บท 40: Bird's Cry

Madeleine was frozen, unable to stop looking into Dyon's clear eyes for a long while.

"Alright, alright." She shook her head. "Let's go, we're already late."

"No, no, no. How could I let you walk there? I might be struck down by the heavens for something like that."

Dyon stopped Madeleine from walking out of the door in her fluster. How could he allow such a beauty to walk?

Madeleine turned back to Dyon, a bit puzzled, "How do you want to get there then?"

Dyon smiled mysteriously. He walked towards the window and placed his hand on it. A flood of golden light started to push the water away from the glass, causing a perfect semi-sphere to appear on the other side. Complex symbols and gears reflected into the room, dancing with the dark blues of the night's waters and making a gorgeous sight.

Dyon turned back to Madeleine, extending his hand. After a small hesitation, a delicate hand slipped into his, a look of curiosity on her face.

"This is something I've been working on for the past few days. Pushing the water away is just a sphere form version of the defensive array I recently mastered, but, this is the really cool part."

Dyon drew his hand back before tapping on the window. An array began to form from 8 different points, swirling with shades of gold. Ten minutes later, Dyon stretched out his free hand and to Madeleine's surprise, it passed right through the window!

"This is a small-scale space type array. I can't speed array it yet, but it's really useful for passing through things," Dyon turned and smiled at Madeleine, "Let's go."

A small staircase into the large window formed. Dyon guided Madeleine through and into the dark water slowly.

Madeleine looked around and touched the edge of the defensive formation. Her beautiful face spilled over with joy and fascination.

"Wow…"

When she looked back at Dyon, all she saw was his gaze remaining intent on her, causing her to blush a deeper shade of red.

The sphere started slowly ascending through the water. The moon light sparkled through the lake and the stars shone in the sky. Breaking through the water's surface, the sphere of gold disappeared. Madeleine could only cling to Dyon's arm as they soared into the sky.

"I've got one more surprise," Dyon smiled lifting his free hand to cause formations of small birds, butterflies and lilies to manifest and begin to revolve around them.

The defensive formation below them started to change. It grew wings and lit on fire as though it was a phoenix. A sharp call rang through the skies as Madeleine's eyes glistened.

Watching Madeleine's face bloom with happiness, Dyon felt as though he sat on top of the world. But, then he thought of something quite awkward.

"Where exactly is this banquet being held at?" Dyon asked, coughing lightly.

Madeleine giggled and pointed in a certain direction.

That night, a phoenix soared through the skies accompanied by beautiful fluttering creatures. It brightened the night as it gently flapped its wings.

On a certain peak, festivities were already underway.

Meiying clung to Delia's arm, pouting. Her violet eyes reflected with some helplessness.

"Ugh, Delia I can't stand him. I can't believe my dad agreed to this marriage, now I can't even get rid of him. You know the Bai and Daiyu family have never been on good terms. My father is such a coward, jumping on the first chance to court peace by selling off his daughter."

Delia smiled bitterly. They had had this conversation a million times already this night alone.

"Sometimes you just have to do things you don't want to do for the greater good, Meiying. Chenglei isn't so bad. He's well mannered and a great talent. He's handsome and, at the very least, he's not Akihiko."

Meiying's pout deepened. "Well, why don't you marry him then. He may not be Akihiko, but he might be even worse. Chenglei always holds his emotions in check, you can never tell what he's thinking. What if he's even more of a psychopath than Akihiko? You might never see your best friend alive again!"

"You're being overly dramatic." Delia rolled her eyes.

The friends were walking through a garden path. A massive arch appeared every few meters, lighting up the path with the shining lights that wrapped around them. Flowers littered the surroundings and the beauty under the moonlight was unspeakable.

Meiying could only smile bitterly toward Delia's responses.

'You're so naïve Delia. I envy your straightforward duty-bound attitude. But I don't know if I can do it.'

"Humph, I'm hungry, why hasn't the banquet started yet?" Meiying finally found something else to complain about

"Come on now Meiying, you know our senior brothers wouldn't be able to rest until Madeleine gets here. They've been itching to start competing with each other this whole time. But how could they when the girl they've been pining for isn't here yet?" Delia made a rare joke.

"That's true, big sister isn't here yet… could her illness be acting up again?" Meiying asked with a hint of worry

"Eh… you'll see…"

"Hmm?" Meiying looked at Delia, confused.

Before Meiying could ask what Delia meant, they had reached the end of the path and had entered the banquet area. Under the night sky, a long table adorned with white table wears and patterns was striking. Candle lights flickered and young men and women walked into and out of groups, socializing merrily in the large open space.

"Meiying, Miss Patia-Neva, have you heard anything from Miss Sapientia? Her elder brother and Akihiko are getting a bit restless. They're talking about going to find her. They're a bit worried that something might be wrong." Chenglei, noticing the two girls, came over.

"Sorry, Chenglei, we haven't. But, how about you spend some time with Meiying, I'm sure she'd appreciate it."

Meiying pinched her friend's arm, but Delia pretended like she didn't notice.

A small smile appeared on Chenglei's face.

"It would be an honor," Chenglei said, extending his hand toward Meiying.

Before Meiying could respond, a group of young men walked over, causing Chenglei subtly lowered his hand. Many of this group would be easily recognisable by Dyon. Even Darius was among the group, although his demeanor was much more reserved and respectful, as though he was scared to offend anyone with his breathing.

A young man with golden eyes shining through his crystal framed glasses walked up and stood beside Chenglei before Akihiko made his way to the girls as well.

He had a refined temperament and a powerful momentum. There were no small number of beautiful women stealing glances at him from all corners of the banquet… He was none other than Madeleine's eldest brother, Oliver.

"We're thinking of going to find my little sister," Spoke Oliver, "But, it wouldn't be alright if we entered a lady's room, so we were hoping you'd come with us."

The young man's voice was gentle and amiable. It made it difficult for anyone to say no to his request.

"Um... Big brother Oliver, about tha—" Before Delia could finish speak, a sharp bird cry sounded through the sky.

The night clouds above seemed to be on fire as a young man and woman swarmed by golden light and flames stood majestically in the sky. Many couldn't help but look up in shock. Just who came with such grand entrance?