Chapter 195: Chapter 176 : True Introductions (Part 2)

“We were born and raised on Ramosu, an island making up the Lavalsay Archipelago. The island is owned by the Evans Household and is where Skye and I spent most of our lives. Born with silver spoons in our mouths, we lived as you might imagine, like rich scions, indulging in every pleasure and luxury under the sun.”

“Nothing depraved though,” Skye chirped in, feeling the need to dispel the nasty rumours.

“Yeah, nothing too depraved,” Charlotte nodded before continuing. “Ramosu is one of the largest islands and has pretty much everything you can want and need. We’d spend most of our time here, doing stuff, but every now and then, we’d do some travelling. The Lavalsay Archipelago consists of twenty-three islands and we’ve been to all of them, many times, mostly to mingle with other scions. On rare occasions, we’d visit far-off lands. The Western Region, the Eastern Region, Monster Islands, even Setsuna’s coast; Skye and I have been to all sorts of places.”

Charlotte wet her palate with some juice. Eyes catching Violet’s, the Onic Master recalled an old memory and couldn’t help but smile. “On one of these trips, we ended up meeting a much younger Violet, back when she still had golden locks and emerald-coloured eyes. She’s a cool beauty now, but back then, she was super adorable.”

“Oh,” Ralf and the others’ eyes shifted to Violet, who turned bashful and averted her gaze.

“Yeah, super adorable,” Skye followed up as wryness crept onto his face, “well, that was my initial impression of her.”

“Initial?” Ralf repeated, spurring his brother on for more details.

The air Mimic’s face tensed up as he revisited the old memory, hidden in a cordoned-off section of his mental library. “Yeah, initially. After she showed me her drawings, my opinion quickly…and drastically changed. From love at first sight to terror at second, aah, just thinking back brings shivers…those freaky shadowy monsters, I remember having nightmares for a good couple weeks after seeing them.”

“Ah, sorry,” Violet voiced with a conflicted tone, half proud and half apologetic.

“No need to apologise, princess, brother’s always been a scaredy cat. That said,” Charlotte’s face suddenly turned awkward, “I had similar feelings back then.”

“Really?” Violet’s eyes flickered with surprise.

“Yeah,” the Onic Master admitted while scratching her cheek. “If you ever wondered why we never visited after that, it’s because we were scared of you. Those drawings left quite an impression on our younger selves.”

“Oh,” Violet instantly deflated at the revelation; she had always wondered if her ‘creepiness’ drove others away, so having it be confirmed with the twins’ words, stung. Her gaze dimmed as she recalled the many times she showed others her drawings only for them to mysteriously disappear from her life.

”Sorry,” she apologised again, her voice barely audible.

Charlotte heard this and shook her head. She scooted closer and dropped a hand on the princess’ shoulder. “Again, you have nothing to apologise for. If anything, it’s us that should apologise. Our younger selves were too cowardly and shallow to appreciate your uniqueness. We’ve grown plenty since then, right brother?”

“Right.”.

Charlotte approved of her brother’s snappy reply before turning back to the princess, who returned a glowing expression.

“Don’t worry about turning us away, just be yourself. You’ve changed quite a bit since we last met, becoming even more beautiful and graceful. Still, I can sense that disturbing self deep inside, so don’t be afraid to show it. I’ll…we’ll welcome you with open arms.” Charlotte said her peace with a smile and then spread her arms. Violet took the invitation at once and the two ladies shared a warm embrace.

Ralf saw this and had to question the sugar content of his drink. He paused his sipping and parted his lips. “Couldn’t agree more,” he spoke up, drawing everyone’s attention. “Be yourself, princess. We welcome all here, especially weirdos. And frankly,” the Transmigrator glanced at every face before pulling a face, “you’re in good company. No one present is normal.”

“Says you, oh king of weirdos,” Charlotte said, she and the others cracking smiles.

Ralf shrugged proudly, gladly donning the title.

“While we’re on the topic, Violet, do you still have that black sketchbook?” Skye asked.

“I still do, yes, brought it along with me too, though it’s in my room,” Violet answered as she separated from Charlotte.

“Excellent, I’ve always wanted to see those drawings again. You’ll allow me to test my courage, won’t you?”

“Of course. I’ll show it to you next time then.”

Ralf raised his hand. “Me too, please.”

“Sure sure, everybody can see it,” the princess said, a jubilant smile hanging from her face.

Ralf approved of her generosity before setting his sights back on the Onic Master.

“Okay, we’re taken a lovely tangent, but let’s get back on track. Charlotte, please continue your introduction.”

Charlotte gulped down the last of her biscuit before doing just that. “Back on track then. Our lives were eventful, but also pretty repetitive. I got sick of it and wanted something new, and that’s when I heard about Violet heading to the Hunter Academy. Thinking this was the spark my life needed, I decided to hop on the bandwagon as well…and brought my brother along.”

“Tricked me along,” Skye corrected.

“I did…but aren’t you glad that I did?”

“I am, super glad,” Skye emphasised before nudging his shoulder against Charlotte’s. “I’d rather be here than anywhere else in the world right now, thanks sis,” he said, showing a genuine smile, which warmed the hearts of the surroundings.

“No doubt, we are twins,” Charlotte nudged back, her voice sounding with both approval and affection. “Now, for your questions, Ralf. My favourite colour is red, just like Lane’s scarf, and before you ask, viola,” saying, the Onic Master tugged at her white tank top to reveal even more of her busty chest…and also her red-coloured bra.

Holding the fabric, the Onic Master paid careful attention to her surroundings, noting everyone’s gazes and the lights swirling within. ‘Curiosity, confusion and even desire, not bad,’ she assessed with a subtle smile.

Charlotte liked the reception she was getting but didn’t drag it out. Not five seconds later, she ended her exhibition and continued nonchalantly.

“Something about the colour red really does it for me, especially on underwear, my own and others…” She paused and her gaze moved to the two ladies. “What about you two, wearing any red on this fine day?”

“No, I’m wearing black,” Violet answered calmly.

“I’m…white,” Yuki followed up, unable to resist or withstand her first meeting with peer pressure.

“Mm, I see, a shame, you two would look great in red…or anything really. You girls have amazing figures. I’d love to dress you two up,” she said with crescent-shaped eyes, before continuing internally, ‘...and down.’

While the Onic Master’s thoughts went unspoken, they were nevertheless perfectly broadcasted to all parties. “What do you ladies say? Will you do me the honour, we could even make a date out of it.”

“Sure, I’d love that.”.

Yuki was less enthusiastic than her fellow Mimic. “Fashion has never been my thing, but I’ll…think about it.”

Charlotte smiled at the responses; she was satisfied. As long as it wasn’t an outright rejection, she believed herself capable of worming her way into the two’s hearts and then even their…

Skye shook his head as he read his twin sister’s desires. “Be warned ladies and gents, sis has earned her stripes as a bonafide Hunter many moons ago. Give her an opening and she’ll strike.”

“That’s rich coming from you…though, I can’t deny those words. I’m a Huntress, ever on the prowl in search of my next target. That said, I’m a picky eater, so not just anything will do. That said again,” Charlotte’s eyes drifted from face to face as she sported a predatory look, “you lot look very appetising…so if you don’t want to be my next victim, make sure to keep your guard up at all times, lest I pounce.”

“Noted, will keep my guard up at all times from now on,” an amused Ralf said as he applied a full-body Psi barrier.

“Oh, really now,” Charlotte narrowed her eyes, “you’ll maintain your guard, all the time?” she asked, wearing a subtle smile.

“Yep, all the time. I won't drop my guard, not even once around you,” Ralf responded while showing a steely resolve.

The Onic Master shook her head at the display. She raised her hand and aimed her palm at him. A second later, an expanding column of oppressive Psi shot out from said palm, engulfing Ralf’s couch in its entirety, instantly erasing his barrier and Psi Clones. She let up seconds later and lowered her hand.

“Now what?” she asked with a smirk, looking at the ‘naked’ Ralf.

The Transmigrator fell back, shut his eyes and threw his arms to the side. “Haa, I’ve been thoroughly defeated. Do you worst, vixen,” he said in total resignation.

“My worst is better than others’ best,” Charlotte boosted as she floated over several sweets. “Still, best or worst, you won’t be getting anything anytime soon. The humiliation you dealt me in the forest is still fresh in my memory, Ralf. Until I pay you back, you’ll get no love from me.”

“Oh, really,” Ralf’s demeanour changed at the words. He reined in his arms and fixed his posture. “Well, if that’s the case, then I have nothing to fear. That check will go forever uncashed after all,” he said with a smug shrug.

Charlotte’s aura flared up at his arrogance but Skye’s timely pat managed to rein his sister in.

“Keep it moving sis, we still have plenty of introductions to go through.”

Given this reminder, Charlotte put away her hatchet - for now - and continued after taking a calming breath.

“Okay, back to the list. My favourite food is steak, I’m bisexual, and my first crush was Micheal Ascania…oh, Violet, you too?” the Onic Master asked as she noticed the princess’ face flicker at her words.

“Yeah, me too,” Violet admitted.

Ralf and the others heard this and thought nothing of it. The legendary Ascendant was the target of countless people’s affections, so Charlotte’s and Violet’s confession didn’t surprise at all.

“What about you, Yuki, had a crush on him as well?” Charlotte asked just in case.

“Nope, not at all,” the ice Mimic denied with a roll of her shoulders. She knew he was well-liked and would admit that Micheal’s looks were stellar, but she had never developed any feelings beyond respect for the Fifth Pillar. “Not just him, I’ve never had a crush on anybody.”

“Oh, that’s quite interesting,” Charlotte rubbed her chin. “I’d be interested to know what’s your type then…but let’s save that subject for when your turn comes around. To me, Micheal was perfect. His stories, accomplishments, power, looks, his everything…I was smitten with it all,” Charlotte said with a subtle smile as she recalled images of the Unique.

“Met him a few times and loved every second of it. I wanted to be his lover for a good while…but eventually, figured out that it wouldn’t work. He would always see me as a child, and not to mention, his bed was already fully occupied,” she sighed as old feelings stirred within, before turning to Violet. “What about you, princess, does he still hold your heart?”

You are reading story The Silver Path at novel35.com

“Nope, I lost interest long ago. I still think about him every now and then, but how could I not,” she said, flicking at her violet hair. “My inheritance, Thunder Monarch is a custom-made inheritance he made for me. I’m grateful to him and respect him greatly for what he’s done and continues to do for humanity’s sake, but I no longer hold any special feelings of affection for him.”

“I see, good to know,” Charlotte stifled her rising smile at the news by taking a sip of her beverage before continuing. “Now, back to me again. What there’s to say, well, I love fighting, competition, games, fashion, food, delicacies, gambling, Psi entertainment, sex… I have all sorts of loves and interests. I’ve pursued these things in different ways, hosting various tournaments, establishing a clothing brand, sponsoring movies and series, creating a brand of sweets…” Charlotte let her voice trail off as she floated a candy to her front. “Lebla, I noticed you had quite a lot of them on you, Ralf; this is the brand I’m referring to.”

“Oh, that’s quite something,” Ralf uttered, surprise and admiration echoing in his voice.

Charlotte smiled. “I can’t take full credit for it though. Still, while I didn’t come up with the ingredients or formula, I do taste-test and approve every candy you’ll find on the shelves.”

“Mm, looks like we have a similar taste then.”

“Indeed,” Charlotte played with the chocolate ball in her hand. “Business is booming, though that’s not an achievement. There’s no business venture that can fail from where I and Skye stand.”

“Hmph, speak for yourself. Every idea I propose gets shot down mercilessly by mom and dad,” Skye said, a bit sour at the fact.

“That’s because your intentions are too obvious. I told you many times…you have to be sneakier.”

“What ideas did you have in mind, brother?” Ralf asked, a little curious.

“A female lingerie line,” Charlotte answered for her brother, before plopping the chocolate in her maw.

Skye clenched his fists as ‘righteous’ fury exploded within his depths. He pointed this anger not toward Charlotte, but at his parents who heartlessly crushed his dream.

“That’s right, a female lingerie line. After complaining that I was shiftless for so long, I finally found a passion to dedicate my time and effort to and they shot me down…repeatedly at that. What’s worse, Charlotte ended up eventually succeeding where I failed, haa, this world is too cruel sometimes,” the air Mimic clutched at his shirt, twisting it into a vortex as indignation ravaged his system.

Charlotte shook her head at the foolish display. “That’s because I played it smart. You hide a tree in the forest, I’ve told you this many times. My intention was the same as yours. Few things can compare to someone else wearing your clothes, especially underwear. Still, I knew I’d get struck down if I jumped to that, so I started off innocently. First scarfs and gloves, then shirts and pants, and finally, lingerie,” Charlotte explained as her eyes once again sought the pair of female Mimics. “Speaking of that, you two wouldn’t be happening to wear Augustu, would you?”

“Nope.”

“No.’

“Another shame,” she sighed, “we’ll definitely have to correct that in the future, the near future,” she nodded at her words. “Oh, I didn’t complete the list, what was it again? Yes, favourite movie? That’s a hard one…”

Charlotte’s introduction went on for another seven minutes. The Onic Master listed her various preferences, explained her basic philosophy on living, that being a hedonistic one, and went over her family and their dynamics, with Skye adding his input wherever necessary.

“That’s pretty much it, Skye, take over,” she concluded her introduction, tagging her brother in with a shoulder pat.

The air Mimic stopped his cupcake’s advance at the gesture and began his introduction.

“Mm, there’s nothing much to add. I’ve lived as a wastrel, a hedonist… and hope to continue to live like one till my dying days. The Hunter Academy wasn’t in my plans, but now that I’m here, I’m glad. I don’t look forward to whatever Cole was hinting at, but I think I’ll manage these next three years. After that, who knows, maybe I’ll open up that female lingerie line I wanted, with my own money instead of my parents - no, that’s exactly what I’ll do,” he said, smashing his fist into his upwards-facing palm, suddenly filled with vigour.

“Not a bad goal, brother. I wish you the best.”

Skye nodded at the supportive words before continuing. What followed was ten minutes of uninterrupted tangents and rambling. Ralf didn’t cut him off; this was exactly what he wanted after all.

Skye’s favourite fruit, his favourite colour, his favourite anime, his boob/butt allegiance, his first crush, his first date, the time he defeated his first monster, his favourite food…Ralf and the others had come to learn all sorts of things from the account.

“...and that’s about it,” Skye concluded.

Ralf clapped his hands. “Excellent introductions, you two. Now…who’s next?”

“I’ll go next,” Violet volunteered, even raising her hand slightly.

“Go ahead then, Lightning Princess, tell us something not found in the newspapers.”

“That will be hard, but I’ll try,” Violet took a breath before diving in. She started off light, answering the basic questions Ralf had posed, before going into darker and more sombre topics.

She spoke of the passion for art she had since being a young girl; she spoke about her love for her mother; she spoke of her family dynamics before and after the Bloody Hill incident; she gave an account of the Blood Hill incident itself from her perspective, how trapped and lonely she felt in Saures, her joy at finally being free…

Violet didn’t hold back - or rather, everything seemed to spill out of her. The group’s heartstrings were tugged and strummed at her words. Ralf was hit pretty hard by her account. Even just the thought of losing his mother brought an incomparable pain to him, so he could only imagine - or rather, he couldn’t imagine - the pain Violet had to endure all these years on top of the isolation and confinement.

Hearing her shaky voice as she went over these details, he wanted to comfort her but didn’t know how to. Thankfully, Charlotte seemed to know. The Onic Master discarded her usual playfulness and wrapped her arm around the princess before bringing her in close.

“And that’s me, Violet Astor, the Lightning Princess. To be here, doing this with you all, is a dream I never knew I wanted, come true…thank you all,” she said softly, heartful emotions dripping off each word. Her gaze was low, eyeing the scrunched-up hands on her thighs.

Ralf walked over. “The honour is ours, Violet, glad to have you here,” he said, lightly ruffling the princess’ hair.

The words saw lightning-quick agreement from the others and Charlotte and Skye followed up with similar sentiments, bringing a smile to Violet’s face.

Ralf returned to his seat and readjusted his posture and emotions. “Dream come true, you say… know this, princess, before this night ends, I’ll have you and everyone else truly question whether this is reality or a dream, ” the Transmigrator sported a cryptic smile as he said.

The group’s expectations rose at the claim and their minds began to wander in the sea of possibilities. Ralf quickly drew them back in, clapping his hands and returning their attention to reality.

“Okay, who’s next?”

Yuki went next.

Her account was no less bleak than Violet’s - no, in many ways, it was far more tragic. With everyone going as in-depth as they did, Yuki decided to take the plunge as well, though, she kept her face covered with a pillow throughout her account.

Having never told her story, she went about it slowly and awkwardly, jumping back and forth through the timeline, going off on tangents, circling back on topics and also repeating herself.

The group didn’t mind, encouraging her every step of the way, with the talkative trio of Charlotte, Skye and Ralf asking questions and throwing jokes here and there to keep the account flowing.

Just like with Violet, heartstrings were tugged at, not just negatively, but positively as well.

Yuki’s orphan upbringing, her love for her sister, their troubling circumstances and forced separation, and the reason why Yuki came here in the first place; once again, Ralf was struck hard by it all, especially the emotional baggage her voice carried.

Hearing it all, her behaviour and mood over these last two days made perfect sense. Ralf wanted to head over and engulf her in a big hug multiple times during the account but managed to restrain himself.

The ice Mimic was most comfortable as is, and he’d like it to stay that way. So, on his couch, he sat, emotions swirling like a whirlpool. In his heart, a silent one-sided promise regarding the ice Mimic had formed, one that he fully intended to keep…forever.

“...and that’s me, Yuki,” she concluded her account.

Hearing only silence in response, the air Mimic’s curiosity got the better of her. Taking a breath, she gathered her moxie and had her trembling fingers slowly lower the pillow, just enough to capture the group’s faces once again.

‘Ah…’

Her eyes flickered at once, for just as their voices suggested, welcoming expressions adorned the group’s faces. A glorious smile rushed to the beauty’s face.

“Thanks for sharing Yuki,” Ralf broke the fuzzy silence. “Excellent introduction, though, the omission of your new nickname was troubling, Snowball,” he said, causing Yuki and the others to break into cheery smiles.

“Your love for your sister has moved me…moved me into action.”

“Action?” Yuki raised a brow.

Ralf nodded. “I prefer to take direct action but I’m too limited as is, so I’ll settle for indirect. You’re worried about your sister’s safety, well, worry no more. As a friend, know that the Silver Path is in your and your sister’s corner from now on. I’ll get in contact with the Bai clan’s Head tomorrow and make that clear. Your sister’s path forward will be smooth sailing, like gliding on ice, of that, I promise,” he said, looking deeply into her eyes.

“Ralf you…” Yuki couldn’t believe her ears; the world began blurring before her.

“Not just Ralf,” Charlotte followed up strongly. “Count on our support as well, the Evans Household has your back, Yuki.”

“Yeah,” Skye added with a similar conviction. “You can rest easy from now on. With our support, no one will dare have thoughts of harming you or your sister ever again. And if need be, I’ll head over there and start a storm myself,” the air Mimic conjured a tornado in his free palm as an uncharacteristic seriousness flashed across his face.

“Me too, I also…want to help,” Violet said, gripping her knees tightly. She wasn’t one to wield her royal authority, in fact, she never did, believing it to be obnoxious. However, hearing Yuki’s story, for the first time ever, she felt the urge to use it.

“I also want to help,” Lane said, speaking his first words. He stared into Yuki’s eyes and continued. “I don’t have a significant identity like the others, but if there’s a way I can…I’ll be happy to do so, Yuki.”

The former assassin’s words ruptured Yuki’s internal dam. Unable to stop the pour, she smashed the pillow into her face, covering her crumbling expression. The sight of her clutching onto the pillow as hard as she was, brought an array of heartfelt smiles to the group’s faces.

“Everyone…thank you,” Yuki’s muffled words sounded out, gratitude overflowing no different than her tears.

The group’s emotions stirred and a bout of silence followed as the atmosphere turned warm and fuzzy.

 

You can find story with these keywords: The Silver Path, Read The Silver Path, The Silver Path novel, The Silver Path book, The Silver Path story, The Silver Path full, The Silver Path Latest Chapter