Third Arc (Fallen Heart) - 297. Anomaly II

"Should I consult a magic user?" Angel pondered, contemplating the idea of seeking outside help to unravel the mystery that plagued him. It would undoubtedly require another journey, a prospect that left him feeling weary at the mere thought of it.

But just as he entertained the notion, Angel's instincts suddenly surged to life, jolting him out of his contemplation. A prickling sensation danced along the back of his neck, and he couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching him.

Angel's gaze swept over the training ground, his instincts honed in on a figure. There, amidst the fading light of dusk, stood Lady Belle, accompanied by her maid and knight. Her presence was unmistakable.

What puzzled Angel was not her presence itself, but the fact that she remained in the castle when her father had already departed. It struck him as odd, for her mansion lay within the city.

Rumors had long circulated about Lady Belle's affections, whispers of her father's attempts to secure a suitable match for her among the city's elite. Many noble sons had vied for her attention. And yet, despite these efforts, it seemed that Belle's gaze still lingered upon Angel, her interest unwavering despite the passage of time.

Angel couldn't help but feel a sense of unease at her unwavering attention. There was something disconcerting about the intensity of her gaze.

With a deliberate effort, Angel averted his gaze from Lady Belle, choosing instead to focus on the rhythmic movements of his training. Despite the unsettling feeling her presence had stirred within him, he knew deep down that she had nothing to do with the anomaly he had experienced with his dark power.

Lady Belle, while the daughter of a magic user, had never exhibited any magical abilities herself. Her presence alone could not have caused the strange phenomenon that had momentarily disrupted his training. Furthermore, upon closer examination, Angel found no disturbances in the flow of magic around him, nor any indication that Lady Belle had tampered with his powers.

Angel resumed his training and found that none of his dark power leaked as it had moments before. The sensation of coldness that had gripped his hand seemed to have dissipated, replaced by the familiar weight of his sword and the steady rhythm of his movements.

Yet, despite the return to normalcy, a nagging sense of unease lingered in the back of Angel's mind. The sudden onset of the anomaly, followed by its swift disappearance, left him feeling unsettled and wary.

Turning his gaze once again toward where she stood, he found her still watching him, her eyes fixed on him with an intensity.

There was something about the way she looked at him, as if she were under a spell, captivated by his every movement. It wasn't unusual for nobles to take an interest in his training, especially given his status as the king, but there was an intensity in Lady Belle's gaze that went beyond mere curiosity.

Despite her enchanting demeanor, Angel couldn't shake the feeling of disquiet that washed over him in her presence. It wasn't her attention that bothered him, but rather an inexplicable sense of foreboding that seemed to cling to her like a shadow.

Try as he might, Angel couldn't pinpoint the source of his unease. Was it something about her demeanor, her intentions, or was it simply his own paranoia playing tricks on him?

Angel's gaze met Lady Belle's, he noticed a subtle shift in her demeanor. Her confident facade faltered, replaced by a hint of embarrassment that tinged her cheeks with a rosy hue. Despite her attempt to conceal her blush, Angel couldn't help but notice the telltale signs of her discomfort.

With a delicate motion, Lady Belle raised her hand to her face, using the back of her hand to shield her blushing cheeks from Angel's penetrating gaze. It was a futile attempt to hide her embarrassment, but she seemed determined to maintain some semblance of composure in front of him.

His attention was drawn to something glinting on Lady Belle's wrist. It was a bracelet, unlike any he had seen before. Its intricate design and unusual craftsmanship set it apart from the typical jewelry worn by nobles in Euphorion.

Despite the magical shield that enveloped the castle, preventing the use of magic within its walls, Angel sensed a faint aura emanating from the bracelet. It was a subtle energy, almost imperceptible.