Author's Note: Sorry for the delay, hope you enjoy. Forgive any mistakes because I did my checking while half-asleep :(
⚠︎ This chapter has description of blood, blood consumption, death, violence and severe injures.
♬ Ego by COCONA ♬
"Warm, intoxicating and dangerous sea of blood, fiercely running through the land where rotten flesh returns to nature, can you escape it? Can you heal it? Can you turn the sea of blood back to water? Or will you drown in it just like every other before you?."
''I don't understand, I have been trying really hard, you know'', Dacre's exasperated tone fills the candle-lit room where he and Prince Nikias are sharing a - few - glass of wine, talking like they usually do after the man returns from his visits to the Morke Kingdom. They're already at their fourth bottle as their cheeks become flushed and they begin being a bit more honest about things like their feelings and thoughts, not that Dacre really needs the liquid courage.
''That's not how biology works, Dacre'', Nikias says with a soft scoff, it's visible in his more soft expression that after the engagement ceremony he has achieved some peace of mind, how long that will last is unknown, but at least he seems to be adapting better to his new life now that he isn't alone anymore.
It's different, being bound to someone.
''How can you be sure?'' He asks, swirling the wine inside his glass, ''Maybe if I try enough…''
Nikias laughs openly, he doesn't scoff, or laughs softly like usual, no, he opens a bright smile and laughs. The sight is so shocking that for a second Dacre swears he even forgets his own name of how bright the Prince's smile is, something he will for sure brag to everyone else about.
''I thought you didn't want kids, Dacre'', Nikias says leaning forwards, resting his face on his hand, staring at his friend with an amused expression.
Dacre stares at him for a second before smiling himself, ''I don't, of course, I'm aware we can't even do so since we're both men and I don't have mana'', he closes his eyes, sighing before smirking. ''It's just hot teasing him about it, there's no harm in trying, who knows, perhaps if I try hard enough, a god might answer my very loud and wet prayers''.
''That was… disgusting'', Nikias sighs, silence befalling them before he speaks again: ''I'm worried about the raid'', he changes the subject, after their fifth bottle it was about time that the Prince would start speaking about things he wouldn't reveal otherwise.
Perhaps it is due to Dacre's personality, or the way they became closer during the past year, when they met it is true Nikias saw himself in him, but after spending time with the pink-haired man, he noticed they're different even if they're both unlucky when it comes to family. That said, they also compliment each other surprisingly well, Dacre is able to speak without qualms with him, and knows how to push and pull well when he needs to.
And from all of his subordinates, it is a fact that Dacre knows how to deal with Nikias' personality the best.
Not even Lowe can read him this well, and Fleuri, well, he just doesn't care enough.
''We're well prepared, and the tips about the underground tunnels was quite sufficient'', Dacre says, ''It's been quite a few months since the failed mine raid, you don't need to worry so much Nikki, we're more experienced and the intel is much more trustworthy now''.
''I'm worried they'll escape north'', Nikias says with a sigh, his finger tapping impatiently on the table. ''It's hard enough to connect the slave trade to the Whisperia Kingdom and Hai Empire, if they run towards the safety of the Northern Tower…''
''Can't you just raid the Tower?'' Dacre asks.
''Not that simple, Magicians Towers are considered independent factions, that's why the Masters of the Towers have so much prestige'', he sighs, his gaze fixated on the almost empty glass of wine in front of him. ''And for now I want to poke a hole in their operation, a hole big enough to make them desperate'', he tilts his head, watching as the liquid moves as he swirls the glass. ''Desperate people make mistakes, a desperate organization will do even more''.
''Well, this time stay in'', Dacre says. ''We're already using a lot of the Silver Crows' forces for the raid, and there's no precedent of a Prince partaking in such a thing''.
''What if…''
Dacre cuts him off: ''Nikki, I understand, but we already spoke about this. Trust us a bit, Raphael has been working non-stop, Jiwon and I are keeping an eye on their dens, even Miyuki is draining all of his mana making magic circles for us to use in case of emergencies''. He continues after drinking the last drops of wine in his cup. ''Everyone is working hard for this to work, everyone was disappointed by the past failed raid, we're motivated to prove our worth''.
Nikias shakes his head, unable to comprehend where their motivation comes from, but after so many empty discussions about the topic with Dacre, he decides to remain quiet.
''Isn't Fleuri and Keres even making sure the teleportation circle is ready to send any halfling we find to the Morke Kingdom?'' Dacre asks.
''Yes, they're probably going to send them towards the newly acquired areas for farm work, it's unfortunate we can't fully provide for them there, so they still will need to work, but Cypress made sure to have small residencies and full-support so that they can begin their lives there, a support will be given to those who wish to return to their previous nations as well, and any orphaned child will be taken to the Temples'', Nikias nods, he knows everything is well-planned, but still he can't stop the waves inside his heart saying something might go wrong.
''Don't overthink about this Nikki, we did a good job with the plan, and isn't the Crown Princess also assisting this time? I heard she will partake in the raid of the main tunnel, the one that leads to the casino''.
''That worries me even more'', Nikias scoffs. ''She's blinded by the past failed raid, since they played with her by making her fall for a trap, her pride is wounded''.
''So it's yours after they emptied the mines before we arrived'', Dacre points out.
''...I can't deny that'', Nikias admits, ''The team leading the main raid will be Sir Rainier, Evangelia and Raphael, who else will be in their team?''
Dacre ponders for a few moments, ''Jiwon and I will be monitoring the tunnels from the rear to make sure no one escapes and also to gather the evidence, whilst Scarlet will be leading another team near the border to make sure none of them escapes through there during the main raid, it seems Gutierre will be leading a team with the intel members of the Guild inside the casino itself, and the Magicians will be lead by Irene and Tove to disarm any traps, of course the goal is also for them to free any slaves and guide them towards safety''. Dacre nods along his words, lowering his head towards the table, sighing in relief with the sensation of the cold metal table on his burning forehead. ''Miyuki will be waiting nearby to smuggle the halfling slaves towards the teleportation circle, hopefully without any hiccups''.
''Yes, that's good, did you manage to find any connection between the square's incident and the smugglers?''
''Well, we know they're both connected to the Northern Tower because of the new Duke Sawdon, but we couldn't find any proper evidence to justify a proper raid, especially considering that man is too good at pretending to be a grieving son'', Dacre comments with a displeased frown, ''That fucker pisses me off, everytime I follow him or try to get some dirt he seems to sniff me off, empty warehouses, fake ledgers, how can he always be one step ahead?'' His voice is filled with hatred. ''And after Raphael told us about what happened to them in that place I want to grab that man's balls, crush them, and then cut off his dick and serve it for him to eat while burning his whole body and watch him squirm like the insect he is''.
Nikias laughs, ''Isn't that too light?'' He smiles softly. ''He shouldn't die too quickly''.
Dacre nods. ''Yes, you're absolutely right''.
''Any movements of the Cult lately?''
''Besides the attack at the Crown Price's wedding, they're surprisingly quiet, are you sure they're after the relics?''
''Yes, they need it in order to feed it to the Time god, so that he is strong enough to break the seal'', Nikias rubs between his eyes, tired. ''It's annoying how they keep slipping through the cracks, I know their next moves, yet am unable to catch them anyway''.
''It does help knowing their moves so that we can slowly gather the evidence, you said they won't succeed in at least four years, we have time Nikki, we can do this'', Dacre says, his voice lower and lower at each word as he feels sleepy due to the alcohol.
''I'm just unsure if I'll still exist if we fail and the timeline resets again'', Nikias whispers to himself, although the room is quiet, he's lucky enough that Dacre has already fallen asleep.
❥
Dearest Lyor,
The scent of morning dew and the sound of the birds chirping reminds me of waking up in your Castle. How much do I miss the scent of freshly cut fruit and the sound of the people happy in the background as well. Although the Empire also has festivals, the people aren't as happy as the residents of the Morke Kingdom, and that's truly due to your efforts as their King.
My days have been currently hectic, therefore that's the reason why I haven't been able to send you letters for a few weeks, causing my heart to ache as I miss the letters soaked with your scent and filled with your sweet words.
Everyone has been doing well, and besides the anxiety of the upcoming raid, I am also doing well.
Recently I had another private meeting with Evangelia, she has become meek after her own failed raids and our many discussions, perhaps she finally realized we must work together to be able to fix the future. It could also be due to her constant fights with Alkaios, I've heard although they still sleep in the same quarters, the two of them haven't been seen together outside of it, and Alkaios has refrained from asking news about his wife.
Such news does worries me, not due to some pity towards her, she brought it forth herself, but since they're the future rulers of the Empire, their relationship also reflects the future of the Empire, although I am not planning in returning here much in the future, for my plans, the Empire cannot collapse.
On a different note, my business has been doing well, the profits are increasing with every passing month, and I am making a five-year plan together with Fleuri and Gutierre for the business expansion, especially towards the Hai Empire and Whisperia Kingdom, making it easier to plant spies there. Taking advantage of their vision of ''me'', I do believe they won't suspect any secondary intentions.
Sharing the beautiful culture and produce of the Morke Kingdom is a pleasure by itself, of course, the recent implementation of jewelry using not refined mana stones has been all the rage with the nobles, and the more rustic and crude designs that are cheaper also sell well with commoners looking to imitate the nobles.
The import of fruits has also increased my diet, which I am very grateful for, recently the chef hired at the store made a delicious peach tart that I often think about, although I am not a fan of anything too sweet, he has made them with a lemon cream that balanced everything out, hope one day you'll be able to try it out as well.
Keres has also sent me the full report of the employees of the Castle and Cypress sent me a report on the spies you have in other nations, it surprises me you recently requested for their withdrawal, it is understandable due to the shift in power after the conquests, but retrieving so well infiltrated spies can also be harmful on long term, please take such in consideration as well.
For the remodeling of the Castle into a Palace after our marriage, I requested Gutierre to seek for a few potential architects under the guise of remodeling the cottage I own in the Empire's countryside into a bigger luxurious house. Of course it is also my intent.
After much deliberation Fleuri and I reached the conclusion that it wouldn't be beneficial for me to own so many plots of land and estates, I wouldn't be able to manage them properly from the Morke Kingdom, and they're being neglected either way.
So from all of it, we're keeping only the cottage located in the West Duchy, a farm near the Northeast March and a capital mansion I recently acquired. Any other land and estate I'll be selling and using the funds for the store's expansion.
The mines I own aren't giving a lot of ore as well, so I will send Irene and Scarlet for an inspection before also selling them.
It's funny how before becoming Nikias I never even owned clothes that weren't used or anything that could be considered expensive or precious, however now I am debating whether to keep the many estates and lands I own.
Sure it isn't actually gifted or purchased by me, but it's still a funny feeling.
My plans are to be able to use the Capital's house for business visits, the house in the countryside for vacations and the farmland for any Guild purposes.
Fleuri isn't very delighted to deal with the management of everything, but Lowe has stepped up to manage and hire the staff to care for those places, I would do so myself if I weren't busy enough with the raids and Guild business, the amount of letters I wrote in the past few days replying to nobles inquiring about my business or attempting a connection with you were so many that after a while my hand became numb.
Training alongside the Knights is also going steadily, compared to how I was a year ago, I am much more decent with the bow and arrow. Mana training is the most… excruciating part. Although I should be able to use unique Mana from my status as a Saint, I haven't been able to do any progress, Aelius' Diary has only mentions of the founding of the Empire and his daily life for now, he seemed apprehensive in talking directly about being a Saint, much more than talking about his life before becoming Aelius.
However I am now able to create small daggers with my mana, intentionally leak or retain it, and also do sound and protective barriers with much more ease. The progress is slow, but hopefully in five years time I'll be proficient enough to assist you in the battle against Vremes.
On the Time Cult, we haven't heard any news, which worries me, since the next event from my memories will be the mass kidnappings, which I am not aware of the reason, nor who the victims were since there was no mention in the novel. Many of their movements were reported as coincidences from other criminal organizations, it is solely thanks to Miyuki that we even know they're using halflings' blood to weaken the seal on the god's prison.
Hopefully soon I'll have more pieces of this infuriating puzzle.
At your side, how are things progressing? This letter ended up being a full report of the last weeks, but I was eager to share it all with you.
I miss you.
With a heart filled of you,
Nikias.
❥
To my beloved Nikias,
It soothes my heart to receive your letter and hear you've been doing well. Although the sky is dark today as well, the people do seem livelier after our engagement. I have been receiving congratulatory greetings from every citizen I cross paths with, and even inside the Temples, the Priests have been more open to you after the ceremony.
And their voices have been quiet lately, which are both relieving and worrisome.
My dear, how have your health been faring? What have you been eating? And how's your mental health? Those are questions swarming my head every second of the days we spend apart. I wish to know your smiles and your pains, hold your hand and kiss your sweet lips. There isn't a word yet created to define how much I have missed you these past weeks.
Your worries about the upcoming raid come from a need to do well, so do not feel bad for it, although I do wish for you to believe in yourself and your plans more. A year has passed since we've met, and in these months that we exchanged letters, touches and kisses I've come to realize that you have the tendency to undermine your own achievements.
Dear, you're more capable than you give yourself credit for. It pains me that your maturity comes from suffering, but I am proud of your goals and achievements, no matter how much you say that they're unworthy of praise.
Due to the business the Kingdom has been prospering more, the farmers, miners and artisans sing your praises for improving the economy, injecting more money into our poor economics. Both Cypress and Keres complain about overwork yet sometimes I catch them smiling as they look at our ledgers.
Even so, however, the more I feel proud to be your fiance as a King, as a man my heart aches as I reflect upon the amount of work and pressure you put yourself in. You claim to have adapted, and that you're living life more freely now, but your claims do not reflect your actions and pained gaze. You claim to have forsaken your past name, yet I can see the joy in your eyes when I utter it.
Denying your own feelings won't bring you happiness, nor will denying that change has come for you. Deep down you're aware that you can trust others more, that you can trust in yourself more, yet you're unable to.
Tell me, my dear, what can I do to help you? As my fingers run stiff from reading books on mental health, as my arms become sore from training the sword to protect you, and my head throbs as I study to become a better King and partner, my wish is solely upon seeing you smile everyday just as brightly as you did at our engagement party, as our souls connected.
You have no need to be guilty for being alive, for surviving or for deceiving others for your own comfort.
I, for one, wish for you to prioritize your happiness.
With a heart filled with longing,
Lyor.
❥
Scribbles on a paper in a silent office with the dark night sky shining brightly, the new moon quite in the center of the window of this room in the Bauldry Capital Estate, where with only a few lit candles, Rainier is finishing his daily duties, currently making the budget plan for the Silver Crows for the upcoming month of August, which took him more time than usual due to the resources he needs to assist the Second Prince's Knights with the raid they'll do in a week's time.
The Knight, who usually is quicker to do his job is currently doing his fourth attempt at a proper budget, his eyes are sunken and his usually well-kept muscles are now slightly gone, he hasn't trained properly in almost a month, and even as he commands the Silver Crow's training, he hasn't done as good as a job as he would.
Avoiding any talk with his childhood friends or anyone that could even mention his terrible condition, he went through this past month like a walking dead. And the current state of his mental and physical health has only solidified what he thought before, that he finally got over his childhood love, no, now he's sure that what he felt before wasn't exactly love, perhaps solely an infatuation with a person that gave him warmth and care in a moment where he severely lacked it.
Because now, as the days without a single word or news from Lowe pass by, he feels his whole being burning away, like ashes scattered in the wind, unable to feel himself as a solid and proper being, his heart hurts so much that he feels like he's dying.
As his nights awake remind him of his solitude, perhaps just as he said to his lover, when they're truly done with this timed relationship, he wouldn't regret dying, because living with this pain would be worse.
For now, he wishes to come up with a proper way to apologize to Lowe, to hug him again, feel his warmth against his chest and gaze upon those sweet caramel eyes. Saying 'I love you' wouldn't work, he knows that, the man isn't ready to hear those words, he's not ready for the weight of love, when he's already shouldering a lot with his past traumas and the Prince's current investigations messing with the nest of snakes.
However, he must find a way to properly convey to Lowe that his feelings towards Evangelia are completely gone now.
A knock on the door makes the man's hands stop, he raises his head towards the closed office door, before sighing, ''Come in'', he says loud enough, looking down at the paper he completely ruined once again, his words are all jumbled and the numbers make no sense whatsoever. It seems he won't be having any sleep once again.
''Sorry to disturb you, Young Master, but the Crown Princess is here looking for you'', the Estate's butler says, only his head popping on the open door, his expression showing discomfort for interrupting Rainier's work time.
He wants to tell him to send her away, after all he's been avoiding her until now, but with the upcoming raid, it's not like he can run much more.
''Let her in'', Rainier says, rubbing his tired eyes as he tosses the ruined papers towards a small pile of previously scrapped papers. Leaning back onto his chair he watches the door, waiting for a few minutes until it opens again, with the woman entering his office.
If it were any other young woman, with any other young man, perhaps this would stir rumors, or even ruin their reputations, but no one would dream of creating rumors about the Crown Princess, nor would they entertain the idea of her having an affair with the Captain of the Crown Prince's order of Knights.
Evangelia looks almost as gaunt as Rainier, her dark eyes are somber and red, her long black hair is up in a messy ponytail, and her mounting clothes are dirty from mud, and the water dripping from her face and hair makes him realize it is raining outside.
''Dry up'', he says, pointing towards the fireplace that was lit in one of the corners of the office, the woman nods without a word and sits near the fireplace, her eyes staring the fire as she takes deep breaths, her fragile and weak posture is new to Rainier, the woman is usually standing with confidence and elegance.
Just what could've possibly have happened to make her like this? Worry fills his heart, a different kind of worry than he's used to, a worry towards a dear friend that might be struggling, something he only ever felt towards Alkaios before, and such feeling brings him relief.
''What happened to you?'' She finally speaks, her voice is low and tired.
''I could ask you the same'', he retorts, turning his gaze to the window behind him, staring into the dark sky watching as the water droplets run across the clear glass.
The woman laughs, but the sound isn't of amusement or happiness, it is a rather sad and exhausted laugh. ''Rai, we're best friends, aren't we?'' She asks.
Rainier nods.
''It's hard to talk about this with Tove, not only because she's on a recon mission right now, but also because she would never understand. She doesn't understand feelings like we do.'' She pauses, closing her eyes, leaning towards the lit fire. ''Everything would be much easier if all I had to do was deal with old geezers, a few rowdy criminals and internal politics'', she laughs again. ''But no, things are running out of my control again and again, and just when I think I have it all figured out, I am trampled again, back at score one''.
''Evangelia…''
''Listen, Rai, I am sorry for how I reacted back then, when I was so against your relationship with Lowe, I was being selfish, I thought things changing would ruin everything'', her voice is low and she sounds sincere. ''When Kai is involved my brain just becomes blank, and I become desperate to protect him and what we have, you understand, don't you?'' She finally turns to look at him, but he does not meet her gaze. ''If you knew Lowe would die if the future changed ever so slightly, wouldn't you panic as well?''
Her words make him finally look at her again. ''What do you mean with that?''
She sighs, ''Rai, sacrifices for Kai's life aren't that hard to make''.
Rainier wants to say something, but he feels his chest tightening, and his head throbbing the more Evangelia speaks.
''I tried to kill Nikias'', her words leave her mouth dry and her hand clenches onto the sofa's fabric. ''I know Kai will hate me if he finds out, I know he won't see the meaning of the sacrifice, nor will he understand what drove me to such decision.''
He's surprised, not because of Evangelia's confession, but because if what she's saying is true, then the current Second Prince wouldn't simply let her go. Not from what he saw.
''Nikias knows'', she says, as if reading his mind. ''He said he'll tell Kai when the time comes, but I don't think our relationship will survive it'', she continues, ''Right now he's already upset at me for how I've treated you that time, and for my recent actions as well. Especially with all the secrecy with the raids Nikias and I…'', she sighs, ''He dislikes lies and secrets, but he also hides so much from me, it's an annoying double standard. However even if he hates me, I do not regret it, perhaps that is my biggest flaw. If time were to reverse again, I would do it all the same, the secrets, the lies, and poisoning Nikias, all over again, and again, how many times it becomes necessary to just have a sliver of chance of saving him.''
Her eyes are dark, and her gaze brings shivers down Rainier's spine.
''Wouldn't you do the same for someone who you love with your whole being? Tell me Rai, that I ain't wrong, that my actions weren't wrong if the end goal was to save him. Because I think I might go crazy if I keep second guessing my actions, but every time I remember… No, every time I think about him getting hurt or dying, I just cannot help myself''.
Rainier stares at her in silence for a few moments, putting himself in her situation. What if all that Lowe told him it happened in his childhood were to happen in front of him? Or if he were able to prevent it from happening at all? If he were to go back in time, and be able to stop Lowe from being hurt, would he kill a few people? Would he hurt those close to him? Just to make it happen?
Would the sacrifice be worth it if the end result were Lowe's life and happiness?
At the end of his thoughts, he sighs. ''Evangelia, you ain't wrong, but you ain't right as well'', he gets up from his chair, walking towards the woman, the scent of burning firewood comforts his heart as he sits in front of her. ''If I were to kill Raphael, for example, in order to save Lowe, he would, in the end, be as miserable as if I were to let harm come his way. Of course I would still do it if it were the true and only answer to save him. But expecting him to continue loving me afterwards, would simply be selfishness''.
''So I should just accept Kai will forever hate me?''
''Do you prefer his harm or his hatred? Because if what you told me is the truth, you cannot have both his life and his love''.
Evangelia's hands tremble, her eyes filling with tears. ''Rai, it hurts so much, to be hated by him, to be touched like a duty rather than love, to see his conflicted eyes as he can't bear to look at me, with love, sadness and disappointment, as if regardless of our marriage and partnership, he does not wish to be with me anymore''.
''That's not true Evangelia, Alkaios loves you more than he loves himself'', Rainier shakes his head, frowning, to think a year ago he was envious of their love, of their relationship. ''Your love for each other is stronger than this'', he continues, trying to find the right words to console his childhood friend, he doesn't truly believe that Alkaios can hate Evangelia, whatever it is that they're going through, it won't last long. ''He just needs time to process everything, and being honest with him would go a long way.''
''What if the truth will hurt more than the lies?''
''It isn't your choice to make'', Rainier says with a sigh. ''Lying will only drive him away''.
''Kai lies to me too, or you think I can't see his late nights working on secret files, the missing Knights or the gaps in memory on some of the servants?'' She snorts, drying her tears with the back of her hand. ''I just pretend to be unaware of his condition, of his questionable choices, I know he makes underwrap deals with the Hai Empire, or that he uses the illegal action houses to mask the hand he has in driving some nobles he dislikes into debt''.
''He's a politician at the end of the day''.
''Yes,'' she nods, ''That's why I turn the blind eye, pretend to believe his mask of a merciful and kind leader, but why can't he do the same?''
''Because his lies don't affect you, but yours affect your relationship directly'', Rainier says, ''He never used his powers on you or me''.
''How do you know?'' She leans back, staring into the ceiling.
''Because I chose to trust him, Evangelia, and that's why your relationship is struggling, you do not trust each other''.
''I would jump off a cliff if he asked me to, without hesitation''.
''Love doesn't necessarily mean blind loyalty. That's not helpful to either of you, to grow together you must defy each other''.
She sighs, ''This is just… complicated''.
Rainier nods, ''Yes, there are no right answers for love, I am afraid''.
''Is that why you look half dead?''
''Yes''.
''Want to talk about it?''
He pauses for a moment, looking at the fireplace, the fire burning slowly, the scent that brings him comfort, reminding him of his childhood long ago, the scent that clinged to his father's clothes and his mother's hair, as they hugged him or kissed his forehead. Everything was much simpler back at their cabin in the woods, a life he was only able to have for four years yet linger in his memory to this day, the only thing ever keeping him sane. ''Lowe wishes me to forsake my duty''.
Evangelia jumps, her eyes opening as she stares at Rainier. ''Why?''
''Because he doesn't wish for me to be hurt''.
''That can't be simply it'', she shakes her head. ''His brother is in Nikias' Order, isn't he? Why would he solely worry about you?''
Rainier's red eyes stare deeply into his friend, he doesn't need to say another word, because the woman flinches, as if he can tell why just from his tired gaze.
''What you said to him?''
''That I cannot do that, because protecting Alkaios is the only thing I can do properly with my life. All I ever knew was to be his Knight, to save his life, how can I walk away from it? Even if I would do anything else for him, I cannot do this.'' Rainier, leans his head onto his hands, feeling hopeless. ''It isn't due to honor or an oath, but this is all I've known, this is who I am, without this, I wouldn't be here, who knows, maybe I would've died that winter''.
''Don't… Don't say that, Rai.'' She says slowly and cautiously. ''Kai wouldn't allow you to die for him, you know that''.
''And you know he doesn't have a choice, it is my job to protect him even if my life is the price, and you won't stop me either, even now, you're not telling me to quit my job or find another way.''
She swallows dryly. ''I'm sorry''.
''No, I don't want apologies, Evangelia, because I never expected you to tell me otherwise. Nor will I give up on my job as a Knight and my duty as Alkaios' protector. All I wish for was to spend my days with him, even if they'll be over one day with my death.''
''You truly wish to marry him? Be with him forever?''
''You know it won't be forever, Evangelia, I don't have that luxury, nor do I wish to trap him in a marriage for my own self-satisfaction, I just want to sleep with his warmth next to me, and wake up to look into his warm sweet eyes''.
''If there is anything you need me to do to help you…'' She says, guilt filling her heart, but just as Rainier said, she won't try to convince him to act otherwise. If it were Alkaios life on the line, Rainier's death is just a means to an end.
But he doesn't resent her for that, after all he's accepting his own death as well, with no intent in changing it.
''Thank you'', he smiles sadly. ''How's things with living alongside the in-laws?'' He changes the subject.
Evangelia groans, ''They keep asking when we will have kids, even if we did try on our honeymoon, Alkaios always uses protection nowadays. Not that it would change much, we won't have kids for the next six years at least''.
''What makes you so sure?'' His question is answered with a shrug. They talk for a while more, about work, the upcoming raid, about Alkaios' recent movements and about their love lives, like childhood friends should, without the lingering attachment of a first love hanging over their heads.
After a few hours, Evangelia leaves the Estate, mounting her horse, even under the rain, to go back to her cold bed.
However, even if the witnessing servants wouldn't dare to speculate, that isn't the same with another witness of her leaving the Bauldry Estate, in the middle of the night in the rain, with a smile on her face from the conversation with her friend.
Because although Lowe would never utter a word about this to others as gossip, he cannot do anything about the pang inside his chest and the dizziness from walking from the Palace to the Bauldry Estate in the rain, why did he even go there? Just to witness this?
He could go in, ask Rainier about it, he knows nothing happened between them, nothing ever would happen, but he can't bear to take another step and enter that house, just to find the man smiling just as the woman was.
So he turns and leaves, running back to the Palace, his cold hands and soaked clothes don't bother him as much as the prickling in his heart.
❥
To Cypress,
All preparations on our side are made, you will be aware of our movements the moment people start pouring in through the gate. Please be on guard for it. As I do not wish to stay up cleaning up any messes. We're both overworked, so please do well.
The estimates are of around five hundred halflings, any humans will just be released to the Imperial Guards.
As the Prince previously stated, please provide them with food, proper care and a warm bed and bath, any expenses will be covered by the Prince.
Good luck, and any mishaps please fix yourself.
Sincerely,
Fleuri.
❥
Dear Fleuri,
Regardless of the rude tone of your letters, I will proceed as planned and we have already allocated the resources necessary. Tell the Prince to ease on the pressure, as we do not need another reminder that he wishes to overpopulate an already poor Kingdom.
Good luck, and any more requests will be burned.
Sincerely,
Cypress.
❥
To Cypress,
Good.
Sincerely,
Fleuri.
❥
To my beloved Nikias,
Good luck with the raid today, I'll be accompanying things on our side, don't worry, as everything will go as planned. And we already have everything ready to receive the estimated amount of halflings refugees.
How are you feeling? It pains me to not be by your side, and I miss you.
With love,
Lyor.
❥
Air filled with tension surrounds all the Knights, in a few minutes they'll all go to their designated spots for the raid. Amidst all the Knights, the ones bearing the Golden Phoenices crest are the most restless, unable to stand still, checking everything until the last second.
''It'll be a success, after all, you're not the only ones responsible for the raid'', a voice that makes Scarlet shake catches her attention, as she turns to look at her brother, her face contorts. ''It's a miracle you are still able to be considered Knights, although you're missing a Knighthood ceremony''.
Scarlet rolls her eyes. ''Isn't your one-sided crush also part of my order?''
Frode snorts. ''He's the only good of the bunch'', he leans over his sister looking at her brand-new sword, courtesy of the use of almost all of her past months' salaries. ''No matter the coating, a worm can never be a lion''.
The woman's hands tremble, hovering over the hilt of her sword, her eyes flickering between blood red and the usual grey, but she takes a deep breath, letting her brother get the best of her never works out, especially near an important raid like this, even if right now, she wouldn't lose to him, in fact she would win overwhelmingly.
''Is he bothering you?'' Dacre asks, his face resting on Scarlet's shoulder as his emerald eyes stare directly at Frode, he would lose the fight, yet he wouldn't hesitate to begin it. Which is fascinating to Scarlet, as she can't understand how someone who always loses the fights, keeps picking them.
''Not worth it'', Scarlet says with a deep sigh, with the corner of her eye she can see Dacre's provoking gaze towards Frode, who responds with a threatening one.
''Guys, focus right now, please'', Raphael appears, he looks terrible, but energetic, probably due to his lack of sleep and use of energy potions made by King Lyor's aide. He doesn't even look at Frode, but Scarlet can see her brother softening his gaze and smiling, which brings shivers down her spine.
A genuine smile on a monster's face is not sweet or surprising, it's simply disgusting.
How can he dare pretend to be human?
''Raphael'', Frode says, taking a step forward, the other finally looking at him. It's easy to sense that the tired man is uncomfortable with his presence, but Frode doesn't seem to realize it, or better said, doesn't seem to care. ''Should we have dinner together after this?'' His hands touch Raphael's forearm, making the man jolt and take a step back.
''N-No, I need to do an immediate report to his highness, thank you for the offer… Lord Abel'', his words are slow and careful, as he takes another step back and looks at Scarlet and Dacre, clearly looking for a way out. ''We need to finish our meeting, if you excuse us'', he bows shortly, grabbing the two and leaving the Silver Crows' Knight behind.
Scarlet snorts. ''Serves him right, that freak'', her words make Raphael shake his head.
''We need to focus on the mission, let's not worry about other things'', his words are followed by a sigh and a deep breath.
''There's no shame in just telling him to go fuck himself'', Dacre comments.
But Raphael shakes his head again. ''I am dealing with it, but right now, let's please focus, if we fail this raid, the Prince will never trust us again, you're all aware of this''.
Gathering together again, Raphael goes through their plan for the fourth time that night, his hand frantic as he tries to make sure everyone has memorized it to the minimal details.
''Dude, we got it'', Dacre says. ''We'll succeed this time, don't worry'', he places his hand on Raphael's arm. ''We have a lot to lose if this fails''.
''Where's the Captain?'' They turn their gazes towards the Silver Crows' Knights, who seem now, more restless than they were before. ''I can't reach him, I've sent three attendants already!''
''Calm down Phillip, that fucker will probably be here soon with the Crown Princess'', Frode comments, his gaze fixed on Raphael. ''He wouldn't go against her orders''.
''Contrary to you, he has honor'', Dacre yells eagerly.
Raphael pushes the pink-haired man back. ''Don't provoke him''.
''Ha. What puny play pretend Knights like you know about honor?'' Frode asks, stepping towards them. ''You dress like adults when you're merely children, you've never even seen war to go talk about who's honorable or not''.
''I've seen enough to know you're just a monster in human flesh'', Dacre continues, this time, Jiwon steps forward, his Spectres' uniform does make everyone see him as an outsider, but he holds Dacre's arm, pulling him back.
''Dacre, I know you're anxious, but stop provoking fights you can't win'', Jiwon says with a sigh. ''Take a step back, look at what we're about to do, the Prince expects things from you''.
''And I'll deliver them'', Dacre pulls his arm away. ''But he shouldn't be here'', he points towards Frode. ''There's just…'' He hesitates, frowning before shaking his head. ''Forget it, just make sure he stays away from us during the raid''.
''What the fuck you're talking about?'' Frode asks, trying to get closer to Dacre, but Raphael pushes him back.
''We're working, let's just stay within our stations, please'', he pleads with both Knights, who nod reluctantly.
A few moments later, just like Frode predicted, Rainier arrives with Evangelia, carrying weapons and chatting, both smiling.
The moment Raphael looks at his brother's lover, he feels his blood boil. How can he laugh like that while Lowe looks like a corpse? He hasn't slept properly in days and his boyfriend is chatting away with his friends? Ridiculous.
But he pushes his emotions away the moment others refer to him as Captain Raphael, as they turn to him for the guidance over what will happen next, and both Rainier and Evangelia refer to him as equal.
Because this is the opportunity given to him, to rise above the ranks, to become something beyond a runaway experiment. He'll save lives, he'll rescue every suffering soul, because he was given a chance to be free, so he should use such freedom to save others as well.
This is how he decided to live.
❥
As the teleportation circle begins to glow, voices are heard across the silent night of Lau, those who are near the circle look through their windows, watching as the Knights move according to Sir Noor's commands, as Dame Seoah touches the circle, and the others make sure to clean the path through.
Barracks ready to receive injured rescued halflings, Priests praying for the safety of those who suffered and the King there as well, overseeing it all as he looks at the worn out picture of his fiance, a picture that is practically fading from how much he touches it during his conquests or even when he's alone in his office or room, every time he catches himself thinking about Nikias, he subconsciously touches the photo. Should I ask for another? He wonders as in front of him everyone becomes more frantic as the expected ones finally arrive.
''Prepare the first-aid kits! Call the Priests, separate them by race, do not rush the diagnosis!'' Keres yells, grabbing a blank book and a pen, ready to register every single person that crosses to the Kingdom.
''Knights, don't grab your weapons, just circle the platform and make sure they don't run away towards the forest or anywhere else, everyone must register'', Anwar says, circling everyone, making sure the Knights are properly focused.
A faint light followed by the sudden appearance of at least fifty people, all of them clearly deeply injured. Bleeding from different places, eyes, mouth, leg, nose, fingertips, some have their back in vivid red flesh, with carvings made by a blunt weapon, brands of slaves branded onto their skin.
''Please, I know you're all hurting and scared, but please, come down one by one, we'll get your name, race and get you treated'', Hayun says, pointing towards Keres. ''After giving your name to that lady, please go towards any of the barracks where you'll be treated, you're safe now.''
''Are we really safe?''
''Those are just lies.''
''Where's mommy?''
''Have any of you seen my daughter?''
''Just kill me please''.
''I want to go home, please I beg you''.
Whispers, whimpers, sobs, pained yells color the night in the Morke Kingdom, hearing the pleas of those in pain, some residents get out of their houses, offering help to the Priests, some carrying the food rations, others cleaning the wounds.
After the first, comes the second, then the third.
''How many?'' Lyor asks, putting the picture away inside his long fur coat.
''Two-hundread'', Cypress answers, ''We're awaiting the last one, yet''.
Just as he says, the circle lights again, they probably don't have enough food and medicine, everyone is already tired and the Priests seem out of Mana already, some even collapsing, begging to do just one more treatment as the Knights drag them towards the Temple.
It's almost funny to Lyor, that they wouldn't be this eager if it were years ago, if it weren't a request from the Saint himself, because to those Priests, only the word of god matters, and Lyor is the closest they get.
''Shit'', Cypress curses, running towards the circle.
From afar Lyor watches as they grab the bodies, there wasn't a single alive halfling this time, except for the Knight accompanying them, his body filled with gunshot wounds, as he pants and collapses onto the floor.
''Miyuki? What happened?'' Keres asks, grabbing the half-vampire, as he groans from pain.
''An ambush at the circle, luckily they were the last ones, but I wasn't able to…'', he throws up blood. ''I wasn't able to save them, the circle was already being activated when they shot at us''.
''A mana gun? Why would they…?'' Cypress asks, frowning.
''Because if mixed with silver it's effective on vampires'', Miyuki answers, coughing even more blood. ''They knew I was going to be there'', he starts to hyperventilate, his eyes bloodshot and his fangs piercing his skin even more than his injuries already are. ''I failed, what will I tell his highness?'' He grabs Kere's hand, ''I can't be thrown away again, I promise I don't need blood, please don't'', he looks completely out of it, so Keres drags him towards one of the barracks.
Lyor walks towards the circle, looking at the bodies, approximately twenty halflings, all half-vampires, their injuries are relatively recent, that's why Miyuki sent them last, because they weren't in imminent danger. Yet they predicted this would be his move and launched an attack at the exact time the circle activated.
Why? Why not kill every halfling?
''Vampires are seen as bad omen'', Anwar says, placing his hand on Lyor's shoulder as the man kneels, praying for the souls that were separated from their bodies. ''For being a recent race, their goddess tends to creep people out''.
''That's not why'', Cypress shakes his head. ''See the needle marks?'' He pulls one of the corpses' arms that was covered in needle punctures. ''I read his highness' report, they draw half-vampire's blood for something, why none of them was injured compared to other halflings? Clearly they were useful''.
''Then why kill all of them?''
''Because Miyuki was there'', Keres comments, her robe full of blood. ''He told me it was his fault, because they got triggered by his presence''.
''That doesn't make much sense, he's just a halfling that ran away'', Cypress frowns.
A loud cough startles them, one of the bodies wasn't actually a corpse, Cypress grabs the woman, who is bleeding profusely, he tries to place his jacket on her, to stop the bleeding, but it doesn't stop.
The woman opens her eyes, grabbing Cypress' arm. ''Where's that cursed child?''
''Cursed child?'' Cypress asks, confused as he keeps trying to stop the woman's bleeding.
''Do me a favor and kill that freak'', she says in a whisper before passing out, dying a few moments later.
Cypress sits there, staring at his bloody clothes and the woman whose body is running cold. ''What just happened?''
Anwar stares at the barracks. ''The Prince does like the dejects''.
''Isn't it the same for us?'' Lyor asks, standing, his eyes shining from using mana. ''Check their bodies for identity and bury them at the commonfolk cemetery''.
''Yes, Sir!'' The Knights say in unison as Lyor walks towards the barracks.
He finds Miyuki with ease, seeing him being treated by Leora, whose white robe is now red from all the blood, but she doesn't stop treating him.
''How's the?'' He asks, sitting down.
''It's weird'', Leora claims, focused. ''I imagined prayers wouldn't work on him due to you know, his goddess blessings, but his body refuses treatment, I keep patching him up and the wounds won't stop opening again''.
''He's a half-vampire, maybe he needs blood'', Keres points out.
Leora shakes her head. ''No, that's a common misconception, half-vampires don't need blood to survive''.
''That halfling called him a freak, maybe he has some condition we don't know about?'' Cypress asks.
Anwar stares at the man on the bed, ''We should send word to his highness, we won't be able to do much if we keep still''.
Miyuki opens his eyes. ''It hurts'', he groans, trying to get up, Leora pushes him down.
''You need to stay still, you're bleeding too much''.
''No, let me go, I need to go back''.
''Back where?''
''To the Empire, I need to beg his highness for forgiveness'', Miyuki tries getting up again, but he's holded in place by both Leora and Keres, regardless how much he keeps struggling he doesn't manage to move. ''Please, I need to go.''
''Nikias won't punish you'', Lyor says, watching the situation.
''Tell us why your bleeding won't stop'', Anwar steps up, staring at the man. ''You need to be treated first.''
''Bleeding?'' Miyuki asks. ''I'm not bleeding''.
''What do you mean, you're clearly…'' Leora points towards Miyuki's previously bleeding abdomen, just to see all of his wounds perfectly healed. ''What in the lights' blessing?''
''Can I go now?'' He tries to get up again, this time he's successful.
''Tell Nikias everything went well on our side'', Lyor says, staring at the sheets red with the halfling's blood.
Miyuki nods, ''I'm sorry for the inconvenience''.
As he leaves the barracks, Anwar follows him.
''You're still bleeding'', the Knight says, making the halfling pause.
''I'm not''.
Anwar grabs his arm, pulling his ripped shirt open even further, seeing as where Miyuki's heart is supposed to be, there's an open wound. The halfling pulls his shirt down, blushing.
''This is an old wound''.
''Do you need blood?'' Anwar asks, making Miyuki flinch, with such a reaction, Anwar drags the man towards a more secluded area, where the busy Priests run around not paying attention to them. He shoves his arm towards Miyuki. ''Drink''.
''No, I don't need blood'', Miyuki says, staring at Anwar's arm.
''Just drink it, I don't mind losing a bit of blood''.
''I…'', Miyuki tries protesting again but Anwar grabs his mouth, placing it on his arm.
Hesitantly, the halfling pierces the Knight's skin with his fangs, feeling the warm and tasty blood running through his throat, while for Anwar, the feeling is awkward and weird-feeling.
After he finishes drinking, he stares at the Knight. ''Why?''
''Just because'', Anwar shrugs, grabbing his handkerchief and cleaning his arm and Miyuki's mouth. ''You look scared of needing blood, but a weak Knight is just as harmful as not having one'', he stares at Miyuki. ''You have a duty to his highness, so don't die''.
''I can't anyway'', the halfling whispers.
''What does that mean?''
''Nothing'', Miyuki smiles, ''I feel good now, your blood is of amazing quality, I mean, you're very tasty, no… Not in a creepy sense, just that you taste like a mix of all of my favorite foods, if that makes sense? Like… Rain! Yes, you taste like morning rain''.
Anwar stares at him silently.
''Sorry, and thank you'', Miyuki blushes so much his whole body turns red. ''Oh my, I should go, I have so much to report back… Thank you for the help, you're tasty, no, I mean, you're the best''.
He turns and runs, feeling the Knight's gaze burning on his back as he hurriedly activates the teleportation circle back to the Empire.
''You're tasty? What was that Miyuki?'' He mumbles to himself, wincing. ''I should've just kept my mouth shut, I'm truly an idiot''.