A Degenerate's Tale

On a grassy plot, a magic tower stood tall in the Mage District. It had a thick base that narrowed as it reached the top. Many rooms and segments could be seen protruding from the base of the tower. This "tower" could also be considered a castle because of this trait.

It was built out of pristine grey bricks with black trimming. There were french windows on every floor and tastefully designed edges throughout the tower. A large orange tree wrapped around the base like a coiling snake.

And finally, the entire plot was covered in a glowing barrier made of runes.

"This is where you live?" The Princess peeked her head out the carriage window.

"Yes." Earl nodded.

She pulled her head back in the carriage and waved her hand animatedly. "It gives off a very Mage-like vibe! But what are these runes for?"

"..."

"Earl?"

Earl shook his head and told her softly. "I will tell you at the end of the day, Princess."

"You better not be keeping any secrets from me!"

"Of course not, Princess." He smiled wryly in return. "Let's go to the next destination."

He tapped on the carriage wall to signal the driver to continue. With a creak, the carriage moved to their destination.

Not long after, they arrived at their stop.

Earl opened the door for himself and held it open for the Princess.

Thud!

The little Princess landed softly on her feet while holding her skirt. Her blue eyes darted around and landed on the museum.

It had a sign that read: Ablax Magic Museum and Library.

It was a huge building built entirely of marble that was reminiscent of Ancient Roman architecture. Tall, chiselled pillars held up the building like fingers of titans holding up the sky.

"I've never seen this place from the Palace!" She exclaimed.

Earl walked in front of her and brought his hand up to introduce it. "This is one of our city's landmarks. I enjoy the atmosphere of it."

"Sounding like an old man again..." She pouted.

"Ahem. Anyways, let's go in."

Several dozen marble steps needed to be climbed before entering the building. Earl walked up a few steps and held his hand out for Princess Sharon.

She took his hand without a second thought and together, they climbed up the stairs.

The end result was...

"Huff. Huff. Who thought it was a good idea to build so many stairs for this building!?" The girl stomped on the ground angrily while panting heavily. Her silver hair stuck to her face and neck from all the sweat that was produced during the climb.

"Haha," Earl laughed and conjured a spell for both of them. Compared to the little Princess, he was much better off.

Whoosh!

A sudden breeze came and erased all their sweat.

"Are you feeling better?"

In response, the Princess blushed. She replied in a small voice, "I'm being taken care of again..."

"No worries, it's what I'm here for." Earl held her hand and guided her into the museum.

The museum was divided into 2 parts. The first was the actual museum with exhibits of various instruments that had relevance within Ablax. The second was the library where incredible amounts of history and knowledge were recorded.

It was a rite of passage for many Mages to stop by the Ablax capital to absorb and learn the knowledge that was stored here. It was sacred ground.

The quietness of the place drew the Princess closer to Earl, tickling the base of his neck with her breath. There were dozens of scholars scattered around in this huge place, yet it was incredibly quiet.

The silence was deafening.

Earl drew the Princess to the first exhibit.

The Awakening Stone.

An object which brought the Resplendent Light Era together. One that the Church used to manipulate the masses.

Earl looked at the girl from the corner of his eyes. At this moment, all her childish innocence was nowhere to be seen. She was attentively reading all the text that was written under it.

While she may act disinterested at times during Merlin's lectures, her interest in Magic was genuine.

He let out a smirk in his heart as his respect for the Princess grew.

The next few hours, Sharon moved from one exhibit to the next without the need for Earl's guidance.

It was like she was in a world of her own. Reading all the texts on each exhibit and happily hopping to the next. They were at the rooftop of the museum when Princess Sharon finished reading all the texts.

The sky was painted orange and the sun was close to falling. They had spent an entire day together.

A flock of birds moved out of the way for the Princess as she ran over to the ledge of the roof.

"Ah!" She let out a refreshed sound as she stretched while looking over the city from the roof.

Earl followed her to the ledge. Truly, the orange-tinted city was a wonderful sight to see at this time.

"Princess." He called her.

Tilting her head, she let out a sound. "Hmm?"

"I will be leaving soon."

"I know, the sun is setting!"

"No, Princess. I'll be leaving for a long time. The runes around my house is a teleportation spell for the Elven Kingdom."

"W-what?" She stumbled back. "Why? For how long?"

"I don't know, but it will be years. Today is our last day together."

All their memories together came flashing through her mind. Learning Magic together. Spending time in the Royal Garden. Sharing crepes. Walking through the Ablax Magic Museum together. Ever since she met this boy who was one year younger than her, it has been more fun. More exciting. And to not see him for years...

"..."

"..."

"Earl!" Sharon suddenly hugged Earl.

"..."

"Earl!" She repeatedly. "I won't forget you. So don't forget about me!"

​ She took a step back. The final rays of sunshine shone down onto her beautiful silver hair, giving it a divine radiance. Staring deep into his eyes, she did not wipe her tears away.

"We'll meet again!" She wiped her tears. "You better not forget alright!? Because..." Her voice trembled and tears flowed down her face again. "Because I'm your Princess..."

This time, it was Earl's turn to hug her. Within his grasp, she felt so vulnerable. He did not know what to say. He did not know what to say because her sincerity had touched him.

"It's 'not we'll meet again', Princess." He felt her body freeze. "It's, 'see you later'," And then her body relaxed.

"...I'll see you later!" She replied in her most cheerful tone.

VOLUME 1 END