⚠︎ This chapter has mention of underage sexual activity.
♬ Thank God I'm Not You - HIMALAYAS ♬
"Encapsulating us, time, and space are the gushes of wind, always changing, never the same, can we move like them? With the freedom of being nothing but what they are, without the worries of society or the fear of mistakes."
There's a lot of facilities inside the Knight's building at the Exos Empire's Palace training grounds, not only the dorms, indoor arenas, meeting rooms and equipment rooms, there are also laboratories for the use of Knights that are also mages. Although such facilities do exist, they're rarely used as the Empire makes a lot of distinction between Knights and Mages, so right now, the only ones using the laboratories are Irene and Miyuki, Knights of the Golden Phoenices, the order that belongs to the Second Prince. Of all of the four abandoned labs, Irene chose the biggest one, and although she does have her own room at the dorms, she mostly sleeps at the lab; it also helps avoid others from seeing what she's researching.
When Irene was a child, she was from a small Viscounty, she was not overly happy nor overly sad, but she did enjoy studying magic, developing an obsession with creating and studying magic circles, luckily for her, her mana helped her achieve a lot. And she could've achieved even more if her parents didn't borrow money from the wrong people and ended up falling out of nobility. As a fallen noble, her parents ''didn't have another choice'' but sold her off to an old man.
She married Margrave Farhi against her will, but as a trophy wife at least she could study in secret, hiding away at the library when her husband wasn't home. Yet it all came crumbling down again when he was arrested and executed for treason, sure, she knew her husband was a piece of trash, after all she had to sleep with the man.
Memories she wishes she could wash away along with the dirt in a long bath. But they'll always torment her, regardless of what she does and how far she goes.
To continue her path as a magician she attempted to get a recommendation from the Crown Prince to enter one of the Towers across the Empire. However, she wasn't able to. Instead, as if the universe was keen into tossing her from one unbelievable situation to another, she got an offer from the useless Second Prince.
But of useless the man didn't seem to have anything. Even being smart enough to spot her desperation and force her into a mana pact, and not only that but manipulating the woman into creating magical artifacts for him as if she's a factory.
However, even if she complains, Irene is the happiest she could be in her 24 years of age. Oh well, 25 years in actuality.
''Happy birthday'', Scarlet says, placing a box on Irene's table. The lab is quite big, and messy, there are papers tossed everywhere, that only Irene and Miyuki would be able to tell what is which, there are two tables where they do their own studies and a bigger one filled with materials and papers, the walls are filled to the brim with their books and the walls have ingrained mana stones she requested the Prince for, with the purpose of acclimatization, protection and surveillance.
As a former noble, one would expect Irene to portray herself in a certain way, however she is a researcher up and foremost. Irene is wearing a white dress with a white lab coat on top, her unruly curly ash hair is in a long braid and her teal eyes are hidden behind the safety goggles she seemed to have forgotten to take off as she left the experiment table to her own to write down her findings, and she seems to not leave her lab often as her usually dark tanned skin is paler now. She looks like a mad mage, Scarlet thinks as she sits down on top of Irene's table, watching as the woman finishes what she was writing before looking up at the Knight.
''My birthday was yesterday Scarlet'', Irene says with a sigh, she doesn't seem pleased with whatever she wrote down. Reluctantly she opens the box, as she sees the contents her face changes from disappointment to excitement. ''How? When?'' She trembled as she took the stone from the box. The Wisdom Pearl is a sacred item from the Gypsum Kingdom and only four of them are produced each century, although its properties aren't used for anything as they should due to the stinginess of the rulers, it is known for the great mana conductivity and storage. Not even if she died and were to be reborn would she guess she would be able to hold such a precious stone with her bare hands.
''Well, if you really wanna know'', Scarlet says, leaning back with her hand to look at Irene. ''I should suggest the Gypsum Kingdom change their Crown Princess''.
''Did she make the trade?'' Irene asks as she gets up and searches for a safe place to store the stone. ''I thought we couldn't find a stone she was interested in''.
''Ha'', Scarlet smirks, ''Let's just say I offered her something far more enticing'', the suggestion in her voice and the mischievous look in her eyes tell Irene more than she wishes to know. ''After that it was easy to infiltrate the Castle and steal the stone''.
Irene freezes. ''You stole the Wisdom Pearl?'' Her voice displays clearly her complete shock.
''His highness orders'', Scarlet says, raising her hand as if it absolves her of anything she has done.
''Then what's done is done'', Irene sighs, feeling defeated. ''How was the Kingdom?''
''It smelled like salt everywhere, I kept sneezing, oh and I also saw the sick Prince'', Scarlet says, getting down from the table. ''He looked extremely frail, no wonder he never leaves the Castle''.
''He has mana allergy, makes sense'', Irene says, finally placing the Wisdom Pearl in one of the drawers of her desk. ''The salt of the Gypsum Kingdom is composed mainly of mana, so if he inhales it he could die''.
''Sounds like a nightmare'', Scarlet says, tucking her wild red hair behind her ear. ''Where's the vamp?''
''Miyuki is asleep, he slept late after helping me with the communication mirror'', Irene sighs, she's also tired, but falling asleep now feels like a waste. I should find a way to break the Wisdom Pearl and refine it without losing its properties.
''Any progress? Damn, how many projects the Prince dumped on you guys?'' Scarlet asks as she checks the papers on the desk in the middle of the laboratory.
''Seven or eight I think'', Irene says, looking for the papers on the location device. ''We're almost done with half of them, Miyuki is quite the help''.
''Isn't he a bit suspicious, though? I mean he never utters a word unless he's with you or the Prince'', the Knight comments, with a sigh. ''And the fact that he's a half-vampire… I don't know''.
''He's not gonna drink ya's blood'', Irene says, looking at the woman. ''He's just hella shy'', she continued. ''And he has bad experiences with nobles so he probably feels uncomfortable around ya''.
''Isn't he a vampire?''
''Just half, he can eat human food too, and he mostly drinks animal blood'', Irene says, ''Can you leave now? I want to focus on my research''.
Scarlet sighs. ''Damn, that's cold, I just brought ya a gift''.
''Stop mimicking my accent, and go train or something, don't ya have another mission or something?'' Irene asks, annoyed.
''Nope, we're on standby for the black market raid'', Scarlet says, ''But I'll leave, I should go see Clara for training''.
''Thanks, and thank you for getting the Wisdom Pearl'', Irene says with a sigh. ''It'll be very helpful''.
''Yeah, yeah'', Scarlet says waving her hand. ''Just forget it, it was an order anyway''.
❥
''...The construction of the fourth floor is up for completion at the latest early December'', Fleuri mutters as he attempts to keep up with the Second Prince that is walking as if he's being chased. It's not as if Fleuri didn't know why the Prince was acting like this, since the engagement of his brother, he seemed out of it, as if he was on autopilot, working more than usual, barely sleeping and barely eating, visually anyone could tell Prince Nikias lost a lot of weight. Just why is he in so much hurry to get everything done? Ordering Scarlet to hurry and steal a treasure from another Kingdom, and even attempting to hurry the black market operation… All Fleuri can do is ponder the reasoning behind his employer's actions.
At least since King Lyor's return from his conquest two weeks ago, he has seemingly calmed down.
''That's unacceptable, the store is scheduled to open in January'', Nikias says, his voice shows anger but his expression is blank. ''Get them to finish by mid-November and if they say it's impossible, just ask Gutierre to talk with them, last time it seemed to be effective''.
''Honestly I think they just want more money'', Fleuri says with a sigh, again, he must deal with those rowdy Knights.
Nikias stays silent for a moment as they pass through the Palace's garden, his eyes wavering once he reaches the flowerbed his fairy usually eats at. He stops, placing the creature there, crouching to watch her eat.
I could be filling up the store's tax report that is due tomorrow… Fleuri thinks, slightly annoyed. He watches as the Prince's expression changes from a completely blank one to one of the most pure sadness, he even looks about to cry. If he wasn't doing that every day for two months, then Fleuri could be worried about his employer. Perhaps it is the influence of the fairy's mana as she eats the flowers, making the man waver in his emotions, showcasing them even when he doesn't wish to do so.
''Fleuri, there is a lot I want to do'', Nikias says in a whisper, probably to avoid the other employees walking around them from hearing their conversation. ''I'm not capable of doing all alone, so that's why we need to ask for help sometimes'', his words probably refer to the cooperation between the Golden Phoenices, the Silver Crows and Evangelia in this new operation, something the Prince seems still reluctant about although it was his choice. ''As the person I entrust a lot of my work to, I must tell you I intend to create a certain resistance during the meeting''.
''You're going to cause a fight?'' Fleuri asks, he doesn't need to ask why, after five months working under Prince Nikias, he already figured his moves of action. The Prince is after making sure every Knight remains attentive, constantly thinking they might be betrayed is a good way to do so, however it can also cause mistrust, making the Knights attack each other instead of the enemy.
''Do you know what I hate the most?''
''Being betrayed?''
Nikias raises his head to look at the half-elf, under the bright sun Fleuri looks ethereal, his long hair has a few braids, something he does every time they have important meetings, his eyes are looking at the Prince with calmness, as if he's used to the tests disguised with innocent questions. Although Nikias is questioning his every choice, his every action, worried he is walking a path of destruction instead of one of protection, he's also, in moments like this, glad of the choices he made out of pure selfishness.
''You are correct'', he says with a soft smile, turning his gaze back to Petal, who is now flying back towards him, sitting on his shoulder. ''I do not trust my brother's Knights, so I want to see it''.
''Won't the Crown Prince be upset at you for testing his Knights?'' Fleuri asks, following the Prince as he starts to walk again. ''After all, he is known to be quite methodic''.
''Alkaios won't care'', Nikias laughs softly. ''All he cares about is me, Evangelia and being a better Emperor than father'', he continues, making sure there is no one around them as he speaks. ''Plus, I'm just going to nudge them a bit, so they reveal their worries in a fit of rage''.
''The Crown Princess will be there too'', Fleuri points out with a sigh, already exhausted, he wants to pull his hair up, take a deep breath and lay underneath a tree to read a book, he desperately wants a break.
''In a week I'll be going to the Kingdom again, you can take the day off then'', Nikias says.
Fleuri pauses. ''I won't be going with you?''
''Do you want to?'' Nikias asks, trying to hide his smile. ''Take a break, you've been working too much, sorry for not getting you any breaks nowadays''.
He's sorry? Fleuri wants to question again but he only nods, he's not about to say he rather work, even if he's worried about the meeting he had scheduled with Cypress and the other one with Keres, he can always send them letters. It's not going to be every time that Prince Nikias will be kind enough to feel sorry for him. I think he's completely crazy, Fleuri thinks as they enter the Knight's building at the training grounds. One moment he's smiling, the other he's mad and then he's apologizing? Even if Fleuri is constantly calling his employer crazy in his mind, he's aware that the Prince controls a lot of the emotions he shows, and that his words and actions all point towards a clear goal, even when he does something uncharacteristic like helping his brother or letting Fleuri rest for a full day without any condition.
Shouldn't those be basic employee conditions? He wants to laugh at himself, since when does the aide of a ruler have a break? He once spoke to Viscount Bernard Clark, the aide of the Emperor, their meeting was short, but the single man in his 50s did say something that made Fleuri painfully aware of his future. The man said that the young man reminded him of himself when he was the young Prince Magnus' aide before he became Emperor.
I don't mind dying single, but that man looked 70 not 50, he thinks as soon as they enter the meeting room, this time they were using the most luxurious room, and also the bigger one, probably of exclusive usage of the Silver Crows. They don't even hide how they see us, Fleuri thinks the moment he sees that none of the Crown Prince's Knights greet Nikias once he enters.
Well, all except for one, that follows the Golden Phoenices, as they all get up from their chairs, bowing. ''I greet the second star of the Empire'', they all say in unison as if they practiced it, alongside the Captain of the Silver Crows.
Rainier Bauldry's actions clearly shock his colleagues as all of them stare at him as if he went insane. Relationships sure make people change in the weirdest ways, Fleuri thinks as he takes his place next to Prince Nikias, preparing all of the documents for the meeting and also getting ready to write down everything they speak of during the meeting. I need to ask for a writing machine to make the meeting reports, he makes a mental note.
The last one to arrive is Evangelia, this time, all the Knights greet her and she takes a seat next to Prince Nikias, her eyes seem tired and her complexion isn't good, as if she's as overworked as anyone else there. The pressure of getting this right must be eating her up, Nikias thinks as he glances at Fleuri, a sign for the aide to give him the meeting papers.
Most would expect Evangelia to be the one conducting the meeting, not only for being the highest ranking person there, but also because she's the one that started the investigation. However the first one to speak and the one sitting at the end of the table and holding the meeting documents is Nikias.
''I'm glad everyone arrived on time'', he starts. ''I receive everyone's report on the investigation, and I must say I'm surprised on how little you managed to find'', his tone is curt and his eyes are serious, if anyone there had an ounce of doubt if the Prince could be serious and intimidating, they would have their mind changed with just a glance at the man right now. ''So I'll share what we managed to gather'', he continues, his words making Evangelia flinch. ''Raphael'', he says pointing towards the Knight.
Raphael gets up from his chair, his eyes on the Prince, his hands behind his back in a straight stance to show respect. This isn't their first joint meeting, however it is the first one that includes all the Knights, so he decides to introduce himself first. ''I'm Raphael, his highness Prince Nikias' Knight and the one in charge of the investigation on our side'', he says, his voice is clear although his hands are trembling, it's the first time he's doing something like this in a formal setting. ''During our three-months investigation we found that there are six noble families involved in the illegal trade of refined mana stones, the one gathering the families is the West Dukedom.'' He takes a deep breath before continuing. ''Duke Erik Sawdon uses mail mana circles to communicate with the other nobles, we have found traces of their communication after one of the families had their tax inspection with the help of Lord Xylon Bosch''.
It was expected to a certain extent, as Raphael continues to report his findings and explain the families connected to the smuggling case, most of the Silver Crows Knights had blank expressions on their faces, as if they refuse being briefed by a mere commoner. There wasn't much on the other Knights that composed the Silver Crows in 'Odd Eyes', they were more background characters that were used for convenience, be it when they needed Knights to sacrifice or to create a story to make sure Evangelia was seen as a good-hearted heroine that helped even her Knights with frivolous problems.
''...And thus, it concludes what we found in regards to those involved'', Raphael concludes, Nikias can see he's nervous yet he spoke clearly. One of his good traits is being transparent with his emotions, but he still should learn how to hide them sometimes.
As Raphael sits again, Nikias continues.
''Thank you, Raphael'', he says, ''Now, on the reason for their smuggling, could we hear your report, Sir Jiwon?'' He glances at the Knight, his hair is grown and he's now using his bangs to hide the scar from his sainthood, and after spending more time with the Second Prince and his Knights, he seems to have accepted more of his fate serving the man as he has not been making remarks regarding his marriage to Lyor anymore.
Jiwon gets up, Nikias could have Raphael make the whole report, but he wants to make sure the Silver Crows feel the difference between them and the Golden Phoenices, to understand they were unable to gather that much basic information while the Knights they deem inferior did it with ease.
Before Jiwon starts speaking, one of the Silver Crows Knights whispers something to Rainier, making the man sigh, raising his hand to interrupt the meeting. ''Excuse me, your highness?''
''Yes Sir Rainier?'' Nikias says, not looking at the man.
The man sighs again before speaking, he seems to do so against his will, probably just attempting to make a compromise towards his subordinates. ''We also sent a report on the cause and the reasoning for the smuggling of the mana stones, so why is only your Knights speaking about it?'' His eyes show he knows the reason why, but he still speaks up for his colleagues. He's a good leader, he'll probably scold them in private yet he defends them in public.
''That's quite simple, Sir Rainier, that's because your report was unsatisfactory'', the Prince says simply.
Whispers across the room as the Knights from the Silver Crows seem to start feeling angry at the Prince for dismissing their work. If they wanted recognition they should've done a better job. It's normal for the Knights to not understand their situation, after all, to them, Nikias is still that useless Prince that is even unable to hurt a fly, as they've not been at the end of his rage just yet like the other Knights from the Palace. They probably have orders directly from the Crown Prince to never anger or go against Nikias, but having orders doesn't mean they won't feel wronged for blindly following someone they deem as unworthy. This is starting to annoy me, until when will I need to fix the attitude of those who look down on me for things I didn't do?
''It's understandable that you do not believe my words, as this investigation was started by Miss Petit, however I'm conducting the investigation from now on by the approval of both my brother, the Crown Prince and Miss Petit herself, isn't that right?'' He turns his gaze towards the woman.
One could assume that Nikias hates Evangelia, or that he sees her as a weak, incapable and hypocritical protagonist. If he truly saw her as such he wouldn't be able to read four stances of books that cover her life and thoughts. In reality, although he does think Evangelia is hypocritical, he sees a lot of himself in her, the idea of following through her goal even if harms others, the capability of seeing situations in a clear manner even when it doesn't benefit her and the rationality behind every action. Killing Nikias was not something someone completely kind and weak would do, it requires a coldness he does admire in her.
Evangelia Petit is smart, therefore convincing her to let him lead the investigation only required him proving to her that he is indeed more capable than her to do so, since at the end of the day the only name they'll celebrate and remember will be hers. No one will believe the Second Prince did it out of his own capabilities, so there's only benefits in allowing him this, even if it wounds her pride.
She's probably thinking about how to appease the Knights and still not go back on her word.
''Indeed, I approved of the change in leadership, his highness is aware of the situation and his Knights were able to gather more information due to their focus on solely this case'', her emphasis on that the Golden Phoenices are only working on this while the Silver Crows have other duties make the Knights nod.
By the corner of his eye, Nikias can see Dacre flinching, he probably wants to contradict the Crown Princess, but he's able to hold himself back.
''If there's no other doubt, please continue your report, Jiwon'', Nikias says, tired already, although this is all going along how he planned to. The Crown Princess' words aren't enough to appease the Knights that had their pride wounded, and in their eyes there's that light, the light of the fuse that is about to blow everything up.
''The smuggling is happening towards three locations, the first one is the Whisperia Kingdom, their history of conflict with the Empire is why they're attempting to gather more military power…'' Jiwon starts, his voice is dull and he doesn't seem keen on being there, even looking slightly sick. Nikias looks at Dacre, who mouths a few words towards the Prince. The god is bothering him, in response he simply nods, all the Saints he's met all talk about how they've been in communication with their gods, even in Aelius' diary it has mentions of how the Sun god bothers Aelius on a daily basis. There hasn't been a single word muttered towards Nikias, though.
A hand raised makes Nikias get out of his own thoughts, he looks at the Knight, nodding allowing her to speak. It's the first time he's seeing Tove Chastain outside of the balls he's attended, the woman is the only female Knight of the Silver Crows, and also Evangelia's best friend, daughter of a Baron, she normally behaves more like a commoner than a Knight. She's also the spy Crown Prince Alkaios uses the most, the one who killed one of the Whisperia Kingdom's royals and destroyed their lab where they were attempting to refine mana stones.
''I understand the Abfluo Kingdom, as they have like zero mana stone mines, and the Whisperia Kingdom is always jealous of the Empire, but why would the Hai Empire want to smuggle mana stones? Didn't we just become allies?'' Her question makes sense from a political point of view, she has seen the dirt inside the Whisperia Kingdom firsthand so she knows why they would make such dirty deals, but since she was never sent to the Hai Empire yet she doesn't know.
To properly understand why Tove is so surprised by the involvement of the Hai Empire we must first know who they are. The Hai Empire is the richest Empire on this Earth, they're in constant growth, their last conquest was the biggest Kingdom in the Continent, the Aegis Kingdom, burning it to a crisp and executing all of the Royal Family, well, at least they think they did as one of their Royals is standing in that room right now. As most of its coast is in the Blue Sea, they're mainly focused on naval training. Establishing a good trade route to the Likidm Continent, especially with the Exos Empire and the Whisperia Kingdom.
A highly militarized nation, their focus is on war and conquests, especially through the Sea, and they're known for their ruthlessness. The tradition of the Imperial family is to give birth to a lot of successors and put them against each other in a bloody war where the last one standing will become Emperor. The only way to escape is to marry another nation for an alliance, however this occasion was only allowed four times in the whole two thousand years of the existence of this Empire.
For a nation that mostly focuses on war and weaponry, they have very few uses for mana stones, having a preference for science rather than magic. Nikias would admire such a nation if they weren't completely crazy for war. They only became a recent ally to the Exos Empire after they announced a naval war against them. And as a good ruler, Emperor Magnus preferred to forge an alliance than to go to war, since the Exos Empire naval brigade is non-existent, even if in influence, the Exos Empire is considerably more influential than the Hai Empire, despite their difference in riches and territory.
''Just because they're involved it doesn't mean it's the whole family or nation involved'', the one who speaks is Scarlet. ''There are 14 Princes in the Hai Empire, not all of them have a participation in the nation's politics'', she continues, playing with her hair. ''And I do not think they particularly care about pissing the Exos Empire off, considering they have bigger military power than us''.
''Well, that is if they're not going through an internal scuffle'', the one who speaks now is Dacre. ''I heard the succession fight is beginning now that the Emperor got sick'', he says, not specifying his source. ''If one of them is indeed involved with the mana stone smuggling, they might be cut off by the other siblings''.
''That's not going to happen, and the Emperor will recover soon'', Nikias says with a sigh, remembering in the novel that there were only rumors about the Hai Empire, their lack of protagonism in the original story can only mean that although they're involved in this case, nothing will happen to them. ''Let's focus on cutting off the source, not those receiving it, although it does help knowing where the stones are going to, we cannot buy a fight with the richest Empire out there''.
Evangelia nods, probably as she remembers from her past lives. ''We must close this case before the Founding Festival'', she says, tapping her finger on the table. ''I suggest we move at the earliest next month''.
The reason why she's so impatient is because of the Founding Festival incident that happened due to the black market, where they had an explosion at the square caused by someone stealing from the traders, just later on she found out it was due to the smuggling of mana stones. Of course she never found out who the thief was or why such a thing happened.
But Nikias does.
Scarlet Abel, driven by desperation, stole the mana stones at the black market in order to trade them for forbidden potions, desperate to do all she could to take Evangelia's place as Crown Princess. Of course, in the end she failed, in all timelines, as Evangelia managed to close the black market for good after such. This time around there won't be an explosion or a thief, but Evangelia doesn't know that.
''We intercepted a message between Duke Sawdon and one of the black market dealers'', Raphael is the one to speak. ''They plan to make a move on the 5th, it seems like it'll be a big hassle as they requested more workers''. More slaves, if I could guess, Nikias thinks, they're working on both the slave trade and the black market case together as they're essentially connected, if they take down the black market, they'll be able to make the slave trade move in haste, and once they're vulnerable, they'll move.
Destroying the slave trade and the black market will desistabilize the Vremes' cult, this way it'll be easier to infiltrate and destroy them.
''So the 5th it is'', Nikias says. ''For this operation I do not think we should move with too many people'', he continues. ''If there is a big move from the Knights, they'll surely notice. So I think five Knights is enough''. Especially since once they are caught, we can call the Imperial Knights for the arrest.
''I suggest the participation of Dame Tove and myself'', Rainier speaks first, he doesn't suggest any other knights, probably aware that Nikias intended for more of his Knights to partake in the raid.
''I think we should get the other Knights to be on standby relatively far'', Evangelia says. ''If there is any need to support, Tove can send a mana message to them''.
''There will be no need for them to move there, I got a few communication devices for my Knights, we can use them so that we can pretend we're not moving'', he says pointing at the artifacts on his Knights' wrist, a small band that is solely used for communication. It's like a phone, I wonder why no one ever created this for large distribution.
''From our side, me, Sir Jiwon and Scarlet will be the participants'', Raphael says, the participants were decided by him and Nikias the night before.
''That's settled then'', Nikias says with a nod. ''You're all dismissed, Irene, Miyuki, could you wait for me in your lab? And Dacre, you can wait for me outside, I'll speak with Miss Petit for a moment'', he says as he gives the meeting documents back to Fleuri.
Everyone leaves the meeting room, before the last person closes the door, Nikias can already hear Dacre's voice alongside other Silver Crows Knights, a soft smile on his face as he turns to speak with his sister-in-law.
''You did that on purpose'', she says. ''Don't you think this could affect the raid?''
''Do you have that little faith in your Knights?'' Nikias says with a smirk, he is in a good mood today, everything is going according to his plans, and even if he can't help but feel depressed every now and then when he's alone with his thoughts, being constantly busy has been helping him.
Not properly processing his trauma and thoughts is probably harmful, but he isn't going to deal with that right now.
''I only allowed you to lead this because of the documents you showed me'', Evangelia points out. ''I do not trust you''.
''That's mutual then'', Nikias says with a shrug. ''After all you did try to kill me'', he continues, smiling once the woman flinches.
''You're alive now, aren't you?''
''Ha. I guess''.
Silence befalls them, a sigh from Evangelia being what breaks it after a few moments.
''Listen, Nikias, I do not wish for this to continue, we do not like each other, fine, I do not trust you and you do not trust me, that's acceptable. But we both care about this Empire and about Alkaios, so let's just accept we're just too different to agree about things''. As Evangelia speaks, Nikias' face goes back to his usual blank expression, he wants to laugh. Care about the Empire? Care about Alkaios? Since when does he care about those things?
Just because he didn't tell Alkaios about what she did? Just because he's working hard to end the slave trade and the black market?
Those aren't things he's doing for anyone's benefit but himself's.
''Sure'', he answers, not that he's truly going to let things go, one day he will tell Alkaios about what Evangelia did, because he needs to know in order for things to fall in place. His intention never was to mess with the story's timeline, just with what involves him, so the main events still need to happen, earlier or later, even so, they still need to follow every event properly. So that in the end, there's no new loop and no threat to Nikias' existence. ''But that wasn't what I wanted to talk to you about'', he sighs, changing the subject. ''What do you know about Saints?''
His question catches Evangelia by surprise, ''Not much, besides knowing your fiance is a Saint''.
He nods, he expected much considering the original novel didn't speak much about them. Despite the deep dive the story went with the relics and divine power, it was weird how the protagonist didn't know about the Saints, especially considering how much Nikias' knows about it.
''You should seek more about it, it can help with your goal'', he says simply, although he does wish for Evangelia to follow the regular events in the novel, he cannot allow her to remain clueless about everything, not only as the future Empress of an Empire he'll need constant contact with, but also as a lifeline in case something wrong happens with the original course of the story.
Having a back up plan is the right choice, even if right now he has at least four back up plans.
Evangelia doesn't answer him, her expression shows she's deep in thought, if it was months ago, she wouldn't even listen to him, but now it seems she accepted his changes.
Nikias leaves her to her thoughts, leaving the room just to find his personal Knight trading punches with one of the Silver Crows' Knights he doesn't know the name of. Dacre has a few bruises on his face, but the other Knight is considerably worse, he got better at punching instead of getting punched, Nikias thinks calmly as he watches the fight.
''...Say it again!'' Dacre yells, around them no one meddles with the fight, as the two Captains left, no one is brave enough to step in. ''C'mon you were running your mouth just a moment ago!''
''That's enough, Dacre'', Jiwon steps in, pulling the boy's arm, but he doesn't move.
''Don't meddle Jiwon'', he says, grabbing the collar of the Knight, ''You piece of shit, you think you can run your mouth just because you're under the Crown Prince? If you guys weren't so incompetent you wouldn't feel humiliated by mere commoners''.
Oh so this is what everything is about?
''Don't you forget we also have two nobles, so then? Are you going to badmouth the daughter of a Margrave and a Baron? Who are you again?'' Dacre continues when the Knight doesn't speak again, I'm pretty sure he broke the guy's jaw, Nikias observes, still standing watching it all unfold. ''Are you even the heir to your household? Or just a son with a grandiose complex? Work for your achievements, don't try to undermine those who worked harder than you!''
Dacre let go of the man's collar, sighing.
''I don't get why you always pick a fight you don't have the guts to back up'', he says.
''Guts? You just unilaterally beat the guy up!'' One of the Knights speaks, ''What to expect from the dogs of the useless Prince?''
''Ha? Dogs bite you know'', Dacre says with a laugh. ''Would you like to keep talking and find out how hard a human dog can bite?'' He smiles pointing towards his teeth.
''Crazy bastard'', the Knight mumbles.
''Your dirty blood is showing, you know'', a different Knight says, by his uniform he's an Imperial Knight. Dacre frowns. ''What? Scared to talk back to a Knight that serves the Emperor?''
''No, it's just that you're so ugly my eyes hurt'', Dacre says, turning to look at Jiwon. ''Oh, that's much better'', his words make the Knight turn red and Jiwon puts his hand to his mouth, hiding his grin.
''I know who you are'', the Imperial Knight continues, ''Little street slut'', his words seem to trigger Dacre, whose face changes from amusement to pure anger, he doesn't look at the Knight.
''Oh yeah, I had plenty of Imperial Knights going to the slums to get sexual services from a 16 year old'', he makes sure to speak his words slowly, just then he turns to look at the complete look of shame and anger of the Knight. ''I forgot it is completely acceptable for someone that swears to be righteous to cum in a minor's mouth'', he opens his mouth vulgarly with a smile that doesn't reach his eyes.
The Knight opens his mouth to speak, his face red like a pepper, but Nikias decides to step up, not because the conversation stopped being amusing, but because he could feel the air becoming tenser as Jiwon was growing upset by hearing Dacre's words.
Anyone hearing the pink-haired boy's words would grow to pity him or even feel disgust towards the Knight that brought it up. The Silver Crows' Knights now look at him with shame instead of anger, backing off so easily as they found out he didn't have a rose-filled life like they did as nobles. But that pity will last a short amount of time, as there's no benefit for them to think about someone they deem inferior for long. Just as a homeless person is soon forgotten by those who cross their path, as if they're invisible just because they evoke the darkest feeling from their hearts, the shame of being in a better situation and not helping those who need it.
Nikias doesn't pity Dacre, he doesn't even see his past as shameful or anger-evoking, after all, he saw the worst of people just the same as the pink-haired boy, he knows how old men see pretty boys like them when they're young. It's disgusting, sure, but the one ashamed shouldn't be them, they don't need the pity.
''That's enough'', he says, touching Jiwon's shoulder so that the man notices his mana leaking, which could influence the people around him, causing even more of a ruckus. ''A fight between two Knights' orders is acceptable within their own business, but interfering in a subject you do not belong in, that's not.'' He looks straight at the Imperial Knight, who flinches. ''My Knights being commoners or nobles doesn't regard anyone but me, I'm the Lord they serve, not you''.
''My apologies, your highness'', the Knights of the Silver Crows say, bowing and running away as fast as they can, aware they shouldn't evoke the anger of the Second Prince, not due to their fear of them, but of their own Prince.
''Well, then… Do you have something else you'd like to say?'' He asks, his eyes showing a glint of anger.
''No, your highness'', the Knight doesn't bow nor apologizes. He still thinks he's in the right? There's no way. I can't believe how arrogant people can be, there is a limit to things.
''What's your name?''
''I'm Viscount Harold Jester, your highness'', he says with a short bow.
''I see, I'll remember your name'', when I talk with my father during dinner tonight, he completes in his mind, ''Leave'', he says, tired.
Once the Knight leaves, Jiwon whispers something to Dacre before leaving as well, just Nikias and the pink-haired Knight remaining in the now empty hallway.
''Sorry, Nikki'', Dacre sighs as they start walking towards the laboratories. ''They started talking shit so I lost my temper''.
''It's fine, that Knight won't last another day either way'', Nikias says simply.
''And I am not doing those things anymore'', he continued. ''I know it could be harmful to your reputation…''
''Dacre, there's no shame in doing all you can to survive, it's those men that should feel shame''.
Dacre laughs. ''I'm glad I met you, Nikki, you're a good friend and a good boss'', his words make Nikias frown, he doesn't understand how he is neither of those things, especially a friend, what even entails being a good friend? And most of all, since when are he and Dacre friends? ''Jiwon said I should feel traumatized or at least not feel comfortable with sexual acts'', and there he starts, speaking of things Nikias doesn't care about. ''But I don't, sure I've been pushing away sex, but not because I'm traumatized, you know, it was my choice to do those things''.
''Are you sure?''
''I guess not really'', Dacre sighs, scratching his head, messing his hair. ''My father's death, my mother's addiction, I don't see how I had a choice but to survive, I wasn't good at anything and work as a 15 year old was hard to find'', he continues, not looking at Nikias. ''So I used my good looks and ended up doing that, it doesn't bring me shame to speak about it, nor do I feel angry that I had to do so. I guess I do feel a bit gross for sometimes enjoying the power trip of making someone feel good'', his words are slow and he seems conflicted. ''Should I be traumatized? Is it wrong that I don't feel ashamed nor regret it?''
Nikias hesitates for a moment as he stops walking, they're almost at the lab. ''Dacre, there's no shame in surviving, I already told you that. What you feel and how you feel it belong solely to you, no one can force you to feel shame or to be traumatized by a situation''.
''You always say that Nikki, but everyone tells me otherwise''.
''What we went through as children and teens, it was fucked up'', he doesn't notice he included himself in those words. ''Children shouldn't go through those things, we shouldn't have resorted to…'' He sighs. ''We did everything we could with what we had, surviving is hard and you should be proud of being alive and being able to live however you wish to from now on''. Those words, are they truly for Dacre? ''You did it, you lived through hell, how you did it matters not, so don't worry about the past and don't let people tell you how you should feel about it.''
''You're right, Nikki'', Dacre smiles, this time the smile reaches his eyes, the small wrinkles near his bright green eyes make Nikias smile as well. ''You too, by the way'', he says once they started walking again. ''You can be proud of what you're achieving, and if you're ever willing to talk about anything, I'm your friend, not only your Knight''.
He isn't sure of what Dacre meant, but regardless, he doesn't answer, opening the door to the laboratory. The place is a mess and he finds Miyuki crouched on the floor writing on papers and Irene is drawing a magic circle at a black board she has at one of the room's corners.
''Wow, this place is worse than Gutierre's house'', Dacre says loud enough to grab the attention of the two magicians. ''And that place smelled like a man that lost his will to live after his wife dumped him''.
''Gutierre is divorced?'' That's what Irene asks.
''You didn't know? He even has two kids that never visit'', Dacre says, jumping the papers that are all over the floor to sit down at one of the chairs available in the room. Nikias remains standing as he looks around the papers on top of the tables.
''No way, did he tell ya that?'' Irene asks, curious.
''When I went to his place once we were recruited'', Dacre shrugs. ''I really don't understand how a noble has absolutely no servants''.
''Maybe his wife took them all?'' Irene asks, going towards her desk to sit down. ''I wonder why they got divorced''.
''Maybe he lost money to gambling?'' Dacre speculates.
''I doubt it, maybe he cheated? Damn, if he's a dirtbag I really want to know'', Irene says, pushing her ash curly hair back into a ponytail.
''He rarely slept at home and worked too much'', Nikias says, ''That's why they got divorced. And the children don't see him often because he was a bad father''.
''How do you know?'' Dacre asks, tilting his head.
''Because I know everything about every single one of you?'' Nikias says nonchalantly. ''And don't worry about him being a dirtbag, he's currently on an outing with his daughter''.
''He reconciled with them? Will he get back together with his wife?'' Irene asks, clearly curious.
''Doubt it, he has that vibe of a guy who's terrible with commitment'', Dacre comments, laying his head on the table.
''He's just reconciling with his children'', Nikias says. ''Now, on more important matters'', he says, glancing at Miyuki, who's silent the whole time. ''How's the progress with the artifacts?''
''The mirror will be done in a month, and the location device will be done next week'', Irene says.
''It was hard to get all of those magic circles to fit inside a watch, but we managed'', Miyuki finally speaks, getting up from the floor, his complexion is way better than from when he first arrived, his tone is low and he speaks almost as if he's talking to himself. ''There's a sharing tracking spell, three communication spells, two protection spells, and one that tracks the person's health through their heartbeat'', Miyuki continues, giving the papers he was working on to Nikias.
''So those using the watches will be able to track each other, communicate between them and also check each other's health status, the hardest part was integrating the message function, the usage of mana messages needs a mana input'', Irene starts talking, pointing to the black board where the scheme of the watch is. ''Since half of the Knights don't have mana, for it to work we need a good mana conductor that can also store mana''.
''The Wisdom Pearl'', Nikias says.
''Yes, with it we can craft the mechanism to power the magic circles of the watch''.
''We will also need to make another magic circle for the whole messaging part, since we need to be able to distinguish between watches and also diminish the time between input and output'', Miyuki says. ''I have been experimenting, but we'll probably need the blood of those who'll use the watch while crafting, making the artifact impossible for others' use or even transferring ownership. Due to the rare material used, it can be considered a waste''.
That much work just because it needs to work with those with no mana? If I were to do this with all of my employees, just how much would it cost? And considering the Wisdom Pearl was stolen and is finite…
''How many can you do with what you have?'' Nikias asks at last.
''Twenty'', Irene is the one that answers, ''Due to the limitation of only having one Wisdom Pearl, that's how many we can make without sacrificing anything, if we sacrifice the messaging part, we probably could make double that amount''.
There's no concept here for texts, people still exchange letters or rarely even mana messages, but those can be seen by others, and during a secret mission having a way to communicate without the need of speaking, is quite useful.
''And we cannot place the blood after crafting it, so it needs to be beforehand'', Miyuki says.
Nikias nods. ''Make 16 for now, Clara is a temporary Knight since she's just assisting with instructing, so she won't need one. Besides her, everyone else will need one, and also one for Lowe, Fleuri and myself.'' He stops for a moment, pondering. ''My next visit to the Morke Kingdom is in a few days, so Irene will accompany me and get their blood, we will be making for Lyor's knights as well, Cypress and Lyor too, of course''.
''Are you sure, your highness? I don't want to be rude, but what if your engagement falls through? This is a very expensive artifact and once we put their blood in, that's it, there's nothing else we can do''. Irene questions it, she's polite but careful.
She's right, sure, Nikias isn't even completely sure he can trust Lyor's knights at all, but for his future plans, this must be made. And regardless of what happens, he will marry Lyor.
''Our engagement won't fall through, don't worry, and if any of his Knights prove to be untrustworthy, I'll just make sure to destroy their watch'', Nikias shrugs. ''It is a lot of money and resources, but for our future we must have it. We waste too much time doing meetings over something that could be communicated more simply, sending letters is impractical and not always calling is feasible during a mission''.
''If you wish so, your highness, we'll make sure it's done by the end of the year'', Irene says with a sigh.
❥
Dacre sighs once he leaves Nikias' office, a full day of work, he's feeling exhausted, and hearing Nikias talk with Fleuri about business certainly makes him sleepy. During these past three months he's been almost exclusively guarding Nikias, since Jiwon doesn't seem to be in the right mind yet. He's so troublesome, the boy thinks as he walks slowly through the Palace's hallway, the golden sky making the walls of the place shine in a gorgeous tone of orange.
He doesn't get along with any other workers at the Palace, at first he attempted to speak with maids and other Knights, but they all looked at him weirdly simply because he served the Second Prince, even if they weren't as rude as they were to the Prince himself, the rumors that he was the Prince's dog reached everyone there. Well, I did fight with everyone that spoke ill of Nikki.
Even so, he is satisfied with his current position and life, he gets along well with his work colleagues, especially Scarlet and Raphael, and he's even able to make jokes around others, his position surely gives him the confidence he needs to start living freely.
His talk with Nikias earlier made him ponder the other aspect of his life, though, the romantic side. He and Jiwon have been ''dating'' for three months, but they haven't had sex. By Dacre's choice, truth be told, their relationship isn't even real for the boy. The only reason he accepted it, was because Jiwon went insane after he became a Saint, talking about how they're lovers in different lives and how they're soulmates. Suffice to say Dacre doesn't believe in soulmates or even that the man loves him, of course he does somehow enjoy the feeling of being the obsession of someone, of being the center of their life, the origin of their happiness. However at the same time he doesn't know how to do those things.
He never dated anyone before, nor knows what love is supposed to feel like. His only source of reference being Nikias and Lyor, and they're so different from him and Jiwon that he isn't sure they could even be a real reference.
Just when he was thinking about it, he spots another one of his colleagues, one he rarely speaks with, and also who could be a source of reference for him.
Lowe is sitting at the garden, his expression is one of clear exhaustion, as he seems to be done for the day. Is he waiting for Sir Rainier?
''Hey'', Dacre says, approaching the servant, Lowe raises his head to look at him. ''Are you waiting for your boyfriend?'' He asks, sitting next to him.
''Yes'', Lowe hesitates for a moment before answering, they both feel awkward with each other, after all, they rarely talk besides when they have conversations with Nikias, which are also rare. The last time they talked was two months ago, and that was just a small greeting.
''Do you love him?'' Dacre asks, aware that he's making the other uncomfortable, but he can't help it, he's curious, and by Lowe's soft gaze, he doesn't seem to truly mind answering Dacre's question.
''No'', Lowe says without hesitation. Dacre ponders for a moment before asking his next question.
''Did you two have sex yet?'' Most would find his question rude, and Lowe sure does, however by his observations Dacre seems to have a friendship going on with Prince Nikias, so maybe his questions could have originated from the Prince himself. Of course that isn't true, but the way Dacre is, the answers will end up one way or another on Nikias' ears.
''Yes'', the servant answers simply.
''Oh, can I ask you a question?''
Aren't you past the point of asking that? Lowe thinks, simply nodding.
Dacre gets closer to the servant, whispering. ''How did you decide who was going to… You know… Take it?''
His question bewilders Lowe, not because it was rude, it definitely was, but because the man himself never truly thought about that. He naturally became the one that was on the receiving end just because in his head he had to be the one that began everything. But truly, when did they ever decide that? Did they even talk about this? Should they?
''We never talked about this'', Lowe answers honestly, perhaps that is his biggest flaw, being honest to a fault. ''Why do you want to know?''
''Because I'm going to lose my virginity soon'', Dacre says, hiding the fact that it is Jiwon who wants to move things along, he doesn't truly feel the need to do so now. Although Jiwon stated he doesn't care which role they each take during sex, Dacre has been thinking about it. While he lived on the streets everyone just sort of assumed he would be on the receiving end, especially those who received his services, and truth be told, he even thought about it. How he'll be the one to take it and how unfair it all feels, how it all just is naturally assumed due to his stature and features. ''And I'm not sure if I want to be the one at the end, but things seem to be going that way, it'll hurt, I just know it''.
Lowe thinks for a moment, he's not sure if he's a good example, his first time with Rainier hurt but due to his partner's mana, things moved into pleasure quite easily. And it also helped that he read about it beforehand.
''If you prepare yourself properly, it shouldn't hurt too much'', he says. ''I can lend you a book on it if you so wish to''.
''What if I don't want it… I mean it may seem logical from other's point of view, I am on the smaller side, and I am completely aware my features make me look feminine'', he says those words with displeasure. ''But that doesn't mean I'm a woman you know''.
A sigh leaves Lowe's mouth, why is he even having this conversation? ''Then find a partner that will let you be on top. I don't think I am a woman just because I'm the one who takes it, you know'', he feels stupid for talking in riddles, aware they're in public. ''Just because we don't have many comparatives in literature, doesn't mean just because you have more soft features you need to take on a role you do not wish to. It's your choice''.
''I see'', Dacre says, truly taking in Lowe's words. ''Yes, you're right, if he says he loves me he'll let me fuck him!'' He says those words a bit too loud, making Lowe sigh with frustration, and that's why he avoids being alone with Dacre.
''I feel like I walked into a dangerous conversation'', Rainier says, he has a smile on his face as he hugs Lowe from behind, sinking his head on the man's shoulder.
''Don't worry, I'm satisfied with our arrangement'', Lowe says, tapping on Rainier's hand to comfort the man, making him laugh.
He whispers something in Lowe's ear that Dacre can't hear, making the servant blush.
They act like Nikki and the King, even if Lowe says he doesn't love him…
''Well, I'll go, since I don't want to interrupt your time together'' Dacre says, waving as he runs towards the Knight's building, not even waiting to see if Lowe was waving back.
Once he enters his room at the dorms he's met with Jiwon sitting in the middle of the room, on the floor, meditating. Fuck, now he's done it, he went insane.
''I don't think you can pray for a better personality like that'', Dacre mocks, closing the door behind him, slowly Jiwon opens his eyes, his irises bright pink.
''I wasn't praying, I was seeing our other lives'', and there it is, the reason Dacre is so upset about this whole situation, and why he can't move towards the next step. ''You were beautiful as usual''.
''I'm always beautiful, in real life, you know, instead of your fake fantasies'', Dacre mumbles, as he changes his clothes.
''You don't need to be jealous, you're still my Dacre'', Jiwon says as he gets up from the floor, his change in personality and demeanor from how he used to treat Dacre before his sainthood is absurdly discrepant. Even if for him he didn't change all that much, he just accepted he truly likes Dacre and decided to pour in all of his affection, to the pink-haired boy it all feels… fake.
''I'm not jealous'', Dacre says, his voice trembling. ''And I'm not yours''.
Jiwon takes a step forward, touching Dacre's arm, but the boy takes a step back.
''Can't you stop? This is all overwhelming, the whole soulmates thing, the whole love shit, you don't even know my favorite food, you don't know me.''
''So tell me, let me get to know you!'' Jiwon pleads, attempting to touch Dacre again, but the boy shoves his hand away.
''For god's sake, you're unbearable! I accepted doing things with you and even dating you just so you would stop talking about all of this shit, yet all I hear is about how I am in your stupid fantasies! Wake up Jiwon, fuck, can you stop taking trips down other dimensions and start looking at your own?'' Dacre isn't even sure what's he's upset about, he wants to storm out of the room, but he can't as he just put on his pajama shirt and is only wearing his boxers, a bad moment for his bad habits. Maybe if I just put on some pants and went on a walk it could help me calm down, he thinks with a sigh.
''I'm sorry love'', Jiwon says, his eyes finally back to the usual black tone. ''It's all too much for me too, the whispers of the god, the dreams, the insane amount of lines I keep seeing, encapsulating everyone, tying their fate as they feel love for one another, I just feel… As if I'm going insane, so I tend to run away, I'm sorry'', he grabs Dacre's hand, this time the boy doesn't back off. ''I love you''.
Ha. Dacre shoves the man's hand away, turning to put on his pants. ''Fuck you, fuck your love and go fuck someone else because I don't want to see your cock even if it is covered in gold'', he slams the door shut, not even look at the other before leaving.
I think I'm too young to understand his thought process, love? He doesn't even know my story, my parents, my pain, all he knows is rumors he heard from the back alleys. How can he say something so… Deep without meaning?
All due to some invisible line tying our fates? Soulmate? That's just a poor excuse to say he likes me. Why can't he just come and say it? 'I like you and I want to get to know you better, let's date'. Yeah, that would be so fucking better.
Once he leaves the building he's met with the cold night's air, I should've grabbed a coat as well. A sigh leaves his lips, he glances around, seeing the Knights training and at the corner of the building is Gutierre. The man is the oldest amongst the Golden Phoenices, although Dacre doesn't see him as the wisest, he walks towards the man, watching as he smokes a cigar, the strong smell and the smoke makes Dacre cough.
''Knights shouldn't smoke, it'll ruin your lungs'', he says sarcastically.
Gutierre glances at him before speaking. ''Aren't you cold, cotton candy?'' His words are also filled with sarcasm.
''I left in a hurry'', he mumbles.
''Another fight with your husband?'' His question makes Dacre scoff.
''Husband? More like a pain in the ass'', he answers, shivering due to the cold.
''I don't know what you two fight so much about, but it's clear you care about each other, sometimes sitting down and talking it out is the best answer, you know'', Gutierre says, his eyes fixed on the sky, he sounds like an old wise man. Except he's not that old, nor wise.
''Shut up divorcee'', Dacre says, blushing.
''Right where it hurts, huh?'' Gutierre smiles. ''Don't you like him?''
''Not really, he's a pain and he acts like a spoiled child although he's five years older than me, like, ain't I supposed to be the one being pampered here? This isn't how I wanted to have my first relationship, you know'', Dacre says, sighing, feeling defeated. ''He just does whatever he wants, says whatever it comes to his mind, and god, how can he keep acting so confident when I haven't said once that I like him?''
''Maybe he can see what you can't''.
Well that's for sure, Dacre thinks but doesn't say. He hugs me to sleep, tries to fuck me every opportunity he has and rubs himself on me until I relieve him. There's nothing that screams 'I love you' more than cumming on my freaking hand.
''Aren't you just scared?'' Gutierre asks, placing the cigar he was smoking on a small tin, putting it off.
Dacre flinches. All of his worries that day were driven by his past, of things he heard on the streets, of people looking at him with dirty eyes, at first he was completely fine with his relationship with Jiwon, he was fine thinking soon the man would be tired of him. So he tested the lines.
Saying he didn't want to have sex, even after saying he was fine being on the receiving end and that he was ok fucking soon, saying he didn't want anyone to know, yet not denying when others see them acting differently, there's a lot of actions Dacre has that can be seen as conflicting.
All he wants is for Jiwon to cave in, admit he was wrong, that he doesn't love Dacre, admit he was wrong about their whole soulmates thing and that he'll marry a woman now.
Because life isn't easy.
Because love isn't something you can get like this.
Because Dacre can't have a relationship with someone that just three months ago was cursing and calling him names.
He deserves better.
Doesn't he?
What a joke, Dacre laughs.
''Yeah Gutierre, even you can be wise sometimes'', he says. ''Perhaps I am scared, I should just let the guy fuck me and get it over with. It is that simple''. That way he'll realize he's just hallucinating it all and leave me alone.
The Baron finally looks at the boy, Dacre looks completely vulnerable there standing in the cold, his arms pale and his whole body shivering due to the cold, his pink hair is already fading, showing his platinum blonde roots, and his green eyes look darker in the night. He looks like a lost child, who's just trying his best with the cards he has.
In a way, the boy reminds Gutierre of his own children, even if they're more than 10 years apart in age. He pats Dacre's head.
''Don't do anything you'll regret, boy, you're still too young to feel trapped in a relationship you don't want''.
Dacre laughs again. ''I'll be fine, my body was never truly mine anyway'', his words make the older man flinch.
''You should sleep at my house today, cool your head, think more about this'', Gutierre says, worried, but he can't even attempt to convince the boy as the doors of the building open and Jiwon walks towards them.
His eyes are filled with jealousy, per usual, but he doesn't say a word about it.
''Dacre go back in, it's freezing!'' Jiwon says, ''I won't say anything you dislike anymore, please, I'm sorry'', he pleads. ''You'll catch a cold and…'' he sighs. ''If you want I'll sleep outside today''.
''There's no need, let's go back in'', Dacre says, he smiles, but his eyes are cold and dull. Jiwon wants to hug him, but he'll need to wait until they're inside the room. ''Thank you for the talk, Gutierre, and don't smoke too much'', he nods towards the older man.
''It all went through his head like air, huh'', the man whispers to himself as he watches the couple entering the building again.
A bit further from where the older Knight is standing, there is another pair, farther from the training grounds, near the Empress' garden are Raphael and Scarlet, a most unusual combination, talking. Although they've been colleagues for a few months, they rarely talk with each other, and when they do it all feels weird, mostly because of the girl's older brother.
Also the reason why they're talking right now.
''He is driving me insane'', Raphael says, fiddling with his fingers, unable to look at the red-haired woman. ''I haven't been able to sleep in days because he keeps going at my room, banging the door, trying to talk with me.''
''I'm sorry Raphael… I don't think I can do much to help you, he doesn't listen to me, but if you get the Prince to…'' Scarlet feels for the man, placing her hand on top of his, trying to appease him.
''I can't!'' Raphael sighs, ''I need to do this on my own, I need to prove myself!'' He keeps repeating that, maybe someday it'll become real, not just his wish. Truth is, the man is inching close to his limit, he can't sleep properly, he can't work properly, he can't even eat properly, many would go crazy for much less. He even thought about placing a curse on the man, but gave up after thinking it might make him get into the bad side of the Crown Prince. He can't even put in words how relieved he was that the man didn't partake in the meeting earlier that day. ''Miss Scarlet, don't you know any weakness of his? Anything?''
''I'm sorry to disappoint you Raphael, but Frode has no weakness, I mean, I guess you could be one, I certainly never saw him care for someone this way, even if he's a twisted sick man, he didn't kill you after you humiliated him at the ball, that's a… plus, I guess'', Scarlet hesitates, she isn't sure what to say, there's nothing she could possibly do for the man even if she pities his situation. ''You could try talking with him again… I'm sorry, I really wish I could provide you with better solutions''.
She's sincere, and Raphael knows she's right, he already stood up for himself, said he hated the man, and that he didn't wish to be together with him, yet the man remained stubborn in his pursuit.
''Is my only answer to truly seek the Prince's help?'' He asks with a sigh, he feels his body becoming heavier with the dread he's experiencing.
Scarlet pats the back of the man, feeling sympathetic towards his situation, after all, she knows best how her brother can be. Being at the sour end of Frode's selfish actions is always a losing situation, because of him she was unable to continue the path of the sword, she was constantly tossed towards men that had no respect for her as a woman and even lost the love of her parents who desperately only care for their heir. There's nothing she wishes more than to drag her brother through the mud, to see his face soaked in his own blood.
''What you could attempt is winning against them in a duel, Frode might be a brute but he does respect those stronger than him'', Scarlet says with a sigh, there are exceptions to that rule, of course, although she is stronger than Frode even with her lack of experience and techniques, he never respected her. As a child he would place dead animals on her bed, any being she would care for he would kill it, be it human, animal or inanimate, and it didn't matter who she got engaged to, all of them were recommendations made by her brother. Her life was doomed from the start due to being born after a complete monster.
''I'm not stronger than him, that's the problem, Miss Scarlet!'' He takes a deep breath. ''All I have going for me are my curses hability, but I can't possibly curse a future Margrave!''
''Why not?''
''Because I'm a commoner…?''
She pauses, of course, after spending months around the Knights she seems to have forgotten their difference in social stance.
''You could do it in a way no one would find out'', she states slowly, as if she's chewing her words as she speaks. ''There's no shame in getting rid of someone harming you''.
''He's your brother'', Raphael states, a bit unsure.
Scarlet shrugs. ''He's constantly harassing you, it was just a suggestion''.
''He never crossed the line, though'', Raphael says, making Scarlet flinch.
That's not like him, why is he holding back now? Gross.
''One day he will'', she says, getting up. ''Wolves hiding under lamb clothes never manage to stay hidden for long. I just hope then it won't be too late and that he won't gobble you up before you can even think about asking for help''.
❥
My first child was born yesterday. Along with her, we finally managed to convince the other nations to craft a joint language, the hardest to convince was the Emperor of the Hai Empire, that old geezer is worse than my past boss. But I guess when the gods speak to us mere humans we can only sit down and listen, that's the hardest part of being a Saint.
I have no idea how Blaze managed to convince the war goddess, but I'm glad things are rolling well, and I hope the Empire only continues to prosper for the thousands of years to come.
If there is someone reading this diary, I hope you also come to have days in which you become glad to have died and reborn here.
By then, I hope my Empire becomes a place in which you can call home.
Nikias' hand brushes the page, most of the entries were like this, mentions of things that happened a thousand years ago, there are even a few insights into Aelius' politics, but still, nothing on his mana and how to properly use it.
A faint knock is heard, making Nikias raise his head from the book, the first rays of sun have already started appearing in the horizon. My room has the perfect view of both west and east, so I can see the sunrise and sunset…
''Come in'', he says, shoving the book under his pillow. Lowe enters the room with a serving cart.
''Good morning, your highness'', the servant says, bowing, before moving and placing Nikias' breakfast at the table in the middle of his room. I'm getting too used to this life, he thinks, getting out of the bed, his silken robe sliding across his almost naked body, he should feel more shame being like this in front of others, but he doesn't really care. Once Lowe places the last plate, Nikias takes a seat at the table, ''Today's tea is black tea infused with rose petals'', Lowe says as he serves the tea.
''Thank you, Lowe'', he says, taking the teacup and placing under his nose before taking a sip, the temperature is perfect per usual, and although he's not a fan of floral scents, he does like the fragrant taste of the rose mixed with the bitterness of the black tea. Mornings like this make him feel like stopping time, the warmth of the tea filling his body, the chirping of the early birds, the sun rays creeping across his window and the soft breeze of mid-fall.
He eats slowly as Lowe stands at the side, he would've sent the servant away if they didn't have a meeting right after his breakfast. It took a lot of training and will-power for Nikias to stop eating as if he's a starving child, but he still can't bear to leave a single crumb in the dishes served to him.
I wonder how much it would cost to make a feast across the whole Empire on my engagement day, he thinks as he finishes his tea. It's just one day, so I wonder if the Emperor would approve, the Empire is quite vast after all, if we make it a duty of each Lord it could be easier, but I don't trust nobles to feed all of the commoners as well. A sigh leaves his lips as he leans his head back onto the chair and closes his eyes. Should I start saving up? But I have so much to do that I'm not sure I can… And the Kingdom is already in a dire financial situation, so I can't ask Lyor for help.
''Excuse me, your highness'', Lowe says, grabbing the empty plates and filling up Nikias' teacup again.
''Sit down as well'', he says, interrupting his own thoughts, he won't be able to do much right now either way.
After cleaning up the table and filling up his own teacup, Lowe sits down, they stay silent for a moment before Nikias speaks first.
''How's things with Sir Rainier?'' He asks, tapping his finger on the teacup's rim.
''Well… Fine I suppose, except on the part where he has no wish to change his own future'', Lowe says sighing. ''I don't even know why I keep caring so much when the man himself clearly doesn't care''.
''His future has already changed slightly'', Nikias says. ''He was supposed to be disowned soon, right after my brother's wedding, but since we managed to stop mother's necklace from being stolen, that line of events was cut off''.
''But not his death''.
''Those are separate matters, Alkaios' life will be in danger regardless of what we do, even if we stop them from going to the mine, or change the date, that is a fact that cannot be changed''.
''Did you already see all of those possibilities?'' Lowe asks, by his face Nikias' can't tell if he's sad or discouraged, he was so determined in saving the Knight, did he already give up?
''Of course not, what I saw were possible futures, it doesn't mean they're set in stone'', he answers, taking a sip of his tea, his eyes lingering on the servant, watching his reaction to his words. ''The outcome of those events can still be changed''.
''Our past is so similar, and I always thought he won in life while me and Raffe lost.'' Lowe says, staring at his full teacup, his expression doesn't waver. ''At the Tower we got newspapers, I remember laying down on that cold floor next to other 10 children, at the time I was the only one that knew how to read, so I was there, reading how a kid from the slums, just like us, was adopted by a noble and was a Knight in training to serve the First Prince.'' He smiles sadly, ''I don't know what expression I had while reading and hearing those kids sobbing next to me, hearing them asking why must we suffer while others thrive…''
Nikias pauses, every now and then Lowe and Raphael would speak about their lives at the Northern Magician's Tower, the stories weren't nice or pretty, but this is the first time Lowe ever mentioned a specific moment, instead of passing remarks.
''That memory kept replaying in my head every time I would see him at the Palace'', Lowe continues the story. ''His presence was a constant reminder that no matter how far I think I've gotten from that treacherous place, I cannot truly escape it. But now… I look at him and I just…'', he swallows dryly, his gaze finally going to the Prince, who's looking at him with total attention to his words. ''I don't think we're all that different anymore'', he whispers those words, his expression finally changing to a sad one.
''I don't know much about relationships'', Nikias finally speaks, ''And I cannot possibly give you advices regarding yours when I do not know both of your heart's.'' He stares at Lowe, he doesn't even know why he's so compelled in saying those words, before towards Dacre and now towards Lowe. ''However, you're the only one that can shape the future you wish to see, Lowe, if you want him to survive, then do it, work towards it, I might not be able to help you change the future I saw, since I have my own goals. But that doesn't mean I cannot allow you to change it by yourself''.
''Thank you, your highness, and if you could just tell me more details about what will happen…'' Lowe smiles softly.
''I didn't see much'', Nikias says, cleaning his throat, ''The ones behind Alkaios' life attempt will be the very ones we're after, the god worshipping cult that wishes to bring the Ancient god Vremes' back from their imprisonment'', he can't help but fidget as he speaks about what happened in the novel. ''That's why I cannot exactly pinpoint how it'll happen, since it'll change according to Alkaios' choices, but it will most definitely happen, and when it does, Rainier will sacrifice himself to save him.''
''But Rainier has healing mana, I can't understand how he would die so easily'', Lowe comments, his voice more clear and he's finally drinking his own tea.
''His mana just didn't have time to react'', Nikias says, ''For his mana to act he needs to be in critical danger or intentionally spread his mana towards the affected area, but if he's already healing someone else, he wouldn't be able to heal himself unless his own body shuts his output down''.
''So he dies slowly, not immediately'', Lowe points out and Nikias nods.
''Yes''.
''And he's going to use his mana to heal someone else? If he saved the Crown Prince then there's no reason for him to…'' Lowe pauses. ''The Crown Princess?''
The Second Prince doesn't speak, he simply nods softly. He can't see it by Lowe's expression, but he's sure knowing your lover is prioritizing someone else's safety due to lingering feelings cannot be something that feels remotely good. Nikias can't even imagine how he would feel if Lyor did something like that, and all he feels towards the other is mere affection, not love or any other deeper emotion.
''I see'', Lowe says simply, he doesn't seem much affected by it. ''Well, if that's so, then I can make a plan with that'', he smiles. ''Thank you, your highness, for accepting the selfish request of a servant''.
Nikias can't say anything, he isn't even sure of what to say, because until now he was acting for his own benefit, allowing Lowe to change the future isn't even something that will greatly affect him, and getting the servant to be pleased serving him is actually another benefit for himself. He's not doing things out of the goodness of his heart, he doesn't deserve to be thanked.