Chapter 7: A Child’s Dream

I opened my eyes, staring at a ceiling I didn't recognize. The cold morning air enveloped my nose, I pulled the white sheets in a crouch position, shielding myself from the cold. I closed my eyes to recall the events that happened the day before. I’ve arrived at Aether Citadel with Archbishop Gabriel, I’ve met his fellow disciple Archbishop Arthur and a woman by the name of Uriel. I softly my eyes with the back of my hand, it stung a bit, I realized I must’ve cried myself to sleep. Suddenly, a knock coming from a wooden door resounded the entire room.

“Lady Armiger, have you come to be awake,” a woman’s voice came from the other side of the door. I said nothing, then the double door opened, revealing a young woman looking to be in her twenties. She was pretty, wearing what looked to be a nun garb. Her golden hair elevated the white robe she was wearing. Her face remained neutral and expressionless as she walked into the room with a towel and white garbs I would be wearing.

“Can you wash yourself or shall I assist,” she asked. I shook my head and accepted the towel. This woman had led me to my room after I was abandoned at the court. She was ordered to come to collect me, given I had no knowledge to navigate the Basilicom. I examined the robe in my hand, it was embroidered with a flowery pattern similar to an edelweiss.

“The bath house is in the lower level, please follow me,” the young woman requested. I nodded in confirmation without making eye contact and got out of bed. I put on the sandal and began to march behind her hugging the garbs in my arms. We walked down the hall, the building looked to be carved from marbles, not a spec of dirt can be seen as I roamed through the hallway. The whole place must be kept clean daily to preserve the image of holiness I assumed. I arrived at an open bathhouse, water flowing from the walls in every direction. It had a huge pool in the very center, the whole place was carved from stone and marbles. I hesitated at the sacred sight, then crouched down to feel the water. It was surprisingly warm, I had always bathed by the river in cool springs so soaking in warm water was foreign to me.

“Please stop admiring the bath and remove your gown at once, milady,” the nun said earnestly.

“Y-yes, I’m sorry,” I apologized frantically and undressed myself. I soaked myself in the warm water and felt myself drifting away. Maybe staying here wasn’t so bad, if it meant bathing luxuriously like this everyday I thought. The nun ran her finger through my hair, applying shampoo to clean off any excess dirts and grimes.

“You’re not from around here are you, Lady Armiger, countryside perhaps,” the nun asked.

“Y-yes, I only arrived yesterday, this city is so big, I have never seen so many people,” I exclaimed nervously.

“I see,” the nun paused, scrubbing my back and arms. It was getting ticklish how gentle she was handling me. Neither of us said a word, the sound of the water splashing echoed around the room. I searched for words to make small talk but it never came.

We arrived back at my assigned room, the nun combed through my damp silver hair, it was an awkward walk the whole way back where no words were exchanged.

“Your hair is very beautiful, you took care of it well,” the young woman complimented.

“T-Thank you, Marty usually took great care in it whenever we bathed together,” I replied softly.

“Marty? Is that your mother,” the nun asked.

“She… more like a caretaker, a guardian I guess,” I explained dejectedly.

“I see, and your father,” the nun followed up with another question.

“He… went missing, there was a fiend raid… back in Albus weeks ago,” I replied dismally, my face drooped downward, recalling the horrible memories.

“I’m sorry, that was so rude of me,” the nun exclaimed, showing an emotion I haven’t seen all morning.

“It’s fine, it’s all in the past now,” I reassured, putting on a brave facade. The nun stayed silent for a moment then suddenly gasped.

“Where are my manners, I’ve yet to tell you who I am,” the nun took a step back, she grabbed the helm of her robe and lowered her knee in a bowing gesture.

“My name is Cecelia Ainsford, but you can call me Cecelia just fine,” the nun introduced herself.

I got up from my chair, grabbed the corner of my robe in the same way and mirrored her gesture.

“Hainé,” I returned earnestly.

Bewilderment filled Cecelia's face, before she covered her mouth and giggled at my actions.

“You’re really a peculiar one aren’t you, Lady Armiger,” the nun laughed.

“I-is that not how you do it when one introduces themselves,” I panicked, pouting at the way Cecelia was laughing.

“Well yes, you have the right of it, I just didn’t expect it at all,” Cecelia said merrily.

“Nice to meet you, Lady Hainé,” the nun lowered her head again.

“Just Hainé, calling me lady is kind of embarrassing," I complained, twirling on my hair.

“Very well, Hainé, let’s get you ready,” Cecelia said as she put finishing touches to my hair.

“Ready? What for,” I asked earnestly.

“Your lessons, the accession of being an Armiger of Eristella.”

The smell of flowers danced all around me. Cecelia had taken me to a library within the Basilicom, it was there I found Uriel fully absorbed in reading. In her hand was a small tome with strange markings on its cover. She wore a different attire than the one I saw yesterday in the courtroom. It was much more casual, a creamed color blouse with a white long skirt reaching down to her ankles. She had rectangular glasses with her eyes glued to pages in her hand. The library was stacked with mountains of books, with many languages, drawings, and markings I have never seen. The indoor garden counteracted the smell of old leather with flowers consisting of iris, edelweiss, daisy, and lavender. It was decorative like a landscape painting, I wondered who could have designed the library like this, it was beautiful.

Uriel looked up from her tome, noticing I had arrived, and got off from her chair to come and greet me. I never realized how tall she was, her hand reached to the top shelves to reach for a book and hand it to me without batting an eye.

“You don’t have the holy sword with you,” Uriel asked, she flipped through the pages of another tome she grabbed nearby.

“U-umm. It’s back in my room, would you like me to go and get it,” I replied nervously, hugging onto the book the tanned woman handed to me.

“No need,” Uriel paused, then pointed her index finger downward towards my feet.

“Summon it,” she commanded. I stared at her blankly, not understanding what she was asking.

“Gabriel told me, you called the holy blade to your side back in Albus, do the same here,” she elaborated. I continued to stare at her, even if she asked me of such a thing, I had no idea how it came to me at that moment. Noticing my puzzled face, Uriel conjured a circle on her hand, the next moment, a golden scale appeared on her palm. My eyes widened, and I clapped in amazement as if it was a magic act.

“What was going through your mind, before the sword appeared in your hand,” Uriel hinted, setting the scale on a nearby table. I realized what she meant, I had imagined the silver blade with my eyes closed at the time. I traced the shape of it in my mind, the color, and its shape.

Suddenly a light glow in front of me, appearing out of thin air was Durandal the holy sword.

“Amazing, you really are gifted,” Uriel exclaimed, looking astonished at the ornate blade in my hand.

“Magic is the same, all of it is based on how clear you can make the object or actions in your mind,” Uriel explained, walking over to me with another book, she was really stacking tomes on a table nearby for me to read through.

“Today, your lessons will be based on the miracles of magic, the concepts that come with it, as well as its implementation through daily life,” the tanned woman listed all the subjects for me to review. Most of it flew over my head, I was already getting dizzy at the mountain of books let alone the subjects I was forced to sit through. This dragged on for the entire afternoon, all the way till the sun had set and the moon was high in the sky which can be viewed from the sunroof of the library.

“Well, that is basically the short of it,” Uriel set a tome on the table, looking completely satisfied with her instructions. On the other side, my head felt like it was going to explode. I couldn’t follow most of her lessons, I never went to school nor had any training on complex books such as these. I felt sick at the amount of information overloading in my brain.

“Let’s continue more tomorrow, come by earlier sharp when you had your breakfast, am I clear,”

Uriel ordered. The nice lady that spoke on my behalf was nowhere to be found back in the courtroom, all I witnessed now was a strict demon of a teacher. It made facing Falcie look like a joke in comparison.

“Yes ma’am,” I replied exhaustingly. Uriel nodded then made her exit from the library garden.

I rest my head in an open tome, feeling the texts on my cheeks, and feeling melancholy from all the lessons coming ahead. I thought of Marty and Charles, I wished I could see them again. Nearby I heard a door open, coming through was a bespectacled man wearing a white robed that looked to be new.

“You should go back to your room and rest, Lady Armiger,” it was Archbishop Gabriel, in his hand was a lantern that faintly illuminated the library.

“Y-yes, I understand, I will return once I put these books away,” as I stood up, my stomach let out a growl, it echoed around the quiet library. Gabriel looked perplexed before letting out a chuckle.

“I thought you would be hungry, want some meat buns,” the archbishop offered. I nodded so fast as if I had never eaten in days. He drew a magic matrix in the air then popped out a brown paper bag before handing it to me. It was warm, I reached in to feel the buns in my hand before stuffing myself with the delicious sweet buns filled with meat and red bean paste.

“Uriel was really tough as a teacher, I remember taking lessons from her back in the day, she hasn’t changed at all” Gabriel shared, reminiscent of his younger days. I thought to myself as I filled my mouth, “how old are you?”

I unexpectedly spoke that out loud, my face went red as I realized how rude that question was. However, Gabriel made a forlorn face, before ruffling my silver hair.

“Far older than even your grandparents, little Armiger,” the archbishop laughed, then his eye rested on the silver blade propped up against the table nearby.

“Uriel does all this because the path ahead of you will be rough, she is strict, but she’s doing it for your sake,” Gabriel explained. I stayed silent, wiping my mouth of any crumbs of bread.

“To be a hero, one must learn the basis of this world,” Gabriel continued under his breath.

“A hero…” I repeated his words, recalling Marty's explanation about how champions are the heroes of the realm. Up until now, I had thought being a hero was all about saving the day, I never realized work that would be leading me there would be so mundane.

“Speaking of hero, the otherworldly hero and his entourage were rumored to arrive in Eristella, if the timing is right, you may be able to meet them,” Gabriel pointed to the wall of the city, specifically at the giant gate where I had entered the day before.

“That would be nice,” I said under my breath.

I parted ways with the archbishop at the library, and headed back to my room. I had memorized my way back, I wandered through the hall by myself with every step echoed around the marbled hall. In front of my room, I spotted Cecelia fixing a flower pot. She heard my footsteps and turned to make a bowing gesture towards me.

“You have returned, would you like to bathe for the evening, Lady Hainé,” the nun asked.

“Probably, I feel icky from all the studying,” I replied, washing myself of stress would be nice.

“Very well, let me get you a change of clothes, but before that, there’s someone I want you to meet,” Cecelia said formally, inviting me to my room. There I found a little girl, maybe around the same age as me if not younger. She was facing a mirror, before realizing I had entered then rushed to stand before me.

“Pleased to meet you, Lady Armiger,” the girl bowed, she had chestnut colored hair, her eyes were that of a purple hue. She wore a dress similar to that of a nun but designed in a way that made her look like a maid.

“Wow, you’re the chosen Armiger, but you’re so cute, are we really the same age,” the chestnut girl asked, her personality was surprisingly bubbly.

“This is Lilia, starting today, she’ll be your personal attendant,” Cecelia introduced the girl.

“But I thought you were my attendant, Cecelia,” I asked the older nun.

“That was only for one day, I have my daytime duties to the church so I was only assigned just to show you around the Basilicom,” Cecelia explained.

“I see,” I paused, then turned toward the little maid.

“You can call me Hainé, I’ll be in your care, Lilia,” I extended my hand, Lilia immediately grabbed onto it.

“This is so exciting! I’ll support you with my utmost,” Lilia declared, her beaming smile shining brightly in the dimly lit room.

The very next morning was the same, I was woken by Lilia, cleansed myself in the bathhouse, had breakfast, then proceeded to get academic drills from Uriel. As I was getting used to the workload, the seasons passed, and it was now winter. I felt chills whenever I stepped outside of my room walking the hall. As I breathed into my palm, I could feel my warm breath evaporating into the air. It had been four months, the leaves had fallen from the branches, the flowers had wilted for the winter. I struggled to remember Marty and Charles, but I am making steady progress towards my studies.

I thought of spring coming, the nice breeze when it comes of harvest season, the river flowing down from the mountains. I held out my palm, a magic matrix appeared in my hand, drawn of wind and water, rushing towards a wooden dummy with excessive force. The wood split from the water pressure, and hit the ground with a thud.

“Impressive, four months of my teachings taught you well, little Armiger,” Uriel complimented.

“That was amazing! Lady Hainé, you are so talented,” Lilia followed up, bouncing herself up and down from the feat I had performed. I was surprised as well, I never had an aptitude for magic growing up. I had seen my father use magic to start a small fire, but he never taught me in depth on how to perform it, but rather taught me the practical way to start one. I remember throwing a tantrum because he didn’t reveal his secrets. Now I can perform such miracles on the fly, it was such a mystery.

“At this rate, the coronation ceremony will be a walk in the park,” Uriel said, closing her tome, which was a signal that lessons were about to end for the day.

“Coronation ceremony?” I asked, another unknown thing being thrown onto my plate.

“It’s where you’ll be publicly known by the realm you’re the champion,” Uriel explained.

“It has been a while since the last coronation, I hope you’re not getting cold feet, little girl,” Uriel snickered with a condescending look on her face.

I had gotten used to her taunts, it was a way to motivate me into studies. I picked up on it after the first month, but she was still relentless in her teachings.

According to Gabriel, the last coronation was over fifteen years ago; the last Armiger of this realm perished in the war at the border of Arias. The bearer was said to be a woman, however, she was not from this land. The holy brand that was entrusted to them vanished. The Testament Angels declared that Armiger died. So they had been searching for a new bearer, which happened to be me. I gazed at the silver blade leaning against the book shelf, it made me think if this blade was the same as the one fifteen years ago, and if so, why did it appear in that tower. The rusts and chains made it seemed like it was intentionally placed there, and no one but its bearer could touch the blade. So in the event that an Armiger dies, does the blade vanish on its own or can just anyone wield it. I had presented the question to both Uriel and Gabriel, they both shook their heads in unison. The nature of the brand was unknown to the Testaments. The Gods’ instruments were full of mysteries. I was also enamored by this deceased Armiger, if they were a woman, I could learn a lot from her.

“Instructor, was there any record of the previous Armiger?” I asked Uriel, she shook her head almost immediately.

“Unfortunately not, she was not of this realm, other than the coronation that took place here in Eristella, all records of her can only be found in Arias, where she had perished in battle,” Uriel explained, it seemed like all my question can only be answered if I were to go to Arias.

“But if Lady Hainé became recognized, does that mean we can go on an adventure? Oh I am so ready, let’s go shopping milady, we need new dresses, mittens, socks…”

Lilia was lost in her own world, she grabbed a paper and pen nearby and wrote down things to buy. I laughed nervously at the gesture, then a new question popped into my mind. I then faced towards Uriel, and chose my words carefully.

“If everything goes as you and the archbishops planned, will I be able to leave this place,” I asked nervously, Uriel looked perplexed then immediately understood my question. Hearing my sudden request, Lilia stopped her pen to observe me and Uriel.

“And if I say yes, what are you planning,” Uriel asked coldly, her eyes were fierce as ice.

“I-I just want to go back to Albus, and see Marty again,” I stuttered, tapping my fingers together while not making direct eye contact.

The tanned woman thought to herself for a second, before letting out a sigh.

“Only if the ceremony goes smoothly, I’ll see that your request be granted,” Uriel declared.

I found myself lighted up at the sudden acceptance, I grabbed Lilia's hand and jumped up in joy. Lilia was confused for a second before mimicking my movement.

“I said if, so don’t get your hopes up, little girls,” Uriel shot us a look, directing the statement at both Lilia and I. She looked scary the way she glared then packed her books before leaving the library.

I had resided in the Basilicom for four months, during that time, I’ve yet to step out of this sanctuary. The last time I walked through the bustling town was when I first arrived. Since then, the outside world was locked out. I was a little bird in a cage. At the very least, having Lilia was somehow a godsend. Though she was my attendant, I treated more like a fellow playmate than a servant. Having someone at my age sure made staying at the Basilicom less painful and in more ways, took my mind off from solitude. Then suddenly an idea popped in my mind.

Going into the evenings, I suggested to Lilia we would sleep together.

“But I have my own room, milady, I’ll wake you up when morning comes,” Lilia said plainly.

“Yes, but think of it as a sleepover! We would have so much fun,” I said nervously.

“I don’t know, I’m sure Cecelia will be angry if I neglect my nightly duties,” Lilia complained, clearly conflicted between my request and her assigned duty.

“A fine suggestion, I don’t see why not,” a voice resounded from the hall, a woman in nun garbs appeared from the shadows, it was Cecelia.

“Cecelia! What are you doing here so late, done with clergy duties?” Lilia ran over, hopping up and down. It was quite a cute sight.

“Very much so, I just came by to check how things have been with Lady Hainé, great to see that you both get along well after spending time together,” Cecelia laughed, it had been a while since I last saw her.

“Did you know about the coronation ceremony, Sister Cecelia,” I asked, walking to Lilia's side.

“Just today, Archbishop Arthur informed me of the date it will take place, but you’ll learn of it in due time,” Cecelia put her index finger to her lips playfully.

“As for you, Missy, make sure not to cause trouble for Lady Hainé, I’ll come for you in the morning if I caught you sleeping past breakfast,” the nun teased.

“Okaaayyy…” Lilia let out a long winded sigh before turning.

“Let’s stay up milady, we can play all night, and we can just sleep in,” the little girl whispered.

“I heard that, Lilia,” the nun crossed her arm, glaring at Lilia.

The banter went on for some time, then Cecelia dimmed the magic lantern bowing her way out, leaving Lilia and I to chat among ourselves. We were in my bed, our eyes locked toward the ceiling.

“So I never got to ask, what is Cecelia to you, your names are very similar, is that a coincidence,” I asked. They somehow must be related, Lilia pondered to herself for a while before turning to face me.

“You could say she’s my sister, or mayhaps a mother in some ways,” Lilia explained.

“As Cecelia told me, I was found on the church doorstep when I was just a babe, in the middle of winter just like now,” Lilia explained, reliving her younger years.

The chestnut-haired girl recalled her life, Lilia was an orphan, and just one day ended up on the steps of the church here in Aether Citadel. It was not uncommon for such a thing to happen in this realm. Parents who cannot afford to raise a child would often leave them to the church. Else they would be left to fend for themselves, and in the worst possible case, death by starvation or drowning. Lilia was one of the lucky ones, she was found by the clergyman that winter morning. She was then entrusted to Lilia who fed and raised her in the church alongside other clergy and disciples.

“Do you ever feel sad, not knowing who your parents are,” I asked softly.

“I do wonder sometimes, but I have Cecelia who has been by my side along with all other priests in the church, I think I’m quite happy where I am,” Lilia smiled, her beaming face was like the sun in the dimmed room.

“But now I have a dream, if you officially become an Armiger, we can travel the realm together, and go on many adventures, I think that would be so much fun,” Lilia exclaimed. She held onto my hand, her tiny hand radiating a warmth that was familiar, it reminded me of when my father held my hand the last time I saw him. I do share the sentiment, but my goal for now is wanting to see Marty again. I can introduce Lilia to her, and we can play together with Charles.

We chat on many topics in the evening, our life growing up, our favorite sweets, our favorite animal, many things one can think of. Eventually, drowsiness set in, light vanished from Lilia's eyes as she fell into her slumber. I got up without making a noise, I opened the dresser and put on a winter coat. I draped a blanket over Lilia so she wouldn't catch a cold. I gaze at her cute sleeping face, she wears an expression without a care in the world. All my trepidation seemed so small compared to Lilia who grew up without a proper parent. I fixed the bangs of her hair before exiting the room quietly. Suddenly my eye found itself lodged to the corner of the room on my way to the door. A silver ornate sword, glittering in the moonlight. Something deep down within me tells me that I should hold onto it. I wrapped the sword in white cloth so no one could recognize it, and strapped it onto my back. Keeping an eye out for the clergy patrolling at night. I set out for the night life of Aether Citadel.