The Burning Flowers

Chapter V

Riding the silver lift of the Citadel all the way up to the royal levels, Ryokumo Caeli whistled pleasantly, thrilled at the fact that he was once again invited to meet with Ilirianna. So few people even among those who lived in the Citadel were allowed to go to the royal floors, and in the last few months where they weren’t on missions, Ryokumo had been there at least once a week. The visits weren’t even for royal team duties or school, rather they were simply because he and Ilirianna enjoyed each other’s company. Obviously, he could think of plenty of reasons why he considered the princess such a valuable and beloved friend, but a part of him still wondered why she gave him the attention that she did. As he had told Abi and Album at one point, he knew she didn’t have the same romantic feelings for him that he did for her, but there was no denying the fact that their relationship was unique even among the royal team. None of the others, save Abi on occasion, were invited to her quarters, and a part of him was beginning to wonder if he should just come out and ask about it all.

But then again, who really cares why? All that matters is that she wants to see me, and I’m more than happy with just that!

He wasn’t a fool despite what many people seemed to think. His feelings for the princess would never be reciprocated, so eventually, he’d have to turn his eyes away from her and find somebody else. Even so, there was no rush for him to get a girlfriend, so at least as long as the royal team existed, he felt there was no problem with merely enjoying Ilirianna’s presence.

After all, the team will be dispersed when our fourth year ends. Nigreos, Album, and Abi will all come to the Citadel as apprentices to the Masters, and I will be left seeking my next place in the world. Liri says I should join the Korrei-Tarr, so perhaps that is what I will do. It would keep me in Erika with the others.

However, given that there was still a year and a half between him and graduation, he decided there was no point thinking about it and happily shoved it from his mind just as the lift arrived on the golden floor that was his destination. As expected, standing there awaiting him was the youngest of the Iijis, Prince Reigious.

“Ah, My Prince! It is a delight to see you again!” Ryokumo cheered as he stepped off the lift, extending his arms and giving one of his typical bows. “How have you been?”

The emerald-haired young man gave a soft chuckle as he grinned. “Well, given that I only just saw you the other day when you and my sister returned from your assignment, not much has changed. How are you? Recovered from Piriit yet?”

Falling into stride with Reigious, Ryokumo shook his head. “Not at all. Finals season has always been exhausting, you know?”

“So you’ve started studying?”

“No, of course not!”

Reigious cocked a dubious eyebrow. “Then what exactly is exhausting if you’re not doing anything?”

“Well, it's just the atmosphere,” he answered with a wave of his hand. “Everybody at the Academy is so antsy and stressed, and it's rubbing off on me! Honestly, the end of the semester could not arrive fast enough! I am in desperate need of a vacation!”

The prince let out a disappointed sigh as he shook his head, clearly considering once again trying to convince him to take his studies more seriously. Since getting a job after graduation would be easy for Ryokumo given that he was on the royal team, Reigious must have decided to save his breath, and instead changed the subject.

“So Liri tells me that you guys are going to Noctalus for the Festival of the Shadow Solstice?”

“Yes, we are!” Ryokumo confirmed. “Nigreos and Album have been trying to drag Abi and I down to Noctalus ever since we met, and since this is the first break where the royal team doesn’t have an assignment coming up, we figured it was a perfect chance to finally see their home city. We leave the day after the semester ends.”

Reigious nodded. “You’ve picked a good time to go. Naturally, most of the Empire celebrates the solstice in some form or another, but Noctalus is especially active given the Noctis’s connection with darkness. I’ve never had the chance to go myself, but I’ve heard fantastic things from my father.”

“As I have from Nigreos,” the wind mage added. “I’m sure it’ll be a spectacle for the ages! Not to mention, I look forward to seeing another of the Great Cities. Thus far, I’ve only visited Erika, Stellareid, and…er, well…” Trailing off as his thoughts shifted to Hiriech, Ryokumo cleared his throat and went on. “Anyway, crossing Noctalus off the list will be exciting! That just leaves me finding excuses to visit Harunhein and Krato to give me a full set!”

“Good luck with that. Harunhein shouldn’t be hard but Krato is such a long trip…”

The two of them finally came to the entrance of the royal suite, the living quarters of the Iijis, with Reigious placing his hand against the surface of the doors, sending magic surging into it and granting them access.

“Liri, I have arrived!” he declared, strutting into the room with a grin, only for that grin to ever-so-slightly waiver upon realizing that Princess Ilirianna was not actually there, rather the only ones present on the first level of the royal suite was the middle child, Anna-Piura Iiji, and Queen Toranei. “Er…? Hello there, My Queen, My Princess.”

Piura had turned her head away to conceal what must have been an awkward smile—an expression that Ryokumo was sure Reigious was making behind him as well. It was no secret that Toranei Iiji did not like Ryokumo even slightly, for while the woman had never lectured him to his face, both Ilirianna and Reigious had told him that she despised his lack of seriousness and the familiarity with which he addressed Ilirianna. Of course, the reason she had never said as much to him was not out of mercy, rather it was because they rarely ever encountered one another.

Which means I might have just walked into my doom… Uh oh…

“Mr. Caeli,” Toranei said calmly despite the sharpness in her blue eyes. “Would you please explain why you thought such an obnoxious entrance was appropriate? These are the royal quarters, which are to be entered politely and professionally.”

Determined not to falter in the face of the queen, Ryokumo merely flashed her one of his toothy smiles and bowed. “My apologies, Queen Toranei. I merely was not expecting you to be here. Had I known, I would have walked through those doors with grace and dignity!”

“My presence is irrelevant,” she snapped. “You will not do such a thing again, whether I am here, my children are here, or nobody is here. If you do, you will be removed from the building without hesitation. Is that understood?”

“Yes, Ma’am!”

“And refer to your princess so flippantly again, I will cut out your tongue.”

As Ryokumo straightened back up, a slight shiver went down his spine, for he wanted to believe she was just saying that and wouldn’t actually punish him that extremely for something so minor, but at the same time, there wasn’t even a tiny hint in her features that she didn’t mean it, leaving him deciding he would have to be much more cautious in the future. Before he could give his affirmative, he was saved by a beautiful voice from up above.

“Mother, how many times do I have to say this? I gave Ryokumo permission to call me that over a year ago now. I have no issue with it.”

The first level of the royal suite, which consisted of a sitting area and a few doors leading to different rooms, was overlooked by a loft, upon which Ilirianna was standing, gazing down at the four of them with a slightly amused expression, telling Ryokumo that she had probably been present for the whole interaction and had simply waited for him to be chewed out a little before intervening. Ryokumo gave her a subtle wink of thanks as the princess turned back to meet her mother’s disapproving glare.

“I do not care what you have told him,” Toranei stated, leaving absolutely no room for argument. “It is inappropriate for anybody, let alone a mere student, to call the Princess of Ijiria by anything other than ‘My Princess’ or ‘Princess Ilirianna’. I would be disgusted if he were just using your first name, but a nickname is absolutely unacceptable. This ends now.”

Ryokumo knew how little Ilirianna liked her mother, for the closer he got with the princess, the more frustration and dissatisfaction she expressed. However, he noticed that she was growing a little more bold and defiant with each mission she and the team succeeded at, so there wasn’t a doubt in Ryokumo’s mind that what Ilirianna did next was something she never would have done a few years ago.

“Well, Mother,” she began defiantly, leaning her arms forward onto the loft’s railing and cocking an eyebrow down at Toranei. “It’s a good thing he’s not just a student, rather he’s a member of the royal team, and a dear friend. Last I checked, both Nakoma and Koroha call you ‘Tora’ in private, so as long as we’re not in an official setting, I see no issue.”

While still outwardly composed, Ryokumo didn’t miss the subtle twitching of Toranei’s upper lip, making her fury clear. “That’s different. They are Masters.”

“So you’re saying they didn’t call you that before they became Masters?” Ilirianna countered.

A part of Ryokumo really did start to wonder if he should step out and let the Iijis handle their disagreements in private, and by the nervous expressions on Reigious and Piura, he didn’t think they were too far from that same conclusion. But Toranei must not have wanted a scene with Ryokumo present either, for she clicked her tongue and growled,

“We will finish this discussion later, Ilirianna. Watch your tone.”

Ilirianna didn’t speak so much as a word in response as Toranei turned and began stalking towards the exit behind Ryokumo and Reigious. The prince was quick to move out of his mother’s way as he pulled open the door for her, but to the surprise of everybody present, the queen stopped just beside Ryokumo. Fixing him with a terrifying glare, she reached up and gripped his shoulder then leaned forward and placed her mouth uncomfortably close to his ear.

“I don’t know what you think you’re going to get from my daughter,” she breathed. “But a man like you is not fit for her. Lay so much as a finger on Ilirianna, and there will not be a recognizable part of your body left when I’m done with you. Do not tempt me, Ryokumo Caeli.”

Swallowing back his terror, not wanting Toranei to know she had gotten to him, the wind mage let out a soft laugh. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

Abruptly releasing him, Toranei Iiji stalked through the door and disappeared into the corridor, leaving Ryokumo trying to subtly ease his beating heart. Wiping his sweaty palms on his pants, he turned back and grinned as Ilirianna made her way down the stairs to join them.

“What did she say to you?” the princess demanded.

Since he was not about to put voice to Queen Toranei’s warning, and especially not with Reigious and Piura present, he ran his fingers through his black hair and chuckled. “Oh, nothing much! She just complimented me on my achievements and told me how excited she is that I’ve become such a trusted ally of her dear daughter!”

Snorting to himself as he took a seat on the couch beside Piura, Reigious muttered, “Sure, Caeli. And just before she said that, Kloras Glaus told us how much he loves and respects us.”

Ryokumo smirked, the thought of Rennigan’s father bringing to mind an array of negative emotions. While the Council Member had certainly been permitting them to combat the Kosah-Rei when necessary, he was still far from cooperative, and each time the Masters sought to send the royal team to do anything, Kloras was an infuriating hurdle they had to overcome. The amount of bargaining that had been done with that man was ridiculous to the point that Ryokumo was beginning to seriously consider if Rotana Vesh was paying him off.

“Kumo,” Ilirianna said, her eyes narrowing with obvious concern. “What did she say?”

Ryokumo's smirk shifted to a simple and genuine smile as he sought to reassure her. “Nothing important. Just your mother being herself. Now anyway, how may I help you…” He paused and made an exaggerated show of glancing around the room before whispering, “Liri?”

Sighing, Ilirianna folded her arms across her chest and regarded him with a roll of her eyes. “You’re so annoying. Whatever, come on. Let’s go to my room.”

Ryokumo followed Ilirianna towards the stairs, and as they reached them, Reigious flashed the wind mage a smug look and called out, “Don’t forget the protection charms, Sis! If he gets you pregnant, Mother might actually filet him!”

“Eat shit, Reigious.”

“Now is that a proper way for a princess to talk?”

“I’m gonna kill him,” Ilirianna grumbled under her breath.

While Ryokumo’s cheeks were slightly red from embarrassment at Reigious’s implications, he was nevertheless quite amused by their back-and-forth, for it truly was far from what one would expect out of the royalty.

At the end of the day, we’re all human, even princes and princesses. No matter who you are or what you do, siblings will behave like siblings. I suppose that’s something else I’m grateful to have seen. How many people have ever witnessed this side of Ilirianna Iiji? Honestly…it’s cute as hell. God, I love her.

They entered her massive room, which not only contained a curtained bed bigger than he had ever seen, but also had a ton of floor space for training, a large desk for any duties she attended to, and a huge chandelier hanging above that covered a large part of the already giant ceiling. He’d been in there plenty of times already, but it never got less stunning given the bedroom that he had slept in over the course of his life.

If my brothers and sisters back in Sukon could see me now…

“So what’s the plan?” Ryokumo chirped as Ilirianna took a seat on the bed. “We playing cards, Tobblestones, or just chatting?”

Ilirianna gave a tired sigh and shook her head. “You know, I would love a chance to do all of the above, but unfortunately, this summons is for business. I need a favor from you.”

“At once! How may I help?”

Though he was slightly disappointed, there was also some pride mixed in at the fact that she sought out his help for whatever she needed. Ilirianna considered the question for a moment before giving her response.

“Don’t let this information leave this room because it’s confidential, but later tonight, my father and I are going to be interviewing a potential prospect for the century-long vacant position of Master of the Mind.”

Ryokumo’s eyebrows shot up with surprise. “W-what? Master of the Mind?”

As Ilirianna had stated, there had not been a Master of the Mind in around a century, which was due solely to the instability of the affinity. Throughout all of history, ever since its discovery, mind magic wreaked havoc on the mental stability of those who studied it, twisting their brains and driving them so insane that they became dangers to everything around them—wild beasts with no sense of reason. During the Age of Ascension, when mind magic was discovered, mad mages became such a threat that regulations on the affinity quadrupled in under a year. The most famous example was called the Killiad Incident, in which Master of the Mind Forior Killiad suddenly snapped, murdering twenty-five percent of the denizens of the Citadel, including the Masters of Fire and Water of that time. Every once in a while, somebody would appear that could handle it, and more often than not, they would be recruited for the position, but Ryokumo never expected it to happen in his lifetime.

“Yeah, we’ve got a prospect,” Ilirianna went on. “He’s a halfling named Seiras Ka, and he’s from the town of Silia about a day’s ride north from Krato. He reached out to the Citadel late last year, expressing his interest in joining the Masters and assuring us that he has perfect control over his affinity. We’ve been writing back and forth with him, and the distance didn’t help, but eventually, my father decided to give him a chance and have him travel to Erika so we could talk with him. Master Cartus rode south to pick him up and they arrived here in the city last night. Father wanted me present since it’s likely Mr. Ka will serve under me someday, so he wanted my input.”

“Fascinating,” Ryokumo murmured. “That being said, what do you want me to do about it?”

Ilirianna shook her head. “Nothing directly involved, rather I need a very private message delivered and you’re the easiest and safest means of delivering it. I want you to go back to the Citadel and tell Abi that I wish for her to sit in on this meeting. If her sense gives me so much as a slight negative read then I will deny Seiras Ka without hesitation. If we’re recruiting a Master of the Mind, he must be trustworthy.”

“Of course that makes sense, but…” Ryokumo frowned. “I fail to see how that’s private. What else do you need from Abi?”

Ilirianna smiled smugly, and her response was exactly what he was expecting. “Mind magic is an affinity of Cansi, meaning that those who won’t be driven insane have the same ancient blood that Nigreos and Album supposedly have. I need to confirm that Seiras Ka is a descendant of that race, therefore I want The Angel present for this meeting as well.”

***

Following her father to the Chamber of the Masters, Ilirianna Iiji and Abigail Reiner exchanged uncertain glances, for even though The Angel had already proven time and time again that it could conceal its mana signature from anybody, it was still hard for her to fully believe that her father wouldn’t still somehow sense it. Yet, ever since Abigail rode the lift to their current floor and met with the two of them, Markreas hadn’t done anything to indicate he was suspicious. At the moment, The Angel was safely concealed in a small canister tucked into the inner pocket of Abigail’s uniform blazer, but based on its reassurances, it was conscious and would be able to sense the presence of Cansi mana in Seiras Ka.

Though, I’m still not all that comfortable relying on this thing…

It wasn’t long after their return from Omaruo that Nigreos and Album revealed to Ilirianna, Abi, and Ryokumo all of the details surrounding their confrontation with Uma Miyon’s subject. Had the creature known as The Angel not actually been present with the two Noctalus then Ilirianna certainly would have struggled to believe everything they told her about the realm of Cansi and its ancient civilization. By request of the creature, they were told not to disclose its existence, and it had apparently been a heavy debate whether to even tell Ilirianna, so in exchange for its cooperation, the princess agreed to keep it secret from everybody outside the royal team. Ever since, it had kept its word, allowing them to study it and helping when requested. It had even saved them once or twice on their assignments, but because so much about it was uncertain, Ilirianna just didn’t like it.

Especially since it’s taken such a liking to Abi… Nigreos once said it desires a second-stage host, so I can’t help suspecting it still has ulterior motives.

Nevertheless, The Angel was not a problem for the current moment, so Ilirianna pushed it from her mind as Markreas pressed his hands into the proper indentations on the obsidian surface of the Chambers’ door, then led them inside. Upon entering the massive, circular chambers, Ilirianna not only found both Nakoma Taurus and Koroha Rhitta to be present, but she also got her first glimpse of the prospective Master.

To call him merely ugly was generous, for the halfling standing between the Masters of Fire and Wind was absolutely hideous, his features so scarred, deformed, and wrinkled that she couldn’t begin to make a guess as to how old he was. His greasy hair hung down to his shoulders like a shredded curtain, the colors ranging from black to gray to white, and his bulging eyes were a blue that was so bright it was unsettling. His black robes concealed most of his small, three-foot tall body, but she could just barely make out the shriveled and pointed fingers protruding from the sleeves. When he smiled at her, she found holes where teeth had either fallen out or been knocked out, and the very expression sent a wave of disgust through her.

Who the hell is this man? And what happened to him?

Ilirianna glanced to the right, making eye contact with Abi to determine as swiftly as possible what her sense registered, but to the princess’s disappointment, the nature mage only mouthed “neutral”. In a way, that was the worst option, for negative would have told her not to accept him and positive would have comforted her. Neutral left her at a crossroads since there already were Masters that Abi saw as neutral, two of which were currently present.

This doesn’t help! Angel, get a reading on him for me!

“Yes, of course. Give me a moment.”

The Angel’s response was communicated telepathically, its voice identical to Nigreos’s. Content with its response for the moment, Ilirianna straightened up just as the halfling bent his hunched back into a bow.

“It is an indescribable honor to be in your presence, King Markreas, Princess Ilirianna.” His voice was scratchy and just as unsettling as the rest of him. “My name is Seiras Ka, and I hope to be able to work with you in the future. Though, I must apologize for my ignorance. Who is this young woman you’ve brought with you?”

Seiras’s eyes turned towards Abigail, his curiosity written all over his face as she gave a slight nod and introduced herself. “My name is Abigail Reiner of the royal team. It’s a, er, pleasure to meet you, Mr. Ka.”

“Of course, I should have known!” he quickly rambled. “Yes, Ms. Reiner, it is a pleasure to meet you as well. I have heard many a tale about the royal team, and rumor whispers that you are a prospective apprentice of Master Edwar Grunly. Yes, what a fine mage you are.”

Nakoma and Koroha, despite remaining silent, were both visibly uncomfortable as Seiras spoke, so wanting to get this over with as fast as she could, Ilirianna cleared her throat and explained, “Abigail’s opinion is very important to me, so I have requested she sit in on this meeting. Is that okay with you?”

“Of course!” Seiras stated enthusiastically.

“Very well.” Ilirianna glanced sidelong at her father, who she could tell was awaiting Abigail’s verdict, so she, too, mouthed out the response. “Neutral.”

Markreas grimaced, then stepped forward and began. “Mr. Seiras Ka. As you are aware, appointing one the Master of the Mind is not an easy task, and as such, even if you impress us over the next few months, it may take time to officially grant you the spot. Your affinity is a danger, and should you begin to show signs of instability, you will be executed for pushing past your limits. Today is simply a test to actually prove you can do what you say you can.”

“Yes, I was prepared for that,” Seiras responded. “I have nothing waiting for me back in Silia, so I am more than willing to remain here in Erika so long as you need me to.”

The King nodded. “Good. In that case, we will make this quick. I would like to have you demonstrate a mind spell that is complex and beyond average ability, but not so dangerous as to cause harm. Your targets will be Masters Taurus and Rhitta here, for I will not be allowing you any chance of seeing the inner workings of myself or my daughter. Given that Abigail would not know how to judge your ability, I will be relying on the judgment of my former teammates. Now speak. Which spell will you be using.”

Seiras bowed once again, seeming a little caught up in being polite, before licking his cracked lips and answering. “Fortsa. It is a spell bordering on mind control that would, if successful, allow me to temporarily possess the body of the victim. I do not expect Masters to be weak enough to fall to it, and it would not reveal any inner thoughts. It is quite challenging though.”

“Very well,” Markreas agreed. “You will first make an attempt on Koroha, then one on Nakoma. You will then be dismissed and we will summon you tomorrow. Masters, are you satisfied with these conditions?”

“Of course, My King,” Koroha stated, and while Nakoma was less successful at concealing his hesitation, he still echoed her affirmation.

“Good. Then begin, Seiras Ka.”

At the king’s orders, Seiras slowly raised his wrinkled hands, raising his head to gaze up at Koroha before whispering, “Fortsa”.

Even though, from Ilirianna’s visual perspective, absolutely nothing happened, she could easily sense the sudden abundance of mind mana in the air surrounding Seiras and Koroha—a feeling that she rarely ever experienced and one she would be perfectly content never having again. However, it must have been enough for The Angel, because its voice suddenly entered her mind, this time resembling Album’s.

“Well, Ilirianna, it’s slightly less prominent than the Noctis and Luz, but I can say without a doubt that Seiras Ka has Cansi blood, and that his cells are compatible with mind magic. He may be an odd little fellow, but he will not lose his sanity. That I can promise.”

She gave no outward reaction, but since The Angel had the means of telepathic communication, it no doubt could hear the disappointment she felt, for if Seiras performed as intended then she no longer had much of an excuse to deny him.