The first day of the year is not only the mark of a new year, but also a special date for those that live in the Morke Kingdom. Representing the Darkness Solstice, and the day of the Darkness Festival. One of the only two days of the year where they have a proper day and night, after which it'll commence the six months of pure darkness in the Kingdom.
Nikias didn't have the chance of properly seeing the Light Festival last time, so when Lyor invited him to the Darkness Festival, he was curious to see the customs and traditions of the people he's to rule in a year and a half's time.
''Are you sure you'll only take Fleuri and Lowe? You should take a Knight with you'', Alkaios sighs, it's still early in the morning, and he spent the whole night awake working, however he would be unable to sleep if he didn't check on his little brother. He keeps letting his emotions get the best of him and slowly he's drifting even further apart from Nikias, which he does not wish to. ''You're still fragile'', he says, touching Nikias' hair with endearment.
The Second Prince hides his emotions of anger and disgust perfectly. ''I will be fine with Lowe, and Lyor is aware of my state already as well''.
''Is the Kingdom equipped enough to handle mana poisoning?'' His question almost makes Nikias laugh, he's going to the capital of another Kingdom to stay at a Castle, not to mingle amongst the commonfolk of the countryside.
''They are'', he says simply, avoiding starting another fight. His head is filled with other worries, like the production of artifacts that was halted again due to the lack of Moonlight Silver available for purchase, the lack of information in relics he was able to amass through his Knights, the eerie perfect state in which his returned estates are, the opening of his store in a few weeks and most of all, the discovery of a new species of halflings he only ever saw once in a very badly sourced book.
After the Founding Festival's opening ceremony, Fleuri went to meet with the father and child Nikias had spoken to during the Festival. They didn't get many information from them, apparently the child was a fruit of love, not artificial breeding, the father had met an injured devil, caring for them with herbs he collected from the Blessed Forest - a forest near the Capital where monsters cannot reside and it possesses blessings from the Moon goddess -, as he took care of her, they ended up in love and had the child. However the mother died at the hand of slave traders and the father was attempting to run away and hide the child as they were passing the Festival.
Fleuri took them to the portal and brought them to the Morke Kingdom as refugees, by Nikias' orders, the man was hired at the Castle as a herbalist and gardner. Cypress wasn't happy, but Lyor accepted the man either way, arguing that Nikias' wouldn't do anything that would harm the nation he plans to live in. The truth was that the man simply wanted to do his fiance's whims and made up an excuse, however he was completely right.
''Your highness, did you take the pills I left at your night table?'' Lowe asks, not curtsying or paying respects towards the Crown Prince, he probably didn't even notice Alkaios standing there, his eyes are bloodshot, as if he spent the night crying, and his voice is extremely hoarse.
''Did Rainier break up with you or something?'' Alkaios asks, his question sounds rude, but the man is truly concerned, not for Lowe, of course, but towards his own best friend.
''I greet the stars of the Empire'', the servant bows as soon as he notices the Crown Prince. ''Lord Rainier…'' Lowe trails off before sighing. ''He did not do such a thing''.
''Can I be the one to guess next?'' Dacre shows up, his hair is back at the usual tone of pink, where he found the time to dye back his hair is a mystery, he has a smile on his face and he greets the Princes with a short bow, ''Did he make you cry out of… pleasure?'' Dacre has a mischievous smile, his mood is considerably good, and he seems excited for some reason.
The moment Dacre's eyes meet Nikias', the Prince can tell he does not wish to hear the details of why the boy is so happy.
''I think that's crossing the line'', Rainier says, wearing his armor, probably there to speak with the Crown Prince. ''Your highness, we must go, it's a long journey until we reach the Northern Duchy''.
''We should just use a portal'', Alkaios sighs, annoyed.
''The Duke said that if we arrive by portal he won't receive us''.
''That damned asshole'', Alkaios whispers under his breath, nodding.
''My question wasn't answered'', Dacre points out.
Rainier tilts his head, looking at Lowe then at Dacre. ''The reason why he cried is none of your concern,'' the Knight walks towards his lover, placing a kiss on his forehead and whispering something in his ear. ''And please, do not question him too much, he's…'' the man smiles. ''Still quite sensitive'', the double meaning joke makes Lowe blush and Dacre laugh.
''I'll get going, if something happens, come back immediately, mother would call forth a hundred physicians just for you, you know that, right?'' Alkaios speaks towards Nikias, who simply nods, eager to leave the Empire and his fake brother behind.
The Crown Prince and the Knight leave.
''Nikki'', Dacre almost shouts, excited, wrapping his arm around the Prince. ''I did it!'' And then he proceeds to whisper: ''We had sex''.
I really didn't want to know, Nikias thinks, with an annoyed sigh he says: ''Dacre, I'll hear the details when I'm back from the Kingdom, right now I do not wish to hear about it due to my poor health and eagerness to meet the King''.
''You're ill?''
''Mana poisoning'', Lowe says, holding his briefcase tightly, the material is so old that if he doesn't hold it properly it might burst open at any moment.
''Is it bad?''
''I'll be just fine soon, it's the same process as Jiwon'', Nikias says. ''The Sun god surely gave me an amazing gift at the Festival''.
''What's up with gods and hurting their Saints?'' Dacre comments, tilting his head in anguish, upset to hear his friend is sick. ''When will you be back?''
''In four days, I'll stay longer to see if it'll help with the mana poisoning. Lowe will stay with me and Fleuri will return tomorrow''.
''Are you sure you don't want me to tag along?'' Dacre asks.
''There's no need, and most of all I need you here dealing with the employees the Duke dismissed'', Nikias sighs, he also would like a break from Dacre's noisiness, if he stays near him the boy will notice his mood for sure, and somehow he always makes Nikias talk about his… feelings.
''As you wish'', Dacre nods.
''We should go now'', Lowe says once Fleuri appears, the half-elf is tired even more day after day, but today he seems even more exhausted.
''What happened to you? You didn't come last night, yet you look hungover'', Dacre says, way too damn observant for his own good. Fleuri flinches, shaking his head.
''It's none of your business''.
''I have my ways of finding out'', Dacre says, leaning back and crossing his arms. Nikias nods, unfortunately, Dacre was way too good at finding out other's secrets.
''Go on'', Fleuri says, sighing as he steps onto the magic circle.
''Were you with someone? Is your heart finally beating?'' Dacre jokes.
Fleuri's face twists in annoyance and disgust. ''I am human, my heart always beats''.
''Oh, don't joke around, you know what I mean.''
''And it was such nonsense I didn't see the need to take it seriously'', Fleuri answers simply, but his eyes twitch. He's upset about something.
''Give me 48 hours and I'll know everything about it, so why not tell us about it?''
''Because it's none of your concern. Actually, it's of so minimal importance that delaying the Prince's trip over this is absurd.'' Fleuri is dodging the subject, and whatever it may be, it's something that is bringing him enough annoyance and Dacre is only poking a feral dog further. But he's doing so on purpose.
Fleuri has many secrets, his past is a complete mystery, even the Prince doesn't know much about it, and his personality is… different. Of course, Nikias enjoys Fleuri's personality, they're even quite similar in some ways. They both don't care about personal relationships, are efficient in their work and good at strategizing. However their biggest difference is that Nikias still craves human warmth and love, even if he denies, while Fleuri couldn't care less if he'll die alone or not.
But that part of his personality bothers Dacre, not only because Fleuri is the hardest one to read, or that he's weirdly attached to a job he was forced into, but because Fleuri is constantly avoiding getting attached.
And Dacre is 100% sure his problem is due to some past trauma he doesn't wish to resolve, regardless of the reason for such, Dacre cannot stand being unable to understand a person's feelings and personality, their motivations and life.
So that's why he's weirdly pushy of Fleuri.
Not that it matters to the half-elf, because unlike the pink-haired boy, he doesn't belong there and will never forget his place.
As a person that was never supposed to exist, he was cursed by the gods, born only to kill his own mother.
That's why he was unable to sleep after what happened the day prior.
Because he felt despair knowing people could develop such feelings towards him, and he knows deep down he's unable to return anyone's feelings. His heart remained unmoved, for years he thought something was wrong with him, as a smart person he attempted to feel human as much as he could, and that included going through every step of puberty or the proper way of a human male to grow up and develop.
He was 14 when he realized he was different. Not in the already different sense of being a rare half-elf that could be sold as a slave at any given moment. But in the sense that while his male colleagues at the slums were constantly speaking of sex, relationships and other bodies, he felt numb.
Others' bodies didn't make him feel anything, their touches didn't excite him nor their advances felt engaging. He attempted to ''fix'' himself once or twice, reading pornography or going to a brothel once he came of age, and when he felt arousal once, it wasn't directed at a person, but rather a simple physiological response to his puberty hormones.
To Fleuri, that was a relief and a nightmare. If he didn't feel attracted to others, then he would never become dumb like others or even risk being found out as a half-elf. Most of all, he wouldn't risk hurting someone by accident with his blood. It's quite hard to explain the ecstatic feeling he felt after he realized and accepted he would never enter a relationship with another being. It was a feeling of freedom he knew he would never experience in his life ever again.
It doesn't mean, however, that others cannot see him in such lights. And to Fleuri, that isn't a reason to feel disgusted or angry, sometimes he even wonders if he should enter a loveless marriage just for the law's benefits. All he felt when someone attempted to enter a relationship with him was pity. Pity that a person was spending their feelings onto someone that would never reciprocate them.
The biggest problem, that made him barely sleep and sink into work even when he got the night off, was who asked him out.
Because Fleuri never saw that person in his life. Not crossing his path or casual conversation, the man simply approached him with flowers and confessed as if it was only natural to do so. It bothered him a lot. And that wasn't the only suspicious thing about the man, but also how he backed off way too easily when Fleuri said no, for someone who said love he was quite easily persuaded.
Was it perhaps an enemy of the Prince trying to seduce me? He questioned himself the whole night. Or was it an enemy trying to infiltrate the Palace using a servant that appeared easy? How did he know my name?
''Let's go'', Nikias' words cut Fleuri's thoughts, Dacre pouts, but steps back. The Prince turns to Fleuri once the magicians turn on the magic circle: ''Whatever it was, if it concerns me and you hide it, it won't end well for you''.
Fleuri flinches but doesn't answer. ''I'll tell you once I figured it out myself, your highness''.
''I'll trust you this once, but I'm not keen on giving second chances'', Nikias says, aware that once he's back, Dacre would have already found out whatever it was that happened.
If Dacre were able to clone himself, he would be better than anyone I could ever hire for the information guild, but since he's only one, keeping him next to me is the easiest way to find out about my allies and enemies, although having him at the information guild would also have been useful, perhaps I could offer him a position either way. Would that interfere with his duties as my Knight? I should think more about it.
Once Nikias finishes his thoughts, he arrives at the Morke Kingdom.
Per usual, at the moment they arrive, Fleuri pulls his long blonde hair up in a bun and leaves to speak with Cypress and Keres, after all that was the reason why he accompanied the Prince this time. The closer they are to open the store, the busier Fleuri gets.
Nikias leaves the magic circle accompanied by Lowe and walks around the streets of Lau, the capital city of the Morke Kingdom is bustling with people, some clearly didn't belong to the Kingdom previously, and are enjoying the Darkness Solstice for the first time as well.
Lau is filled with booths of local vendors, the streets decorated with the symbol of the Darkness goddess and her Priests are seen everywhere, blessing children and speaking amongst the goddess devotees. On the skies, dragons fly freely, too far for Nikias to properly see their physique. Local specialities are sold, such as a variety of fruits, flowers, herbs, unrefined mana stones, the most diverse of game meats, crafts made using local minerals and even others selling stews and other local food specialities.
''How they grow so many fruits and herbs if for half a year the nation is pitch dark?'' Lowe asks as they walk around, the sweet scent of the fruits filling their senses. Nikias stops in front of a small booth where a child is selling peaches and plums.
''They only grow through the other half, that's why the Kingdom has poor finances'', the Prince answers, grabbing a peach. ''How much?'' He asks, his tone is kind and he even forces himself to smile for the child.
The kid is clearly a child of Morke, their transparent skin, dark hair and eyes and even the clothes that reflect a style that went out of fashion 20 years ago in the Exos Empire. And most of all, the child has the symbol of the Darkness goddess painted in her forehead. Her dark eyes shine the moment she looks at the Prince.
''It's free for you, your highness!'' She says enthusiastically.
Nikias shakes his head: ''That wouldn't be fair, I don't steal from children'', he says with another soft smile.
''No! I can't possibly charge his majesty's beloved!''
''Where did you learn such words?'' Nikias asks with a laugh.
Lowe observes the Prince with a bit of sadness in his eyes. He's glad the Prince is happy now, talking with children, falling in love, growing older and wiser, leaving his room to see the world, no longer trapped inside his own misery. However it is sad that he's only able to smile like that far away from his family and far away from the nation he used to call home and love so deeply.
Of course, those were feelings that belong to a different Nikias, not that Lowe knows that, and even if he did, it would only make the situation sadder.
''Priest Keres told us to make sure to treat his majesty's beloved well! And to be respectful because you're an important Prince that will save us from starvation!'' The child is enthusiastic, waving her hands. She doesn't look past the age of 10, yet says those words of pain with ease.
''Oh'', Nikias straightens his posture. ''Is Lyor starving his people?'' His question is half a joke, half true concern.
The child opened her eyes in shock and despair, ''No! His majesty even gives us his own rations when the harvest is bad! Don't be upset at his majesty!'' She begs, as if she just committed a profanity at the gods, crying tears of despair for saying something she shouldn't have.
''Don't worry, I won't be upset at Lyor'', Nikias says, his eyes showing that he's thinking deeply about what the child said.
If the people are suffering so much, why does Lyor keep refusing financial help from the Empire? Is it only to prove to Nikias that he can do it all on his own? Is it pride? Or is the reason much simpler as to why he doesn't see his Kingdom as one that is suffering?
War and conquests are necessary to save thousands of children that are being sold off as slaves, but if the price to pay is the lives of the children that are already living under your care. Is it worth it?
''Your highness, please take more peaches with you. It will be my honor if you ate our peaches'', the child says, pushing more peaches on Nikias' hand. ''We'll sell more if we say that such an important figure ate here'', the child's words are eloquent, and she poises herself as if she was born in nobility, however the stains in her poorly made dress and the dirt under her nails show that her origins are humble. It seems the Temples prioritize education of the children over providing them with the basics.
Not that education isn't necessary as well, but what's the use it is to teach a starved child?
''The people love you too'', she says, blushing. ''We're happy our King is happy, and you're the one that made him happy''.
I thought the Temple was spreading that I'm a heretic, it's strange hearing such words of support when all I have heard until now were words of doubt and mistrust.
''He makes me happy too'', Nikias says, a bit shy.
The Morke Kingdom has a lot of issues, and Nikias isn't even sure where he will begin once those people surrounding him right now become his responsibility to bear. Should he start with politics or fixing the social situation of the people? How can he even decide when both are so intrinsically connected?
Can those people even wait another year until he officially marries Lyor?
''Your highness, the child is healthy and shows no signs of anemia'', Lowe whispers to Nikias, snapping the man out of his own spiral. ''They may have a different definition of starvation than you''.
Indeed, the child is apparently healthy, and even her teeth are clean and with only a few missing like any other healthy child.
But he can't kill the small voice at the back of his mind, telling him to feed them, to help them, so that no one feels the same pain he did.
Because the pain of starvation shouldn't be felt even by those that Nikias wouldn't hesitate to kill.
''I hope we'll have a prosperous year'', Nikias says with a soft smile, giving the child a golden coin. ''This isn't payment for the peaches, but a gift from your future ruler'', he forces another smile, giving the peaches for Lowe to carry. ''May the goddess guide you through the darkness'', he says with a half-bow, a phrase he learnt from Priest Cessair in one of his lessons, a farewell phrase used by the Darkness goddess devotees. Although he harbors only ill feelings towards such goddess, he still wants to demonstrate respect towards her followers, as they have no fault to the bad behaviour of their goddess, especially such behaviour they're unaware of.
The child opens a bright smile, the missing teeth adding to her charm. ''May the goddess guide you through the darkness!''.
Nikias and Lowe proceed to walk through the Festival, occasionally stopping and greeting vendors, buying more produce and some crafts like beeswax candles and Nikias even bought a few flower necklaces a child was selling on the floor at a more isolated part of the festival, overpaying it with a gold coin as he did at every single other booth he bought from.
''I didn't expect you to buy such childish necklaces, your highness'', Lowe comments as they walk towards the Castle. His gaze is on Nikias' hand where he's carrying a bunch of necklaces with a big variety of flowers. ''Nor for you to have such a soft spot for children, you stopped in all the booths with children as sellers''.
''I wouldn't want children if I disliked them'', he comments, looking at the necklaces. Lowe might've ignored the unusual color of the necklace, thinking it's a reflection of the flowers, but Nikias can feel the flow of mana as he holds them. Those were made with unrefined mana stones, a few other booths also carried adjournments made with them, of course they cannot be used for anything properly, since they're unrefined, however they still carry a bit of mana, and it's also fascinating how they treat the stones more like accessories than tools like the Exos Empire does.
''You want kids?'' Lowe asks, surprised.
''I wouldn't marry Lyor if I couldn't provide him with an heir'', Nikias says, ''Actually, I wouldn't marry a noble at all if I didn't think we could have offspring. It would only bring issues and the chances of being betrayed are higher, so I would've preferred to marry a commoner or a noble that wasn't the head of the household''.
Lowe pauses. ''I never thought about that'', he ponders. ''Do you think…'', he stops himself. ''Nevermind''.
''I'm sure Sir Rainier would've told you if he wished to continue his bloodline, since he's adopted, his father might not even wish for him to have such'', Nikias says, understanding Lowe's question without the need of being said. Normally he might've ignored the subtext in his gaze and words, but he was in a good mood.
The pressure in his head was lighter and he wasn't feeling as nauseous as before, sure, he wasn't completely well, but just enough to be able to enjoy the cold weather and beautiful Festival.
''Do you wish to have children, Lowe?'' Nikias asks, stopping as they enter the Castle's gardens.
The servant ponders before answering: ''I never thought about it, children tend to dislike me due to my mana, and I don't know how my mana would react in the artifact, the child might not be born properly…''
''My question was about your wishes, not if you'll have them''.
''...If Rainier wishes to, I might''.
Nikias laughs: ''For someone so unsure before, you seem fond of Sir Rainier''.
It fascinates Lowe, just how much the Prince changes when he goes to Morke, how easily he laughs, smiles and how kind he is to others. He acts as if he's already their King Consort, as if he has no doubt he'll soon rule these people.
''Yes, I seem to have gotten used to his presence in my life'', Lowe nods as they start to walk again.
''I know I act indifferent towards you'', Nikias says, his eyes lingering on the outside of the Castle for a moment before they enter it. He looks melancholic, perhaps is the mana poisoning making him act so differently, or is it just because he feels comfortable surrounded by Lyor's mana, even if his own mana is uncomfortable by such. ''Most often I just have no wish to interfere with your personal lives because I am your boss at work, I do not have the right to dictate how you live your life. But I do care about you, all of you'', Nikias takes a deep breath. ''I may not trust all of you fully, but that is my burden to carry, not yours, and you, Lowe, you're exceptional at your job. You're dedicated, smart and carry yourself with dignity. Even after all you and Raphael went through, you both still have the drive and hope to keep living. So all I really want right now, is for you to have a fulfilling life, so that you can work even better. What I want to say is: Do not hesitate to ask for my help, even if I sound cold or refuse to tell you my reasons, I will never let any of my people suffer''. He pauses. ''Well, but you do need to ask for my help, I will not interfere with anyone's life if it doesn't interfere with their work by myself, so keep it in mind''.
''You're way kinder than you give yourself credit for, your highness. You always were''.
Lowe's words make Nikias' eye twitch, and he cannot even refute him, because if he did what would he say? That he wasn't always kind because not only he isn't the original Nikias, but he's also guilty of letting his brother die in front of his own eyes?
If he were truly kind, he would've died in his brother's stead.
Yet here he is, surviving even after death.
''Your highness!'' He is first greeted by Lyor's butler, Keres is wearing a Priest's ceremonial clothes that shine with images of dragons everytime she moves, when she's still the images are hidden in the dark fabric.
''Keres'', he nods towards the half-dragon woman. Next to her is Cypress and Fleuri, both focused on their own discussion over the documents.
''...We cannot simply send produce to be sold if our people need it to survive'', Cypress says, scratching his head, Nikias can see that the man's dark circles are deep enough to compete with Fleuri's - although Fleuri's would definitely win -, his hair is also messy, half of it on a low ponytail while the other half down and clearly not by stylistic choice.
''The fruits of the Morke Kingdom are delicacies you don't trade with no other nation, it would fetch ten times the price you'd sell here. The money generated would buy three times more food'', Fleuri points out.
''You may be correct, but it would take a while for the profit to return to us''.
''That's not necessarily true'', Nikias says, interrupting their conversation. ''We're not making a trade where you'll receive the profit at the end, the store is mine, not the Kingdom's nor the Empire's.''
''Exacly'', Fleuri nods. ''We will be buying the product at thrice its price and selling by tenfold''.
''Why would you do such a thing? That makes no sense, business-wise'', Cypress says with a frustrated sigh. ''I understand your highness wishes to stimulate the Kingdom's economy, since we were isolated for so long, this highly benefits us as well, but using the teleportation circle will cost a lot, and the produce wouldn't last a boat trip to the Empire, especially considering the Capital is located at the center not at the borders.''
''Cypress, my goal is to make people interested in the Kingdom, buying the goods as luxury products with exorbitant prices, but also will be selling other produces at cheaper prices so that everyone talks about the fruits of the Morke Kingdom'', Nikias takes a seat at Lyor's empty chair. Crawling out of his pocket is Petal, yawning as she just woke up and resting on Nikias' shoulder. ''Once nobles and commoners alike spread the word, we'll be having other merchants and nations interested in establishing a commerce route with the Kingdom, this is so that in the future the economy will have constant stimuli. Especially considering the amount of endemic fruits you have''.
''Pardon me for not believing you'd do this simply for the benefit of the Kingdom, your highness''.
Nikias nods. ''Of course not, the teleportation circle we'll use for the commercial route won't be the Empire's one.''
''Who else would have the technology to make such a thing?'' Keres is the one to ask this time. ''We only have the circle because the late Empress was friends with the Queen at the time, otherwise we wouldn't have neither the money nor the technology for such. Our mages aren't even half of the Empire's''.
''I have someone that'll do it for me'', Nikias says, leaning back, not that he already secured Margrave Larchier's help, but considering the extensive amount of letters he received of the man begging to have just a tiny bit more of his blood, he might do it for it. ''And my company will have exclusive rights for the trade route''.
''So you'll have the monopoly''.
''Exactly, we'll expand to other nations and with it our information guild will go along, we'll plant eyes everywhere, so that anyone harboring ill intent towards us gets crushed before they can even blink''. Nikias smiles. ''My goal isn't just helping the Kingdom's economy, or establishing my name as future King Consort, but also building a proper foundation so that when this Kingdom grows even more under mine and Lyor's rule, we're able to protect ourselves and our people''.
Cypress is surprised by how far Nikias is thinking about, or even the fact that he cares about the Kingdom's future.
''What other goods will you sell there?'' Keres asks.
''We'll only sell the Kingdom's goods'', Nikias says.
''Why?'' Cypress asks, confused.
''Because I don't see why I should sell anything else. I don't plan on competing in existing waters. At the beginning we'll sell herbs, fruits and flowers. Soon we'll move towards selling other unique accessories, like these necklaces made of unrefined mana stones'', he shows the others the necklaces he bought from the child at the Festival. ''Of course we'll need to find a good jeweler to make these more luxurious for the nobles and richmen''.
''And we're also making a trade plan to exchange unrefined mana stones with the Empire'', Fleuri says, grabbing a few papers from his bag and giving it to Cypress. ''The proposal isn't complete yet, but if we exchange the high amount of high-grade unrefined mana stones the Kingdom cannot use with refined mana stones from the Empire, we would have another source of income for the Kingdom, a friendly business relationship with the Empire that doesn't rely solely on his highness marriage and improve the quality of life of those who live here''.
Keres and Cypress read the proposal in silence, once they finish reading they both sigh.
''Your highness, I'm so grateful for you'', Keres says, ''His majesty should thank the goddess he found someone like you to marry him'', she seems to mean her words.
''I may not be fond of this marriage, but I agree with Miss Keres, this proposal would help the Kingdom recover from the damage of the conquests'', Cypress says, rubbing between his eyes with a frustrated sigh. ''I just hope this proposal can be made independent of marriage. We cannot risk your highness changing our mind and breaking this deal. There's nothing more dangerous than giving the people hope and then stripping it away''.
''Why would I ever change my mind?'' Nikias asks, clearly angry.
Cypress cannot say that by the rumors, the Prince sounds fickle or that even in the visions the Nature god showed him, he looked unreliable.
''And if we were to make such a deal independently, we wouldn't be able to do it for you. The King himself would need to speak to the Emperor, and I apologize, but I do not think the Emperor would ever accept a deal with the King'', Fleuri says, his tone doesn't waver, but anyone can see in his eyes that he was just as offended as the Prince, since he was the one that spent nights writing that proposal alongside him.
''For what reason would he refuse? The Kingdom is one of the few places that have such richness in mana stones.''
''Cypress, you are forgetting that this is a deal only made available because of Prince Nikias, otherwise your Kingdom wouldn't even have such an opportunity''.
''We could do a trade route by ourselves'', Cypress lies, he knows the Kingdom is too isolated to create political relationships out of thin air, and not only that, but their King is extremely uninterested in politics.
He is the one having his judgement clouded by his prejudices towards the Prince, if it were another Prince, he might've jumped at the opportunity without thinking twice.
''That's a lie'', Fleuri says, grabbing the proposal papers from Cypress' hand. ''His highness might be a demanding man and sometimes even cruel to his own subordinates, but he spent nights on end doing this proposal with me, he read books on the Kingdom's climate and even studied herbology to be able to properly create a business plan for the trade, not only that, but he visited mana mines in the Empire to study their work and even how far the Empire is capable of self-supply. Yet you doubt him, based on what? Enlighten me, what could've his highness done to warrant such unfounded questioning?''
Nikias blushes, just how Fleuri sees me? He is embarrassed, sure, he was defended before by Lowe, Raphael and mostly Dacre, but Fleuri is the quiet type, he never thought he would hear the half-elf speaking so passionately about their work. Even if Nikias isn't sure if he's being praised or condemned.
''It seems I wasn't invited to this meeting'', at the door, Lyor is standing, his arms crossed and a mischievous smile on his lips, he's sweaty from training and his clothes are more fitting of a low-ranking Knight than a King, however he looks just as dashing.
''Your majesty'', most of those present bow to the man as he walks into the office, he shakes his hand, uninterested in formalities.
''When did you arrive?'' His question is directed at Nikias, who's simply staring at him blankly.
It's been a while since he's seen Lyor in person, and his heart is beating so damn fast that he might fall hard on the floor if he gets up from that chair. No, he might even get a heart-attack. Is this another symptom from mana poisoning? Nikias questions himself, but he knows better, he knows his heart is beating simply because of Lyor's presence in the same room as him.
Doesn't matter how many times he sees the King, he's still mesmerized by how perfectly the man fits his type. Even wearing shabby clothes, his dark hair dripping wet or his odd eyes shining with mischievousness, he still looks like he came down from the heavens. A god. His imposing aura, his tall stature and a voice that could make anyone tremble.
When Nikias doesn't answer his question, the King brushes his fingers on the man's face, staring into the Prince's golden eyes with affection. ''How are you feeling? Is being here helping your condition?''
The Prince nods, closing his eyes and resting his head on Lyor's cold palm.
Outside of the bubble of the Prince and the King, the others feel awkward for witnessing the interaction. Fleuri turns his attention to the documents in his hands, while Cypress winces with disgust, Keres leaves the room without a single word and Lowe fiddles with his bag, trying not to look at the couple.
''It's better when you touch me'', Nikias says, feeling his head becoming clearer as Lyor caresses his cheek. The King's cold touch balances perfectly the warmth he's feeling. While it's winter in the Empire, in the Kingdom it is summer, but besides the temperatures rising, the people of the Kingdom don't feel much of the difference as they do not have a sun nor the same concept of day and night as other nations.
Not that Lyor's body temperature ever fluctuates.
The goddess touch was also cold, perhaps is a trait her Saint shares? I can't help but find suspicious how much he looked like Lyor. After seeing the Sun god, I noticed we don't share any resemblance besides the eye color, I couldn't be mistaken as his kin, but the goddess on the other hand… Could easily pass as Lyor's mother. Wasn't he abandoned at the Temple as a child? Could he actually be related to the goddess? Even so I never heard about half-gods, be it in the original novel or in the books available to me in the Empire, however since I never met the Light god I cannot make assumptions based on a short meeting I had with the Darkness goddess.
Haven't Lyor ever met them in person? If he did, he would have also noticed the resemblance…
''You're always so easily trapped inside your own thoughts'', Lyor says with a soft smile as he caresses Nikias' ear with affection. ''Let's have lunch together at the Festival, I need to make a speech at midday so…''
''Ok'', Nikias answers simply. ''You should bathe and change into proper clothes''.
Lyor laughs. ''I should, I was simply in a hurry to see you''.
''We have our whole lives to see each other, so I don't see why the hurry'', he says as if he wasn't eager to meet the King himself.
''I simply missed you'', Lyor says with another smile. ''What were you discussing so fervently?'' This time the question is directed at Cypress, but the King keeps his hand on Nikias' face, caressing his cheek and ear.
Fleuri gives the papers to the King, who reads them in silence. Once he finishes reading he speaks:
''I may not be as good as Cypress analyzing documents, however this seems like a good deal, let's proceed with that''.
''You shouldn't admit being ignorant about something, Lyor'', Nikias says.
The King nods, making Nikias' words a mental note, accepting the criticism.
''Your majesty, this is reckless, what if the Prince changes his mind? I cannot be the only sane one here!'' Cypress exclaims, frustrated.
''He won't'' Lyor says firmly, his hands stopping. ''You're crossing the line again, Cypress, I truly appreciate your concern, but can you not see all Nikias is doing is assisting the Kingdom with its prosperity?''
''Then why won't he simply help us directly? Why make this convoluted plan?''
''I was the one who refused any kind of financial aid'', Lyor says, playing with Nikias' hair, his eyes on his fiance. ''If we receive direct money from the Empire we would be starting a debt, I refuse to set my successors into failure by borrowing money we have no way of repaying. And even if we aren't required to repay with money, what could our debt amass to? Sure, perhaps the next Emperor won't ask for repayment, but down the line, anyone could use this to ruin us''.
''Wouldn't the same be said by if Prince Nikias' backs off?'' Cypress sighs, he agrees with Lyor's words, he understands his own biases, and that he's being unreasonable, but he is overprotective of the Kingdom. Even if he recognizes Prince Nikias is serious about his position and is smart enough to help the Kingdom prosper, he still needs to question everything.
''A deal is different from a gift, a contract has legal backing'', Lyor says.
''Would it make you more at ease if we added a clause saying that if the engagement between them doesn't end in marriage due to the Prince's choices, we will still honor it?'' Fleuri comments, taking a seat at Cypress' table, making notes on the documents the King gave back to him.
''I suppose so'', Cypress nods.
Nikias doesn't interrupt, not only is this supposed to be Fleuri's negotiation, but he also doesn't think it matters. He won't back off either way.
''Well, since this was settled, I will get dressed, I'll meet you in the gardens'', King Lyor is now speaking directly to Nikias, who simply nods.
It takes a full hour for them to meet again at the Castle's gardens, Nikias is watching as Petal feeds on the exotic flowers of the garden when Lyor's cold touch draws his attention towards him.
The King is now looking the part. His suit more resembles a militaire uniform than a regular suit, bottomed to the top a sash across his chest that connects with the asymmetric cape behind him. His boots almost reach his knees and blend well with the dark pants. His whole attire is dark in tone with the exception of the sash and inner fabric of the cape that are purple in tone. Adjourned with accessories made of silver, the artistry of his clothes is clear as each button has carved a different dragon and the purple stone near his shoulder has an open-winged dragon silver brooch surrounding it. On his left ear is dangling the same sword earring he always has, but with his hair styled back it makes it more visible.
''You look stunning'', Nikias comments, tucking his overgrown hair behind his ear, he should cut it soon, but he's been way too busy that now his silver hair is tickling the back of his neck.
''Not as much as you'', Lyor comments, his gaze going from Nikias to Petal, which is now flying back towards Nikias' pocket. ''You brought her this time''.
''Yes,'' Nikias picks the fairy up, showing her to Lyor, Petal looks at the King with curious eyes, but doesn't make a single noise. ''Petal, this is my future husband, King Lyor Natrix Noir''.
''Nice to meet you Petal, I hope you keep protecting my dear Nikias from here on out'', Lyor bends over to look the fairy in the eyes, the creature blushes, flying to hide behind Nikias' shoulder. ''She's shy'', he laughs softly.
''A bit'', Nikias answers, once Petal notices she isn't the center of attention anymore she flies into Nikias' pocket to sleep after filling her stomach with delicious flowers.
They walk and chat towards the Festival, occasionally stopping as people greet them, more specifically, greet the King.
Once they arrive at the center of the festival there are already a crowd gathered, contrary to the ceremony in the Empire, there no one attempts to get near to them or touch them, there's no stage but Lyor stops at a place where no one is gathered, as if they were already aware the King was going to use that spot.
The crowd is silent, but in their eyes Nikias can see, the eagerness, the faith, and even the anger of those who were stripped of their homelands, all of them are gathered there to see Lyor, and although many have malicious intent, none dares to move towards the King or utter a word of disapproval.
Nikias attempts to stay near the crowd, but Lyor pulls him to stand next to him, his hand on the man's waist, not uttering a word to tell him why or even addressing such towards the dozens watching them closely.
''We are gathered here today for another Solstice, as darkness takes over our skies, let's remember the darkness we follow is one that brings comfort and peace, not one of violence and fear.'' Lyor speaks, his voice is clear and entrancing. ''Enjoy the festival near your loved ones, and remember, we stand here alive, so let's live well and happily, as this is what I wish for my people'', he turns to look at Nikias, ''And myself''.
With such words a dark shadow spreads from Lyor's feet, covering the entirety of the floor they stand on before moving up and covering the skies instead, and like that, just like the first time Nikias visited the Kingdom, the skies are completely engulfed by darkness, with not a single star to be seen.
''May the darkness bless your days and nights!'' Lyor says at last, followed by the cheers of the crowd. It doesn't matter how many times he sees how much the people are devoted to Lyor, it still amazes him. Contrary to how the people of the Empire see the Emperor and Empress - as vessels of the will of the gods -, its as if the people of the Kingdom see King Lyor as a god himself, perhaps because contrary to the goddess of the Moon and god of the Sun, the two gods blessing the Kingdom never appear amongst their people.
The crowd disperses, and soon the Festival is filled, contrary to earlier when Nikias arrived.
''It's quite lively'', he comments.
Lyor nods: ''The festivals are symbols of hope and prosperity, contrary to what many may say, we become even more capable of sustaining ourselves every year'', he supports himself on Nikias for a moment, dizzy due to the overuse of his mana, especially now that the territory of the Kingdom expanded.
''Will you be fine?''
''Yes, let's enjoy the Festival'', Lyor says with a weak nod, placing a kiss on Nikias' forehead. ''I want to enjoy this day with you''.
''I came by earlier, but it wasn't this full'', Nikias says. ''Do you need to greet every vendor?''
''It's tradition, but I can always do it later on''.
''No, I would like to know more about you and the people''.
His words make Lyor smile, stopping on his tracks. ''Nikias''.
''Hm?'' The Prince turns his attention to the King, their difference in height makes him look up directly into his shining odd eyes.
The man doesn't say a word, he simply leans over and places his lips on Nikias', the kiss is soft and prickly, short but sweet, after all they're in public. There was no need to affirm their relationship in front of the people, they're not the ones doubting them, yet the King still felt compelled to do so.
Was it for the same reason as to why every single other time they met they have kissed? Regardless of if they were in front of others or not? Perhaps it was also why when in the same space, their hands are always on each other?
There's no denying their attraction towards one another, it was like that since the moment Nikias laid eyes on the King, and not only that but he always intended in taking this relationship seriously, fulfilling all the duties a regular husband and partner would.
Yet his heart pounds with fear now, when before only excitement filled his heart, now fear also found its way inside. Not only due to his own inability to discern his own feelings, but also the words Jiwon said weeks ago.
Him and Lyor being soulmates wasn't that shocking, it even made sense in a degree, although confusing, after all the moment he laid eyes upon the man, he felt an immediate sense of attraction he never felt before. What truly made fear creep into Nikias' heart was the idea that one day, Lyor might learn to like someone else just like Emperor Magnus did.
That Lyor's affection might one day fade.
Even if divorce is illegal in the Morke Kingdom due to religious beliefs, it doesn't mean they could implement such in the future - and they probably should, which makes Nikias even more restless.
He'll never back off. Can he say the same about Lyor?
What if it all falls even more apart?
And the only person he opened his heart to, betrays him?
Could he bounce back from that as well?
A/N:
Hope you liked the chapter :)
So, I would like to say that there is a side story posted on Lowe and Rainier, and soon there will be a new one with the background on the male side characters (Gutierre, Miyuki, Frode, Nicholas, Cypress, Noor and Anwar, no Lowe, Rainier, Dacre or Jiwon because they have their past told in their own side stories) soon, I must say writing Noor's past was my favorite since his story is so much fun to explore, so I hope you'll look forward to it.
Also would like to influence you to check my bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/shootystr.bsky.social
In the fixed thread I put a lot of things I did on HLWC and, most of all I talk about it all the time. However the reason is I posted there the map I made on the Exos Empire recently, so please check it out.
Don't forget to check out the story's playlist: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzQy_skC__7d7RJhTb7P_1jphprcYV7v3&si=GE9-lPbhJM0kM3bJ
Thank you! See y'all next chapter!