Chapter 39: Thorns Beneath the Bloom
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At the Royal Palace – Elven Capital, Elora
Awaiting them at the base of the silver-arched palace steps stood none other than Lios Measter, Crown Prince and acting King of the Elven Kingdom. Clad in regal pale emerald robes threaded with gold, he stood flanked by elite guards and handpicked palace maids, his posture tall, eyes sharp with anticipation.
As the grand Skyster carriage rolled to a halt, the murmuring crowd outside stilled.
The door opened.
First descended Dian Skyster—his long black coat trailing behind him, the crest of the Skyster family glinting under sunlight. Sharp jawline, tousled black hair, and commanding brown eyes—his presence washed over the onlookers like a tide. Every maid blushed as his gaze brushed past them.
Then came Suzine, elegant in sapphire, and Gianna, radiant in green-gold silks reflecting her elven heritage.
Whispers filled the air. Even the stoic guards faltered.
Maids blushed as Dian's eyes went through them with a smile.
With deliberate steps, Dian approached Lios.
He offered no bow.
Only a calm, "Crown Prince."
Lios' smile twitched.
He had expected deference. He received dominance.
"Welcome, Lord Skyster," Lios said, voice smooth. "I trust your journey was pleasant."
Dian glanced at his wives and replied with a gentle smile, "It truly was."
Lios' eyes immediately flicked to his sister.
"Gianna," he said, stepping forward, arms slightly open—as if expecting an embrace.
Gianna remained at Dian's side, hands calmly folded. "Brother," she greeted flatly.
No step forward. No warmth.
Lios' hand hovered mid-air. His smile froze before slowly setting back into place.
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[Ding!]
[New Target Identified – Scan Successful]
Name: Lios Measter
Title: Crown Prince, Acting King
Class: Supreme Class Mage – 2nd Stage
Title Trait: Villain (Not Fully Bloomed)
Thoughts: Why is she clinging to that outsider?
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Dian's eyes flicked to the floating screen, unreadable.
Hitlist updated.
He had created that list back when he first scanned Leon. And now another name had joined.
Beside him, Gianna's gaze wandered across the castle she once called home. It felt distant now.
The scent of mana-bloom. The golden towers. The pale stone where she used to dance barefoot under moonlight.
She had thought returning would be joyful.
But standing beside Dian, she felt protected. Unwilling to let go.
When Lios stepped near, her instincts clenched. She offered him only a polite nod.
He hadn't changed.
Worse, his lingering gaze on her and Suzine made her skin crawl.
Then she asked the question that had rested heavy on her heart:
"Where is Mother? And my sisters—Olivia and Emma? Why haven't they come?"
Lios' smile faltered for the first time.
His voice lost its luster. "Valris," he called.
From the side stepped the royal advisor—robed in pale cream and sage—head bowed.
"Escort our guests to the Queen's chamber," Lios instructed.
Gianna narrowed her eyes. Her heart beat faster.
But she nodded.
---
Just then, another chime echoed in Dian's head.
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[Ding!]
[Hidden Quest Completed!]
Objective – A Villain Never Bows, Even When Falling
Reward: 300 L.P.
New Skill Unlocked – Villain's Aura (Passive):
— Instills fear and intimidation. May be resisted by individuals with high willpower.
Total L.P. Balance: 900
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A fine reward, Dian mused.
With confident ease, he entered the palace beside his wives. The halls were radiant—ceilings laced with silver vines, and murals that moved gently with light. Magic thrummed through the very walls.
The Royal Castle of Elora was grown, not built. Formed through ancient druidic rites, it shimmered with ancestral mana.
Behind them, Jones followed like a silent shadow. The Skyster guards had been respectfully led to rest chambers by elven escorts.
.
.
Soon, they arrived at a towering crystalline door marked by celestial runes.
Just before it opened, Lios halted them.
"Perhaps the ladies should catch up with family," he said lightly. "And you and I can talk, Lord Skyster."
Dian met his eyes.
Then flicked a glance above Lios' head.
---
[Thoughts: Why is Gianna sticking with him…? Doesn't she remember who her big brother is?]
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Dian smiled.
"Of course."
He turned to his wives. His hand gently brushed Gianna's waist.
"I'll be close."
Gianna flushed softly but nodded.
Lios' body stiffened. His lips parted, words rising, but he swallowed them.
Why is she smiling at him like that? Lios thought. Why is he touching her?
Masking his thoughts behind a forced smile, Lios gestured forward.
Valris led the women inside.
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Inside the Queen's Chamber
The air was thick with lavender incense. Moonlight spilled through silk-draped windows.
At the room's center lay Queen Emily Measter, her body resting atop a high velvet bed. She looked beautiful… but too still. Her complexion pale. Lips barely parted. As if sleeping—forever.
On the right sat Olivia, the second princess and her big sister. Her posture graceful, her emerald eyes calm but wary.
On the left, arms crossed tightly, stood Emma, the fourth princess and her little sister. Her golden eyes flaring the moment Gianna entered.
"Gianna?" Olivia's voice cracked as she stood.
"Gianna!" Emma rose quickly.
Tears flooded Gianna's eyes as she ran into their arms. "Sister Olivia... Sister Emma."
They embraced, trembling.
Behind them, Suzine stood quietly, her chest tight, her hand over her heart.
When they parted, Gianna's gaze dropped to her mother.
Her breath hitched.
"W-What happened to Mother?" Her voice broke. "Why isn't she awake?"
No one answered.
Eventually, Olivia stepped back. Her eyes flickered with regret.
"She was poisoned," she whispered.
Gianna gasped. "Poisoned?! By who?!"
Emma looked away.
"We don't know," Olivia lied smoothly. "It happened two months ago."
Gianna reached out, clutching her mother's cold hand. "Who would do this...? Why...?"
Tears slipped down her cheeks.
Emma trembled beside her, biting her lip. Lios had warned them: say nothing—or lose her forever.
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Elsewhere – Throne Hall
Lios sat on his elevated throne, hands folded, face serene.
Across from him sat Dian Skyster, one leg crossed, arm over the chair, posture casual. He looked like he belonged. Like a king in his own right.
And that… unsettled Lios.
His smile twitched.
A variable. A dangerous one.
"I must find a way to send him back," he thought. "Respectfully. Before he ruins everything."
He could not afford interference—not when he'd worked for over a year to set the stage.
But Dian simply smiled.
.
.