Beside Mila, Iva carried a worried look. Both waiting for my words.

“I could try tracing the aura of the artifact.” I said.

“Aura”

“Aura” Mila and Iva said together.

“Is there any?” Duke Melish said from behind me, still clinged by Solis’s side.

“There is a glint smell in the air.” I said as I greeted Melish.

“You can smell that?” Archie mumbled. A enchanted expression decorated his face.

“Even if you can, how will you trace it. By now the aura must have mingled with other aura.” This time it was Alexis who spoke. 

Unlike the time we met at the inn, he refrained from speaking in a higher pitch.

“Well I just have to extract it.” I said looking confused.

“Extract it?” Everybody questioned at the same time. Even Solis looked flabbergasted.

“Yes.”

“Don't say this like it is normal.” Melish ordered. He huffed and puffed yet this time Iva didn't correct him.

“How?” Archie was amused. A childlike wonder glittered in his eyes. 

“Have you never done that?” I questioned. Everybody looked at me with a hint of surprise.

“Never.” Iva answered on behalf of everyone.

“Then let me just show you? Currently I can only seperate it in a small area.” I said pulling out the wand I bought from the shop Rosemary.

I closed my eyes.

I visualized the aura surrounding me. Mingled colours surrounded me.

The poisonous smell was coloured black.

I concentrated on the black colour and tried to surpass all remaining colour.

I started waving my wand and wishpered,

“Moonlit sky 

        Bind us with your light.” 

A soft white light surrounded me as the poisonous smell deepen.

The area surrounding me was filled with venomous stench.

As I opened my eyes, Mila, Archie, Alexis, Solis and Melish stood foots away from me. And Iva was nowhere to be seen.

Melish held his nose with a handkerchief. 

“Remove it.” He ordered with a quivering voice and teary eyes. Mila looked as dignified as ever. Archie held a curious smile. 

Solis looked unbothered. Alexis had a gentle smile as ever.

Now that I pay attention, the smell is quite frightening. 

“It will most probably take a hour or two to cast the spell to remove it. By that time, it would go back to normal by itself.”

A clear frown appeared on Melish face.

“Let's just go outside.” Alexis suggested.

Mila nodded her head, “Yes we should do that.”

Melish had already reached towards the door.

Iva stood outside the room waiting for us.

“Close it. Don't open it or let anyone go inside for a day or two.” Archie ordered the guards surrounding the room.

A day or two…..but it will go back to normal in a hour or two. Well whatever that is none of my concerns.

“So you need to do that for a while.” Melish held a handkerchief near his mouth. “ The smell is going to cloud the city.” He mumbled as quietly as he could.

Melish face had wrinkled. A crooked smile appeared on his face. He was deep in thought.

“I do but that spell can only reveal the aura around some area.”

Everybody fell silent.

“What should we do now?” Solis questioned.

“Can you give me few days? I may be able develop or enhance the spell.” I said.

“How many?” Mila questioned while her sharp eyes pierced my soul.

“A week.” Everybody collectively sighed.

“It's still better than nothing.” Iva said. She rubbed her temples and let out another sigh.

“Iva is right. We should give it a try.” Mila added.

“Until then you can stay in Melish's palace.” Melish stared at Mila. While Mila simply ignored his glare.

Melish could have declined Mila yet he didn't say anything. Maybe it was because of Solis. 

***

In heart of Anselma, Cor dei

“How is Prince Nova doing?” Oskar asked while looking at the documents. 

“He is trying to visit Prince Aster.” 

Liam stood infront of Oskar.

“Prince Aster still refuses. Lord Oskar….” Silent fogged the room. Words didn't escaped Liam’s mouth.

Fresh breeze passed from the window behind Oskar. 

“Lord Oskar…” Liam tried his best to bring words to his mouth. 

“Prince Aster is fine. The next time I visit him I will try my best to persuade him again. I know you are friends with him but try to keep yourself calm. Are you forgetting your responsibility now Belle family has a new heir.”

Liam bit his lips and cleanched his fist at Oskar's word. Prince Aster was indeed acting weird but he also had responsibility to follow.

Liam bowed his head. Liam had no choice, he was useless as if now and that pained his heart. 

Liam knew Oskar hated Prince Nova but he also knew the fact Prince Aster and Princess Anabelle were his only remaining descendent, even though he once tried to kill Princess Anabelle.

Liam had to trust him.

“Leave.” Oskar ordered as his pink eyes glossed over the documents. Soon the click of the door reached his ears.

The crows cries grew louder. 

“Aster…” A soft smile graced Oskar's face. His pink eyes bloomed with amusement. He stroked his chin and raised his head to face the door.

“What a pity, sir Liam.” Oskar tilted his head.

“Aster needs to remain inside for a while. I can't give power to Nova.” Oskar kept his pen down.

“At least not yet.” Oskar mumbled.

Oskar stood up from his seat, he turned to the window as his pink eyes gazed outside.

Oskar leaned towards the window as his soft voice quoted, “A weapon is only powerful with a right wielder.”

Wind flew his sparkling red hair.

Oskar smile slowly faded as he closed his eyes.

“But what happens when the wielder can't reach the weapon?” questioned Oskar.