It's a relief that Nestian and Iker have almost cut off interactions with other houses and have not shown any significant activity. If Nestian had caused trouble during this time, even Asterian would have struggled to cope.
"For your information, we are pursuing 'Jae,' but it seems difficult to locate him. We haven't confirmed why he's targeting Tiel, and he disappears so cunningly that tracking him is challenging."
Alpheus nodded as he listened to Karsus.
"I know. But we must capture him no matter what. I suspect that this issue might be related to him."
Long ago, there was someone who summoned Orpheo to this land.
This caused the balance between light and darkness to break, disrupting the day and night, putting not only Crassion but the entire continent at risk.
Fortunately, the balance of day and night was restored, and the continent regained peace...
But that incident still lingered in the hearts of those living on this continent. Since then, there have been no shortage of madmen who have tried to summon Orpheo to bring darkness to this continent.
Of course, the Emperors of Crassion strictly governed and punished them, but such people exist in every era.
And fortunately, no one has succeeded so far, but maybe this time someone did...
"I will do my best."
Karsus responded succinctly.
Alpheus did not add more and concluded the conversation with a nod.
***
[Ian,
Today, Ferdie and Ludian returned to the academy. They said they won't be able to leave the academy until they graduate. They promised to send me gifts every day before leaving. But I wonder where they will buy the gifts. Is there a store inside the academy that sells gifts?]
[Tiel,
There isn't a store inside the academy that sells gifts. It's good that those two are gone. They keep trying to kick me out every time I go to Asterian.
But now that I think about it, you might be bored without them... I'll visit Asterian soon.]
[Ian,
But... You visited Asterian just four days ago, didn't you? Of course, I'm happy if you come. The chef in Asterian has developed a new cookie recipe, and it's really delicious.
Also, I forgot to ask something last time. I heard that Nestian no longer comes out of their territory, do you know anything more about that? Dad and grandfather don't tell me much about Nestian because they think I'll worry.]
[Tiel,
I'll have to see if the chef is better than the ones in the palace... And you didn't need to mention that I visited four days ago.
We are fiancés, after all; it's stranger if we're apart too long.
As for Nestian, I haven't heard more. At least I haven't. And don't feel too hurt that those two don't tell you; the duke and marquess have their reasons for not telling you.]
[Ian,
I'm not upset! I know very well that they have their reasons for not telling me.
But I can't help but worry. You understand, right? Lately, my worries seem to be growing as big as your 'pink cushion'...]
[Pink Cushion,
Why are you bringing up my pink cushion? I wasn't supposed to show that to you.
But I understand your worries. So, my... 'pink cushion' might as well be my heart worrying about you. If you had your own subspace, you'd probably have a cushion made of worries about Nestian and another made of worries about Asterian.
I haven't learned anything new, just that the people of Crassion are starting to notice the changes in the length of day and night... The emperor is trying to stop it, but I don't know how long he can keep it up. But don't worry, even if it becomes known, it won't harm you. I'll make sure of that.
So don't worry too much, I hope you won't regret that I've told you this...]
[My Big Cushion,
There would be three! One cushion made of various worries, one worrying about Asterian, and one big cushion worrying about you, Ian.
Has your ability been stable lately? I saw a mark on my body shine recently and wondered. If you need my help, call me to the palace... No, you'll probably come to the Asterian estate before that.
And you won't regret telling me! So don't worry.]
[Tiel,
"You're lying, you are worried.
I can tell whether you are lying or not."]
[To His Highness the Crown Prince,
"Actually... yes.
I am a bit worried.
But it's just a little bit."]
[Tiel,
"Even a little worry is worry, if you need my help, call me anytime. I will come to you. I will come to your side and comfort you, so call me.
And about your messenger bird, what was its name again? Anyway, that bird flew into the palace and broke my window. I didn't know the bird I gifted you was this wild and reckless. Has it bitten you? If it bites you, I'll take it back, retrain it, and return it to you."]
[Ian,
"His name is Luci, which means 'light.' And he's not reckless! He's so well-behaved when he's with me. So, please don't take him away; he doesn't need training. He has never bitten me or rushed at me; he's a good boy.
By the way, the temple contacted me today. The citizens of the empire protested to the temple, asking if there has been any divine oracle from the God Luset. The temple asked me if I had received any oracle, is it normal to call it an oracle even if someone who is not a priest hears the voice of the god?"]
[Tiel,
"Of course not, they are just saying anything because it's urgent.
You don't have to respond or accommodate every word the temple says. Right now, our interests align, but most of what they say is nonsense. They are fools who know nothing but to believe in the god. So don't worry too much. By the way, how are you feeling? I heard you haven't been sleeping well again.
I sent some tea leaves and a medicine to Asterian that are good for sleep before bed."]
[Ian,
"I'm fine, Ris has been looking after me again. A long time ago, about five years ago, Ris removed a 'strange power' that had been injected into my body, but it seems it wasn't completely removed.
Ris says that this time we should be a bit more careful, so we've decided to check again tomorrow.
I received the tea leaves and medicine you sent; I asked Ria to brew a cup earlier, and it was really delicious, thank you!"]
.
[Tiel,
"You're still not sleeping well, in my opinion... it's not because of that power, but because you're taking too much stress about this matter.
Don't worry too much about things like the length of day and night. You don't need to take seriously what the empire's citizens say about 'proving your worth.'
Even though you are a child of the God Luset with the ability of light, you are only twenty years old.
It's really hard to understand what everyone expects from a just twenty-year-old child."]
[Ian!
"I'm fine, really! My brothers, father, and grandfather look after me and worry about me every day.
It's been a long time since the oracle of the God Luset was cut off, but fortunately, my power is still very intact and robust. So perhaps the balance of day and night will return soon? That's what I think! So don't worry too much."]
[Tiel,
"How could I not worry about you? I always worry about you."]
.
[Tiel,
"What do you want for your twenty-second birthday present?"]