A World Aside From Mine | Chapter Two

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Leaves rustled, Arius has stirred upon his waking, mind rested and ready to take on his workload and a new role.

Arius huffed, dismissing the tiredness he suddenly got from his nap.

Eyes hidden from his cloak's hood, the youth rose his hands, polished spheres of silver gathered in one space.

A gate formed of white charm from the surrounding's breeze, Arius had chosen this space not just because of its isolation, but also its immense amount of magic.

The gate led to his aides,

—Or it was supposed to.

What welcomed him in his apparition were two children— no, minors but not children. If one hadn't forbid, he would've chortled at how their delicate and cute faces ruffled into shock.

It truly was a scare. If you had been discussing something important, how would one react then if a cloaked person abruptly entranced into their improved safeguarded castle?

"Who are you!? You will be arrested immediately If you don't reveal yourself this instant,"

Arius shook his head, palms raised to the back of his head, an indication he did not mean trouble, "I mean no harm".

" Answer her question", the black-haired kid reminded. Two pairs of eyes look on in apprehension, not believing whatever he would've said,

The royal's cloak fell by his palms, face uncovered, obsidian hair now milk-white, silver orbs taking the place of his emerald ones. Arius bowed, introducing himself,

‖ - "Dominique of house Agnes from Clentine, mademoiselle. A pleasure to know of your acquaintance".

█║▌│ █│║▌ ║││█║▌ │║║█║ │║║█║

WMMAP chapter 93**

"Since Jeanette grew up from outside the palace and is not familiar here-

I really hope her Highness can help her". - ‖

Jeanette stood there as though she wasn't any part of their conversation, she took no action to say anything in favour of the princess.

If a word against Athanasia rolled down her tongue, one would never admonish her nor indicate what she had said was against the law.

It was because she was a princess.

A princess with no proper education.

The jewelled eyes of royalty held dear on her sockets as though it was real.

It was,

But she was nothing more but a copy of a damsel,

A drop of royal blood enough to mix with a prostitute-like noblewoman to have her named Princess.

"We will stay at the main palace in the meantime, It's where I used to stay, so there isn't a problem with that", the former king noted, acting as though the throne was still his, grasped safely within his hands and still in sight.

Perhaps she's changed from the woman Arius remembered he had met.

⁞—

{ a conversation between Jeanette and the former king }

‖ - "Take a rest and be ready for the state meeting. You should prepare".

"Um, what's that? State meeting?". - ‖

‖ - "It's a meeting composed of high ranking nobilities in the Obelian Empire,

The current situations will be discussed there and will also deal with any special agenda".

‖ - "I am also planning to introduce you there".

"Am I allowed in a place like that?" - ‖

‖ - "Is there a reason why you're not?"

‖ - "I'm the emperor now".

.

"Great timing old man," Lucas called out as Arius walked in.

An irk grew and painted the royal's temple, "Could you give me a break".

The thought of Lucas never appearing in front of him again brought Arius joy, but perhaps that was too good to be true that it became false. It seems the Lucas of this world had already awakened.

‖ - "Mhn, what is it this time?"

"We recently found out that Aeternitas is still here", Informed Lucas as he brought himself a seat,

‖ - "That kid you refused to teach?"

Annoyed, Lucas refuted, "... Well, not entirely because of that. The kid didn't have what it took to be taught by me. It's not my fault".

‖ - "Don't go in denial, Lucas".

"Tsk, let's not be reminded of the past please," - ‖

"Then, could you be reminded that you are currently within my father's room?" a voice resounded within the area, dark aura surrounding a figure with scary eyes.

Arius stood from his seat, foot headed for the door and excused himself, "I'm afraid I must go now, my work seemed to have slipped my mind once I saw His handsome Majesty".

"O-oi! Arius! Where do you think you're going?!" Lucas called out, somehow forgetting Athanasia's presence and casually called the name confidential to the girl.

The said male, still in a body of an adult, turned his ashen eyes to his magician companion, "I really must go now. I plan to tour the palace and might have a destined meeting with that beautiful brunette."

"And Lucas", the male added, "I don't think even Elfiz** will give you hope this time around seeing as you don't believe in her".

"You brat-!". - ‖

‖ - "Aren't you the brat here, boy?".

A chuckle left the male's lips and out left his presence in the room.

¦|¦

Jewelled orbs stared at ruby ones, suspicions written all over their expression, calculations steering around their head, "Don't you mean Dominique?"

"Mhm? Oh— yeah, I meant Dominique", Lucas corrected, sceptical as to why his friend had introduced himself as Dominique to the princess outside his monarchy. He grumbled, now having something to be careful of around the princess. "Just forget about it".

Athanasia nodded, her mind contrary to what she said she'd do.

Arius?

Was that not a name mentioned in the book?

Athanasia couldn't remember anything else aside from the name 'Arius Agnes le Clementine'.

Perhaps maybe due to it being spoken of more than the other one that she recalled the small detail—

but what was that thing bothering at the back of her mind?

Was uncovering this more important than the current circumstances of the empire?

A frown etched its way onto Athanasia's face, her expression crumpling from confusion and slight frustration, not unnoticed by the warlock strutted aside.

The princess sighed, wanting no more to do with headaches and concerns.

Seated beside her unconscious father, Athanasia held bruised arms, harmed from the curse her uncle gave him through Jeanette.

Athanasia wants nothing more but for all this to be over.

█║▌│ █│

Stood alongside flowering buds was Arius, still and tranquil like the wind, a mesmerizing sight of a handsome prince.

This was the first time Arius had met a child with such heavy burden.

For a girl that young to temporarily rule an empire,

and a common person who isn't used to such an era carries burdens from people she thought she knew well.

All written in paper.

Though perhaps, Lee Jihye coming back to her proper home was best for herself. The girl should have realized by now-, or long before, each character is no longer fictional.

She ought to herself to protect them generously,

if not—

​​​​​​

Then Anastacius would have already seated himself on that vacant throne.

Athanasia held the weights of many citizens' judgment and sat at a seat where a person held the most power—

And the most troubles,

when the girl had the choice to just abandon the responsibility—

and be spoiled rotten-...

.

The royal then remembered that he still had work back at his home.

His mind conflicted until he decided-

It should be fine if I stay here for a while.

It will be fine to stay by the girl's side.

█║▌│ █│

Jeanette called out, unveiled cerulean eyes noticing the person situated silently in the fields of flowers, their back towards her, curiosity got the better of her, "Mister?"

"Yes?", ashen eyes revealed from their lids, Arius turned and was faced with the brunette, her small face daringly flushed while a front a male.

Hands shook upfront and clarified, "Ah-! it's nothing! Though I would like to know your name?"

"The name is Dominique—... of house Agnes. May I have the honour to know of what I should call you as, miss?"

Troubled at her mistake, the brunette introduced flustered and confused if her last name had changed to her father's, "... Jeanette Margarita... I think".

"Then I greet princess Jeanette, may you bring light to this country the same as her highness Athanasia", Arius bowed, recognizing the name, throwing the girl into disarray and embarrassment and bowed back in conclusion.

"U-hm, would you care to have tea with me, mister?"

Arius hesitated, seeing as the girl didn't have any servants following her, but agreed nonetheless, "If that is what her Highness wants".

"Princess, do you have any particular tea you would like to have?".

The girl shook her head no, not wanting to trouble the person any further than asking him to have tea with her, "Anything is fine, sir".

"Then we'll have Chamomile tea if you would", the royal gestured for the palace maids stood by the side of the garden to have tea and a table ready. Although the princess currently had no ladies-in-waiting, the palace thankfully had many.

"It seems you are well acquainted with the first princess, your ladyship".

Seated within the imperial palace's vast garden were two royals, one of which with primly smooth brown locks of hair, and the other the colour of clouds and frost.

" We both met at tea parties hosted by noblewomen and got close since then. We got more familiar with each other whenever her highness invites me for tea with His Majesty".

Arius hummed, listening to what was being said, observing the other's each movement, "If so, the princess must've favoured your highness".

" ah, there are many other companions the princess is close with, like sir magician, and the miss of Iraine", Jeanette bashfully reasoned, somehow liking the idea of being favoured by the princess.

The male lifted his cup, thin lips lightly touching its rim, a brow lifted to the palace maids, signalling for them to leave and give their talk privacy, "But it seems as though your Highness and the Princess had a bit of disagreement?"

"I think I might've said something to the princess I shouldn't have", Jeanette confessed, her chest constricting to that of guilt.

‖ - "I'm sure whatever it is, the Princess will understand".

"I-i was so selfish, I told her she doesn't tell me anything. I'm always left in the dark about matters". - ‖

‖ - "But why must the Princess tell any of that to you? I believe you know what you're saying, Miss Margarita".

‖ - " Lies are sometimes said for protection of who hears it,

if her Highness chose to keep quiet, it's to protect lady Margarita".

Jeanette paused, jewelled eyes staring blankly at daunting ashen ones. Arius was staring down at her, saying as though to daringly answer,

"I-i, sir- ". - ‖

‖ - "Look back to what had happened to you,

Upon how easily you were used,

how they simply had to tell you that you were His Majesty's blood daughter,

The Future Crown Princess,

upon how you were thought to be House Alpheus' future Duchess,

And upon how they told, you had a loving family waiting for you at the palace".

"S-sir Agnes?". - ‖

The trembling tone ignored, brutal truth continued to flow out of Arius' mouth,

‖ - "Enlighten me as to why must the princess tell you anything—

When you're this gullible to the truth,

And ignorant to common sense".

Glancing at the girl before him, the man was once again reminded of a woman that had threatened his empire. Only he knew of what this girl will do if she continues to be this weak to the truth.

Though fate was not certain, it was better to take care of it— cut it before it grows into something more dangerous.

"I-i don't get what you mean, mister...?", Jeanette timidly asked, perhaps whatever the mister is saying is just her imagination, there was no possible way as to how a new acquaintance can know so much about her.

• • •

why would she say so much about herself to a stranger, even?

With a click of the male's tongue, Arius gently suggested, "Mhn, indeed, you will never understand a logical thing such as what I said".

"It is best for you to omit what I had told you from your mind".

The man changed his mind, perhaps he was too cruel.

█║▌│ █│

"It seems our time has come to separate, princess. Sir Anastacius must be looking for you".

"Ah yes! We shall. I thank you for the time you gave for us to spend for tea, sir. Chamomile was truly delectable". Jeanette happily stood, her expression now in contrast to what she had on earlier, the event completely put away from her notice.

Arius bowed, bidding farewell to the brunette princess with an amused smile, "I had a great time also, I hope the tea calmed your nerves from the stress you must've had upon living in a new environment so suddenly. I'll have the maids give you tea, I hope it is to your liking".

The male strode back to the castle, back shadowed with the clouds forming from afar, jewelled eyes of a girl left confused,

Jeanette believed it had only been a few minutes since they had seated themselves after noon, yet the sky had turned vermillion, her mind not recalling any more of what they had talked about.

'It must've been nothing, I must be tired".

█║▌│ █│

‖ - "I may have gone too far".

.

‖ - "I'll make up for it in some way, I guess".

¦|¦

A heavy breath fled, troubled at how their leader wasn't even back yet. The sun has set and the moon is peering its way from the horizon.

Numerous paper laid out on the wooden table, sounds of quills rasping on parchment heard, the mere medium that lit the whole room was but a whiff of magic.

The room's quietness was drawn into a lull once a soft knock and a firm voice broke through the door, "It's Amos, Darius is here also".

"Come in".

Heeding their friend, two figures arrived in the dimly lit room. Amos queried his thought, directing the issue to Caspar, " What's taking him so long?"

"I have no inkling of where he is in currently, I do know though is if he wanted to leave, he would've done so already".

Taking a seat, two glasses of wine emerged a front the two, Darius assured, "I believe he'll be back eventually".

" But who knows how long his trip would take. I couldn't feel his presence anywhere else, and it kind of brought me into a panic if I hadn't known what he could do".

Caspar sighed, his hand rested from the workload given by their monarch, that man most probably visited another dimension at this point.

"I think our Lord is getting clumsier by the minute", Darius clicked his tongue, not meaning his words but might believe it if Arius had not yet gone back.

Amos, amused at his words, noted, " Well, I don't think Arius will like us talking about him like this,"

"Who cares, he's an idiot, idiot, idiot, a freaking idiot", Caspar ranted, the elegant air in the room now gone with their acts.

Cackles filled the room, their soothing voices turned to like that of dog barks.

The three conversed for a while, not caring for the time. Caspar saw an article on his desk, it was where they would go next, "If he doesn't come back for the next few days, we'll go forth to the capital without him, we still have a lot to do".

" We have to bypass Siodonna to get there, no?"

"Yeah, he did say the closest to the capital, but this province has large lodges, Siodonna has promising dancers and silk, but I don't know about their inns".

" We'll be waiting for him, then".

█║▌│ █│

"Sir".

Arius headed for the emperor's resting quarters, examining if the emperor's curse had worsened than before. It had been a few days since he met the brunette, and he believes she and the princess had already gotten on terms.

Ashen eyes glanced at the red-haired knight's desperate ones, questioning, " What is it?"

"Sir Lucas has instructed me to tell sir Agnes of the ritual". - ‖

‖ - " Mn, has His Majesty been moved?"

"Yes, sir Lucas had moved his Majesty to a proper place". - ‖

" I reckon he wants me there?", Arius guessed Lucas wouldn't be looking for him if he didn't need anything from him.

"Yes". - ‖

‖ - " When will it start?".

"This evening sir". - ‖

‖ - "Then I'll be there later".

Arius paused his walk and turned to Felix, inquiring, "Have you been crying?".

"Ah! No, sir". - ‖

A small laugh left Arius' upturned lips, eyes taunting, " I understand, though I believe Lillian wouldn't like her boyfriend to be a sad pup".

"B—...boyfriend?!", light colour adorned Felix face at the teasing, he told himself he didn't think of the Ruby Palace's head maid in that way.

​​​​​​Arius hummed and proceeded with their walk to the ritual, he ascertained, ". . . Athanasia will not be harmed, I am certain of that".

"I'll believe you", Felix nodded in hope, wishing for the princess to be safe on her trip to the World Tree.

‖ - " And as much as you look adorable with that expression, I'm glad I have reassured you".

"W-what?!", the wholesome moment now faded into thin air, the red-head was left with his face as rosy as his hair.

The royal, mouth lifted in amusement, has fled the hallway.

█║▌│ █│

With a flick of a wrist, the stacking papers and useless documents of nobles was finalized, Arius needn't have to hurt his fingers with this much workload.

With a thoughtful mind, the royal decided to help the country's regent with the articles and rumours surrounding the imperial palace the few days he had been staying here.

Unusual to not see him in every corner of the castle as his tall figure roamed all around every nook, servants used to his presence, and noblemen disturbed to see another individual who could be entrusted the power to authorize and give decrees in the royal palace.

Surprisingly, Athanasia's decision to lend power to this person was not for nought, as the male made right with the wrongs from left and right, gaining trust from the Emperor's faction and apprehensiveness from the opposing coalition.

Dominique had been introduced as the tower magician's mentor, though half untrue, it helped with transferring a portion of authority to himself.

Their female regent's work lightened due to the visitor's assistance. Delighted the princess was to have Arius support her. Athanasia already has her father's awakening she's chasing after, she can't entertain any more nobles with valuable time.

With a sigh, sitted beside a desk, Athanasia thanked to no one in particular, " Thank you awfully much for coming here, even if it was an accident".

¦|¦

"I still don't know whether giving you this is the right call". -‖

"I'll be alright, just have some faith in me!", Athanasia reassured Lucas, nagging her about the dangers of the world tree.

Exchanging a few more words, Arius interrupted, "I know that you're distressed to see your lover off, but It seems we're up against time, the curse might spread to something you can't cure".

"Alright", Lucas didn't deny the male's words, "Take your father's hand. . .

And speak your name".

‖ - "Athanasia".

"Remember it well,

Your mana,

Your soul,

Remember who you are". - ‖

.

.

.

‖ - "It's fine, Lucas. If something were to happen, I can just bring her back here anytime if she can't do it".

"Are you showing off right now?", Lucas annoyedly complained, though reassured to have someone on his back.

A low laugh left the royal's mouth, amused at how Lucas said that, "Maybe".

"If only I have your power", muttered the magician disappointedly, unfortunately heard by the other.

"If only", Arius poked fun of the magician, "Though it seems my power doesn't like your temper".

The black-haired magician clicked his tongue irritated, "Like you're one to talk".

"I'm not anything like you", the royal defended, "I'm not some warlock who burns an entire empire down just because of a lover".

"Sure you aren't", Lucas mocked, "Like you haven't chased after someone before while raising an empire and ruling it for years".

Arius rose a brow, mocking, " At least I haven't been travelling dimensions to meet that one person's reincarnation".

"Tsk, stop exposing me". - ‖

‖ - " It's quite amusing to see you admit you like someone".

The talk ended with Lucas annoyed, and the royal entertained.

The symbols glowed, every corner lit by its shine, holding Lucas' attention, "Oh?"

Lucas turned to the frost-haired royal, piecing the hints together, "Have you known about this from the start?"

"Maybe", was the only reply that left his mouth, eyes glued to what was occurring inside.

‖ - "They're quite sweet for a child who has never seen her mother personally before".

"Of course that child would miss her mother, who wouldn't when all she knew was her father, servants, and burdens of troubles?". = ‖

— "・*・*・*・*・*・. . . " —

Lucas turned to Arius, hearing what the woman within the world tree told her daughter, "You know Diana?"

"Mn? I don't, perhaps the Dominique of this star knew Diana", Arius added, still listening to the two's exchange.

"・That white-haired sir has helped me out a lot when I was once a child, I did not think I'll get to see him again at this time. Please give my thanks, for supporting me, and for helping my dear daughter・".

"Gladly welcomed", Arius replied to no one in particular, despite knowing the people within not hearing them.

A rumble reverberated through the ritual room, another mass of light spread. Amidst the cluster, the slumbering emperor awoke, days of unconsciousness taking its effect.

"What? Why only the emperor. . . ?", the black-haired magician queried, shushed by the robed king.

Arius bowed, hand to his chest, and greeted gently as to not wake the princess,

"I greet this Empire's Sun,

Dominique from House Agnes of Clentine, sire.

I apologize for having met in this way".

A nod in reply, the blonde thanked their visitor, voice hoarse and tired from his sleep, "... Thank you".

"It was of no problem, your Majesty".

• • •

"Lucas", Arius called, his cloak now worn tight on his tall figure, eyes hidden, hair disguised, and insignias not on sight.

Lucas glanced at the hooded individual, "Are you leaving already? Not going to welcome Athanasia back?"

‖ - "She'll wake up in a few days".

‖ - "I'll be departing Obelia to Clentine, I have someone to visit for a favour, and my time here is a bit limited".

"Mn, alright. I can fix it if things go awry anyway", Lucas assured, "Thank you for the help, things had gone more smoothly than expected with you here".

" Strange of you to thank someone, but I'm satisfied enough I'm one of those you thank", taunts naturally flew out of the royal's upturned lips, enormously aggravating Lucas.

Arius' foot directed at the door, heading for his departure, "I'm saddened to leave so soon, but I must carry on with my journey back to my home country, I thank that you understand this, sire".

‖ - "We shall meet again soon".

╰━ ⋅𖥔⋅ ━━✶━━ ⋅𖥔⋅ ━╯

"Oh? May I know as to why you're here?"

The entrance to the throne room opened, revealing Arius, cloak still hung on his shoulders, eyes no longer veiled by the opaque cloth.

"I have a favour to ask of you", straightforwardly declared Arius.

With fingers on their jaw, they raised a brow, seated on the throne with their back relaxed on their seat, "What must you need to visit me personally?".

‖ - "It's about Athanasia".

The other person exclaimed, "Mn? You've met her already?".

‖ - "You must know why I'm here, then. Seeing as you know her".

"How could I not know-

when we're the same person". - ‖

Up Next :

|•Chapter Three|• An Empire Ruled With Fear [•1]

"Thanks for reading".