the dukedom and then returns to the count's residence.

I find it worrying. I was never been the like of people who are fine with sudden changes. Like how I'm reincarnated into Evyterr. My actions can stir suspicion and that's something I don't want to deal with for now.

I don't want to worry about what's going to happen for now. Looking back at what happened to me was a trauma. I haven't adjusted to the reality that I was occupying Evyterr's body and to all that happened after that.

Just a little more. Let me rest. Let me breathe.

The breeze entering the room was pleasant. The bird's chirping was like a lullaby making me sleep.

I found peace in the silence where voids of uncertainty swelled, there I fall asleep.

***

Evyterr, eat healthily and rest. I'll make you eat many sweets after you've recovered so endure eating bitter foods as for now.

You know the saying, love, the bitter, the better? Or the bitter, the healthier? (｡•̀ᴗ-)✧

Even though Evyterr didn't explain what 'greeny' vegetables he ate, I just made him eat some bitter melons and broccoli(☆▽☆)

I say, Evyterr, my dear, healthy life is a must!

Yesterday I was forced to eat bitter melons and I don't want to eat anymore not even a spoon of it. Whenever my mother told me to eat it, I'll be like ಠ益ಠ (nuuu)

I'm back! Everyone's doing well? I hope so.

It's been a while so I hope you enjoyed today's update! I read some of the reader's reactions to the appearance of the great king of the north(◡ ω ◡) in the story. You guys make me laugh every time.

I'm gonna end the chapter here. Bye!!

See you guys next time!

-Lovelots(~￣³￣)~