A Familiar Face

The moment Ian heard her finish her words, his face changed colors so fast and Artemis could swear the temperature in the room had dropped drastically. Goosebumps erupted on her skin and watched as his eyes abruptly change from its friendly warm eyes to a piercing cold gaze that felt as if he wanted to slice her open. A sneering smile graced his pale lips while he stayed quiet for a good minute.

'This is unscientific. How can someone change so quickly like that!'

Artemis shivered under his fierce gaze and maintained a friendly smile. Seeing him like that, why did she even bother to ask? It was evident just from his face alone. No matter how much he wanted to hide his expression, he would still be caught off guard by the sudden question that poked his dark spot. After all, a royal family who faked his blessing is actually a dark element wielder. How would the public react from that? It was all too possible for them to fear the royal family and impeach them.

She could still remember how people discovered with the element had been beheaded immediately on the spot in the book. The dark element takes root from the five elements when the user manifests enough malice and viciousness in their soul. The soul becomes corrupt and the former elements turn dark. Mostly those who were wanted criminals and people who were too greedy with power can wield this element. By wielding darkness, people were able to communicate with demons and offer human sacrifices in order to gain more power.

But the question was how Ian came to manifest such a sinister element? There were no signs of him having amassed so much hatred in his heart.

"…Lady Francia."

Artemis was called out of her thoughts when she heard his cold voice. She turned to look at him with a twitching mouth, "Yes, Your Highness?"

"Your request… I'm afraid I can't grant it."

Without even hearing his reason, she quickly shook her head in fear, "Ah, it's alright, Your Highness! I don't dare burden you with such a heavy favor. Having your notes is enough for me. Please, do not think further of this ridiculous favor of mine…"

Ian pressed his lips into a tight line, "You're not even going to ask the reason?"

"No, Your Highness. I'm sure there is a reason as to why you can't and I don't dare bother you so."

"Is that so…" Ian averted his gaze and took a sip of his cold tea. His chest which was burning with the urge to silence her gradually disappeared and he did not even dare to stay for a second longer before bidding goodbye to her in a rush.

"…" Artemis stared at the empty seat with differing emotions. So that scene from her dream was actually memories of this body. Up until now, the only thing that was different from the book was Ian's elements. It was a big change and she was afraid to think of the different future from what she knew. There were several major plot points that needed him to showcase his blessing's abilities. How will that affect the future then? Will it change or remain?

Perhaps this was not even the novel. Only a similar world that coincides with the contents of the book.

Artemis sighed and waited for a few more moments before leaving the lounging room. She did not want to bump with Ian and receive his glare once again. Elite people surely are different from others. Each cell of their body emits such a terrifying aura.

When Artemis reached her assigned room, everything never felt like a dormitory. Each student owns a separate room that was packed with everything they need. Bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and even a small set of a library that was tucked in a corner on the living room. She hated to say it; but her dorm room was even bigger than the apartment she used to live in. Sigh.

After settling down on her bed which was so soft that she felt her whole body being sucked in the mattress, she quickly took out a set of embroidery kit to test out whether her skills disappear within time or stays. It may be true that she was now able to do extremely well when embroidering, but no one knows whether it was because of the blessing or not. If the blessing suddenly doesn't work and she was needed to showcase this particular skill, she doesn't know whether to laugh or cry. That would be pathetic and horrifying at the same time.

In her hands was an embroidery hoop filled with a fabric that had an unfinished flower pattern. The design was simple but it was enough for her who was a beginner to it. Her hands naturally moved with fluid movements as she fiddled with the needle. Soon, a blooming wisteria flower in a golden sphere appeared in the fabric. Artemis smacked her lips in satisfaction and narrowed eyes.

The feeling of being able to do well in a skill that she had never intended to even try was truly satisfying. Without even intending to, Artemis once again started embroidering a total of four handkerchiefs which were of varying flowers. By the time she finished, the sun was setting and the whole room was flooded with warm hues of the sky. She laid down her needles and just when she was about to take out a few books, a sudden knock from her door prompted her to open it.

"Who is it-"

Artemis turned the doorknob over and the first thing that greeted her was a familiar clean-cut face with hazelnut eyes and brown wavy hair that was cut into military style. His face was well defined; a sharp jaw that added to his masculinity. It was as if Artemis was looking back to her days on Earth.

"Will?" She blurted out in surprise. What was he doing here? Will was her schoolmate in university who had been the only close companion she had. He could be described as your geek but neat-looking friend, who would seek every opportunity to ruin your moment whenever you try to appear either funny or smart. Either way, while Will may have quite the spiteful personality, Artemis was still glad to have him as her friend. But what she was wondering was how could he have ended here? Both their looks were extremely similar so she was not even thinking of the possibility that it was a different person.

"Ah?" The man asked in surprise. He was wearing the standard uniform of the academy which was a formal white long-sleeve lined with golden rims and a royal blue vest that was added on top that adorned a light blue tie. His trousers were pristine white that was neatly ironed. Overall, he looked very good; like the typical formal student just like Will. Even their voices and expressions were similar.

The so-called man looked at Artemis in surprise, his warm-colored eyes displaying a variety of emotions that she can't decipher. But it was all gone in a few seconds before he displayed a friendly smile, "I'm afraid you got the wrong person, Lady Francia. I'm Gan Elaril, loyal knight of His Highness Ian. I'm here to deliver the notes on his behalf."

Artemis still can't get over the fact that they were practically the same person and she looked on with narrowed eyes. She had known that Ian owned a very loyal knight that was also ridiculously strong, just a tiny bit inferior to him. Gan was almost everywhere Ian was, silently protecting him from afar, ready to engage in battle every time. He was also one of Artemis' favorite characters as he had a lovely personality; like a golden retriever. Very adoring. But, she had never known his appearance was so similar to Will, her classmate. She did not even know where to start thinking as to how.

"Lady Francia?"

"Yes… Are you sure you are not Will? Perhaps you are related to him? His name is Will Fandeur. Ring any bells?" It was possible they were twins. She just can't accept it.

"…" Gan looked at her with profound eyes, his mouth pressed into a line as he gently pushed a set of notebook to her.

"Here is His Higness' notes. He said you can give them to him anytime you like. I'll be leaving now, Lady Francia. Have a good day," And just like that, his figure immediately rushed out of the hallway, even leaving a gust of wind that left Artemis dumbfounded.

He totally ignored my question, right?