Beyond the Past

"What are you talking about, Felix?"

Felix gazed back up, meeting Gwen's eyes with full conviction, "My father and your father have history, one that's been covered up with schemes and forgery. They're both planning to achieve the same thing yet at the same time their methods contradict and conflict with each other. My father planned everything so that he could convince you to join by his side."

'The Aria family and the Mascre family have history? The patriarchs of both families have opposing personalities, one was a person who was willing to do anything to forge his path while the other person was relatively unknown, focusing on his people's well-being. Just what's going on? Is this even the same plot as the novel?'

"Gwendolyn, I'm being completely truthful. With your resistance against The Corruption and with my talent, you could be the very person who could bring light to the world. I'm willing to give you everything, so please, save the world!"

Gwen's mind was racing as numerous thoughts passed by, her preconceived notion that this would be a straight and clear forward plan suddenly be derailed as this new piece of information suddenly popped up out of nowhere. There truly was something lying deeper than what meets the eye.

Felix was begging at this point, he had been vividly raised up despite being this young to sacrifice his own self for the future. To satiate the 5th child of the Aria family and to have her save the world from The Corruption.

Two children amidst the pitch-black night sky were currently about to make the greatest decision of their lives. This would severely impact the future of countless lives.

Gwen, who wasn't taking this that seriously before was now struck with a decision that she never thought she would ever need to take. Her initial plans of ruling over the world were now being changed as the love interest of the main protagonist was currently begging her to save the world. This sudden turn of events was completely unforeseen.

"I…"

Felix's breath stayed still within himself, Gwen was about to make her decision. He seemed visibly anxious as if he couldn't wait for another moment for Gwen to speak up. He clenched his chest as the unbearable seconds that passed by him felt like eons.

"I don't think…" All of a sudden, Gwen felt her consciousness fade away, the previously lush green garden suddenly turn black as everything wisped away in front of her.

Felix knocked Gwen out, he couldn't bear to hear what she was about to say. Felix held Gwen in his arms as he muttered, "The direct approach didn't work… it's time to slowly ease her into it. Father, I won't fail you."

Felix placed his hand over Gwen's head and created a magic circle covering her temples, "Erase." Gwen convulsed slightly as her memories of this encounter started being selectively removed, leaving an empty gap right behind.

Felix kept his firm hand on Gwen's head and continued, "Forge." New and warm memories started filling in the gaps that Gwen had. Their encounter now changed to one that was filled with warmth and love. Gwen and Felix talked for hours on end about all the things they enjoyed and will want to enjoy in the future. The previously dark and cold truth now turned into a happy little lie.

Felix's hands clenched in rage as he didn't want to use this magic spell, altering someone's mind was an all too dangerous act, with one mistake causing them to be a vegetable for the rest of their lives. He slowly caressed her long luxurious purple hair, "If only…"

~~~

The sun rose, meeting the Aria Estate with its bright yellow hue, completely enveloping it in a warm blaze. Countless guards looked up to see its majestic rise as they continued on with their training. Gwen opened her eyes as she woke up feeling extremely comfortable in her bed.

For some odd reason, Gwen felt giddy and happy, recalling her previous night's conversation with Felix. Even though she was much older in spirit, she still felt the joy of meeting another person who she could completely understand. She unconsciously smiled as she looked at the nightdress she was wearing, it was an extremely comfortable piece of clothing that was soft to the touch.

Looking around, there was no one here but herself. Although she didn't remember how she got here, she didn't mind it as it seemed like there was nothing wrong there. In a great mood, Gwen got out of bed and went outside her room.

"Lady Gwendolyn! Come back inside, other people might see!" A young female maid was suddenly started as Gwen ran outside of her room. This young female maid had long black gloves that prevented anyone from seeing her skin and sleek socks that covered her long legs in darkness. The only piece of skin that could be seen from her was her neck and her face.

"Eh?" Gwen stopped in place, almost falling down at her sudden brakes. She looked behind her only to see that the young female maid behind her pulled up her skirt and tried to run towards her.

After getting close, the young female maid tried to cover up Gwen's attire as she tried to bring her back to her room. She rapidly looked around to check if anyone saw Gwen in this state, luckily it was too early in the morning and there weren't any patrols checking this area. Heading back, she easily prepped Gwen's morning routine as she was dressed in a gothic red dress, complementing her eyes.

Seeing that Gwen was finally presentable, the young female maid finally introduced herself, "Lady Gwendolyn, I'm No. 12, from now on there won't be any more incidents where you would be kidnapped. I'm sure it was quite the traumatizing experience but-"

"Hungry!" Gwen didn't know whether her child body was affecting her mentality, or she was too high on being in a new world, but she subconsciously wanted to eat what the world has to offer. For some odd reason, Gwen felt carefree as if there was nothing that could go wrong. Even last night was still a fun memory that she was still riding on.

"Lady Gwendolyn, I'm trying to-"

Gwen ran outside her room, ignoring No. 12's voice. Left with no other choice, No. 12 ran outside, easily catching up to Gwen.

"I guess… it's not that traumatic? Never mind that Lady Gwendolyn, that's not where the dining hall is, that's the weapons room! Come back!"