NOVEL WEB Chapter 184: Distress Nyss
At another part of the Royal Capital, within the beautiful and subtly imposing Blackwell Estate, Nyss sat quietly in her elegantly decorated room.
Gentle moonlight streamed softly through the intricate lace curtains, bathing the room in tranquil silver hues.
Yet Nyss herself, seated at her desk by the window, seemed disconnected from her serene surroundings. Her normally composed obsidian eyes flickered restlessly, reflecting deep internal turmoil.
She gazed absently toward the star-strewn night sky, yet her thoughts remained fixed on a single troubling event—Orion's sudden collapse at the academy.
Her heart clenched uncomfortably as she recalled Elias's solemn report earlier. The news had deeply shaken her, awakening old fears she'd long tried to suppress.
"Is it happening again…?" Nyss whispered softly, her voice trembling faintly with dread. Her delicate fingers clenched into tight fists atop her lap, knuckles whitening subtly. "Is my curse really affecting those around me again?"
Just then, a gentle knock echoed quietly against her chamber's ornate wooden door, breaking Nyss from her troubled reverie.
Quickly sitting up and smoothing out her soft, silken robes, she called out in her calm, composed voice, despite the lingering anxiety she felt. "Come in."
The door opened softly, and the gentle figure of Ysara Blackwell—the Duchess herself—stepped gracefully into the room. Her dignified bearing and refined elegance contrasted starkly with the deep, maternal warmth that filled her eyes upon seeing Nyss.
Ysara smiled warmly, her gaze gentle yet deeply perceptive as she carefully approached her niece. "Nyss, my dear, are you alright? You've seemed troubled since returning from the academy today."
Nyss hesitated momentarily, struggling briefly with the intense emotions swirling within her. Yet seeing the genuine concern in Ysara's gaze, Nyss felt her resistance slowly crumble, replaced by an instinctive trust and vulnerability.
"I… I'm worried about Orion," Nyss admitted quietly, her voice soft yet carrying a faint tremor of distress. "Today, Elias saw Instructor Viren carrying Orion unconscious from the academy. They say he overexerted himself at the Origin Mana Pool, but… I fear it may be my fault."
Ysara's expression instantly softened further, compassion and understanding filling her gaze as she gently took a seat beside Nyss.
She reached out, tenderly grasping Nyss's hands, her warm touch offering immediate comfort. "Why would you think something like that, my dear?"
Nyss lowered her gaze, her voice barely audible, heavy with quiet pain. "Because… of what happened to my big sister. It was my curse back then, wasn't it? Everyone close to me always ends up suffering. What if Orion is suffering because of me now?"
Ysara's expression immediately turned serious yet deeply affectionate. She shook her head firmly yet gently, her voice filled with unshakable conviction. "No, Nyss. You must never think like that. Your sister's fate was tragic, but it was never your fault—no matter what anyone else might have said."
She gently lifted Nyss's chin, guiding her to meet her reassuring gaze directly. "You are not unlucky or cursed, my dear niece. Orion's circumstances have nothing to do with you or your past. You must believe in yourself and understand that everyone has their own path and destiny."
"Orion is strong and incredibly resilient. Believe in him just as you should believe in yourself. He'll undoubtedly recover swiftly."
Nyss gazed silently into her aunt's sincere eyes, feeling the heavy burden in her heart slowly begin to ease under Ysara's warm reassurance. Gradually, a quiet determination stirred within her—a faint, fragile hope replacing her previous dread.
"Do you… truly think so?" Nyss asked hesitantly, her voice softly vulnerable yet hopeful.
Ysara smiled warmly, gently squeezing Nyss's hands reassuringly. "Absolutely, my dear. We have already talked about Orion and how extraordinary he is. And he's also one of the few who didn't fear talking with you. So as his friend, you must remain strong as well—strong enough to trust in his resilience and your own inner strength."
Nyss exhaled softly, finally allowing herself to believe Ysara's comforting words fully. She nodded gently, determination shining faintly in her obsidian eyes as the earlier anxiety gradually dissipated.
"You're right, aunt," Nyss said softly, a faint yet genuine smile touching her lips for the first time since the troubling news reached her ears. "The Origin Mana Pool wouldn't be enough to hurt him seriously. I should just patiently wait to hear from him."
Ysara's gaze brightened warmly, pride and affection clearly visible as she gently embraced Nyss. "Exactly, my dear. Now rest and clear your heart of worries. Tomorrow will surely bring better news."
Nyss relaxed softly into her comforting embrace, feeling her earlier anxiety steadily fade under Ysara's gentle reassurance.
Eventually, Ysara stood quietly, gently patting Nyss's shoulder as she moved toward the door. "Remember, Nyss—never lose faith in yourself or your friends. Everything will become clear in time."
Nyss smiled self-deprecatingly, "Friends? I only have Orion who even dares to stand with me. The others don't even talk with a straight face."
Ysara helplessly smiled, "Well, give them some time, I'm sure they will start treating you like Orion."
Nyss softly nodded her head as Ysara left the room.
***
In a tranquil room within the Royal Palace, Arya sat serenely cross-legged upon a luxurious cushion. Her delicate figure was illuminated in the gentle glow of moonlight that filtered through elegantly patterned windows, illuminating her graceful features.
Eyes closed, her breathing rhythmic and controlled, she diligently practiced her mana training technique, meticulously cycling mana through her pathways.
Beside her, seated comfortably on a plush armchair, Amelia observed quietly, a soft smile gracing her elegant lips.
Amelia's presence had changed drastically from when she had visited Orion; now it was both regal and warm, a perfect embodiment of the royal poise and motherly affection she showed for Arya. Watching Arya practice diligently, Amelia gently broke the silence.
"You've been training especially hard lately, Arya," Amelia remarked softly, a knowing glint twinkling gently within her eyes. "Could this perhaps have something to do with Orion?"
Arya's cheeks instantly colored slightly, though she kept her eyes closed and mana cycling steady. After a brief pause, she responded with a faint smile, "Brother Orion is too talented, Mother. If I don't train hard enough then how can I keep up with him?"
Amelia chuckled softly, reaching out gently to stroke Arya's silky lavender hair affectionately. "Indeed. Orion is quite the remarkable boy—talented, determined, and with a kind heart. And most importantly, he's the grandson of Uncle Eldric and Aunty Selene. It's a good thing you two became friends."
Arya opened her eyes slowly, determination sparkling brightly in their amethyst depths. "He always makes me feel like I can push myself further. And now that he has gathered the most talented students of our batch, it's even more important that I train harder."
Amelia smiled gently, her voice warm and understanding. "Then continue training hard, Arya. If you need any resources, then just tell us. You are close to reaching the peak of Second Tier."
Arya nodded seriously, her gaze firm and resolute. "I understand, Mother. I promise to do my best."
The two continued softly chatting about Orion, their voices fading gently into the comforting embrace of the night.
***
The next morning arrived peacefully, golden sunlight spilling softly through the delicate curtains of Orion's room.
Orion's eyes slowly opened, blinking gently as he adjusted to the gentle warmth caressing his face. He stretched leisurely, feeling deeply refreshed despite the previous excitement that lingered in his thoughts from the night before.
Rising from the comfortable bed, Orion headed straight for the washroom, allowing the cool water to fully awaken his senses. After finishing his morning preparations, he moved to the familiar corner of his room to begin his daily cultivation routines.
[Master! (╬ Ò ‸ Ó)]
He paused, looking at the floating screen. "Haaa… habits, habits." Shaking his head, he stood up and headed back to the bed.
He sat down comfortably at the edge of his bed, eyes flickering thoughtfully. After a quiet moment of contemplation, Orion's lips curled upward slightly, anticipation flickering within his gaze as he softly called out, "Lumi, I think it's time for us to finally use that second Ascended Gacha Draw."
Almost instantly, Lumi's cheerful floating screen appeared eagerly beside him, bursting with excited emoticons and enthusiastic words.
[Yay, Master! Finally, it's gambling time again! (ﾉ≧∀≦)ﾉ Let's hope we get another amazing reward like yesterday's!]
Orion chuckled softly at Lumi's boundless enthusiasm, nodding in quiet agreement. "Indeed. If our luck holds even half as well as yesterday, this draw could very well be worth it."