A Place of Mystery | Chapter One

Gold padded shoes softly trodded Obelia's streets, a continent known to many for its iron-handed monarchs, disaster always seems to fall upon where their words touch.

Short locks of obsidian black hair waved in the calming wind, eyes of verdant green scouring its surroundings. The boy's frame was rather tall but still enough to have him seen as a boy, a young child who was close to reaching adolescence.

"Greetings, may I have four of these on the stick, sister?", Arius inquired, carelessly pointing at appetizing meals sold on the side, crowded by children and eager teens.

The young vendor dazedly gave the bag to the green-eyed boy. With too much thought in the seller's head, the royal placed a bag of Obelian currency within the vendor's outstretched palm, carrying his snack and hastily disappearing into the crowd with his attendants.

The teen wore a hood not conspicuous in the sea of people, but his eyes and features stood out and took the attention of a few workers attentive of customers.

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An unused barrel used as a seat for the youth's short break, Arius opened his snack bag, casually enjoying the view of the working residents as he rested and munched his food, "This tastes unique".

A member of his entourage hurriedly walked up, reminding his master of their tasks, "M'lord, it's due noon soon and I'm afraid the Emperor will not like us be behind schedule".

‖ - "Do you not think I know that?"

" Pertaining to many past experiences of you being late in past important gatherings, I don't believe you do," - ‖

‖ - "...Then I'll wrap this up once I'm finished, you don't have to be all naggy, old man," the royal said, giving a curt name to his olden aide.

The knight became befuddled. Him? old? Both words didn't seem right together, "I- what?"

"You aren't any older than me though, **young prince," the knight rebuked once he understood, completely forgetting they were venturing outside and was in a guise, and his propriety was thrown out the tallest window of the black tower.

The royal scoffed at his aide and mocked, "Whatever do you mean, sir Amos? I'm as young as I can ever be. I don't remember which, but I believe a lowly court official suggested an old aide for this young prince,"

"I'm seventeen this year, sire," Amos corrected, infuriated at his sire's mockery.

Another member of the entourage stepped forward to halt any more people from seeing their small farce, "Alright. Can we, like, go ahead now? People are gathering and it will get troublesome, dude, and the food's getting cold,"

‖ - "You should've said so earlier, Caspar,"

"Now your highness is blaming me? Are you serious?", Caspar heard the youth's mocking statements, he couldn't help but feign hurt.

The royal ignored the shocked whispers of his friend and went on his way to the palace of Obelia, "What do you think the Emperor will say about my age? Will he be shocked? Will he take me seriously? Or would he not sign the document,"

"You always have ways to have people move the way you want to, master, you shan't worry about small matters," the last aide in the entourage added respectfully, keeping his act as a knight of a noble up unlike the other bickering pests in the background arguing about who knows what.

The boy raised a sharp brow at his friend, "That's a nice compliment from you, sir Darius,"

"I can compliment sire anytime he wants to," - ‖

‖ - "halt your words, I don't find your honey-covered tongue great spouting any more of this sickening flattery any longer,"

"Did I irritate sir Agnes?", - ‖

‖ - "Yes"

"That's what I intended," - ‖

"Then step back," The royalty ordered the other to walk behind him with the other two, not wanting to interact with any more headaches for the time being.

Before joining the two aides on their continuous chatter, Darius suggested, "Though, if you wish to travel, please change into a more mature age, I don't want to seem like I'm abducting a thirteen-year-old child,"

"Is that not mature enough? I think that seems old enough to know what they're doing and who they're walking with," The royalty retorted before Darius fled his sea of query.

Arius sighed, his mood from his earlier food dropped to a degree lower due to his unruly aides, "Maybe I should've brought with me the other four that had wanted to go with me, they did promise to behave and act politely in our trip here in Obelia,"

The chattering of the aides a few steps away from Arius halted, hearing what he just said, they ceased their talk and walked with their backs straight and steps precise— threatened that Arius might actually not bring them to vacations anymore. Yes, this was a vacation for them.

¦|¦

Sounds of hooves pounding the ground heard, time passed from the earlier tour. Arius and his entourage thankfully arrived earlier than their assigned time.

Emerald eyes explored its familiar surrounding, finding new faces of workers between the proficient ones. The imperial palace must've taken in new servants, for plenty of things changed after he's been gone.

Arius had been there before, though not as his current appearance. A multitude of things changed, the landscape's greenery, its dictators, the way the servants continued with their works, the changed art of the knights' sword, and the countless buildings built and changed in arrangement for its ruler.

The air breathed of coldness, the mood felt eerie and lonely even when there were numberless* maids and butlers in spacious enriched hallways.

Beyond this entrance, Arius will meet an emperor of this continent, Aevum de Alger Obelia, he had expected to meet his sons, but it seems like they'll be busy these few weeks.

Arius was aware of the dark smell of blood and whiffs of black smoke within the castle walls, though this smell and surrounding don't apply to the maids who are carefreely doing their chores walking carefully on the slippery floor of the newly-cleaned hallway with their baskets of laundry.

It seems like black magic was being used here,

as for the smell of blood...

perhaps that was his senses saying a slaughter will occur in this very room and palace.

Though that was not his business to mind.

Aevum's eldest son, Anastasius, who is currently turning twenty is to be crowned king in a few years, and the youth expected to meet the younger one, Claude.

Anastasius seemed more fit for the throne, but due to his ways and with his mother's whispers, his path became quite jagged. That was a part of the information he had gathered from certain sources, and it deemed definite once he stepped in this palace's decorated hallways.

The air loomed of abuse, whispers of gossip from maids, mockery of nobles in ballrooms, and many past occurrences that somehow involved young princes with eyes of noble blue.

The place was filled with silence, yet what Arius sees was that of destruction, a dignity born from a goal of his mother empress at the cost of his freedom and happiness.

A multitude of things showed during Arius' walk to the audience room to greet His Majesty, Emperor Aevum, yet he ignored the silent noise within the hallway that held the past and the odds of havoc.

Arius stood before a tall closed door, gesturing for the attendant to announce his presence to the occupants of the room inside.

Observing the attendant go in to inform them of his arrival, Arius strode to the space with precise steps and back upright yet somewhat relaxed.

The youth placed a hand on his chest, the other behind, and with a respectful and poised rhythm, he bowed and addressed,

"Greetings to the Sun and Moon of Obelia. May Elfiz bring light to you and your kingdom,"

And his aides followed suit.

// Very sorry if the derogatory and scathing words below aren't to your liking, but I would like to express the Empress' attitude and character, along with Claude's resentment through these small things //

↘ included only on the part below

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Claude held his arms bruised from his empress mother's rebukes. It would have usually gone well than on special occasions, but his mother seemed to have been more antagonistic these days.

"Ingrain this in your desolate skull, disgraceful kid, son of a wh**e".

You are not to leave this room, if you ever step a foot out of this area, the maids shall inform me, and you be ready for your discipline,"

The blonde remembered his mother Empress' words and dared not march a toe outside his insignificant room, nor did he ever get close to his window, for fear that his mother would think that he was planning of escaping.

​​​​​​Claude's eyes cold and sharp watching his room's wall like it'd change, his gaze's impassiveness was due to the torture, neglect, and hurtful words that he got from everyone—

—because his mother was a commoner.

She was too weak to even protect herself,

what more, him.

Claude dares not want more from his mother,

He deserved none of her kind comforts,

nor her wise guidance.

He sure as heck doesn't deserve her soft caresses.

He wanted vengeance,

Ire against those who made them this way.

His father,

​​​​​An Emperor?

Claude sees none of that,

All he sees was a coward,

​

A coward tugged left and right, front and back by his wife's own strings.

A coward who couldn't defend the maid—

whom he took advantage of,

An Emperor who wanted the best for his people?

What a load of bull.

¦|¦

"I see, that can be quite a problem, dear", the empress' voice rang worriedly at the news she heard from the boy.

Arius had given the couple the details of the document and what he had wanted from them, land, a coast close to his home - for reasons. After the royal couple heard of the youth's demands, the Empress, imprudently hinted to His Majesty of the kid's too high of a desire and mocked the prince with underhanded words.

A chuckle left the man's bearded mouth, seated beside the Empress, as though amused from a child's conceitedness, "Apologies, son. I believe we can not do as you want, all land in our empire is precious, the same thought goes to the residents there. The thoughts of my people are important".

"Pardon?", Arius was sent into disbelief. He gave more amount to certainly have them agree, much more worth than the land he was preferring to have, he might as well take in the residents of that area.

countless meeting etiquette has been severed, even simple decency such as respect was nowhere near the pair.

'Should I have waged conflict as they said instead?'

Clentine's people knew of Obelia's stubborn nature, stupidity engraved in with it too. The way the rulers act made Arius believe that goes to the subjects as well, it won't be too long until he was certain of that fact. His aides suggested they go to war instead in name of conquest, as they were sure that would be quicker than to give their Emperor more time to change his mind every time.

The prince's patience was thinning, more so when the couple had been mocking him since the beginning, not giving him chances of speech. It was a surprise as to how Arius held that much restraint over his disposition.

The king stood from his seat, dusting the cloak hung around his shoulders and confidently declared, wife wrapped in his arms-- awfully stuck like plaster was to a gushing wound, "This meeting is dismissed, I do not perceive any notions in your proposition that would benefit my side of the deal, your highness,"

... No benefits on their side??

"I suppose so, I guess I must be going then", Arius followed suit the king's actions and stood, not caring to give a proper greeting, never minding the ridiculing tone conjoined with scorn and belittlement, as per the opposite of the King's enjoyment, "have a good day".

The place was that of silence after Arius has strode towards the door, entourage awaiting beyond to give privacy to the royals in their talk. The couple was too dumbfounded to think again of what had happened, they were disregarded.

"I will remember this", ​​​​​​ broad back not bothering to turn back, his pace kept straight and muttered, "Fear not,

We hold no grudge".

¦|¦

Positioned behind towering stacks of papers and books, with quill in hand and a small pot of ink for writing, Anastacius finished the last piece of the work given to him by his father and an extra few papers for his upcoming celebratory banquet for his twentieth birthday.

As crown prince, all duties and responsibilities fell on him, his mind not given space to breathe.

This was what he was supposed to be,

A dutiful prince,

A mask worn for the throne.

There was no need to be an individual relished by everyone.

What more did he need when he has what everyone desired,

A throne prepped for him,

Power caged at the top of his palm

Subjects who would oh so willingly bow to him,

do everything he ordered.

give every last cent and belonging they had—

to their future ruler.

Clutters and thuds heard from his shoes, Anastasius stepped outward his office, not wanting to feel suffocated by the stuffy air of his room.

hair brushed back by his hand, away from his sweat-beaded temple, not enjoying the feeling of hair stuck to his face like his mom was to his father**.

The next second after his small action, his body collided with somebody.

The force was enough to have him stumble backwards or clasp a wall, yet thankfully he was an adult who was trained in assorted areas, only a foot was pressed to step one point back, supporting his upper body stop its collapse.

Anastacius looked apprehensively up front, as to who would dare walk the halls whilst not paying their pathing any heed of attention.

His unkind glare reached a group of cloaked figures, eyes hidden, but their formal auras showed nonetheless.

Gold embroidered on their jet clothing made with materials smooth like silk, striking insignias clutched to their outfits' right chest expanse.

It seemed to have been an outfit made for outings and for blending in within crowds, yet its stunning and rare layout overshadowed its aim to be unnoticed by the populace.

Computations spun around Anastacius' head, finding clues as to who these people were, where they came from, or to what their purpose was in the palace.

And we're these people the reason he hadn't seen the Imperial couple in a while?

His thoughts ceased once the one who led the group, a teen, shifted his cloak, followed suit by the other three behind him, the boy formally greeted the crown prince as he was used to and bowed subtly than he did before with the Emperor and Empress, his voice naturally flowed but held stability he didn't think the boy had,

"Greetings to the future Sun of Obelia.

​Arius Agnes le Clementine of Clentine's royal family greets his Imperial Highness,"

¦|¦

"May I know of where you're headed? Perhaps I can lead you there." Anastacius inquired, curious as to why this person was here.

Arius lightly shook his head no. Although he still had business in Obelia, he won't have the heart to stay in the palace of awful species, "Your Highness' offer is appreciated. Though I'm afraid my small audience with the King has ended and this delegate must go now,"

"I see. Then I'd like for us to have a chat over tea sometime if fate lets us", the taller blonde suggested, smile seeming more like a smirk of a mischievous prick.

Arius now knew of where that filthy magic came from—

The crown prince seemed like a deterring person with that grin,

Though he was nothing more but a pawn controlled by others,

His lust for power made him seek Aeternitas

It was a move made by a coward.

​​​​​​No matter how strong the power appeared to be,

It was only powerful enough to tempt one with words and ornate gimmicks,

Not bestow what had tempted the individual.

It would trickle through ones heart—

dig the darkest desire held there,

and it will inevitably resurface.

And

In the end,

Anastacius fell into another's scheming palms,

A pawn for other's plans,

Made to create more chaos,

And to never be freed—

From anyone.

The puppet had already been brainwashed by his mother,

No wonder he'd also let himself get possessed by his ancestor.

Nonetheless,

He had a choice,

both inevitably leading to tragedy—

Lose the throne and his mother's dignity with it.

or reign with a voice driving you into ruination

And never reach the warmth of home.

Arius did not have to endure long before he could finally leave into the grassy pastures of Obelia. The royal made his aides go ahead and wait for him at an inn close to the capital. He wanted to relax for some time before 'busy' became his life saying.

Setting himself before a tree, the wind steadied the nerves pulled from earlier's gathering. Arius found his consciousness slipping, his reign of the lids of his eyes free from restraint, and fell into a rest of dreams.

WMMAP Manhwa Chapter 78

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"Sir Lucas", A man drew forth his son to the great magician, "This is Aeternitas, my child,"

The child excitedly hailed, "S-sir Lucas. It's an honour to meet the wise and noble magician of the tower".

"I've been waiting a long time for this opportunity.

If you would, could you teach-".

"What is this trash?" - ‖

Unpleasant phrases surfaced from Lucas' mouth, demeaning the child shoved a front by his father, "Is he your illegitimate son?"

"Such a weak boy came out of your house?

He doesn't seem worthy of being a member of your family". - ‖

Critiques came and humiliated the child, the excitement built up now gone, "Aren't those jewel eyes dull too?"

"You're asking me to teach something like this?" - ‖

"How absurd". - ‖

"You're annoying.

Get lost,

And don't ever come back". - ‖

The 'strongest' future emperor's dignity flew down its grave, struck down by countless of Lucas' devaluation, "S-sir Lucas !".

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¦ "You do know that would bite you in the tail one day". ¦

Lucas turned, faced with a man, an acquaintance, his hair's silver color a contrast to his tower's hue, "What are you doing here, I thought you were busy with ruling Clentine".

"I just came by, taking rests, y'know", the gentleman sat himself on a seat, already making himself feel at home, "And I heard a fuss, that's a reason why I came here".

"You should head back, I am in no mood to entertain someone at the moment, Dominique", the black-haired magician proposed, tired of his work in the tower.

Dominique scoffed, annoyed that Lucas mentioned his name, "If you would, could you stop calling me that in Obelia".

"I find nothing wrong with the name," - ‖

‖ - "I know. That name is only for Clentine. People outside my empire has no right to dub me that".

"Why are you so pretentious. What else would I call you with if not Dominique?" Lucas sighed, frustrated.

Dominique arose from his seat, "Arius, that's the name they gave me".

"Then Arius, I believe it is best for you to dwell elsewhere and annoy someone else, not here and not me," -‖

With a raised brow and a smirk, Arius remarked, "Then I'll head to the castle, Obelia won't mind this king spying on them, would they?"

‖ - "...—And Lucas".

"What is it this time?" - ‖

‖ - "That kid might do something".

"You're saying that to me?" - ‖

"Do you really think that kid's something I can't take?" - ‖

Lips curled in mirth, Arius unfathomably muttered, "Who knows what would happen".

Up Next :

|•Chapter Two|• A World Aside From Mine