The return of the calamity (2)

"Nice to meet both of you," The empress greeted, smiling. Levinte could vaguely sense her sadness, resonating with his disappointment.

Without knowing why, he knew she was masking her inner pain with a facade of happiness.

"How are you feeling? I heard you were injured twice because of the emperor. I apologize for that." She lowered her head.

Levinte bowed lower, "I'm fine, thank you."

The empress looked at him with a soft smile and gentle eyes. "I'm glad." Levinte fluttered and blushed, lowering his gaze.

Exhaling, she closed her eyes before opening it to reveal a serious expression. "I've done my investigation. The Emperor is connected to all misfortunes that happened recently. We've tried to interrogate him but he won't budge. I'm not ready to see him but I'll be sure to make him reveal everything."

Acre nodded. "So he's the one who permitted them to enter. That's why they could operate in secret."

"If it wasn't for you noticing it, this matter would've continued and become worse. I express my sincere gratitude for all your help." 

Acre reciprocated the gesture and smiled, "Well, he got my nephew involved, so I couldn't let it pass."

She seemed surprised and looked at Levinte. "So he's your nephew? I see your point."

Levinte felt embarrassed and briefly glared at Acre.

"In that case, I have a present for you." The empress glanced at the door and called, "Sir Lancelot, bring in the presents."

The knight wearing shining gold armor came in and presented an azure sword and a teardrop-shaped crystal amulet.

"Acre's nephew, accept this sword for your journey. This can help you in battle and be used as transportation." She elegantly took the azure sword and gave it to Levinte. Shocked, Levinte jolted and received it. "T-thank you, Your Majesty."

Woah woah woah! I got special treatment because I'm his nephew?

Subsequently, she handed Acre the crystal amulet. "Take this, it's a communication tool. I might need your help in the future so I hope you'll wear it. Say my name while holding the amulet to activate it."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I'll be sure to wear it." Acre beamed. At first glance, the amulet was made out of enchanted crystal, imbued with powerful magic. It was attached to a thin silver chain.

"May every step on your journey be a testimony to your strength, resilience, and unwavering determination to reach your destination. Machaera City will always welcome you. Safe travels." The empress glowed with sincerity and the knight gave a deep bow to them.

"Even when life's winds blow the hardest, there will always be someone willing to be your anchor and help you weather the storm." Acre said, glancing at the knight.

What is this emotional sentiment? Are they that acquainted? Levinte gazed silently, his presence almost forgotten. The knight wore a stiff expression yet he could not hide his fiery blush. Anyone who saw his expression knew he had a massive crush on the empress.

But how did uncle know that?

The empress giggled and got up, reaching out for a handshake. "See you when I see you. Farewell."

"Farewell, Your Majesty," They said and shook her hand.

-

"So can I ride this sword?" Levinte's eyes twinkled with excitement, gripping the azure sword. Acre shook his head, "Not right now. Your bag is unsuited for sword riding, you might lose your balance and fall."

A cloud of gloom descended over Levinte, his burning enthusiasm was distinguished just like that. The carriage they had been waiting for arrived and they settled in.

"Anyway, the gold knight has a crush on her? How did you know that?" Levinte asked, raising his brow.

"I met him the night you were at the hospital."

"And he told you about it?"

"No. Why would he tell me? I just know he likes her."

"Huh? Don't tell me you sensed it from him."

"You guessed it right." Acre laughed. His responses had always been unconcerned and nonchalant as if he did not care to reveal things that should have been a secret. Imagine telling someone 'I can calmly talk to animals', anyone would look at you like a maniac.

Levinte grimaced, nonetheless believing that he had the ability. If he could advise someone who wants to befriend Acre, he would suggest that they should expect the most unexpected from him.

"How?" Levinte was curious to know about his ability. Someone who had lived for centuries could not possibly be a normal human, therefore he must have some kind of abnormalities.

"I just know what they're feeling. You're not as confused as you were before, but I can sense a slight fear in you." Acre pointed at Levinte's heart.

He was not wrong about it. His description was exactly what Levinte was feeling at the moment. So all this time, when he said that he was sensing something, he was truly sensing the emotions. That means he could tell if someone is lying, scared, angry, sad, or other forms of emotion.

Levinte thought deeply, "So you can sense everyone's emotion? Won't it be a hassle?"

"I can choose to shut my senses if I want to." Acre said.

Thinking about emotions made Levinte remember something. He asked, "Back then, during the Gertrud Bouquet Day, when I wanted to piss myself in the waiting room, was it you who calmed me down using your emotion ability?"

Acre raised his brow and seemed excited, "So you managed to connect the dots. Correct, I helped you to calm down since your emotions were so chaotic it's almost overbearing. Your fear could've influenced me if it had not been controlled."

"That could happen?" Levinte opened his mouth, amazed. Nodding, Acre explained, "Of course. It's a phenomenon called emotional contagion."

"Try controlling mine right now," Levinte said, unaware of the consequences.

Acre met his eyes. Levinte gulped, staring at his mischievous smile. In an instant, his heart trepidation calmed and he felt a sudden urge to burst into laughter. The smile spread across Acre's face and Levinte beamed with a toothy grin. His body became restless; his toes bounced and his hand clapped with joy.

Deep inside Levinte, he was cursing nonstop, confused and humiliated by his action. His lips would not move to produce a word even if he desperately tried. It was as if he was a puppet.

His eyes begged Acre to stop. Fortunately, Acre released him from his control and guffawed.

"The heck!" Levinte buried his flushed face in his hands. "Why did you make me do that!"

"At least I didn't make you cry," Acre wiped the tears from his eyes, still amused.

Along their journey to the west of the empire, Acre had a hard time trying to console the little one and he still refused to talk to him.

"Hmph!" Levinte turned his head away, puffing his cheeks.

"Sorry..." Acre pouted and leaned closer, reaching out for his hand. "How about I tell you the true story of the World Clash?"

Acre received the same response but he noticed Levinte's interest in the topic. In hopes of enlightening him, Acre began his storytelling.

In the era when four great empires ruled over the world, a long-standing truce between them suddenly crumbled when the Southern Empire began its conquest to expand its territory. Like fire and water, peace between the Northern and Southern seemed like an impossible option for them.

In a world of warring empires, General Kurl of the Arnayisa Empire stood strong in his will to protect innocent people. The Great Wall of Arnayisa fortified the perimeter of the capital which served as both a symbol of the empire's might and its first line of defense.

The people of the empire bowed to the general than to the emperor, causing an internal conflict in the empire.

To some, Emperor Yamin was the worst monarch in Arnayisa's history. His tyrannical way had created many powerful enemies such as the Great Cairo Seth of the Enryndorian Empire and Yano Rui.

Yano Rui, who originated from the Northern Empire harbored great contempt for the world, especially the emperor. Well aware of his limitations, he sets out to plan an elaborate and lengthy scheme, particularly aiming at the twin.

The raid of the Arnayisa Empire, the fall of the border, the confusion between the twin, and the neutrality of the Duchy of Kopis was all connected to him. In the end, he was killed by the twin.

"Tell me in full details!" Finally looking at Acre, Levinte's fingers wriggled in dissatisfaction.

"That's a mystery for you to solve." Acre chuckled and covered his mouth. "It's no fun if I tell you everything."

Narrowing his eyes, Levinte hummed. "That's just an excuse. You're hiding something from me!"

"Hoho," Acre avoided his intense gaze. "After we visit the Duchess and get your new bag, I'll take you to an ancient library where you'll find everything you need."