Novel Silver Amelia - Intermission 8-10 Added (Arc 4 Soon)

Spoiler: Chapter 34: Making a Move

Turning to a halt, the horses snorted in unison with the metallic clanks.

“Kanna,” I called.

After a knock came from outside, the door was opened, revealing a set of half-plate armor sets lined to create a path towards a luxurious carriage painted in black.

Alighting first, Kanna waited beside the carriage's door followed by Erina who offered her hand to me. Placing my hand over Erina's, I alighted the carriage.



In the middle of the aisle formed by the armored men, “It's been a while, your Highness.” A medium built man kneeled.

Approaching before the man, “Yes, it has been, Captain Maize.”

Gallantly standing from his position, his swept-back dull crimson hair streaked with a few strands of white was revealed. His brown face, slightly wrinkled, expressed a gentle burning determination through his dark brown eyes.

“The proceedings?” Without turning my eyes away from his, I asked.



From the looks of it, I won't be able to see the condition of Fargan myself.

Producing a parchment from his side, “Brent's first prince wishes to meet halfway towards Tervin's dukedom.”

Nodding, “The preparations I asked?” I said after receiving the parchment.

“It is done.” He replied with a light bow.



Shifting my sight towards Erina, I confirmed the proceedings with a nod. Turning back to Maize, “Lead the way,” I commanded.

Instead of heading towards the black carriage, we were led by Maize around it and into a small vacant house. Inside it, I, Erina, and Kanna went into a room where a wardrobe sat at the side.

“We'll be taking a short rest here,” I said. “Kanna, you can rest first on the bed.”

Turning around to meet me, “What are you talking about?” She pouted. “It should be we.”



Smiling from the side, “Your Highness,” Erina added. “Please take a rest.”

“I'm fine,” I replied. “I'm used to riding carriages while Kanna isn’t. Besides, I still have to review this parchment.”

Regaining her vigor in an instant, “Hehehe.” Kanna chuckled a grin. “Then why don't we take a bath first while Erina rests?”

“Kanna,” I smiled wryly. “You're like a dirty old man.”



“I may be old in human years, but fortunately, I'm not a man!” She raised her fist into the air.

“Erina,” I asked. “Maybe I should throw Kanna into the slime pit for once?”

“I believe so, your Highness.” Erina returned a smile. “Maybe her filth will be washed along the way.”

“... I'm sorry.” Kanna apologized immediately.





“Ahehehe. Ahehehe.” Kanna laughed while drooling. “A bath with Lia, Ahehehe.”

“Haah...” I sighed as I looked at Kanna maniacally smiling on one end of the large tub.

Holding a towel to cover my front, I dipped my foot into the tub. Slowly submerging my body, I removed the towel and placed it on the side.

“Huaah...” I muttered as I relaxed my body to the warmth.

I want this every day… I thought, raising the corner of my lips.



Lifting my eyelids, I raised my right foot as retaliation to the approaching Kanna.

“Mmf.” She muttered as she buried her face onto my foot.

“Kanna,” Unsmiling, I said. “We have a deal.”

“Ahe.”

Before she finished her laugh, I screamed when my spine shivered. “Hyaa!” Feeling a small and soft sensation from my feet, I kicked her away.



Splashing, Kanna hit the other side of the tub with a thunk.

“Auu...” She cried. “Lia, that hurts.”

“Licking my foot,” I disdained. “That’s disgusting.”

“I can’t help it,” She smiled. “Lia has grown so much. You have a slim but curvy figure now; a supple white skin without a single scar or blemish, a silky long silver hair, a round growing che-”



“Kanna,” I interrupted as I covered my submerged body with my arms. “I don’t need you to describe my body in detail.”

“Hwaaa!” She shouted with sparkling eyes. “A shy Lia is a great Lia too!”

“Haah...” I sighed. “Maybe I shouldn’t have considered taking a bath with you.”

“Ehhh… But Lia’s body is really good, no, it’s divine, a body of a Goddess!” She declared with open arms. “I can’t even imagine what will happen if we sleep together!”



It’s my blood that’s divine and If there’s someone who looks like a Goddess, it’s Celes.

“You’re exaggerating.” Monotonously, I said. “And you may not know what will, but I do. You’ll be a few feet deep underground.”

“I’m serious though?” She frowned. “I can’t even see a single scar anywhere even though you always fought all the time.”

“It’s not that I never had a scar,” I said. “I have to maintain the image of a princess, so I use ointments and light magic to remove them. If I didn’t,” Recalling an event, I placed a hand over my stomach and rubbed it gently. “I’d have a lot by now.”



Now that I think about it, that time was fatal. If my horn wasn’t there, It could’ve ended my life.

Smiling, “Nihehe.” She laughed lightly. “Lia, this time around, I’ll be with you.”

“It’s not reassuring.” I returned a smile.

Sinking herself up to her chin, “Booo.” She said. “That’s no good Lia.”

“You’re the one who’s no good.” Lifting the palm of my hand, water flowed back into the tub. “But Kanna,” I called. “This time won’t be similar to the Tribe.”

“I know,” She said as she closed in and grasped my hand. “You won’t be here with me if you hesitated.”



“Yes,” I replied. “There’s no room for hesitation. It’s either your blood or your enemy’s will spill.”

“Lia,” She smiled. “Remember? I decided to see where your dream will lead you and I wo-”

Placing a finger on her lips, “it might end badly if you continue,” I said.

“I guess,” She grinned. “But I’ll continue this!” Producing splashes, she jumped to embrace me.

Feeling a hand snaking at my back, I raised my knee before the embrace was completed. “Buoo!” She squealed. “T-that. Seriously. Hurts…” She muttered while she sank.



“Next time, a knee won't be the only thing you'll get.” Leaving the tub, water trickled down my body.

“I-it’s okay. I was able to touch. Heaven…” She continued even after sinking in the tub.

Grabbing the towel,“It’s a dumb way to die by drowning in a bathtub.” I said as I washed myself.





Taking a step, my armor produced a light clanking sound.

Swaying my arms, “It’s lighter than it used to.” I muttered. “Even my old sword felt lighter.”

“Maybe her Highness has gained some muscles?” Erina said playfully.

“Erina,” I glared. “You know that’s untrue.”

“Ara? Maybe there is? Kanna would be happy to check.”



“I volunteer!” Kanna raised her hand.

“I’ll smack you instead so you can check my strength.”

“True,” Erina said. “Maybe try that instead?”

“Please don’t.” Hurriedly, Kanna protested. “Anyway, that’s the effect of your horn?”

“I guess it’s not the only effect it has, but it’s up to me to find out.”



“I believe you’ve found something?” Erina asked.

“I’m still unused to it, and the difficulty is hard but,” Raising my hand, I’ve let my mana flow, restricted it, and shaped it into a magic circle. Shortly, a ball of light manifested. “I learned this.”

“Eh?” Kanna blinked repeatedly. “Magic shards?”

Shaking my head, “No,” I replied. “I didn’t use any shard or crystal.”

“T-then Chant-less?”

Smiling, I nodded. “Yes.”



“How?!” Kanna shouted, approaching in hurried steps.

“How to say this, it’s actually simple than anyone probably thought,” I explained. “The only problem is the ability.”

“Your Highness.”

Shifting my sight to Erina, “I know, I can use it as a card for negotiations.”



“Anyway, the idea is simple,” I said, halting the supply of mana into the ball of light. “Back then, we used to draw magic circles on paper using crushed Crystalline Manatite, but now, we draw them inside the crystals themselves. Now for chanting, it has been used since time immemorial, but all we know is that if we chant, the magic will automatically manifest.”

Moving to the bed, I took a seat. “The difference between chanted magic and magic produced through shards? The answer is the location where the circle is drawn.”



“Err… I don’t get it?” Puzzled, Kanna asked.

“Basically, every time we chant, the magic circle is automatically drawn within our body.”

“But how?”

Shaking my head, “I have no idea. I can only argue that there’s some sort of system in place.”

“… Then you’re saying that we’ve been blind all this time?”



“Yes,” I said. “We are. But the difficulty is high if you’ll form the circle yourself.”

“How so?” She asked. “We can draw magic circles with the help of stabilizers.”

Disagreeing, “That’s too wishful.” I said. “Drawing using a string of mana to function as a pen is easy compared to drawing one within your body.”

“Why?”

“Kanna,” I said. “Can you draw a magic circle without seeing it?”



Realizing what I meant, “Ah...” She lost her vigor.

“See? Everyone is considered a blind artist. The only good thing about it is that the mana will disperse rather than explode if you fail. On the bright side, if you’re near the actual circle, the magic will manifest, but on a lower level.”

“But isn’t the previous light ball at the size of an ordinary one?” She asked while trying to shape the size of the ball with her arms.



“For a light ball manifested through shards, yes, but for me who has an affinity in light, no.”

“Ah, so the affinity affects Chant-less too...”

“That’s a given,” I nodded. “It was formed within the body.”

“Then how did you do it?” She asked.

“Illusions are my specialty, and it needs a high level of visualization.”



“Then a good image will serve as a guide?”

“Yes,” I replied. “But imagining it and forming it while imagining it is different. It requires greater focus compared to chanted magic.”

“Then it’s worse than chanting huh.”

“Not really,” I said. “It can change the tides if used properly.”

“Right.” She said, taking a seat beside me.



“It’s been three days since I’ve been practicing but I can only produce a light ball.”

It feels lacking. I thought. If this is everything about chant-less magic, then why did Celes taught me to control mana on the outside?

“Maybe I'm thinking too much into it?” I unconsciously muttered.

Or maybe I should stop using Celes as a reference instead...

“Is something the matter, your Highness?” Erina asked.



Shaking my head, “No,” I said. “It’s fine. Please inform Maize of our departure.”

In reply, “Yes,” Erina bowed before leaving.

“Say, Lia.”

“Hmm?”

“What are you going to do with two swords?” She asked, pointing to my old sword.



“Ah, that,” I said. “This rapier specializes in taking down large beasts due to its nature to act as a needle and inject lightning. Using that against humans is too much of an overkill.”

“Why not embed a magic in the rapier instead?”

“I’m planning on doing that, but I’ll have the rapier specialize in taking down beasts, and my old sword on something else.”

“Then dual wielding?”



Shaking my head, “Of course not,” I said. “My style requires me to have another hand free for my dagger or shards.”

“Then you’re bringing both?”

“Yes,” I nodded.

Coming from the door, a knock came. “Your Highness, the preparations for the departure are done.”

“Yes,” Shifting my sight to Kanna, “Let’s go.”



Fixing my right foot on the stirrup, I lifted my body onto the saddle. “It’s been quite a while since I last rode a horse,” I muttered.

Clopping its hooves, Maize, riding a horse, came to my side. “How is it, your Highness?”

“It’s a good horse,” I said, rubbing the horse’s mane.

“I’m glad you liked it.”



“Yes, I do,” I replied. “Maize, we have a lot to discuss so let us depart.”

“By your will.”





Surrounded by the clopping of hooves and the rattling of the carriage behind me, I held the reins of my horse as I spoke with Maize.

“Maize,” I called. “The duchy?”

“Everything is normal your Highness.”

“The number of attacks?”

“Two.”



“It’s been reduced by a lot huh.”

Despite me spitting at their faces directly this time, they reduced their visits.

“The Heroes?”

“Hero Meiko, a woman with a long black hair had escaped towards the south.”

“Brent’s action?”



“The Royalty, the Nobility, and the Church are contesting each other on who gets her first.”

“Last location?”

“Eight kilometers north of the twin peaks from five days ago.”

“Maize,” I smiled. “Advance six men to do an advanced inspection of the refugees. Along the way, have the towns and villages relax on their patrol on the west, then do the opposite on the east.”



Grinning brightly, “Truly, your Highness is a gem.” He chuckled.

“I’m still in the rough Maize,” I replied. “As always, you’re free to add orders.”

“What do you wish to do to the Hero?”

“I’ll decide after meeting her myself, but I have no intention of relying on a Hero.”

“The-”



“Don’t attack or threaten her. Similar actions to what Brent and Libet took is also forbidden.” I commanded. “Upon contact, drop your weapons and opt for a dialogue.”

“Your Highness.”

“Maize, I know you’re itching for an opponent, but it’s best we avoid antagonizing the Heroes,” I said. “Also, it’s been quite a while Master,” I turned my head to Maize. “I’ll be your opponent once we’re back in the duchy.”



Snorting a grin, “I’ll have you show me how far you’ve improved, Apprentice.” He smiled.

“Enough, tell me more of the condition of the Heroes.”

“I believe his Highness will be more suited.” Then he started giving out orders to the men.

So they’re already here. I thought as Brent’s banner waved from the hills in the distance.

 

Spoiler: Chapter 35: Lingering Feelings

About five years ago.

“My engagement?” Looking up to my Father, I asked. “To whom?”

“Amelia Laurel,” Smiling, he said. “You’ll meet her soon.” Placing his hand over my hair, he ruffled it and said. “She’ll be a fine lady like your Mother so treat her well.”

Leaving those words behind, he turned his back and walked on the opposite end of the hallway.



As I watched his back recede from the stone-slabbed hallway, I thought. Laurel’s first princess huh. Though Mother and Father were engaged similarly, they lived happily like an ordinary couple.

Lifting my feet, I turned around and took a step in the opposite direction. It doesn’t matter. I thought. It’s my duty as a prince, no matter where it leads, I have to live up to it.

As Brent’s first prince, I've met numerous women of varying statuses. Nevertheless, it was my duty as the next King to please the Nobility for me to create a stable foothold before ascending to the throne.



“Your Highness.” Beside a large wooden double door, a man in a black tailcoat bowed. “Your guests are waiting inside.”

“Lester.” Shifting my sight to my right, “When was this arranged?” I stood upright over a red carpet and asked.

“The talks have been going on for two years,” Unblinking, he said. “Does his Highness have any qualms?”

Casting a shadow over the carpet and the marble floor, the round portion shook. “No,” I answered. “Most of our mineral resources came from Laurel, and for years, we have been indebted to them.”



“I see,” He answered as his eyelids fell over his eyes. “Well then,” Turning to face the door, Lester knocked and announced. “His Highness has arrived.”

From the other side of the door.

You’re charming as always, Amelia.

Gradually, the clopping of the hooves diminished while a girl dressed in a gleaming silver armor reined her horse to face mine.



“It’s been a while.” The silver-haired girl smiled. “Prince Maxwell.”

Nodding, “It has, princess Amelia.” I returned a smile.

“Shall we?” She asked, turning her horse to her left.

In response, I grabbed the rein of my horse and led it to my right. Facing each other, we both nodded and started reining our horse forward till we were side by side.



When she advanced a bit further, “Advance!” Maize commanded.

In unison, “Depart!” Lester, my butler, and guard commanded.

“We’ve been doing this for a few times now,” I started while our Guards spread side by side.

“We have,” Facing forward, she replied. “We don’t even have to remind them of the protocol.”

In the distance, A walled city started to emerge.



“Should we raise the pace?” She asked.

“Fine with me,” I answered.

Not long before the clopping of hooves and the rattle of the carriage increased in frequency.

As her silver swayed like unhindered threads, I looked at her from the side.

Back then, I was the one leading you…



Trampling the grass, “Come on!” Wearing a wide smile, I enthusiastically called. “Come on Lia! I’ll show you something!”

“M-max!” She panted, trying to catch up. “Wait up Max!”

Scratching my head, I ran up to her and offered my hand. “Here,” I said. “Let’s go together.”

Placing her hand over mine, I grasped it and thought. It’s warm and soft.

“Max?” She asked as she looked up at me with a tilted head. “What’s wrong?”

What is this? I thought. She’s different.



“Max?” Again, she asked, leaning closer and closer.

Realizing that she’d been staring at me for a while, “N-nothing.” I said as I turned my head to the side.

This is bad. Placing my left hand on my chest, I thought. I can't keep my calm.

“Are you okay?” Worried, she circled to my side and asked.

“I-I’m fine!” Pulling her hand, I started walking. “Anyway, let’s go!”



By the hand, I lead her from one place to another: around the garden, through the hallways, inside the library, to the kitchen, down the abbeys, and up to the throne.

We played like children, told stories of our own, argued over games, and made peace. It was the most memorable 5 days of my life.

Maybe it was because that I knew she'd be my Queen or was it her bright smile and gentle blue eye? Could it be due to our equal status that we could see eye to eye that I warmed up to her? I didn't know. It didn't matter.



I shouldn't have let her hand go. I should’ve kept her close. I shouldn’t have thought that a year of waiting is nothing but a dime compared to the rest of the time I’d spend with her.

20 days after they left, we received information that they’d soon return from Niveria back to Brent then onward to Libet. Thinking that we should escort our soon to be family, we set out from the capital, expecting that'd we arrive earlier.

Contrary, we arrived two days late. It was all due to unexpected villages burning down as we advanced.



At the time when we arrived at a town bordering Niveria, it was silent, dead silent.

“Y-your Majesty!” A horseman shouted. “The town! N-nothing is left but corpses!”

Spurred by the unexpected news, we rushed inside the town. From the gates to the houses, bodies littered the streets; children or adult, nothing was left behind.

“Search everywhere!” I shouted. “Find the cause! Look for any trace of Laurel’s Royals!”



Before Father gave an order, I commanded the Knights and Soldiers on my own. Whipping the rein of my horse, “Father I’ll join the search!”

Urging my horse, its hoof-beats clopped louder at each passing second.

Darting my eyes around, I caught sight of something unusual. Immediately, I jumped down my horse and approached the corpse of a fat-bellied priest.

Kneeling before the body, I thought. A stab wound?

Dubious, I scanned the vicinity. Although faint, I found a fading depression on the ground.



This is!

Grabbing a pile of dirt on the ground, I caught sight of a silver strand in the mix, causing my heart to race uncontrollably in an instant.

Hurriedly, I climbed my horse and urged it to run as fast as it could.

Amelia! My thoughts shouted repeatedly.

Roaming around for a few minutes, “Your Highness!” A soldier called. “We’ve found the princess and her attendant!”



In a reckless attempt, I reined the horse to an abrupt stop and risked myself from being thrown off the horse. Fixing my posture, I shouted. “Are they safe?!”

“Yes!” The soldier replied. “This way!”

Arriving at the mansion, Amelia stuck up to my feet and begged. “Max!” She cried. “Max, please! Please bring me back to the forest! Grandpa, Ria, Mia, and everyone else! Please!”

Never have I thought, that the woman that’d be my Queen would wail and beg in front of me just to see the corpses.



Answering her wishes, we went to the forest, but when we arrived, Amelia broke.

“Amelia!” I shouted. “Stop!”

Trying to stop her from digging the ground like a madman, I embraced her at the front.

“Nooooo!” She cried. “Grandpa! Ria! Mira!”

Although weak, she struggled from my embrace and tried to run towards the ashen forest.

“Amelia...”



Her struggle did not hurt one bit, but each of her wail and cries scraped me from inside.

Why does this have to happen? I thought. The next King, tasked to protect the citizens, failed to protect a few.

“Ma-”

“Max.”

“Max!”



Feeling a hard object on my cheeks, I tried turning to my left, but a finger held my head in place.

“Max,” Amelia said. “What are you spacing out for?” Then asked. “I’ve been speaking for a while now, and you’re not even listening. Since when did you grow up this rude?”

“Ahaha.” I chuckled a laugh. “Sorry, I was reminiscing a past event.”

“Past huh.” Shifting her sight downwards for a moment, she turned her face forward once again. “Anyway, we’re almost at the gates so fix up that face of yours.” Then she moved ahead once again.



Releasing my hand from the reins, I reached out to Amelia's shoulder, but midway, I stopped.

You’re so near, yet so far at the same time. I thought as I grabbed the reins.

Shaking my head, I held the reins tightly and thought. It doesn’t matter. No matter how far you go, I’ll chase after you, Amelia.

Before we entered the gates, “Amelia,” I called.



Turning her face around, “What?”

Smiling, “I love you.” I said.

Twitching for a moment, “Haah…” She sighed. “Your words are cheap.”

“Cheap it may be, but those are words that I’ll only utter to you.”

For a second time, she placed a hand on her forehead and sighed. “Haah… Whatever should I do to you.”



“Marry me, and I’ll stop.”

“How about marry someone else and stop?”

“I told you, I’ll never give up.”

“And I keep telling you, give up.”

After a short moment of silence.



““Ahahaha.”” We both laughed.

“You’re the same as always Max.”

“And you haven’t changed a bit since we went to Academia.”

“Have I?” Glancing, she asked.

“At least to me, you haven’t.”



“I wonder.” She said. “Anyway, it’s time for the usual parade. Show your best smile and shoot down the ladies.”

“And it’s up to you to cull the men like always huh.”

“Want to charm the men for a change?” Turning a glance, she tilted her head wearing a smile.

In return, “I’ll pass.” I said. “I’m not into men.”

“You’ll never know.”



Passing the gates, we proceeded with the usual parade. Men, women, children, adult, and elderly, they all waved from their wooden framed windows, and stone-paved streets and alleys dotted with a mix of wooden and concrete structures.

We kept waving and smiling to the citizens of Laurel up until we arrived at the Tervin’s mansion.

“Amelia,” I called after we went down our horses.

“I know,” Rubbing the horse, she replied. “Two days from now, the meeting will be held.”

“Then.”



“Max,” She turned around and said. “Let me rest for today.”

“Then tomo-”

“Max, don’t be childish.” She said. “You’re four years older than me.”

“A few hours is enough,” I said. “It doesn’t need to be around the city. Anywhere is fine as long as we can talk.”

“Then tomorrow, three hours after dinner at the garden.”



Puzzled, “Why at night?” I asked.

In response, “So you could cry yourself to sleep.” She said smiling. “Well then, I'll see you tomorrow.” Then she waved goodbye.





Inside a bed-chamber at the left wing of Tervin’s mansion.

“Lia!” Kanna, trying to rip a cloth apart, shouted. “Who’s that pesky man! I’ll beat him! I’ll beat him to death and feed him to Birby!”

Smiling, “Kanna,” I said. “If someone else hears you, you might be executed for treason.”

“I don’t care!” She slammed the cloth to the floor. “I was first! First I say! Lia is mine and mine alone!”

Picking up the cloth, she tried to rip it apart again. “Wait here, Lia! I’ll beat some sense into him!”



The cloth is extending.

Standing from my seat, “Kanna.” I called as I approach from behind.

Turning around, “Yes?” She asked.

Activating reinforcement, I brought down my fist on her head. “Buu!” Then she fell to her knees, then to the floor with a thud.

“That’ll keep her quiet for a while.” Lifting Kanna, I said.



Sitting on a chair beside a drawer, “Is she dead?” Erina asked.

“The whites of her eyes are showing, but I think not.”

“You should heal her even for a bit to make sure.”

“I’ll do that.” After placing her on the bed, I chanted Heal and placed my fingers on her forehead. “I guess this is enough.”



Falling on the bed beside Kanna, “Haah...” I sighed. “Wearing an armor in broad daylight is a bad idea.”

“The season will turn to fall soon.”

Turning to my side, I faced Kanna’s direction. “We rushed to Tervin’s dukedom and arrived a day earlier, so it’s three days more before the months of summer starts.”

“It is, but at this course, you’ll be late for the start of the Academy.”



Closing my eyes, “It’s fine.” I said. “Academia cares about results anyway, so attendance isn’t a must. Besides, I have to stay at the duchy to drag Mola and Glasses to Academia.”

“And what for?”

“There’s the issue with the Dasbalites, the seeds from the Tree Mimic, the Horn Shedding from Amalthea, Mother’s request, and of course the Labyrinth itself. But it may change depending on when I’ll meet the runaway Hero.”

“What about the prince?”



“...” In silence, I thought. That’s what I want to know.

“Are you prepared for the meeting the day after?”

“I’ll be acting as a representative diplomat this time, but I’m sure that the prices for the weapons they asked will jump due to the incoming war. At a minimum, at least a ten percent increase will be observed.”

“Your decision?”



“I’m planning to let Laurel cover at most sixty percent of the cost to aid the rescue operations and reclamation of Niveria, but that’s something I should discuss with Uncle tomorrow since the matter of the Refugees is also present.”

“Then perhaps you’d want me to prepare a bath after your nap?”

“Please do,” I answered.

With a short rattle, “Before I go, Amelia.” Erina said. “What do you plan to do with Maxwell.”



“… To be honest, I don’t know.” I answered. “Our engagement was long broken, and even if it was forced now, it won’t end as good as it was before.”

“What do you feel?”

Lifting my eyelids, “Like I said.” I answered. “I…” For a moment, I paused.

“Hmm?”

“Erina,” I said. “Even if I did answer his feelings, it’s impossible for us.”



“Doesn’t that mean you have a lingering feeling?”

“You could say that...”

“Then excuse me, your Highness.” With those words, Erina left quietly.

What do I feel huh? Again, I closed my eyes and recalled. That dream, wait, was it really a dream? It felt too real.

A time when everything went well and I ended up with Max. A time when I bore a child named Lara and pregnant with another. During those times, I can't deny that I was satisfied and happy.

Besides, why did I even named her Lara? Now that I think about it, I haven’t met Elaine’s mother for a while now. I wouldn't have minded it if it was Liz, but I don't have any problems with Elaine's mother.



“Haah...” Clutching the necklace, I sighed. Celes, it would’ve been easier for me to keep denying Max, but because you showed me that possibility, I can’t say that I still feel the same…

 

Spoiler: Chapter 36: Make Me

Within a visiting room at the left wing of Duke Tervin’s mansion, “come on Amelia.” A brown-haired man, dressed in a simple suit of white, said, “It’ll be quick.”

Sitting upright, I crossed my legs and placed my hands on my thighs. “Lord Tervin, no, Hans, please leave me this instance.”

“Don’t be like that.” Clasping his hands, he said in front of me, standing. “We’re cousins, you know? We should enjoy our time.”



“Indeed we are cousins,” Raising my chin slightly, I returned a frown. “I’d be happy to enjoy our time together as cousins if not for your debt.”

Smiling wryly, his figure came close. “Oh, don’t worry about that.” Wryly, he said. “It’s but a small amount.”

“Small?” Squinting, “since when did fifty large golds became a small amount? That’s equivalent to five-hundred-thousand coppers mind you. And wasn’t it the reason why we haven’t met for two years?”



“Come on,” Shaking his clasped hands, he said. “We’re cousins.”

“You’re the second son of the previous prince,” I said, “have some shame.”

“Ahaha.” He chuckled.

Clacking, “I’ve heard of it.” Footsteps came from the side. “Hans,” Monotonously, “leave this instant.” A man said. “I’ll have a word with you later.”



Releasing his clasped hands, “B-but Father!” Hans replied.

Pointing at the door he came from, “Leave!” The man bellowed.

Taking a step back, “Y-yes.” Hans scrambled out of the room.

Approaching from the side, the silver-haired man stood across the brown coffee table and said. “My apologies Amelia.”

Relieving my crossed legs, “It’s fine Uncle.” I replied with a smile.



Taking a seat on the red couch behind him, “It seems my son has quite a debt.” He placed his left arm on the armrest.

Leaning backward, my back laid against a soft surface. “Uncle, it’s your son’s debt.”

“True,” Scratching the side of his straight hair in a faux-cut, “but this time, I’ll pay for it.”

“Haah...” Relaxing my shoulders, I sighed. “This is why I don’t want to inform you of the matter,” I muttered. “Anyway, Uncle, please use it to fund the needs of the refugees.”



“Don’t you need it for something else?”

Shaking my head, “No,” I said. “Besides, if the refugees from Niveria knew that they received support from the very person that re-established the trade with the Tribe, at the least, they might doubt my actions and stance regarding the war.”

“Doubt huh,” He muttered. “You’re taking this opportunity to shake their beliefs before the Lynxes arrive at their settlement, is it?”

Nodding, “Yes,” I replied.



Peering, “Amelia, your visit to the settlement, it won’t be a pleasing one.”

Gripping my hands, I said. “I’m prepared.”

Sighing, he said. “If only they’d recognize that not all races are the same demons that the church claims.”

“It’d be a lot easier to make peace.”

“Anyway,” Reaching for the papers stacked on the table, “Have you read the contents?” He asked.



“Five-thousand spears, three-thousand spear-heads, two-thousand longswords and broadswords, seven-thousand sets of armor including shields, both leather, and plate. Eight-thousand bows and crossbows with eighty-thousand bolts and arrows. There’s also a request for pig-iron, wrought-iron, iron ingots, copper, tin, bronze, coals, and leather. Lastly, food supplies, preferably those with long shelf-life.”

Expressing a wry smile, “That makes things easier.” Then he returned the papers back to the table.



“As Laurel stands, we can supply half of their requested military supplies immediately, but the rest is to be produced through the rest of the following year.”

“That’s not everything, is it?” He asked.

“Yes,” I nodded. “A third or a fourth?”

“Release a fourth for now.”

“Then the rest will be released incessantly to expedite the trade between Laurel and Brent for at least the incoming six months or so.”



“Indeed.” Expressing a wide grin, he answered. “For the transportation?”

“I’ll leave that to you,” I said. “I believe Uncle is more fit to handle the trade between Laurel and Brent.”

“A favor is it?”

Shaking my head, “No, I’m giving you the opportunity. As it stands, you’ll make use of the transportation to introduce commodities to Brent. The fact that there will be a rise in prices, I doubt Uncle won’t take it.”



Slapping his legs, “Ahahaha!” Heartily, he laughed. “You’ve been colluding with merchants as of late haven’t you?”

“I won’t deny it,” I replied. “To be honest, I severely lack connections with the Nobility.”

“Instead you made one with the merchants.”

“Yes,” I answered. “It’s quite a deadlock. Since I’ve been offering cheaper commodities and services that their land needs, the Nobles couldn’t threaten mine freely. But I won’t deny that there were attempts.”



“Indeed, indeed.” He nodded repeatedly, then with a clap, he said. “That got out of hand.”

“It has.”

“Then for the amount to donate. Have you thought of something for now?”

“Depending on how the talk will proceed, I’ll set the donation at sixty percent maximum of the estimated price of their request.”

“Estimated price huh.” He chuckled a grin. “Continue.”



“Since Laurel has the upper hand in the negotiation, once they fail to give anything beneficial to Laurel, then twenty percent will be the minimum.”

“Beneficial offer huh.” Leaning back to the couch, he muttered. “Fishing rights, trade ships, a trade contract between Brent and Laurel, I wonder which will be best.”

“Uncle, it’s for them to suggest we can only try to veer off the discussion.”

“Indeed.”



“In any case, Uncle, will you be my Adviser for the meeting tomorrow? I’ll have Kanna be my Adviser from the Tribe.”

But I doubt Kanna will be helpful.

“There isn’t any reason for me to refuse, or is there?”

Lifting myself from the couch, “Well then, I’ll be expecting your help tomorrow.”

“One more thing.” He said as he stood from his seat. “Brent brought a priest as an adviser to the dialogue.”



“… I believe Brent brought that priest to calm the church.”

“Possibly,” He replied. “But it’s best to be careful.”

Taking a step towards the door, “I will.”





Walking through the hallway, I reunited with Erina.

“How is it, your Highness?”

“There’s nothing much to discuss,” I said. “In the first place, it was a request for supplies and support for the war. As to where Laurel stands, it’s obvious that we’d help them retain the borders, at best, reclaim Niveria.”

“Then your meal? Won’t you have it with everyone else?”

“I’ll have it in the room,” I replied.



“Are you avoiding him?”

“It’s best if I meet him later.” Balling my hand into a fist. “I don’t want my decision to waver.”

“...” In response, Erina remained silent.

Glancing at Erina, “Anyway, where is Kanna?” I asked.

Meanwhile, “Mnnn! Mnnn!” A white worm wriggled inside a particular bedchamber on the left wing.





On the balcony beside my room, I placed my hands on the railing, taking the lively view of the Dukedom.

It’s lively as ever.

The streets were bustling, on the sides of the buildings of mixed wood and concrete, stall owners raised their arms, calling for whoever might want their wares. Carriages passed through the center, slowed by the people crossing the street. Carrying bags and baskets of various bread and fruits, Children ran from one alley to another.



As expected of the trade city between Academia, Laurel, and Brent, the volume of people is overwhelming.

“Haah...” Clutching the stone railing, I sighed. “Unless everything calms down after the dialogue, I won’t be able to roam free...”

[Cluck says Argent the chicken.]

Receiving a message, I leaned my arms on the railing and replied with Wind Whisper. [What is it, Maize?]



I can’t get enough of that passphrase. I chuckled.

[We have confirmed the presence of the Hero in the settlement.]

[Any casualties on our side?] I asked.

[None.] He answered. [But it seems that observers have tailed the Hero.]

[Their number?]



[Unconfirmed.]

For a moment, I thought in silence.

[For now, make a perimeter around the settlement. Preferably, a distance that won’t catch the attention of the observers.]

[Anything else?]

[Have two or three men blend with the refugees to check the condition of the food and water. For the rest, stay put and observe.]



Recalling something, [Another thing,] I asked. [Why did the Hero remain in the settlement?]

[I believe the border Guards of Laurel had impeded most of the men chasing the Hero.]

Turning my back against the railing, I asked. [Is there anything else?]

[We have yet to confirm if there is.]

[Inform me of any changes.]

[Will do.]



Before the night came, I went back to the room and continued my study of the Dwarf’s language. I’ve also asked Kanna on the possible stance of the Tribe.

“Our stance?” She said. “Hmm… As long as we have no actual participation in the war, then I guess we wouldn’t mind. After all, the Tribe strives for peace. But in case the Tribe is threatened to the point that our lives are in danger, then we'd resort to force.”

After the dinner, I was left inside the bedchamber with Erina.

“Erina,” I called. “I don’t get the reason why I should be presentable for tonight.”



“Who knows,” Combing my hair from the back, she giggled. “Something might happen.”

“No, Erina,” I said. “I tell you, that something your expecting won’t happen. It won’t, I tell you. Not. Never.”

“Won’t you give him the chance? Even for tonight?”

“What are you talking about?!” I protested. “It’d be a huge issue!”

Stopping for a moment, “Oh,” she said. “I didn’t expect that you’d jump to that immediately. Really, her Highness is bold.”



“What do you want me to expect from you?!”

Giggling, she replied. “I was only referring to a hug, you know?”

“For someone like Erina, I think that’s too subtle,” I said. “Please come back.”

“Is that so?” Feeling a hand over my shoulders, I felt Erina's breath through my ears. “Why not try the wrapping I tried on Kanna? It’d be a nice present for his Highness.” She whispered.

Shivering down my spine, “I-I guess a subtle Erina is fine too.”





Singing as it swayed, the grass moved like a rippling wave.

“Fuu...” Rubbing my arms, I breathed. “Why am I even wearing a one-piece dress...” I muttered.

From behind, a series of clacking sounds came. Turning around, I leaned against the wooden post of a gazebo.

Recognizing the man carrying a lamp, “So you came huh” I smiled.

Walking to the opposite side, Max hanged his lamp on a hook stuck to the post. “That’s harsh.” He replied.



“I always am, and will always be,” I said. “At least, to you.”

As another breeze passed through, Max’s semi-spiky swept-back blonde hair swayed.

“Aren’t you cold?” He asked.

“I’m not sure what you are referring to, but I am both.”

Removing his black coat, “Then.” he took a step into the moonlight.



“Stay,” I said. “Don’t come close.”

“But aren’t you cold?”

“It’s fine,” I smiled. “I’ve been into places far colder than this.”

“...” Silently, he balled the coat, “catch!” and threw it.

Reflexively, I reached out my arms and caught it. “If you’re that adamant about it, then I won’t return this.”



Smiling, “Fine by me.”

“Before anything,” Inserting my arms into the coat, I said. “Max, you should’ve gotten hold of the Hero haven’t you?”

“Ahaha.” He laughed. “It was a mess.”

Scratching his head, he leaned his back against the post. “Whoever gets near the Hero, any other party would make a Ruckus.”



“That’s like some wild goose chase.” I chuckled.

“It was!” Taking a step forward, he said. “When our Guards approaches, the paladins of the church will yell from the distance to disrupt any form of dialogue. The same is true with the Nobility. We also tried setting up a perimeter around the cities, but the Hero knew advanced magic that enabled her to escape.”

“Advanced magic huh,” I muttered.

“Yes, for a month old Hero, that’s already an achievement.”



“She has access to magic of any level as a blessing?”

“The possibility is high, but we can’t confirm if that is everything.”

“Then how come no one is chasing her anymore?”

Scratching the back of his head, “We lost her.”

“Eh?” Surprised, I asked. “How?”



“She used concealment.”

Placing a palm on my forehead, “Figured.”

To use concealment long enough to get away, that’s quite a mana pool she has.

“Say, Amelia.” Changing his tone, Max said. “Enough about the Heroes, I can give you a copy of the report later.”

Shifting my sight to the side, “Max,” I said. “I appreciate the report, but regarding us...” I returned my sight back to him and said. “My answer won’t change. Give up.”



“Like I said,” looking down for a moment, “I won’t give up.”

“Max, please, we both know that it’s hard for both of us,” I said. “I appreciate the times we’ve been through in Academia, the times we paraded to show that Brent and Laurel’s ties remain strong, and even the time we beat up priests in Academia. I enjoyed it, not as lovers, but as close friends.”

Clenching his fist, “I enjoyed every second that I’ve been with you, and I won’t throw away my chance to be by your side.”



“Max!” I shouted. “You’re the next King, soon, you’ll need an heir once you ascend the throne, and I doubt that your mother and father haven’t talked about your engagement yet.”

Taking a step forward, “It’s because I’ve been reserving that seat for you.” he said.

“Haah… Max...” Hunching, I said. “You know it’s over for us. I’ll never be your Queen. It’s like placing a lamb within a den of wolves.”

“You’re a wolf in a sheepskin, Amelia.” Taking one step and another, he added. “No matter what happens in Brent, I’ll make sure the church won’t touch you.”



“I appreciate the thought,” Leaning my back against a post, I said. “But you know it’s impossible unless the church and the believers itself are dead. But in that case, that’s genocide.”

In a single generation at least.

Closing in, he placed his hand over the railings beside me, locking me in place.

Looking up at his green irises, “Max,” glaring, I said. “Another move and I won’t hesitate to beat you up.”

“Amelia, please trust me.” Feeling his warm breath, he said. “If it’s the church, I’ll find a way.”



“That doesn’t reassure me one bit.”

“… Then tell me,” Frowning, he said. “What do you want me to do for you to accept me?”

“Nothing, Max, nothing.” In a low tone, I replied. “Give up,” Smiling, I placed my hand on his cheeks. “Give the seat to someone else, to someone that will answer your feelings.”

“Amelia...”

“I can’t fight beside you,” Using my fingers, I caught his tears. “But I can fight along with you.”



“Then what if we lived as-”

“Max!” I interrupted. “Suggest that we throw our responsibilities as a solution and I’ll never forgive you!”

Releasing his arms, he turned around and balled his hands into a fist. “It’s the church, back then and now, it’s the church!”

Catching his arm before he ran away, “Max!” I shouted. “Are you insane?!”



Returning a glare, “I’ll make the church pay!” He shouted.

Pulling his arms, “That’s!” I swept his front leg, “My!” and made his body fall to the floor with a thud. “Line!”

“Uuughh...” He moaned.

“I’m sorry,” Lending him a hand, I said. “But you have to calm down.”

Moments after he got back up, he stood, blankly looking at the floor. “...”



“Haah...” I sighed.

What am I? I thought. A mother consoling her child?

Approaching from the front, I slid my arms behind him. “There,” I said. “Feeling better now?”

“Lia…” He repeated.

Nuzzling my head on his chest, “It’s fine.” I muttered.



Immediately, he embraced me tightly. “Lia… Won’t you answer me?”

Clutching his clothes, “I can’t.” I said.

“Why? We could have lived together...”

“Yes,” I answered. “We could have…” Closing my eyes, I muttered. “Say, Max, I wouldn’t mind being your mistress when everything is over.”

Releasing me from his embrace, he placed his hands over on my shoulders. “Lia...”



“Max, show me.” Looking at him straight, a tear ran down my cheeks. “Show me how great a King you can be.”

“...”

“Make me, Max, I beg you,” Grabbing his collar, I said. “My decision, make me regret it. Make it so that I’ll cry myself to sleep that I didn’t choose to be the one sitting next to you. Make it so that I wished to be the one bearing your child. Make me fall for your grace. Make me beg for your love.”

Releasing my grip, I continued. “This is my challenge to you, if you can’t do it, then I will never consider being your mistress.”



Wiping his tears with his arms, “Will you promise?” he asked.

“I promise.”

I’m sorry Max, this is the only way I know to make you give up on me. I thought. I doubt that you’ll still look at me after having your own family.

 

Spoiler: Chapter 37: Dialogue

Floating, light balls danced in the air like fireflies. They twisted, they turned, and they formed familiar shapes: cubes, cylinders, pyramids, prisms, and more.

“...” Flopped on a slab of stone tiles, I held my right arm into the air, manifesting another one of the said balls from the palm of my hands.

Passively, I manipulated the balls until I lost control on all of them. Dying out like a flash of light, I stopped supplying mana. Retracting my arm, I flapped it before resting it atop my knees. Then reaching out my left, I restarted the same light ball manifestation and manipulation.



Within the odd room slabbed with stone, “It’s surprising that you’re here,” A voice echoed fragrantly.

Recognizing the voice, “You suggested that I can use this place whenever I want to grow my horn,” I muttered.

“You seem to have gotten used to it,” the voice replied.

“What are you talking about?” I asked, “It’s too easy to reach this place with the necklace.”

“Then mind guessing where you are?”



“Impossible,” I answered, “I don’t even recognize this type of stone– no, this isn't even an ordinary stone, is it? It's glowing.”

Using my right hand, I slid my fingers on the slightly rough surface of the floor.

Shifting my sights from left to right, “This place is firmly enclosed, yet I can breathe.”

Maybe it’s a type of concrete mixed with crushed Dasbalites? Without failing to control the light balls, I thought.

“Anyway, Celes, please let me stay for a while longer.”



Waiting for a reply, “Thank you,” I muttered.

Again, after reaching the limit, I exchanged my hand and repeated the process.

Leaning my back against the wall, “Haaah...” I breathe out a sigh from my weighted chest.

“Say, Celes,” I called.

“Yes?”

“That dream, was it possible?” unsmiling, I asked, “was it just a dream?”



“It happened,” she said, “at a different time.”

Balling my left, “Why?” I asked, “why do you have to show me?”

“It was a precarious time, Amelia,” She answered, “If I hadn’t shown you, would you have recognized that it didn’t feel right?”

“...” Unable to reply, I loosened my grip.

“You were asleep for two weeks,” she said, “you’ve accomplished the goal of saving yourself and Erina, and have thought it was enough, right?”



“That could’ve been your end,” she continued, “you could’ve stayed asleep for eternity.”

Feeling my consciousness starting to lose ground, “Amelia, you shouldn’t waver,” she said, “abide by your decision.”

In exchange for my right, I held out my left.

“Keep at it; I’ll return you to your bed.”

Not long, my head became dizzy, and my sight turned fuzzy and before I lost my consciousness, Four rounds of thirty light balls… Then I slumped against the wall.





With her chin placed on the end of the bed, “Lia, are you okay?” Kanna asked.

Snorting a smile, “I’m fine,” I answered, “I just need some rest.”

“Hmm...”

Shifting my body, I turned my back against Kanna.

“Kanna,” reaching for my necklace, I said, “do you think the other two Enarfs reached the Duchy?”

Amelia, you’re not someone who’d sulk over something like this.



“Why not?” she answered, “the Tribe journeyed from the west of Alabaster.”

Chuckling a grin, “you’re right.”

There’s no time for this.

As I propped myself to a seat, I turned around and said, “Erina, please have my dress prepared.”





Dressed in a white gown laced in black, I strode down the hallway leading to the main building of the mansion. As I walked, several figures emerged from my sight, standing before a large oak wood double door.

After arriving at the side of Kanna and Uncle, I took another step forward. Then from the other side, Max, wearing a black suit, the representative between him, a Noble, and a priest, took a step forward and placed a hand on his chest.

Lifting my skirt, “good day,” I curtsied, “I’m Amelia Laurel, entitled as the Silver Princess.”



Bowing his head with a smile, “a good day to you too,” he said, “I’m Maxwell Brent, Brent’s heir to the throne.”

Finished with our greetings, Kanna, Uncle, the Noble, and the Priest each introduced themselves.

Led by Knights, we entered the solar purposed into a meeting room. Inside, a 14-foot long polished black trestle table stood in harmony with the red carpet underneath. Taking our designated seats, I and Max both sat center of our group. On the other end of the table, a man called Administer stated the rules for the diplomatic talk.



Then the discussion started after the Administer stated Brent's trade request.

Continuing from where the Administer left off, the Noble from Brent said, “In compliance with the war, we ask Laurel to support our cause in maintaining the borders and in reclaiming Niveria.”

Placing his clasped hands over the table, Uncle spoke, “and what would Laurel gain from this?”

“Peace and Security of Laurel from the races.”



“If Laurel provides food for Brent, we might encounter a food crisis during winter.”

Upright, I silently sat while observing the black-vested priest as Uncle and the Noble gave their piece.

Pinching my thighs underneath the table, [Max, what’s this priest for?] I used Wind Whisper.

With a quick glance, [the church won’t calm down if we didn’t bring at least one priest.]

“Brent requires food to maintain the borders, if Brent falls, Academia and Laurel will be next.”



Interrupting their argument, “I beg to differ,” I said, “I believe the accounts stated that the ones that felled Niveria were Beastmen. In that case, once winter approaches, a portion of their army will be forced to enter a partial hibernation stage.”

“True, your Highness,” the Noble replied, “but replacements are possible.”

“What makes you think that they will attack immediately?” squinting my eyes, “maybe Brent still has Beastmen slaves?”



Twitching for a slight moment, “I believe Laurel is the same,” he replied.

Expressing a smile, “Oh, we did have,” I said, “but if you wish, we can show you the graves of the offenders.”

“… Pardon, but I’ll have to pass.”

[Amelia, you’re teasing him too much,] said Max.

“In any case, an im-”



Interrupted, the priest spoke, “Laurel must provide war funds and supplies to stop the war against the races.”

“And by races you mean?” I asked.

“The demons of course,” with a grin he glanced at Kanna and me.

“Is that what the church believes or is it Libet?”

“Both.”



Smiling, “In that case, Laurel will not hear your opinion.”

“You!”

He shouted as he stood from his seat.

With a bang, “Quiet!” the Administer interfered, “please maintain a peaceful discussion!”

Reluctantly, the priest returned to his seat.



[Why did the church send an inferior priest? Are they mocking me? Or are they too busy with their puppets running around Randia?]

[We withheld the church,] he replied, [In case of the Heroes, you are correct. After all, they are going to use them against the Beastmen soon.]

No wonder, I thought, expecting this priest as the culprit behind those observers is a mistake.



“In any case,” I continued from where I left off, “this talk is between Brent and Laurel. Libet and the church have no voice here.”

“You,” said the priest, “do you know what you’ve said?”

“Obviously, yes,” I said, “after all, this dialogue was requested by Brent.”

“True,” Max added, “this is a talk between Brent and Laurel. If Libet and the church wished it, then request it yourself,” glancing at the priest beside him, he glared and said, “again, we are not your pawns.”



“I agree,” nodded the Noble.

“Ghh...” Gnashing his teeth, the priest remained silent.

Placing his own clasped hands on the table, “regarding our request,” Max said, “we may not need it immediately, but eventually, we will.”

“Hmm...” grunted Uncle, “then I believe it is fine to provide in a manner that won’t affect Laurel’s state of affairs.”



“Yes, we do not wish to trouble our ally.”

Grinning a smile, “Ally huh,” Uncle scratched his thin beard.

“One thing,” I said, “what will Laurel gain in Niveria's reclamation? Although true that the capital has fallen, and the King and the Queen slain, the cities far from the capital remain standing, no?”

“It’s an undeniable fact,” Max said, “several cities, towns, and villages remain in Niveria, but since Niveria’s princess wasn't given enough time to create a foothold as the next Queen, Niveria’s control fell into chaos.”



Closing his eyes for a second, he continued, “Once we reclaim Niveria, and successfully reinstate the princess as the Queen and my brother as King, Laurel, our Ally and Benefactor, will be given rights to our land.”

“And that land is?”

Smiling, he said, “It depends on how much we’ll gain from Niveria, or if there will still be a kingdom called Niveria.”

Left with a smile on my face, that’s it, show me, grab the opportunity.



“And for the meantime?” I asked.

Turning his head to the Noble beside him, they met each other’s eyes and nodded.

Returning his sights on me, he said, “If Laurel agrees to provide, recognize us an ally, and avoid any form of war, then, we’ll return the favor by removing the border tax collection on Laurel's merchants.”

A free trade huh, I thought, in more ways than one, that will decrease the price hike on the supplies they requested, and at the same time, let the outflow of Laurel’s commodities to increase.

[You’re better at this than I thought.]



[Do you see me in a different light now?] Max asked then continued, [wait for me Amelia, I’ll make sure I grab you by the hand this time.]

Clenching my fist, This is unfair.

[Make sure you do,] I replied, [I’ll be waiting.]

“Last,” I said, “about Niveria’s refugees, how does the princess take it?”

Shaking his head, “Unfortunately, the princess has yet to recover from the shock of losing her parents.”



Ah, another naive princess like I used to be.

“In that case, Laurel will take care of the refugees as is and consider them as Laurel’s citizens,” turning my head, “Uncle, please have someone to announce that the refugees will be given six months to assimilate Laurel’s rules and regulations.”

On a sudden occasion, “Haah...” Kanna sighed, “I can’t believe someone eyeing my body will keep muttering ‘demon’ through telepathy. This geezer sure is persistent,” glaring, Kanna said, “or you're just a pervert lusting over your deluded superiority.”



Squinting my eyes with a frown, “is this true?” I asked.

“Would you rather believe this fool?” replied the priest.

[Maize, trace this priest’s parish.]

[Any other wishes?]

[Make it natural.]

[Understood.]



Casting a glance, “Kanna,” I reached for her hand and said, “please refrain from giving responses unrelated to the discussion.”

“Okay.”

“I’ll have to ask,” Max said, “what’s the stance of the Tribe regarding the war? Will they join as an ally?”

“As a chief myself, the Tribe will only recognize those who have passed the proving.”

Someone needs to share that waterfall experience.



As settled, the discussion continued until the afternoon, but everything ended peacefully. As a result, a treaty was signed between Laurel and Brent, indicating the constructed alliance and trade agreement.

On another matter, as proof of the alliance, an engagement was proposed. Brent's 1st Princess, Clarissa Brent, will be wedded to Argent.

Laughing mischievously, wait for your surprise Argent, I’m sure you'll be thanking me, I thought. Though I admire you aren't a debauchee like Father and Mark, at least, learn how to get a woman! You’re like Max! A headache!





“Haah...” falling into a fluff, my vision went dark.

With my arm reached out, I grabbed a soft object, brought it closer, then placed my chin over it.

Reclaiming my vision, “hmm...” I muttered.

“Hwaah!” Kanna muttered, falling on the bed beside me, “that was tiring!”

Sliding my cheek against the pillow, I faced Kanna and said, “You didn’t even speak that much.”



“But that priest was ridiculous!”

Propping myself up, “Haah...” I sighed again.

That’s easier than what I’ve been through...

Turning my head with a smile, “Erina,” I called, “the Summer’s End festival is today right?”

“...” Unmoved for a second, Erina broke into a smile, “fine, but please be quick.”



“Don’t worry, Maize and the others will be around.”

Standing from the bed, “Kanna, let’s go for a walk.”

“Eh?” propping herself up, “we’re sneaking out?”

“Why not?” I asked, “it’s our last day here, although tomorrow will be the announcement of the discussion’s result, we have to move to the refugee's settlement, so it’s a good time to relax and wonder about something else.”

 

Spoiler: Chapter 38: DeadLock 1

As Kanna and I toured the Dukedom during the Summer’s End festival, I received a report regarding the condition of the Hero and the Observer’s in the refugees' settlement.

Lips bit with a hand over it, not good, not good! I paced around the bed-chamber.

“Your Highness, would you like me to delay our departure?”

After halting my steps, I faced Erina and said, “please do.”

From the side, “I’m sorry Lia, but I can’t think of anything.”


Shaking my head, “no, it’s fine” I said, “thinking up plans is not your specialty after all.”

After the door closed shut, I approached the bed and flopped on top.

“Haah...”

“Lia,” sitting on a chair near a drawer, “is there no other choice?”

“… None, it’s a deadlock. I can’t move, neither the Hero nor the church can.”

If only I don’t need to care about the aftermath!

Shutting my eyes, “I can’t move, but I have to.”


Puzzled, “that’s contradicting.”

“If I delay this any longer, more of the church’s personnel might arrive, however, if I move recklessly, the observers will take the refugees as hostages. On the other hand, the Hero can’t move due to the observer’s threat.”

Clenching my head, “aaaah!” I kneaded it and said, “if only I can remove the observers without gaining the doubt of the refugees!”

With a clenched fist, I pounded the mattress several times.

Heaving a sigh, “haah...” I fell on the bed, “I need to think of something to break this deadlock.”



With a neigh, the horse clopped its hooves as I fixed my feet on the stirrups.

“Mia,” glaring, Erina called, “don’t be reckless.”

Shadowed by a hood, I returned a frown.

“I know, but please, make sure the relief, the mages, and the carriage arrive by morning.”

From the other side of the mansion, a series of claps and loud cheers reverberated.


Reining the horse towards the street, “Erina, I need to go.”

“Haah...” she sighed, “please be well.”

Whipping the reins, “I will,” the horse began to move.

Urging the horse by the rein, rumbling hooves filled the streets unimpeded, one alley after the other. In the distance, a passage on the gray wall emerged. Again, with a whip, I increased the horse's pace.

Please bear with it.


As I neared the passage leading outside, Guards stood nearby, however, rather than decreasing my pace, I maintained it. Passing by, they took a quick glance before returning to their post. Upon exiting the passage, a gentle breeze knocked my tattered hood, revealing my silver hair. Through the fields of green, upon noticing my figure, five horsemen moved. Heading towards their direction, we marshaled en route to the settlement.

Riding beside me, a horseman dressed in an aged clothing said, “your Highness, Captain Maize has proceeded with the instructions.”


In response, I nodded.

“The status of the settlement?”

“There’s no change.”

With a glance, “have the observers noticed?”

“No.”

“Good.”

As we galloped in silence, “your Highness,” the black-haired horseman called, “how shall we proceed?”


“Listen,” I commanded, “at about a hundred meters before the settlement, we will split up and enter the settlement at different locations. Upon entering, mark all the observer’s in your vicinity, but make sure to stay away from their sights. Regarding them taking action to gain the refugee's trust, don’t bother. It’s impossible to take them down without involving the refugees. One last thing, don’t make any move that will endanger the lives of the refugees! We don’t want Laurel’s image to shatter like glass!”

Like I briefed, we split with each other and looked for a Guard in the vicinity. Leading the horse, I approached a Guard on standby. Descending from the saddle, the horse splattered series of breaths from it’s bubbling mouth. Stroking its thick yet mellow shoulder, “you can rest now.”


Turning to the Guard in wait, “please take care of him.”

“Yes, your Highness,” saluted the Guard.

After receiving the Guards response, I took out a parchment and reviewed the marks written on it. Afterward, I crumpled it and said, “please dispose of it.”

While walking towards the settlement, I started collecting my hair from the back. Pulling it down to my shoulder, I held it down with my left as I took out a band of fabric and started tying up my hair. Then, taking out a shard from a pouch, I fitted it between my fingers.

“That should do it.”


As I neared the settlement, I started chanting for Cloak of Concealment. Upon completion, I poured mana into my horn. Then, with the help of reinforcement, I sprinted, speed comparable to a horse's gallop.

After entering, I passed by a rough cube-like structure molded from earth. Reducing my pace, I took out a clip from my pouch while calming my breathing. Roaming my eyes around, more of the cube-like houses and wooden shacks littered the surroundings.

What a mess.


Looking around for an opportunity, I walked into an alley, swept my fringe and clipped it, hid my horn and fixed my hair, and cut off the mana supply on Concealment. Then upon exiting, I blended with refugees roaming around the place.

Maintaining an indifferent expression, “we need to relocate them as soon as possible,” I whispered to myself.

Scanning, I failed to see a proper ditch for the wastes to flow. Scraps were scattered around. And the residents, children, adult, and elderly, though a small number, were holding down their stomachs with pained expressions.


Inwardly, I rasped my teeth.

Whoever you are, someday, I’ll return this favor.

The deeper I went into the settlement, the more I saw groups of people receiving reliefs from persons expressing prudent smiles.

With clenched fists, I resisted from unsheathing the dagger from my waist.

Weaving through the residents, I arrived at the settlement’s square. Dotted with pale refugees, the sight of them coughing and wheezing drove needles into my core.

Just a while longer, please stay strong.


While avoiding eye contact, I roamed my eyes, searching for a street leading to a slightly larger cube structure. My attention grabbed by the disorderly line, I took the chance to approach a refugee at the end of it.

Slightly hunching my back, “H-hello...” I pinched the sides of my robe and said, “my brother got sick… and...”

Returning a frown, “I’m sorry for your brother,” the man shook his head in reply, “but my Mother is sick and unable to stand, so I need to ask the Saint to get her cured. So I'm sorry, you have to fall in line.”

“But man, what’s going on? We've been receiving relief now and then, but everything keeps going downhill. Is it because of the season changing?”


“I-I wonder...”

Bowing, “a-anyway, I have to get back to my brother soon. Thank you! ” then I turned around and vanished into an alley.

Nothing goes well with the church!

Around a few blocks, I skirted around while heading towards the start of the line. Locating the source, I casually passed by from a few meters. Unfortunately, I was unable to garner any information due to the crowd surrounding the structure.

It’s no use, I thought, I need to wait.


Distanced from the structure, I went towards the middle of the line. Then taking a detour into an alley, I sat down on the dirt while taking note of the line’s movement.

While waiting, my stomach responded with a low growl.

Slipping my hand into the robe, I glanced at the surroundings and muttered, “not again...”

Hunched in a corner while fumbling, a child sat quietly. Unable to ignore it, I stood from my seat and approached him. Ruffling his hair as I sat beside him, “here,” I took out a jerky and offered it to the boy sulking beside me, “it’s not that good, but it will fill your stomach.”

Meekly, the boy grabbed it and took a bite.


“T-thank you.”

Smiling, “you’re welcome.”

Barred by a moment of silence, “say,” I broke the ice, “mind telling me what happened? I’m willing to listen.”

“What happened?”

Leaking tears from the corner of his eyes, he sniffled and brought his hands to his eyes.

Stroking the boy’s back, “there, there,” I pulled the boy into an embrace, “it’s fine to cry.”

“Uwaaah!”


I wonder what could’ve happened if someone lent a hand back then…

As time ticked, I comforted the boy and listened to his story until chatters from the direction of the line grew incessant.

Standing from my seat, “I have to go.”

“But...” With endearing eyes, he looked up to me.

Wryly, I crouched before him and said, “as long as you keep living, good things can happen.”

Then with the last rustle of his hair, I quietly stood and left.


Approaching the previous structure, I weaved through the residents spatting cries and insults as they leave.

“What about me?!”

“My child! Please help us!”

“My mother can no longer move! Please!”

Then from the center of the crowd, “please understand! We the Saint is too exhausted! Please return tomorrow!”


As voices jeered back and forth, I moved into a corner, quietly spectating the commotion. When the crowd calmed, more and more started leaving, but several figures of men in the distance remained. Slipping back into the alley, I waited until nightfall.

Opposite the direction of the structure, I moved while muttering a chant. With a step, I took a sudden turn, then broke into a run, careful enough to avoid emitting unnecessary noises.

Confirming the presence of the observers, I snuck into the building. Within, a figure of a black-haired girl, breathing erratically, laid on the floor, curled like an infant. Beside her, a brown-haired girl sat while stroking her back.


“You did good today,” commented the girl.

“Y-yeah...”

Beside the wall, I took refuge and quietly observed their figures. After a short while, I removed the clip then returned it into the pouch. Afterward, I took a step closer and drew my dagger. Annulling the cloak, I poured mana into the shard between my fingers, conjuring an illusion similar to the interior of the room and its contents.

Wide-eyed, “w-!”


Right before the girl was able to shout, I cuffed her mouth and placed the dagger’s blade on her neck.

Staring at her quivering eyes, “quiet,” I whispered, “if you can promise to stay silent, I’ll withdraw this dagger, if not...”

In response, the girl gave a quick nod.

While retracting the dagger, I glanced the Hero who immediately stood in a stance without relieving my hand over the girl’s mouth.

“I-I don’t want any trouble,” muttered the Hero dripping with sweat.

“Neither do I,” reversing my grip on the dagger, I replied, “you’re the runaway Hero aren’t you?”


Surprised, the Hero trembled for a moment while I pushed harder on the mouth of the similarly surprised girl.

“N-not again...”

Sparking a glare, “I don’t care if you’re a Hero, but you’re endangering the lives of the refugees.”

With trembling lips, “T-that...” her pupil shrank with a quiver.

“You know it, but you’re afraid of being captured,” I said, “but listen to me, please, surrender to the church.”

 

Spoiler: Chapter 39: Deadlock 2

“N-!”

Pointing the tip of the dagger to the girl’s neck, “You don’t have to shout.”

In a trembling voice, “P-please, no more… I don’t want any of this...” she shed a tear.

Releasing my hand over the girl, I approached the Hero and grabbed her by the collar.

Gazing at her eye to eye, “Neither do I,” I activated Wind Whisper.

Pushing her against the wall, “You’re a hero, but you’re pathetic,” I spat an insult.


“W-wh-.”

“I don’t need your opinion.”

As her tears leaked like a stream, “W-what are you saying...”

“I care more about the refugees than a Hero like you.”

“Why...”

“The refugees, they are suffering from your indecision and yet, you’re saving them? Such hypocrisy.”

Unable to reply, her mouth gaped and closed repeatedly.


“The solution is simple, to save them, you have to surrender.”

“B-but… my life...”

“Figure it out yourself,” I winked, “you’re a Hero aren’t you?”

Letting her go, she slid down the wall and flopped on the floor.

“...” Quietly, she stared at the floor, listless.


As I turned around, I found the girl, covering her mouth on the corner. While gawking at her figure, I muttered a chant, and upon completion, I annulled the illusion then left the structure in a sprint. Manifesting my horn in the process, I weaved through the buildings. And into a random alley, I exited with a new clip on my fringe. Then again, I blended with the refugees.

While near the settlement's border, I manifested the cloak for the third time before leaving. Once I was far enough, I returned the clip and the shard into the pouch. Then, while treading over grass, I roamed my eyes in search of any Guard post I placed around the settlement.


After I located one, I headed towards it and met with the Guard.

“Tell them I have safely left the settlement,” I commanded after the Guard saluted.

“Yes, your Highness.”

When Guard left, I took another glance at the surroundings, sadly, only a field of grass and several stones cluttered my sight.

Pulling my hood over my head, “It’s been a while since I last slept in an open field.”


It’s been two months and a half since that day, I thought, reminiscing the days I traveled with Mon.

Looking up to the east, where the moon marked the cold and silent night, I wonder how everyone in the Tribe is doing.

Shifting my sight towards the prepared twigs and branches, “I guess it’s time to light the fire.”



Before dawn, my horse was brought by another Guard onto the post.

“Your Highness,” called the Guard as climbed over the horse, “The Hero, along with the Observers have left the settlement.”

Reining the horse towards the Dukedom, “Check the settlement for any remnants, if there are any, sweep them all at the same time once the refugees started gathering.”

“Understood.”

With a light squeeze of my knees, I urged the horse to a walk, then adding more pressure, the horse moved to a trot.

Rubbing the horse’s mane, “Don’t worry, we’ll be traveling lighter this time.”



“You reek with the smell of nature, your Highness.”

While feeling the rough surface of the warm and moist cloth sliding down my exposed back, I covered my front with another.

“That’s obvious.”

Surrounded by rattling noises and clopping of hooves, “Did we get enough mages?”

“Unfortunately, most of the mages were hired as healers for the war.”


Said Erina while wiping my lifted arm.

“More will arrive right?”

“Wouldn't it be weird if a generous request from the Princess to be ignored or turned down?”

Heaving a sigh, “That’s reassuring,” I relaxed my body to a hunch.



Upon arrival on the settlement, I alighted the carriage and gave out commands to the Guards.

“Organize yourselves as instructed!”

As a Guard shouted, people moved in various directions, organizing into a rank where each can be distinguished based on their roles.

“Representatives, move forward!”

Then from each of the organized groups, a representative came forward and surrounded me.

With a smile, “A pleasant morning to you all,” I greeted.


Appropriately, they greeted back.

“First, I’m sorry, but we have to cut the greetings short as the situation is dire.”

In response, they returned a nod.

“Now then, I want everyone to gather all the sick into the square, preferably, start with the ones with severe cases. Oh, and please note that some can no longer move, so please have a small unit of the mages to visit one house after the other.”


From the side, a Guard came and whispered, “the Prince’s cavalcade is approaching.”

With a nod, the Guard left.

“Anyway, I want you to dispose of any water and food remaining in the settlement then replace them with the ones we've brought.”

Raising a hand, “may I ask the reason?” a mage asked

“Small doses of volcanic ash were mixed with their food and water. There's also traces of asbestos found among the scraps that littered the streets, so be sure to wear a cloth over your noses.”


Surprised, the representatives muttered among themselves.

“Please listen,” I said. “What you’ve heard, if possible, I want you to spread a rumor to the refugees while you heal them.”

“But your Highness,” said a merchant, “why do want us to spread it?”

“Along with Prince Maxwell, I intend to announce the church’s ploy to the refugees, and for it to take effect, and for them to believe me and the Prince’s words, I want you to garner doubt into their minds.”


“...”

“I do not intend to manipulate the refugees, but I want them to learn the truth. On the other hand, if we are successful, it is possible to assimilate the refugees faster than expected. To everyone, it’s the best possible scenario.”

“Your Highness, how about their homes? Do you want us to replace the shacks with molded ones?”

Shaking my head, “no,” I replied, “I plan to mention the plans regarding their relocation so leave the houses as is. Besides, I want you to focus on treating the refugees. Their homes will be a waste if they aren’t alive.”


Given the information they needed, the representatives met with their group and briefed them on the operation. After raising questions and suggestions, they headed towards the settlement's square, branching towards the alleys as they spread.

Beside me, while observing the operation, a familiar voice asked in concern.

“How is it?”

Taking a glance, a blonde-haired boy entered my sights.

“I hope it proceeds well,” I replied.


“Then,” lifting his hand, a butler came to his side, “Lester, provide the relief in the name of Brent and Laurel’s alliance.”

“As you willed,” bowed the butler.

Lifting a smile, “Thank you, Max.”

Snorting a grin, “Shall we?” he asked.

“You don’t have to ask.”

Along with Max, we headed towards the square. After arriving, I saw the refugees filed into groups, specifying the severity of their sickness.


Unable to suppress my urge, I strode towards the group with the severest cases.

Lacking the number of glares that I expected to receive, I guess they won’t bother who I am in this situation, I thought.

As I approached, I kneeled beside a wrinkled woman, lying on a cloth laid on the grown, drenched in sweat, while uttering pained groans.

“Uuu...”

“Don’t worry,” looking into her eyes, I placed a hand on her cheeks and said, “it’ll be fine now.”


“Amelia,” commented Max, “shouldn’t you let the mages handle this?”

“Let me be Max.”

“Like always, you like to lend a hand,” he sighed a smile before committing the same actions I took.

It’s because I know the feeling of being helpless.

Muttering a chant,


O’, ruler of light I beseech you,

Cover mine hands with light,

Solemn light, seek cleanse,

Light cleanse, purged dirt,

Manifest, Detoxify.


As my hands glowed with a calming light, I slid my hand underneath her clothes and onto her stomach.

The woman, twitching in response, muttered a groan.

“Uuu..!”

“Sorry,” I muttered in a serene tone, “it will only be for a while, so please endure.”

One after the other, I repeated the process of detoxifying the refugees until I felt a sharp pang in my head.


With a hand placed over my head, “Uugh...” I groaned.

Taking my free hand, “Amelia,” Max said, “you have to rest. You still have to announce something later, don’t you?”

“I guess.”

Forced to retreat, along with Max, the guards escorted me back to the carriage, however, along the way, I caught sight of a familiar boy.

“Wait,” I said.

The boy, while I approached, looked around him repeatedly while muttering broken words.


Bending my hips to a hinge with my hands behind me, “Hello,” I greeted with a smile, “may I perhaps know the reason you are here?”

“U-umm...” Fumbling his fingers, he looked towards the ground.

“Is your parents nearby?” I asked with a slight tilt of my head.

“Ah...” halting her actions, he expressed a frown.

Straightening my back, “Ah,” I reached out a hand and ruffled his hair, “I’m sorry about that.”


Looking up to me, “I-it’s okay...”

“Do you have any other relatives?”

Quietly, he shook his head.

“Then,” offering a hand before him, “would you like to come with me?”

For several seconds, he looked into my eyes before shifting his sight to my hand. Reluctantly, he placed his hand over mine.


“Y-yes...” he replied in a subdued tone.

Gently grasping his hand, “then let’s go,” I led him back to Max and the Guards, “soon, you’ll meet more children.”

Upon our return, Max offered his hand.

“What’s that?” Unsmiling, I asked.

“A hand, what else?” he smiled.


Heaving a sigh, just for now…

Placing my free hand over his, “What an odd child this is for it to be several years older than me,” I muttered as I looked towards the boy holding my right.

With his hand grasping mine, I felt a sense of security.

I wonder when will I be able to hold this again, or will there be?

While walking towards the carriage, I glanced towards the northwest and thought.

I’ve set the stage Maize. It's up to you now.



Before dawn, 34 flickering lights bobbed over the whispering prairie, emitting hammering hoof-beats as the grass underneath were mercilessly crushed.

Within the group of flickering lights, a girl held a knit-tight rope leading the horse’s face. While her brown hair swayed in the wind breezing past her body dressed in a tattered robe, she expressed a wide grin on her childish face and uttered a snickering laugh.

“I can’t believe that that princess will help us instead! Ahahaha!”


Behind her, a black-haired girl, gagged with a cloth, tied up with ropes, and with a neck collared by a black object, tried to struggle free while moaning through the damp cloth covering her mouth.

“Don’t worry,” with a glance, “it’ll be over soon,” the horse-riding girl said.

Along with her, men and women wore a similar robe, holding reins on their left and a torch on their right.

“Captain,” beside her, a horseman said, “why did you not give us orders? We could’ve ambushed the princess in that room.”


Snorting a frown, “Fool,” she replied, “we’ve been dealing with that princess for years, she knew the risk of entering that room.”

“Still, it was a chance!” he argued in a shout.

“And what? Get myself killed?” she glared, “Besides, if I told you to move, we’d give a reason for those pesky Guards to move and eliminate us.”

“...”

Haughtily, “What? Ran out of words?” she said.


Several minutes into riding their horses, a portion of the sky was painted gradient in a tint of amber.

“Throw it!”

With her command, the horsemen scattered a black liquid on their trail towards the northwest.

“Lit them up!”

Again, with her command, the horsemen threw their torches behind, razing the innocent prairie behind them into a wall of flames.


“Now, keep moving!”

From her order, four horsemen including the girl branched out from the group and headed towards west, moving in a broken line with enough distance to pass telepathic messages between them. A few minutes after, the girl received a telepathic message.

[Captain, the other group, they were ambushed.]

Snickering a grin, “Jackpot,” she muttered.



With upright banners fluttering in the wind, marked with silver leaves, a group of light-armored cavalry stood gallantly on a hill, armed with spears, bows, shields, and swords while surveying the area.

Moments after a portion of the prairie lightning up in flames, Maize, Captain of Amelia’s Guards, lifted his three-pronged steel lance laced with a whiffling red cloth and shouted a command.

“Men! Take your aim!”

Knocking an arrow on their bows, they emitted a sound of strained strings. Then, angling their aim, they released a deep breath.

“Fire!”


Immediately after Maize’s command, arrows swam into the air like a sparse school of fishes, but unfortunately only a few fell down their horses.

“Second volley!”

Given another order, they adjusted their aim before another batch of arrows swam into the air and fell to the group of horsemen like a shower of needles, felling a number in an instant while halting the rest.

Then, lifting their spears, “Charge!” Maize released an order.

 

Spoiler: Chapter 40: Deadlock 3

Dirt scattered in the air. Blades of grass torn asunder. Hooves trailed a battered ground. In place, shafts were locked while spearheads raised. And with a loud cry, the cavalrymen renounced their fervor. Forward they leaned and rode like heralds of death.

Against the cavalry of twenty are thirty robed horsemen. Some with arrow-shafts stuck on their body. Some on the ground, dead. And some wheezed in pain and stretched breaths. Nevertheless, they drew their daggers with blood-shot eyes. They shouted. They retaliated. They clashed without care for their life. It was their only way out; it was their last. And yet, they were delighted. Delighted of the thought that they achieved enough merits to enter the realm of the so-called Heaven.



In glee, the horsemen traced their daggers into the air. But before their daggers tore through flesh, spearheads found their bodies. It drove deep into them. Stabbed like meat roasted over a fire. Raised in the air like leaves from a twig. Pierced like mush. They bled with broken ribs. And Lifeless they fell in a pool of blood.

They tried drawing shards from their pockets, but it was fruitless. A round object closed in on their faces. With a loud smash, a shield bashed them off their horses. When their bodies fell with a dull thud, a spearhead or hooves followed.



In a desperate attempt, they reared their horses around and started chanting. While their horses trotted to a gallop, one by one, earthen spikes emerged underneath their horses. Abruptly stopping, they fell forward and unintentionally halted their chant. Then from behind them, the cavalrymen stampeded over the fallen bodies.

It was a massacre.

After the last horseman was taken down with a swing of a spear, the cavalrymen rejoiced their flawless victory. They raised their blood-coated spears. Spearheads met spearheads. Then gauntlets bumped into gauntlets. However, Immediately dampening their joy, Maize shouted an order.



“It has only just begun! Move back to the hill!”

Graced with the light of the rising sun, they left the corpses and returned to the hill. Upon their return, they scouted numerous figures further north.

“Captain,” called a man, “what are we to do?”

“We wait,” Unsmiling, Maize replied. “They’re the reinforcements meant to meet with the horsemen we took down. And possibly to stop our advance to claim the Hero.”

Moments after observing the figures, Maize threw his arm beside him and shouted an order.



“Spread out and form two wings! Then prepare your bows and take out your shards!”

Just as ordered, the cavalrymen stretched out, taking out their bows from their back and a shard from their pouch.

While waiting for additional orders, the figures in the distance gradually increased in size and numbers.

“Captain,” worried, a man called, “can we defeat them all? Unlike the previous horsemen, they're similar to us. A cavalry.”

Snickering a grin, Maize glanced at the man and said, “We can’t,” then he laughed heartily in contrast with his paling men. “We might not be able to take them on by ourselves, but if we reduce their numbers, then it's possible.”



“But, why aren’t we moving?” worried he asked.

“Like I said. We are waiting, waiting for the opportunity to move.”

“But Captain!”

In response, Maize glared and said, “We. Wait.”

Unable to respond, the man remained silent. Although they knew their Captain’s antics, a sense of discomfort dwelt inside them. They felt uneasy.

A few minutes later, the figures grew closer and closer. The numbers, surpassing them by more than twice, planted doubt in the men’s mind. However, Maize remained composed while he watched their enemy's approach.



“This is unexpected,” Maize chuckled in a mutter. “It seems the church mustered more troops than we thought they would. But then again, it’s for their precious little Hero.”

Her Highness needs to expand her reach, Maize thought.

With a grin, Maize said, “But this fine. I like the thrill of the unexpected.”

“Captain...” the men smiled wryly.

“Men! Listen up! They may be fifty-six in numbers, but this place will not be our graves!” shouted Maize when he raised his spear.



““Yes!”” replied Maize’s men.

“Take heed! Raise your heads high! We are not alone!”

“It’s coming,” along with his men, Maize gazed at the sky with a beaming smile.

From the gradient sky, two black teardrops fell. Piercing through misty clouds as it drew closer to the ground. However, these two teardrops were unusual. Its tip was white.

The sight of the teardrops banished the haze around the men’s heart. Then a boiling excitement pulsed through their veins.



“Prepare your shards! It doesn't matter if it doesn't hit! Make a barricade of earthen spikes in front!” Maize commanded.

Above the charging cavalry, the teardrops revealed its retracted black wings. As it descended, the whistling sound it produced alarmed the unknowing enemy. Unbothered by the attention it garnered, the teardrops expanded its wings further and lashed a gale of wind.

A number of the enemy cavalry, assaulted by the gale, was blown forth. At the same moment, earthen spikes ripped through the ground. Forming a wall of stakes that impaled the unfortunate enemy cavalrymen. It was unforgiving.



Successful on their attempt, Maize shouted an order. “Split to the sides then shoot your arrows! But don’t get too close to those White-tails! They’re our allies!”

While Maize and his men circled the barricade, an ear-splitting roar was unleashed by a White-tail. Forced to cuff their ears, the enemy cavalrymen were stunned. Driven into madness, their horses neighed and struggled in fear. Without a mind for their riders, the horses randomly kicked until they were free.



On the other hand, the other White-tail turned to its feet and curved its tail in the opposite direction. And with a sudden turn, it whipped its razor tail. Unimpeded, the tail sliced through both horse and men.

And so cries of agony ensued.

Onto the position they desired, Maize’s men knocked their arrows. Aimed towards the center of the fray, they released their taut bowstrings.



First: Arrows flew into the air, digging on the enemy cavalrymen that took shards into their hands.

Second: The arrows weaved through the fray and struck those with muttering lips.

Third: The arrows swam towards the horses' hind legs.

Within the entrapment of White-tails, an earthen barricade of stakes, and Maize’s men, a full-helmed man rose to his feet with a shaft stuck to his left shoulder padded with leather. His clothes stained by his and his men's blood.



Raising his right arm, “W-we surrender!” the man shouted. “Spare our lives! We are no more!”

Maize expressed a frown at the call for surrender before raising his fist with a shout.

“Halt!”

What’s this? Maize doubted. This isn’t what I expected of Libet’s soldiers.

Recognizing his order, the Enarfs riding at the back of the White-tails reared their reins. With stomps, the White-tail flapped its wings a few times before retracting it.



With a reared neck, the White-tail backed away while roaming its yellow irises. Sighting its prey, it opened its maw and dragged a dead horse. After taking distance, it started feasting. Crunching the meat and bones like branches.

At the time the White-tails moved away, Maize and his men relieved their bowstrings while maintaining their aim.

Within the corpse-filled entrapment, the man grabbed the comb of his helm and lifted it.

Throwing the helm to the ground, he lifted his right arm and said, “Thank you!”



Along with the man are but some nine injured men. The rest are on the ground moaning in pain.

“Throw your weapons, armors, and shards away! Afterward, move out of the entrapment!” in a booming voice, Maize stated his demands. “Try any tricks and those wyverns, our arrows, or our spears will take your life!”

As ordered, they removed their armor piece by piece. However, an arrow stuck itself into the head of a man. “We warned you,” said Maize with a glare.

Quaking on their feet, the men broke a sweat in a hurry. A few minutes later, a naked man raised his arm.



“I’m done!”

With a flick of his chin, Maize pointed to the path they opened.

One after the other, the still-able men moved out of the entrapment while surrounded by tips of spears and bows.

“You, you, and you,” Maize pointed with his finger. “Come with me. We’ll chase after the Hero.”

Then turning to the rest of his men, “The rest of you, tie the captives and deliver them to her Highness! Take their possessions as well! For the disabled ones, finish them off and then burn their bodies!” Maize commanded.



Shifting his sight towards the wyverns, “What about you?” Maize asked.

“We’ll stay here,” an Enarf replied while stroking the White-tail from its back. “If you don’t mind, we have to feed these with those horses.”

Shaking his head, “Take your time,” Maize replied.

Tugging the reins of his horse, Maize faced west.

That little one, we need to hurry before she takes them all by herself.





About an hour earlier.

“Mihehe...” a playful laugh came from the orange-haired girl.

While drooling, her hair tied into a ponytail fluttered a trail in the vast amber sky. In her hands, she held a rein far thicker than that of a horse.

“Heh, they started diving huh,” Kanna muttered as she caught sight of two black objects in the distance with the help of Farsight. “I guess I should start too.”

Leaning forward, Kanna kicked with her folded legs and said, “We’re going Birby.”



In response, Birby gave a low growl.

With an unwavering smile, Kanna grabbed a goggle from atop her head and fixed it on her eyes. She blinked a few times before they started their descent.

When Birby retracted its wings, Kanna’s view gradually shifted from the horizon to the prairie below. Then, with a stretch of her arms, she grabbed the iron handles strapped to the base of Birby’s neck. Leaning her body closer to the saddle, she buckled her stretched legs on the stirrup.

“It’s time to hunt!” said Kanna with a grin. Then she took a deep breath and held it.



While descending, wind rushed on Kanna’s face and drew her fringes backward. Clamped hands on the handle, chains rattled behind her while the rush of wind deafened her ears.

Within her sight, four figures drew a line on the prairie. In their direction, twelve more figures waited. Decided on her path, Kanna pulled on the handles and directed Birby towards the four horsemen. Then her view spiraled half a circle. Closing in, Kanna pulled on the handles while spurring the stirrups forward. In response, Birby steadily shifted its body orientation and gradually stretched its shaking wing membranes.



Then with another pull on the handles, Kanna arched her body backward as she kicked on the stirrups forward. Brewing up a gale, Birby descended at the side of the horsemen and unleashed it with a flap of its wings.

“Oops...” Kanna muttered upon realizing she blew the hero along with the surprised horsemen. “Sorry.”

Immediately after Birby landed, Kanna tapped Birby’s back twice then pointed to the west and said, “I’ll handle this.”



“Who are you?! And what are you doing?!” shouted the brown-haired girl as she propped herself on the ground, battered with bruises.

Dressed in a fitted brown leather armor similar to that of the elves, Kanna jumped down from Birby’s back and approached the Hero. While pulling the cloth gag down, she drew a dagger from her hips and started severing the ropes.

“Are you okay?” asked Kanna.

The Hero, while drenched in sweat, shook its head weakly in response.



Meanwhile, Birby charged towards west.

Drawn with a face warped in anger, “Imbecile!” the girl shouted while she drew her a dagger and a shard. “You deserve divine punishment!”

After the Hero was cut free, she slumped on the ground with an eye shut in half.

“Take your time and rest,” said Kanna as she shifted her sights to her enemies.

“You! Stay away from that girl!” demanded the girl. “If you won’t, we’ll end her life!”



“Lia told me there’s no way you’ll kill her though?” replied Kanna as she reached her braced arm beside her slightly pointed ears and drew a dagger.

In response, the girl twitched as she rasped her teeth.

Clasped within Kanna’s hand was a fang dagger with a bluish-silver blade. As its tip pointed to the ground, chains dangled at its handle, connected to the bracer on her arm. On the dagger's guard, an unusually pointed hook stood.

“Tch!” the girl spat then shouted. “Now!”



Moving towards Kanna, the three other men drew their daggers. At the same time, the girl manifested fireballs at the back.

“Sorry, but you have to wait,” Kanna said with a glance on the Hero.

With a start dash, Kanna moved towards the three.

“Die demon!” shouted a man with a mad smile as he thrust his dagger.

Leaned to the left with a bent knee, Kanna dodged the dagger that glided beside her neck. At the same moment, Kanna twisted from her planted left foot and raise her right. Then with a forced cough, the man received Kanna’s knee. Behind her, the dagger fell from the man's hand as he spat the air from his lungs. Then grabbing the man with her left, Kanna kicked the man towards the incoming fireballs.



With a jump backward, an earthen spike emerged from Kanna’s original location. At the moment Kanna landed, she threw her dagger past the man holding a shard before jumping a second time. With a sudden pull of her right before landing, Kanna whipped the chains. While emitting a clanking sound, a pained shout came from a man with a slit neck.

With another dash, earthen spikes trailed behind Kanna.

“Dammit!” cried the girl approaching the Hero.

Turning towards the girl, a man closed in on Kanna. But with a sudden step forward followed by a twist, the dagger whipped around.



Unmindful of the man screaming in pain with arms bleeding profusely, Kanna made her way to the girl.

“Don’t come close!” the girl shouted while producing more fireballs. “I’ll burn her alive!”

In response, Kanna halted and glared at the girl that drew her dagger on the Hero’s neck.

“That’s it!” sweating buckets, the girl said with a mad smile.

Scratching her head, Kanna raised her finger and pointed behind the girl, then said, “You forgot him.”

A few seconds after, a black wing smashed the girl from the side.



“Nice work Birby!” smiled Kanna as she dashed towards the girl that rolled on the ground.

As the girl stood, chains wrapped around her and a hook lobbed on her flesh.

“AAAGGHH!” she cried.

“It’s over,” Kanna said.

Heaving pained breaths while her skin paled, she smiled and said, “It’s not!” then the crystal hanging at her bracelet broke. “No one gets the Hero if we don’t! Ahahahaha!” she laughed madly.

With a sigh, “Haah...” Kanna drew her fist into the air and smashed it on the girl’s face. “You’re too noisy.”





As I took a step within a room lit by flickering torches, a chain rattled against the slabbed floor. Further in, a figure of a chained girl entered my sight. She had brown hair. Another step closer, she reared her neck and looked up to me. Perhaps recognizing my figure, her battered lips rose into a smile.

“You failed, demon,” it said followed by a laugh.

Leaning closer to her face, I slid my fingers into her forehead and grabbed her by the fringes, “Really?” Head tilted to the side, I asked with a mischievous smile.



“The Hero is dead,” she muttered as I drew her head closer.

Tilting my head to the other side, I placed a finger on my lips. Rolled my eyes, and said, “I wonder.”

Shifting my sight back to her swollen face, I asked, “Did you see her die? Did you hear her cry? Maybe you dreamed of her death? Or perhaps, it was just an illusion?”

“Ahahaha,” she replied. “The Hero is dead, demon. I already broke the crystal.”



Releasing my right hand, “Oh,” I said, brushing my fingers down her cheeks and onto her neck locked with a black collar. “Perhaps you meant something like this?”

Then I retracted my hand, placed it on my lips, and giggled.

“Look at this uneducated girl, no, insect. But oh, I shouldn't expect that from an insect. Or should I?”

“Keep laughing.”



“Oh, don’t worry. I will,” I waved my hand in dismissal. “But you see. It’s indeed laughable,” I said with a giggle. “For a member of the church to underestimate the Hero they wanted to use, that’s quite a rare sight. But I forgot. You're no longer part of the church. You're just a crime slave waiting for execution.”

Taking a step back, “But no worries, I’m quite generous. So I’ll give you a choice. I'll give you the chance to arrange the sequence of your torture.”

Raising a finger, “One,” I counted. “become a prostitute in a brothel for a week.”

Lifting another finger, I continued, “Two, get drenched in boiling water. And three, receive small doses of arsenic for an entire week.”



“Heh,” she muttered while a bead of sweat formed on her forehead. “Don’t you need information?”

“Why would I need to hear that from you?” I asked while rolling my eyes. “The fact that someone, your pope, saints, or apostles didn’t show up meant that the runaway Hero isn't their main priority, right?”

With a clap of my hands, I said, “The troops that acted as your aids, they're from different towns and villages in Laurel, right?”

Taking a step backward, I said, “Although it was lackluster for Maize, have you ever thought why you didn’t receive the support of Libet’s army? And your pawns, their just measly observers. They aren't those specialized assassins right?”

With the last step, “Oh, I forgot. Those Nobles who gave you support. They'll be in the same seat as you. So don’t worry. You won’t be alone on the day of your execution,” I said.

I turned around, “Oh, your reply. Someone else will hear it from you. I’ll just fetch the unleashed dogs in the border,” I said.

Shifting my sights towards the dim and narrow hallway, I heard cries from behind me.

“Wait! Wait!” the girl shouted. “I’ll tell you anything! Everything!”



Unbothered by her pleads, I climbed the narrow stone hallway. At the end of it, light shone through like light of the day. Upon exiting the stairway, I glanced to my side and found a man with a dull crimson hair.

“Maize,” I called as I roamed my eyes on the surrounding. “How’s the Hero?”

“Your friend Kanna brought her to the duchy as ordered,” Maize replied with a bow.

“Good. And I presume the Hero’s condition is good?”

“Physically, yes. But mentally...”



Placing a hand on my forehead, “I see,” I replied with a sigh. “But it's fine. We've reduced our possible enemies by one.”

“Indeed.”

“Anyway, please prepare a list of the Nobles involved in the skirmish.”

“Understood,” Maize nodded.

How I wished it was Libet's troops instead! It would've been a reason to paralyze the trade indefinitely!

“One more thing,” I said. “Have that girl utter what she wants then severe her tongue. But I doubt we'll get anything useful. She's but a sacrificial pawn after all.”

 

Spoiler: Chapter 41: Letter

A girl walked through a cream painted hallway. To her right, a door stood. When her sight fell on the knob, she reached for it and opened the door.

As soon as she entered, two figures turned their sights towards the intruder. One black-haired and the other orange, both were female. After closing the door behind her, the girl scratched her messy brown hair.

“Uhh…” she muttered with a wry smile, “hello?”

“Hello! I’m Kanna!” waved Kanna, the orange-haired girl in reply.



Placing her hands on her lap, “N-nice to meet you, I’m Iwasaki Meiko…” the black-haired girl said with a bow.

“Oh, right. My name’s Marianne Ost Leigh Albert,” dusting her white coat, she said. “But you can call me Mola instead.”

“That’s a long name,” replied Kanna while kicking her feet playfully.

“It sure is…” said Meiko with a wry smile.



Approaching the bed where Meiko sat, “Anyway,” Mola turned to grab the ladder’s step. One hand after the other, Mola climbed and reached the second level of the bunk bed. “Her Highness wanted me to stay here for a while with you two.”

Then with a flop, Mola’s body fell on the bed. “Huwaah… rest at last…”

“Eh?” muttered Kanna in surprise, “Lia sent you?”

“Heh, you call her Lia huh. That’s impressive.”

“I’ve been calling Lia as Lia since she’s seven.”



“Oh, that’s seven years now. No wonder.”

Between the conversation, “Eh? Eh?” Meiko turned her head repeatedly. “Her Highness?”

“Oh, Mei. She’s the cute girl I’ve been telling you about.”

“Oh, the silver-haired girl…”

“Cute?!” commented Mola as she sat up. “You call her cute?! What is this?! Am I dead?!” then clutching her head, “this can't be happening!” she shouted.



“Lia is cute!” shouted Kanna as she stood from her chair. “I’ll beat anyone who doesn’t agree!”

Smiling wryly, Meiko remained silent.

“Well…” scratching her cheek, “considering the result of her using school as an excuse to headhunt rather than study, which succeeded in attracting fools alike. Then I guess she's cute. But that's just one side of her. I was fooled by that innocent smile too. I thought she's just a talented young girl. But lo and behold, we're now inside the largest city-turned-facility in Laurel.”

“Uhm… Isn’t that good?” asked Meiko.



“Of course it is!” with a bright smile, Mola replied. “We don’t have to mind our budget anymore! No need to think about food! We can just request for materials then it’ll arrive! We can even acquire books only kept among royals! It’s a win-win situation! We’re free to research as we like! There’s nowhere else as heavenly as this!”

“Then why are you complaining?”

“Yeah, Meiko’s right.”



“Ah, no,” dismissed Mola as she flopped back on the bed. “I’m complaining about the cute word since I’ve been tricked by that facade as well. It’s frustrating that I wasn’t able to see through such simple trick... Such a failure…”

“What a pitiful reason!” shouted Kanna. “Lia is cute! Both now and then!”

“Fine, fine.”

In response, Meiko giggled a laugh.



“Well, I guess it’s fine now,” said Mola.

“Eh? Fine what?” commented Kanna.

Ignoring Kanna’s reply, Mola peeked from above the bunk. “Meiko, you’re a Hero right?”

Shifting her sigh to the ground, “That’s what they call me…” Meiko replied.

“Hmm… I guess it’s obvious since, even though I can understand your speech and recognize the words you utter, the movement of your lips is different.”



“No one pointed that out so far…”

“It is?” asked Kanna as she seated, puzzled.

“Don’t mind it that much. I just wanted to confirm if the blessings were real.”

“Okay.”

“Anyway, her Highness has a message for you.”

“Oh, the one I delivered?”



“Yes,” nodded Mola. “So here’s the gist of it, Meiko. What do you intend to do from here on out?”

“I… have no idea…” muttered Meiko. “But I want to return home. I don’t like it here. Everyone is chasing me wherever I go. I don’t want this. I’m not a Hero. I’m just another ordinary girl…” then tears dripped from her eyes.

Placing her hands over her face, “I don’t like it. Forced to choose between my life or the others’, it’s impossible…” Meiko said in a teary voice.



While Mola retracted her head, Kanna approached Meiko. Patting Meiko’s back, Kanna said, “It’s okay Mei. It’s over now. Lia won’t do the same to you.”

After a few minutes of Meiko releasing her tears, the calm returned to the room.

“So, I’ll resume now. Okay?” said Mola.

“Yes,” replied Meiko, brushing her eyelids.

Taking out a folded letter from her pocket, “Anyway,” Mola unfolded it and said, “this is how the letter went…”



To the ladyship, Meiko Iwasaki,

I humbly apologize for my impolite greetings during this recent event; that, I am forced to do for I lack sufficient time in consideration of the safety of the refugees, my men, and myself. I’m hoping that you understand that my lash of insults was of indeed scarring words. But I believe that such words were of importance during the said event.

In matters of importance, I wish to hear the ladyship's intentions. However, given that you require a proper rest, I will listen to your answer at a later time. In any case, I wish to inform you of the possible circumstances:

One, if you wish to stay in the duchy as an ordinary human being, please consider it done. Though my authority may not permit such inappropriate action, I will see to it that none shall gain information about your true identity. So please rest assured that you now have a place to stay without worry.

Two, if you wish to return to your world, I apologize. Such a method does not exist within our knowledge. But do not waver; it's possible that a method exists outside the boundaries of human common sense. If you opt to choose this, then I’ll help you. In return, I will require your help.

Three, if you wish to live away from us humans, I can arrange you a citizenship to the Tribe where Elves, Dwarfs, and Enarfs lives in peace. If you require more information regarding the Tribe, please inquire it from Kanna.

Four, if you wish to live without my help or the others, you are free to do so. But I cannot guarantee that the church will stop pursuing you. Neither will I take the time to save you again.

Five, if you intend to oppose me or my kingdom, then a proper judgment awaits you.



“There, done,” I said with a sigh as I finished the letter.

“Your Highness,” Erina called from behind, “don’t forget about the closing lines.”

“Ah, right, that too,” then I began to write the closing lines of the letter.

“There, done,” I repeated while embedding the quill on a natural sponge.

“Mola will probably complain that we’ll be late in attending Academia.”



After confirming the contents of the letter a second time, I folded it, poured a red wax, and stamped it with my seal.

Standing from the seat with the letter in hand, I turned to Erina and said, “Please pass this to Kanna.”

Erina took the letter and said, “Is it fine to let Kanna stay in the duchy? Won’t you require her help?”

Shaking my head, “No,” I said. “It’s best if Kanna stays with the Hero for a while. Since Kanna is the actual person who saved her, then she’ll feel at ease when she’s around. On the other hand, she probably despises me.”

“Weren’t you the one that suggested on a workaround on the slave collar?”



“True, but… I just suggested a way, but it’s possible she did it herself.”

“…Your Highness, what you did was enough. Her life was saved. Only an ungrateful person who does not recognize the circumstances will consider your actions as inappropriate.”

“No, I do know that in the background she was saved because of me, but that’s not what I meant,” I replied. “What I mean is I instructed her to overwrite the magic circle within the collar. But it's possible that she used her blessing that manifested a magic that nullified the slave collar. So in the end, it's highly probable that she saved herself.”



“Good. Then I’ll be leaving, your Highness,” Bowed Erina before leaving toward the door.

As soon as she left, I sighed and said, “I guess I’ll be with Max for a while longer...”

Turning towards the drenched window of the Tervin’s mansion, “I guess practicing is the only thing left for me to do.”

 

Spoiler: Chapter 42: Tail

From the roof thatched with dry sedges, rain dribbled in thin strands of streams. As they fell, the streams broke into fragments of droplets and rippled on the surface of an open canal. There, water flowed sounding harmoniously with the rain.

Within my sight, veiled by a hood, posts glowed dimly in green, some in flickering orange. It was dark. It was still dawn. Nevertheless, my feet, fastened by thigh-high leather boots, trod lightly over puddles that pooled on the pavement laid with discolored gray bricks.

As I breathe in mists of white, my eyes darted from left and right, sighting broken boxes and barrels on the sides of the alley. With my left hand raised to my shoulder, I paced my hand in support of the cracked wall.



At the end of the alley, red lights blinked invitingly. As I neared the lights, voices started to filter through the rain.

Upon exiting the alley, the voices became prominent. They were from both men and women, but dominantly women. There were giggles. There were seductive calls. But those came from women standing on a fenced platform, wearing thin clothes while waving their fans and handkerchiefs.

While frowning, “I'll never to get to like places like this,” I said. “I better get over this with quickly.”

It was the red-light district of the dukedom. A place littered with brothels.



With my sight turned to the street, I blended with the passers-by clothed with similar brown robes. As I weaved through the busy street, the voices started to tone down. Then, it turned into a complete silence, leaving only the sound of the rain.

I’ll never try to intercept the thoughts of these scums again, I thought, reminded of the time I checked the messages sent through telepathy.

Past the bustle of men, I went deeper into the street and turned into an alley with a gaudy signed post hanging from a rod. Behind, as I entered, a splash of steps followed closely. Taking a glance, I saw a robed man grinning underneath his hood.



Swine, I thought, as I poured mana into a shard I held on my right.

As he lost his balance and tumbled forward, I twisted to my feet and delivered a roundhouse kick to his face. With a light crack, he fell unconscious on the ground, his face directed at the open canal.

“When will people learn that even the red-light district doesn't allow sexual assault,” I muttered with a sigh. [Maize,] I called using Wind Whisper, [take this man away then make him choose between his arms or his manhood,] I said and turned around without waiting for a reply.



After I reached the end of the alley, I turned right at the fork. As I strode forward, a casual splash of steps followed in a fix distance from behind. Unconcerned, I continued towards the structure painted lavishly in black and gold. At the door fixed with glasses, two large-built men stood at the sides.

Stopped at a meter away from the two men, I raised my hand from my robe and started animating my fingers. Three-Five-Two-One-Two-Four. As soon as I finished, the men nodded and opened the door. On the other hand, the splash of steps from behind withdrew.



Upon entering the structure, a fancy reception table welcomed me. Then beside me, a butler offered his hand. Removing my robe, I passed it to the butler and moved towards the reception table. Without uttering a single word, I took out a white card from my pocket and slid it towards the female receptionist.

After a few seconds of inspecting the card, the receptionist stood from her seat and walked towards the door on my left. Following closely behind, I was lead to a hallway filled with doors. It was a maze of doors. One after the other, we finally reached a door marked with a silver leaf. Promptly, the receptionist stood by the door and opened it with a clack.

Within the small room with nothing but a light ball freely floating at the ceiling, two sets of chairs, and a low table at the center, a medium built man stood. “Greetings, your Highness,” the black-haired man said.



Without responding, I took the seat opposite the man. Then the man followed.

Crossing my legs, “Tell me what you know,” I said.

“Your Highness sure is hasty,” the man said with an unwavering smile.

“I'm sure you knew what happened,” I said, “There's no point in discussing such matters. Probably, Mother had already predicted this outcome, didn't she?”

“Well, her Majesty intended to relax the borders to lure the Hero, but as expected, not everything went as planned.”

“And you mean?”



“Her Majesty didn't intend to let the church blend with the refugees along with the hero, but that is fine too, you've already resolved it after all. In addition to that, you've proven the usefulness of wyverns in battles. His Majesty will surely be delighted.”

“What?” I asked in surprise. “Wait, you don't mean that Father already had planned on using wyverns in battles? I've never heard of this. Nor was I informed of anything pertaining this.”

“True,” he said with a chuckle. “Remember when his Majesty took the front-lines and led the wyvern subjugation three years back? Fortunately, or maybe, unfortunately? His Majesty found wyvern eggs at the nests which gave him the idea of riding wyverns.”



Ah, now that he mentions it, Father did not react to the fact that I received and rode a wyvern from the Tribe. Haah... I missed something again. I thought Mother just suppressed Father's comments regarding that matter...

“That got out of hand, but I'm sure this is something yet to be shown to the public, no?”

“Indeed it is,” tapping his fingers on the armrest, he said. “However, the Order of Scales is yet to be official.”

“Order of Scales huh,” I said. “Can't Father think of a not so obvious name for the order?”

“Please complain directly to his Majesty.”

“Don't worry,” I said with a nod, “I will.”



“In any case, his Majesty wishes for you to attend and observe the training for the Order of Scales. Possibly, act as a temporary commander while the Knights learn to ride the wyverns.”

With a sigh, I placed a hand on my forehead and said, “Father should ask the Tribe instead of me. Or is he telling me to take command since I'm the only one with a direct connection with the Tribe? Well, even if that's true, I don't think Sylvar will mind as long as there's a proper compensation or exchange.”

“Your Highness, please sort that out with your Father. He'll visit the duchy a few days from now along with the Knights.”

I sighed and said, “He's too willful...”



“In any case,” I said, “the nobles from the borders, you have information right?”

“Why of course,” he replied.

“Then tell me what you know,” I said, flicking a coin to his direction.

The man caught the coin and said, “White-Gold huh, that's pretty generous of you, your Highness.” Then he inserted the coin into his breast pocket.

“Enough with the small talk,” I said. “Tell me what Mother had prepared and the task I need to finish.”



With his hands reached out from under the table, he took a stack of papers and placed on the table and said, “Well, just as you thought, her Majesty had been eyeing the church for a time now. With the chance that the Hero went southwards, towards Laurel, her Majesty loosened the border patrols.”

While he spoke, I took the stack of papers from the table and flipped it while listening to his explanation.

“As expected, the Nobles were either bribed or threatened into submission. With this chance, her Majesty placed investigators in advance to collate evidence before, during, and after the events happened.”



My eyes moved from one line to another of the report and said, “Then the evidence has already been gathered huh.” Halting from reading, I moved my sight towards the man and said, “Tell me, which of the entire play went along with Mother's plans? And which of it strayed from her script?”

“Everything went as planned except for the Hero remaining with the refugees instead of fleeing. There's also your unexpected use of wyverns. Aside from that, the church's activities in the forest west of here is still a mystery. There's hardly any information to conclude what specific activities they've been doing there. At best, we could say that there's a form of transportation in that area to return the Hero to Libet.”

“Possibly teleportation huh.”



“Yes.”

“Are the details included in this report?”

“Yes, of course. I've also added some rumors circulating among the Nobles that visited the brothels. Really,” he said with a chuckle, “those Nobles can't help blabbering when they're bedding another woman other than their wife.”

“And most of them are sons of the Nobility who can't keep their pride of being born in a high society right? Scoundrels who aren't fit to rule their fief.”

“Which is why her Majesty took this chance to cull the Nobles in the borders.”



“True,” I said with a nod, “I'm sure that's what Mother intended.”

Just how many birds did mother successfully hit this time with one stone? There's also that culling to be held next year at Mark's coming of age. I'd be second in line to the throne if it proceeds.

“Also, there's a personal message from her Majesty.”

“From Mother?”

“She said, 'Focus on Academia, and I'll let you handle the Hero as you wish.'”

So there's no point in hiding it from Mother huh... Well, at least I have Mother's backing.

“Another test huh...”



“There's also, 'You can stop and return whenever you give up.'”

After a moment of silence, I said, “... Then please pass this message to Mother, 'I won't stay put.'”

“Understood,” he said, smiling.

“Then the others?” I asked.

“What do you mean?”

“Don't play a joke with me,” I said, “the details about the movements in Brent, Niveria, and Libet regarding the war. You have it, don't you?”



Snickering a smile, he said, “You like to cut to the chase.” Under the table, he took out another stack of paper and dropped it on the table with a thud. “That's everything,” he said.

“This will be heavy...” I muttered as I switch my sight between the two stacks of paper I'm supposed to read.





With a slam, stacks of paper were lined up on the table. From the left side, a report of the Heroes from Max, statements of the imprisoned church girl, investigation results from the borders including rumors spreading among the Nobles, and details regarding the war. As I looked at it one after the other, my body started to feel heavy. Then with a sigh, “I wonder if Fairy Tales included this reality in books, will the children still look up to us?” I said and pulled a seat brushed my hair towards my back.

“The children will stop dreaming of becoming prince and princesses,” Erina said from my side.

“Figured,” I replied. “Erina, please tell anyone not to disturb me, and please prepare tea along the way. And biscuits, preferably sweet ones to add.”



“Understood,” she replied and left with light steps.

“Now then,” I said, stretching my arms, “time for some heavy reading.”

Starting with the report regarding the church girl's statement, I flipped through the pages while noting details on another paper on my right. While reading, Erina set-up another table to my left and placed the tea and biscuits that I requested.

“Your Highness,” she said, “I'll prepare a proper meal later, so make do with this amount.”

Without moving my eyes away from the report, “It's okay,” I replied. “And oh, regarding the orphan boy, did he reach the orphanage in the duchy?”



“Certainly.”

“And oh, please inform Max that I'll join his travel back to Brent two days from now. And one more thing, please send a message to the duchy that Father will come. For the treatment, let Father tour around the facilities, and inform him that I'll be late.”

“Understood,” then again, Erina turned towards, the door.

“Last thing,” I called. “Please get me a map of Laurel.”

Pages after pages of the report, I contemplated on the information I’ve read. With tea and biscuits to fuel my mind, I kept flipping on the pages with my other hand on a piece of paper scribbled with notes. As I read through the church girl's statement and compared it to the information gathered, my expression started to scrunch in confusion.



What? If I remember correctly, the Hero was supposed to be passed on to twelve other zealots at the west. The problem is, what are they doing there? I thought as I traced my finger on the map on my right.







Weird, I thought, they could've gone east and rode an illegal shipping vessel to escape, that is, if they're lucky to get through ours and Brent's sea patrols. But why west?

With my finger pointed at the forest to the left, “I’ve already asked Maize to do a preliminary investigation on the Forest, but there wasn’t any result. Perhaps, deeper into the forest? Then to the Great Volgan Lake? Or maybe to the side of Twin Peaks then to Brent? Heading to Brent is probably the best idea since the church still has some control there, but Academia -- probably not unless they're conspiring, but that's highly unlikable.”



After all, Academia thinks on proving things rather than blindly believing that things happened due to unknown and unexplained circumstances; which leaves me to Brent. However, teleportation is still possible. But I wonder, will the evidence remain until I arrive?

Leaning my back on the seat, “This is difficult,” I muttered while scratching my head.

“Are you giving up?” Erina asked.

“Of course not,” I answered. “I’m just starting. Besides, there’s still the rumors to check. I’ve only read the testimony and the results of the forest investigation.”



“Then what of the statement of the rasc- girl?”

“Ah, that,” I said. “That girl spoke about their attempt to crush the Hero's will to run away by using the refugees as hostages. She also stated the Nobles they managed to pull into their grasp, which further proves the result of the advanced investigation done by Mother in the borders. Aside from that, she’s a pawn promised with a higher position if she succeeded. In fact, she stated that there's someone else that'll handle the transfer.”

“So we managed to grab the tail.”

“Yes, but the beast hasn’t reared its head yet.”





Meanwhile, in a room inside the Duchy.

“Mola, what are you writing?” asked Kanna from below the bunk bed.

Scratching her messy hair while sitting on a chair beside the bunk bed, Mola said, “I don't think you'll understand.” Then she continued writing on a stack of paper with a shard in hand.

“That's mean!” replied Kanna.

“Kanna,” said Meiko, while blinking her eyes with a puzzled expression, “I agree with Mola. And I don't think I'll understand this either...”



“What's it for anyway?”

“From what I understood, it's an analysis report on a Dasbalite.”

“Oh! A Dasbalite! I know that!”

“Oh, so Heroes can understand our writing too. Quite a handy blessing you have.”

“Eh?” surprised, Meiko said in disbelief. “You know what that is? And Mola, I can’t read what you’re writing, but when I look at it, I kind of understand the meaning of the words-- it’s hard to explain.”

At the same time, Kanna said, “Of course! It's a crystal that the Dwarfs back in the Tribe used to mine, but stopped.”



“Yes, that's the one,” Mola joined. “It's quite a burden to analyze. We'll also need specimens of those Rikeas if we want to get through this roadblock. So I'm writing a report for a request for specimens while detailing what we've understood so far.”

“... I have no idea,” commented Meiko on Kanna’s response.

“Hey Mei!” shouted Kanna, “I think you're being mean too!”

Meiko then looked to the side silently, then said, “I don’t know what you’re referring to.”

 

Spoiler: Chapter 43: Reminder

“Your Highness, here's your tea,” said Erina as I flipped through the pages of the reports in front.

“Thanks,” I replied while inserting my finger into the handle of the cup. With the cup's tip touching my lips, I took a sip of the warm tea without removing my eyes from the paper I held. With a light clack, I returned the cup to its saucer and resumed my activity.

The clock ticked while I munched and crunched on the biscuits I ate. Then a sip after the other, my body felt heavy, my sight hazy, my breathing long, and my mind feeble

“E-erina,” I called to my side, “can you get me something? Something to wake me up,” I said while tapping my cheeks with the palm of my hands.

“Your Highness, it's time for you to sleep.”



“Huh, huh? Wait, you mixed in chamomile in the tea?” I asked groggily.

“See? You've been too focused on your task that you didn't notice it until now. Take a rest; it's already an hour past midnight.”

“Ah...” I muttered. Then my strained eyelids fell shut.

“Really,” Erina said as she caught Amelia, “you're a troublesome child.”

Quietly, Erina slid her arms at Amelia's back and under her thighs. Then with a pull, Erina carried Amelia. While Amelia's head leaned on Erina's shoulder, Erina expressed a smile and said, “Nothing good comes out if you'd keep on overworking yourself.”



With a ruffle of the flimsy sheets, Erina placed Amelia's body on her bed canopied with a blue cloth. Carefully arranging her sleeping posture, Erina moved to the wardrobe across the bed.

“Now then,” she said with a beaming smile, “I wonder what nightwear will be good this time.”





“Mmnn...”

It felt heavy. My body felt heavy. Throwing my free arm to the side, I grabbed a pillow and buried my face in it. “Cold...”

I turned to the side and grabbed another pillow to shield myself from the cold. However, something was amiss. As light filtered through my eyes, a blurry image formed. Focusing my sight, I blinked a few times and banished the haze. It was still dark. And from the window, fog covered the sheets of glass.

Lazily, I propped myself on the bed and sat. In the process, I felt the unusual sensation a second time. “Brr...” I muttered, rubbing my arms with the palm of my hands. Wanting to warm myself, I curled my legs closer to my body. However, the unusual sensation struck me a third time. It was moist. It was damp. No, my thighs felt wet.



D-did I pee in bed?

Grabbing the end of the blanket, I slowly lifted it to the side with bated breath. While the dim light from the window gradually illuminated my white nightwear, a stain of red revealed itself.

Don't tell me.

Spurred by the racing beats of my heart, I threw the blanket to the side and found the bed dirtied by spots. Some still fresh in red, some dried to a reddish brown.

Why? When? There were no signs.

It wasn't a new occurrence. It wasn't foreign to me. It's just the usual cycle of a woman like me. However, something was amiss.



With trembling hands, I reached for the cloth underneath my chest and started crumpling it. While the ends of the skirt neared my fingers, my blood-soaked underwear revealed itself. Then locking the crumpled sloth in place, I used my left hand to put pressure on my lower abdomen.

Why? I thought, repeatedly pressuring different parts of my lower abdomen. There’s no pain.

“E-erina,” I called. Lifting my sight from my abdomen to my surroundings, “Erina?” I called. Then a light pang shot through my head. “Uugh...” I muttered with my right hand clutched on my head. After the pain vanished, I roamed my eyes to my surroundings.



The room was silent. It was dim. The light from the windows shone a streak of moonlight on the furniture on my left. To my right, the usual double door stood imposingly as it usually did. Leaving pleats on the surface of the bedcover, I moved to the right side of the bed. Planting my feet on the wooden floor, I slid my thumbs between my hips and the fabric of my underwear.

After a careful push on the fabric, I slid my underwear down to my feet. Balling it up with the stain hidden from the white, I stood from the bed and held the ball in-between my thighs. Towards the door, I walked with my left hand at my back, keeping the ball from falling while careful of not dropping another stain on the floor.

In front, of the door, I banged my fist against it and said, “P-please call for Erina. I need immediate assistance.”



Then a sudden clutter sounded from the other side of the door.

“Y-yes!” a voice of a man answered. Then hurried footsteps followed.

Ah, someone fell asleep on duty... I'll have to report this...

Turning my sight to the clock on my left, I thought, it's four-thirty-seven in the morning...

Towards the door further to the left, I sauntered. Upon reaching the door, I rotated the knob with a clack. With a push, I entered the dark room. Unmindful of the dark room, I manifested a ball of light as I made my way towards the toilet bowl on the left. After lifting the lid, I sat down the bowl and dropped my underwear into a tin pail beside me.



Quietly, I vacantly stared at the white tiles between my feet.

I should be happy, right? I questioned myself as a cold sweat ran down my back. There's no pain, but this, this feels weird... It doesn't feel right...

With a shiver down my body, I muttered a chant and manifested a fireball beside the ball of light. Silently, I mindlessly played with the balls of fire and light.

I wonder what's the result of fire and light combined?

From the door, a clack sounded as it opened. Immediately after, Erina rushed into the room and turned her head left and right. “Your Highness?” she called.

“Erina, I'm here,” I said, curling myself while seated.



With hurried steps, Erina entered the room with a lamp dangling on her right hand. “What's the matter?” she asked.

“It came...” I replied with a wry smile. “And the bed, I'm sorry. I've already stained it...”

“So it finally came.”

“Yes... and I only have three hours of sleep at that.”

“Wait here; I'll request another room.”

“Please do,” I said, canceling both the fireball and the light ball. As I looked at Erina’s fading back, I thought, I wonder where would I be without her?



…



It was rough, bumpy even. That's what I felt as my fingers brushed the leather cover of the familiar brown book. It was large, a width enough to fit between my elbow and shoulder. However, it doesn't have a title. But I knew it. It was the book that I've been reading with Kanna. It was the book regarding Mana Forging.

My finger slid to the book’s edge and lifted it open. As the cover fell to the side, the first few pages followed. But with my hand, I pressed the pages back in place. Using my fingers, I traced the contents to its starting point. At the upper left. While my finger pointed to an unusual character, I started reading it aloud. One after the other, as my finger traced from left to right, my lips pronounced the letters.



I didn't know what it meant, but I kept speaking. I kept pronouncing. Some words were familiar to me, but most were unknown. I had no way to find out what it meant. I didn't know if I pronounced it correctly. I was alone, in a dark room, with only a light ball to light the desk.

Upon reaching a page with roughly drawn figure, my finger stopped. The drawing was bad. It was all over the place. Smudges were here and there. Nevertheless, a smile erupted on my face. “This is surely Garfin’s,” I said. It was undeniable. However, it reminded me of my stay with the Tribe. “I'll have to make sure to return during the months of spring,” I said. “I want to explore more of Alabaster and know more about the chasm.”



With a sigh, I closed the book. But not soon after, my mind started to wander. It reminded me of the reason why I’m inside this small dark room. Tapping the palm of my hands on my cheeks, I shut down my thoughts and said, “Wake up. Wake up. This isn’t the time.”

But what am I to do… I thought as I slumped on the chair.

Refrained from doing any strenuous activities, Erina suggested me to rest in this room for a day.

“But really, I can’t get used to this underwear lined with peat moss and cotton...” I muttered while avoiding excessive movement.



Refusing to stand from the chair, I repeatedly opened and closed the book. “I’m going nowhere,” I said. “Ah, not good, I’m not used to doing nothing. Come on Amelia, think. There has to be something I can do in this room...”

“...” silence emanated inside the room. “It’s too quiet,” I muttered.

[Maize, are you there?] I asked using Wind Whisper.

[Yes.]

[Is there anything new from the church girl?]



[Unfortunately none.]

[… Then send another detachment of troops to investigate the Forest. This time, a bit deeper from the edge.]

[Understood.]

“Haah...” I muttered, “I want biscuits… and I guess I’ll just rest...”





The day after a full rest in the indoor training ground...

With my right hand clasped on a wooden handle, and the other at my back, I leaned forward with a step. Then with a swing, a dry sound was emitted from the pell. Unsatisfied, I turned my hand and took another swing coming from my hip. Two. Three. It didn't matter how many hits I gave the pell. I kept swinging the wooden sword in my hand. Again, with rasped teeth, I kept at it. A step to the left, then followed by a swing. To the right, twist, then a swing. My eyes didn't waver. My sight focused on the pell despite me moving around it. Then for a moment, I swung the sword, horn manifested and aided by reinforcement. Followed by a loud snap, the end of the wooden sword shot beside my head.



Relaxing my stance, I exhaled and said, “I kept forgetting what I am now...”

Shifting my sight while calming my breathing, fibers of the wooden sword were visible. Then turning to the pell, an awkward smile emerged on my face. “It's beaten up pretty badly,” I said followed by a dry laugh.

The wooden pell claimed bruises on its body. Some focused on one spot, some at random places. “It'll be bad if someone finds out,” I said as I poured mana into the shard clasped in my left.



Beside the pell, three fireballs manifested. With a step backward, the fireballs closed in on the pell. A few seconds after, the fireballs vanished, but the pell remained burning.

Without a single thought in mind, I stood watching the pell burn. The flame flickered. Black marks encroached it. It was nothing special. But the longer I stared at it, the more I felt relaxed.

“I still wonder what creature burned that forest,” I muttered, reminiscing the ashen forest I came to five years back. “Ah,” recalling the wooden piece, I said.



With a step, I turned around and roamed my eyes. But what I found was a pair of black shoes standing on the dirt ground. Lifting my face, a figure of a blonde woman dressed in a black and white maid clothes came to view.

Recognizing the woman, “Oh, Erina,” I said. “What is it?”

In reply, she shook her head while reaching out the wooden piece and said, “It’s time to leave.”

“Ah, right. I forgot.”





Within the rattling carriage, I sat beside the window seat while Erina sat across from me.

“It’s still raining huh,” I muttered, gazing upon the droplets of rain that skimmed on the surface of the glass. Little by little, the droplets fused and snaked down the pane.

“It’s been raining for days now,” I said. “Do you think there's a storm brewing?” I asked, turning to Erina. Then with a heave of a sigh, “Really, it's quite a troublesome one for it to appear at this time.”

“True, it’ll delay us from reaching the borders and escorting his Highness Max.”

“Well, I guess it’s also a good time to continue reading the reports,” I said with a laugh.

“You shouldn’t overdo yourself, only a day has passed since it came.”



“You worry too much. It’s not a big deal now. Besides, I think I’m fine to do as I please, you know?”

“That’s what you think.”

Placing a hand over my lips, I giggled and said, “Erina.”

“What is it?” she asked, puzzled of my inappropriate call.

Then, expressing a natural smile, “Thank you,” I said. It was but a simple smile, yet it’s a smile that I’ve expressed in earnest. A smile filled with warmth. “Thank you so much for being with me until today. I might’ve been a different person if you weren’t around. I might've been a corpse or a child locked up in some room crying by now if you never took my side, so thank you. Thank you so much.”

“And what’s this for?” she asked, forming a light smile on her face.



Turning my gaze to the window, I said, “We’ve been together all this time; just you and me. Five years, we've traveled back and forth in a carriage like this. It sure has been a long time, but really, it took me this long to realize. To realize the burden I've been giving you. And to realize that we’ve been all alone all this time.”

“Amelia...” she replied. Then with a smile, she said, “and you’d still continue doing so, am I right?”

In response, I returned my sight to Erina and said, “Yes, I will. However, it won’t be just you, so I guess the burden will be less than usual.”

“Referring to Kanna as a weight off my shoulder? Are you sure that’s an appropriate judgment? More like, both of you will increase the burden on my shoulders instead.”



“True,” I said followed by a laugh. “Kanna might be another burden instead. In any case, things will be more bearable than it usually should. At least, with an addition of the lively yet foolish Kanna in our little circle.”

“Really,” Erina shrugged as she heaved a sigh, “More troublesome children to take care of.”

“You don’t have a choice,” I replied. “You’ve just adopted another child. But does Kanna count as a child? Sure she is childish, but she’s older you in fact.”

“Let’s just consider how mature she is.”



“In that case, she is a child.”

Then we both laughed like it was a long time since we did.

“Then Erina, can I read the reports now?”

“Did you say all those things just to ask that?”

“Of course not! But maybe-- I don’t know, but please, even a summary of it will be fine.”

 

Spoiler: Chapter 44: A Token of Promise

Partway northwest from Tervin’s Dukedom to Twin Peaks, our convoy halted. Our traveling pace was reduced by the mud that formed due to the heavy rain. We were forced to take refuge on tents we brought from the carriage following from behind.

“A bit to the left!” shouted a man in a light-armor, assisting in the construction of temporary shelters. “Just a bit more!” The man waved his hand backward, guiding the wooden pillar while another man in robes molded the earth underneath and beside the pillar. With a quick tap on the pillar that stood a head lower than his shoulder, “Stop!” the man shouted. “That’s good enough!”

Around the vicinity, others were similarly at work.



From and to the carriages, several men moved back and forth. From the trade carriages, driven into place by wooden stakes, they tugged on large rolled objects tied up by ropes. “Heave, ho!” With a simultaneous shout, they pulled them free. As it produced a skidding sound, the men caught the large object from underneath in groups of five to six. Leaving splash of steps, they then moved towards the molded structures from earth.

While rain prattled on the object, they unfolded it. Starting with the tangled ropes, they unfastened it and pulled it apart. It was a leather stitched into a large sheet. Accordingly, the men draped the sheet over and around the molded structure. Then, from four sides, they fastened the holes of the sheet to the hooks driven into the wooden pillars.



Once done, the men pulled on the ropes on the adjacent sides of the pillars. “Raise it!” A man ordered, and so it began. From the center of the sheet, a cylindrical object from underneath rose. It was another wooden pillar, but it was at half the diameter of the pillars surrounding it. Lifting the sheet up, it then formed a tent.

“Move it!” Unfinished, the mages began to manipulate earth underneath the four pillars and slowly raised it along with the center pole. “Stop! Harden it!” With another order, the mages began to compress the earth surrounding the pole and the pillars. “Start digging!” And so they did. They dug a small ditch around the tent while others pinned the ropes by driving the stakes tied to it.

Done with their work, they began to work on another. They gradually built a small village spanning within a few hours



From the side, another set of mages entered the tents. They then began to pour mana into the shards they held. Gradually, water was siphoned from the ground and formed a small stream in the air that fused together as it neared the tent’s entrance. It then led towards the ditch surrounding the tents. Once done, men entered carrying wooden pallets. Side by side, they used the pallets to create a makeshift bed that also functions as a flooring.

Within a small tent of a hexagonal build, a silver-haired girl and a man with a dull-crimson hair stood across a table. Lit by six lamps on each corner, they began to discuss in the dimly lit tent.

“Is that so?” I asked with a finger over my lips.



Within my sight were four pieces of wood placed on top of the map. One wooden piece referred to this temporary relay settlement. Another pointed to a village beside the forest to the west. Then one between the Twin Peaks and the forest further northwest. Lastly, a fishing village beside the Great Volgan Lake.

They’re there, I thought. Undoubtedly. Nothing else would explain the missing people from the villages surrounding the forest.

“How long were they gone?” I asked, taking a glance at Maize.

“Five days,” he answered while focused on the map between us.

“Five days huh,” I muttered while knitting my brows. “It’d be best to assume they’re dead.”

“Indeed.”



With a thud, my fist banged against the table, cluttering the wooden pieces, shards, and crystals. Quietly, I rasped my teeth as I glared at the forest on the map, intending to burn it down.

Then, with a sharp sigh, I said, “There’s nothing we can do about it; let’s move on.”

“Hrmm...” scratching his thin beard, Maize muttered. “Why don’t we use that girl as a bait?” he asked, lifting his eyes from the map to mine.

While returning his gaze, I said, “Then let her lead the path into their hideout? Would she do it blatantly without leading us to traps?” Then I shook my head. “It’s too risky. We might arrive at their hideout, but our losses won’t be pleasant.”



Intently, Maize stood his ground and responded. “True, but time ticks. The longer they remain, the more they become a plague to us.”

“I can’t deny that, but at the same time, we can’t risk having competent Guards falling into their trap. For now, evacuating the residents of the villages is our best option. We can then wear them down by cutting off their supplies by surrounding the forest.”

“It’s viable, however, your Highness, do we have that much time to wait them out?” he said. “Besides, as you assumed, it’s possible that they have the ability to teleport back to Libet. The Worst case, the ability to teleport troops from Libet to the forest using blood runes.”



After a moment of silence, I said, “… If we take too much time, we might be the one suffering in the end huh.”

But I doubt Libet will start a war between humans at this point in time. Not unless they aren't sane enough to look at their own situation.

“Yes,” he said with a nod.

“Siege weapons, can we fire them off to the forest? Or maybe lure Snapmaws from the lake into the forest.”

“It will take days to bring down and deliver the ballistas from the cities to the forest. And reducing the cities’ defenses might spark doubt on the confidentiality of this operation. For the lure, it’s uncertain if it’ll work as intended.”



“I think it’s fine to not keep this a secret. After all, we’ve shown to the refugees that the church was involved in the mass poisoning that happened. If we can attribute the missing citizens to the church, it’ll increase the doubt towards them. However...”

““They might escape before we’ve properly set-up the siege weapons.””

“Yes, it’d be a waste of manpower, and a shame on us if we failed to prove our claims,” I said, looking back to the map on the table. “So the best action is to be reckless?”

“Possibly,” he answered, returning his gaze back to the map. Then tracing his finger around a small portion of the forest, he said, “We can shoot arrows from a distance and push them back, besiege them with shields, then take them out one after the other by gradually closing the encirclement.”

“That’s if we properly find their hideout. As it stands, they’ve stationed assassins throughout the forest while using Hide, isn’t it?”



After all, using Hide through the shadows cast by a forest is good enough to trick a human.

“Anyway, I thi-”

“Your Highness,” Erina interrupted from the entrance of the tent. “His Highness, Prince Maxwell, wishes to speak with you.”

Shifting my sight from the map to Erina, then to Maize, I said, “We’ll continue later.”

“Agreed,” replied Maize as he folded the map and placed it in his pocket. On the other hand, I took the shards and crystals and placed them inside a pouch. I then hung it on a hook at the side of the table.

After Maize left creaks on the pallet floor towards the entrance, he and Erina turned around bowed before leaving. Soon after, Max entered the tent.



“Have I interrupted something?” he asked, removing his drenched boots near the entrance.

Towards the makeshift bed of wood I walked. Then with a turn, I sat down and said, “You’re worried about that after you did it?”

“You’re right,” he said with a snicker. From the entrance, he made his way towards the side of my bed. “Anyway,” he said as he produced a creak on the pallet, “I think it’d be best if you focus on the activities of the church west from here.”

“So you knew huh,” I said with a glance to my side.

Returning my gaze, he replied with a smile, “I can’t be incompetent if I want to become a great King, aren’t I?”



“True,” I muttered, shifting my sight towards my hands placed on my knees. “However, Max, Laurel won’t make a blunder. We’ll escort you back to the borders without fail. After all, that event should never be repeated.”

Placing his hand over mine, he said, “You’re overthinking. We’re in Laurel. It’s true that the church is currently here, but my Guards, and the soldiers lent by your Uncle is enough to stop them from afar.”

In response, I shook my head and said, “No, Max, you don’t understand.” Then I moved my sight towards him. “I don’t want what happened to me back then to be repeated. I may sound unconvincing, but you yourself know how I felt, no, how I feel right now.”

“You love me, right?” he said with a grin.



Puffing a sigh, “What am I to do to you?” I asked while a smile rose from my face. “Max, you’re dreaming. You’re not there yet. Maybe a kingdom, no, a continent away? Perhaps even farther?”

He laughed in response.

“I have to work hard and cross the oceans and seas one day huh. But I'm sure I'll cross it sooner or later.”

“Thanks,” I muttered abruptly.

“What? Can you repeat that?”



“I said go and drown yourself in the sea.”

“No, that’s too long for that.”

“Your ears need some cleaning. Want me to call Erina for you?”

“No thanks,” he said, waving his hand. “I had Lester clean it for me.”

“Oh.” I raised a mischievous smile. “You’re admitting that you’re leaning towards that side huh.”

“I’m sure you’re mistaken.”



“I sure hope so. It’ll be a huge issue especially for Brent.”

“It sure will.”

A few seconds after, we both laughed. It was like how we used to be before we exchanged that promise. Times when we used to laugh together that I can now appreciate more than I used to. Through the night, we spoke with each other, not as royals, but as who we are and what we’ve become.

“Oh! I remember that!” I said with excitement. “Those exploding shards gave me a scare at the first time!”

“You even panicked after it glowed. Then you threw it to your Guards and caused a panic! Ahahaha!”



“True,” I said, wiping my tears with my finger. “But you’re one to talk. You can’t even keep up with our training after a few days! You’re like a tattered rag lying on the dirt!”

“No, no, isn’t it already weird that you beat me in stamina back then? You’re too unbelievable!”

“Oh, you’re blaming me for your incompetence huh. What a sucker.”

We reminisced how we tackled the tasks we were given while we stayed in Academia for five years. We spoke of our experiences. The time we shared. And the knowledge we gained. It was fun. It was a blast. I never knew that I closed my senses despite me enjoying myself the whole time. I needed to reevaluate how my life played. How I grew to what I am today.



I’m still naive, I thought. But I guess this is fine...

Minutes turned into hours until we exhausted ourselves by recounting the time we were together. In the end, Max reached his hand towards mine and unfolded my fingers. Then gently, he closed it.

A few seconds of silence passed while he gently clamped on my left hand. “I’ll leave now,” he said as he stood and walked towards the entrance.

“Max,” I called as I stood. After he turned around, I said, “Don’t die on me.”

Snickering a smile, he replied, “I won’t. Not until I’m satisfied with my life living with you.”

“I wonder if it'll happen.”



“It doesn’t need to,” he said with his eyes burning with conviction. “I’ll make it happen with my own hands.” And so he left.

“That's not a reassuring line at all.”

A few seconds after he left, I lifted my left hand and unfolded my fingers. At the palm of my hand was a ring. A silver ring encrusted with a diamond. “It’ll cause problems if I wear this,” I said, beaming with a warm smile. “But that’s as Amelia. As Mia, I don’t think so.” Then I clasped the ring.

 

Spoiler: Chapter 45: Amelia's Gift

On the day after, Maize and I continued discussing our plan to take control of the forest to the west.

“For now,” I said, “have the citizens of the village to the west evacuate to here. For those further northwest, have them move to the port city to the east. Lastly, for the fishing village, lead them towards the southwest and into the villages of Academia.”

“Then I’ll leave to you the letter to request Academia’s assistance,” Maize replied.

In response, I nodded. “I’ll prepare it shortly.”

I’ll have to visit the Royals upon arrival in Academia for this…

Without sparing a single moment, we began to move. I wrote a letter just like Maize asked. On the other hand, Maize gathered his men and hand-picked those who would assist in the evacuation of the citizens. After Maize’s men split up into groups and headed towards the said villages, my remaining Guards, the Guards from Tervin’s Dukedom, and Brent’s Guards restarted our march towards the borders. However, some Guards from Tervin’s Dukedom remained to manage the temporary settlement. A settlement to be turned into a relay town for the trade with Brent.



While traveling, the rain started to let-up. Then gradually, the looming clouds thinned while rays of light broke through the barricade of clouds. Guided by the sun’s light, we arrived at the borders. To be specific, the valley between Twin Peaks.

In the distance within my sight, a large arched gateway stood with small spires at its sides. Spanning to its left and right, a tall gray rampart blocked anything beyond it other than the mountains that stood behind.

“This is where we part,” I said, facing Max with his Guards lined behind him. They stood at attention with their bannered spears pointed towards the cloudy sky. Their dark-blue banners were marked with three spears crossed as one. The so-called Spears of Longinus.

“For now,” he said with an unbreaking smile.

I snickered a laugh in response. Then, with a smile, I said, “Whatever.”



As I took a step forward, my Guards on my sides moved in unison. Halting, I shifted my sight to my left, then to the right. “You don’t have to be this alert,” I said with a giggle. “You don’t have to worry, I have no plans of escaping.” Then I took another step closer to Max while my Guards relaxed on their positions.

Upon reaching Max, I said, “I’m sorry I have nothing else to give.”

“Don’t worry, the promise is enough for me,” he said as he gazed into my eyes.

“Would a hug perhaps satisfy you?” I asked as I tilted my head.

“I’d be glad to,” he answered.

At the moment he opened his arms wide, I quickly took a step forward. Then, grabbing him by the collar, I pulled him closer while I closed my eyes as I reached out my neck. Shortly, in the dark, my lips caressed his. It was damp. It was mellow. Then on my cheeks, his surprised breathing brushed a gentle and warm breeze. And as I lifted my eyelids, his wide-eyed expression entered my sight.



One second. Two. Three. I then released him from my grasp. As I backed away with a mischievous smile, he silently stood there frozen with his arms still opened wide. It was the same for everyone else. The Guards, both from Brent’s and mine, they all wore an expression of surprise or shock. Gradually, while they muttered words beside their comrade, Max’s mouth gaped and closed repeatedly. Unable to respond, he slowly lifted his trembling hand over his lips and stared at me vacantly.

“That’s my gift,” I said as I hinged my hips. “It’s my first, so take care of it.” Then I turned around and pumped my legs hurriedly towards my Guards.

While I weaved my way through my Guards, a shout came from behind, “Wait! Amelia! It’s not enough!”

Don’t be too greedy!



With a hand trembling hand over my lips, I whispered to myself, “I can’t believe I did something so brazen.” I turned and twisted to fit myself between my Guards as I hurriedly walked away. Finding myself outside the wall of my Guards, I resumed and headed further away.

At that time, my heart beat like a galloping horse. Blood rushed to my head. All the while a warm sensation exploded within my core.

I don’t think I can get used to doing such things…



As Amelia vanished in between her Guards, I reached out my hand and shouted, “Wait! Amelia! It’s not enough!” It was greed. Or was it? I didn’t know. But all I thought is that it wasn't enough. After all, I was caught by surprise.

Unable to suppress myself, my lips raised to an inevitable smile. My heart pounded like crazy. It was her first. It also was mine.

I can’t believe that she’d act so brazen. Did I do good yesterday? So all my efforts this time paid off? Wait, wait, wait, wait. This can’t be a dream, right? It happened, right? I thought. No, it’s definitely real. I’m sure of it. I burned her image during the kiss. I’m sure of it. There’s no denying it.



Balling my hand into a fist, I glanced over the arched gateway from behind and muttered, “Ah, I don’t think I’ll get enough of her.”

I could feel it. My blood pumping through my veins. I felt invincible. I thought I can do anything. I wanted to shout. I wanted to scream and let the world know I succeeded in my first step. And I wanted everyone to know how lucky I was this day.

It’s just starting, I thought. I have to do my best.

 

Spoiler: Chapter 46: A Glimpse 1

The feet of the wooden chair rattled against the cream floor as Kanna abruptly stood from her seat. Her mouth agape, she moved her sight from Meiko towards the window on her right. “I think I need to beat someone! No, kill I mean!” she shouted with a vexed expression.

Surprised by Kanna, Meiko, while sitting on the bed, asked, “W-what do you mean?”

“I can’t explain it. But I feel the need to go! But I’m sure it’s related to Lia!” she declared. Then she turned to the door and ran towards it while shouting, “Birby! We’re going to slice and dice someone!” After turning the knob, she immediately jumped towards the hallway and disappeared to the left while leaving the door open.



“There she goes,” said Mola. Peacefully, she lied down on the second layer of the bunk bed. She then rolled to the side and peeked below. “If you want to chase after her, you can go.”

Meiko reared her head and responded with a mutter to Mola. “I...”

“Kanna will return,” said Mola with half-closed eyes. “Probably with her Highness in tow.”

“...” Quietly, Meiko shifted her sight to her knees.

“You don’t have to worry. Her Highness is not a bad person, however, she isn’t a thoroughly good one as well. But considering how the world works, that’s normal. After all, the world isn’t painted in only black or white.”



“True...”

“Hmm… But you know? You still haven’t left this room.” Then Mola reared her head and lied down as usual. “Meiko, what are you afraid of? Is it meeting with the people of this world? Or you’re just afraid of being hurt? In any case, no one’s going to hurt you here unless you hurt them first.”

“I’m not sure either...”

Suddenly, from the door, Kanna peeked and asked, “Does anyone of you know where Lia is?”

““...”” In silence, Meiko stared at Kanna while Mola did the same as she sat up on the bed.



One. Two. Three. ““Pfft! Ahahahaha!”” Mola and Meiko laughed with their arms wrapped around their waist.

“Oi! What’s wrong?! I’m serious here!”





Immediately after I left Max near the border gateway, I headed towards the carriage and boarded. Once inside, I sent orders via telepathy.

[We’re leaving towards west. Make haste.]

Using my authority, I forced the Guards to immediately embark. I didn’t give them enough time to contemplate the recent event. After all, it’s not something that I wanted to hear now and then. After several minutes, the Guards finished re-positioning themselves under Maize’s command.

During our travel, our convoy passed by a group of villagers heading towards east. Children, adults, and elderly, they all have their own sacks or cloth bags hanging from their back or hands. They were all citizens of the village between Twin Peaks and the forest.



At that time, I halted the convoy and alighted the carriage. After giving some greetings, both children, adult, and elderly alike surrounded me in a semi-circular manner. They all listened to what I had to say. And they were pleased by the coincidental meeting. Since it was a good time to explain the situation, I took the chance to assure them that we are working on the problem with the forest.

After I gave my farewell, I returned to the carriage and sat across Erina.

“Perhaps, now, you can explain your brazen action in this recent event?” she asked as I took my seat.

Silently, I shifted my sight from Erina down to my knees. “It’s… No, I just wanted to thank Max for all those five years he remained by my side. Aside from that, Brent is at war. So if things went for the worst, that might be our last meeting. And so I took the chance to do at least that- at least, that’s how I’ll explain it...”



“You do know that he’ll be your step-brother soon, right? After all, It’s highly probable that his Majesty and her Majesty will agree with his Highness's betrothal with her Highness Clarissa.”

Quietly, I nodded.

Erina sighed in response as she brought a hand to her forehead.

Clasping my hand on my knees, I said, “I’m sorry. I got too ahead of myself...”

Ah… I can’t understand myself anymore… Maybe I shouldn’t have let my instinct took the better of me. But after things calmed down- I won’t be a Laurel anymore, right? Aaaahhhh! What am I thinking! This isn’t you Amelia! Not you! Wake up! It doesn’t end there!



The more I thought about the repercussions of the things I’ve resolved myself to do, the more my chest felt the brunt of its weight.

You’re no longer normal Amelia! I thought to myself.

“Amelia,” called Erina, unsmiling. “Would you do the same for any man who stayed by your side?”

I shook my head in response and said, “Of course not! I don’t think I’ll feel the same about anyone else! It’s not a matter of time!”

“Then it’s fine,” replied Erina with a smile.

I knit my brows in response. “What? I don’t get what you mean...”

“You don’t have to.”



With a puzzled expression, I thought, Weird… Erina’s weird today…

“So how was it? The kiss? Was it good? After all, you took a good long one for your first,” she asked as she leaned closer with a mischievous smile.

I cuffed my ears in response and said, “You’re not getting anything from me!”





Late in the afternoon, we arrived at the deserted village and met with the remaining Guards that handled the evacuation. Accordingly, I took refuge inside a structure called the Village Hall. A staple among villages to accommodate guests or to discuss plans brought up by village chiefs.

Since we’ve been traveling from day till now, we took the time to rest. However, within the hall, Maize and I resumed our discussion about the plan for tomorrow.

“How do we proceed?” asked Maize, standing beside a door.

“Since Father will be heading to the duchy,” I said while seated on a nearby chair, “there’s a guarantee that he’d soon find out the issue with the church in the forest. So, if possible, I’d like to finish this sooner than later.”



“Another show of power huh.” Maize nodded.

“That too,” I answered. “It’ll be a good example for Father to accept that I can take care of myself and events such as this on my own. Anyway, we’ll proceed by using the church girl as a bait.”

“So we’re taking the reckless approach?”

“We don’t have much of a choice.”

“True.”

“In any case, damage her legs and knock her unconscious before you throw her into the forest.”

“Understood.”





Within the room on the next day, I was cuffing around my waist. On my right hung a pouch filled with a few shards and crystals. On my left was my old longsword and my rapier. Each strapped with a different sword belt. Then to my back was my dagger fastened in place.

“All check,” I said as I stood beside Erina. I then took a final check on my wyvern leather armor by twisting my body and moving around the room. “Seems good,” I said while opening and closing my gloved hands.

“Are you done?” asked Erina.

“Yes.”

“Then come here,” said Erina, gesturing to the wooden chair.



In response, I approached the seat and took it.

“Would a ponytail do?” she asked.

“You can do as you like,” I answered. “As long as it doesn’t get in the way of moving too much, then it’s fine.”

“In that case...”

A moment after Erina fixed my hair into a braided bun, me and my Guards ate the preserved jerky from the carriages we brought. Then we took one final rest during the night.

Before I left the room, I turned to Erina and said, “You don’t have to be so worried every time I leave, Erina.”



“Amelia, there isn’t any mother who wouldn’t care for her son’s or daughter’s well-being each time they leave facing a perilous situation. If ever there was, that person doesn’t qualify to be called as a proper mother. Less, a person.”

“True.” Then tapping my cheeks with the palm of my hands, I said, “In any case, I need to leave now.”

“Really, I don’t understand the reason for you to leave an hour before midnight.”

“It’s because it’s at this time that I should leave,” I replied with a wry smile. “Anyway, Erina, please prepare good food for my return.” And thus I turned to leave towards the door.

As I reached for the handle, her voice came from behind. “Don’t let my efforts in preparing a meal go to waste.”

Snickering a sigh, “Who do you think I am?” I muttered.



I then left the Village Hall and met with Maize.

“Is there any changes?” I asked.

“None,” Maize replied. “The church girl is still lying unconscious in the forest. I’ve positioned my men at a distance around her to observe the situation. However, so far, none of the church came to retrieve her.”

“Where are the others stationed?”

Quietly, Maize slid his hand into his pocket and took out a folded piece of paper. He then unfolded it and reached it out to me. After receiving it, I confirmed the position of the north on the forest’s map. The map was marked with black dots that indicated the position of the Guards spread around the forest. And a large dot that indicated the church girl’s location.



“How about those that went to the fishing village and the village down south of here? Are there any reports from them? And have they positioned themselves accordingly?”

“There is one report that came just recently. And I believe they have.”

“And that is?” I asked as I looked up to Maize.

“The assassins began to head deeper into the forest. There’s definitely something brewing with their actions.”

I knitted my brow in response and said, “Retreating huh? Perhaps they’re gathering or just luring us deeper into the forest?”



“It’s likely that they're luring us in.”

Placing a hand over my lips, I muttered, “This is troubling.”

“Indeed. However, we must make haste.”

“True. In any case, we’ll proceed as planned. However, prepare for any unforeseen circumstances. It’d best to bring shards of different elements to make sure.”

“I agree.”





The wind brushed past the trees and rustled its leaves. And as moonlight filtered through the seams in-between leaves, it struck a pattern of light over a girl leaning on a tree’s trunk. The girl was unconscious. She had brown hair and wore a brown tattered rag similar to those of slaves. And at her neck was a black collar fitted tightly. It was a slave collar. However, it’s mana siphoning effects were disabled.

“Uugh...” the girl muttered. Her body slowly slid from the trunk and fell. At the moment her right shoulder struck a nearby rock, her eyelids shot open and her body jolted awake.

“What?! What?!” she said as she erratically moved her head to her left and right. Her eyes darted around the dim forest. As soon as she confirmed she was fine, she propped herself back up against the trunk.



Blankly, she blinked her eyes as she took in the scenery before her. A forest in the middle of the night. “Where am I? Am I dreaming?” she asked herself. To confirm that she wasn’t dreaming, she used her right hand to grab a piece of dirt beside her. As she lifted her hand, she unfolded her fingers and revealed smudges of dirt, grass, and dried leaves. “Did it work?” she asked herself once again as she confirmed that it was real.

Using her left, she reached out to her neck and felt the collar. “It’s still here.” She then shook her head and said, “But it doesn’t matter.” Gradually, a smirk emerged on her face. “As long as I reach that, this won’t matter.”

While chuckling a grin, she propped herself up. However, a sharp pain ran through her legs and forced her to remain seated. “Tch!” She spat a hateful glare at her battered feet. It was covered in bruises and dried blood. “Whatever,” she muttered and began chanting.



Manifest, Heal.

“I didn’t reach the second level of light through the church’s blessings for nothing.” She then gently slid her glowing fingers from her thighs down to her ankle. She repeated the same procedure on her other foot. After she confirmed that her wounds healed, she propped herself up once again. This time, she succeeded.

After she got up, she dusted her clothes while scanning the surroundings. As she turned to the other side, a breeze passed by. “Brr...” She muttered while rubbing arms with her hands.

Soon she found a portion of the forest better lit than the rest. She passed by bushes as she moved towards the light. And just as she expected, she found a small clearing. Towards its center, she walked while lifting her head. As soon as she reached the center, she gazed at the stars that blanketed the dark sky like jewels.



Quietly, her eyes darted from one star to another. She took note of the constellations taught to her when she was still studying under the tutelage of a priest. Then, with a nod, she again scanned the surroundings. Shortly, her eyes halted at a tree a bit larger than the rest. She approached it and with her hands held up, she jumped and grabbed a branch. She then pulled herself up in a huff. Then a branch after the other, she climbed further.

At the moment she reached a spot with a stable footing, she moved her sights around starting with the north. However, it was dark, and all she can see was a sea of leaves dimly lit by the moon. However, she was unfazed. She then began chanting another magic.

Manifest, Far Sight.



Consequently, the range of her vision grew and even in the dark of the night, she could see better than she used to.

There’s the Twin Peaks, she thought. If I’m this close to the left peak, then I’m probably around the northeastern part of the forest.

Once she confirmed her location, she started descending the tree, snapping some twigs as she goes.

You’ll regret you gave me this chance, princess, she thought. Now then, I’m sure they’re around here somewhere.

Silently, facing south, she whispered a chant while walking.



Manifest, Body Reinforcement.

At the moment the reinforcement activated, she took a start dash and immediately shifted towards southwest. As she ran, the corners of her lips rose into a wide smile.

Fools!

As she ran deeper into the forest, the blades of grass closely behind her bent as if a boot trampled over it.

 

Spoiler: Chapter 47: A Glimpse 2

She ran. The church girl ran. She ran with her tattered rag fluttering from behind.

To a tree with a rock in place, she took a sharp turn to the right. She nearly fell to her side as she raked up the dirt and dried leaves with her bare feet. Then forward she resumed, gradually increasing the bruises on her feet. While running, she ducked. She dodged a branch that hung low. Then she immediately took a sharp turn to the left. Then right after a few seconds.

She ran and ran while branches whipped across her face. Fallen twigs snapped as she passed. Nonetheless, she endured the brunt of her wounds. She endured the pain the coursed through her body when her sweat met her open wounds. In contrary, she laughed madly as she went. “Ahahahaha!” Her face expressed a twisted kind of joy. She was free. She was like a wild dog released from her chains.



“Fools! Fools! You won’t get anything from me!”

Swift, she weaved through the forest. She seemed to know her path. Even at the dark of the night, she knew. She was trained for it. She wasn’t just an ordinary pawn. At least she thought when she got praised and picked for her job. To return the Hero to where it was supposed to. To Libet. With the church.

The moment she thought she got far enough from Amelia and her Guards, she shamelessly activated telepathy. [I’m here! I’m here!] She spurred her legs as she continued. [Quick! Close the path from behind! They’ll run after me! Use this chance to take them down! Daggers, spikes, or anything hardly visible, use them! Take them out!]



A few seconds passed and her wide smile started sinking. She darted her eyes in confusion. She knew there were supposed to be assassins hiding behind the trees. Something was amiss. Again, she took a quick scan of her surroundings and focused on her sense of hearing. However, she heard nothing. Nothing was moving between the trees in her path.

[What the hell are you doing?! Hey! I said move!]

She expected a movement. Or at least a reply with Wind Whisper or Telepathy, but nothing came. None. Nothing moved. Only the flapping wings of a bird and the hum of insects filtered through her ears.

Slowly, a sense of peril crept up on her chest.



Was I betrayed?! she thought. Then a sharp pang struck her head. It forced her to release Reinforcement. Gradually, her speed dulled and her breathing turned erratic. Her mana was almost drained. Her stamina was the same. Nothing was keeping herself other than her will. Her will to live and receive a second chance to retrieve the Hero.

It’s impossible! It’s impossible! It’s impossible!

Losing her steam, she halted. She leaned on her knees as she gasped for breath. Her brown hair clung to her skin, drenched in sweat. Her sight was hazy and her mind muddled. She was tired. However, she resisted falling. She refused to give up. There’s hope.



While beads of sweat trickled from her head down to her chin, she lifted her sight. Within it, she knew it was there. She waited for eyes to adjust and there it was. A boulder.

Just a little more!

Again, her lips curled into a smile. Adrenaline pushed her forward. She took a step forward with her bruised leg. The leaves crunched. She took another step. A twig snapped. Then the third- didn’t arrive.

From the boulder, flashes of light twinkled. Wide-eyed, she muttered, “W-what?” Gradually, the boulder turned transparent and then vanished. It was an illusion. However, the searing pain she felt was not. She felt warm, and yet she felt cold.

On the corner of her cracked lips, a tinge of red dripped. “Why…?” She creaked her head and looked down her chest. One, two, three. There, she saw four objects stuck on her body. It shone a vivid glow of white. “Why…?” she muttered. Her pupils shrank and trembled. “W-why…?!”



Her knees buckled. Then with a dull thud, her knees met the leaf-covered dirt. Scrunching up what little life she had left, she lifted her head and said, “You… bastard…!” At that moment, the Prismatic Blades dispersed into tiny particles. Her blood spilled from her wound. Then her face fell on the dirt. Her sight was focused on her left while her lips moved, but no sound came out. Not long after her lips stopped moving while her devoid eyes remained open.

“You’ve already failed, Beatrice,” said a man in a white robe. “There’s no use for failures.”

From where the boulder stood, numerous figures remained in wait. At the center of the group was the man with a white robe. He wore a white stole lined with golden threads while marked with cross-turned-sword. On his head was a hood. An amice. It only left his indifferent expression left in the open.

Around the robed man were men dressed in a tight black outfit. They wore black masks that expressed a frown. They had black belts fitted around their waists where daggers hung.



Underneath them was a magic circle spanning a diameter of twelve meters. A magic circled engraved onto a hardened ground. The circle glowed dimly in red. It seemed as if it had a life of its own.

At the outer ring of the circle, six assassins stood at a fixed distance from each other. At their front, was the bodies of the missing villagers. Children, adult, or elderly. There wasn’t a clear variety. After all, to them, it didn’t matter. What they needed is what they get. There were no exceptions.

The missing villagers were silent. They didn’t move. No, they weren’t able to move at all. Their eyes were lifeless. Their faces twisted in anguish were trickled by dried tears. And their necks slit open or their chest stabbed deep. And from their wounds, blood streamed. Their blood fed the magic circle with mana and life.



It was known as Blood Ritual. A ritual that uses the blood of any race mixed up with powdered crystalline manatite to fill up a magic circle starting with the runes, also known as Blood Runes. After all, a being of any race is also a container of mana. A natural container that refills itself with time.

Around the vicinity of the magic circle, more figures dressed in black emerged from the shadows of the trees. Calmly, they walked into the magic circle.

“You’re there aren’t you?!” shouted the man in white. “Show yourself, oh princess of Laurel!”

From the corpse of Beatrice, diagonally from behind it, a silver-haired girl emerged from a tree trunk. She approached the side of Beatrice’s corpse and halted. It was none other than Amelia. Still, there was about a twenty meters distance between them.



“That’s new,” with a hateful glare on her face, Amelia muttered to herself. “For a servant of the church to call me by my title instead of Demon. It’s quite surprising.”

“It’s pointless to fight, oh princess!” he said. “Surrender the Hero to us and we’ll give your kingdom a reprieve!”

Though pointless she thought, she answered, “And what makes you think your someone I should believe in?!”

“As you can see! We’re recalling all our men and have planned to peacefully return to Libet!”

Amelia gripped the handle of her sword. “Taking the life of my people is peaceful to you?! What kind of twisted belief do you have?!”

“They’re heretics! They deserve it!”



“In that case, this is my answer! I REFUSE YOUR OFFER YOU PILES OF SWINE!”

“You gave me no choice!”

The robed man raised his hand in the air and swung it downwards. At that moment, Prismatic Blades manifested. Towards Amelia, the fifteen blades shot like arrows. They flew sparsely, hoping to cover what little area she’s able to move in. However, in contrary, Amelia stood there with a mischievous smile. She refused to move.

Shortly after, the blades struck Amelia’s body and drew blood.

Or it was supposed to, but the blades passed through her body instead. Then gradually, Amelia’s figure vanished like smoke.



“You’re underestimating me!” A voice came from a distance while another figure appeared at a short distance from the illusion. Again, the Prismatic Blades shot towards it, but again, it passed through like usual.

“Wrong again!”

Further behind where Beatrice’s corpse lied, Amelia took up a position of a pitcher. Within her right hand, were two crystals. With a firm control of her mana, she poured them into the crystals. In response, the crystals emitted a dim blue light.

“Start the ritual!” Struck by a dreaded premonition, perhaps through luck, the robed man ordered.

However, to Amelia, it was her best chance. With her left holding the handle of her longsword, she took a step forward. At the moment her boots scrunched the dirt, she poured mana into the longsword’s handle. Shortly after, a blinding flash of light lit the forest. Subsequently, she manifested her horn and activated reinforcement through her bracelet. Then with a shout, “Take this!” She hurled the crystals tied by a thin rope.



As soon as the crystals left her hand, she hid her horn and immediately turned to the opposite direction. She didn’t wait for the crystal to land a hit. She knew what would happen next. Silently, while running, she drew her longsword with her right while her left clasped the handle of the rapier. Then, using the mana from the crystal threads on the rapier, she erratically activated a series of flashes.

Shortly, an explosion shook the forest. The trees bent. The branches shook. And birds scrambled into the sky in fear. A second flash of light immediately followed from the second crystal, however, at the same time, it vanished.

Thanks for those defective crystals Garfin! She thought.

[Maize! Move in!] she commanded with Telepathy rather than Wind Whisper.



A few seconds later, piercing roars shook the forest.



“GYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH!”

“GYUWAH! GYUWAH! GYUWAH...”



When Amelia heard the roars, she halted and took a glance. There she saw two figures cloaked by the night. Both were around ten feet tall. In terms of length, one was around twenty-six feet while other was far shorter. Both were covered in rugged spikes that pointed towards its back.

Not long after, a hissing sound came and eventually painted the night by amber flames. The flames came from the rugged pores that dotted its square-shaped scales. It had four limbs with a flattened body.

Though far it was, she knew the cry and realized what beast it was. “A Flameclad?!” She then began to resume running towards Maize and his men.

Amelia realized along the way that the church used a two-way teleportation. However, she expected them to transfer troops instead of beasts. To make it worse, they transferred Flameclads into a forest during the season of fall.



“GYUWAH… GYUWAH… GYUWAH...” Cried the other Flameclad. Unlike the other that roared while unleashing flames, this Flameclad desperately clawed the dirt beside it. It endlessly swung its short neck covered by a maroon skin. It smashed its triangular head covered by a shoveled jaw on the ground and ravaged it.

It was its death throe.

Two-thirds of the thrashing Flameclad was missing. The hind legs, tail, and anything down its chest was missing. What was left were its spilled innards and the blood that spurted from the remaining body.

The reason was the teleportation. It succeeded, and at the same time, it failed. It was interrupted by the explosion caused by the crystals. However, some reached the other side safely. Just like the fortunate Flameclad that arrived in one piece.



“Gyuwahhh…” Then the Flameclad fell with a thud. But the other increased its output as it saw its fellow Flameclad meet its end.

[Maize!] Amelia called with Wind Whisper.

[Duck!]

Quickly, Amelia ducked as Maize ordered. Shortly after, arrows flew overhead and struck two assassins that neared Amelia from behind. Then, while in a ducked position, Amelia propped herself with one hand and dashed towards the source of the arrows.

Then from the bushes, in-between trees, came Maize and his men. They held bows in their hands, while some held longswords and kite shields.

“We need to eliminate the Flameclad!” shouted Amelia as she passed by Maize. She stayed behind the front-lines and observed the situation. Then again, she weaved through the trees and vanished.



“Understood!” replied Maize.

One after the other, Amelia’s Guards appeared with swords and bows drawn. The bowmen windowed behind the line of swordsmen. On the other hand, the swordsmen formed a barricade using their shields.

As Maize and Amelia suspected, the church lied. Assassins came from the shadows with their daggers drawn in a backhand grip. They weaved through the trees and alternated their positions in hopes of confusing the Guards. However, the Guards were unfazed. They have dealt with similar cases from their clashes with assassins during the last five years.

Behind their shields, the swordsmen held shards in their hands. They poured mana into them while the assassins neared. Then, with a sound that tore the dirt, earthen spikes manifested on the predicted path of the assassins. Although most of the spikes missed their target, some were grazed, some passed through as a shadow, and some halted in their steps.



On the other hand, the bowmen took this chance to unleash their arrows. They aimed at those who were impeded by the spikes. Fortunately, most hit their target, Some on the head, and some on the shoulders or the chest. However, some missed. Regardless, they shot another round and halted the other assassin’s advance.

The number of assassins was dwindling. Starting with the illusions they’ve created, their numbers were gradually exposed by flashes of light emitted now and then. Nonetheless, though they’re numbered few, the Flameclad from behind was free. In that regard, them slowly losing the confrontation wasn’t pointless. In fact, they succeeded in stalling Amelia and her Guards.

Nonetheless, the assassins retaliated by pouring mana into the shards they held. They molded the dirt in their nearby vicinity into a sharp elliptical rock at the size of their fists. It then floated and shot towards Amelia’s Guards.



In response, Amelia’s Guards hid behind the tree trunks or held their shields while manifesting a barrier through another shard. But that wasn’t all, earthen spikes appeared underneath Amelia’s Guards. Fortunately, they themselves knew of the tactic, and thus only a select few were severely injured.

After they reappeared and reformed their ranks, they resumed their exchange. The assassins made copies through the use of shadows or shot Earth Bullets. On the other hand, the swordsmen defended with their shields and barrier while the bowmen sniped one assassin after the other.

At each passing second, the glow from the distance grew wider and brighter. Its light gradually consumed the dark forest as trees fell in the background. It also tainted the cloudless night sky with a large clump of smoke.



Then on the ground, an assassin suddenly fell with a thud. Behind it was Amelia. She held her longsword smeared with blood and shouted, “Maize! We don’t have much time! I know you can do better than this!” She then took a step to her right and pivoted. Shortly, a dagger flew to her previous position. “Maize!” she shouted, moved behind a tree, and vanished.

“Bowmen, move backward and form groups!” commanded Maize in a booming voice. “Swordsmen, move forward! Hold your shields up high then charge! Trample them like ants! For Laurel!”

““FOR LAUREL!”” replied Maize’s men in unison. Then they charged with their swords overhead and shields at front.



In response, the assassins began to retreat with shards in their hands. As they ran away, they formed a barricade of earthen spikes. They knew they were losing at the current pace and so they thought of further stalling the Guards to increase Laurel’s losses. A loss in terms of resource.

In contrast, Maize remained unconcerned and raised his voice further. “Move aside! Bowmen! Ready your shard-tipped arrows!”

As ordered, the bowmen drew an arrow from the quiver behind their hips. They knocked those arrows and loosed them. The arrows flew and struck the wall of earthen spikes and then exploded. Then another round of arrows flew, but this time, it passed through the passage and caused another series of small explosions. It dispersed the assassins waiting behind the barricade.



“Move!” Without a second to lose, Maize and his men charged through the passages. As soon as they crossed, they clashed against the assassins. Blades clanged against blades. Shields parried daggers to the side. Swords tore through flesh. Daggers bit through the skin. Bullets struck barriers and shields. Spikes grazed both assassins and Guards alike. All the while forming a small arc with the passages behind them.

Soon after, the bowmen entered the fray and positioned themselves from within the arc. They held their bowstrings taut and unleashed a drizzle of arrows. Steadily, the assassins turned few. And at their current state, with their backs nearing the burning portion of the forest, they no longer had an escape.

Again, from behind an assassin, Amelia appeared and slashed with her longsword. Then as quickly as she could, she disappeared and moved to another one. Though effective it was, the mana contained in her necklace and her rapier was almost depleted. After she took down another three, she returned to Maize’s side. At that moment, the last of the assassins was taken down by Maize’s thrust



Maize then kicked the assassin and drew his sword free. He then raised his sword and pointed it ahead. “Bring down the Flameclad!” Then they charged towards the raging flames.

As they neared the burning portion of the forest, those with affinities aside from water drew shards from their breast pockets. Then those with started chanting. As quick as they arrived, balls of water formed overhead. Their size was at a minimum of a one-meter diameter sphere. Upon reaching their desired size, the balls of water flew and splashed against the burning trees and bushes. Soon, another round of water balls followed, dousing the flames before them.

At the same time, the bowmen took their time in affixing shards onto their arrows. Then they shot their arrows towards the top of tree trunks from afar. After the arrows stuck and broke the shards, a large amount of water manifested and doused the burning leaves as it fell.



While moving forward, they continued to douse the flames with water. Not soon after, the bowmen shot their third and last shard-tipped arrows embedded with water magic. They then slung their bows on their back and joined in chanting or pouring mana into shards.

Unfortunately, though they achieved in quelling the flames on their side, the same wasn’t true on the others. The flames still raged and encroached the forest as it used to.

“Maize,” called Amelia with a frown. “This isn’t enough...”

“How many crystals do you have?” asked Maize.

“I still have two left of those defective ones and about three of the defective shards, why?”

“Please lend two of each to me. We’ll quell and detain the flames using the blast of the crystals.”



Understanding what Maize meant, Amelia took out the said shards and crystals from her pouch and handed it to Maize. Maze then called his men and ordered them split into three groups. He handed the two crystals and shards on two representatives and gave them the order to skirt around the flames. After he was done giving orders, his men moved in three different directions.

Amelia and Maize’s group raced towards the source, the Flameclad. They passed through puddles of water while they entered a sea of blackened trees with an orange background. The heat started to rise as they went, and breathing started to get in their way.

It didn’t take long before they reached the location of the Flameclad. It was silently nudging its nose against the body of the dead Flameclad.



“Dodge!” Amelia abruptly ordered as she jumped to her side.

Maize and his men jumped in response, but two were a tad late. In consequence, Prismatic Blades struck their bodies. However, the amount was nothing to scoff. It didn’t even give them the chance to scream in pain.

Amelia was concerned for the well-being of her Guards, however, she wasn’t able to peel her eyes from the white-robed man. His robe was severely torn and tattered, and his stole was missing. Blood trickled from his feet. His platinum-blonde hair was exposed. Still, those weren’t the reasons why Amelia couldn’t peel her eyes from the man.



The man was floating above the Flameclad.



He was surrounded by four wings of light. Two were badly damaged and were shattered like glass.



Lastly, two concentric halos floated above his head.

 

Spoiler: Chapter 48: A Glimpse 3

The dried leaves crunched. Then a silver-haired girl entered Maize’s sight. At each passing second, her figure grew smaller. Instinctively, Maize knew. He reached out his hands and shouted, “Your Highness!”

Amelia glanced behind in response. However, her lips were already moving. She didn’t speak loud enough for him to hear, but he understood that it wasn’t meant for him. She then turned her sight ahead and said, [I’ll leave this to you.] Then her figure vanished.

Maize threw his free hand and shouted, “Spread out!” Then as fast as they could, they jumped to their feet and rushed towards the blackened trees. A second later, blades struck the dirt they left behind. In different directions, towards the tamed portion of the burning forest, they’ve spread out and hid behind the trees.



They knew their actions would soon be fruitless. The trees would only last a few seconds from the brunt of the drizzling blades. Not even arrows can compete if they retaliated. But they knew they wouldn’t last that long against two enemies at once. Two of them were already dead even before the engagement started. Who knew how long for the remaining twelve of them, including Maize, to last.

A few seconds later, Barriers popped-up like mushrooms in mid-air. Over them were three figures of Amelia, each standing at a different barrier. It did not take long before the figures started jumping from one barrier to another. They flitted, dodging the blades thrown at them. They twisted, ducked, and flipped. All the while scaling the sky towards the angel in three different directions.

On the other hand, the angel remained calm. He flapped his wings and moved backward when the three figures closed on him and swung their swords. They missed. Regardless, the angel raised his two undamaged wings and swung it down. However, it passed through. Then as quickly as they appeared, they vanished.



“I’ll tell you where the Hero is if you can gut me alive!” shouted Amelia from a distance behind the Flameclad. She then threw a shard in her hand. The angel turned to her in response. To his surprise, a shard closed on his face.

He instinctively shielded himself with his wings. However, a few seconds came and there wasn’t an explosion to be heard. It was a fake. When he realized he has been played, he rasped his teeth and glared at Amelia. But Amelia didn’t take heed. she ran towards northwest and into the burning portion of the forest.

The angel retracted its wings and dove towards Amelia’s direction.



At the same moment Amelia ran towards northwest, the Flameclad took notice of her. It turned towards Amelia like the angel did. However, four arrows blinked from behind the trees. They struck the Flameclad in-between its large scales. In response, the Flameclad growled and turned to the source of the arrows.

One by one, Amelia’s Guards appeared and gathered at the northeast side. They then surrounded the Flameclad.

“Captain!” shouted one of Maize’s men. “What of her Highness?!”

“Let her be!” Maize answered as he pointed his sword towards the Flameclad. He then ran and said, “It’s our duty to protect her. But at this rate, it’s impossible. Not with those two at the same place. We needed a diversion, and that’s what she gladly accepted on her own!”

The Flameclad rushed towards Maize in response. It traced its shoveled jaw at a little distance parallel to the ground.



“But!” the man replied. He moved with another comrade and closed in on the Flameclad’s tail from two different directions.

“Just listen!” Maize howled. He then poured mana into his sword and activated reinforcement. He jumped at the same time and took a foothold of the Flameclad’s jaw. Then he took another and said, “If you want to immediately secure her Highness, then the only way is to eliminate this as soon as possible! Get to work!”

The Flameclad raised its head in response, but Maize had already drawn an arc towards its back. Maize shifted his grip on his sword before he landed. Then with two hands on the handle, he drove the tip of his sword deep into the skin exposed between the scales.

“GYAAAHH!” the Flameclad cried. Maize then kicked the handle of his sword and drove it deeper and deeper. He then took out a shard they used to quell the flames. Then he started pouring water into the Flameclad’s pores.



At the same, two of Maize’s men crossed each other’s path as they slashed the Flameclad’s tail. The tail wasn’t lopped off, but wounding it was enough for the Flameclad tried to scream in pain. But instead, arrows struck its open mouth and broke its cry. On the other hand, Maize remained at its back, using the sword as a measure to not get thrown.

The more the water entered its pores, the more the Flameclad swung its neck. It wiggled its body in hopes of throwing off Maize. However, Maize remained strong. The Flameclad then gave up and tried to fuel its pores, but only a bubbling sound came out followed by splashes of water. It can no longer light its flames. The air sac it used to fuel its flames were slowly filled with water.

The moment the Flameclad stopped, Maize’s men moved towards its limbs. They slashed at it and exchange with another person. At each slash, the wound became deeper and the blood that dripped became fluid. Maize then extracted his sword and slid down its back.



Meanwhile, consecutively, two powerful explosions were heard from two different locations. The rushing sound of wind followed.

On the other hand, the Flameclad could no longer take it and thus it instinctively used its habitual move. It laid to its side and curled its tail to its front. It opened its mouth and bit it, forming like a ring with a small portion of its tail dangling next to its mouth. Then using its weight, it rolled around while producing bubbling sounds.

The move was known as the Flame Wheel. A moved that Flameclads, a large beast considered as a lesser drake, are known to often use. However, it wasn’t effective. It aimlessly rolled around and crashed into some trees. To Maize and his men, it was an obvious result. After all, it was a move only effective at its original habitat, the slopes at the volcano in the center of the sea of Formos.



“Now!” At Maize’s command, shard-tipped arrows struck the roots near the Flameclad. Upon breaking, earthen spikes blasted from the ground. Some broke upon hitting the Flameclad’s sturdy scale, but some pierced through the gaps.

The Flameclad cried as it released its tail. It fell to its back and snapped the earthen spikes with its weight. It wildly threw its arms and legs around as it hoped to get back up. However, the bowmen are not kind enough to overlook this chance. They knocked arrows, and again, aimed at its open mouth. They drew another arrow upon releasing the first.

This time, Maize need not order his men. They immediately moved. Two at each limb and two for the neck and the tail. They hacked open the previous wounds on its limbs and tore its muscle fibers. They stabbed its underside of its neck repeatedly. The two others repeatedly slashed at its tail, gradually deepening its cut, but they stopped partway and move to the side. The same was true for Maize and his men.



“This is enough!” shouted Maize. The Flameclad was still alive, but its limbs were paralyzed. The inside of its throat was also bleeding. It only needed to wait for its impending death while water pooled from underneath its body.

“Towards northwest!”

A second later, a thin pillar of light landed from the sky. It pierced through the smoke and partly dispersed it. Gradually, dread crept up on Maize. “Move!”





Amelia moved towards the burning forest. Her sight was filled with nothing by charred trees and amber flames. Patches of flames flickered in a crackling tune around her. Trees burned from the trunk till its peak while some were decorated by pulsing red veins. Flaming branches also fell here and there.

She used her hand to cover her nose. She squinted her eyes as it darted, looking portion where fewer patches of flames were present. She then leaned forward and raised her speed. At the next second, her previous position was lobbed by blades. The angel was following closely behind.

Soon, beads of sweat formed on her skin. Regardless, she continued to run. She erratically increased and decreased her running speed to dodge the blades thrown at her. She also turned towards the trees and used them as shields. As a result, the angel quickly reduced the gap between them. It is only a matter of time before the angel reached her and shoot at an almost point-blank range.



“Cough! Cough!” Her lungs screamed in pain.

This should be far enough, Amelia thought.

The next moment, a horn took hold the right side of her head. It looked like a leafless branch with small flower buds around it. Subsequently, her silver hair emitted a calming light. It flaunted itself against the amber.

She then clasped the dangling necklace above her chest and thought, Please work!

Then, at her next step, her mana flowed towards her bracelet and activated Reinforcement. Immediately after, she took off. She left a trail of scattered dirt from behind and instantly boosted her speed.



While her speed jumped to a different level, white threads emerged from the necklace. It danced with the wind, but it laced and weaved itself around Amelia’s body. However, rather than form the dress she wore at the time she remained at Celes’s side, it interwove itself and formed a different form of clothing. It covered any portion of her exposed skin. It formed as an extension of her leather armor. It seemed like it has a mind of his own to protect its owner.

The angel was caught by surprise. His speed dulled for a moment and created an opportunity for Amelia to widen the gap. [You,] said the angel in a language different from a human. [What are you?] He glared while balling his fists.

The angel recognized the appearance of the horn. Although it was a single horn instead of two, It wasn’t something that any divine would forget. No, any divine would immediately recognize it. In contrast to its gentle and calm appearance, to divines, it’s a symbol of fear. After all, they were reminded of the time they tried Celestia when she gave birth to Elena. A moment where the tables were immediately turned onto them.



Amelia ignored the angel’s question and focused on widening the gap between them. Soon after, she headed towards a portion of the forest where flames burned wildly. She speculated that she was nearing the end of the burning portion. A second after, a loud explosion shook the forest from her right. The wind rushed like a gale and snuffed out a large amount of flames; like a flame on candle blown by a breath.

Subsequently, the trees near the explosion splintered and fell to Amelia’s direction. Amelia took the chance and ran underneath the falling trees. The angel, on the other hand, had twisted and dodged the trees. Not soon after, Amelia escaped through the wall of flames. She immediately took a deep breath and eased the pain in her chest.

What do I do now? Amelia thought while her sight returned to the calm forest. She hinted Maize that she had a plan, but it was a fluke. She had nothing planned ahead other than separating the Angel from the Flameclad. After all, she never expected what she thought was a myth to appear before her.



What do I do? she thought. From his injuries, it’s likely from the crystal I threw from before. But he survived that blast… I need something of that level or higher...

Amelia was running out of options. Her mana was being drained by the second. She had only had one last defective shard. There was nothing else she could rely on other than herself and the remaining shards in her pouch. She inserted her fingers into the pouch and scooped what was left. Using her mana, she identified which shard contained which magic.

The shards available were: Earth Spike, Fire Ball, Water Ball, Wind Ball, and Heal. It didn’t count her bracelet, the longsword, the dagger, and the rapier. She then placed the shards back into the pouch.

It’s useless. He survived that blast. An intermediate magic won’t cut it.



She knew a lot from both basic and intermediate level. However, she doesn’t have that much knowledge on advanced. After all, basic magic is enough to take a life of a human, at times, beasts. She also considered the frequency of the magic usage, which basic and intermediate levels easily triumphed over advanced.

[Speak! What are you?!] the angel bellowed. He halted from mindlessly shooting the blades. Instead, circular disks swirled behind. [You’re not human!]

“Why do you care?!” Amelia snapped. Her thoughts were pumped with ideas on how to take the angel down. Yet, each of them was shot down.

She darted her eyes around the forest and tried to look for anything she could use.

Think! What can you do in a forest?!



She couldn’t hope to rely on her Guards. She’d need to hide her horn and lose the opportunity to fight toe to toe with the angel.

[You who were once human, one that holds the blood of a True Divine! Speak your reason for interfering with our plans! Speak not and I shall burn you with divine light!]

“What are you even talking about?!” Amelia then pivoted towards west. “What do angels have to do with humans and divines?!”

[A divine like you holds no knowledge of the pact between divines? Such foolishness!] The angel then stopped. It retracted its wings and landed. [We angels hold dear our promise between divines. Lest you are wary and holds grudge against the pact, then I shall be forced to erase you.]



At the same time, Amelia halted and returned the angel’s gaze. “Then tell me what’s this nonsense of yours.” Amelia took this time to lean herself on a tree. Her chest heaved as she calmed her breathing.

[There are five rules agreed upon by divines. First, divines are to leave the races as is, an exception is made when that divine is made to govern or protect the said race.]

“Heh, so you’re claiming that angels govern or protect humans? But let me tell you, your actions do not hold true to your words.”

[We angels are a legion of divines. We are made to protect humans. However, it is not our cause to lead them.]

“...”



[Unlike you who knew nothing, we angels are prepared to sully our hands. We are prepared to sacrifice the few in order to bring prosperity to humans.]

“Prosperity? Really? Would the propagation of a false religion lead to prosperity?”

[We believe not.]

“There you have it.”

[You are mistaken. Humans are the ones who’ve started the religion of Libet. We are only aiding them for our cause. Nothing more nothing less. However, through our cause, humans shall be saved. Humans can be reborn anew at the hands of the Human God, our creator. The day for redemption for all humans awaits on the day his arrival. Humans must be willing to sacrifice their lives for their creator and their creator alone.]



“Your God has long abandoned this world,” Amelia shot back a reply.

[True. Which is why we’ve been calling the Human God through the Heroes.]

Amelia’s eyes widened in response. “… You. You’re dragging innocent humans from another world just for this?”

[If it shall bring prosperity to humans, we need not care about our methods. In case, the second rule is that divines must not interfere with another divines plan.]

Silently, Amelia listened.

[Third, if a divine’s plan intersects with another, the concerned divines needs to reach a common ground. Fourth, a failure to reach a common ground will subject both divines outside the pact. They are then free to be hunted regardless. Fifth, betrayal of the agreed upon decision between divines shall subject the accused to a punishment, and shall be removed from the pact.]



Why does this angel even consider me as part of this pact? Amelia thought. In response, Amelia’s necklace glinted then Celes spoke into her mind.

A new divine was never born since eons. This angel could have considered you as my child and considered to stick with the pact. After all, divines refused to fight against another unless needed. They no longer have a God that could retrieve their soul once they perish. But remember, till this day, your divine blood has yet to completely take over your body. You’re still human.

Amelia decided. “Then you consider me as part of this pact of yours?”

[Of course.]

“And your aim is the hero?”



[Indeed.]

“Then, in exchange, I want you angels to release your aid on Libet.”

[Impossible,] he replied. The disks remained swirling. [Unless you are willing to summon heroes in our stead, we’d consider.]

Amelia further leaned herself on the trunk, hiding her right shoulder behind it. She then took a shard and fitted it between her fingers. “I’d be willing to negotiate with that.” Then she moved away from the trunk and slowly approached the angel.

She halted at about five meters away. “Is there any form of written agreement?”

The angel raised its hand. On its open palm, a circular sigil colored in blue appeared. It then separated itself, floated, and changed its orientation. It seemed like a magic circle, but several other magic circles formed it in a concentric pattern. Runes danced around its circumference. Several other circles were layered above it.



Amelia knitted her brows. She had never seen such a complicated pattern. No, she had, however, the pattern within her necklace was impossible for her to read. But she can’t deny her interest in the pattern before her.

“What do I have to do?” She tilted her head.

[Place your hand into this sigil. Then we shall state our agreement. It will serve as a notifier to all other divines once the agreement has been sealed. This will also serve as proof.]

So they call it sigil huh.

“Understood.” Amelia then approached. At each step she took, cold sweat ran down her spine. Her heart beat wildly. Saliva slid down her throat. Her breathing was deep yet calm.

On the other hand, the angel was wary. The sigil moved. It rotated as it neared Amelia.



At about three meters away from the angel, the sigil and Amelia stopped. She tried focusing on the sigil, trying to peer through its seams. She raised her hand slowly. Again, she gulped. Gradually her fingers touched its center. The sigil then halted. Its concentric pattern separated and surrounded Amelia’s hand. It kept rotating. Then it suddenly stopped.

It dawned on Amelia. She immediately drew her hand. She pumped her legs and activated reinforcement. The angel’s eyes widened in response. He realized it. The sigil didn’t take hold of Amelia’s hand. It was a failure.

Amelia’s boots raked the dirt. She rasped her teeth and reached out to her rapier.

Reach it! She thought.

Time seemed to slow. It was similar to when she saved Erina. With a flip of her hand, she pointed the tip of her rapier onto the angel. At her next step, she bent her knees and thrust forward. The angel spread its wings wide. It bent backward and tried to jump. Then a spike seemed to peer from the cylindrical disks.



However, the tip of her rapier reached the angel first. It pushed it punctured his white cloth. It pierced. At that moment, the spikes from the disks lengthened to a spear.

Amelia released her grasp on the rapier and immediately jumped backward.

The spears from the disk shot and formed thin beams of light. It grazed Amelia’s arms and legs in the process. Then time returned for Amelia. She bit her lips in pain. The beams seared through her armor and into her flesh.

[Damned human!] the angel hollered as his knees buckled. Then suddenly, a large magic circle formed underneath Amelia’s feet. She was at the center.



Amelia shifted her sight towards her feet. She was caught by surprise. Her mouth opened wide and the pupil of her shrank. However, she gripped her left hand. She shuffled her fingers and made the shard fall into her hand. Then as fast as she could, she threw it.

Then everything,































turned white.











































A few seconds later, a small explosion sounded.

























Crack! Multiple objects were shattered like glass.



















Then it happened. It ruptured.























The crystal ruptured. The crystal contained at the handle of the rapier ruptured.













Then it began.











A continuous crackling sound of lighting jolted the surroundings. It felt like multiple claps of thunder occurred in one place.





When Maize and his men arrived, Amelia lied on the dirt unconscious. She was bleeding in several places. A few inches away from her body, a large hole was present. Then further, a charred body of a man with melted quicksilver on his chest lied.

 

Spoiler: Chapter 49: Shackles - Arc 2 End

The door closed with a sharp clack.

“Has her Highness awoken yet?” Maize asked.

In turn, Erina, who’ve just closed the door had turned to Maize and said, “No.” She glanced at the door behind her. “It’d be best not to wake her at this moment. It will only burden her body.”

“I believe so.” Maize frowned. “But we’re in a difficult position.”

“Why so?”

“His Majesty has arrived and took over the operation to quell the forest fire. It seems that the smoke was large enough to be seen even in the dukedom even at night. And it will take at least a day before his Majesty arrives here.”


“Ah...” The corner of her lips fell.

Both Maize and Erina knew. Nothing about Amelia’s current condition should reach Auguste, Laurel’s King. The same is true regarding the clash between Amelia and the Angel from myths. The repercussions of letting the people know of their existence are unpredictable. It could even support the church’s claims of receiving oracles from them.

In addition, Maize and his men had buried the angel’s corpse. As well as the hole produced during their battle. At first, Maize and his men were skeptic. They couldn’t help but doubt Amelia’s abilities. But after realizing her rapier was gone, and knowing that it had an advanced lightning magic embedded in it, they’ve partly accepted it as the truth. Now their only concern is to prevent the King and his Guards from finding out the truth.


“How long do you think you can stall his Majesty?” asked Erina. She seemed adamant about letting Amelia rest.

“Not long,” Maize said with a shake of his head. “At best, I could stall his majesty by discussing the steps we need to take for what’s left of the forest.”

“Every minute will help, so please,” she said with a bow.

“I’ll do what I can.” Maize nodded. “Neither do I want to impede what little freedom her Highness has.”

After Maize left, Erina went to the kitchen. The maids came and lent her a hand, however, she refused that they take part in the actual cooking. They took a clay pot and brought it outside. They placed the pot on top of an iron grate. Underneath it was a rectangular container made of stone. It was filled with charcoal. Then the pot with water.


Erina seemed to know every action she should take. From separating the skin from the meat of the chicken, down to separating the meat from its bones, she skillfully used the knife. She reserved the meat on a small pot while the skin and bones were placed inside the pot of simmering water. After several minutes, she had help in pouring the contents to another pot topped with a clay bowl with holes at its base.

The contents streamed down the bowl and filtered the skins and bones. All the while the aroma rose into the air. Afterward, Erina boiled another pot of water mixed with vegetables and oil. It was a broth. Though it was not Amelia’s favorite, it was a memorable one for Erina. She used to make the same broth several times in her life. She started making the broth with her mother in a small village east of Aves, Mastel.


Nothing was that astounding about Mastel. It was an ordinary village where the citizens mainly did forestry, hunting, farming, or weaving. Well, that's what it used to be.

The village was gone. It happened when Erina was around ten years of age. The reason was nothing new, an outbreak of beasts from Alabaster. The village could’ve survived, but three continuous waves were too much for them.

The occurrence forced the villagers to flee for survival, however, some fell to the fangs of the beasts. Among those was Erina’s parents. She had no blood-related brothers or sisters. Due to her circumstances, Erina became an orphan. In the orphanage, she was able to retain herself by acting as the elder sister. Even at Mastel, she acted as is with her fellow children. There, again, she prepared broth for the second time around.


Years passed and Erina grew to fourteen. At that time, Diane Frei Trois, Laurel’s current Queen before she was wedded, had visited the orphanage and by chance met Erina. Due to her diligence, popularity in the orphanage, noble features, and her uncommon blonde hair, Diane adopted Erina to the house of Trois. At that point on, Erina became a maidservant.

Erina witnessed the quarrel between Argon Laurel, now called Duke Tervin or Argon Tervin, and Auguste Laurel. Argon’s approach was of the gentle type. He had always asked Diane what she wanted before moving. He also considered her schedule. Unlike him, Auguste was like a storm. He dragged Diane from one place to another through his willfulness. And soon, Auguste being the pushy type, had won Diane’s interest.


However, until this day, there were still some lingering rumors that Diane, known to be a cunning woman, had selected Auguste so she can have a firm grasp on Laurel’s administrative side. All the while Auguste focuses on the military aspect. However, at the same time, some Nobles felt at ease due to their synergy.

Soon after Diane and Auguste were married, Argent was born. The citizens of Laurel rejoiced at the news that the first child had been born with a silver hair. Since Elena’s time, at least in Laurel, silver hair has always been linked to a person of power. And to Laurel who never had a fixed religion, those royalties who bore the silver hair were akin to Gods.


On the other hand, it was also the cause of suffering for the Royals of Laurels. Every move they take would produce a huge effect on the citizens. To remedy such folly, the Royals of Laurel were educated at an early age.

Two years after Argent, came Amelia. Again, the citizens rejoiced, but on a larger scale. Again, the reason was Elena. Throughout the annals of Laurel’s history, Elena was believed to be of divine grace. She exuded knowledge far from what the ordinary citizens knew. From then on, those who share a similarity to Elena were easily favored by the citizens. To add, the rarity of a Royal born with the same hair was rare. Amelia was the third Silver Princess since the kingdom of Laurel was established.

In the end, Erina, having an amicable relationship with Diane, was entrusted with Amelia’s care. Since then, she had never left her side. However, after the dispute between Diane and Erina, they have yet to speak with each other again. Diane couldn’t find it in herself to completely forgive Erina for doing such an atrocious act against Amelia.


“This is good enough,” Erina muttered. She began pouring the broth into a bowl using a ladle. She then moved towards Amelia’s room. The Guard beside the door had opened it for her, and upon entering, her lips slightly turned to a frown.

Amelia was still asleep. Under the white sheets, her chest heaved up and down. Her face was pale.

Back then, she had lost a plenty amount of blood. The indirect impact of the lightning bolt had given her a concussion as well. However, she was fortunate enough to time her barriers and reinforcement to escape the pillar of light. She took a blunder to survive. She depleted her mana down to the last drop just to protect herself with the barriers. As a result, she entered a state of mana exhaustion.


Erina placed the bowl of broth on a nearby table. She approached Amelia and took a towel hanging from a wooden stand. Then gently, she peeled the sheets and exposed Amelia’s body.

“Hnn...” she muttered asleep. Her thin clothes were drenched. Her brows were knitted, her lips frown, and her face contorted. She was having a nightmare.

Erina brushed Amelia’s fringes and tapped the towel across her face. She also held Amelia’s hand and said, “It’s fine, it’s fine. There’s someone here.” Slightly, Amelia’s breathing calmed. Then perhaps through intuition, Amelia grasped her hand in return.

Then, with a smile on her face, Erina said, “Take your time.”



Auguste grimaced. He crossed his arms and said, “This place is ravaged.” He wore a thin red cape lined with gold and silver threads. His silver hair swayed in wind for all to see. And on his body was an armor that appeared to be covered with uneven steel scales.

In front was a vast number of charred trees. The dirt, which used to be a mix of brown and green, was now painted in gray and white. The forest had lost its gleam. However, fortunately, or perhaps, unfortunately, a third of the forest has burned down. And currently, it continued to expand.

“Indeed it is,” commented a woman beside him. She stood at half a head shorter than Auguste. She had brown hair tied into a side tail and clear blue eyes. Her face was of a gentle one with a tinge of sharpness. She wore a dress that minimized the exposure of her skin. She was Auguste’s mistress, Lara Laurel.


Surrounding them were several knights with the crest of a silver falcon. They stood attention with their spears held up and their eyes actively roaming in the surroundings.

“But perhaps, you should consider what actions to take before winter. The same is true with the animals and beasts that fled to the remaining parts of the forest. If we don’t move, the citizens that used to procure food through this forest will suffer,” she said.

Unlike Liz, Lara has a fair relationship with Diane. To date, Lara and Diane never had a quarrel. However, at times, her being a mistress of Auguste tends to give Diane a sense of doubt. Point in case, it never evolved into an issue.


“True,” replied Auguste. “But this occurrence is undoubtedly due to the church.” He gripped his fists tightly and sneered. In his hand was a burned white stole. Luckily, it retained the church’s symbol. “Those madmen are haughty. Do they think we can’t declare war on them?”

“Don’t be too hasty,” said Lara. “Rallying troops and crossing Formos with galleons or warships will not be enough to put them down. Besides, we need to cross Brent either by land or water if we want our troops to arrive safely in Libet. But that will alarm them in advance.”

“Tch! If only the dead zone did not exist, I would’ve already sent our troops to burn down Libet.”

“And at this time of war with the races,” Lara continued. “Laurel will only receive unfavorable criticism if we rally our troops. So still, I think it’d be best for us to focus on what we do best, production of supplies.”


A few seconds after, the sound of hooves alarmed the knights. Auguste and Lara turned to the source in response. There they saw Maize climbing down his horse. The knights gave way as he approached.

“Greetings your Majesty, her Royal Highness,” Maize greeted with his right fist above his chest.

“Has my daughter replied?”

“Apologies, her Highness has been resting in the village further north. She’s unable to come at this moment due to her devising a proper action against the church.”

Auguste knitted his brows. “She has begun planning huh. I’d like to join soon.”


“Your Majesty,” quick and calm, Maize added. “Her Highness had also requested for the consideration of the charred woods as fuels for winter.”

“See?” Lara smiled. “Even Amelia thinks so. It’d be better to remain another day here and discuss what needs to be done.”

“You have a point,” Auguste grunted.

Another day has passed and Amelia remained asleep. In that regard, the broth was given to the Guards instead. Afterward, Erina re-made the same broth.

On the other hand, Auguste and Lara had discussed what is necessary. All the while the Royal Guards and Maize’s men continued to quell the remaining flames.


When the discussion ended, it was decided that the citizens that moved into Academia would be recalled and placed among the citizens that took root in the supposed relay town. The citizens of the other two villages would remain in their current location.

They had also decided to have the soldiers cut up the charred trees and store them.

Regarding the beasts, Auguste has sent orders towards all the nearby Nobles. They are ordered to impart a portion of their guards or army to help with the reduction of the animals and beasts in the forest. Those who were hunted in the process would be stored as food. However, they’d require a large amount of salt for preservation.


For the Flameclad, it was stripped off of its scales and skin. The rest of the meat would be sent to the duchy as Slime feed. The bones would be sent to Fargan, where the smiths would be given free rein on what to use it for. Lastly, the organs were burned and buried.

After the discussion and the appropriate procedures, they began traveling towards north. They arrived at the village by morning of the following day.

“Is she here?” asked Auguste.

““Yes!”” the two Guards that stood beside the entrance of the Village Hall answered.

Auguste strode forward. Following closely behind was Lara. They were both greeted promptly by the maids and guards inside. Then with no time to waste, Auguste moved towards Amelia’s room. The guard beside it reached his hand to the door’s knob, but then, it twisted on its own.


“I’ll be leaving, your Highness.” Bowed a guard as he took a step outside the room. In his hands was a parchment with a royal seal. The moment he turned towards the hallway, he froze. “Y-your Majesty!” As quickly as he could, he moved aside and said, “My apologies for my rude actions, however, I need to leave.” Then he turned and left.

Auguste remained silent. He then moved inside as he pried the closing door open. Upon entering, he was welcomed by the sight of Amelia standing beside her bed. To her left and right were Maize and Erina. They both greeted Auguste.

On the other hand, as opposed to her condition, Amelia’s complexion was normal.

“A good morning, Father, Mother Lara.” Amelia bowed slightly while showcasing a smile.

“Hmm… You seem fine.”


Amelia tilted her head and said, “Isn’t that what you should’ve expected in the first place?”

“If you’re all well and good, then it’s fine,” Auguste groaned. At the least, he hoped that Amelia was in a state he could sermon her for the recent event. It was a chance for Auguste to detain Amelia back to Aves using the agreement between Amelia, Auguste, and Diane.

The agreement was present to prevent Amelia from leaving Laurel and Academia. It happened when Amelia refused to stay hidden in Aves due to her returning like a corpse. She thought they were overreacting and had been too overprotective.

However, Amelia made it a point that she must be allowed to travel within Laurel and to Academia. At that point, Argent had barged in and helped Amelia. In the end, Amelia was allowed under the condition of tests and the approval from both Auguste and Diane.


To Amelia, it was a nothing but a shackle.

“That letter, what was it about?”

“I sent out a royal order of my own.”

Auguste squinted while Lara remained silent.

“And the reason?”

“Father, weren’t you holding a piece of that stole? I’ve used that as evidence and ordered any form of trade between Laurel and Libet to halt indefinitely. I’ve also requested Libet of an explanation regarding the man who owned the stole. Then if possible, have them repay the resources we lost. However, I believe they’ll still feign ignorance despite that.”


“You should’ve consulted this with me and Diane first.” Auguste’s tone rose.

Amelia shook her head. “Mother can lift the order if she deems it unnecessary. However, I stand by the order I sent. After all, there’s nothing wrong with it. Evidence was collected as well. Including the bodies of several assassins and the presence of the Flameclads.”

“True, evidence has been collected. However, something like this should’ve been discussed between us, and not something you should’ve hastily decided.” Auguste glared.

Amelia returned it. “This is a matter of importance Father.”

“I’ll have that order revo-”


“Now, now, Auguste,” Lara interrupted. “Let it be. What Amelia had said is true. Diane can lift if she deemed it unnecessary. Knowing you and Diane, you’d most likely end up having the same decision.”

“You don’t understand.” Auguste glanced at Lara.

“It’s you who don’t. Let Amelia rest, the event she’s been through is quite taxing. She had probably mulled over her decision these past few days. I don’t think she decided it as hastily as you think.” She then grabbed Auguste’s arm and dragged him away. Before she left, she glanced at Amelia and winked.

After they left, “Haahh...” Amelia fell to her bedside and breathed. Then gradually, her complexion turned pale. She broke off the supply of mana that maintained the illusion. A necessary measure to deceive Auguste.


“Amelia, are you sure about this?” asked Erina. She supported Amelia at her back and made her lie on the bed.

Amelia used her forearm to cover her eyes. “Yes.”

“But isn’t that akin to announcing to Libet that you were the one who dealt with that being?” Maize too was against Amelia’s decision. However, Amelia refused to listen.

Amelia lifted her arm and placed it on her stomach. “That’s what I’m after. Right now, the church and those beings are after the Hero.” Then her lips turned into a frown. “Using that opportunity, I’ll drag the Hero to Academia. But, I’ll need to spread some rumors that’ll inform Libet and the church that I and the Hero headed there.”


“Isn’t that opposed to what you’ve promised to the Hero?” Erina added.

“Yes, it is. But I can’t cut corners now. I don’t want those beings to end up searching every nook and cranny of Laurel. I don’t think I’ll be able to bear our loss if that happens. The worst that can happen is that the Royals falls into their hands.”

Then she laughed in a sad tone. Then with eyes closed tightly, she said, “Cruel, isn’t it? I’m willing to drag the people of Academia into my problems. I’m betting the lives I don’t own. Innocent ones at that.”

After a moment of silence, she muttered, “Haah… I’m the worst...”

 

Spoiler: Intermission 5: King Chasers

[There!] Marco shouted, pointing to a nearby alley. He then dashed with his paws and ran towards it.

Following closely behind was Rick. He was wearing a leather armor and a wooden spear was kept in his hands. Behind them were a few Royal Guards that kept a close watch.

Marco then turned to a street filled by passing citizens. Nimbly, Rick and the Guards weaved through the citizens while shouting, “Move! Move! Coming through!” In response, the citizens gave way and had let them through. It seemed as if they had seen this event a few times in the past and had grown a little accustomed to it. They wore wry smiles as they passed while some creased their foreheads.



But Rick and the Guards didn’t mind. They continued chasing Marco that entered one alley after the other. Soon, they entered a street sparse with the number of citizens. And, from within their sight, Marco was fast approaching a man that seemed to be escaping.

“There!” Rick pointed. Though it was obvious, he still told the Guards.

Their clattering footsteps filled the street and made the people move to the sides. They chased after a man with a brown hair and brown eyes. His build was on the medium side and from his height, he was old enough to have a few children.



“Tch!” the man said. He unhesitatingly ran into an alley filled with crates. It seemed as if he knew every alley and street in the place. As soon as he entered the alley, his speed increased. He leaped towards a crate and eventually scaled the wall beside it. He hooked his hands on top of a wall and pulled himself up and over it.

Marco did the same, but he did faster than the man scaled the wall. He was nimble as a cat he was. Then he promptly scaled down the wall using his momentum and tried to catch the man.

Rick couldn’t do the same. His height and strength did not allow him at his current age. Instead, he continued running past the crates and disappeared into a different alley. Rick knew the place, he had grown accustomed to Aves’s streets and alleys during his stay with Fae and Camille.



On the other hand, the Guards split into two groups. Two scaled the wall like the man did, while another two chased after Rick.

While they were on it, Marco raced behind the man and said, [Stop! Stop! I want eat fish! So want return to palace! Queen will happy!]

Despite, Marco’s calls, the man kept on running. He refused to return to the palace. He was the king, Auguste Laurel. On his hair was a clip that came from Amelia from a time back. “I have some errands to do! Leave me alone!” Auguste replied.

[But Queen said! No errands today!]



“You’re being tricked!”

Not soon after that, the clattering of footsteps increased. From the direction of Auguste was heading, appeared Rick. He glared at Auguste and said, “Stop there.”

“Sorry Rick,” Auguste said as he pumped his legs. He then leaped over Rick, but as soon as he passed over Rick, an unbearable pain struck bottom. “Oof!”

The moment Auguste planted his feet on the pavement, he covered his groin. He staggered but his remained standing. Rick struck it with the spear’s pole end.

“F-from who… did you learn… to do that...” Auguste squeezed his voice. While two Guards surrounded him and apprehended him by the hand.

“Queen said to hit it. It was a weakness she said.”



“D-diane huh… Ahaha...”

Later, the runaway King has been returned to the palace. Though Rick had met and saw Auguste without the illusion magi tool, he never knew it was his father. Diane had also told Rick not to tell anyone even to Camille and Fae. Rick, being an honest boy he was, did as Diane told him.

[Fish! Fish! Fish!]

On the other hand, Marco was dancing around a bucket of fish. It was his reward from Diane for returning Auguste.

For Rick’s reward, he himself requested for an armor that looked like those in the palace’s hallway. He liked the armors that shone a silver glint. Diane, on the other hand, has agreed, but only a piece after piece would be given to Rick. After all, it would be a custom-made armor right for his age.



From the day Diane met Marco, everyone in the palace became happy. Argent’s work was lessened. The Guards didn’t have to scatter throughout Aves. Diane was able to keep Auguste in check. Marco received fish. Rick received his armor.

Everyone was happy, except for Auguste.

Damn it!

However, there’s still a chance.



I’ll have Amelia teach me how to ride wyverns!

If he can’t escape through the land, then he’ll escape through the air. Afterward, he had made a reason to visit the Duchy. But Diane who held doubts on Auguste had made Lara and Elaine come along.

 

Spoiler: Intermission 6: Storm Caller 1

[Hrmm...] with crossed arms, Garfin grunted. In front of him, on a table, was several ingots in varying hues. His eyes moved from one ingot to another and said, [Which one should I use?]

While he remained in wonder, footsteps came from behind.

[What’s wrong?] a voice asked.

Garfin recognized the voice, but he didn’t give a glance. [Which one do you think we should use for the prototype?] he asked. [Of course, anything lower than mithril is out of the question. But what comes to mind is my specialty, quicksilver alloy.]


After Garfin finished, Sylvar stood beside him and checked the ingots himself. [I’m not sure myself. But since it’s a horn we’re making, I suggest using different metals for the different parts of the horn.]

Sylvar then took a paper from his side and flattened it open on the table beside the line of ingots. On the paper was a design of a J-shaped horn.

[Here,] said Sylvar, pointing to the mouthpiece portion of the design. [Maybe use Mana Forging to shape the crystal into a mouthpiece? Then use manatite ore to conduct the mana from the mouthpiece to the body of the horn.]

[What?] puzzled, Garfin took a sidelong glance at Sylvar. [You want to pour mana with your mouth? You do know it’s normal to pour mana through your fingers don’t you?]


[Of course,] he answered with a smile. [If it functions differently from the norm, then, when an unknowing and uninformed person plays it, we can subject that person to punishment. It is also possible to make that person think that it’s a fake.]

Garfin combed his beard in thought. [For once, you have a point.]

[...] Sylvar smiled wryly. He was used to Garfin’s attitude.

[Then how about we mix crushed crystalline manatite with quicksilver and use that for the body?] Garfin suggested.

Sylvar knitted his brows in response. [Isn’t that overdoing it? Quicksilver itself is a better mana conductor than ordinary manatite ores.]


[Which is why we’ll make it even more conductive. That in itself might make the body structure weaker than that of a plain quicksilver alloy, but it’ll make a space enough for spirit enchantment at the same time.]

From that moment on, Garfin and Sylvar had discussed which materials to use for the body, and the mouthpiece. The first horn to be made is supposed to be a prototype. It would be using a fourth of what Amelia gave them. Be that as it may, both Sylvar and Garfin couldn’t help but go all out in the creation of the prototype.

Days have passed and Garfin and Sylvar have finally finished the final design of the horn. The final design wasn’t that far off from the initial J shaped tubing. However, the paper was now topped with several scribbles that pointed to different parts of the horn and the materials to be used.


Currently, Kan and Ran were tasked to take command of the unusual movements of the goblins coming from the east, thus having little to no intervention to the testing phase of the horn.

Arkand and Dresbon on the other hand, have been busy in processing the orichalcum they’ve obtained. They were trying out various techniques in order to make a different alloy by mixing with what they have. After all, they can’t immediately process a metal they’ve only handled for the first time in their life.

And so the making of the horn started. First, Garfin placed an ingot of steel into a crucible and brought it inside a furnace. Then with a flick of a lever, the double-action piston bellows moved.


At each press of the waterwheel operated bellows, the bellows beside the furnace moved up and down, blowing a rush of wind underneath the furnace. Each time the wind rushes in, the coal burned brighter. It pulsed from red to orange, then orange to white. At the same time, speckles of ashes blew outside the furnace, creating a spectacle red particles dancing in the air.

Then, with a pull of the lever, the bellows stopped heaving. However, the clacking of the wooden gears of the waterwheel continued loudly. With calm steps, Garfin fetched a long black tong and clamped it around the crucible filled with melted steel. As he moved it out of the furnace, the liquid gleamed in a whitish orange hue while whipping a haze of smoke.

Carefully, the crucible, large enough to fit an average human’s waist, was brought over to a flask, or also called as mold boxes. Garfin then twisted his hold on the tongs and poured the contents of the crucible into a steel funnel. The liquid steel freely slid into the funnel and into the flask. As it slid down the funnel, small amounts of smoke left the openings near the throat of the funnel. The liquid steel has replaced the air contained inside the flask and settled itself in the mold.


While waiting for the steel to solidify, Garfin took a different crucible. It had a height twice than that of the previous. Promptly, he placed an ingot of quicksilver inside the crucible. He then re-filled the furnace with coal. Then again, he pushed the lever, and the wooden gears locked with the ones connected to the piston bellows. Soon, the continuous rush of wind restarted.

While coals burned, Garfin brought a ceramic cup of powdered crystalline manatite. He poured its contents into the crucible. Then nimbly, he brought a heavy looking cover and placed it atop the crucible. Garfin then clamped the cover to the body, locking it in place.


He then took a mithril pole and hooked it into the cover. Then with his hands grasped on the wooden handle laced with mithril, he pushed up and down a cylindrical object at the center of the cover. All the while pouring mana into the rod, mixing mana and crystalline manatite into the melted quicksilver. At the same time, he retained the pressure inside the crucible.

It took some time before the process was finished, but after it was done, Garfin removed and the crucible from the furnace and have let it cool for a few minutes. Then, with haste, he removed the cover and poured its contents onto a rectangular table with raised edges. Soon, the liquid took the form of the table with the help of a rectangular rule that spread the liquid evenly.

[This is good enough,] said Garfin with a nod. He then brushed the sweat from his forehead with his arm.


Garfin left the mix of quicksilver to solidify on its own and then moved back to the flask. He took some rope and latched at the sides of the upper portion of the flask. Then with a pull on the rope wounded around a pulley, the flask was lifted, leaving trickles of sand in place. It then revealed a long cone-shaped mandrel embedded in sand. It was a process called sand casting.

After he considered his options, Garfin called for dwarf helpers. He had one dwarf do the polishing of the mandrel for him. Then another dwarf to bring the sheet of quicksilver into a nearby waterwheel operated roller for further flattening.

[Now that’s done, it’s time to make the mouthpiece.]

Currently, Sylvar had no hand in making the horn itself. Sylvar himself knew that it’d be best left to the dwarfs, but the final furnish of the horn would be done by him.


Cranking his arms around, Garfin approached a stack of shards and crystals. His eyes darted from one crystal to another, scrutinizing the purity of each crystal. The shards, on the other hand, did not receive any attention from him.

Primarily, shards and crystals are the same. They both sourced from crystalline manatite. However, there’s a glaring difference between the two. In terms of purity, crystals outclass shards by far. The reason behind this is the structure of the crystal itself.

Once crystalline manatite forms, it is usually subjected to immediate exposure to open air. This in itself alters the purity of the crystal starting from its surface. However, as it grows, the inner portion of the crystal is barred from exposure. Due to this, the crystal, like it had a mind of its own, cleanses its own impurity from the inside.


Basically, the structure of a crystalline manatite from inside and out is different.

In practice, when a manatite was taken, it is broken down into shards and crystals. The shards are made by chipping off the outer portion of the manatite, while the inner portion becomes the crystal. But a problem arises. Again, the crystal is exposed to open air. As a solution to this, humans usually dip the crystals into melted sand, forming a coat of glass around the crystal.

On the other hand, dwarfs use mana to alter the surface of the crystal. A technique under Mana Forging called Mana Alteration.

Crystals, known to be sensitive to mana, change its own structure once exposed to mana. However, in Alteration, rather than use it to embed magic circles within the crystals, it changes its surface to that of a mana infused structure. On another side, since the Alteration does not form any recognizable magic circle, it ends up dispersing the mana directly poured onto its surface. And to bypass this mana sink, the user needs to string mana directly into the crystal’s center.


Later on, Garfin had already piled crystals on a nearby table. He sifted through on crystal and another with his thick hands. Every time he found a crystal that met his criteria, he placed it on top of the stack of shards. Although he already found crystals with top class purity, he adamantly refused to settle with those.

Garfin is one dwarf that refuses to use mediocre materials once he gets serious. His blacksmith pride would never allow it.


After he finished searching through the piles of crystals, he returned the pile back into the stack. It produced clattering sounds as it was returned. Then, at the moment he shifted his sight towards the line of crystals atop the shards, they entered another round of scrutiny.

While he was at it, the dwarf helper approached. The helper told him that the polishing of the mandrel is finished. In response, Garfin turned around and checked the mandrel clamped on a steel table. After observing it for a few seconds, Garfin made another order.

[There’s a design made by Sylvar near the workshop’s entrance. Use that and cut a steel template for the horn.]


Just as Garfin ordered, the helper took off to the design plan pinned on the wall. He nodded several times as he took the measurements into mind. Afterward, he moved to one side of the workshop where metal sheets of varying sizes leaned on a rack. Then with a pull, he took one of the steel sheets and slid it on a table. Then again, the helper took off and returned with a brush, a ruler, and ink. He then started marking the metal sheet as the design depicted.

In the meantime, Garfin has finished selecting the crystal he needed. He picked the second best among the crystals. The rest of the crystals were placed inside a pouch and was hung on a hook above the stack of crystals.

Then with crystals in hand, Garfin moved towards the entrance of the workshop and passed by the dwarf working on the template. [I’ll be leaving now,] he said. [Close the workshop once you leave.]


[Yes, Chief!]

When Garfin closed the door behind him, he was welcomed by a street dotted by dome-shaped structures. Lanterns hanged tightly on metal posts. Light filtered from the windows of the dome structures. And above, the moon and stars glittered.

[Hrmm… That took quite some time,] he said, fixing his gave in the moonlit sky. [I guess I’ll continue tomorrow then.]

He then tucked the crystal into his pocket. Then with a destination in mind, he moved his legs to the street at his right. Soon, a large lodge entered his sight. It was where the humans dwelled inside the Tribe’s residence area.


Without hesitation, his legs brought him to the lodge’s door. He knocked on the door and promptly entered. Once he took a step inside, two figures of children turned their heads to Garfin’s direction. It was Rick and Fae.

[How are you doing?] Garfin’s lips rose into a smile. He then removed his boots, left it near the door, and approached Rick and Fae. Between the two was a fluffy bird at the height of Rick’s waist.

[Pikyaa! Pikyaa!] The infant White-tail cried. It tried pecking the balls of water floating above its head. It flapped its wings repeatedly as Fae held a shard in her hand. For some unknown fate, the name of the White-tail was Birby II.

Watching nearby was Camille and an Enarf. They both looked at Rick and Fae with obvious amusement painted on their faces.


“Oh! Grandpa Fin!” Fae called just as Amelia instructed.

Rick replied the same. He had gotten used to copying Fae in calling the surrounding people.

“Good evening, sir Garfin,” Camille greeted with a curtsy. Some time had passed since Garfin started visiting Rick and Fae and thus her getting accustomed to Garfin’s presence.“I’ll prepare the table. Please take your time and play with Rick and Fae,” Camille said before leaving towards the kitchen.

Garfin gladly accepted the offer. Old as he is, Garfin never had a family. He was a dwarf that solely focused on improving his craft in hopes of reaching the peak. However, it took a toll on him and had started to wonder what it was like to have his own family. In the end, it led to him having a sweet spot for children.


Later that night, even without the help of alcohol, Garfin was filled with inexpressible joy. Although he’s been through this several times, he couldn’t get enough. It never tired him. And in fact, it was another reason for Garfin to continue striving.

Garfin played all night long with Rick, Fae, and Birby II. He did so under the surveillance of Camille who’ve at times, joined their games.

Ark too appeared from the room on the second floor of the lodge. He promptly greeted Garfin and had discussed a few things regarding the availability of the crystal threads. To which Garfin happily answered.


It had been a week since Amelia left the Tribe. The servants she left were slowly getting used to the culture of the Tribe and the resident’s antics. It seemed that it wasn’t that far off for the day that more humans will be able to freely converse with another race aside from the Lynxes.

Spoiler: Intermission 6: Storm Caller 2

By the following day, Garfin restarted his work with renewed vigor. He returned to the workshop and met with the helpers. He was then informed of the arrival of the sheet of quicksilver. After he himself checked the sheet, he gave another set of orders to the dwarf helpers.

Garfin knew that the processing of the sheet metal isn’t anything complicated. Hence, him leaving the parts of the process to his helpers. He had the helpers cut the sheet with the help of the steel template. Afterward, he instructed them to use a rawhide covered mallet to beat the tube into shape. To arrive at the desired roundness and shape, the helpers needed to use the prepared mandrel.

[Now then.] Garfin slid his hand into his pocket. He then took out a crystal. After he confirmed that the workers are properly doing their job, he left the workshop.


Eagerly, he pumped his legs and headed towards a nearby cave. As he entered its mouth, the sound of hammers beating metal flooded into his ears. As he closed his eyes and listened carefully, his lips rose into a smile. He found the sound pleasant as he imagined himself hammering his previous works rigorously.

Then with a deep breath, he strode forward and headed deeper into the cave. Along the way, he glanced at the dwarfs working on their craft. Each had their own anvils and weapon to work on, but all of them had a glint of light burning within their eyes.

Later on, he reached the end of the cave. It was a large cavern with a block of crystal at a height of three meters standing at the center. The crystal flashed a glint as Garfin skirted around the edges of the cavern. Within the crystal, greenish roots extended throughout its body. It was called Ethereal Crystal.


The Ethereal Crystal was barricaded with an iron fence around it. And at the side of the fence themselves, a stone seat and table was prepared. Each table was separated in by a fixed distance of about two meters.

Soon, as he roamed his eyes looking for a seat, he found one empty at the opposite side of the entrance. Promptly, he took the seat and looked at his sides. Every single dwarf seemed busy. But all of them held a thick metallic thread that led towards the Ethereal Crystal.

In that place, called the Sanctuary of Earth, hierarchical positions are voided. Each dwarf present is considered equal. A craftsman to be respected. A craftsman who’ve reached a certain level in his craft. And only those who’ve reached that level is allowed to enter the Sanctuary of Earth. Be it human, dwarf, elf, enarf, or any other race, none is allowed to enter unless they were recognized by at least ten of the craftsmen who’ve been allowed to enter the sanctuary.


Even Amelia was once barred from entrance inside the sanctuary, and so she never saw what was inside. However, she was told what was like it inside. But deeper details weren’t given.

After another deep breath, Garfin said, [Time to start.]

Garfin then grabbed the metallic thread fixed near the fence. He pulled it taut and checked its condition. After that, with the crystal in his right hand, he chanted.


Oh Earth Mother, heed my call,

Let thy form shape a sphere,

A sphere that the burns like the sun,

A sun that thy hands reach,

A sun that twinkles that of stars,

A ball of heat and flames,

Flames that burn for eternity,

A flame the sears through all,

Manifest, Sun’s Seer.


Not long after, a ball of flame swirled in the empty space above the table. Unlike a Fireball that burned in a flickering red, the ball of flame was steady and burned in a searing white. Around it, the air shimmered and distorted sight.

Originally, a Sun’s Seer wouldn’t burn as brightly as what Garfin manifested. However, him having a second level affinity in fire boosted its effect.

In response to the seer’s presence, Garfin squinted and looked to his side. The seer is too dangerous for his eyes and the heat itself is aggravating. Taking the brunt of the seer, Garfin endured and manipulated it. He reduced its original size at the size of his head into a size of a child’s fist. At the same time, he decreased the output of the seer. Even so, the heat it produced and its brightness was at least forty times more powerful than an ordinary Fireball.


With no time to waste, he held the thread tightly and reached his right hand above the seer. Once he confirmed the position of his hand, he dropped the crystal. Partway, the crystal remained suspended. It was caught by a platform of mana, no, a platform of ether. The purest form of mana.

Then as quickly as he could, he brought out a piece of folded leather. Gently, he unfolded it and revealed a tiny shedding. He picked up the shedding and placed it beside the crystal suspended in mid-air. Then, while his face was turned away, he enveloped both the crystal and the shedding with layers and layers of ether. Once he was satisfied, he controlled the ether coming from the thread and brought the crystal into the center of the seer.

After he confirmed that the crystal entered the seer, he closed his eyes. He focused his senses on the thread and imagined the presence of the crystal. Though it was subtle, Garfin’s experience allowed him to accurately pinpoint the condition of the crystal.


Now.

With the image of the crystal in mind, he manipulated the coat of ether, shaping the melted crystal into a mouthpiece. Using the same ether, he placed pressure into the crystal and compressed it into the desired size.

Supposedly, the crystal should’ve lost its original structure due to the intense heat and pressure. However, due to the coat of ether that barred it from direct contact with the seer, it’s structure wasn’t burned. At the same time, the ether changed the structure of the crystal into that of an infused crystal in the process.

Soon, the seer lost its shape and vanished. It left the crystal mouthpiece suspended in the air. But compared to its original bluish-green color, the crystal glowed in red.


After Garfin confirmed that the seer vanished, he turned his head and peeked. There he saw the condition of the mouthpiece. He flipped and rotated the mouthpiece repeatedly and inspected it for any form of deformity.

Hours passed and still, Garfin remained seated. He had exchanged his hand holding the thread and refused to release the crystal from the clutches of ether. He knew that immediately exposing the crystal that entered the crystal into the cold air of the cavern would only crack the crystal.

Just as ether barred direct contact from the seer, it also barred the crystal from open air. It didn’t allow a quick transfer of heat, hence the crystal cooling down on its own in an extremely slow manner. However, soon, the crystal lost its red glow and revealed its crystalline black body.

After a full day of maintaining the crystal inside ether, Garfin finally freed it.


[Finally...] he said with exhaustion painted all over his face.

Garfin returned to the workshop and sealed the mouthpiece inside a chest. Afterward, he took a full day of rest to regain his health and stamina.

When he returned to the workshop, the helpers had already finished refining the tube. However, its shape was still straight. In response to that, they fitted a cork at the rear end of the tube. Then, positioning it upright, they filled the tubing with soap solution. Afterward, it was sent to the elves for freezing.

When the tube passed through the hands of elves contracted with water spirits, it returned with the soap solution frozen.


With the help of the table with poles of metal jutting out of its surface, they bent the horn into shape. As they bent it, the frozen mixture crack inside. It served its purpose of acting as a counter force to prevent the tubing from crumpling inside.

Afterward, the tube was left in the open for the mixture to melt on its own.

The next day, the horn was further polished and the mouthpiece was attached. At that point on, Garfin’s job was done. The decorations for the horn will be decided after the testing. All that is left is for it to pass through Sylvar’s hands.

[This is amazing,] Sylvar said. He turned the completed horn around and marveled at its beauty. It had bluish silver shine similar to the other works of Garfin.

[Hmph,] Garfin grunted with crossed arms. [Nothing less to expect from me.]


[Sure, sure,] replied Sylvar with a smile. [In any case, it won’t be long before it’s finished. I’ll have the spirit enchantment done by tomorrow.]

Sylvar was filled with excitement. With hurried steps, he took the horn and proceeded to his home. Similar to that of the other elves, his lodge was dome-shaped. Nothing was far different from the other elves. Sylvar had always liked to line himself with his fellow elves. Even though he was a chief, he refused to bathe in luxury.

Unlike smithing, enchantment does not require numerous tools to create. However, enchantment on its own is a different field. And on its own, it has different levels of difficulty. And in the Tribe, elves are better at it than dwarfs.

As he barged into his own room, Sylvar placed the horn onto a wooden casing stuffed with white cloth.


Scratching his light-green hair, Sylvar said, [Which spirit do I place?]

He paced around his room and had stopped before a table with several drawers underneath.

[I’ll think about it later, I’ll have to work on the tube first.]

His eyes moved from one bottle to another that were sparsely placed on the table. As he found what he needed, he reached for it and brought it near the edge of the table. One was a bottle of ink, one contained a transparent liquid, and another bottle contained a greenish liquid.

After he confirmed that he took the right bottles, he pulled the small drawer near the top. There he took two thin brushes. After closing the drawer, he grabbed the bottles and took a seat on a stool near the wooden casing.


First, he placed the bottles on a nearby low table. He then removed the cork on the bottle of ink and dipped the brush. Then, with his other arm, he grabbed the horn and started painting it. While his brush slid gently on the surface of the horn, Sylvar wore a serious expression.

Make no mistake.

Gradually, the horn was painted in black. The ink left a space for block-like veins that ran from the mouthpiece down to the horn’s opening.

Sylvar, while holding the horn from its opening and mouthpiece, have waited for the ink to dry. After several minutes of holding the horn in place, he sealed the bottle of ink and rested the brush on the low table. Then he removed the cork of the greenish liquid and dipped the unused brush. This time, Sylvar painted the spaces left open by the ink. It didn’t take him much time before he finished covering all the spaces left by the ink.


Then again, Sylvar waited for it to dry. Once it did, he removed the cork of the transparent liquid and dipped a cloth inside. He rubbed onto the horn and removed the excess ink. The greenish paint remained and wasn’t removed with the ink.

After he was done removing the excess ink, he marveled at the horn.

[I’ve decided,] he said with a wide smile. [Wind and Water spirits. That’s what I’ll use.]

He placed the horn back to the wooden casing. Then, he approached the table with the bottles in hand. He promptly returned them to where they were placed. Afterward, he crouched and then pulled on the lowest drawer. Inside were crystals colored like gems. They were all neatly arranged in rows in accordance with their color. Within those crystals, a tiny light erratically moved. They were sealed spirits. The color of the crystal depicted what element it belonged to.


With a nod, Sylvar reached for a green and a blue crystal. After that, he closed the drawer and returned to the horn. [Now then, time to transfer the spirits.]

On the day after, Sylvar met with Garfin. In his arms was the finished prototype of the horn. Although it was a prototype, the quality is far from average.

[This is it?] Garfin asked as he received the horn from Sylvar. He took a quick look at the body of the horn. [Hrmm… Coming from both of us it sure is beautiful.] A smile flashed across his face.

[Well, we gave it our utmost efforts,] Sylvar replied.

[Should we try it now?] Garfin was increasingly excited at the prototype relic they made.


[I’d like to do that, but it might be disastrous to use it here.] Sylvar was the same, but he kept a cool head and reminded Garfin.

It didn’t take long for them to decide. They had Enarfs fly them to the east. Soon, they landed in a clearing where it was unusually rocky. At the distance, there was a small pond that wasn’t there from when Garfin and Sylvar remembered. But since they can’t be bothered, they dismissed the thought and had tried to use the horn.

Garfin held the horn in his hands took a deep breath. He then placed the mouthpiece into his lips and blew it while at the same time, pouring mana into the crystal.

Soon, a loud and long sound was emitted from the horn. It was like a cry of an ox. As it sounded, the block-like veins pulsed a tinge of white. After a while, Garfin stopped, and along with Sylvar, they observed their surroundings.


[Did it work?] Sylvar asked.

[No, it definitely worked. I can feel it.]

[Nothing is happening,] Sylvar said as he turned his sight from left to right. [Why not try it again?]

[Maybe, well, here I go.]

Then again, the sound reverberated in the surroundings. But since no signs were visible, Garfin blew it for the third time.

[Haah… Maybe it’s a failure...] Sylvar sulked.

[You call my work a failure?!] Garfin snapped.

[It didn’t work.]


[My works have never fai-]

Garfin was interrupted by a thunderous roar. Above them, lighting ran across the dark clump of clouds that started amassing into a single large cloud. At the same time, the wind howled and jolted the trees. Then, in the distance, wind whirled and formed a tempest.

[This is bad!] Sylvar shouted.

[It’s your fault! You told me to blow it twice!] Garfin blamed.

[You blew it thrice! I only told you to blow it another time!]

Their exchange was drowned by the lighting that flashed overhead.


[A-anyway, let’s head back,] Sylvar said.

[R-right.]

In the face of disaster, both Garfin and Sylvar are comrades.

 

Spoiler: Chapter 50: Troubled Times 1

Two days past the time I woke up, I traveled again with Erina. We were headed towards East. To the port city of Piraeus, which at that time was in a turmoil due to its Lord’s apprehension on the grounds of treason. It was the city where the villagers at the foot of Twin Peaks headed.

Originally, I was to return to the Duchy with my father, but I excused myself from doing so. The reason was,

“I want to give a proper burial to those who’ve died from the previous encounter.”

Understanding my reason, Father agreed to head to the Duchy before me. He did so after arranging the soldiers who were called to gather charcoal remnants of the forest. He also agreed to meet the villagers who evacuated to Academia. He’d meet them in the Forest Path further south from the burned portion of the forest.



“What’s wrong?” Erina asked. Her question overlapped with Celes’s voice that occurred to me during my sleep.

What’s wrong? What are you afraid of? Was the words that came from Celes.

And just like how Celes asked, “What are you afraid of?” Erina added.

For a second, while I leaned my chin on the palm of my hand, I closed my eyes and dwelled on the question. Various thoughts ran through my mind, but until I lifted my eyelids, not a single one answered Erina’s question. The same was true when Celes asked me. I couldn’t answer. I didn’t have a concrete response.

Then instead, I remained quiet and stared at the passing scenery through the carriage’s window. Gradually, the scenery changed and soon revealed a silhouette in the distance. It was still far and vague, however, I was able to distinguish its outline. It was a structure that stood before the valley between Twin Peaks, the border gates leading to Brent.



Ah. There’s Max too…

My frown grew even bitter. Then like a preordained prophecy, another weight stacked itself within my core with a loud clack.

That time, I knew that I shouldn’t have minded it. I shouldn’t have let the thought occur inside my mind again and again. But like a pest, no matter how many times I drove it out, it kept on returning. And each time the thought returned, I couldn’t help but shiver.

When was it? When was the last time I felt fear? Wasn’t it back when I struck a deal with Celes?

Questions after questions barraged me. It reminded me of how I thought of myself.



Since the day I first lost my sanity, I couldn’t help be afraid of myself at times. Each time I swung my sword and tore off a limb or two, slit a neck or decapitate a head completely, or stab someone’s chest and rob them of their life, I didn’t mind. Hesitation never pulsed within me. The thought of them having the life of their own never occurred to me. Because deep inside me, I thought of them as guilty, no, I judged them guilty.

Was a girl at the age of eleven be out in the fields, wielding a sword and a shard normal? Was it normal for someone to not hesitate in taking someone’s life? Was a princess like me supposed to be too used to seeing dead bodies over a pool of blood?

At that time, I realized. Something’s wrong with me. And at the same time, Someone like me will never fit to be a Queen.



Serving my people naturally occurred to me—it was nothing out of the ordinary—after all, I myself am a royal. But each time the thought of myself becoming a monarch, three words would repeat itself in my mind. A ruthless tyrant.

Contrary to how I thought of who I am, the people of Laurel would say, ‘The Princess is a good person’, ‘A Royal who knew what the people felt and needed’, and ‘The next Elena’.

Absurd. Wasn’t it because that I’m bounded by the shackles of royalty that I helped them? Wasn’t it because I knew what it felt to lose everything that I didn’t want them to feel the same way I did? Wasn’t it because that I have to maintain the image of Laurel’s royalty that I responded like that?

Suddenly, Erina broke my contemplation and asked, “Are you running away?” Her words stabbed me like a spear.



In response, my lips parted. But rather than voice a word, or even a groan, my lips closed and accomplished nothing.

Am I really running away? No… I’m—

“Making up reasons to hate yourself,” Erina continued. “Amelia, stop. Just stop thinking about it. Nothing good will come out from you overthinking and jumping to conclusions. Don’t blind yourself with your own thoughts.”

Right. I slouched myself on my seat and shifted my sight towards the ceiling of the carriage.

“Say, Erina, what is right and what is wrong?” Then I shifted my sight towards Erina. She wore a hint of sorrow in her eyes.



“Amelia,” she called with a frown. “There are several bases for what is right from what is wrong. However, correcting mistakes would always be right.”

“Then, is what am I to do right or wrong? Is it morally or ethically correct to save an innocent person from a different world in exchange for hundreds, no, thousands of lives? Or is the other way around, surrendering the Hero to the church, and risk Randia into falling into a deeper and hateful war between races? Which outcome would lead to a better future?”

“...” For once, Erina wasn’t able to respond.

At that moment, the image of the angels descending over Aves flashed through my mind. Angels came down from the sky, then, with an unknown ritual, a magic circle manifested. Then as if it was sucked into the center, a crack in space appeared, then like a swarm of locusts, more angels appeared and dipped Aves into chaos.

Ragnarok. According to Celes, Ragnarok was a ritual magic used to open the gates of the place called Heaven. It calls upon the angels sleeping within it.



And just as she explained, beams of light fell like rain over Aves. It induced shouts of pain and anguish. Cries of sorrow while they held their dead family within their arms. Voices that begged and pleaded for their life. And lastly, a call for help from us, the royals who was supposed to protect them.

It all occurred while I was chained inside a spire that surrounded Aves. Helpless, weak, and pitiful. A point where not even manifesting my horn was possible. That was then that it occurred to me.

Won’t I just be an ordinary human without my horn?

“Erina. Is it right for me to decide the fates of others? For me to drag the Hero to Academia, wouldn’t that be the same as me telling their citizens to die for my cause? To bleed and offer their life just to save my own people from peril?”



But if I drag her to Academia, the attention of the church, no, of the angels, would be diverted from the racial war to me and the Hero. It would reduce the strain on Brent, and at the same time, reduce the burden on Laurel by giving it more time to support itself and Brent.

Then unconsciously, I held my necklace and began wasting my mana by repeatedly drawing a magic circle within me. The magic circle formed, then broke. Formed then broke. Each time, my mana dispersed to my surroundings.

“Erina.” I closed my eyes. For a few seconds, I gathered my resolve and lifted my eyelids. “As the First Princess of Laurel, I, Amelia Laurel, order you, Erina Frei Trois, to remain within the Duchy’s premises on the day we return to the Duchy itself. You are to remain there until I order you to do so.”

Erina gasped as her eyes widened, but as immediate as she could, she glared. Her lips tightened into a frown. Then for the second time, since the day I gave up and returned to Laurel like a corpse, genuine anger flashed across her face.



“Erina, I’ll execute you myself if you disobey.”

How many lives would be lost in Academia? Hundreds? Thousands? Are the angels my only enemies? There are three other Heroes. It wouldn’t be that far-fetched if they turned their blades on my neck this time around.

Erina shook her head. “There’s no need for that. I’ll take my own life before you do.”

“If you take yours, then I’d take mine. I wouldn’t mind dying with you right here and now, Erina.”

It was a contest between Erina and I. We glared at each other, each of us was not willing to go back out. But the longer it took, the more it became visible from whom of us won.



My voice trembled. “Please, Erina, for once, just listen to me.”

Erina remained silent.

“Please, I don’t think I’ll be able to take it if I lose you. More than the thousands of lives I’d be sacrificing in the process, I’d rather have you live. You may call me a failure of a human—a despicable trash and a being worse than dirt—but this is what I feel. Erina, I’ll break. I’ll break again if I lose you.”

“Amelia, is this all you can think of? To push away your allies to save them? Is this your limit? Is this what the nine-year-old girl from back then who strived to compete with adults can do? Is this everything you got?”

“No! I refuse to accept that this is my limit! But Erina, this time is different! Who would have thought that I’d cross swords against angels? Against mythical creatures that can easily turn a town into nothing?”



I begged. I pleaded with everything I had.

“True, it’s possible for me to take one down, but two at a time, or more than that. I’d die Erina. I’d die! I’m not some Hero in the legends or in fairy tales that can overturn logic for the sake of the people I loved! I’m a human...”

“A human with a divine blood... But even if I had it in me, I know next to nothing about it. After all, I lived my life as a human. My enemies aside lived for eons. My knowledge can’t compete. My experience amounts to nothing compared to theirs. Ability wise, I’m inferior.”

The sword is useless if I can’t drag them to the ground...

I took a sharp breath and continued.

“And even if I received knowledge from her, the time isn’t enough. Just how much knowledge do I know will remain correct once the truth is revealed to me? When would I understand everything? I’d have to live thousands of years for that Erina, and I don’t have that. The least she could give me reprieve is three months. Three months Erina. That’s all I have to prepare.”

“Erina, I’m not a God.”





Within the palace of Tercel in Aves, a silver-haired man remained seated on a chair within an office. It was Argent. The desks that surrounded him were filled with stacks of paper neatly arranged in accordance with their type. Some were filed under requests, certificates, balances, and more.

Then with a slip of a knife underneath a letter waxed by a red seal, the letter was opened. After placing the knife on the table beside him, he slid his fingers into the envelope and pulled out the letter. Carefully he unfolded it and read its contents.

“So both sides agreed huh,” he said as he slightly furrowed his eyebrows.

The letter was about the arranged marriage suggested during the dialogue between Amelia and Maxwell. The betrothal between him, Argent Laurel, and Brent’s first princess, Clarissa Brent.



Argent and Clarissa weren’t strangers to each other. They’ve met twice or thrice during the time he visited Brent along with his father, Auguste. During that time, the first steps of the arranged marriage between Amelia and Maxwell had begun.

Back then, Amelia was still eight and Argent was ten. On the other hand, Maxwell was twelve and Clarissa was similarly ten. Naturally, since both Argent and Clarissa were royals and had the same standing, they were allowed to meet each other.

“H-hello,” the small Argent greeted.

By nature, Argent was timid around women. It was the result of Diane’s constant and repeated teaching that he should never, not even once in his life, tread the same path as his father.



“Hello...” Clarissa replied. She bore the same blonde hair and green irises like Maxwell. Her hair was slightly wavy and reached up to her shoulders. Similar to Argent, Clarissa was timid. Perhaps due to her still being young, Clarissa was rarely allowed to leave the palace. And so she seldom meets anyone aside from adults.

Due to their nature, nothing much occurred between the two. At that time, they were like two peas in a pod.

“I think Grandmother would be happy to hear this.” Then a wry smile flashed across his face.

Argent had an attachment to his Grandmother, Galilea Laurel. Originally, Galilea Est Faisal was a woman born from a marquis house. The house of Faisal owned a fief consisting of a port city and a few villages northeast of Aves.



Back then, Randolf would fawn over Amelia, and Galilea would fawn over Argent. They were both a headache for both Auguste and Diane since both of them would usually spoil the two. However, since Auguste can’t go against his father Randolf, Amelia naturally fell to Randolf’s care. On the other hand, Galilea and Diane had decided to take turns in taking care of Argent. During those times, Diane was the sole wife of Auguste.

It was at the time that Amelia turned six and Argent eight that Galilea vanished. She vanished without leaving a trace. Rumor says it was an assassination, but no one knew the truth. A month after Galilea vanished, Randolf abdicated the throne to Auguste saying, “I have grown old am no longer fit for ruling.” However, despite his announcement, Randolf remained active in his endeavors and had continued to visit the Tribe in Alabaster.

It was only recently when the truth came to light. Randolf was forced to focus on retrieving Galilea from the fairies and made him abdicate the throne earlier than expected. It was also the time that Randolf had started saying the phrase that Galilea was traveling the world with the butterflies.



“Is the situation that worse? Or is it just they wanted to re-forge that friendship that was once lost due to that event?” Argent asked himself.

At the time Amelia returned Laurel like a corpse, Diane, and Auguste were furious. They held contempt for the failure of Brent’s royalty to immediately aid Laurel’s. That time created a large chip between the friendship forged between the two kingdoms.

As an official statement, Brent announced that they themselves failed to protect the royals of Laurel. It was something that they couldn’t deny or hide. But they also announced the reason. The unusual timing of villages along their path burning down on their own.

In response to their statement, Laurel remained silent. They neither denied nor acknowledged Brent’s statement on the issue. Then, in turn, the trade between the two kingdoms had gradually decreased. And naturally, the marriage between Amelia and Maxwell was dissolved.



However, six months after Amelia recovered, Amelia, along with Maxwell, paraded in Tervin’s Dukedom. It was a plot between Amelia and Maxwell to quell the bitter relationship between the two kingdoms. The people of the dukedom, the central trade city in Laurel, had responded positively to the unfathomable relationship between the two.

But since it wasn’t enough to restore the relationship as it used to, Amelia and Maxwell made it a habit to do a parade each year. The parade occurs a few days after the school period in Academia ends. A time when Amelia was returning to Aves and Maxwell to Brent.

Well, they abruptly announced it along with the treaty. Brent might have planned it since a few years ago.

“But annexing Brent through Clarissa is the least we could do if something happens to Brent.”

Argent isn’t one to think of conquering kingdoms and desire for power. Since, from his childhood, he knew how tedious it was to rule a kingdom. He had always thought how hard it would’ve been if he was an Emperor instead.



In any case, at this time of war, if Brent falls along with its royals, the responsibility would fall to Clarissa, who’d soon be Argent’s wife. The order would naturally then turn to Argent, giving him just cause to revive Brent, but under the name of Laurel.

The same was true for the princess of Niveria. Her lineage would soon be shared with Brent’s and would make Niveria into a kingdom that once existed in the annals of history.

Although Amelia takes it as a prank on Argent, who still failed to approach a woman, she knew the circumstances behind the marriage. But each time thought crossed her mind, Amelia would naturally shake her head and said, “Max can do it.”

“Well then,” Argent said after placing the letter on the table. He then lifted himself from the chair and said, “I have to prepare the gifts.”



Leisurely, Argent paced around the office before deciding which gifts he should offer to Brent’s Royals. Afterward, he went towards the door. Just before his hands reached for the knob, a knock came from the other side.

“Your Highness, there is a message from her Majesty.”

“Come in,” Argent responded, taking a step away from the door.

The one who opened the door was a butler. When Argent’s figure immediately entered his sight, he promptly bowed and said, “Her Majesty wishes to share a meal with you this evening.”

“Right.” Argent nodded. “Please inform her Majesty that I’d do so.”



Later that night, the clatter of metallic utensils resounded within the silent dining hall. On the table laced with a cloth, Diane and Argent sat across each other. To Argent’s right, and Diane’s left was a large empty chair plastered with a red cushion and a wood painted with a black varnish. It was the King’s seat.

Above them, Golden chandeliers hanged with numerous balls of light surrounding it. It was a magic tool fitted with a modified Light Ball magic circle. It was naturally fed by a crystal thread with mana.

A short distance behind them were the maids and butlers in wait.

After tapping her lips clean with a serviette, “Argent, are you fine with it?” Diane asked.

Likewise, Argent did the same and answered, “Yes.” Argent held no qualms about his marriage.



Argent and Diane spoke in idle chatter as they passed the time until the topic turned to Amelia’s issuance of a Royal Order.

“What do you think?” Diane asked.

Argent knew that his Mother had already decided and wished to see how he’d respond. In a way, Diane had been slowly building Argent’s knowledge in ruling Laurel in the future.

“It’s, without a doubt, a decision that both His and Her Majesty would end up given the same situation.”

Diane remained silent and continued to stare at Argent with an oppressive yet cheerful smile.

In return, Argent swallowed his saliva and said, “In this situation, Libet would be forced to give a statement to her question. However, knowing Libet, they’d surely feign innocence or outright deny her accusation despite the evidence of the priest’s stole.”



“And?”

“At this time, where we lost resources from the burned forest, halting the trade with Libet would secure us for the coming winter season. In a sense, halting the trade would be beneficial to us. Especially that now that we needed to take care of the refugees that came from Niveria.”

While Argent was speaking, the maids approached and refilled their glasses with water. Diane, while still silent, took her glass and drank from it.

“Despite all that,” Argent continued. “We’d still continue the trade with Libet. But instead of openly trading with them, we’d trade through underhanded means where we can increase the price at least twice the original.”



Both Argent and Amelia knew their mother well. Diane wouldn’t stop at the idiom of ‘if you can’t beat them, join them’. Instead, Diane ruled those underhanded and illegal means indirectly. It was also a means of collecting information from all over the human kingdoms. One example was the existence of brothels all around Laurel.

“We can start by supplying them with an amount that would satisfy their needs. Then over time, we can reduce the amount under the pretense of tightened security, increased demand, difficulty in transportation, and more. Along with that, we can increase the price further and rip them off their pockets.”

“Good.”

Inwardly, Argent heaved a deep sigh. Haah… I passed again.



“But you missed one thing.” At her call, Argent’s back stood ramrod straight. “You’ve forgotten about the free trade. The commodities brought by our merchants can be bought by the church for the same price we offered them to Brent. And to remedy this, we need to collude with the merchant’s guild in Brent. Possibly, to strike a contract with their merchants.”

“Ah...” Argent muttered.

Later that night, Argent was further lectured by Diane.

 

Spoiler: Chapter 51: Troubled Times 2

A wooden mug half-filled with ale struck a table with a dull clack. Chairs rattled while voices sang in joy. Jeers and laughter ran from one corner to another. Banters were exchanged from person to person. All the while they seated around rectangular tables wearing cloth shirts topped with leather vests or jackets.

“Show me what you got!” Along with the men with medium to large builds, a brown-haired man raised his mug and clunked it with another. His name was Kasta, a man with a shaved beard in his late twenties.

Opposite Kasta, “No need to tell me!” was a man with a flushed face. He raised his mug and took a swig of his ale. After several gulps, “Baah! Nothing beats a good drink!” he said with foams stuck to his black mustache.



Kasta then urged the man to take another swig as he poured his own into the other’s mug. The man, without a hint of shame, accepted the offer and gulped the contents in one go.

Kasta and the man were sitting in a tavern in a large town called Sardon. Northwest of Sardon, two days away by foot, was Brent’s capital city, Spere.

While they drank to their heart’s content, they exchanged stories. Their topic wandered from the surroundings of Sardon, the culture of Brent, and more. It didn't take long until the topic turned to Kasta’s identity. Urged by the man to give a proof, Kasta slid his hand into his pocket and presented an engraved metal plate at the size of a card.

“Hmm… So you really are Demian adventurer huh? Now lemme see.” The man leaned forward and squinted. “Tarkas? Did I say that right?”



“Got that right.” The plate indicated his name as Tarkas and his affiliation to the adventurer guild of Academia, hence Demian. Then after returning the plate into his pocket, he said, “I heard that Brent will soon start a war to reclaim Niveria, so I came here to try my luck by becoming a mercenary.”

The man grinned. “Heh, you’ve got guts for a Demian. But I’ll tell you, it won’t be easy to fight against those demons. Unlike beasts, they use tactics like us humans.”

“You meant Beastmen?”

“Demons, Beastmen, whatever. I don’t care what others call them. I’ll call them demons.”

“In any case, have you heard the news? It says that Laurel will support Brent in this war.”

“That’s rare. Haven’t you traveled from Academia, then Laurel before coming here? That news arrived here a day ago!”



“I was traveling a few days back and had just recently arrived here so I’m not well-informed.”

“No wonder.”

It had been three days since the conclusion of the dialogue between Laurel and Brent had been announced. The news of the conclusion had spread like wildfire and informed the citizens of Laurel, Brent, Academia, and Libet.

The merchants were especially enthusiastic of the result. With the free trade between the two kingdoms, their businesses can reach out further than they expected. Due to that, the merchants immediately set-off to inform their partners from different parts of Randia, either by land or sea.



“With Laurel supporting the war, we can rest assured for the supplies.” Kasta smiled. “But I never expected them to announce their eagerness to wed Princess Clarissa and Prince Argent at the same time.”

“Neither did I.” The man laughed. “I never imagined that it would be those two. At the least—to us Rentians—we expected the marriage between Prince Maxwell and Princess Amelia. Those two had been appearing in public this last five years that we’d come to naturally think that ‘this two would be married soon.’”

“Ha! You can say that again!” Kasta said with a nod. “It’s because of those two that the relationship between Brent and Laurel continued. But I have some qualms if ever those two were wed.”

“What about it?”



“You see, wouldn’t that Princess be frustrated if she stays here in Brent? After all, it’s well-known that she despises the act of slavery, human or not. Then if it ever happened, she’d lash out at the slave traders and the churches here.”

“You have a point. But give her time and she’d change that naive thinking of hers.”

Kasta laughed. “I can see that, but before that happens, the church here is Sardon would surely be bashed with discriminating words.”

“Right!” Then he laughed heartily.

At that same moment, a slight grin rose on Kasta’s face.



Time passed by leisurely while they exchanged more stories with each other. Kasta and the man did not know one another. But after Kasta approached the man, who was known to be a heavy drinker, and offered a free drink, the man immediately agreed.

Soon, through the continuous urging from Kasta, the man fell on the table unconscious.

“Oi, are you okay?” Kasta nudged the man but only a groan was returned.

After he confirmed the man’s state, he approached the Tavern’s counter and paid for their bill. Afterward, he moved his feet to the cloth rack beside the entrance and took his robe. He then took a step outside and moved a small distance away. Clear from obstruction, he took a glance at the sky where the moon and the stars glittered.



“It’s almost time,” he muttered in a low voice.

Past the wooden structures with stone bases was a wide street illuminated by candle-lit lanterns. To the sides were men and women wearing layered clothing out of cotton. The women especially wore long skirts and dresses with long sleeves.

At the end of the street, Kasta took a right turn. He was headed to Sardon’s eastern plaza. As he walked, several carriages passed by, sometimes carrying iron cages topped with thin pieces of cloth. Soon, his feet brought him to a two-story wooden structure with a board engraved with a bed.

Kasta entered and was promptly greeted by a girl at around the age of fifteen. After passing by the girl, Kasta waved back and took to the stairs. There, he walked into a hallway then into his room. Then when he sat down on his wooden bed topped with only a thin piece of cloth, he used Wind Whisper.



[Were you able to gather information about Sardon’s church?]

[[Yes.]] Four other replies were passed to him.

[Then I’ll start with mine.]

Kasta and the other four are part of Amelia’s Guards. They were sent to Brent at a day earlier than the official announcement. Their task was the investigation of the parish ruled by the priest from the recent dialogue. Each of them had a genuine adventurer plate. However, the information engraved on the plates were fake. It was through Amelia’s authority—using forged papers—that the plates were made.



The adventurer’s guild does not require a proof of identity to take requests, but it required when taking requests submitted by people with a considerable position. It was done to avoid assassination attempts when the takers of the request meet the one who demanded the request.

About a year ago, there used to be a large bandit group that stationed itself on the border between Academia and Laurel. Through the use of the border, the bandits avoided clashing with the troops from either side. Amelia, knowing that’d take time to get Academia’s cooperation, and knowing that the spoils would be split apart in doing so, she made her Guards—using their identities as adventurers—undertake the subjugation request that she herself indirectly issued in the guild.

[That’s it for now.] Kasta ended his explanation to his comrades.



The others followed in stating the result of their investigation. However, since it was their first day, only the gist of the situation in Sardon was gathered.

The following day, the other four left the inn in pairs while Kasta moved alone. They left the inn at separate times while wearing an average cloth shirt similar to the citizens of Sardon. Although they had their adventurer plates, only two others, excluding Kasta, introduced themselves as adventurers. The other two introduced themselves as tourists.

Each on their separate way, they wandered around Sardon and gathered information. They spoke with merchants, listened to rumors, made friends with the residents and shared stories, and more. Also, at different times of the day, they’d pass by the church and observe the movements of the paladins. They took note of the places where the paladins stood guard and counted their number. There were times that they entered and pretended as devout believers.



Another three days had passed until the news regarding the poisoning of Niveria’s refugees had reached Sardon. It was said that Amelia announced it herself and had made her Guards present the heads of the people related to the church.

At the same time, the news of the priest returning from Laurel came. He was scheduled to arrive in Sardon in three days time.

Upon hearing of the news, Kasta immediately fired off an order.

Two who introduced themselves as Demian adventurers undertook a mana herb collection request. After receiving the request, they took-off to the south gate of Sardon. They headed further south where a wide prairie past the farms surrounding Sardon stood.



The remaining two, along with Kasta, went towards East where rocky hills dotted the horizon. There they searched for a cave but failed. So instead, they constructed a makeshift one using Earth Mold. It resulted in a small cave with a depth of twelve meters and a height that required an adult human to crouch.

On the third day, the two acting adventurers had established themselves to be on a search for mana herbs.

Meanwhile, Kasta and the other two positioned themselves further south of the two acting adventurers. They laid in wait near the dirt road, hiding in the tall grass with elliptically shaped rocks around their feet.

After an hour passed, The carriage is late, Kasta thought.



Several minutes later, the carriage they were waiting for finally appeared. However, contrary to their expectations, the carriage was running at full speed.

In addition to the oddity, “Hya! Hya!” a group of horsemen was chasing the carriage from behind. The horsemen wore scraped leather vests over their dirt smudged clothing. They had their swords raised as they closed in on the priest’s carriage.

Impossible, Kasta thought. There’s a nearby post further south. Bandits shouldn’t be present at this distance.

Kasta turned to his comrades and said, “There’s no change in plans.”

It doesn’t matter. We’re expecting to fight against at most eight paladins anyway. The only difference is that we’re taking down bandits instead.



Then through Kasta’s order, they started pouring mana into the shards they held. In response, the rocks around their feet momentarily floated and hurled itself towards the carriage’s wheels. Struck by numerous Rock Bullets, the wooden supports snapped and tore the wheel off of its axle.

“Wha-?!” the coachman shouted in surprise.

The carriage abruptly tilted to its right and threw the coachman to the roadside. On the other hand, the two horses at the front were partly lifted. Then due to the carriage’s momentum, the horses were mercilessly dragged by the carriage’s frame. What was left was a cloud of dust, a ravaged carriage, and bleeding horses.

“Next,” Kasta said as he moved his sight towards the bandits. But as soon as he shifted his eyes towards them, the bandits reared their horses and immediately retreated.



“What?” Kasta blinked. “They won’t fight?”

However, since they didn’t have the time to waste, they ignored the bandits and headed towards the carriage after knocking the coachman unconscious. They then pried the carriage’s door open and dragged the priest. Luckily, the priest was already unconscious while bleeding on his head.

“Go.”

After they tied the priest and the coachman to their horses, they immediately galloped towards the rocky hills.





At the south gate of Sardon, ten paladins wore white ceremonial armors. They stood in two lines of five, waiting for the priest’s arrival. Contrary to that, two adventurers came rushing to them with their horses.

“T-the priest’s carriage! It was attacked by bandits!” shouted one of the adventurers while rearing the neck of his horse.

The paladins, suspicious of the late arrival of the priest, and worried of the priest’s state, urged their horses to gallop with two adventurers on the lead. They did so after sending a gate guard to inform the parish maiden of the situation. The adventurers then led the paladins to the site of the carriage’s crash. A soon as they arrived, the paladins climbed down their horses and hurriedly inspected the carriage.

“Tsk! Blasted bandits!” The leader of the paladins balled his hand into a fist and bellowed “Search the surroundings! Look for their horses’ tracks!”



It did not take long for them to locate the tracks left by Kasta and his men.

“We’re chasing them down!”

Then again, their horses galloped towards the rocky hills. When the traces ended at the foot of the first hill, the paladin leader threw his arm and gave a search order. Included among those were the adventurers.

At each passing minute, the paladin leader’s blood burned hotter and hotter.

The leader of the paladins lived a life of prestige under the priest’s tutelage. Back then, he used to be nothing but an orphaned child. But when it was found that he had an affinity with light, the priest took him in made him what he was that day.



You’ll see! I’ll have your heads displayed at the gates!

It took a few minutes before one of the adventurers shouted, “I found a cave! There are vague traces of footprints too!”

Quickly, the leader ran to the adventurer’s side and checked the cave. “Gather everyone!”

Upon checking the cave himself, Hmph! This is obviously man-made! thought the leader.

As the paladins gathered, the leader stationed them all around the cave at fixed distances. Some were crouched beside a rock, while some remained on guard with their shields held up.

“You.” The leader pointed to one of the adventurers. “Get inside the cave.”



“Y-yes sir!” The adventurer then crouched at the entrance and manifested a Light Ball with a chant. With his path illuminated, he crept inside while urging the ball forward.

While the adventurer crawled, the leader crouched on the mouth of the cave and observed. He took note of the adventurer turning to the left. “Is the priest there?”

“I haven’t seen him.” the adventurer replied as he vanished from the leader’s sight. “There’s another turn here, so I’ll check it out.”

A few seconds later. “I found the priest!”

“Great! Now bring him here!”



“On it!” Then suddenly, a piercing scream rang out from the cave. “AAAAAHHHHH!!!”

“What?!” Surprised flitted across the leader’s face. “What happened?! Oi! Answer!”

Only a silence was returned. Not even a faint rustle of cloth was heard from within.

“You!” The leader rose to his feet and glanced on the second adventurer. “Get in the-!”

His words were interrupted by an arrow that pierced from the back of his head and through his open mouth. Then with a dull thud, his knees struck the dirt followed by his body.

“Sire!” shouted one of the paladins as he rushed to the leader’s side. “Si-” Unfortunately, he met the same fate as his leader and stacked himself over his leader’s corpse.

“A-an attack! An ambush! Hide!” shouted the other adventurer as he ran farther from the cave.

“W-what?! Where?!” The paladins turned their heads left and right, trying to locate the source of the arrows. With their leader down, their chain of command immediately broke.

“There!” A paladin pointed to the peak of a nearby hill. There stood two figures with arrows knocked on their bows. But before the others realized it, another two was struck down.

In response to the archers sniping them from afar, they gathered. “It’s fine! This is nothing new!”

Though leaderless they were, they held a sense of camaraderie and began to cover each other with shields. Then gradually, with their defense assured against the arrows, they ascended the hill. But little did they know that the other adventurer was missing in their formation.



Manifest, Pitfall.

When the earth trembled beneath their feet, they realized their mistake.

“Traitor!”

“Bastard!”

The paladins fired off one curse after the other. Gradually, the earth underneath dragged them deeper. From the sides of the pitfall, earthen spikes burst and pierced through the paladin’s bodies. It was acene similar to them entering a large beast’s maw.

After ascertaining the deaths of the paladins, the adventurer who entered the cave came out with the priest and the coachman in tow. They were both stripped of their clothes.



“We’re done here,” the adventurer that came out from the cave said. “Let’s prepare the carriage.”

“Halt!”

To their surprise, an unknown voice came. It was accompanied by the clamor of hoof-beats. Soon, their numbers emerged from atop the hill. Their figures numbered at least twenty. They were the same bandits that chased the priest’s carriage.





At the east gate of Sardon, “H-help! Help me!” a man wearing a tattered and bloodied clothes for coachmen cried. Then in-between breaths, he said, “A-ambush! The paladins were ambushed! I-I was able to escape, but the paladins! The priest! They were all captured by bandits!” His chest heaved erratically as sweat ran down his pale face.

The gate guards immediately rushed to his side and gleaned information. They were hesitant at first, but when he took out the priest’s seal, they relaxed. The man pleaded that he is brought before the parish maiden, for he had a message to deliver.



“You there,” the guard pointed to his comrade. “Rush to the Lord’s manor and inform him of the situation with the bandits. Tell him that the priest was captured.” Then he shifted his sight towards the others. “Everyone else, run around the walls and inform the squad leaders. We’ll march East at the Lord’s order.”

After the guard finished ordering his men, the coachman was brought to Sardon’s church. There he was passed over to the paladins and was brought before the parish maiden.

With the paladins at his side, he sat down on a cream tiled floor covered by a red carpet and faced the parish maiden.

“What is this for?” The woman was in her mid-twenties. She had a long black hair hanging on the left side of her shoulder. A waist-fit white robe laced with golden threads was cast on her slender body.

Behind her, on a raised platform, was an altar. Embedded on the altar’s center was a gold ornament shaped into a cross-turned-sword. Further behind were three large panes of blue stained-glass positioned in an arc. To the sides of the panes were banners stitched with the same symbol of a cross.



“They want gold and women in exchange for the priest?” the woman asked with her brows knit tightly. The coachman informed her of the circumstances and the bandits’ demands. “Very well, let them have those lowly slaves.”

The maiden, a rank lower than a parish priest, had started to give orders to the remaining paladins. She ordered them to bring five slaves before the coachman.

Shortly after, two clerics arrived with slaves in tow. They bowed to the maiden before the altar and arranged the slaves.

Lined side by side—A black collar around their necks—five naked women kneeled with their backs facing the stained-glass. All the women, pale and thin, had shackles around their limbs. The first one on the left was a black-haired human girl from a distant hamlet. The other four had human features, and at the same, features that of beastmen.

They were called Fallen, a short for Fallen Demons.



Among the Fallens present, two had light-brown hair topped by roundish black ears with hints of brown and white, a Lycaon half. One other had a drooped gray rabbit ears streaked with bruises and cuts above her dirty-gray hair. And lastly, one with brown cow ears and small horns above her chestnut hair.

Though the Fallens had a body similar to humans, their limbs were partway covered in fur. They also had tails hanging from their rears.

“Are they to your liking?” A mischievous smile rose on her face.

She took a step down the platform and sensually walked behind the slaves. Each step produced a clack that ticked like a clock’s hand. At the moment she reached the back of the human slave, she gracefully swung her hand as if presenting her wares. “As a reward for reporting the priest’s circumstances with your life, I’ll let you take one of these women.”

The slaves were startled and their eyes trembled. They raised their dreary heads and looked the coachman in the eye. Their cracked lips parted.

“P-please...”

“I-I can pleasure you.”

“No, me. Choose me.”

“T-take me.”

“Help.”



After each was given time to speak their part, the clerics beside the slaves shouted. “Quiet!”

The slaves were forced to keep their mouth shut. They knew that collars would tighten around their necks if they disobeyed.

“I-I am honored, oh Maiden, b-but I believe I’m not worthy of such reward.” It pained him to say such words, but he endured.

Please wait a while longer.

In response to the coachman’s answer, the slaves slumped and stared at the floor. It seemed that they, again, lost hope.

In response to the coachman, the maiden snapped her fingers. “My, what a wise choice to not indulge in such filthy creatures.” She peered down on the slaves before her. “For now, get that priestess-in-training.” She ordered the clerics standing beside the slaves. As they vanished into the corridor to the right, the maiden climbed the platform and waited.



Then from the same corridor came a blue-eyed girl whose age was twelve. She wore a few layers of see-through white garments. Sliding down her thin shoulders was her wavy blonde hair. Then in a childish voice, “H-have you called for me, Maiden?” she said.

“Hilda, escort this man to your chamber.” The man pointed to the coachman.

Upon hearing the maiden’s words, Hilda jolted.“Y-yes.” Then she hesitantly inched closer to the coachman. At that moment, the coachman’s, no, Kasta’s eyes twitched.

“Treat his wounds,” the Maiden said. “And you, your name is?”

“Troy.”



“If by chance the priest returns alive, you may take Hilda as your wife. Now go and treat him.”

At the Maiden’s order, Hilda—with the help of the paladins—took Kasta to her chamber.

“Now for you,” she said with scorn. “I have a task. If by chance you succeed, I’ll release you from slavery.”

Those simple words seeped into the hearts of the slaves. All they wished was freedom, and now, it was offered to them.

“All you need is to offer your body to the bandits. And while they rest, pierce them with the poisoned needles we’ll present to you. If you succeed, and of course if you remain alive, I myself will remove your collars and shackles that bound you.”