Ch. 33: Quest [1]

Two months have passed since the Prince's assassination. There were many changes in Damian. He became easy to talk to and willing to express his feelings through words rather than frowning like before. 

The Prince smiled and laughed a lot which brought a positive atmosphere to the Palace. He is more open up to people around him and has regained some of his previous weight. Overall, Fedel was really grateful for the positive changes in Damian.

Fedel and Ulrich stood side by side as their eyes fell on the training ground. Their faces were devoid of any expression. Right now, they were watching sparring between the Prince and Count Andreas.

–Boom!

Damian athletically did a backflip to avoid the ground that suddenly burst out. He quickly dashed as he landed. The boy activated his Wind Elemental to quicken his feet. 

–Boom!

Earth exploded a split second every time his feet left the ground. Suddenly, a fog covered half of the training ground; Damian hid inside the fog while his teacher stood a few meters outside from the fog. The corner of Chislon's mouth tugged.

"It's no use, Prince."

Just like the Count has said, he continued to shoot more Wind Bullets into the fog.

–Boom!

–Boom!

–Boom!

"Tsk."

Damian clicked his tongue in annoyance. He had created the fog to escape his teacher's eyes, yet Chislon didn't seem to have any problem with that, as his accuracy was exactly the same as before he created the fog. 

However.

–Thrust!

Chislon immediately took a step back when earth spikes popped out under his previous foothold. The Count couldn't help but smirk. 

'You quick-witted brat.'

The Prince thought that he would escape the Count's sights by creating fog. But he forgot that, when he created a fog to escape the opponent's eyes, the fog would also limit his vision. What amazed Chislon was, soon after he realized that his plan had failed, Damian instantly recovered it. 

Since he couldn't see properly in the fog, It seemed the Prince was channeling Mana into his feet to increase his sensitivity to locate Chislon's position and then counter-attacked him by Earth Elemental. 

–Boom!

–Boom!

–Boom!

Damian and the Count were now both running to evade each other's attack aimed at their footing ground. Shortly, the white-haired boy jumped out of the fog and sent a big Fire Ball toward the Count. 

As if had expected it, Chislon's smile widened as he cast a Wind Elemental to counter the attack. Damian had no choice but to jump down and roll to the side to avoid the Fireball that was reflected back to him.

Nonetheless, Chislon was stoned. His smile abruptly vanished and his expression turned blank when a lightning bolt passed him a few centimeters away from his face. But he eventually smiled again. 

He turned to his back and a small hole was formed on the ground. It seemed like the Prince sent a sneak attack before he jumped down to dodge the fire. Chislon thought that he had outsmarted his pupil yet reality said otherwise. 

He intentionally sent a Fireball knowing his teacher would counter it with a Wind Elemental and shot a lightning bolt through the Fire Ball aimed at Chislon.

The Count walked toward the boy who was kneeling and panting heavily. He lent Damian a hand and helped him to stand. 

"Thank you."

Ulrich peeked at the man that stood by his side.

"You know, whenever I see Prince Damian training, he never fails to amaze me."

"Because His Highness is simply too talented and intelligent."

Fedel answered without taking his eyes off the training ground. Lately, the Prince seems eager to train, not only learning as an Elementalist but also as a Swordsman too.

If previously he expressed his displeasure while training with the Duke, now the Prince was starting to enjoy learning swordsmanship.

"This Empire is lucky to have him."

"Indeed."

Fedel nodded his head in agreement. Suddenly, both of them turned and hurriedly lowered their heads as a blonde-haired woman accompanied by her maids walked toward them. Once she arrived, they paid respect to the Empress in unison.

"I greet the Empress of the Chrono Empire."

"You may rise."

Ulrich and Fedel straightened their backs. Theresa swept through the surroundings and found Damian. He was standing while having a chat with his tutor in the middle of the training ground. Apparently, his son didn't see her as he was facing his back. Without thinking much, she decided to approach them. 

"Shall we continue?"

Chislon shook his head at the white-haired boy's question. Just looked at him, and even though he was full of sweat, his azure eyes gleamed with excitement; it said that he wanted more. 

"No, let's call it a day."

Damian pouted his mouth.

"I understand."

Damian bent his back to make a light bow.

"Thank you for today's lesson."

But before Chislon could make any response, he quickly bowed when he saw the Empress heading towards them. Couldn't comprehend his tutor's behavior, he spun around and found his mother.

.

.

.

"Mom?"

I frowned when I saw my mom. What is she doing here? I clearly remembered that we had our tea yesterday. Is there something urgent? I walked up to her and slightly bowed.

"I greet Her Majesty, the Empress of the Chrono Empire."

"You may rise."

As I looked up, our eyes met and she smiled at me. She extended her hand to the side and a maid placed a towel on her palm. She took a few steps toward me and used it to gently wipe the sweat from my face.

"How is your training today?"

"Hmmm... Fun?"

She chuckled.

"I'm glad to hear it."

Silence enveloped us. My mother was still wiping my sweat but somehow she looked anxious. Even though she didn't express it, her eyes flashed her deepest emotion.

Eventually, she stopped and handed the towel back to the maid. She exhaled a deep long sigh and looked me in the eyes.

See? She even heaved a long sigh. There's indeed something bothering her. She took my right hand.

"His Majesty requests your presence."

The Emperor? Why? Was that what made her worried?