I sat in the dim reading room of the Ludwigs-Universität's library, reading an old book using the light from my halo, one of the only situations where the LED over your head is useful. I already send the Apostolic Knights back, only Shining and Margaret remaining by my side, but I told both of them to feel free to read on their own. Viviana was also here, now talking about some novels with Margaret. In the middle of my reading a voice interrupted my concentration.
-"I was about to admonish any fool who would bring such powerful light into a library, but to think I would find Sankta here, the life is always full of surprises."
-"Oh, a teacher?"-I looked up, and my eyes widened slightly in surprise.-"A Lich?"
-"What? Surprised? Want to start some holy war?"-He looked at me, not hiding his contempt for Sankta.
-"No, I'd rather read more. Do you need anything from me?"
My words caused him to look me up and down again.
-"Wait, you are that Son of Sankta? The one who took Sarkaz as his Knight?"
-"That would indeed be me, but does that matter?"
-"No, but I must apologize for looking down on you. Anyone who can see beyond some racial tensions deserves my respect."-He genuinely apologized.-"I'm a teacher here, Fremont."
-"I'm Holy Son of Laterano, but as this is a private space, you may call me Enoch. I doubt Sarkaz wants to call me Son."-I gave him my full name.
-"Sure."-He nodded.-"What brings you here?"
-"What else but knowledge? I'm looking for some records about Originium and Witchcraft, as we lack those in Laterano."
-"Color me surprised. The research of Originium is not my field, but I do know a lot about Witchcraft. What are you interested in?"
-"I'm interested in everything about Witchcraft, but mostly about Cyclops. I wish to understand how Witchcraft works."
-"May I know the reason why?"
-"No, its something I can't say. At most, I can say that it's because of some ancestors of Sankta."
-"Its enough, but I never expected you, of all Sankta, to dig into such taboo past."
I looked at him, knowing that he was able to find my reasons from my vague words. This made me understand that he wasn't just any other Lich, but someone high in their hierarchy.
-"I don't see our past as taboo. What was done was done. I'm not someone who should comment on right or wrong, but I stand here because our ancestors made their choices. I regret that Sarkaz and Sankta stand as enemies, not just different tribes, but so what? My pursuits were never limited by my identity as Sankta or Holy Son."
-"Good words. Just different tribes. I'm glad to meet someone not bogged down in politics, seeking the truth instead. If you're interested in Witchcraft than come to my classroom tomorrow at noon. I'll show you things from my personal collection."
-"Thank you."
-"No need, I'm happy to share knowledge with like-minded people."
I watched him leave. A moment later, Shining came to my side.
-"Do you know him?"-I asked her.
-"Yes. Fremont, current king of Liches. He is respected but strong-tempered and blunt."
-"As expected."
-"Do you need me to prepare information about him?"
-"No need."-I returned to the book in my hand.-"Neither of us is concerned about identity; let's not sour this simple relationship."
Shining nodded and also returned to her reading.
I spend the rest of my free time reading while ignoring occasional groups of students who came for various reasons. When it was time for the evening concert, I gathered everyone and went to the venue. Entering an open balcony overlooking the stage, I began mingling with the present nobles, quickly becoming the center of attention. It was only when the Empress arrived that I was given some room to breathe.
Not long after, the music began. While listening to it, I continued speaking with others present.
-"Son, what do you think of the star on the stage, William Fichte Czerny?"-Asked a noble not worth remembering.
-"He is a talented musician, I dare to say few can reach his level in their lifetimes, but he seems troubled. His music can't fully shine as his heart is in chaos."-I gave my opinion that attracted the attention of some people.
-"Son sounds like he also possesses high attainments in music."-Someone commented.
-"No, I don't dare to call myself a musician."-I shook my head.
-"There is no need to be modest, Son."
-"Sigh, I do know how to play some instruments, but I don't have a soul for music; my attention is somewhere else, as such, I can't say I'm a musician. I just know how to copy my great predecessors."
-"Then may we have the honor of listening to Son's music?"
-"I don't think this is a good time or place to do so."-I directly shoot that down.
-"It's indeed not good to force guests."-The Empress supported me.-"But Son, I'd like to hear your opinion on Leithanien music."
-"I can only say that that depends. If we are talking about pure art, then I indeed enjoy it. But when we speak about proud musical Arts, I find them somewhat impractical."
-"Oh? Where does the Son see the impracticality of our Arts?"-A noble who stood by Viviana's side asked me.
-"There are two points. First originates from the same source as this conversation. The musical influence causes the caster's emotions to be instrumental in the performance of the Art. This is a two-edged sword for obvious reasons. Next is the ease of interruption. Because it requires the caster's continuous attention, if one were to disrupt him, the Art will fail. Are my words wrong, sir?"
-"No, Son perfectly grasped the weaknesses of those Arts."-He shook his head.-"I apologize for overstepping."
-"No, it's not wrong to be proud of one's legacy; there is no need for apologies. Arts are inherently tools; weaknesses for one person might turn into strengths in the hands of another. It's just my perspective."
-"Thank you, Son, for your words. Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Brandt Reiner, a member of Gesatzswächter."
-"I've heard of Gesatzswächter great name. Even my loyal Apostolic Knights respect you from the depths of their hearts."
-"It's our honor to be held in such great esteem by famed Apostolic Knights. I'd like to meet them if there is an occasion."
-"Sure, this is possible. I hope Sir Brandt can correct their musical taste."
-"Allow me to step over this mine."
The concert continued while I talked with Brandt about Arts and some other military matters. Our conversation made it hard for others to join, as few nobles understood this subject. I used this fully to my advantage, taking my sweet time. Brandt was also quite happy to avoid others trying to curry favor.
At some point, I felt the atmosphere shift. Looking at the scene, I saw that the main musician had changed into a person in a long robe covering their whole body. They held a modern-looking cello, playing a quiet melody. At first, I didn't think much, but I couldn't shake off a strange feeling.
The time passed, the songs changed, and I almost forgot the previous strangeness. But then an intense feeling of nausea hit me. I was able to catch myself due to standing next to the wall, but the world continued to spin. Brandt seemed to notice that something was wrong, and Shining and Margaret appeared by my side. I saw them move their mouths, but I couldn't hear anything.
I could feel shadows approaching, as the whole sky outside became clouded. The walls closed in as I felt a presence suddenly tower over me. It looked down at me, a kind of voice cultivated only by having power over life and death over an entire nation sounded in my mind.
-"Seek the Voice of Terra."
With that, everything returned to normal.
-"Eno."-I felt Margaret's hand shaking my arm.
-"I'm ok now."-I looked around, only to find no one but our small group noticed the abnormality.-"Do you know who the person was that performed just now?"
-"No, they seem to be a special guest of some high-ranking noble."-Viviana told me.
-"Was there something wrong with them?"
-"That melody was an Art; it was too weak for an average person to be subject to it, but I was influenced."
-"How can this be possible?"-Brandt was surprised by my words.
-"Emotions. That music carried emotions in it. They were so faint that even seasoned musicians might be unable to perceive them, but I can easily feel them. That way I got influenced."
-"Will there be any danger?"-Shining asked me.
-"No, there shouldn't be. Whoever did that wanted to convey something to me without others noticing. While it can be a conspiracy, revealing themselves just to say one sentence would be too foolish."
-"Then what is your plan now, Son?"-Brandt asked, concerned that something like that could happen brazenly in front of the Empress.
-"Nothing, I'll continue as if nothing happened and investigate before acting on whatever to heed the message or ignore it. If you want, you can inform Empress of that matter, but ask her not to act until I can confirm some things."
-"I'll do just that then."-He bowed and excused himself.
After he walked out of earshot, I looked at Shining.
-"Contact Lemuen and ask her to investigate something called the Voice of Terra and that performer who just played. I want to know everything there is in public about them."
Shining nodded and walked away.
-"I apologize, Son. Such a thing shouldn't have happened."-Viviana bowed to me.
-"I wasn't your fault. Without knowing some things about me, such a situation was impossible to predict or organize, so I won't blame anyone. The person who did that knows me beyond what is possible for a random person to know, meaning they must know me personally."
-"An old friend?"-Margaret suggested.
-"I doubt that, but it's hard to say anything now. Let's not waste time now on this subject, as we don't know enough to deduce anything useful."
After that, the evening continued without any accidents. Empress didn't mention anything about the incident, giving me silent approval to investigate on my own before deciding how to proceed. When the concert ended, I left the gathering with my entourage and Viviana, who would be staying in my mansion to better assist us.
Back in the mansion, I explained what happened in detail to Uncle, Lemuen, and Cellinia, and they advised me to strengthen my vigilance before more information appeared. Uncle left to strengthen the defenses of the mansion, while Lemuen and Cellinia remained to discuss what they found out.
-"I quickly investigated the performer, but I was unable to find their identity, only that they are backed by one of the Kurfürst. I should be able to find out more given more time."
-"Then continue with the investigation. I want to know why a Kurfürst would organize such a situation just to convey a message to me. What about your side, Cellinia?"-I spoke with slight impatience.
-"There is intense conflict happening beneath the surface. The nobles are not satisfied with the Twin Empresses, but the populous supports them unconditionally. This results in dissatisfaction for the aristocracy growing in many places, creating openings for gangs and foreign instigators to act."
-"So we have to watch out as not to step into some political bog."
-"No, we are already targets. If something were to happen to us as Empress guests, Laterano would pressure Leithanien, which can be used to take the Empresses down."
-"Foolish. If Laterano were to act, the Leithanien would find itself at war."
-"Politicians are gamblers with borrowed chips; they won't suffer even if the bet was off."
-"What is your plan?"-I asked her.
-"That depends. We can muddy the waters to cover our actions for the duration of the stay, or strike directly at the forces plotting in the shadows. I suggest the second approach if we wish for Leithanien to be long time ally."
-"What will that take?"
-"How big monkey you wish to use as a scare?"
-"Big enough."
-"Then we need to cast a sizable net. There is a quite active group backed by a few nobles, doing some shady dealings with mobs. From what I gathered, they are doing some secret, and highly illegal, research. Give me some time to pull all the threads apart, and we can start climbing up from there."
-"Good, I'll leave it entirely in your hands. You can use my name and Lateran contacts freely. Just be careful not to give them leverage."
-"Don't worry, dealing with mobs is my field of expertise. Eno, are you all right?"
-"What's the matter? I'm ok."
-"It's just, you seem not as calm as usual."
-"Am I?"-I was surprised by that she was right.-"Don't worry, I'll be all right after resting."
-"Please, take care of yourself."-Cellinia nodded, but she still looked worried.
With that, we ended our meeting and prepared to rest for the night. But before doing that, I sat on a quiet balcony, looking up at the twin moons hanging in the sky. I once again attempted to create a star map, recording the positions of the celestial bodies, but I failed like before.
Sighing at the unreasonableness of a planet being covered by a barrier-like cover that refracts starlight, making it erratic and impossible to properly record, I watched the constantly changing night sky. In such an atmosphere, I was finally able to calm down, noticing that since the incident, I was not in control of my emotions.
Last time I was in similar state was when I faced Caster's illusions, but now, there was no direct trigger for my emotions, such as familiar people, they were brought up directly by that performer. This was a dangerous thing, as while my powers weren't affected by them, I was still mortal; no matter how logical I tried to be, my actions were still often dictated by my feelings.
But this was an area where I lacked the knowledge to do anything. If I were able to find a solution for my current problem, my Empathy wouldn't be such an issue in my normal life. To be honest, there was one idea that could resolve my trouble, but it would also slowly strip my humanity, so I would rather avoid relying on it too much.
But I couldn't let my state be disturbed, so I closed my eyes to feel the chill moonlight clearing my thoughts and heart. The divine power in my body is acting as a sedative, numbing my emotions and senses. When I reopened them, they were covered with a white glow of moonlight before slowly returning to normal. A few breaths later, I covered my window and decided to finally rest.