My Family in the Novel?

Chapter 63: Warning 2

"My sister is sick," Calissia solemnly announced, her voice carrying an unusual gravity.

The queen's crimson eyes widened, and her regal countenance shifted. It had been a long time since she had received such shocking news.

The mention of Calissia's sister indicated the presence of another goddess, and not just any deity, but Eris, the primordial goddess of light and creation.

Eris was a figure of immense power, the main deity of this world, and the object of worship for countless followers from all races across the world. She had played a role in the persecution of the queen's own race and all creatures of the night in this realm.

The queen couldn't help but burst into laughter at the irony of the situation. "Hahahaha, so you're saying that arrogant goddess got sick?" She found the news both ridiculous and nearly impossible to believe, but the humor in it was not lost on her.

Calissia, however, maintained her somber tone, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. "This is no laughing matter, Blood Queen. My sister is the only being in this world who has consistently prevented demonic entities from entering the mortal realm."

The queen, unmoved by the plea, responded with indifference, "Well, I don't really care about demons visiting the mortal plains. They are neither my allies nor enemies." The complex history and rivalries of the deities had little bearings on the queen's priorities.

"Currently, the heavenly realm is being plagued by unknown entities attempting to enter our world," Calissia urgently explained, her tone a mix of worry and seriousness. "My sister can't handle the demon realm and these unknown entities simultaneously. It's only a matter of time before the threshold holding back the demonic realms breaks, and all hell breaks loose."

The queen listened to Calissia's warning, and while she had earlier declared her lack of concern regarding demons, it didn't mean she would simply ignore the situation. She understood the workings of the universal law of causality, which often maintained balance in various ways. Strong demons manifesting here might find their powers drastically reduced, or perhaps only low-ranking demons would be allowed to enter the mortal realm. The laws of causality had a way of preserving the equilibrium of existence.

However, a different issue arose if a demon, particularly a high-ranking one, were to possess a mortal, as the law of causality held no sway over such entities when they took on human forms.

Calissia continued her warning, "And also, there's currently an abnormal entity wandering the mortal plains. When you encounter him, please be sure to leave him alone. I don't know why, but my sister highly values him. So, do not harm him, or all the gods will be your enemies."

The queen's response was nonchalant. "Is that so? How kind of you, I suppose." She inquired further, "So, why exactly did you warn me about this? I'm quite certain you want something in return, correct?"

Calissia clarified, "No, not really. This warning was merely to alert you, monarchs, of the impending war and the catastrophe that might befall this world. However, if there's one thing we would ask of you, it is to leave that abnormal being alone." With that, the goddess vanished into silvery dust particles.

The queen contemplated the situation, her thoughts tinged with intrigue. 'Monarchs, huh? I suppose I wasn't the only one who received a warning. Is that why the emperor has yet to make his move? Haha, it seems the world is about to become even more entertaining'

…..

"Ah! My sweet bed, how I missed you," I exclaimed with a sigh of relief as I jumped onto my comfortable mattress.

I glanced to the side and saw Meralda, my spirit companion, already fast asleep on the couch. I couldn't help but shake my head at her perpetual sleepiness.

Every time I left her in this room, I would return to find her lounging around, as if she were human. I had even been considering giving her a chance to visit her brother, but seeing her peacefully sleeping there, it seemed like that would have to wait.

I found myself caught in a dilemma regarding Meralda's presence at the academy. On one hand, I wanted her to have the freedom to explore the academy grounds, to experience life beyond the confines of our shared space. However, with people like Louise around, who possessed the ability to see spirits, it posed a considerable problem.

Officially, I was known as an alchemist within the academy. If Louise were to perceive my contract with Meralda, a high-ranking spirit, it would undoubtedly lead to a host of issues. While I was fairly certain that Louise would be delighted to see me form such a contract, I had little doubt that the academy's principal would be far less enthusiastic.

I had already invoked my sister's authority on the principal once, and I was reluctant to do it again. Using that authority recklessly might risk turning the principal into little more than a breathing vegetable, and that was a risk I wasn't willing to take.

"Sis"

"Yes?"

"Regarding Elena, can you take care of her for the time being?" I requested.

"Are you worried about the stabilization of her divinity?"

"Yes."

"Okay, but that would mean I have to leave your side for a while."

"I don't mind. I can take care of myself. Just take care of Elena for me."

With that, the presence inside my shadow disappeared, likely teleporting to Elena's side to watch over her and help with the stabilization of her divinity.

"I hope Euphemia's nags tomorrow will be over quickly" I mused; my fatigue evident in my voice.

…..

In the quiet of the night, under the moon's soft glow, a luxurious carriage, elegantly crafted in black and silvery gold, made its way towards the Estelle Academy. Making its way to Lucian Hall.

The servants, well-practiced in their routines, lined up at the dorm's entrance, ready to receive the person inside the carriage. As the carriage door opened, a servant greeted the occupant with a respectful tone.

"Welcome back, Lady Lilliana," the servant said.

Lilliana, a student of remarkable talents and one of the top magicians in her year, gracefully stepped out of the carriage. She was not just a prodigious student; she was also a daughter of Tellus, one of the three Dukes of the Empire. Her status within the academy was nothing short of extraordinary, often rivaling that of even the royal families from other nations among the students.

As Lilliana and her personal butler, Salik, who was responsible for managing her dorm room, ascended the staircase to the fourth floor, they engaged in conversation about the academy's recent events. Being a top-ranking student and a Duke's daughter, she also had certain student council duties that Salik was eager to inform her about.

"Regarding your student council duties—" Salik began.

Lilliana nodded, showing her interest in the matters at hand. "Tell me, Salik. How has the academy been in my absence?"

"It has been doing fine, my lady. In your absence, Daniel has taken on his responsibilities diligently," Salik reported.

A smile played at Lilliana's lips as she acknowledged the dedication of her fellow student council member. "Hmm, so everything is alright. It seems Daniel performed admirably while I was away."

Salik chuckled softly, adding, "Indeed, he did. He did, however, voice his grievances about the privileges you enjoy, being able to come and go from the academy as you please."

Lilliana shared in the amusement, her laughter blending with Salik's. "Well, it's not my fault that I'm considered the 'Flower of the Empire,' is it?" she said, her voice lighthearted. It was clear that her status and privileges were a source of pride for her, one she wore with both grace and humor.

With a small, knowing smile, Lilliana made a mental note to bring a special gift for Daniel, who had worked tirelessly during her absence in the student council. She had recently acquired rare chocolates from Count Bruce's County, a delicacy highly regarded in the Empire, and she thought it would make the perfect token of appreciation.

Lilliana was eager to learn about her siblings' circumstances at the academy, her concern especially focused on Adrian. She knew he had faced a great deal of hardship in their household, and any hint of bullying at the academy would not sit well with her.

"What about my siblings?" she asked, her tone revealing her genuine concern.

Salik, her trusted butler, proceeded to provide the information she sought. "Regarding young Master Liam, he is currently ranked in the middle echelons of the combat department students. He spends most of his time socializing with a group of friends, particularly with girls."

Lilliana's expression turned a bit colder upon hearing about Liam's behavior. She had hoped for a more diligent approach to his studies.

Clearing his throat, Salik continued, "As for Lady Aria, she also falls within the middle ranks of the magic department students. During the joint combat exams, she encountered an unfortunate incident. One of her opponents, Quinton Granviel, used a spell that could have proven fatal. Fortunately, her friend intervened and blocked the attack. The incident caused quite an uproar during the matches, with some speculating it as an attempted murder. Quinton claims it was a result of the intensity of the moment."

Lilliana's interest was piqued as she inquired, "What happened exactly?"

"Well," Salik explained, "Quinton's spell was aimed at Aria and could have been lethal. Her friend's quick action saved her from harm. This incident raised questions about Quinton's intentions during the match."

"Quinton Granviel," Lilliana mused, her tone becoming contemplative. "Why would someone from another ducal family attempt such a dangerous act? Does Father know about this yet?"

"Yes, my lady," Salik confirmed. "He is aware of the situation and has instructed me to allow you to handle it as you see fit."

Lilliana nodded, her thoughts on the matter becoming clearer.

"I see. Father's support certainly makes things easier"

"The Granviel's have been overly aggressive with our family lately even during the balls I attended during my trouble the Granviel's were quite uneasy with me"

"While Father hasn't disclosed the details to me, I'm certain it stems from some longstanding disagreement between the two dukes"

Lilliana's interest was piqued by the mention of her brother, Adrian. She inquired further, "So... What about him?"

Salik wore a knowing smile as he revealed the remarkable news. "Oh, my lady, you will undoubtedly be pleasantly surprised. Of the three, Young Master Adrian is currently the one who has made the most remarkable progress. He is the top-ranking student in the first-year alchemy department, and he even outperformed the acclaimed alchemy genius, Euphemia Dunhaven, to secure the top spot."

Lilliana's eyes widened in astonishment. Adrian, the top-ranking student in the alchemy department? And he had surpassed Euphemia, the renowned genius? She was flooded with questions. How had this happened? Furthermore, she recalled that Adrian had initially been focused on the study of magic, not alchemy.

"Adrian is here at Lucian Hall right now?" Lilliana asked, her excitement evident.

Salik confirmed, "Yes, my lady. I believe he has already settled in one of the rooms on the first floor, down the hall."

In her eagerness to see her brother, Lilliana was ready to go to him immediately. However, her loyal butler offered a word of caution. "Wait, my lady. I don't believe it would be the appropriate time to visit. I understand your fondness for the young master, but an impromptu visit might be considered rude."

Lilliana hesitated, torn between her desire to see her brother and her sense of decorum.

Salik couldn't help but smile at his lady's reaction. Having served and cared for Lilliana since her childhood, he understood the depth of her affection for Adrian. He had often observed that Lilliana's feelings for her brother bordered on obsession, but he had refrained from commenting on it, respecting her position as his master.

"Then tomorrow would be a good time, right?" Lilliana inquired.

Salik nodded in agreement. "Yes, my lady."

A genuine smile graced Lilliana's lip. It was a rare sight, quite different from the polite smiles she offered to the students at the academy and the people she associated with.

However, he couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for Adrian, for he knew that Lilliana's visit would likely involve a great deal of attention and perhaps even a bit of sibling overindulgence.