The Third Moon In The Sky ~ Chapter 9

What exactly defines a prodigy? Some might argue that test scores and academic achievements are the hallmarks of a prodigy, while others might point to their exceptional proficiency in a particular activity, sport, or instrument. Regardless of the criteria, a prodigy stands out above their peers, occupying the pinnacle of talent, alone.

Now, here’s another interesting question for you: what happens when there are two prodigies present in the same room together?

A magnificent carriage, adorned with jewels that exuded an extravagant display of opulence, accompanied by a small yet formidable contingent of high-ranking guards. Its imposing crest instilled both fear and obedience in any subject it encountered. The indigo gates of the Astra Manor, which remained firmly closed even in the most dire situations, were unlocked and wide open, eagerly awaiting the arrival of its esteemed guest.

As the entourage outside gradually made their way towards the mansion’s foyer, a young black-haired boy approached the entrance.

The stern-faced guards encircled the carriage before the knight on the side opened the carriage door. A silver-haired beauty emerged, her eyes cold and expressionless, like the icy snow on a winter’s night. Her flawless skin, so white it almost glistened, was accompanied by an impassive demeanor that showed no hint of emotion. Her elegant composure exuded an aura of untouchability, like a white rose blooming atop a stormy mountain. Simultaneously, her delicate and fragile features made her appear like a fleeting fairy, dancing on the edge of collapse. It was a strikingly contradictory display.

“It is my utmost honor to welcome you to our humble estate, Your Highness. Have you fared well during your journey?”

Roel, with a slight bow of his head, crossed one hand over his chest and the other behind his back, a gesture of respect. His respectful actions seemed to unnerve the silver-haired girl, causing her eyes to narrow in suspicion. Their gaze held for only a fleeting moment before she responded coldly,

“It was not an issue. We arrived earlier than anticipated.”

Roel was unfazed by her distant attitude. He had anticipated this troublesome princess from the moment he deciphered the significance of the red letter.

Vivian Lunaria, huh? How intriguing…

The two youths walked into the mansion side by side, neither of their visuals losing to the other. Vivian might have been a princess, but Roel wasn't much lower than her in rank outside of formalities. Roel stood up straight, thinking the security of his position was enough to prevent any issues. He couldn't have been more wrong.....

Roel suddenly felt a chill run down his spine before he instinctively raised his sword. A cold flash, the sound of metal scraping against metal, and a pair of wintery eyes acessing his reactions. Roel's eyes narrowed as he held firm, but even he realized this duel wasn't one he could win, millimetre by millimetre his sword was getting pushed back. The glinting silvery mana floating around Vivian was so condenced it made his body shudder, the sheer oppression he felt made him realise he had been underestimating the transcendents of this world.

This shouldn't be possible....Origin Rank 5 already?

Vivian Lunaria, first princess of the great Luna Kingdom, pride of the Lunaria family. There was hardly anybody in the modern times that hadn't heard of her prowess. The Lunaria family held authority over the Eclipse Bloodline, a symbol of their divinity as the ruling family over the kingdom that revered the moon, and right now, Vivian was showing it off on full display....

"Uhm, pardon me Your Highness. Have I done something to earn your displeasure?"

Roel said nervously, his hands shaking from the sheer effort of keeping his sword straight. His guards rushed forward to stop the altercation but he raised his hand up and told them to halt. For some reason, his intuition was telling him he needed to handle this himself. 

Vivian didn't respond, opting to put even more pressure onto her sword instead. It was at this point that Roel truly started panicking. He didn't want to reveal his true abilities as he had no idea how Vivian would perceive them. If she thought he was a dangerous variable in the circle of nobility, she could very well meddle in his plans and be on high alert in case of anything suspicious happening. Instead, he'd prefer to play the role of an utterly average noble who was just competent enough to get by, or atleast that was the ideal situation, too bad the ball wasn't in his court right now!

The glimmering silver sword was slowly inching towards his neck, and the pressure Vivian was putting into it wasn't lessening. Honestly he had never thought that she would seriously hurt him, he was the son of one of the great houses after all, but who knew what this batshit crazy princess was thinking!

What the hell is she doing?? It hasn't even been 5 minutes since we met why are you already trying to kill me! I haven't laid a single finger on you so what is going on?!

Just as Roel was considering using <Reality Resonance> as a last resort, the blade infront of him receeded and the pressure on him faded away. 

"Excuse my actions, I wanted to see something. " She said casually. 

Vivian sheathed her sword and continued walking forward, almost as if nothing had happened. The surrounding guards all had incredulous looks on their faces. Only the knight commanders & veteran guards maintained thier stoic expressions. Roel stared at Vivians back with a piercing glare. He had just been blatantly reminded of their difference in strength. 

Since he came to this world, things for the most part had been going his way. His abilities allowed him to take control of the Astra House fairly efficiently and his subordinates were all capable and productive individuals. In all honestly, it was smooth sailing. But today, his illusion of control had been utterly shattered. Manipulation and hypnosis might help with menial things like physical relationships, but you can't manipulate pure strength. As if reflecting his inner thoughts, the gleaming red sword he was holding cracked. One, two, three, four, all over the blade little spiderwebs erupted before the sword shattered like brittle glass in his hands. 

Reflected in the broken pieces of a once prided sword was Roel's distorated visage. His thoughts running back to that elusive letter. 

"The Third Moon is hanging above the Astra Manor...haha I guess he was right about something." 

Roel chuckled, painting a business like smile over his indignant expression. He brushed the shards off and walked off down the same corridor as a certain illusive princess. I'll figure something out.....