บท 94: The Longest Night
December 21st, Amy's birthday.
"You look beautiful."
"Thank you."
Amy accepted Sebastian's compliment with a smile. Today, she wore a tight-fit light blue dress. The modest dresses she usually wore avoided showing her body and in contrast, her dress today would turn the heads of many.
Though there were frills on her dress that hid her chest and lower half, it only served to add to the appeal.
"But, are you sure that you don't want to hold a party?"
"I've been in one too many. I'll host one tomorrow but for today, I want to spend it with just you and Sana."
"If you say so."
Sebastian wore a tux today. The two of them looked like they were ready for a formal party. Sana accompanied them in a floral dress of her own.
It wasn't a very eventful date, but it was enjoyable.
The three of them ate at a high-class restaurant, watched an opera, though both Sebastian and Sana fell asleep, and hung out at the park.
The two of them were sitting on a bench while Sana played.
"In hindsight, we shouldn't have worn these."
Though Sebastian didn't find wearing a tuxedo hot, Amy's dress would be quite hard to move in.
"It was my father's idea. I have no clue why he told us to dress like this though."
They could wear formal, but loose clothes. The ones they wore were more fit for an indoor party and made them stand out.
"Mama, look!"
Sana held up a flower.
"How beautiful!"
Amy lifted Sana onto her lap.
"Sana will give it to you! Happy birthday!"
"Why, thank you."
Amy chuckled as Sana lifted up the flower to her ear.
Normally, they wouldn't want for the world to know the existence of Sana who they had adopted, but Markus managed to help them just for today.
"But Sana, remember to call us Big Brother and Big Sister when there are other people, okay?"
"Okay!"
Markus had created fake parents for Sana. Sebastian and Amy who were friends with her parents had taken a liking to Sana and were caring for her for a few days, or so Markus' story went.
"You know, it isn't very obvious, but Lord Luna really does care about you."
"I guess so."
Amy shrugged.
Sana got down from Amy's lap and began to play again. It had been a while since she was able to play in the grass like this.
"Should we adopt a pet for her?"
"Wouldn't that be a hassle for her?"
"Well, it's better than leaving her alone."
Sebastian pondered over Amy's suggestion.
"What kind of animal would be able to protect her but still look cute and friendly?"
"How about a dog-like creature? There are quite a few breeders in town."
"You sure we can trust them?"
"The dogs are branded."
"Ooh~"
Sebastian nodded a few times with crossed arms.
"If they're branded then there's no problem at all. When should we go?"
There are few households that have abilities related to herding and taking care of animals. Among them, ones who can brand animals are even fewer.
When branded, the animals become devoted to their owners. Having one costs an astronomical sum so no regular family would be able to afford it.
But, who were Sebastian and Amy?
They quickly made plans while keeping it a secret from Sana.
…
In the end, the three of them went to various places for the entire day. Sana was tired and fell asleep in the carriage.
"Happy birthday."
"My, how beautiful."
As Amy unwrapped her present, she didn't forget to show her gratitude.
"Where'd you buy this?"
It was a necklace. The gem was a pure white and the chain was made of gold.
"It was difficult to find a gem that could perfectly fit you. This was the only thing I could think of. It's a gem that turns white in the day and black in the night, the Moonlight."
"Jeez. I told you that I didn't want an expensive present."
"And I told you that if it's for you, nothing is too expensive."
"..."
Amy turned red all the way up to her ears as she evaded his gaze.
"May I put it on you?"
"...Of course."
Amy took deep breaths and fanned her face with her hands before turning around. Sebastian unhooked the necklace and fit it on her neck. Afterwards, he leaned in and…
"Ouch!"
Amy cried out in pain as Sebastian finished hooking the necklace.
"What did you bite me for?"
"Your neck looked delicious."
"Are you a vampire?"
Amy rolled her eyes and began showing off her new necklace.
"Well? How is it?"
"Absolutely beautiful."
"Sebastian, I'm talking about the necklace."
"Ah, it's good too."
Amy laughed and lightly hit Sebastian's shoulder.
"Jeez… You become more and more of a flirt as the days pass by."
"That's because there isn't a moment that goes by that your beauty fails to mesmerize me."
"Yes, yes, sure."
As the two of them continued their light banter, the carriage stopped.
"Looks like we're here."
"So it seems."
Amy leaned forward and kissed Sebastian for a few moments before parting.
"Thanks for celebrating my birthday with me again this year."
"Even if I have to spend the rest of my life celebrating them, I'd willingly accept."
"Yes, yes."
Though Amy brushed it off, the smile on her lips was evident. She opened the door and stepped out.
Amy waved goodbye at Sebastian and Sana who were in the carriage before heading into the House of Luna's estate.
…
The next day, Amy held her birthday the next day and only invited the bare minimum of people. Just her friends and other people in high society.
"Hey, where's your fiancé?"
"I told him not to attend today since we already had our celebration yesterday."
"Oh? So you had a private day with him already."
"Jeez. Don't say it like that."
Amy was currently talking to one of her close friends who was also her dormmate.
"I take it that everything is going well between you two?"
"Yes, thanks to your advice."
"Hehe. I told you. Just follow what I say and you'll have him at your every beck and call."
"There you go again."
Amy rolled her eyes.
"Ah Amy, Ysa!"
"Oh Jess!"
Jessica greeted Amy and Ysabelle as she arrived.
"Wow. Amy, you're quite bold."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, it's not my place to judge you."
Jessica shrugged and Amy only looked at her with a confused gaze.
"Are you sure you aren't busy with that boyfriend of yours?"
Ysabelle teased Jessica.
"I'll never be lacking time to hang with you two. But Ysa, when are you going to get yourself someone?"
"What?"
"You give us the best advice and all but I've never seen you with a man."
"Yeah, she has a point."
Amy chimed in.
"That's because I haven't seen any men worth my time."
Ysabelle answered with a smug look.
"Keep saying that and you'll end up past marrying age without a suitor."
"Ack…"
To them who were in their prime age to marry or to be engaged, Ysabelle was odd.
"W-well, my ideal guy has to be stronger than me."
"Ysa, that isn't exactly a high hurdle…"
Amy muttered and shook her head.
Ysabelle was only a Novice. Though she was going to become an Apprentice soon, her combat power was abysmal.
After all, her power was…
"Jeez! I can't help being born with literacy!"
Ysabelle's household, the Almilas are the greatest record keepers in history. Their abilities allowed them to learn and use languages easily.
Even dead languages, so long as they had a lead, they would be able to decode and learn. With this ability, they manage the Grand Library and take the lead in all fields related to history and literacy.
The only problem with their house is power. Though they were widely-respected, due to the nature of their ability, they were vulnerable
Just like that, the three friends enjoyed the rest of the party.
Amy went straight to her father's office immediately after.
"Father."
"Sit."
Normally, Markus would be talking to Amy while signing stacks of paperwork or drinking tea. However, today, he had a solemn expression as he stared at Amy.
"Your grandfather sent me another message."
Amy tensed up.
"Since we've confirmed the existence of the stigma in his body, the House of Luna will provide full support for him."
Amy's eyes shot open.
"...why?"
It wasn't a question asked because of denial, it was because of disbelief.
"I asked the same. The only answer he gave me was to wait."
"To wait…"
Amy bit her lip. Could her grandfather be intending to pull Sebastian into one of his schemes?
"Haha… Though I'm not sure about this, would you like to hear my conjecture?"
It was rare for Markus to talk like that. Amy nodded.
"He wants to change the hierarchy, the very system this world runs on."
"The hierarchy? Then… he plans on taking down the Sages?!"
Amy stood up in shock.
"Judging by what has happened," Markus licked his lips. "It's likely."
Markus' father—Amy's grandfather was a Magus. Though he was widely-feared, he wasn't all-powerful. To him, the Sages were an insurmountable wall he could only chip away at but never dispose of.
"I-if he were to use Sebastian as a means to achieve that goal…"
"Then there's a likely chance for it to happen. The stigma isn't bound by blood."
Markus laughed.
"That crazy son of a…"
It was rare of him to curse, but he couldn't help it. Overthrowing the Sages? Who in this world would be capable of such a thing other than the Sages themselves?
"Well, let's stop here. In the end, it's still just a conjecture."
"..."
Amy sat down and took a deep breath to calm herself.
"That aside, my daughter, you sure are bold."
"?"
Even her father was saying that now too?
"You went to a party and met your father while marked by your fiancé."
"???"
Amy was confused.
"Could it be that you haven't realized?"
Markus pointed behind her neck and then at the mirror. Amy walked over to the mirror and turned around.
She felt her heart stop as memories of last night on the carriage rushed in.
"I didn't think that he'd be so bold as to do that either."
Markus poured himself a cup of wine as Amy ran out of the room.
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SeverTheHeavens
SeverTheHeavens I had to move a bunch of stuff yesterday and I was too tired to write. Today's update is at this time because I still rested for like half the day.
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