Sleep Well…

Save the Prince?

Silver looked to her in bewilderment. He was just a retainer that cannot even match his father's skills. So, how can he save Malleus if the danger is something even Malleus cannot over come?

"There was a prophecy that came into existence as of late." Peony responded as she casually conjured up a western cauldron before her and lit some wood underneath it, "The prophecy is very vague and full of adjective. However, there is one thing I believe especially since I decided to look into the details of the history and folk tales. However, let me retell of the past of Maleficent."

It was rare for her to speak of the past of her sister whom she always dreamt of with each dream. There were even days where she slept just so she could have the nightmare she dreamt of each night if it meant seeing her face again. However, why was it that, even without that torturous dream, she now feels so much at peace compared to before? It was like being around Yuu. She could be at ease when talking about her sister.

After sharing the true ending of Maleficent and how it ended, Silver was shocked. It was no surprise. After all, Maleficent was so powerful that it was said nothing could defeat her, yet she suddenly disappeared over the years. Who knew that she set herself as a villain before humans just to put an end on her life that was contaminated by blot?! Such thoughts was unthinkable, yet Silver took a very deep breath before exhaling as he pondered in deeper thoughts. When he finished, he opened his mouth, "I... can not say I believe you. However, for now, I will take your words for it. It's not because it's impossible, but because it is so crazy that it feels unlikely. Yet, we all know that not the most powerful magician can avoid blot. But, to put an end to herself by painting herself a villain before humans because of her overblot... It's simply too tragic. That princess... What became of her in the end? Did she ever realized what had occurred?"

"No. Maleficent was very smart. She made the scenario so complex that nobody could realize that they've been used for her play. Even after the stories of her play was passed down, nobody realized or linked Maleficent to be that villain anymore. I don't believe Maleficent would have realized that she would be praised in the future where nobody could link that event to her anymore after they discovered about her existence once again. As for that princess... Well, she must have lived on and had children of her own and those children had children throughout the generations."

"Huh?" Silver looked to her in confusion, "Where are you going with this?"

"Princess Aurora. She was a princess beloved by all at birth. If Maleficent wasn't determined to paint herself a villain, she would also have displayed that same affection towards the infant because it was mentioned that she was also fond of caring for children as well back in our world. Upon birth, the infant received three gifts from three different fairies. Three gifts and the curse. Those gifts were three blessings. Sounds familiar?"

Silver thought quietly to herself before he opened his mouth carefully, "If the folktales and past were linked... Then... You mean to tell me it is the three gifts of the three royal fairies."

"During that era, it was princess Aurora who received the three gifts. The third gift to dampen powerful curses was cast upon her only after Maleficent placed a death curse on the princess to start her plan of self-demise. However, before that, she also received the gift of song and gift of beauty. Who knew that after that time, those gifts would then be passed down through the generations or better yet fated to be blessed once again somewhere down the line and still exists to this day." Peony sighed as she tossed the fungi into the cauldron before turning to Silver, "Silver, as a cultivator, I can see powerful layers of magic in you. You have inherited the blessing of beauty from your predecessors but also remnants of a curse. You are her descendant."

Silver was shocked in disbelief as he grimaced, "That can't be! I'm the descendant of those who harmed Maleficent?! But... What if I'm fated to harm Malleus..."

"The ones who harmed Maleficent? That is definitely not wrong." Peony frowned and huffed in dismay, "But... Silver, you are not a sinner. You are not the princess or her husband. You are Silver Vanrouge. A soldier and retainer of the royal family. A child can inherit many things from the biological parents, but they cannot inherit the sins of the parent. It's not like you was born able to inherit the sins. No children can. If anything, they can receive the end results of the parent's actions and decision, whether bad or good. For better or worse, you have the ability to stop Malleus depending on the choices you make because... You are the reincarnation of your ancestor's silver sword."

"Huh?" Silver looked to her in shock when he heard this.

"I've thought about it again and again. You are a descendant of Princess Aurora and Prince Philip, but you are not in Royal Sword Academy. Everyone in Night Raven College are those who inherited the wills of the Great Seven. Malleus Draconia has even taken on an image and traits that greatly resemble Maleficent and the princess. Everyone in the Great Seven are those who have fallen victim to overblot and had a sad ending. Night Raven College is a place where those powerful souls are given another chance to have another go at life and move on from their past mistakes or regret. Those in Royal Sword Academy are those who received the wills of the victims that have either survived or overpowered the great seven during the events those mistakes occurred. So, why is it that you are not in Royal Sword Academy but chosen by the Magic Mirror?"

Silver was left in deep thoughts as he processed everything. Peony did not rush him as she boiled the water she magically conjured with the fungi's in it. Finally, Silver opened his mouth, "You mean, I am the sword that has the ability that can stop Malleus depending on the choices I make, correct? Then... Those choices doesn't necessarily mean I must choose violence or attempt at his life! I see, this all makes better sense now... Thank the gods..."

Peony chuckled, "It's rare for someone to trust me so easily. Though it does makes things easier. Now, there is another topic I wanted to discuss with you."

"Yes?"

Peony recounted the request of the Zigvolt's family much to Silver's surprise.

"They made such a request without my father's permission?" Silver noted in surprise.

"They had sent your father a letter, you know." Peony responded, "Of course, it isn't one about permission, but more of an apology and details of what they know and his decision. I told them to be prepared to be scolded though. If not for the princess, I would not have looked into your matter. Still… I apologize for having stuck my nose into your private matters…"

"Well, it's not really your fault. You were only doing as you're told… However, thank you for apologizing. To think that would be the reason for my sleepiness." Silver hesitated both seemingly nervous yet excited, "Is there a way to break the curse?"

"The curse and the blessing's conflict that cause the sleepiness if a long term effect. Even if I were to balance it, it would take a while before it take effect or worse. Something goes wrong and you never awaken for example. You're too young and focused on your work to even have a lover to save you, not like that princess."

"But, you can save me." Silver pointed out much to her bewilderment.

She stammered in shock, "M-Me?"

"You can break my curse and heal me, right?"

Peony scowled, "HAVE YOU BUMPED YOUR HEAD?! I clearly said that it would take a long time to cure you even if I helped resolve the problem successfully! Ugh..."

Here it is again. Although Silver is more thoughtful and sensitive to the atmosphere around him, there are times where it feels as though the words of others enters one ear and exit out the other. It was during times like this that she is reminded how much she hated this guy right then and there! She always shrugged and gave up after hearing this, but, even then, she cannot deny that this guy is smart and insightful... When he isn't like this.

"Forget it. You can make that decision after you graduated. Perhaps you will find me again after then. However, you will have to talk it through with your guardian. After all, even if you are a human or an adopted child, there are many around you since infancy who cares about you very much." Peony stated bluntly before handing him the cooked fungi, "For now, eat."

"But, what if I cannot find you again?" Silver hesitated.

Peony hesitated before she scowled and touched between his brow with a finger. Silver was shocked by the sensation of mana entering his mind as he looked to her in confusion.

"That was an imprint. Since I have left you an imprint, you may come and go as you like. Also, it will give you some privacy if you ever wish to be away from other's dreams." Peony grumbled, "If you wish, you may go find Malleus as well."

Hearing this, Silver jumped up in surprise, "He's here too?!"

Peony scowled angrily and forced him back down with her aura, "Not tonight! He will be taking part in the camping trip, remember? I've also taken part in that event while hiding out. Not surprisingly, Malleus was too strong. Since the challenges would not teach the other students how to survive if they did not move on their own and just relied on Malleus, he and your father was asked to assist with the challenges instead. Though it was fun seeing the others panic when they heard both Malleus and Lilia was missing, I wonder how they will overcome this dilemma?"

"I really hope Father does not overdo it..." Silver hummed hesitantly, "He enjoys little pranks like these. It's fine... As long as he does not strain himself."

It was then that Silver recalled something as he turned to her with a serious look, "I remember something. In that mist, it was blurry, but they mentioned the third superintendent. That person is you, right? You also said that you were powerful despite being so young. So, you must be someone as powerful as other night faes."

"Night faes..." Peony noted curiously, "I was not originally born powerful, but that is correct to a certain degree. After all, I can only grow stronger the more I practice and learn mana. In our world, we call mana spiritual energy. After I helped the Board of Education, I was given that position. I'm surprised that you managed to learn of all that."

Peony sighed in dismay as she watched him eat the fungi, "After all, all of these things are something you should not know about. That's why, Silver... you should forget what you heard in those mist and only remember the things I want you to know, such as the story of Maleficent I told you about or your role. You are free to remember this place and to see others, but you are not allowed to remember all else."

"What?" Silver looked to her stunned when he suddenly felt a painful headache in the back of his mind, "Ah! Th-this…"

He dropped to the ground as Peony reached out and picked up the fungi he dropped. Shocked in betrayal when seeing her calm and cold, Silver opened his mouth and managed, "Wh-what did you feed me?!"

Peony sighed before shaking her head, "I thought you were smarter than this, Silver. Even if I had nothing on me, did you really think anything coming from my hands would be safe in your mouth?"

She burnt away the remainder of the fungi and tossed only a small one left into her mouth, "There is something else you would not remember…. However, plant faes are usually immune to certain percentage of poisons in the natural world. The stronger their immunity, the more powerful they are. However, as for me, I am immune to all natural poisons in the world. All but one certain type of poison trait. Do you understand what I mean, child of man?"

After struggling to wreck his brain, he quickly came up with a fitting idea of who this woman was and, soon, the actions began to become clear to him! He was shocked as he looked up in disbelief as he muttered weakly and sprawled on the ground, "No…. Y-You're… the plant fae empress…"

However, before he could finish, Peony had already covered his eyes with a hand as she muttered softly, "Not bad… If you had realized this sooner… You wouldn't be in this mess now, would you? That's quite unfortunate…. Sleep well, Silver Vanrouge… Now, it's my turn to awaken…"