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IN a conference room located within the palace library, nineteen-year-old Emma was undertaking the final task of the job that had consumed her life thus far.
“It’s quite hectic today, isn’t it? Did something happen?” Emma asked.
“Representatives from the suzerainty, the Empire of Ulster, are visiting, and it seems a prince from the royal family is part of the delegation.”
Formally dressed civil servants hurried through the courtyard in droves. Head tilted curiously, Emma watched the hustle and bustle through the window. Her childhood friend-cum-advisor, Ian, answered her questions.
“Hmmm. Is that right?” Acknowledging Ian’s reply, Emma turned to the next page in the document she was reading. “I still need more reference materials. Specifically, records that will let me confirm the deployment of personnel after Plan B’s implementation.”
“Of course. I know where that is.”
“Thank you.”
At Emma’s request, Ian pointed at the top shelf on one of the many towering bookcases nearby. They practically reached the ceiling. When he lightly snapped his fingers, the documents floated down to rest on the table where they sat.
Their country, the Monarchy of Reauxvil, existed in a world where magic was the norm. Everyone could use basic magic called life magic. Moreover, depending on their disposition, each person shared an affinity with one, or more, of the four major elemental magics—earth, fire, water, and wind.
For example, Ian, sitting across from her, was most compatible with the attributes of water and wind. With jet-black hair and pale green eyes, he had always been tall for his age and emanated a calm, refreshing aura. When Emma learned of his elemental affinities, she thought they were perfect for his personality.
“…Is there something on my face?” Emma felt Ian’s gaze on her and raised her head from her analysis.
“It’s just been a while… No, um, I meant to say, ‘Wow, you’re as lovely as ever.’ That’s what I was thinking. Ahem.”
“Whatever are you on about, Ian?”
How suspicious that he cut himself off like that, which made her wonder what he would have said after “It’s been a while.” Still, his attempt to gloss over his initial words only exasperated her. As far as appearances were concerned, Emma possessed caramel-brown hair that fell down her back and striking azure eyes. Her distinct features and pale, almost translucent complexion were apparently reminiscent of her grandmother, who had famously been given the appellation “The Captivating Siren” in her youth. Emma couldn’t tell if it was heredity, but she knew there was no shortage of people who reacted to her in the same bewitched way.
Except, in all the years she’d known Ian, having grown up with him, she could count on one hand the number of times he’d complimented her looks. Which meant his words were a ploy. Suspecting he was hiding something from her, Emma frowned thoughtfully at him.
“You’re up to something, aren’t you?”
“Uhhh… In any case, never mind me, Emma. You need to remember all this. Or have you forgotten you’re short on time?”
She couldn’t deny his words, even if she was dissatisfied with Ian’s evasive behavior. After all, she was currently on a time traveling mission. Her magical affinity wasn’t with any of the four major elements. Instead, it lay with the one for time.
All citizens in the Monarchy of Reauxvil, whether of common or noble birth, had the freedom to choose their profession. Except for those inclined toward time magic. They were given a special task to “See what the future holds.” Those with the ability to manipulate time were rare. The day time was confirmed as Emma’s magical attribute was the day her childhood dream of becoming an amazing maid like Sunny disappeared, as quietly as the morning dew dissipating under the sun’s heat.
For her current mission, her “location” was three months forward in time. Having left her physical body behind at that point in time three months ago, her consciousness had traveled alone to today’s temporal future destination. There, she rendezvoused with Ian, who had been awaiting her arrival as dictated by special records.
“Right… That should do it. Ian, I think you already know, but this mission will be my last one as a time traveler. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me so far,” she said. “After this, you’ll be just my best friend instead of my best friend and assistant. I can’t wait to have a normal friendship.”
“No thanks necessary. I’m happy I could help you. Emma, I…”
Ian stopped, struggling to find the right words. Until a moment ago, he’d been chatting with her in his usual relaxed manner. But a serious expression settled on his face. Their bond was deep and real, forged over the many years they’d known each other. So, despite realizing he wanted to discuss something of great import, Emma pretended otherwise and thrust out her right hand, palm facing down. Then she chanted.
“Sigil, activate.”
The digits “90” emerged, exactly the number of days from the point in time she’d leaped forward. There was only one rule for time travel: never know more of the future than absolutely necessary. More likely than not, she surmised that Ian was feeling maudlin over the impending loss of her time magic. In any case, she couldn’t afford any further peeks into the future.
“Return.”
Once she cast the spell, she closed her eyes, effectively shutting out the world around her. Behind her eyelids, red numbers counted down in a wickedly fast blur. 90, 89, 88…
“Emma! Listen to me, please…!”
Ian’s panicked voice shocked her when he was usually the epitome of calmness and kindness. But to maintain the system in place, conversing beyond this point with him was forbidden. He knew that, too. She wouldn’t be surprised if he apologized to her after she returned to her original time. That was the last thought in her mind before Emma lost consciousness. In the end, Ian never finished what he wanted to say.