Chapter 33
Chapter 33: I Know Your Secret
Night fell, and bright moonlight streamed through the window lattice, casting mottled shadows on the floor. Xien’s room was shrouded in tranquil blue light.
He sat before the expensive magical communication device, his fingers gently stroking the gem-studded metal frame. The gilded border gleamed softly in the lamplight, while embedded sapphires flickered with magical flow.
This priceless communication instrument was specially prepared by Cynthia for him, allowing him to stay in contact with his sister far away at Messiah Academy of Magic.
Unlike cell phones from the other world, Hermes’s video communication devices were expensive and typically exclusive to nobles. Being large, they couldn’t be carried around—portable small communication devices could only transmit voice.
With a wave of magical energy, the crystal screen gradually displayed Lufia’s image. Xien’s lips unconsciously curved upward; his sister looked much better than their last meeting.
She wore Messiah Academy’s standard deep blue and white uniform, her cascading black hair gleaming with a bluish luster in the light like a flowing galaxy in the night sky, making her delicate face even more refined.
“Big brother!”
Lufia’s voice was clear and melodious, transmitted through magical resonance with a slight echo, her joy palpable even through the screen.
“How have you been lately?”
Xien’s voice was incredibly gentle, completely different from the restraint he showed around Cynthia.
“Very well! Look, does my new uniform fit properly?”
She stood and spun in a circle, the academy uniform highlighting her snow-white skin, a silver badge symbolizing honor students pinned to her left chest.
“It suits you perfectly. The academy food seems quite good—your face has filled out some. You were too thin before; you need to eat more.”
Xien’s gaze rested gently on his sister, noting the healthy flush in Lufia’s cheeks as his worries eased slightly.
“I know~”
Lufia smiled sweetly.
“How have these past few days been?”
“Very fulfilling. Life in Messiah is completely different from the outer towns!”
Lufia began excitedly describing life at the academy.
Though not of noble blood, as Cynthia’s personally recommended student, she enjoyed many privileges—a private dormitory, the best tutors, even special treatment from noble students. Lower-tier nobles even flattered her in their speech.
“That Earl’s daughter named Alice even approached me yesterday to discuss magical theory.”
Lufia’s eyes sparkled.
“You know, she used to never even look at commoner students.”
Xien nodded with relief, knowing better than anyone how high Lufia’s magical talent was.
Eventually, the conversation inevitably turned to Lufia’s condition. Xien keenly noticed a flash of hesitation in his sister’s eyes.
“Tell me the truth.”
His voice suddenly grew serious.
“The high-level healers said… they can’t find the cause.”
Lufia bit her lower lip and finally sighed.
Xien’s heart instantly sank.
Though he’d expected this, hearing it directly still made his chest feel tight.
“But don’t worry, big brother.”
Lufia quickly waved her hands.
“They’ve given me special potions and crystals. My condition is very stable now—there haven’t been any episodes.”
“That’s good.”
Xien forced a smile.
This news was both good and bad for him. At least Lufia didn’t need to worry about more episodes for now, and he would definitely find the true cause.
At this moment, Xien inevitably thought of his mental healing ability—perhaps it could help Lufia… but he immediately dismissed the idea. Remembering Cynthia’s loss of control in front of him, he absolutely couldn’t let his sister experience such embarrassment.
It seemed he could only figure out this ability’s mechanism soon and wait until he could control it flexibly.
“I’ve talked so much, so big brother, what about you?”
Seeing Xien’s silence, Lufia suddenly leaned close to the screen, her green eyes seeming to see through people’s hearts.
“How have you been lately?”
Xien instinctively wanted to hide the truth, but Lufia had already frowned, seeing through her brother’s concealed exhaustion.
“Big brother, you’re not planning to hide things from me too, are you?”
Xien was momentarily speechless.
The siblings stared at each other for a moment, then suddenly burst into laughter together.
This understanding warmed Xien’s heart. Having depended on each other for survival, neither could hide lies from the other’s eyes. In this strange world, at least one person could see through his disguise.
“I have… some troubles here.”
Xien carefully chose his words.
“But nothing I can’t handle.”
“Is that saintess treating you badly?”
Lufia’s expression grew worried, knowing Xien must have sacrificed much for their current situation.
“No, Cynthia-sama, she…”
Xien suddenly found himself at a loss, unsure how to describe his complex relationship with the saintess.
“Sorry, I can’t tell you much right now. Let’s talk about something else.”
Under Xien’s guidance, the conversation gradually shifted to lighter topics.
They reminisced about childhood moments at the orphanage, Lufia imitating the strict nuns and making Xien laugh heartily.
For this moment, he seemed to temporarily forget all his troubles.
“Big brother, I will definitely become the most outstanding mage.”
Before parting, Lufia said seriously, her emerald eyes looking at Xien.
“Then I’ll be able to help you.”
“Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Take your time. I’ll visit when I can.”
Xien’s eyes grew slightly warm.
“And no matter what happens, I’ll always be by your side.”
After the communication ended, the room returned to silence.
Xien stretched, about to rest when suddenly—a whistling sound cut through the air.
He instinctively caught a flying object—a note wrapped around a stone. By moonlight, he read its contents.
“I know your secret. If you don’t want me to spread it around, come alone to the church in District Ten.”
The handwriting was wildly elegant, each letter ending with sharp hook-like flourishes, like small bleeding knives.
District Ten… that was Radiant Knights territory, Heralys’s domain.
Xien’s pupils contracted sharply—though he’d never seen it, this had to be that saintess’s handwriting.
What did Heralys know, and to what extent?
He quickly walked to the window, night wind stirring the curtains, carrying distant church bells.
This was obviously a trap, but also an opportunity.
Xien gripped the note tightly, his gaze turning toward the pitch-black night outside.
He took a deep breath and quickly changed into clothes suitable for movement.
Before leaving, he hesitated, then put on the belt full of “accessories.”
Dark as ink, the young man’s figure silently melted into the darkness.