Chapter 370 The Queen's Gift
Isabel was quite happy when she first met Aiwass.
A few days ago, she drew a new magic picture of Aiwass based on her memory and imagination - he was wearing a gorgeous and elegant white robe, with the draped shoulder straps and waist-length platinum hair fluttering in the wind.
Although Aiwass's hair was still far from being that long, Isabelle had already gradually learned how to paint without being in reality. This meant that she had basically mastered the art of painting magic, being able to paint things that did not exist in reality but that she still believed to be real.
She had wanted to share the painting with Aiwass.
But after listening to the story told by Aiwass, Isabel didn't even have time to cheer and feel relieved that Aiwass did not encounter fatal danger and did not have to use the "Tear of Isolde"... She suddenly felt a sense of incongruity for no reason.
She subconsciously activated her clairvoyance and looked at Aiwas's soul.
Isabel was immediately shocked——
The crystal soul, which was originally half scarlet, almost gold, and half deep purple, almost black, as beautiful and balanced as the setting sun over the sea... is now three-quarters covered in a mysterious and pure deep purple.
The first third from the top is deep red, black, and dark purple, while the remaining two-thirds is dark purple gradually changing to a light purple that is almost pink.
If pink can be considered a "thin red," then this scene is undoubtedly the "devotion" that "transcendence" has captured and digested.
If this change in the path was a decision made by Aiwass himself, Isabel wouldn't have thought it was a big deal. But Aiwass obviously didn't realize it.
So Isabel immediately became alert.
"The path to transcendence... is it out of balance?"
Aiwass understood the princess's warning and murmured softly.
He vaguely guessed the reason for the current situation.
This was probably because he had obtained the Book of Dharma and the golden-level characteristics of the Tao, and the power beyond the Tao was strengthened too much.
...Of course, it might also be because he had briefly come into contact with the true "divine entity," that fragment of Huan Tiansi, and was therefore infected and influenced by Him.
At this moment, Aiwass suddenly realized that his personality seemed to have become noticeably more flamboyant.
The most obvious ones are feeding Lily blood and the pastoral care on the train.
Of course, this was partly due to the influence of his path of devotion. If his blood could be of use to Lily, Aiwass would certainly be willing to give it.
Unlike the original curse of the Lycanthropy era, which prevented one from returning to human form for nine years after drinking blood in animal form, both Lily and Yeats can switch between human and wolf form at will, even becoming upright werewolves. They seem to be able to drink blood at will.
This could be a special kind of werewolf, or perhaps a certain level in the werewolf's evolution. Aiwass wasn't sure.
But when Lily lost control, Aiwass's first reaction was not to "control her mind and make her sober", but to give up resistance and let her drink her fill...
At that time, whether Lily completely lost control, bit off or twisted Aiwass's neck, or lost her mind and directly sucked his blood, it could have led to Aiwass's death.
However, Aiwass unconsciously gave up resistance completely.
It's not so much about absolute pure trust.
——It is better to say that it is like a magnanimous superior allowing the inferior to "surpass" him.
Same thing.
On the train, he took the initiative to transform himself into No. 14 and ordered Shadow Demon to temporarily transform into human form.
When Shadow Fiend said he could transform into Miss Assassin and accept Aiwass's care, Aiwass had clearly refused. At the time, Aiwass wanted to distance himself from Shadow Fiend and set some moral standards for himself. One of these was not wanting to care for Phantoms in human form, as that would gradually separate him from humanity.
...Of course, Aiwass figured it was primarily because he didn't want to kiss the wolf-like Shadow Fiend, nor did he want to waste the blood in his mouth. He also felt a piqued desire to use Number 14's special identity to tease the Shadow Fiend. After Bayard drank the blood in his mouth, Aiwass allowed the Shadow Fiend to transform back into its original form.
To Aiwass at the time, all this seemed very reasonable.
But now after hearing what Isabel said, Aiwass suddenly reacted.
If I analyze this "bad taste" carefully, I think I was trying to confirm the "master-servant relationship" with Bayard's Shadow Demon. In the past, the relationship between "No. 14" and "Bayard" was exactly the opposite.
That is to say.
Unconsciously, Aiwass tried to complete the "transcendence" ritual on Shadow Demon in the identity of Number Fourteen.
One was to indulge others in transcendence, and the other was to achieve transcendence by oneself. Both of these abnormal behaviors are related to the path of transcendence.
Furthermore, these special changes only occurred after Aiwass came into contact with the "holy entity." Some even appeared immediately, within no more than 24 hours.
Will this have any negative consequences...?
Aiwass himself didn't know.
Even if he knew, there seemed to be nothing Aiwass could do to change it.
Even Janice, who would reach level seventy in the future, could lose control and transform into a phantom demon in an instant due to a deviation from her path. Even a powerful being of that level would still be powerless against her inner demons.
"—Why don't we go ask Lady Ligeia?"
Seeing Aiwass in a rare state of confusion, Isabel's attitude suddenly became firm, as if filled with courage: "She is knowledgeable and experienced, and she might know what to do. If there is any problem, we should deal with it as soon as possible."
After Isabel finished speaking, she grabbed Aiwas' wrist and pulled him towards Her Majesty the Queen's bedroom.
"Don't panic too much, Isabel...she might not know how to deal with my problem."
Aiwass did not resist Isabel.
He just followed behind, subconsciously saying stubbornly, "Besides, whether it's dedication or transcendence, I am who I am—maybe when I advance in the path of dedication next time, I will turn around and come back...
"…But I do need to visit Ligeia. But that's another matter, related to some rumors that are unfavorable to me."
He was halfway through his speech when he suddenly realized that he seemed a bit childish and stubborn. So he smoothly changed the subject and turned the topic to another serious matter.
Isabel curled her lips and ignored Aiwass: "That kind of thing is important, but eliminating the hidden dangers is more important!"
The two of them lowered their heads and hurried on in silence, and in the blink of an eye they arrived at the door of the queen's bedroom.
Apparently, the guards at the door had already been notified. When they saw Isabel pulling Aiwass out, the guards opened the door without even saying a word.
Her Majesty the Queen's health is getting worse, and she has stopped seeing guests in the past few days. Even if other ministers want to meet her, they will be stopped.
But they are clearly an exception.
Isabel had come here with great momentum, but when she reached the door, it suddenly began to weaken.
Isabel lingered at the door for a while, hesitant.
She whispered to Aiwass and explained, “Grandmother has been in poor health recently…so Miss Ligeia has been taking care of her.
"...How about we take Miss Ligeia outside to talk?"
She was obviously worried that this would affect her grandmother Sophia's rest.
"——Come on, both of you stop being so modest!"
From inside came Ligeia's vibrant and cheerful voice: "You're already at the door, what are you still standing there for!"
Hearing this, Isabel became even more timid.
Aiwass straightened his clothes a little and went to open the door. His expression returned to its calm state.
Ligeia was already standing in front of the door with her hands folded and her tail wagging, looking a little unhappy.
It was obvious that if Aiwass didn't open the door, she would open it herself.
After entering, Isabel subconsciously searched the room. She quickly found Janice in a painting and immediately looked for help.
Janice just put her finger in front of her mouth, signaling her not to speak.
When Aiwas entered the room, he immediately saw Queen Sofia lying on the bed.
With his divine vision as a priest, he almost immediately determined that Her Majesty the Queen had officially entered the countdown of her life. This made Aiwass's expression subconsciously solemn, and even his footsteps and breathing became lighter.
He saw Her Majesty's sweater needle and thread hanging by the bed, slowly falling but no one was helping him. He immediately took two steps forward and picked them up before they fell.
"Where should I put them, Your Majesty?"
Aiwass asked softly.
Generally speaking, the elderly should speak louder. Fortunately, Her Majesty Sophia was not deaf, and Aiwass, seeing her half asleep, was worried that if he spoke too loudly, he would scare her.
"Well... just put it away..."
Queen Sofia responded in a somewhat vague whisper.
"Where did you receive it?"
"It's all right... I don't knit anymore."
The old lady's lips curled up slightly, revealing a smile: "I have finished all the knitting that needed to be done. The last one... is also finished."
Aiwass followed her gaze and saw the folded sweater on the bedside.
——It looks like it was knitted for Isabel.
Looking at the two protruding thorn patterns hanging on the sweater, Aiwass couldn't help but sigh... This old lady is really a lifelong learner.
A little over a month ago, the old lady had just started learning. Back then, she couldn't knit gloves very skillfully, and her colors were a bit tacky. Now, at least this one has patterns and designs.
Although it is obviously far from fashionable.
Thinking of this, Aiwass looked at Isabel mischievously.
Whenever Aiwass saw Isabelle, she was usually wearing a skirt and bare shoulders—or at least her collarbone.
Moreover, her clothes are mostly made of light fabrics, which highlights her fearlessness of cold.
Fortunately, this world's stocking technology is quite advanced. As a derivative of the path to beauty, they are not only beautiful but also provide significant warmth and shaping benefits. When the temperature drops, Isabel relies on stockings and silk gloves to stay warm.
For a moment, Aiwass couldn't imagine what Isabel would look like wearing such a "grandma-brand silly sweater". This made him subconsciously smile.
——It’s like seeing the beauty of a female classmate’s flowery cotton-padded jacket hidden under her gorgeous evening gown.
"As long as you like it."
Seeing the smile on Aiwas's face, Queen Sofia responded gently.
"Uh-huh?"
Aiwass responded at first, but soon realized something was wrong.
What do you mean as long as I like it?
"This is yours, Aiwass," Isabel whispered.
"Yes. Albert's, Isabel's, Ligeia's—I have already woven them all."
The old lady smiled and handed the folded sweater to Aiwass: "The last one is for you."
“…For me?”
Aiwass was stunned for a moment, then took it subconsciously.
He unfolded it and discovered it was a sleeveless, V-neck plaid sweater. Thorn patterns were embroidered on the chest, shoulders, and cuffs. It was perfect for outerwear in spring, layered over a shirt or tie.
This was definitely not the type of sweater Isabel could wear. It was clearly a men's sweater, and it was the perfect size for Aiwass.
Holding the sweater, Aiwass was silent for a while.
A special feeling welled up in his heart.
It was like the feeling of Lily holding his hand and teaching him to write stroke by stroke as a child; or the feeling when the taciturn Edward bought Edwards a birthday cake for the first time. Something like electricity surged from his tailbone upwards, making his spine tingle and his body feel warm.
Aiwass suddenly realized...the things he had been worried about no longer existed.
——There’s no need to ask what Her Majesty the Queen’s attitude is towards this matter.
It was at this moment that he realized that in this world... he had never received a handmade sweater from his elders.
Maybe my biological mother would knit it for me - but she is dead.
If my adoptive father had a wife or mother, they might have knitted for me too - but they were all dead.
But my adoptive father would not give such a gift.
It’s not that he doesn’t know how to give gifts, but all the gifts he gives must be “useful” and “valuable”.
But this sweater suddenly reminded Aiwas of his mother in his previous life.
He also once had a father, a mother, and grandparents.
It was the first time for Aiwas, and he felt a little sore in his nose.
Ever since he came into this world, learned to speak, and knew his own name... it seemed like he had never cried.
But now, he felt like crying for a moment.
"Because I want to..."
The old lady spoke softly, her voice like a whisper: "You are already a big shot in Avalon, Aiwass. Your future will be very hard, and it will get harder and harder. But in my opinion, you are still a child... You are still young, you are only eighteen years old...
"I was thinking, what gift can be given to both adults and children... I think a sweater is the best. I thought about it and realized that maybe you haven't received a gift like this before. But as a child... if others have it, I think you should have it too.
"I'm sorry, Aiwass. My skills may not be very good. After all, I'm just learning. I'm old, my hands are a little shaky, and I'm a little blurry. But I think the size should be appropriate. After all, I have studied painting before... Ah, at times like this, I really regret that I didn't study hard because I was playing with Meg..."
Her Majesty the Queen muttered to herself. She didn't seem like a wise monarch who had ruled the country for decades, but rather like an ordinary old lady who was nagging.
Aiwass felt a surge of warmth in his heart, like drinking hot soup in winter.
However, he, who was usually eloquent, was now holding his sweater, pursing his lips slightly, and fell into complete silence.
He stood at the side, listening quietly and attentively. The arrogance that had been flaunting seemed to be slowly being soothed by something.
——From the moment Aiwass entered the door, Ligeia had been staring intently at Aiwass's pupils.
Having reached the third energy level, she clearly sensed that Lily had not surpassed the level of the Tao.
She also clearly saw that in the brilliant purple-red reflected in the bottom of Aiwas's pupils, which could only be seen with extraordinary vision, the purple part, which accounted for more than two-thirds, was beginning to shrink at a speed visible to the naked eye.
Purple and red are gradually returning to balance.
An update of nearly 8,000 words!
I had insomnia again last night and didn’t sleep well… So I got up at around 4 o’clock to write, woo woo woo…
After writing, wait a while to check for typos and then go back to sleep!
(End of this chapter)
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