Meanwhile, at Lilies Park.
Elaine was in the Lyceum's office. The light filtered through the window, creating an atmosphere of serene tranquility despite the subject of the discussion.
Across from her, the rector of the park sat behind the wooden desk. His gentle and polished figure stood in contrast to the opulence of the surroundings. Aena, on the other hand, watched the Blendbreed with worried eyes, one of her hands resting on the window curtain that overlooked the two central squares of Lilies Park. Elaine felt the weight of that attention, but she didn't let it intimidate her.
Next to the desk stood another boy. His ash-blonde hair caught the light from outside, while his eyes—blue and dark as nighttime storms—shone with curious intensity. He stood with arms crossed, his posture relaxed but alert. Something seemed to be hidden behind his back, likely the cause of the strange bulge that the girl found hilarious.
He's cute, but he almost looks like a hunchback.
Then it hit her.
A pressurized wave that made her freeze on the spot. It was a familiar sensation that only a few were capable of evoking.
What the hell…
Despite his seemingly detached stance, there was something about his presence that suggested active involvement in the ongoing conversation.
Aena spoke in a calm but authoritative voice, directing her attention to Mardi's daughter. "The reason for this message?"
"It isn't written."
The goddess tilted her head slightly, her gaze growing even more intense. "Who decided that?"
"Shirei, from what I understand," the girl replied without hesitation.
"Clearly. Did they add any information?"
Elaine nodded. "They say the future of Lilies Park and Daffodils Academy depends on this mission," she paused briefly, then added, "As soon as Shirei explains in detail, I've asked to have all the news shared."
The Lyceum, who had remained silent until then, spoke in a thoughtful tone. "We can't do anything else if the stakes are that high."
Aena confirmed, then turned to the rector with determination. "Lyceum, write a letter to the academy's representatives. A Kamaitachi will come to retrieve it and deliver it to Emion's desk."
The man reflected for a moment before responding. "We could also send a support group to help them."
"No," the goddess replied, "there must be a reason Ada didn't mention the need for support. Shirei will have formulated a plan, and we can only help by keeping the situation stable."
Elaine didn't fail to notice how Aena had emphasized the last word, but she shrugged off the concern. It wasn't in her nature to doubt others. That's a prerogative I leave to Ada, she thought with a smile.
"Even though I don't like the idea, we'll have to let it happen. We don't have many who could be sent to help them," the deity concluded.
The Lyceum seemed ready to object, but Elaine interrupted them with a firm tone. "On that note! There's a request I'd like to make to both of you."
"What is it about?"
She took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment, then declared, "I want to walk the path of Emion."
The words filled the room, leaving behind a silence heavy with tension. Aena and the Lyceum exchanged a glance, aware of the importance and implications of the Blendbreed's request.
The boy leaning against the wall nearly burst out laughing. "Why would you? It's much better without it."
"I'm doing it so I can help my friends when they're in need. Even when healing isn't necessary."
The Lyceum furrowed his brow, a deep look of concern spreading across his face. "Why this choice?"
The member of the Equinox Flowers looked him straight in the eyes, trying to show just how clear her resolve was. "I want to be able to do more. It's not enough to heal my companions—I want to protect them, fight alongside them. I want to be useful in every circumstance, not just when someone's injured."
Aena studied the girl and gestured for the rector to step aside for a moment. Then she approached and knelt beside her.
"Elaine Rolland," the goddess clasped Mardi's daughter's hands and gave her a worried smile. "The path of a major deity is not accessible to everyone, only to a chosen few. It requires strength, sacrifice, and dedication. Are you sure you want to walk it?"
The blonde nodded without hesitation.
"Even knowing the risks you'll face?"
"Yes, I'm sure."
"I want you to keep these words in mind: what matters most to me is the well-being of the Blendbreeds who live in the park. At your age, attempting to walk a second path…"
"I've read what can happen," Mardi's daughter nearly bit her tongue, "but I'm not afraid. Blendbreeds must be ready for anything to protect those they care about. The same goes for me."
She closed her eyes as countless battle scenes resurfaced in her mind. More often than not, her involvement had only put her in danger, forcing her companions to risk their lives to protect her. Sometimes they came out unharmed, and all she had done was distract them from the enemies on the horizon. She had watched them—been a spectator for too long. They would throw themselves in front of her to shield her. Havel, most of all, offered his body as a shield to keep her safe.
"I will never again be a burden to my team. If there's something dangerous on the horizon, I want to be there with them."
Aena looked at the blonde through the slits of her white and gold mask. "Very well, let him assist you," she said, gesturing to the boy behind her.
The mysterious Blendbreed tilted his head like an insect drawn to food. "Me?"
"Exactly," confirmed the goddess. "Elaine needs your presence to proceed properly."
"And what exactly am I supposed to do?"
"Go to the First House, where Emion's energy is densest. From there, you can begin to perform the ritual."
The Lyceum took a deep breath, then pushed himself up from his chair. "For the record, I completely disagree with all of this."
He approached the closed cabinet and, after opening it, took hold of an ivory-colored sealed tome. The rector of Lilies Park stepped toward the ash-blonde-haired boy, handing him the book with a solemn gesture.
"This might be useful to you," he said, his voice firm and authoritative.
Aena stood back up, brushing the folds of her robe aside. "Unfortunately, I won't be able to follow you through this process," she announced, her tone serious. "I must go to the Highworld to discuss some issues."
Elaine tilted her head in a gesture of respect. "It doesn't matter, divine Aena," she replied with gratitude. "I thank you deeply for your help."
The goddess of love nodded, keeping a watchful gaze on the young Blendbreeds.
"If anything happens, inform Mr. D'Agostini and halt the attempt immediately."
Her voice was piercing, heavy with divine authority. Not entirely convinced that the warning had taken root in the Blendbreeds' minds, she added in an even sterner tone, "Do not try to force the ritual. Am I clear?"
"Crystal," replied the blonde boy, already at the office door.
The two Blendbreeds left the office, closing the door behind them. The room filled with silence, broken only by the gentle rustling of the outside wind as it passed through the window and rippled the robes of the goddess of love. Just before the door shut completely, Aena noticed the blonde boy casting a lingering glance at Elaine's cleavage.
The Queen of the Celestials shook her head, a simple gesture of disappointment.
Lyceum slumped back into his armchair. "I didn't expect you to allow Elaine to attempt a path change so easily, considering how dangerous the process is."
"That's because I don't intend to let it happen. I will go to Emion and forbid him from granting her the blessing required to walk his path."
"Why did you lie to her?"
"Elaine Rolland is the best Blendbreed in Lilies Park with the ability to heal her companions through Mardi's path—I mean, she's the only true healer available. If she transitions, she would gain the powers of a child of Emion, but not on par with a Forbidden Heir, and it's almost certain she wouldn't be able to retain those of her current path."
The rector scratched his neck. "We'd be depriving the park of one of its pillars…"
"If resources run dry, only she will be able to save the Blendbreeds from severe wounds."
"That's assuming a war is actually coming, as you suggest. If I'm honest, I still don't see how it could happen."
"The boy who attacked the park—he's one of them, and he's the proof I needed."
"We're not ready for a war… what are we going to do?"
"You'll have to start training the Blendbreeds yourself."
"Alright…" the man replied, still shaken by the revelation. "If things spiral out of control, could the divine Mardi help us?"
"He could," Aena confirmed, "but in that case, we must assume the situation is dire enough to warrant it."
"That would mean there have already been too many losses."
"Which is why I cannot allow the transition," the goddess concluded.
She allowed herself a moment of reflection, gazing out at the sky beyond the window. The Blendbreeds played joyfully in the square, and a chorus of cheerful noise reached even there. The awareness that everything would soon change was like a tight knot in the goddess's throat. She wished they could live in peace, happily, until the day old age would finally reach them. Only then would the embrace of Nart, goddess of death, lead them before Cragar.
Emion has always considered this hope of mine a utopia, she thought bitterly, admitting her husband had been right. The Blendbreeds will never be free.
"Keep an eye on them while I'm in Highworld, and notify me at the slightest issue," the goddess finally said.
"Of course," the rector replied with a reassuring smile.
Lyceum turned toward the door to watch her leave the office, but the goddess had already vanished into thin air. In the meantime, he removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes with his right hand. "So a war really is at the gates…"
He would do everything in his power to ensure the necessary support for all the Blendbreeds of Lilies Park. That was the promise he had made to his benefactor over ten years ago—and one he would uphold until his last breath.
May the ichor give me strength.
── ⋆⋅❂⋅⋆ ──
Elaine stepped out of the Grand Manor. With a curious smile, she turned to her companion and said, "Anyway, nice to meet you…"
"Caelio. Caelio Rivoli," he replied, giving a light, theatrical bow.
The girl's eyes lit up with interest. "What a unique name! Are you Italian?"
"Obviously. Like most people around here, apparently."
"Yeah, actually!" Elaine looked at him thoughtfully. "How come I've never seen you around?"
"Ask your 'boss.' She keeps me locked away saying, 'You're not ready yet!' or stuff like that."
He mimed covering his face with both hands, his voice mimicking a dramatic tone.
"Are you some kind of superstar or what?"
"Darling, do you even have doubts?" Caelio replied with a dazzling smile. Then his expression grew more serious. "Honestly, I have no idea. There are many things she prefers not to tell me, and not being able to talk about it with anyone doesn't make it any easier."
Elaine's expression softened. I get it… She paused briefly, then added with a gentle smile, "If you want, I'm free."
"After the ritual. You just volunteered for a date—just the two of us."
The blonde laughed wholeheartedly. She had to admit, his sarcasm didn't bother her in the slightest. A faint blush colored her cheeks as she returned his amused glance.
The two Blendbreeds walked toward the square, their footsteps drowned out by the noise of students heading to their respective lessons, while the midday sun shone high in the clear blue sky. The air was fresh and fragrant despite spring still being months away.
Here is the translated passage following all your directives, including terminology, formatting, and punctuation:
The path to reach the First House didn't take long. Soon, they found themselves before a towering white structure that dominated the entire area. The dwelling of Emion was a majestic building that immediately captured one's attention. Its walls, built from large, perfectly squared blocks of white stone, rose for three stories, culminating in a sloping roof covered with ochre-yellow tiles. At the center of the façade, a large oak door adorned with golden inlays invited them in. On either side, two white marble columns supported a finely carved arch, upon which the words Rex Deorum, king of the gods, were engraved.
The windows, tall and narrow on the ground floor, became wider and more ornate on the upper levels. Stained glass adorned the openings on the second floor, while pointed arch windows on the third floor gave the building an almost gothic appearance. Wrought iron balconies, with elaborate cloudy motifs, jutted out from the second floor, offering a panoramic view of the square below.
Seen from the outside, any other house would pale in comparison, and yet Emion's dwelling had always remained devoid of inhabitants.
As the two admired the magnificence of the building, they noticed a familiar figure walking gracefully along the main path.
"I know her…" said the blond one, not taking his eyes off her.
It was Marina. Her short blond hair swayed gently in the morning breeze. Her gray clothing, the typical color of the children of Ien, contrasted pleasantly with the vivid blue locked within her irises. Upon reaching the front of Emion's house, the girl paused for a moment. She bowed her head in a small nod—a gesture of respect toward the house and its illustrious owner. Her face, lit by the sun, showed serene reverence. Having completed the gesture, she resumed her walk with a light step. The Blendbreed passed the First House, heading with determination toward a side alley that led to the dwelling of the children of Cragar.
"Marina!" called Mardi's daughter, raising her voice and stepping forward, her hand lifted as if to flash her presence to her friend.
The blond girl, however, seemed not to hear her voice, and after tucking a golden lock behind her ear, she disappeared behind the structure.
Caelio turned to his companion with a raised eyebrow. "I don't think she heard you."
Elaine sighed, lowering her hand and shoulders. "I think so too. Oh well, I'll greet her later." Her tone was resigned, but a faint smile lingered on her lips.
Caelio, intrigued, scratched his chin. "Where's she headed?"
"Surely to the house of Cragar's children, it's just back here," she said, nodding past Emion's house.
The boy narrowed his eyes, as if trying to bring the idea into focus. "Why would she?"
Elaine hesitated for a moment. "Her best friend… truth is, I haven't seen her around in a while…" She crossed her arms over her chest and continued, "Also, without Shirei, I don't see any other reason to go to the Thirteenth."
"Shirei… is that her boyfriend or something?"
Elaine turned sharply toward him, a mischievous smile lighting up her face. "So that's why you're asking all these questions!" Her tone turned more serious, almost admonishing. "Keep your eyes off Marina—there's already a line way too long of suitors for her hand."
Caelio shrugged nonchalantly. "Maybe so…"
"So you are serious!" She paused, then added in a grave tone, "Before you end up in something you won't like, I have to warn you."
The Blendbreed gave a sly smile. "Does she kill everyone who hits on her?"
"No," the girl replied, shaking her head. "Marina is very sweet, but she's not into flings just to pass the time."
"Right, got it, it's the stereotype: I'm not your average cute blonde girl."
Elaine laughed, the crystalline sound filling the air. And what would that make me, then?
Her face turned serious again. "No, really—Marina has a family that would never allow it."
She stepped closer to Caelio, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret. "Her house is the last noble family that survived since the Third Era."
Caelio gave her a puzzled look, scratching his head. "I didn't get a word of that, but it sounds important."
"It is, trust me."
The boy sighed dramatically, placing his hands behind his back in a gesture of surrender. "Alright, case closed with the blonde girl."
At least for now, he thought to himself.
"Perfect. Now let's go—I can't wait!"
The two Blendbreeds crossed the threshold of Emion's house, and were immediately wrapped in an atmosphere of royalty and magic. The interior was even more impressive than the exterior. A vast atrium opened up before them, the floor a mosaic of fine marble forming intricate geometric patterns. The walls were lined with light oak panels, carved with mythological scenes and Latin words.
A grand crystal chandelier hung from the vaulted ceiling, casting a soft and warm glow. Ancient tapestries, their colors still vivid, adorned the walls, telling stories of how the children of Emion had achieved greatness. The air carried a subtle scent of incense.
"Yeah, this smell is awful," Caelio remarked.
The Blendbreed guided her through a corridor, past shelves filled with books and mysterious artifacts, until they reached the staircase to the upper floors. They arrived at the third—by far the most modest and intimate of the three levels.
The room was circular, with a stained-glass dome that filtered sunlight into a thousand hues. At the center stood a white table, surrounded by comfortable leather chairs. They sat across from each other, and Caelio noticed how much the girl's demeanor had shifted.
With almost reverent movements, Elaine opened the book Lyceum had given her. The cover was worn leather, decorated with golden letters that seemed to glow with a light of their own.
Caelio leaned forward, his dark eyes gleaming with curiosity. "So, are you finally going to tell me what kind of magical thing we're about to do?"
The girl's face was focused on the pages as she murmured, "One moment… let me read what it says here."
Her fingers gently brushed over the Latin letters.
"You haven't read it?!" he exclaimed in disbelief. Then, throwing his hands toward the ceiling, he cried out, "Oh holy deities! Protect me from any magical explosion, I beg you!"
Elaine smiled, without lifting her eyes from the book. A playful light danced in her gaze. "Stop it, come on," she scolded, trying to keep a serious tone. She was betrayed by the smile spreading across her lips. "Let me concentrate."
"At your command!" he replied with a grin, folding his arms across his chest while waiting.
Elaine leaned over the book, her eyes scanning the yellowed pages.
Okay, so it's a summoning ritual that requires specific ingredients, she thought to herself. Thank goodness, I expected something much worse.
But as she kept reading, her fingers began to tremble. Her face grew pale as she realized the risks she was willingly about to face.
Caelio leaned forward with a worried expression. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice full of concern.
Without waiting for a response, he snatched the book from the daughter of Mardi's hands. His eyes landed on the page, where a figure—presumably the god of the skies—was drawn. Time had not been kind to the image, rendering it nearly unrecognizable. The letters around the illustration were faded and written in a language he couldn't understand.
After several seconds of confused scrutiny, the boy shook his head. "I have no idea what any of this says," he admitted, handing the book back. "All yours."
The daughter of Mardi took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves before responding with a forced smile.
"This is Latin, the mother tongue of the Celestials, and supposedly of all the gods before them." Then, trying to lighten the mood, she added, "Don't worry—Lyceum will teach you how to read it in Ancient Literature class."
"Which I'll definitely attend.
"You should," she insisted. "They're very useful."
"If you say so," Caelio conceded, then turned serious again. "But why were you shaking?"
Elaine hesitated before answering. "I picked the wrong ritual. It's not the right one," she paused, trying to keep her voice steady. "I just got a little scared, that's all."
Caelio looked at her for a long moment, then nodded. "Alright. I don't want to know. I trust you." He quickly changed the subject. "Anyway, what do we have to do?"
Elaine flipped through the pages until she found the correct rite. She cleared her throat and began reading:
"Rite of Divine Path Alteration. Proceed to a sacred place dedicated to the chosen god and chant a canticle in their name. Hold firm in your mind the reasons for this request and await the manifestation of the deity. If the god appears, continue the prayer without interruption until their decision is made. To proceed with the next step, allow the god to infuse pure mana into the Divine Core. If the deity refuses, do not attempt the ritual again."
Caelio nodded passively. "Fantastic. Already done, basically."
The girl shot him a dark glance, then added: "It also says here that channeling the ritual requires a great deal of energy. Can you pass me some mana if I run out?"
"Always ready to help a damsel in distress."
Elaine laughed, a useful and spontaneous gesture to dissipate some of the tension in the air. She made sure her companion was ready, then knelt on the floor, closing her eyes. The book was open before her as she recited the necessary steps for the proper execution of the ritual.
Strange that it's so easy, though. The books in the library made it seem like something entirely different.
Suddenly, a radiant light began to spread from her body, surrounding her in a golden aura. The daughter of Mardi took a deep breath and began to recite in a clear and powerful voice:
"O Emion Omnipotens, Rex Deorum. Fulgurante caelo tonans. Audi meum, exaudi preces meis. Tua potentia invoco. Tua sapientia imploro. Pater Divum hominumque. Numen supremum, virtutis fons. Descende de Rakion alto. Manifestare meis, o magne Emion."
A gust of wind suddenly rose, blowing in every direction and making the two Blendbreeds' hair sway. The air charged with static electricity. Small sparks began to crackle from every corner of the room, dancing around them. The floor seemed to vibrate, as if responding to the power of the invocation.
"Per fulmina tua tremenda. Per accipitrem tuam regiam. Ostende meis viam divinam. Concede meis potentiam caelestem."
Caelio felt Elaine's mana flow powerfully, but he also noticed she was beginning to weaken. Without hesitation, he channeled part of his energy into her, feeling it flow through his hands.
"Emion Optimus Maximus. Tuum numen veneramur. Tuum auxilium petimus. Appare meis, o Deus Deorum!"
The light around them intensified, becoming almost blinding. The electrical discharges grew more frequent and intense, forming a luminous web in the air. The walls of the house felt the effects, crumbling the paint and marking with darkened fingerprints. The girl's voice rang through the room as she continued reciting the invocation, her determination driving each word.
Caelio kept letting the flow of magical energy run. He had studied with his mother how to use his powers, and with Aena's teachings, he had managed to refine his control. The mana was moving to enter the girl, like a constant supply.
For a few seconds, nothing seemed to change, then suddenly, the air crackled. In front of them, a mask made of lightning formed, floating in mid-air at the center of the room. The presence filled the room with a palpable tension.
It's working! thought Elaine, seeing a strange light illuminate her closed eyelids, her heart pounding in her chest with excitement.
She remained still and kept channeling the mana from her body, hoping to keep the ritual active long enough. With a trembling voice, she called, "Divine king!"
Her eyes were still closed, so she couldn't understand what was happening. Silence was the only answer. The mask remained motionless, watching with eyes made of pure electric energy.
Elaine swallowed and tried again, her voice louder this time: "Lord Emion!"
Once again, only silence responded. The mask seemed to analyze the Blendbreed, scrutinizing her with an inscrutable gaze.
With one final, desperate attempt, Elaine pleaded: "Please! Grant me your power!"
Her mana was running low, a sign that time was running out. The mask shifted its attention to Caelio. The Blendbreed, with a gentle smile, raised his middle finger at the entity.
Finally, without warning, the mask vanished into thin air.
Overwhelmed with disappointment, Elaine bent forward until her forehead touched the soft carpet. She didn't say a word, but her body trembled.
She had failed.
Once again, she would have to watch her friends suffer while she hid behind them.
Caelio, noticing the anguish, knelt beside her. Gently, he placed a hand on her shoulder. "Well, we couldn't be that lucky right away, but it's a start, right?" he said, trying to inject some optimism into his voice.
Slowly, the daughter of Mardi lifted her head. Her eyes, glistening with unshed tears, met the boy's compassionate blue ones. She didn't want to admit it, but not having been sent on the mission for Shirei had been a hard blow. She desperately wanted to be by her companions' side, even if it meant dying. She would accept anything; she just wanted to fight alongside them.
"You're right," she admitted after closing the book, her voice a little hoarse.
Caelio's face lit up with an encouraging smile. "Come on, life goes on! Should we try again?"
His enthusiasm was contagious.
"I'd like to, but you were there in the office, and you heard the rules. We've used up our one chance."
"You know, I've never been much of a rule follower."
"Really, we can't."
"And who would decide that? An old book? Someone who didn't stick around to help you? Do you want to give up?"
Elaine glanced at the tome and bit her lip in indecision. Maybe the boy was right; she could try again.