The sky outside was adorned with ominous rain clouds, casting a somber atmosphere. I stood up and closed the window of my room. Despite the imminent threat of rain, nothing could deter me from venturing outside. While Marrossi may be unfamiliar territory to me, I couldn't remain a foreigner forever. It was time for me to embrace this new land and make it my own.

It’s not like I still have a home to return to.

I held my chest as I feel the weight of the harsh truth, and I let out a sigh to release the burden of the stressful idea that had been weighing me down.

“Hey, you look upset. Is there a problem?” Dante asked upon seeing me, and I forced myself to smile to avoid possible questions I might encounter.

"No, I'm all fine. I just thought of my hometown because at some point, I'm missing it." I lied, because missing it is the last feeling I’ll have for it. Though I loved my mother, brothers, and my father, I was still rejected by society, for Eurhyia is full of snakes.

My gaze fell upon a single petal that detached itself from the flower planted in a pot of soil as I reminisce about Eurhyia.

“I can’t throw that. It’s Marrossi’s special flower, and it serves as our calendar. This flower is called Eshrorn. The number of petals depends on how many days there are in a month. It has 30-31 petals, and this flower blooms and wilts every month. There’s a month where it’ll bloom at its best, and each day a petal fall. Little by little the Eshrorn wilts until all the petals fall off. Then it blooms by itself daily,” he paused, and continued.

“Each day, a petal returns to its sepal, and from a wilted flower, it blooms again, just as how it wilted. The cycle repeats. Today is the 30^th day of the second month in the Marrosian calendar,” Dante explained things in monotone, and his lecture makes me feel like a fool for not knowing. This is the reason why I need to learn, and I should do that on my own.

“Thank you for the information,” one of the things that I wanted to ask further was about him and Hermine not joining me during meals, and they drink tea and water alone. Is their behavior influenced by their cultural practices? Of it’s a personal preference or habit that they have developed over time?

"Alright, I understand. I'll be heading to the town for a little while.” I informed, intentionally omitting the specific destination. Despite my announcement, Dante maintained an indifferent expression, as if to convey his lack of interest in my whereabouts.

Well, I guess I don’t have to care about his reactions either. Fair enough.

──•~❉᯽❉~•──

After a journey of at least half an hour, I finally emerged from the dense forest, feeling a sense of relief wash over me as I set foot in the town. However, to my surprise, the streets were eerily deserted. There were no children playing tag, the shops were closed, and not a single horse or carriage can be seen passing around.

It was a vibrant town I visited yesterday, and it seemed to have transformed into a desolate ghost town overnight. The contrast between the lively atmosphere and the current lifelessness of the town felt unreal for some reason. The more I learn about Marrossi, the more I don’t understand.

The silence felt eerily loud, and I was almost relieved when I realized I could hear the leaves rustling in the nearby trees. Despite being a few miles apart, Eurhyia and Marrossi felt like two different worlds. In this realm, inexplicable occurrences and phenomena that defies logic happens.

“How am I supposed to know where the library is if there’s no one I can ask around? Should I go back?” I muttered to myself, but my feet are continuously walking far from where the forest is.

Despite being confused about everything, the town seemed to beckon me, and I wandered unmindfully along the empty streets. The thought of an unfortunate occurring event out of nowhere in this deserted place filled me with dread. The risks I had taken to reach this point would be in vain if something goes wrong.

I closed my eyes tightly, trying to remember the streets I had walked on. However, my anxiety prevented me from recalling the direction I had come from. Whether I wanted to go back or continue forward, I was completely clueless about which way to go.

After a couple of minutes of more walking, I found the place I'd been looking for – the library, the only establishment open. My heart pounded as I found it mindlessly, and I entered the establishment with unexpressed eagerness.

The nostalgic scent of old books filled my nose, and though the library looked aged, its beauty remains intact. The entrance was adorned with elegant furnishings, and a modest yet radiant chandelier illuminated the area with its inviting glow.

"You seem quite taken with this place, young lady," a voice from behind remarked, prompting me to turn and see who had spoken. To my astonishment, I took a step back as I laid eyes on a figure with the head of a fox and the body of a standing human. The prince had mentioned that Poudrettite Izavenes had the ability to transform into animals, but I couldn't fathom how a fox could possess a human-like body that stood upright. It was a bewildering sight that left me questioning if my mind is playing tricks on me.

“Judging the look on your face, it’s obvious that you’re not from here. Everyone in Marrossi met me, as everyone here is required to study in a school. Thus, visiting this library counts,” the fox said, and even if I wanted to keep my cool, my legs felt like they started to shake.

“I'm … I'm sorry. Yes, I was surprised, and I'm not from here. But I want to learn about this foreign land since I'll be living here for some time. I want to stop being overwhelmed whenever I see things that don't exist in my hometown." I spoke humbly, and honestly.

“What’s your name, little lady?” the fox asked, observing every reaction and gesture I’m making.

“Thyra.”

“Ah, Thyra Van Zia Edevane, isn’t it? The unique princess of Eurhyia. Why would a princess of another kingdom be here in commoner clothes?”

“W-Wait. How did you know about that?” I stuttered as I express my thoughts, and my fear makes me want to gasp for some real air.

“It was a speculation, but you’re confirming my assumptions right,” the fox grinned, and it gave me the shivers. How much does it know? “You are an Izavene, just as how I heard it. That’s why I called you unique, not by your title alone.”

“You’re not answering my question.” I retorted.

“Hmm … I’m quite knowledgeable with Eurhyia’s laws, and one of those is the law where it’s forbidden for a citizen to name their children after the name of the royalties. Thus, you’re the only one who lives there with that name, making it unique. That aside, I’m the librarian here, and I’m not an Izavene which I supposed you assumed. I’m a Hyflin, created out of Dante Fletcher's mistake in his experiments,” Dante Fletcher … he can’t be someone else but the Dante I knew, right? This is getting far from what I expected.

“… that foolish man creates 'special' weapons as he calls them, where a gun bullet will come out as an animal once the trigger gets pulled by the user, and he uses Poudrettite Izavenes for his experiments. He steals their rings and uses them as a part of the weapon. I became a mixture of a fox and a Poudrettite Izavene, but I don't have powers like theirs. Perhaps that's enough for you to get the idea."

I don’t know if I should feel bad about its story, but one thing is certain – Dante is using some Izavenes for his craft. I should’ve known better, and this gives me a reason to be watchful of him.

“That’s unexpected. I have a lot to ask about the matter because I’m curious but …”

“I get what you mean. You didn’t come here for chit-chats. I believe this isn’t our first and last time to talk, so let’s save it for another day. Since you want to learn about Marrossi, you can proceed to the 2^nd floor, and because you’re a special guest, I’ll allow you to visit the archives. It’s a section forbidden to enter, but it’ll be helpful to you. One of the bookshelves in the left wing of the 2^nd floor is a black bookshelf. There’s a hidden keyhole behind the books and use that key. It'll open and lead you to a room full of books that you’re looking for.”

My jaw dropped when the fox put the key in my hand. I hope this isn't a trap for a foreigner like me. I can’t discern what it is thinking. But I have a strong feeling that it’s not lying.

Still, the motive is questionable. A citizen of Marrossi shouldn’t be helping a Euhryian like me, because our nations are technically enemies.

“I don’t understand. Why are you giving me access in a place where most are forbidden to enter?”

The fox gazed at me silently, as if implying that some things were not meant for me to understand. I couldn't help but wonder if this encounter was a trap. However, instead of fear, a surge of excitement coursed through me as I accepted the key.

──•~❉᯽❉~•──

It didn’t take me long to find the hidden keyhole the behind the books as the fox instructed.

To my surprise, the bookshelf shifted, revealing a wooden door. I turned the knob and was greeted by a rush of warm air. The room was adorned with a smaller version of the chandelier from the library entrance. It was a circular space lined with walls adorned with countless books. Descending the spiral staircase, crafted from wood with a sturdy metal handle, each step I took reverberated throughout the room.

As I reached the bottom, I noticed several tables where people could sit and read. Among them, my gaze fell upon a familiar man with fiery red hair, engrossed in a book, who didn’t seem to notice my presence.

"Your Highness?" I called out, feeling a sense of unease being in his presence. He lifted his head, his eyes widening slightly as he recognized my voice and realized that I was here.

“What brings you here?” we chorused, and he smiled awkwardly after. “That’s supposed to be my line alone, my lady.” He added, his awkward smile changing to a warm one, pleased to see me.

I hung my head in embarrassment and my mind raced nervously as I looked at him.

“I can’t believe we’re going to run to each other this way. This feels illegal, but it was the fox who gave me the key and allowed me to visit this place."

“That means it sees you as someone worthy of its trust. This place is well-protected and only a few people know that this library section exists, mainly because some of the books, documents, and scrolls here include classified information that our family has been hiding from the world. I’m here to check some things. Now I expect to hear your reason why you’re here.”

 “Aren’t you angry because I’m here?” he blinked upon hearing the question as if nothing was wrong with the situation.

“Why would I? Because you want to dig some truths about us? I believe you have pure intentions.” He said, giving me the conclusion that it’s either he’s lying or he’s just too trusting. This is only the second time we met, and I think he’s forgetting that I’m still from an enemy kingdom. He’s too fond of being friends with everyone – at least that’s how I see him.

“I don’t want to look like a fool here. Recently I’ve noticed that the ones I’m encountering easily identify me as a foreigner and that makes me feel like I'm in danger. I can tell that the citizens are quite sharp, even if my features are common here. Especially you and the second prince. Both of you saw through me, that I’m a noble. That's why I have to know how to blend in here by understanding things about Izavenes since I'm too unfamiliar with my race.” I confessed, which is true. Although thinking about it, I only met six citizens in total, and three of them figured that I’m not a simple commoner from Eurhyia.

“You can just ask me if you wish. This place is private, so you don’t have to be afraid of others knowing about your concerns. Have a seat," he pointed the seat across him. “So, what would you like to know?”

“First, the powers of each kind of Izavene so that I’ll know what to expect,” He lifted his hand after I said it, and a mesmerizing blue fire enveloped his hand, yet it did not burn. As I watched, a chill ran through my own hands, causing them to grow cold, and my heart raced faster than usual.

Despite the initial fear, I couldn't help but find his fire strangely captivating and beautiful, rather than menacing.

"This is the main power of a red diamond Izavene. Unlike others, we're capable of controlling minds, and creating a Rhinecrest," the fire in his hand faded as he put it down on the table. Rhinecrest? The word is new to my vocabulary, but part of me feels like I’m not supposed to ask.

“Not everyone knows that we can create a Rhinecrest, and most people don’t know it. Each red diamond Izavene can only create one in their life because if they'll overuse their power for that, it can cost them their lives. That's why we decided not to make it known by most. It can be used to save a life but can be our life in exchange. Let's not focus on that.” He added.

My gaze shifted to his hands resting on the table, and to my surprise, they were covered with gloves, much like Hervouet's. The similarity between the two intrigued me, raising more questions about their connection.

“One of the things I noticed is … you and prince Hervouet wear gloves. I know gloves can be normal but I’m getting the feeling that there’s more than that.”

"How perceptive of you, and you’re right. These aren't common gloves, but special ones. We red diamond Izavenes are required to wear these because an excessive amount of power is running in our veins. Without this, anything we hold …” he removed one of his gloves, revealing his hand with a red diamond ring.

He gripped the table that stood between us, causing it to shatter into countless shards, as if it were made of fragile glass. Within seconds, the remnants of the table crumbled into ashes, scattering at our feet. The display of his power left me in awe and wonder, unsure of what to expect next.

A tinge of sorrow flickered in his eyes as he watched the final remnants of the ashes float through the air, clearly displeased with the outcome. With this display of power, it became evident that he possessed the ability to end lives with a mere touch. Words failed to capture the mix of emotions swirling within me, and a tightness gripped my chest as I observed him, lost in contemplation, his gaze fixed on the ashes.