n

n

nLost had left the library, leaving me alone to my own devices. I was sifting through the bookshelves looking for books about spirits and stuff. There were a few which I had gladly plucked out, but the information written on them was not enough.

nStill, I had learned quite a few things…

nAccording to one book, Animas came directly from divinity. They are also called God's gifts. Aside from the spirit type, there were two more; namely the Blessing type and the Innate type.

nIt says that the Blessing type Animas is the rarest out of all the three, and does not exist as of now.

nThis is why there was not much information regarding it, which kind of a bummer. But can't help it, I guess.

nThe innate type however are present to those who have blessed genes.. In short, a descendant of a deity. They are what they called, the magic power from deep within. It runs in the people's blood, which helps them wield magic without any problems.

nApparently, there are also classifications. Powerful Animas have consciousness but they do not necessarily think for themselves. It's an innate ability, therefore, they are already present as soon as the wielder was born.

nAn example of the innate type Anima wielders is the people from the Royal Family. They have abilities running in their blood which separates them from the rest.

n

"So Ezekiel's light power is an innate type!

"

nIf it is true that all innate abilities are from animas, then the Herman bloodline has one too? Was that the reason why men of Hermans have an affinity for swords? Why they are called swordmaster?

n'Hmmm… So we do have anima but a weak one.'

n

"I wonder what do they mean about an Anima having consciousness though…

"

nIs it alive? If so, how would that work if their powers run in their blood?

n

"Then Lukas has one?

" I mumbled.

nAccording to the data I had written about him, he has power over black flames. They call him the devil and his fire, Infernal flames. He got that title when he wreaked havoc on the battlefield and burned all of his enemies alive.

nLukas can use magic too and if so, he would also be an innate type.

nHe sure is powerful though, more powerful than Ezekiel, I think…

nSo, how about Janus? Janus is the most powerful mage out here, does this also mean he has an Anima as well?

n

"Hmmm…

"

nI suddenly felt my head being split open. It's another migraine, as usual. So far, the frequency of my headaches has dwindled these past few years. Before, I would have migraines for like thrice a week, but it had gotten rarer now. I would have only twice a month, and sometimes nothing at all! Which is great!

nApparently, I have one today and it's a little intense.

n

"Ugh,

" I groaned out, cupping my head with my hands.

nI really hate this when it happens…

n

"Erin? Erin?

" I was trying to call her to know if she could hear me from the outside.

nI have no strength to go up from my seat and look for her. If I did, I'll probably just fall over and hurt myself anyway.

nI heard the door open before someone hurriedly stepped closer to where I was sitting.

n

"Milady? Does your head hurt again? I will bring the medicine right away!

" She declared and flew out the room in record time.

nOf course, I sat there and waited for her. I was also massaging my temples slowly just to ease the pain even for a little.

n

"Oh gosh, this sucks…

" I grumbled.

nThere was a knock on the door, and I thought that it was Erin with the medicines, but I was wrong.

n

"Nadia? Uno told me that you were almost hurt from-- Are you okay?

" It was the voice of Nathan. He stormed in here with so much aggression but had instantly changed into worry as soon as he saw me crouching on the table.

n'Oh, it's my brother…'

nI raised my head to look at him. He was still dressed in his knight uniform, so he probably went here just after he got home.

n

"Did you drink your medicine yet?

" He asked with his brows creasing together.

n

"Erin just left to bring me one. Don't worry brother,

" I answered and offered him a smile to reassure him.

nSeems like his momentum got cut, thus whatever he was going to say to me a while ago, was never completed. He sighed and sat down in front of me instead.

nHis pale eyes, full of worry, then went to me.

n

"This migraine of yours should be checked. It's been going on for years now…

" he remarked.

n

"I'm used to it.

"

nHis lips pursed into a straight line,

"No one should.

"

nI let out a short laugh.

n

"That's true…

"

nBut what can I do? It sucks having these but they don't go away even if I fervently wished to.

nShortly after, Erin comes in holding a tray with a glass of water and a vial of green liquid. I thanked her for it and drank it straight up while grimacing.

nIt was bitter, of course, and this is the part where I am still not used to.

nErin then bowed and left the two of us.

n

"So, who was that man who threatened you with a sword?

" Nathan immediately inquired. His demeanor darkened just as he asked that, looking like he was about to wage war.

nUno must have briefed him about the event this afternoon, and clearly told him the part where Lukas pointed his sword on me.

n

"I don't know them, but they are truly… kind,

" I answered with a lie.

nLukas? Kind? That must be the most absurd thing I have ever said today… or this week.

nKind could never be associated with him. In the novel, he was described as a cruel obnoxious man. I have no idea why the author of that book portrayed him as if they hate his guts. Seriously… He is either a playboy or a bastard, that's what they always said.

n'Then why was he my favorite?'

n

"That's not what Uno said,

" Nathan rebuked, staring at me suspiciously.

nA laugh escaped my lips.

n

"Oh, Uno was just surprised, that's all. It's my fault that I came to them without a letter in advance, which is why they got into offensive and had thought we're a spy,

" I explained.

n

"Why would you go there anyway?

" He then pointed out.

nI glanced at the side, clearly at a loss for words. Should I tell him it was because of a bird?

n'Naaaah. I'll bet he would go and find some birds in an instant.'

n

"I was just returning something that belonged to them. It's not a big deal, brother,

" I said and smiled at him.

nHe was still a little dubious, but because my face was not giving him anything away, he dropped the topic off.

nI really admire myself for being such a great liar sometimes.

n

"You have just gotten home, go change and rest brother,

" I said to him.

nNathan nodded and then stared at me.

n

"Is your head still hurting?

"

n

"It's gone now, and would probably not be back until next month,

" I answered.

nThat sounds like a monthly thing that girls have, honestly…

n

"Good. You rest as well,

" he said and patted me on my head. A habit which I am very used to as of now.

nHe then left after a while, making sure that I was alright and all. I stood up and returned the books I picked up back to their places before leaving the library.

n'Now, it's time for meeting Uno…'

nErin and Lily then accompanied me to go look for Uno, who was stationed outside and getting ready for his night duty.

nUno saw us coming to him and acknowledged us. I gestured for him to come closer.

nThe sky was already getting dark with a mix of orange, yellow, red, and purple spreading throughout the horizon. It looked absolutely beautiful.

nIt cast a glow over the mansion and gave a haunting feeling as if it came straight out of a fairytale.

nUno left his post and got to us.

n

"Does milady need something?

"

n

"That…

" I glanced at my maids.

nThe two of them then stood back a few meters and acted like they were not hearing anything.

n

"Can you promise to keep whatever I'm going to tell you a secret?

" I muttered in a low voice.

n

"If it is what milady wants,

" he replied formally.

nI smiled in satisfaction,

"Then, do you know a reliable mercenary guild around here?

"

nUno looked a bit surprised,

"Mercenary Guild? Well… yes,

" he answered.

n

"Then bring me there tomorrow,

" I stated.

n

"B-but milady…

"

n

"Don't tell the others, especially Nathan and father. This is only between us, do you understand?

"

nHe does not look fine with it and had seemed very skeptical.

n

"If you have something to know and want it done, I will do it instead, milady! You don't have to seek the mercenaries,

" he offered right away.

n

"I need something that only them can do,

" I replied.

nUno still looked adamant about changing my mind but sorry to him.

n

"It will be dangerous, milady!

"

n

"I know, but you're with me. We will only be there for a moment anyway. We will left soon after I tell them what I want,

" I said with conviction.

nHe looked really troubled but upon seeing how determined I was, he let out a huge sigh.

n

"Yes, milady.

"

nAn excited glint sparked in my eyes.

n

"Excellent.

"

n