Eventually, her gaze lifted, finding Arthur's eyes with a serious expression.
"I can't help but feel that Lucia has undergone a transformation, as if she's someone entirely different."
Vivian's observation didn't go unnoticed by Arthur, and he acknowledged her insight with a subtle nod.
However, he didn't rush to address her observation.
Vivian's astute perception had indeed caught onto the nuances in Lucia's demeanor, a testament to her ability to discern the shifts in those around her.
Arthur's response carried a hint of amusement as he regarded Vivian, a small, resigned sigh escaping his lips.
"Indeed, you're perceptive as always, ma'am," Arthur replied, a wistful smile playing on his lips.
Vivian's surprise registered clearly on her features, her eyes widening as his words resonated.
The implication of Arthur's response had left her taken aback, leading her to reconsider her initial impressions of him.
Vivian's inquisitive approach prompted Arthur to offer a confirming nod, signaling his agreement with her perception.
"Yes, I've noticed the peculiar shifts since yesterday as well," Arthur acknowledged, his tone composed yet reflective.
Leaning in thoughtfully, he continued, "Furthermore, I've managed to uncover the underlying reason behind Lucia's recent behavior."
Vivian's expression reflected a mix of intrigue and concern as she absorbed Arthur's words.
His revelation seemed to provide a solution to the enigma that had gripped her niece.
A sense of uncertainty tinged her voice as she inquired, "Are you certain about what you're saying, my dear?" The query held a tinge of doubt, arising from her own recent realization combined with Arthur's preemptive understanding of the situation.
Upon hearing this, Arthur retrieved a small piece of paper from his robe and laid it on the table before them, capturing Vivian's curiosity in the process.
Rather than interjecting with questions, she opted to listen, her expectant gaze fixed on Arthur.
He didn't beat around the bush, diving straight into his explanation.
"Mom, Lucia's recent change in behavior can be attributed to her troubled soul," he asserted, his words carrying a tone of conviction.
Vivian's reaction was immediate; a gasp of shock escaped her lips while her hands instinctively clenched, betraying her concern and surprise.
"What are you suggesting, my dear?" Her voice held a mix of worry and intrigue, her eyes locking onto Arthur's as she awaited his elucidation.
Arthur's posture remained composed, his arms folding over his chest as he leaned back on the sofa.
"Are you familiar with the tale of the Elf queen who possessed two souls?" he inquired with a casual tone.
Vivian's contemplative response was palpable; her bowed head was indicative of her thought process.
Eventually, she lifted her gaze and nodded, confirming her familiarity with the story.
"Yes, exactly. That story was quite popular during my childhood," Vivian replied with nostalgia, reminiscing about the tale of the Elf queen and the dual souls that resided within her.
However, as she continued to engage in conversation, she detected a peculiar undertone to Arthur's questions.
The curiosity in Vivian was piqued, and she inquired, "Why do you ask, my dear?" Her gaze was fixed on Arthur, who met her gaze with an intensity that suggested he had a significant reason for raising the subject.
Arthur's response only fueled her curiosity further.
She was taken aback by his shocking question, her eyes widening in disbelief as comprehension dawned on her.
"Are you implying that Lucia possesses two souls?" The astonishment in her voice was palpable, and she couldn't help but stand up, her features contorting in a mix of horror and disbelief.
She locked eyes with Arthur, hoping to find any hint that he might be jesting, yet his composed countenance contradicted such a possibility.
The reality of the situation began to settle in as her frantic eyes searched for any sign of falsehood on Arthur's face.
But the truth was that Arthur couldn't lie to her, and the weight of his words was undeniable.
"Honey! Is what you're saying really true?" Vivian's distress intensified as she approached Arthur and shook his shoulders with an urgency that mirrored her inner turmoil.
As desperation tinged her voice, Vivian grappled with the enormity of the revelation.
Lucia held a special place in her heart, second only to Arthur.
The thought of her niece being entangled in such a complex situation stirred a mix of pity and fear within her.
The promise she had made to her late sister-in-law, Lucia's mother, weighed heavily on her mind.
Although Vivian couldn't directly take care of Lucia, she still held a deep responsibility to fulfill her vow.
Upon hearing Arthur's words, which confirmed her worst fears, Vivian felt lost and uncertain about what steps to take next.
Witnessing Vivian's chaotic and panicked expression, Arthur rose from his seat and gently embraced her.
His reassuring touch and comforting presence helped to quell the storm of emotions that had overtaken her.
"Don't worry, Mother. Leave it to me. I have a way to bring the real Lucia back," Arthur assured her in a soothing tone. Vivian's anxiety began to subside as she held onto him tightly.
"Really?" Vivian's voice was laced with a mixture of hope and skepticism, yearning for a definite answer to dispel her fears.
Arthur nodded earnestly, his conviction unwavering.
"Of course! Would I lie to you about something like this?" He playfully responded, trying to lighten the mood.
Vivian, knowing Arthur's steadfast character, found solace in his words and gradually regained her composure.
"Alright, I believe you," Vivian said, slightly loosening her embrace as she looked at Arthur with curiosity.
Upon hearing her statement, Arthur gently guided Vivian to sit on the sofa and settled beside her.
"Don't worry about it," Arthur replied casually, picking up the paper from the table and folding it neatly.
He folded the right side over the left, creating a clear division between the two halves.
Vivian's curiosity was piqued, and she observed Arthur's actions attentively, patiently waiting for an explanation.
Without haste, Arthur raised the folded paper and presented it to Vivian, who was still trying to grasp the concept.
"This paper represents a theory," Arthur began, his voice carrying a hint of explanation.
"The folded right side symbolizes Lucia's original soul, while the left side pressing against it represents Lucia's second soul.
This arrangement suggests that Lucia's current soul is in a passive, dormant state."
Arthur's detailed explanation helped Vivian grasp the idea more easily.
As she comprehended, her expression shifted from confusion to clarity.
"Then, how do we awaken Lucia's original soul?" Vivian inquired eagerly, her gaze fixed on Arthur, awaiting his response.
Arthur's smile grew mysterious, and he let out a soft chuckle.
"Indeed, by rousing the slumbering original soul!"
...
Meanwhile, in the Northern region at Wilhem's estate,
"Is the report about the Northern invasion truly accurate?" A silver-haired man, seated nonchalantly on a garden chair, inquired of the maid by his side.
Upon hearing the question, the servant promptly nodded with utmost seriousness.
"Absolutely, my Lord Duke! The information was relayed by our intelligence unit, and its authenticity is beyond doubt!"
The servant's response elicited a casual smile from the elderly man.
"Well then, I wonder how individuals like David and Emperor Alex will react," mused the old man, taking a leisurely sip of his tea.
This elderly gentleman was none other than Noah Wilhem, the paramount figure of power in the North, renowned as the "God of Water," alongside David, the equally famed "God of Fire."
A leader renowned for his ruthlessness and unwavering resolve.
Despite his gentle smiles, which often presented him as approachable,
A discerning eye could catch the concealed edge beneath the facade.
And now, his eyes were half-lidded, and his posture relaxed against the chair, displaying an indifference to the news of the impending attack.
Eventually, his eyes opened with a glint of curiosity directed at the maid.
"By the way, has the news of David's annihilation of the Savaran army been confirmed?"
In response to Noah's inquiry, the maid nodded briskly, providing an explanation.
"Indeed, Lord Duke. The news is accurate. Duke David personally led the charge and decimated five hundred thousand barbarian troops who had launched an assault."
As the maid recounted this, a shiver ran down her spine, and an unsettling feeling took hold—imagining the scale of such a colossal slaughter was unnerving.
Noah, upon hearing the account, merely offered a faint smile and a slight nod.
"Ah, yes... He has truly ascended to incredible power, perhaps even reaching that level..." Noah murmured, his words barely audible, yet they caught the maid's ear.
"That level?" The maid's curiosity was piqued, eager to uncover the meaning behind "that level."
However, she promptly sealed her lips, realizing the impoliteness of posing such a query to the esteemed Lord Duke.
Just as she was about to offer an apology for her inadvertence, Noah's chuckle broke the air, dispelling any hint of irritation.
Without delay, he turned his gaze toward her, a soft smile playing on his lips as he responded lightly.
"Exactly, that level—the Elemental Supreme."
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