The Crimson Magister Chapter 46: V2-C27: Theorizing

Read chapter 46 of The Crimson Magister by Okram on NovelPedia.

V2-C27: Theorizing The Queen took a gulp of her wine before she inhaled. She turned her chair and leaned back. “I have a theory that Lira wishes to get rid of me so she could marry my husband and have more authority.” Aqua raised her brow. “Of course, she can’t allow anyone to know that she plans to do that. I noticed her trying to cozy up to him recently.” With a swirl, she stared at Aqua, who gripped the cup with both hands and slowly sipped the wine. “Do you like the wine, dear? It is some of the finest vintages.” Aqua took an awkward sniff and then brought it to her lips. “It’s delicious.” Aqua smiled as she took another sip. Soleah smiled wryly, “Good, I got this bottle just to share with you.” Aqua’s cheeks turned red, and her ears twitched. “I… Thanks…” “Heh~ Don’t thank me. You saved my life tonight.” “But, Soleah… you speak as if you are sure your husband wouldn’t fall for her charms even if you survive.” She leaned on her palm, “Why wouldn’t I be? That man is more loyal than a hound. I am certain he would rather kill himself than cheat on me, even if someone charmed him.” Aqua let out a giggle. The queen had trusted her lover more than she could believe was possible. “I am not worried about him being seduced, however, I do worry about Lira’s more desperate actions. She was calm and more subtle in her dealings before.” Her brows furrowed as she spoke about Lira. She was clearly worried about her, yet she knew precious little. Aqua sighed as she thought about her experiences in Red Dawn and what she had witnessed within Lira. “Soleah, I have a theory.” Aqua finished her drink, and with a tap, the cup appeared on the table. The Queen tilted her head slightly, “Oh? Do tell me.” “I haven’t told you the whole truth about what I witnessed in Red Dawn.” Soleah frowned as her hand tightened around the cup. “Oh?” “More of… I haven’t told you the full extent of what they planned to do to Sheira.” She shook her head. “Tell me, I am getting worried.” Aqua blinked slowly as she exhaled, “The way they enslave elves and other non-humans is different than what you might think.” Soleah grabbed the bottle and poured more for both of them. Aqua grabbed the cup and bowed slightly. “Please tell me.” “They use fragments of time to put elves into a time loop of mind control until the mind breaks…” She looked down at the wine as she swirled it. “Time? That should not be possible… Nobody can play with it.” She shook her head, “And yet they did it. They brazenly use those fragments to break the minds.” Soleah’s eyes widened and her jaw dropped. “Did…they do that to Sheira?” “You are correct, that’s what happened to Sheira. However, I came just in time to save her.” Soleah smiled, “Even more reason to appreciate you. Please continue.” “All of the slaves carried the fragment; yet the majority cannot be saved… If I were even an hour late, Sheira would have been forever lost.” “That means… that Red Dawn is an enemy that we cannot afford to negotiate with…” Aqua merely nodded. “Could you tell me… how did you save my darling Shei?” “I turned her into a goddess.” Clank Soleah’s cup fell on the floor. “What?!” “It was unfortunate, but that was the only way to save her life.” Soleah sighed, “I won’t question you, despite this making me incredibly curious. I trust you. But would you be willing to tell me more down the road? Maybe even tomorrow when you teach Sheira? Of course, it is merely an ask, do not feel forced to do so.” With a nod, Aqua leaned back,” Sure. So in my eyes, all those slaves had a dark haze around them.” The Queen raised her eyebrow. “Lira has that haze, too. I suspect she works with Red Dawn, but I am unsure what her goal is…” Soleah sighed loudly, “That… makes sense. If Red Dawn is so hostile, then Lira is even more dangerous than I thought.” “Incredibly so, I advise against underestimating anything concerning Red Dawn.” “If someone like you is cautious… I understand, I will warn my husband too… I don’t want him to send my darlings