Chapter 130: New Horizons Await ☆ Volume 1 Complete ☆
Albedo gently lowered Dila back onto the marble floor, his hands still brushing against her shoulders as he released her. Before she could step back, his lips pressed quickly to her cheeks, leaving a warm, fleeting imprint.
"Ewww! What have you done!?" Dila exclaimed immediately, her voice high and indignant. She hastily wiped her cheeks with the back of her hand, her silver-white hair falling slightly into her eyes as she pouted, her brows furrowed in mock outrage.
Albedo chuckled deeply, the sound rich and full, echoing slightly off the throne room walls. "Hahaha! Don’t be ridiculous, my daughter. You are my good luck charm," he said warmly, giving her a playful wink. His blue eyes sparkled, both teasing and affectionate, as if her protest only made him happier.
Fran couldn’t contain herself. She burst into loud laughter, her tail flicking energetically behind her. "Hahahaha! Sister, look at your face! You’re so flustered, hahaha!" she teased, clutching her chest as her giggles bounced across the hall.
Dila’s face remained set in a stubborn pout, her lips pressed tightly together while her cheeks burned faintly pink. She shot Fran a side-eye, still silent but clearly irritated in her own quiet, adorable way, the pout deepening as she muttered under her breath, "Hmph... ridiculous."
Albedo, however, just laughed again, his eyes twinkling with mischief and genuine affection, clearly enjoying the rare sight of his usually composed daughter caught off guard.
Albedo’s lips curled into a gentle smile as he stepped closer, his tall figure casting a long shadow in the throne room’s golden light. "Now, now... before you go, my daughter," he began, his voice calm but carrying a playful weight, "I’ve already contacted the Twilight Magic Academy. I’ve requested that they welcome you properly... as a true Princess."
Dila’s eyes widened immediately, her silver-blue gaze sparkling with both surprise and disbelief. She took a step back, pouting dramatically, and crossed her arms over her chest. "What are you doing, Father?" she asked, her voice tinged with playful irritation. "You shouldn’t resort to grandiose introductions like that, hmmmm..." She scrunched her face, clearly unimpressed yet secretly flustered.
Albedo chuckled softly, the sound echoing warmly in the hall, and shook his head. "No, no, my daughter," he replied gently, "they need to understand who you are." With a quick, teasing motion, he reached out and pinched her soft cheek.
"Awww!" Dila squeaked, her hands immediately moving to rub her cheeks, the warmth from his touch spreading through her. Her pout softened slightly, though her eyes still glimmered with mock annoyance.
Fran, never missing a moment, leaned closer and giggled softly, her tail swaying behind her. "Hahaha... Sister, your face is priceless!" she whispered, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she watched Dila’s rare flustered expression.
Dila shot another side glance to Fran, still pouting but unable to hide the small, reluctant smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Albedo simply watched, his blue eyes gleaming with quiet pride, clearly enjoying the sight of his daughters caught in this tender, chaotic moment.
Dila crossed her arms, her silver-white hair falling slightly over her shoulders as she pouted, eyes narrowing in mock suspicion. "So... what about Fran?" she asked, her voice soft but tinged with concern. "How about her assassin schooling, like you mentioned before? And what exactly can this Twilight Magic Academy do for her?"
Albedo’s calm gaze softened for a moment as he looked at Fran, who was shifting slightly, ears twitching nervously under Dila’s curious stare. "Ah... I almost forgot to mention," he said, raising a hand, "this academy isn’t just a Magic Academy. It accommodates almost any class you can imagine."
Dila’s eyes widened, and she scrunched her nose in disappointment, her lips forming a perfect pout. "Oh... so not really a Magic Academy after all," she muttered, a hint of mock irritation in her tone. "You’re just fooling me again, Father."
Albedo’s lips twitched into a quiet laugh that quickly became full and warm. "Hahaha! It’s still a Magic Academy, my daughter. The main focus is Magic, yes, but..." He glanced sideways at Fran, raising both index fingers slowly, a playful glint in his eye. "Not every class is weak since because it’s magic academy. The assassin part? Hmmm... it’s exceptionally good actually."
Dila tilted her head, her brows furrowed as suspicion crept back into her expression. "Hmm... why do I feel like you didn’t tell me everything?" she asked softly, a faint edge of frustration mixed with curiosity in her voice.
Albedo’s laughter rang again, deeper this time, though his blue eyes shone warmly. "Hahaha... don’t press about it, my daughter. What matters most is that you can restore your magic. Everything else... will follow in its own time."
Dila’s pout softened as her gaze fell, a quiet smile tugging at her lips. She felt the weight of her father’s words, and beneath her stubbornness, a small flicker of hope and relief warmed her chest. Fran, still close by, blinked and hugged Dila lightly, sensing her sister’s shift in mood.
But... then suddenly.....
Dila’s grin widened, the corners of her lips curling mischievously as a spark of excitement danced in her blue eyes. Yes... finally, I can get out of your clutches... she thought, laughter bubbling quietly in her mind. Huaaa hahahaha... freedom, baby!
Albedo, standing nearby, scratched his cheek softly with a single finger, a faint bead of sweat glimmering on his temple. "Umm... my daughter..." he began, voice calm but laced with unease, "you’re... creeping me out a little."
Dila’s fingers flew to her face, pressing her palms gently against her cheeks, though her eyes betrayed her still-grinning amusement. "Ohhh... sorry," she murmured, her voice soft but tinged with suppressed laughter. "I just... got excited."
Albedo’s brow furrowed, his glowing blue eyes narrowing slightly as he tried to read her expression. "Hmmm... this is... unsettling," he muttered under his breath, tilting his head in puzzlement as he observed the sharp gleam of mischief still hiding behind her apology.
Fran, noticing the subtle exchange, let out a quiet snicker, ears twitching, and hugged Dila tighter from the side, whispering softly, "Sister... you’re enjoying this too much..."
Dila merely blinked at Fran, still holding the grin, and whispered back playfully, "Hehe... maybe a little..."
The tension in the throne room shifted slightly, a mixture of amusement and unease hovering in the air, as Albedo blinked, caught between bewilderment and fatherly exasperation.
After their long awaited departure.....
The morning sun shone through the high windows of the castle, casting a golden hue over the courtyard. The air was filled with the faint scent of dew on the stone crystal paths and the rustle of fine silks as the maids hurried to ensure every detail of Dila’s departure was perfect. Her carriage gleamed with polished wood and brass, adorned with the royal insignia, and draped in deep navy and silver banners that fluttered gently in the soft breeze.
Dila herself sat with poise, yet her heart fluttered with a mix of excitement and anticipation. She had packed everything she needed—books for study, her side non usable potions and alchemical supplies, and her magic staff with no magical power she held dear. Her silver-white hair was neatly arranged, the sunlight glinting off the strands, and her blue eyes shone with determination. She had never felt such a mixture of freedom and responsibility in her life.
The maids, two of them, stood at the carriage steps, beaming with pride and cheering softly. "Princess, may the academy guide you to greatness!" one called, her hands clapping. The other nodded in agreement, bowing elegantly. Dila smiled politely, lifting her hand in a graceful wave, though behind the gesture, her heart raced with quiet triumph.
Albedo stood at the edge of the courtyard, the sun casting his long shadow across the crystalline cobblestones. His usual stoic expression softened, and for the briefest moment, his blue eyes glowed warmly. He lifted his hand and waved to her, a mixture of fatherly pride and unspoken worry in his posture. Dila, ever the mischievous one, peeked from the carriage window, pretending to wave with exaggerated enthusiasm, her lips curled in a playful grin. This... this is the moment, she thought. Finally, some freedom, even if just for a while.
Fran, crouched near the other side of the carriage window, twitched her cat ears in excitement. Her navy hair swayed lightly as she raised her hand to wave. "Yehey! Finally... I can properly learn my assassin skills!" she whispered, her eyes sparkling with joy. Even as she smiled, her small heart carried a hint of sadness, knowing that Dila would be away from the castle—but she was determined to grow stronger alongside her sister, no matter what.
Albedo’s voice cut through the soft rustling of the banners, steady and commanding. "Go... follow her in the shadows," he instructed, his tone carrying both authority and trust.
From the shadows, Zeon emerged, still wrapped in bandages from his recent wounds, his breathing steady despite the pain he had endured. "Understood," he said, his crimson eyes flickering with resolve. Without another word, he vanished silently into the shadows, moving to watch over Dila without being seen, a silent guardian prepared to intervene should danger arise.
The carriage began to move, its wheels clicking against the crystal cobblestone path, echoing through the grand courtyard. Dila pressed her fingers against the cool wood of the window, peering at the kingdom she had known for a few days. Every tower, every flag, every stone seemed imbued with memory of unconvention event’s and despite of all that she was still a bit happy and the sharp occasional scolding of her father, the whispered of sisterly love from Fran in the quiet moments, and even the painful lessons she had endured.
Her chest swelled with determination. This is not just a journey to the academy... it is the beginning of reclaiming myself, my magic, my Nari... and everything I’ve fought for.
Fran’s small hand appeared at the other window while hiding a bit, fingers waving frantically, and Dila’s eyes softened. "Don’t worry, Fran... I’ll be on my feet back stronger," she whispered, voice barely audible over the sound of the wheels. Fran’s tail swished in excitement, ears twitching with pride, but also a pang of worry. She snuggled her arms slightly, murmuring, "Be safe while where there, sister... I’ll make you proud."
Albedo watched the carriage from the steps of the courtyard until it disappeared beyond the castle gates, his hand lingering in mid-wave. His chest tightened as he whispered to himself, "Go... my daughter. Learn, grow... but never forget me your father." His eyes, once sharp with command, now held an almost imperceptible glimmer of vulnerability.
As the carriage rolled past the gates, the kingdom seemed to pause in silent reverence. The wind rustled the banners, carrying with it a promise of new beginnings. The maids waved until their hands ached, and the echo of Fran’s joyful voice mingled with the creaking of the wheels.
Inside the carriage, Dila took a deep breath, letting the cool air fill her lungs, soaking in the sensation of freedom for the first time in his clutched. Her fingers brushed lightly over the small charms and notes she had tucked into her satchel, each a reminder of the people she encountered there, the struggles she had faced, and the victories that awaited her.
Her mind flicked briefly to Nari, and she smiled softly, a glimmer of hope lighting her eyes. I’ll bring you back, Nari... I promise.
The carriage moved steadily toward the horizon, Fran has now looking closely outside the window looking behind, Zeon unseen but vigilant in the shadows, and the kingdom slowly disappearing behind them, leaving the road empty with no houses and the faint scent of morning dew.
It was the beginning of a new Chapter—grandiose in its simplicity, Dila, poised in the carriage, leaned back slightly, her heart brimming with excitement, anticipation, and a spark of mischief that no castle walls could contain.
The wheels clicked on, and with each turn, the future awaited, waiting for Dila to reclaim what had been lost and carve a path uniquely her own.
Far away in the Exonory Kingdom, the sun had climbed high into the sky, casting long shadows across the training grounds. Sarios’ muscles burned with exertion, sweat dripping from his brow, but he continued relentlessly, each swing of his sword sharp and precise. "Ha! Yahh!" he shouted, the sound echoing off the stone walls as he sliced through wooden dummies. His movements had grown fluid, almost effortless, a testament to the intense days of training.
Pausing for a moment, he planted his feet firmly, his sword raised to the sky, and muttered to himself, voice filled with fierce determination. "Dila... I will save you. No matter what... from your father... from the masked man... I will protect you." He swung the sword in a wide arc, slicing perfectly through the dummies in a single, controlled motion.
Just then, a messenger appeared, panting from his run. Before Sarios could speak, it reported voice rang out sharply. "Hero Sarios! Princess Dila... she’s on her way to the Twilight Magic Academy!"
Sarios froze mid-step, his sword lowering slowly. "Huh... why?" he muttered, confusion flickering across his face.
The messenger stepped forward, bowing quickly. "I... I don’t know, sir. That is all the news we have."
Sarios’ eyes narrowed, uncertainty shadowing his features. He clenched the hilt of his sword tightly, his jaw set. For a moment, he wrestled with his resolve, questioning whether he was still meant to intervene. Then, slowly, a lightness crept into his posture. A small, relieved smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
"Looks like... Dila is fine after all," he said quietly, almost to himself, his voice carrying the weight of both relief and pride. The tension in his shoulders eased, and he let out a deep breath, the sunlight glinting off the polished blade in his hands.
The training grounds were silent once more, save for the soft rustle of the wind through the banners. Sarios lifted his sword one final time, not in battle, but as a gesture of unwavering vigilance, ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.
For now, she was safe, Dila was on her path, and the future stretched before them—uncertain, yet full of promise. And Sarios... he would be ready when the time came.
☆Volume 1 is complete☆