"By whom?" I asked.
Her expression grew distant, as if recalling a mory from long ago. "My grandmother. She was... unusual. Born with a Cerulean Vein like , but with strange amber eyes that would sotis flash red in certain lights. Before she died, she showed things, techniques that drew on both solar energies in tandem."
"Was she trained in both traditions?" I asked, fascinated by this revelation.
Laelyn shook her head. "Not formally. She called herself a 'Walker Between' and spoke of ancient practitioners who maintained the original, undivided solar tradition from before the Orders existed."
"This is extrely valuable information, Master," Azure comnted in my mind. "It suggests there may be established precedent for your dual-cultivation approach. We should learn more if possible."
I agreed silently, then asked aloud, "Did she leave any writings? Or teach these techniques to others besides you?"
"She left a journal," Laelyn said, lowering her voice further. "My father keeps it locked away, he considers her ideas dangerous to our family's standing with the Order. As for other students, I don't know. She was quite secretive, worried what would happen to her if her abilities were exposed."
A journal containing dual-cultivation techniques would be invaluable. I filed away this information for future reference, already considering how I might gain access to such a resource.
"What happened to her?" I asked.
Laelyn's expression darkened. "She died under... suspicious circumstances. Officially, it was recorded as heart failure, but she was perfectly healthy before. It happened shortly after she demonstrated a particularly powerful dual-energy technique to ."
"You think she was assassinated?"
"I've never had proof," she replied cautiously. "But I've always wondered. The timing was... convenient for those who might have considered her knowledge threatening."
I nodded, understanding the implication.
Powerful organizations rarely tolerated challenges to their doctrinal foundations. Anyone demonstrating an alternative to the established power systems would naturally beco a target.
"That's why you keep your beliefs private," I observed.
"Until I'm in a position where they cannot easily silence , yes," she admitted. "The Saintess is traditionally beyond reproach. Once I attain that position, I'll have more freedom to explore these ideas openly."
"A dangerous ga," I cautioned. "Even a Saintess isn't invulnerable to 'accidents' or 'sudden illnesses.'"
She smiled grimly. "I'm well aware. But so truths are worth the risk."
I found myself admiring her determination, even while questioning her strategy. Playing the long ga within an organization often ant being changed by it rather than changing it. How many reforrs had I seen gradually absorbed by the very systems they intended to transform?
The conversation lulled again, and I noticed that the purple light of the transitional hour had faded completely. Outside, the world was now illuminated solely by the blue sun's ethereal glow. Shadows lengthened and softened, and the quality of light through the window took on an almost liquid quality.
"It's growing dark,” I murmured. “The blue sun will be rising soon."
Lady Laelyn followed my gaze. "Yes. We should make our way to dinner before Beric cos searching for ." She smiled ruefully. "He's likely already suspicious of my whereabouts."
"Does he know you're here?"
"No. I..." she hesitated, a slight flush coloring her cheeks. "I didn't tell anyone where I was going. I just wanted... normal conversation. Without guards and protocols and constant vigilance."
I understood her desire all too well. The weight of constant performance, maintaining a role, guarding every word and gesture, was exhausting. In her way, Lady Laelyn wore a mask as I did, though hers was woven from nobility and responsibility rather than deception.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
"I'm honored by your trust," I said, aning it.
She stood, smoothing her skirt. "Shall we?" she asked, gesturing toward the door.
I nodded, rising from my perch on the chest.
As we stepped into the corridor, I noticed the subtle shift in Lady Laelyn's posture and expression, the return of the noblewoman's mask, replacing the more open, accessible person who had sat in my room. The transformation was fascinating to witness, a reminder that everyone perford versions of themselves depending on their audience.
"I should go ahead separately," she said quietly. "Beric would have... questions... if we arrived together."
I nodded, understanding completely.
A noblewoman visiting a common boy's room alone would raise eyebrows, regardless of the innocent nature of our conversation. Reputation mattered in hierarchical societies like this one.
"I'll follow in a few minutes," I agreed.
She hesitated, studying with those remarkable eyes that seed to shift between blue and gray depending on the light. "Tomas... thank you. For listening. And for not treating as either above or below you, but simply as... ."
"Everyone is just people," I said with a small shrug. "Titles and positions don't change that."
"You're different," she said, her voice soft but certain. "There's sothing about you... you're not like other villagers I've t."
My heart rate quickened slightly. Had I revealed too much? Let so hint of my true nature slip through the carefully constructed facade?
"I'm just ," I said, aiming for simplicity.
Lady Laelyn's lips curved in a gentle smile. "Yes, I suppose you are. And that's what makes you... interesting." Her eyes held mine for a mont longer than was strictly proper. "I'll see you at dinner, Tomas."
With that, she turned and walked down the corridor, her steps asured and graceful, the picture of nobility restored. I watched her go, mind racing with questions and calculations.
"Well," Azure's voice comnted in my mind. "That was enlightening in more ways than one."
"What do you an?" I asked silently, still watching Lady Laelyn's retreating figure.
"It seems the lady finds you quite fascinating, Master. And not rely as a curiosity from a village."
I frowned slightly. "She's suspicious, that's all. Wondering how a simple villager escaped a Skybound attack."
"If that's what you wish to believe," Azure replied, his tone suggesting he thought otherwise. "Though I note she made a special journey to your room, alone, dressed in her finest, specifically to engage in 'normal conversation' without the presence of guards."
I rolled my eyes, closing my door. "She's a noble seeking a brief escape from the constraints of her position. Nothing more."
"Of course, Master. And the lingering glances, the personal questions, the slight flush when she spoke of visiting you without informing others, all rely political calculation."
"Exactly," I said firmly, refusing to acknowledge Azure's obvious implication. "She's gathering information, just as I am."
"Indeed. Though perhaps not all information is tactical in nature."
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "We're in the middle of a dangerous situation, Azure. Lady Laelyn is a candidate for a major religious position, targeted by assassins, with powerful enemies closing in. Romance is hardly a priority."
"I never ntioned romance, Master," Azure replied innocently. "How interesting that your mind went there imdiately."
I suppressed a groan, recognizing the verbal trap too late. "Enough. We need to focus on getting to the Blue Sun Academy, not on... misinterpreted social cues."
"As you wish," Azure conceded, though I could still detect amusent in his tone. "Though I feel compelled to note that cultivation texts often emphasize the importance of balance in all aspects of life. Emotional connections—"
"Are complications we can't afford right now," I cut in. "Besides, forming attachnts in this... situation... would be cruel to myself more than anyone."
"How so, Master?" Azure inquired, though I suspected he already knew the answer.
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "This is a ti loop, Azure. Every connection, every bond, every... feeling... would be erased when I die and reset. I'd rember everything while they'd rember nothing." The thought left a hollow feeling in my chest. "Imagine falling for soone, only to watch them forget you exist, over and over again. It would be self-inflicted torture."
"A pragmatic assessnt," Azure acknowledged. "Though I wonder if such connections might provide strength and motivation during difficult monts."
I shook my head. "They might if this was so shounen ani. But the cost is too high. Each reset would compound the loss." I stared out the small window, watching as the blue sun began its ascent into the night sky. "Perhaps... when the ti loop ends, if it ever does... then I could consider such things. But not now. Not like this."
"An understandable position," Azure said. "Though I suspect the heart doesn't always follow such rational calculations."
“You’re not wrong,” I sighed, pushing aside these troubling thoughts. "But right now, we need to prepare for dinner. Another performance, another opportunity to gather information."
"And another chance to enjoy Lady Laelyn's company," Azure added, his tone carefully neutral now.
I ignored this, focusing instead on practical matters. I checked my appearance once more in the small mirror, ensuring I looked appropriately humble but presentable.
The new clothes Lady Laelyn had provided elevated my appearance significantly, but I took care to maintain certain elents of village mannerisms: a slight stoop to the shoulders, hands that betrayed unfamiliarity with finer fabrics, hair arranged with less precision than a noble would display.
The details mattered.
A performance was only as convincing as its smallest elents.
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