"Pureness of the swollen heart you carry on your sleeve, rottenness of the empty soul you try to fill with pain, can you even remember the last time you felt genuine joy?"
The early hours of the morning after the auction were silent, most of the servants were busy tending to the Crown Princess-to-be and the aftermath of the raid. Nikias on the other hand hasn't slept a wink, he managed not to get caught and Raphael also returned safely with the stolen relics, succeeding in the test the Prince gave him.
So now Nikias is sitting on his bed, staring at the relics and the fairy, unsure how to proceed. The use of relics leave traces, which in the future might come back to bite him. Maybe I could ask Lyor for a relic, this way the traces can be explained, he ponders, his hand goes to the fairy, which is currently asleep, placing her in his shoulder so that he can move freely to his desk.
Nikias places the relics in a locked drawer as he sits down, then he swiftly moves the servant's bell. Lowe arrives a few minutes after, Raphael is probably still asleep since Nikias gave him the morning off. ''Good morning, your highness'', he bows, his posture and attitude slightly more poised.
''It seems that your training is going smoothly'', the Prince comments.
''Yes, thanks to your highness'', Lowe answers, approaching the Prince's desk after closing the door.
''Lowe, I would like a few things'', Nikias says, leaning back onto his chair staring at the servant. ''I want a doll house, preferably one that has working functionality''.
''For the fairy?'' Lowe asks, his gaze on the creature laying on Nikias' shoulder.
''Yes, make sure the size is fitting. I also would like a meeting with a uniform tailor and an artifact magician'', Nikias says, tapping his finger on the desk, pondering. ''Make preparations to welcome a knight from the Morke Kingdom, he'll be coming to protect me and assist us with the engagement procedures''.
''When will he arrive?'' Lowe asks as he makes notes in a small notebook he must've received for his training as a butler.
''In two days'', Nikias answers. ''Also establish a meeting with my tutor for this afternoon, since I couldn't meet him previously''.
''Right away, your highness'', Lowe bows again.
''Before you go'', Nikias stops the servant in his tracks, the man almost opening the door already.
''Yes?''
''If anyone requests a meeting with me today besides those I asked for, tell them I'll meet them after dinner and inform me of the details. There might be a few rumors circulating the Palace regarding my outing last night, gather those and report back as well'', He requests, he might be asking a lot of the servant, but even if he forgets something, it'll probably be fine, since he's still training. But even so, Nikias can't help but have high hopes for the people he chose.
''Very well'', Lowe answers simply, leaving soon after.
Nikias enjoys the silence and loneliness of these early hours to write his reply to Lyor. He's not as good as Lyor with flattery and romantic words, but he tries his best to not seem cold at least.
My dear Lyor,
Your letter carried the scent of spring flowers to my cold day. I appreciate the thought with the flower, I preserved it well. Can't wait to try out the fruits of the Morke Kingdom with you.
Regarding the knight that will arrive, I will take care of him well, and if possible please send me his information prior to his arrival, so that I can prepare properly.
Good luck with the conquest, remember to stay safe, since your safety is my safety, together with this letter I'm sending a small token of farewell lovers give the knights going to war here in the Exos Empire, I'm not good with handicrafts but it carries my hope for your well-being. I'm also sending a tea bag I got from the market yesterday. The smell of persimmons and chamomile reminded me of you, drink before going to sleep for a good and restful night, and remember to dream of me.
I heard the Kingdom of Osas is known for their peaches, bring some back for when I meet you a month from now, as I know you'll succeed in winning this conquest.
Thank you for the information on how to charm those that took care of you, I will keep note and try my best to not only adapt to your Kingdom but to fully respect its culture.
And I would like to request something. I found some relics on my outing yesterday, however due to some circumstances I can't use them due to the traces they might leave. So I wonder if you might have any relics you don't use you can send me, in case I need to cover the tracks of the used relics. Thank you in advance.
Beside financial documents and books on culture I haven't read anything interesting lately, but I'll send you the meaning behind the strip I'm sending you according to the book on the Exos Empire culture.
When a loved one departs to war it is common to give them a strip for their weapon, signifying luck and wish for safety. The rope-oven fabric represents the path one must take, and while braiding the fabric the loved one will enchant it with their wishes, the most common ones are for 'safe travel', 'to never get lost' and 'to come back'. It can be accompanied by charms, which represent the lover waiting back home, some even engraving words for the knights to hold onto while traveling far. There is a common belief that if the strip snaps during the war it means that the knight survived a moment of certain death, it is considered lucky. However if the strip is found in the muddy ground of the battlefield it is almost guaranteed that the knight won't survive that expedition. When a knight dies in the battlefield, the strip is buried with them, to symbolize the wish that they might one day meet their loved one again. Even if the strip is mostly given by lovers, it isn't strictly romantic in nature, as parents and children also can gift them to their loved ones, the wish behind it is ultimately what matters.
Wishing for your safety,
Prince Nikias Gregor Chrysl.
After sealing the letter properly, he puts on the magic circle, watching as it lights up, the letter disappearing after a couple seconds. ''Magic is still so awe-strucking'', Nikias mutters to himself, he hasn't gotten used to seeing magic yet, the Exos Empire sure has magic in everything, but since they're mostly focused in technology and magical artifacts, the magic they use in a day-to-day basis is similar enough to what Vahe saw in his science-driven world, so it wasn't as impressive as seeing letters being sent to another continent by pure magic.
The fairy wakes up, Nikias looks as she goes from laying down to sitting on his shoulder, now up close he can see that her eyes have some kind of fog, probably because she's still one year old, I will need to carry her constantly until he turns two, he thinks. The fairy doesn't move much and also doesn't speak, probably because it's still a baby. I should name her. However the moment he gives a name to the creature, he might create some sort of attachment, compared to those around him in a relationship of mutual benefit, the fairy won't benefit from him, and the benefit he will get doesn't require her presence.
Thoughts of sending her away cross his mind all the time, the doll house is just a way to keep her entertained and safe while he can't carry her, once she completes two years of age, he'll get the protection and send her away. But will he really? He could get a nanny or some servant to take care of the fairy, so it survives at least. Somehow he needs to stop himself before he grows attached to something, besides, the fairy is so fragile. Losing someone once is enough, I need to keep a safe emotional distance.
Contrary to what Vahe co-workers constantly said about him, he isn't some cold-hearted, incapable of emotions, mad dog, insane bastard type of person. Sure he can be extreme in his threats, and during his years in the streets he stabbed one or six people, killing some and even breaking a few bones while escaping gross old men, but those were necessities, as a child he was quite the lovable kid, his brother and him used to play around and surprisingly enough. Vahe smiled more than cried when he was a child, that was when his father wasn't home, of course. If Zerah were alive, maybe Vahe wouldn't have lost the spark in his eyes. It's useless to think about the past, though, now he has a new brother, one that he doesn't feel the same connection with or even loves the real him.
If Nikias' family finds out I'm not him, what would they do?
What makes someone's identity? Their memories, experiences and thoughts? Or something more subjective like their soul? If their souls are different but the memories and experiences are shared, will they be the same in other's eyes or they would still be different? Vahe and Nikias share more than a similar body and personality, the resonance of their souls is so similar they could be mistaken by each other easily, considering that, if he gets all of Nikias memories, will he become Nikias himself? Or will he still be Vahe? Missing his brother and feeling guilt towards the Chrysl family?
His wandering stops when Fleuri enters the room quietly, his eyes sunken and his expression is one of annoyance, ''Good morning, your highness'', he bows too quickly, but Nikias doesn't complain. ''I got the information on the building and also on the businesses close to it'', he puts a pile of files on Nikias' desk. ''I don't know what type of business you want to establish but…'' He stops mid sentence when he spots the fairy on the Prince's shoulder. ''Your highness, may I ask why you enjoy mixing yourself with things unbefitting of a Prince?'' His question may seem like a complaint, however Nikias saw it more like a compliment.
''If I am a Prince, anything I do is befitting'', he answers.
The half-elf sighs, ''I see''. I think I might be getting used to his personality by now, Fleuri thinks, staring at his boss with disgust mixed with admiration, even if the half-elf wouldn't want to admit, he quite likes the way Nikias portrays himself, by breaking expectations and entangling himself with things most nobles wouldn't.
''On the topic, what does fairies eat?'' His question makes Fleuri stare at him for a few moments before replying.
''I'll try to stop being surprised by your remarks.'', his tone is crude. ''They eat flowers'', despite his attitude, the halfling answers properly.
''Any flower?''
''As far as I know, yes''.
Nikias gets up. ''We'll be going to the garden and then the training grounds'', he affirms.
''Your highness, can I not go to that disgusting place again?'' Fleuri asks, already knowing very well the answer to that, Nikias doesn't answer, he just gazes at the half-elf, his golden eyes shimmering with danger. ''Understood, may I know why we'll be going there again?''
''We have two new recruits to meet'', with a small and quick smile, Nikias opens the door to his room, only to be met with the person he least wants to meet.
Evangelia stares at the second Prince deeply, her black eyes seem to look into his soul, but the man doesn't even flinch, her gaze then goes to the fairy on his shoulder, she doesn't seem surprised, but the disgust in her expression shows how she truly feels regardless. Even if most wouldn't be able to properly read the Crown Princess-to-be, Nikias is able to do it flawlessly, simply because he had read so many of her inner thoughts that he can even predict it by each situation. She's probably thinking that I didn't change at all, and correctly enough, that's exactly what the woman is thinking.
''Your highness, I'll need to confiscate the fairy'', she says shortly.
Ha. ''No'', he replies, his eyes cold.
''I thought I instructed you to leave straight to the Palace, even if you paid for her, she's still black market property and should be seized by the Imperial Knights.'' Her words spew righteousness just like one would expect from her character, someone who thinks and lives as if the world is black and white, while ignoring the gray part in between.
''According to the Imperial laws, if the Prince bought something before the knights announced their raid, he has the right of the property unless it breaks another law of the Empire. And since the fairy wasn't taken as a slave and isn't even aware of herself yet, seizing her without proper cause would be considered harm to a protected species''. Just like hired, Fleuri is quick to read the situation and reply properly. His words taking Evangelia aback, she probably didn't expect an attendant of the second Prince to be this knowledgeable, which is by her own fault for underestimating him.
''And who are you?'' She asks, her tone of genuine curiosity.
''I'm Fleuri, his highness Prince Nikias' aide'', he answers with a short bow, he's being respectful even if he isn't required to.
''Aren't you the commoner Count Auclair sponsored?'' As expected Evangelia quickly recognizes the man's name, not only for his appearance in the journals, but also because she also attended the same Academy, even if she graduated before Fleuri. Her eyes show greed, just like Nikias, Evangelia likes to collect smart allies, however even so, she would never have a halfling as her ally.
''Correct, but if you excuse us, I have a meeting'', Nikias says, cutting into their conversation. ''Glad we solved the issue with the fairy'', he isn't exactly genuine, and Evangelia eyes tell him that the conversation isn't over, but he quickly walks past her, ''If you want to talk with me, schedule a meeting with Lowe, my servant, he's probably accompanying mother's butler''. He doesn't wait for her response.
''Should I prepare documents for the fairy?'' Fleuri asks once they're far enough from Evangelia. The Prince fights a smile, the half-elf is as competent as he wished him to be, his loyalty is still lacking and he doesn't seem keen into respecting their social differences, acting just the bare minimum required of his job. But Nikias doesn't mind, he finds it comfortable even. Well, it's well-established by now that the Prince seems to enjoy mingling with those of the slums on contrary to those fancy nobles.
And even if he isn't aware yet, he found his match well with Lyor, a King who enjoys taking in those exiled and cast out of their nations. However, that's something to see later.
''Yes, and regarding the business, I'm going to open a general store, to sell products from the Morke Kingdom and other miscellaneous, the true objective is to have an information guild under wraps'', Nikias says, as they reach the garden, contrary to yesterday, the garden is filled with servants, some working on the flowers while others walking to one post to another carrying on their duties. They seem to be more busy than usual. The servants walking past him pretend the Prince doesn't exist, but differently from the knights who threaten his position and can make his life in the Empire harder, he doesn't particularly cares for the other employees, he has his own servants and by what they told him, the others don't bully them, only give them the cold shoulder. If their attitude hindered Nikias somehow, he would probably intervene, but since it doesn't he doesn't find it necessary. The contempt and disgust in their eyes annoy him and their whispers feel like flies around his ears, but the thing about flies is that they're annoying, but he can get rid of them whenever he likes, he chooses not to.
''And who will take care of this? Both me and the twins are already swamped with work'' Fleuri points out as they stop in front of a tulip bed, Nikias places the fairy on top of one of the flowers, the small creature takes a few moments before it starts to eat the flower petals.
Nikias crouches, staring at the fairy eating. ''I don't know yet, it needs to be someone trustworthy and that can use teleportation magic, so that we can transport the goods and communicate without the use of letters'', he tilts his head, watching as the fairy flies slowly to the next flower. Her tiny hands holding the petals delicately as she munches it. ''It'll take a while to begin business so I guess we have time'' Nikias continues once the fairy finishes, flying back to his shoulder without the need of him placing her there. She's probably recognizing me by the smell. ''You seem to like tulips'', Nikias whispers to the fairy, ignoring the disturbed expression on Fleuri's face. ''I will call you Petal, because you look and eat flowers''.
''Your highness I'm impressed by your creativity, I might even seek advice when naming my children in the future'', Fleuri's comment is filled with sarcasm, but the Prince ignores him. Without noticing, he not only instinctively named the fairy, he also started growing attached to it, not that he is aware enough of his own feelings to know he did so.
They arrive at the training grounds swiftly, the sun burning their skin, the spring is already coming to end, welcoming the summer, and with the heat wave arriving, no one can avoid the sweat and heatburns. That said, Nikias feels annoyed by the drops of sweat in his forehead, such a thing is soon solved by a young man running towards him with a folding fan in one hand and a broken crossbow in the other.
Differently from their meeting the previous day, the boy from the slums is cheerful, his swollen face is filled with patches and his clothes are filled with holes, his bright pink hair catches the attention of everyone there. However the moment Dacre approaches the second Prince, he manages to create not only a new gossip, but also break a few imperial laws. The boy isn't as stupid as one would take from seeing him on the streets, using his pitiful appearance to get food and his body to seduce men into paying him for sexual favors. Dacre is used to life on the streets and part of that is learning how to read situations and people. And by reading Prince Nikias, he could tell how he should act and how much he can cross the line established by their difference in status.
In Dacre's eyes, the Prince never had to lift a finger in order to survive in his life, his hands smooth and his body devoid from scars, the Prince portrays himself with dignity and his head up high with elegance. To those who can't read his mind, Prince Nikias looks like a sheltered Prince, however, the fact he surrounds himself with not only those from the slums, but also creatures believed to be inferior to humans, tells Dacre all he needs to know. With the exterior of a sheltered noble and the inside of a child starved for affection. They're not that different at the end of the day.
''Your highness!'' The boy's tone is cheerful, he uses the foldable fan to help the Prince with the heat. ''You were right, no one cared a beggar entered the Palace after the second Prince!'' He giggles, his tone is casual, and he doesn't bow or pay his respects, but from their first meeting, Nikias could tell this is the type of person Dacre was.
Crude, disrespectful, sarcastic and childish, a person he usually wouldn't want around him, after all those people tend to be the ones who stab you in the back later. However, the desperation and determination in Dacre's eyes show him that the boy isn't acting like that without thinking, and if the situation requires he will be respectful and do his part well, as long as Nikias satiates the boy's desperation he won't be betrayed. Not that I won't have my guarantees, blindly trusting someone isn't really my style.
''Indeed'', the Prince answers, walking around the training grounds, the knights now bowing to him without the need of him scolding them.
''And who may you be?'' Fleuri asks, his eyes on the boy's hair, who he seems to have been properly colored, as his hair is more bright pink and his platinum roots are also colored now.
''I'm Dacre, I have absolutely no idea why the Prince recruited me, but I came with everything I have!'' His tone is still cheerful, his dark green eyes however are just as dull as they were in the previous day. The two men observe that the boy has a small bag that seems half empty, besides the foldable fan and the broken crossbow.
''Do you use a crossbow?'' Nikias asks.
''I used to when I was a little kid, my father was a knight for the Gypsum Kingdom, but he ended up marrying my druggie mother and retired'', Dacre comments, still fanning the Prince, his tone is non-chalant, as if he's talking about someone else's parents. ''But I haven't used it since he died and it's broken now'', the boy laughs.
''You can buy a new one with the Knight's budget'' Nikias comments simply, trying not to think too much about the oversharing the boy just did.
''Oh, so I'll be a knight?'' Dacre comments. ''Sounds exciting''. His dull expression says otherwise, but his cheerful tone is enough to trick those listening.
''Yes'', Nikias says, stopping on his tracks when he spots Gutierre talking with Raphael, who should be resting, but it seems he's training. The servant is not wearing his uniform, only with a white linen shirt and brown pants, he's branding a stiletto, a dagger with a long slender blade and needle-like point, the weapon is worn out and its cable is already chipping, it seems to be quite old. ''I thought I told you to take the morning off'', Nikias says when he gets close enough to the servant.
''My apologies, your highness'', Raphael bows, ''But I was lacking yesterday so I couldn't avoid it but want to train more. Lord Gutierre was giving me some pointers'', he comments.
''Lord?'' Fleuri asks, staring at the older man who's wearing clothes befitting a noble, his crude exterior of the night prior nowhere to be found, his greatsword serving as a standing tool by the man who is leaning on it.
''I'm a Baron'', Gutierre says, ''You don't need to be so formal with me, since we all will be the Prince's knights, isn't that right?''
''Correct'' the Prince answers, he takes the folding fan from Dacre, using it himself, annoyed by the heat. If he already had his six knights he would use one of the meeting rooms inside the knight's building. ''Do you have mana?'' He directs the question to the two new men.
''Nope'', Dacre answers, his hand playing with the broken crossbow he brought.
''Unfortunately no'', Gutierre says, his tone is more formal, showcasing not only their difference in personalities but also in age. ''Will that be a problem?''
''It won't'', Nikias answers, he turns to Fleuri, ''Could you take their information and register them?'' the half-elf nods, going to the building to get the forms. The Prince turns to his servant. ''Raphael, Lowe will serve me for now, I need you to focus on your division'', the man nods. ''A knight from Morke will arrive in two days, I'll have him stay within the Shadow division since the goal is to have him do a few investigations with you. Dacre here'', he points at the pink-haired boy. ''Will also be under you, so train him accordingly, you don't need to be polite, remember that you're the Captain'', his words carry more than just a warning, Nikias didn't put Raphael in charge of the division just to carry out his orders, but also because he wants to see how the boy carries himself as a leader once he leaves his twin's shadow.
''Understood'', Raphael answers, turning to Dacre. ''Nice to meet you Dacre, I'm Raphael and I'm the Captain of the Shadow Division of Prince Nikias' knights.'' He shakes the boy's hand.
''Aye!'' The boy salutes the former-servant. He uses a casual tone and expression, but his eyes and actions show respect.
''As for Gutierre, you'll be in the official Knights division, you have another colleague I recruited, but she isn't here right now. Scarlet is the daughter of a Margrave, so remember to be respectful, I still don't have a Captain so I would appreciate it if you train individually for now'', Nikias says, the ex-mercenary nods. ''You can use the training grounds, but unfortunately the dorms and internal facilities won't be available until I finish recruiting the other knights.''
''Sorry, but I don't have a place to sleep tonight. Unfortunately I have a few loan sharks after me, you see'', Dacre raises his hand, his tone is calm, his overhype tone fading slowly as he adapts himself around the other knights.
''You can sleep at my house'' Gutierre says, ''I won't be moving to the dorms, so you can stay there until the dorms open for us''.
''Thank you! I'll make sure to lose the thugs following me before going there'', Dacre says casually, shaking the Baron's hand. He sure likes to overshare, Nikias observes. For someone who previously isolated himself, the Prince is sure to notice quirks of his employees, especially those who he finds interesting enough. Even if he doesn't know what friendship is or how to portray himself with them, he knows how to present a proper environment for his employees and also observes them enough to use their potential to the maximum.
Fleuri comes back with papers on his arms, calling up the new knights to register them, Nikias turns to talk with Raphael, to nag him again about resting, however a yell in the distance catches his attention before he is able to.
''You can't do this!'' The woman's voice is loud, she's yelling loud enough for everyone in the training grounds to turn their attention to her. The woman is being dragged by a few knights, she's disheveled, her heavily curly ash blonde hair is messy, her teal eyes are red from the tears flowing from them, she's on the smaller side, with practically no muscles and her dark tanned skin is a contrast to her white tailored dress which is now dirty from being dragged around the dirt. ''I need to talk with the Crown Prince!'' She yells again. ''Listen to me you idiots!''
She's another person without a presence in the novel, Nikias tries but can't recall someone with her appearance in it. He's ready to turn his attention back to his former servant when he sees it. The woman yells again, this time a lightening of teal color sparks around her, followed by another and then another, hitting the men dragging her, making them unconscious.
''You can't do this to me!'' The woman yells again as the lightning becomes more frequent and a teal-toned fog surrounds her. It's a mana rampage, Nikias thinks, recalling the few times it happened in the novel, including Scarlet's death scene in it.
''She has great mana control'', Raphael comments. ''It looks like a mana rampage followed by a mana leakage, but when you observe more closely, you can see that the mana fog is only surrounding her body like a shield and the lightening only hit the men dragging her.'' His comment makes Nikias observe the situation more closely, a smile growing on his lips. He has two shadow knights, two official ones and he needs two magicians, so seeing a desperate woman with perfect mana control in front of him seems like a gift from the heavens.
And so as he did with Dacre, Nikias approaches the woman. Careful to not get too close in the range of her lightenings.
''May I help you?'' He asks, his tone is polite but not respectful. The woman raises her head to look at the Prince, her face wet from the tears that don't seem to stop flowing from her teal eyes, she takes a moment to recognize the second Prince.
''Your highness'', she seems to calm down as the fog around her becomes less dense, she dries her tears with the back of her hand, getting up while poorly cleaning her white dress. ''I'm Irene Farhi, wife of Margrave Farhi'', her voice is choked by her tears, but her eyes show pure desperation. At first Nikias tries thinking about the novel, but he recalls her name, not from it, but from the newspaper he read the day prior, the title of the news quite eyecatching. Margrave, sentenced to public execution for embezzling Imperial funds, leaves a widowed wife 30 years younger: The people request her execution per association. It was quite self-explanatory, Margrave Farhi was sentenced to death by public execution for using funds directed for border safety for his own fun, gambling and using drugs bought with that money, and as a man in his fifties, he was recently married to a young woman from a fallen Viscount house. The woman faced public scrutiny because of her husband, but she was pardoned since most of his crimes were committed before they married and she didn't have any relation to them. Nikias remembers asking Fleuri about the article, the man telling him that the wife was actually sold by her family after they went bankrupt and that she graduated the Academy as a magician before her family fell. However he didn't really remember her name, only the rumors surrounding her he heard while attending the Academy. "I would like to request a meeting with the Crown Prince." She's firm, and it seems that she was kicked out before being able to state her case, probably because now that her husband died and her title was stripped, she is nothing more than a commoner, therefore meeting the Crown Prince isn't as easy as it would be as a Margravine.
"Why? You want your title back?" Nikias asks, his golden eyes watching closely the young woman's face, as a predator waiting for his prey to be distracted.
Irene shakes her head. "No, I'm aware that would be impossible, however I want to enter the East Magician's Tower, but they don't allow commoners to become Engineers, so I want a letter from the Crown Prince to be allowed in", she's calmer than before, Nikias wonders if she was just putting up a show before, to get what she wanted. As someone drowning in pure desperation, since she was stripped from her title, she might have nothing as well, since the Margrave's belongings became Imperial property. Looking closely, her clothes are an imitation of noblewoman attire used by commoners, her shoes seem to be a high heel one that became broken after both heels were taken off, and the only thing she's carrying that is worth anything more than 10 silver coins is the thin gold bracelet she's wearing. Basically, she's as broke as one can be, if she doesn't manage to get a job soon, she'll be in the slums in no time. But as previously stated, women don't exactly have free entrance to work in the Empire. Her best shot would be to become a maid or a waitress in a pub, even if she's a great magician, without a proper title, she won't be able to enter any of the Towers across the Empire.
Even if she did, they wouldn't allow her to stand out much. I wonder what happened to her in the novel, Nikias catches himself thinking. He likes her desperation, and he needs magicians, if she's not affiliated with a Magician's Tower yet means she has no connections there. Therefore he can become a beaming light to her dark path.
"I can't get you a meeting with my brother", Nikias says, he feels the fairy moving around on his shoulder, still asleep after she ate, he turns to stare at the creature, still speaking to the woman. "But I can help you myself".
The knights that were knocked out by her lightning start waking up. Nikias recognizes the Silver Crows uniform in one of them, the dark brown hair and light green eyes followed by a face filled with freckles makes the Prince freeze for a moment. He didn't imagine to meet another novel character like this, Philippe Doujan was one of the people he considered it while thinking about his future husband, but now looking at him closely, just like the other candidates, he doesn't hold a candle to King Lyor, his muscles are lacking even compared to other knights, and his dopey eyes combined with his personality in the novel make Nikias want to throw up. He was a puppy to Evangelia, even the way he spoke to her, as if he would jump a bridge if she wanted him to, disgusting. The worst part was that his loyalty wasn't due to Evangelia's power or social stance, but because the man was another one infatuated with her, being her personal Knight just because the woman was sure she could manipulate him properly. In the end he died protecting her in a scene many cried reading, except for Vahe, he found it disturbing. How he kept smiling and acting happy even as he died for a woman who treated him like an object.
I don't think Evangelia treated any ally like a proper person, maybe except for Alkaios and Tove.
"Your highness, we were instructed to escort Miss Irene out the Palace grounds" Philippe states, his voice is more annoying than he imagined while reading the novel. He doesn't hate people easily, even Evangelia who hates him he sees just as an enemy he must overcome, but this man in front of him presses all of his wrong buttons. Annoying voice, punchable eyes and an expression of someone who thinks he's better than the second Prince.
"I have business with her, so it won't be necessary", Nikias says, his eyes cold from the annoyance.
"The Crown Prince…" The knight attempts to speak but is cut by the second Prince.
"Even if my brother ordered her to leave, if I have business with her you must obey", his tone is firm, the knight falters for a moment before bowing.
"As you say, your highness", he leaves promptly followed by the other knight who was also dragging Irene.
Fleuri arrives, running towards the second Prince with a worried expression. "Your highness, Dacre is fighting", his voice shows more annoyance than worry in contrast to his expression.
"Irene, how much would you like to be my magician?" Nikias asks, extending his hand to the disheveled woman. "You'll be registered as a knight, have a wage of your own and be able to gain your freedom without the need of a title or a recommendation letter". Her teal eyes shine with the Prince's words as she accepts his hand. He is being hasty with his recruitment, but anything he requires in the future will be dealt with tomorrow once he finds his last knight. "We will discuss it in more detail when we register you tomorrow. Solve your loose ends and move into the knights dorms tomorrow".
"You won't regret this, your highness", she bows as she leaves a new glint of ambition clear in her eyes. Now he is quite sure that the show she was doing earlier was nothing but pure acting. Nikias isn't sure yet about the woman, as he isn't sure of the other two men he recruited, but only time will tell if they'll be loyal enough, and since Irene has mana, he'll be able to make a mana pact with her. I'll ask Lowe to analyze her capabilities, if she's good enough I'll make her the Captain. He thinks as he follows Fleuri back to the training grounds where he finds an amusing situation.
Raphael and Gutierre standing in awe as Dacre is on the ground and on top of him is Rainier, Captain of the Silver Crows. The redhead punches the pink-haired boy in his already swollen eyes, the boy pulling the Captain's hair back, his grip strong enough to throw the man off balance.
"Why are they fighting?" A random knight speaks, beating Nikias to it.
"I don't know I just arrived as well" Another knight answers. Nikias turns to look at Fleuri, who's staring at the situation as if he's seeing animals fighting.
"I left to submit their papers, when I came back Raphael was arguing with the Silver Crows' Captain, next thing I see is Dacre kicking him and then they started this stupid fight", Fleuri sighs. "You couldn't have recruited someone a little less inconsequential?"
"Where's the fun in that?" Nikias asks with a scoff, but he is aware that he can't control a rabid dog without a proper collar. "Prepare a blood contract and a magic contract", he says to his aide. "Let's put a collar on my new dogs".
Fleuri doesn't seem to like the analogy, but he can't argue since he himself sees those knights as nothing more but aggressive animals with no self-control. So the aide leaves to deal with the requests of the Prince. Nikias approaches the fight, he doesn't get too close so that he won't end up getting hit by accident, but close enough so that the two men notice his presence.
"Prince!" Dacre says, he smiles, his teeth covered in blood.
"You seem to enjoy being on the floor", Nikias comments, ignoring the fiery gaze of the Silver Crows' Captain.
"I have a knack for getting down and dirty, ya know", the boy laughs. "But I think my ribs got broken again".
"Did you start this?" The Prince asks, his gaze turning to Raphael, waving his hand for the man to approach them. Rainier gets up from the ground, he's disheveled and his white uniform is now brown with the dirt, his face is red from the heat and his red eyes show contempt.
"I did" Dacre answers with a laugh followed by a pained groan. "He called us dirty dogs and said we're being controlled by you", Dacre's eyes show more enjoyment than anger. "Then I decided to act like a proper guard dog and pounce on him to protect my owner's honor", he laughs again. "After all, what good dog would I be if I didn't do so?"
"Did you bite him?" Nikias asks, unable to hide his smile, putting his hand over his mouth to hide it.
Dacre laughs proudly "Right on his arm, this blood isn't only mine", he shows his bloody teeth to get his point across.
"Ha" Rainier laughs. "You surround yourself with people just like you", his comment is directed at Nikias, the disrespect makes him annoyed. Sure he shows contempt and disgust all the time, but to directly attack the second Prince? In front of so many people? Nikias observes the sunken face of the knight and his eyes are red, he doesn't seem to have slept in a while.
"Rainier Bauldry, you're speaking to a Prince, and last time I checked Alkaios is your friend not me!" Nikias doesn't raise his voice, he doesn't need to, his tone is firm enough to catch the knight by surprise, the training grounds become silent. By his expression the man seems to understand a bit late what he did. For much less Nikias stabbed a knight, however since Rainier is Alkaios' best friend, Nikias doesn't want to act rash, he can't just let it go, though.
Something's wrong with me, Rainier thinks, his head pulsing and his vision foggy, he isn't sure even what he's doing at the training grounds, after the raid the night before he got into a fight with Evangelia, something about being reckless, but even that he can't remember properly.
You see, this man is extremely disturbed currently. His mind muddled by his own anxiety, his body growing weaker from the lack of food, everything he eats he throws up and all he can do to muddle his own thoughts is to train and do paperwork without a break. For three days he hasn't slept. After the night he shared with the commoner servant, he couldn't sleep, he couldn't eat and most of all he couldn't stop feeling guilty every time he saw Evangelia's face.
And to make matters worse, he told himself that it was the only time he would lay with the servant, but then it happened again the night after and after the raid he found himself searching for the man again. Both times he initiated himself, going against his own words, and after another night entangling their bodies, he would throw up everything and become unable to fall asleep. If he's feeling so much guilt, why can't he stop meeting the servant? Why does he keep searching for him? To the point he approached his twin to taunt, provoking the new knights of the second Prince. Just to get some temporary satisfaction.
"If you're disgusted by me, why do you keep seeking me?" Lowe asked, his caramel eyes staring at Rainier with confusion, the man leaving the bathroom after throwing up again. He can't answer the servant, he can't even understand himself. Those eyes staring at him are devoid of emotion, there's no love or affection, and he knows for sure he also isn't looking at the man like that. So why is he drowning himself in guilt for that superficial pleasure? The servant gets up, dressing himself without looking at the knight. "I have a lot of work to do, so don't seek me out tonight", his words are cold and his gaze is even colder. "I don't particularly care if you like me or not. As previously stated I feel no attraction to you whatsoever. Having sex is enjoyable, so I didn't mind when you approached me for this temporary satisfaction." Lowe says as he buttons his shirt. "However, Lord Rainier, I do not enjoy being disrespected like this". And finally the servant puts on his shoes, gazing at the knight one last time before leaving. "Get your shit together, you're a knight and a noble, act the part".
The memory of that morning hits him hard. The question of the time is, what happens when a hypersensitive man who hasn't slept in 72h and has been keeping himself occupied to not face his own thoughts is forced to not only face it but also is confronted by the person he hates the most?
"I apologize for your highness, I must be out of my mind", Rainier bows to the Prince he vowed to never bow to. However he knows not only the Imperial laws but also etiquette enough to know he was in the wrong. And even if he's proud, he's also a future Duke.
"Apologize to my knights as well", Nikias says coldly and Rainier does so. And when he turns to leave, the man finally collapses to the ground, the exhaustion catching up to him.
The Prince stares at the man on the ground, feeling not only disgusted but also angry, he remembers Rainier from the novel as a nobleman that posed himself with elegance, and even if he was Evangelia's lap dog, he still had integrity and was an exceptional knight. His role of Alkaios' best friend and Evangelia's admirer was well-balanced and his conflicts were always on the ethics of being in love with your best friend's fiance.
Right now, all he sees is a man with no control that goes around insulting a Prince and getting into petty fights. It doesn't take long for the Royal Knights to take Rainier to the Knight's Building, probably to the infirmary, Nikias turns to his own knights, Dacre still on the ground, holding the side of his chest with a pained expression and Raphael is discussing something with Gutierre next to the bloodied boy.
''As his Captain, you should treat him'', Nikias states, catching the attention of the three men. Raphael nods, but by his expression the Prince can tell he's unsure on how to act. When you spend a long time unable to choose your next steps, becoming a leader can be quite challenging. But Nikias wouldn't give him such a role if he didn't think he could do it. ''Raphael, stop hesitating, you know what to do, from now on you're not my servant anymore, as a Captain you must learn how to make choices without looking at me for answers. You report to me, but I'm not the master of your strings. I gave you this position because I trust you.'' Words meant to push the man further, Nikias doesn't truly trust the man, but saying so won't do them any good, and his words even if fake are meant to encourage Raphael and bring up his potential.
The knight nods. ''I'll do so, your highness''. He pulls up the beaten up boy, helping him to stand up so they can walk towards the Palace main building.
''Shit, you're strong Captain'', Dacre comments with a pained laugh.
''Stay quiet'', Raphael says simply.
''Y'know you can shut me up some other way'', Dacre comments with a flirtatious smile. Nikias notes that the boy seems to make use of sarcastic remarks, oversharing and flirting to deflect people's attention from his weaknesses. Just like the boy did when he was being beaten up the day before.
''Do this again and I'll make you walk alone'', Raphael is curt and dry, he doesn't look at the boy when he answers.
Dacre laughs, falling silent after the threat from his Captain, being observant enough to know that he shouldn't flirt with the man. Just like he knows that if he tried to flirt with the second Prince he would receive a gaze fierce enough to bring shivers down his spine.
Nikias turns to Gutierre. ''Are you good only with a greatsword?'' He asks, the ex-mercenary has an expression of amusement, he is more than 10 years older than his now work colleagues, one must think that he would be more annoyed and frustrated than interested. But again the way he killed people just because the Prince ordered him so, proves he's not all there mentally. Not that any of my knights are, Nikias thinks, feeling the fairy seating up on his shoulder, as she wakes up, his gaze goes to her, feeling an inner peace he hasn't still realized, courtesy of the fairy's mana leaking. It's easy not to be aware of a fairy's mana leak.
To understand a little more, we must check the history of fairies and sprites, species protected by law in the Exos Empire, and even so they're still commercialized in a few spheres. Fairies are a representation of the Moon goddess protection, due to such their mana usually has characteristics connected to such, they're also connected to nature, being born from a combination of his parent's prayers and their environment, if a fairy is born close to water they'll become a water fairy, if a fairy is born on top of a stone or ground they might become a earth fairy, etc. Sprites on the other hand are represented by a speck of light or cluster of mana, they're sentient but don't possess human-like characteristics like fairies, and they're a symbol of reparation and balance, mostly known for showing the path to those who are lost.
Petal is a flower fairy, born in a flower bed soaked in the blood of her parents and instantly kidnapped as soon as she was born. However due to the fairy characteristics, she can't recall anything but the smell of blood and wildflowers, then damp and mold and now the smell of the sun coming from the human who's carrying her around. Due to her characteristics, Petal's mana has a soothing and joyful property, causing those around her to become calm and happy.
Compared to Nikias' mana, hers is more of a tickle, however due to their proximity, time of contact and the Prince's already susceptibility to other's mana due to the damage the poison did to his body, the effects of her mana are even greater on him. Fact he'll only become aware far later on, not that it is a bad thing, considering his tendency to anxiety and nightmares.
Therefore, for this reason, Nikias can't seem able to put the fairy down or even bring himself to not steal glances at her every now and then, fascinated by the creature he only ever read in books.
''I used a lot of weapons back when I was a merchant, I had to deal with a lot of bandits, so…'', The Baron answers, his gaze on the creature as well, curious about it. ''Why do you ask, your highness?''
''I need an instructor for the ones not used to combat. Mostly Dacre and Scarlett.'' Even if the girl is already quite good with a sword, she only even fought in controlled situations.
''The other boy doesn't need it?''
''Raphael is a Captain, and he is knowledgeable enough to not need a teacher'', Nikias answers superficially enough, he doesn't want to talk about the twins' past as mercenaries since they seem to be keen in leaving it behind them. ''You used to be a merchant as well?''
''Yes, it was how I bought my title'', Gutierre shrugs, cutting the conversation short, not interested in oversharing his past, contrary to Dacre.
''Then do you know anyone that could be a temporary teacher to everyone?'' Nikias asks, pretending not to notice the man's eagerness to not address his past. ''It can be a commoner, a noble, someone you met that left a lasting impression?'' Considering Gutierre is older and more experienced, Nikias hopes he'll be able to know of someone he doesn't. Since most good teachers in the 'Odd Eyes' novel are Evangelia's allies, or worse, they worship the woman.
Gutierre stops for a moment to seek the information inside his head, while he thinks, Nikias gently pets the fairy, the creature yawns and brushes her body against Nikias' palm, the action makes the Prince remember videos of cats being petted he saw back when he was in the homeless shelter as Vahe.
''Oh right,'' the ex-mercenary finally speaks, Nikias looks at him with curiosity. ''I heard the Lumen fourth Princess married a Duke here, she was quite brilliant as a multi-weapon user, I sometimes saw her feats when trading in the Lumen Kingdom''.
The Lumen Kingdom is located in the Vapdim Continent, being a neighbor to the Morke Kingdom, they were the first to make an alliance with them to avoid conflict. Nikias doesn't know much besides what Lyor told him in his first letter, and he only said they're allied and that he denied a political marriage with one of their Princesses. If they're allies, maybe requiring her help won't seem out of nowhere.
''Do you know her name?''
''No, I only saw her by coincidence and heard the rumors she married a scholar Duke from here'' Gutierre shrugs as he stretches, looking at the sky. ''It's already lunchtime your highness, if you excuse me, I need to train so I can be a stellar knight''.
Nikias nods, looking at his watch to see the time, every time he thinks about the mountain of documents, books and problems he must deal with, he groans in his thoughts, in a week he didn't take a single break.
As he walks back to the Palace, his mind starts rambling.
Will I one day be able to walk these paths without feeling as if I'm stealing someone's life? To adapt I started thinking about this place as home and as his family as mine, but having to walk on eggshells and deal with those who see me as someone else, it isn't… Easy. Even if I think Alkaios as my brother, a guilt grows inside my stomach, not only guilt towards the original Nikias, or towards Alkaios who'll never see his brother again, but also towards my own brother, who died for me, and now might be watching me over here, calling someone else 'brother'.
He passes the flowerbed again, stopping to watch as the wind makes the plants waver from one side to the other. If I told Lyor I'm not the real Nikias, would he be disappointed? Or since he never knew the old one he won't care? Nikias in the novel never met him, so… Will I make his castle my home? Will I see his words and actions towards me as sincere and not a reflection of what he wants to do towards someone else?
Seeing himself as a replacement isn't correct, and having imposter syndrome doesn't fit him, but together with the calmness the fairy is bringing him, comes reflection on his own thoughts, his own past and his own fears.
As Vahe he was exploited, beaten, persecuted and mistreated and now as Nikias he can start anew, but how can he when everything he does is seen as someone else's actions?
His family can never know the real Nikias died that night, but acting as their son and brother is painful, not only to himself as someone with deep trauma connected to family memories but also to them who believe the son they neglected is still alive and that they can still repent.
Even if they regret, it's too late. He's already dead… He looks up, the wind messing his silver hair and the sun reflected in his eyes making the golden irises shine even more. Don't worry Nikias, I'll live long in your body and make every single one of the people who neglected and mistreated you regret it. Even if Nikias was a villain and in the eyes of the readers deserved his death, in the perspective of a child alone in a giant Palace, he was the victim. Maybe poisoning Alkaios was an act of revenge and not a way to get his attention. A petty revenge of someone who never managed to properly be neither a child nor an adult. If the memories are true, he was physically abused in the same home his parents claimed to love and care for, if my father were…
A loud noise inside his own head stops his thoughts, he shouldn't think about his father, the more he thinks about his childhood as Vahe, the more he'll remember. And when your memories are blocked due to trauma, remembering them recklessly isn't a good thing, especially when you have absolutely no intention to confront them. So Nikias decides to stop thinking about it, to dismiss his imposter syndrome as a rambling and goes back to his walk towards the Palace, his mind empty to his best of efforts.
❥
After the mess that was his morning, Nikias had lunch with his mother, a quiet and awkward meal he escaped as soon as he could. Empress Else hasn't talked with Nikias after his coming of age ball, she still eats meals with him and allowed her butler to teach his servant, the events of that evening must've shocked her greatly, he doesn't know exactly why. The truth is that the Empress found out something she isn't sure how to digest yet, and not the fact that his son is in a relationship with another nation's King or that he might go away soon because of the marriage.
But she found out that his son's mana isn't simply magic, but is divine power. Differently from mana, divine power has its origin in the gods, and usually is something they give to those they choose as their saints. Some priests have divine power, but its mixed with mana so the color becomes less characteristic and the properties are diluted, also while priests must pray constantly and be devoted to receive their divinity, saints are exempt, they're considered children of their gods, being not only a symbol of their power but also a medium of their will. Most gods don't interfere with their saints, only requiring their aid every now and then, therefore a lot of saints aren't aware of themselves until their god sends them a request.
Else noticed the divine properties of Nikias mana when he kissed the King and his mana leaked, it was quick and most people wouldn't have noticed the difference in its property. However, as a saint herself, the woman was able to catch on quickly, and when it comes to it, she would be glad his son was blessed. If it was any other god, that is.
If the Temple finds out he will be trapped in the Empire, she reflected during their lunch, quietly observing her son who's concentrating on his soup, his grip on the spoon clumsy like a child who just started using such a thing, my baby, what should I do?
Blissfully unaware of his own divinity, Nikias is now back at his room, his hand swiftly moving across papers, signing leases and budget requests, since he'll now have a Knight's Order he needs the budget for it from the Palace funds. After buying the fairy his funds became more scarce and soon he'll need as much as he can to fund his business. I could use Gutierre as a front because of his past as a merchant… He thinks, but he can't decide since he doesn't know the man's capability. As a mercenary he was competent, and if he bought his title with his merchant profits… His gaze rises from the papers to his aide, who is sitting on the table in the middle of the bedroom, finalizing the contracts and paperwork Nikias required early that morning. ''Fleuri''. He calls, making the half-elf stop his pen and look at the Prince.
''Yes your highness?''
''Make a background check on Gutierre, if needed ask Raphael for help, needless to say that it must be done in secrecy'', Fleuri nods, going back to his duty.
After only a few moments of silence, the door of the bedroom opens again. I should ask my father for an office. Lowe enters, bowing to the Prince before speaking. ''Your highness, your tutor is here''. Nikias nods, allowing the entrance of the man. His tutor is the Duke of the East, a man who many people praise for his intelligence and manners, from all the four Dukes, he's the one held in highest regard by the Emperor. The choice of making him Nikias tutor showcases how the Emperor sees both the Prince and the Duke, those who see the scholar entering the Prince's bedroom will spread rumors of the Emperor's favoritism.
''Nice to meet you, your highness, my name is Sascha Gagne'', the man's voice is smooth and he drags the vogels while speaking, a dialect from the east of the Empire. Now thinking about it, this world has a universal language… Just now Nikias has noticed that everyone he met from outside the Empire has been speaking the same language as him, something he hasn't even thought about, since he was able to understand, speak and read it since he woke up. Maybe because my brain is still Nikias', so some things are passed down, if that were the case, though, he wouldn't have had difficulties with cutlery and etiquette. In actuality it's a gift given by the Sun god with his blessing, not that the Prince will understand such right now. The universal language was something applied by Aelius when he founded the Empire, he sent letters to all the other nations, suggesting such, and after 50 years of hard work, they managed to get to a consensus and develop an universal language. Dialects and other differences are inevitable, but most nations use the universal language as their official one, since it makes their lives easier, their original language becoming ancient and being only used to name their children or in specific situations.
Due to Nikias' blessing as a saint he is also able to read and speak the ancient language of the Empire, something that'll aid him in his pursuit to deal with the Ancient god who'll rise. One of the many difficulties Evangelia suffered in the novel was learning the ancient language of the Exos Empire to find and unravel the artifacts and its history. He isn't aware yet that knowing ancient language isn't something everyone in the Empire knows, so his theory of his brain having the information is his best one currently.
''I'll be your tutor from now on, I'll be teaching you etiquette, history, math and any other subjects you wish'', the Duke continues. Nikias observes the man, he's shorter than Lowe, who's standing next to him, his back is slightly hunched, but his young features show that it's something due to his long hours studying, the Duke isn't the most handsome, however he isn't ugly, his light green eyes and black hair are a staple in the Empire, his glasses hide the freckles under his eyes, his body is devoid of muscles, the man being slightly overweight, and his unkept beard shows that he doesn't care about his appearance whatsoever.
He's a scholar, and considering that Duke Baultry and Duke Sawdom aren't, per elimination he might be who Gutierre was talking about, Nikias ponders. ''Perchance, is your wife the fourth Princess of the Lumen Kingdom?'' His question takes the Duke by surprise, his eyes opening slightly due to the shock.
''You're correct, your highness. We got married last winter,'' the Duke exclaims. ''May I inquire you to why?''
Nikias stops for a moment, pondering over the situation. If father suggested him as my tutor he'd probably be a little trustworthy, but still, that butler is also father's employee… His cold gaze inspections the 33 year-old in front of him, no doubt he is a stellar intellectual, the calluses on his hand from holding a pen and the ink smudged in parts of his shirt show he stays a lot at a desk working on papers, and Nikias already inquired others about him, hearing about the Duke's reputation around the Academy and other scholars. Although even if everyone were telling him the truth, employing both husband and wife as teachers could impact the Prince negatively. Even so, if the rumors about the Princess are true, she might be a good asset to have. Especially considering that he will need lessons as well.
''I heard rumors that the Duchess is proficient with weaponry?'' He inquires, trying to sound casual.
The Duke's expression changes from disinterest to excitement, a smile growing on his lips, ''Yes, isn't she amazing? I never saw anyone be able to use every single weapon in existence! When we first met, she…'' he starts rambling, speaking without taking a break to breathe, Nikias finds the situation amusing, the Duke was bleak when talking about teaching and introducing himself, posing as a good noble, however when the subject changed to his wife he started glowing. So they married because of love… I hope one day I can look like that, his wish goes beyond his current emotional capability, maybe one day Nikias will be able to acquire emotional maturity and find peace like those who love without scruples.
''May I interrupt you there,'' Nikias raises his hand, stopping the rambling of the Duke, who turns red and apologizes for talking too much. ''I admire your love for your wife'', he's genuine with the compliment, and it makes Sascha proud of himself, as if it was something he loved being complimented about. ''Do you think she would be interested in a position with my knights? A temporary one, of course, as an instructor, not necessarily an official one''.
Sascha ponders, his finger tapping on his chin while he thinks. ''She's still adapting to the Empire… But she does love teaching and weapons…'' He seems conflicted, but Nikias doesn't interrupt the man's thoughts since he seems too engrossed to take the Prince's words into consideration. ''I will talk with her about it, that's the best I can answer currently''.
Nikias nods, ''Tell her that she'll be paid generously and that we have a good range of weapon users in the order.'' He thinks for a while before continuing his words. ''If she accepts the offer or is at least interested, tell her to meet me at the gardens behind the Palace tomorrow after lunch.''
''Understood, I will pass on your message.'' The Duke nods, the glimmer in his eyes due to thoughts of his wife still present in his gaze. ''About our lessons…''
''Yes, could we arrange them in the morning? After breakfast until lunch…'' Nikias looks at his watch. ''I have another meeting now, we can start the classes tomorrow, I would like to start with etiquette since it's the most pressing subject.'' The Prince gets up from his desk, walking towards the Duke. ''I'm the most interested in the culture and history of the other Kingdoms and Empires, if possible lessons about relics and mana are also subjects I want to learn''. He extends his hand to Sascha. ''It'll be a pleasure to learn from you, teacher''.
The man smiles, taking Nikias' hand and shaking it. ''The pleasure is mine, your highness.''
After the Duke leaves, Lowe turns to Nikias, as before, the servant's posture is different, his back is straight, his feet slightly apart, his chin up high and his eyes serious but not cold. ''Your highness, the tailor and artifact mage are here already as well, you also have a meeting later with Miss Petit.''
Nikias sighs, stretching, feeling his back aching due to the tension on his shoulders. ''Bring in the mage and tailor together, for the meeting later I would like both you and Fleuri to listen in but do not engage''.
''Understood'', Lowe bows, leaving the room to bring over the guests.
Fleuri groans, lowering his head on the desk. ''Do I need to? She stresses me out, I feel like she stares right into my soul''. Nikias muffles a laugh with the half-elf's comment.
''Unfortunately as my aide, you must learn how to take part in my meetings and also how to deal with those around me. You and Lowe are my representatives, inside and outside the Palace.'' The Prince's words make Fleuri sigh again, but he ends up nodding.
''I agree about the importance, I just have the impression that she would kill me if she found out my identity'', Fleuri's words surprise Nikias, he's more observant than I thought. It's pleasant to know that Nikias isn't the only one able to see into Evangelia's mask of righteousness.
''She probably will, so hide it well'', he comments with a smirk, the halfling doesn't seem surprised. ''Lyor told me that the Morke Kingdom protects halflings, so when we go there next month you should try slowly pulling your hair up'', the Prince winks jokingly, Fleuri watches him with an interested gaze.
I can't understand what his true personality is. One moment he is cold and calculative, the other he's kind and understanding, and now he is even joking around as if we're friends. Does he have a personality disorder? The half-elf wonders, however Nikias, unaware of his employees thoughts, goes back to his desk, his mood lifted as he thinks about Lyor.
''How many letters did you already exchange with the King?'' Fleuri asks, curious since he only saw one letter arrive the morning after the ball.
''Four?'' Nikias answers, unsure. ''We were exchanging information and war strategies''.
Is he knowledgeable in war tactics as well? He doesn't know how to hold a knife, but knows how to form strategies and manage assets? The suspicions of the halfling are founded, but the more he tries to understand how the second Prince's brain works, the more he finds himself with even more questions.
He wants to inquire more, but Lowe enters the room again, accompanied by a man and a woman.
''Your highness'', the two guests bow and say simultaneously.
''My name is Nyathera Afia, I'm an independent magic engineer, specialized in artifacts and language analysis.'', the woman with ebony skin speaks first, introducing herself, her platinum hair is neatly kept in a pixie cut, and her eyes are black like obsidians. Her voice is low and she seems close in age to Nikias' mother. She's wearing what he assumes all mages use, since is similar to what Margrave Larchier was using at the ball, a purple robe covering her whole body with a hood that is lowered.
''And I'm Sulo Kai, I'm an uniform tailor for the royal family and high ranking noble houses'', his tone is more arrogant than the woman's, but the man doesn't sound rude, he gazes with indifference towards Lowe and Fleuri, not enough to be disrespectful. He's scrawny and has really pale skin, as if he never steps outside, his appearance is ordinary, brown eyes and hair and his face is covered with small wounds. His clothes are fashionable, Nikias observes that it's obvious that he's a tailor, he also notes that the man is eyeing him more than normal, his gaze is neutral but his focus makes the Prince sure of his intentions. Annoying, he thinks, but tries not to give the tailor an angry gaze like he does with the knights that look at him like that. I need to make a good impression with people outside the Palace… unfortunately.
''Nice to meet you both'', the Prince's tone is courteous but serious, his expression neutral and his gaze cold. ''First, Sulo, I want to request uniforms for my order of knights'', Nikias grabs a blank paper on his desk and calls the tailor closer, scribbling on the paper as he speaks. ''I want something that is versatile during fights, durable, yet it must be distinct. Three sets, one for the job itself serving as an uniform and armor and another for casual settings. The casual setting I would like is one set for winter and another for the summer. I also want the material to be high quality, the budget won't be an issue'', since Nikias intends to beg if necessary to get a proper budget, since the uniform will not only be the symbol of his order, but also the clothes his employees will be wearing. And he takes employee well-fare quite seriously, especially since their everyday clothing is a great part of it. ''The colors must be gold and black, no white since it gets dirty easily, the symbol must be in it but it also must be discreet''. As he speaks he draws the symbol of the order, the back of a Phoenix with its wings spread, rising from the flames. It's similar to the coat of arms of the royal family, but it doesn't have a sun and the Phoenix is standing from the back instead of from the front, hiding the face of the bird. Nikias wants it to symbolize rebirth, but also represent him leaving the Empire towards a new life. ''The measurements will be sent tomorrow evening by my aide''.
Sulo gazes towards Fleuri, expressing a little displeasement, but he doesn't speak on it. ''Understood, I heard you have a female knight, will the casual uniform consist of a dress or skirts?'' Hidden under his respectful tone is a small mockery, the lack of suggestion of other attires tell Nikias that female knights aren't well respected outside the Palace.
''Under knee shorts and pants will suffice, there's no need to make the female and male uniforms differently, just make sure the quality is subpar, it would be good if the material is flame resistant as well''. The tailor doesn't seem to appreciate Nikias answer, but his cold gaze is enough to make the man quiet.
''As you wish, your highness'', the tailor bows, taking the paper the Prince was writing on with him as he leaves the room.
Nikias looks at the magician, she claims to be independent, meaning she isn't associated with any Magician's Tower, maybe Lowe chose her precisely because of it.
''I need some things made, Lowe will send you a more detailed list later, but for now I want a pair of connection artifacts.'', Nikias points towards the fairy on his desk, the creature is eating a few sunflower petals he brought to his room earlier. ''An item that wouldn't hinder her is preferable. Something that'll connect me and her, so that I can track her… If it can have a defense spell in it would be ideal''.
Nyathera approaches the desk to observe the fairy with curiosity clear in her expression. ''The fairy's mana could interfere with the tracking spell, so it might take me a couple weeks to make it…'' She observes the creature a little more before speaking again. ''A bracelet for her and a ring for you would be the best model I can make''.
''I appreciate it, and if you could put other projects on hold for a moment, since I'll be needing other artifacts for my knights soon''.
''Understood'', the woman nods. ''It will be my pleasure'', she seems more genuine than the tailor, probably because as an independent magician she mustn't have many orders, and receiving an order from such a high noble like a Prince must be an opportunity she can't miss. I like her ambition.
❥
The evening arrives in a flash, Nikias only notices that the sun has set when Lowe calls up him and Fleuri for the meeting with Evangelia. They walk to one of the Palace's drawing rooms, as they pass the corridors the density of servants becomes more scarce as they retire for the night. I should eat something light before going for my night run. Nikias thinks leisurely as he opens the door of the drawing room, the place is minimalist, with fewer decorations and it seems to be more modern as a newer room in the Palace. It must be the drawing room Alkaios gave to Evangelia for her use in the novel, I remember a petty conflict in it as the maids didn't like her interference. He notes as he spots the black haired woman that is already sitting on the couch drinking tea, her posture exudes elegance and her clothes and jewels are yelling Crown Princess.
''You're late'', the woman says, putting down the tea cup. She doesn't look at the Prince, she also doesn't curt or bows. Well, she doesn't truly need to, he thinks, sitting down in front of her without a word. Fleuri and Lowe stand in the room close to the door, near enough to hear the conversation but far enough to not interfere. ''It seems you're becoming slightly more competent'', she says, observing the man's face, trying to catch a glimpse of his true emotions.
Nikias laughs coldly. ''For someone who poisoned a Prince you have a lot to talk about'', and there it is, the look he was waiting for, pure horror expressed by every single muscle on Evangelia's face, yelling 'he knows'. He hears behind him his employees gasping, of course he hasn't told them yet. Well, they would find out eventually, and they aren't stupid enough to go around speaking about what they heard between the second Prince and the Crown Princess.
''How long have you known?'' She asks, her voice trembling slightly, Nikias can tell that she's trying to think about how to avoid him telling Alkaios about it. Scared of scarring her relationship forever, and since there won't be a next time loop - hopefully -, she won't be able to change the outcome.
''Since when? Let me think…'' he leans back, making a signal for Lowe to serve him tea, as the servant does so he laughs dryly. ''Since I woke up?''
His words carry weight, if he has known for a week already, then he doesn't intend on telling his brother. ''Why didn't you tell Alkaios?'' She asks, her eyes turning dark with anger mixed with worry.
''Because I saw no reason to'', he answers with a shrug while sipping on the cold tea. It tastes bland, he thinks putting the tea cup down with distaste. ''Listen, Miss Petit'', he's formal but his tone is one of rudeness, ''Just stop trying to interfere with my business, I'm very aware that you and your allies despise me'', he sighs. ''But I have no intention of meddling in your business anymore, you see…'', he smiles. ''I don't care about my brother's attention anymore, nor I want the throne or something like that'', the man makes expressions with his hand to get his point across. ''I just want to study, create a good business and marry well'', his words aren't entirely a lie, that's all he ever wanted, as Vahe and now as Nikias, of course the nuances of his wishes are hidden behind those simple words, but deep down he just wants peace and to live a good life without feeling hunger, thirst or pain.
He wants to have a warm shower, with warm food, a warm environment and a family to call him. As Vahe he had a dysfunctional family and he lost his brother young, and now as Nikias he has a family that loves the shadow behind him and not himself. Evangelia seems to doubt his words, and he knows that it'll take more than pretty words to get her to leave him alone, but this is a good start, he thinks, trying to convey his sincerity with his gaze.
''If I wanted anything else, why would I marry to another nation? In another Continent even?'' He points out.
Evangelia's expression goes back to her cold usual one, she seems to be processing the man's words. ''I understand, but your highness, how can I trust someone who stood so low as to poison his own brother?'' Her question is valid, but hypocritical.
''And how could I trust someone who poisoned me?'' He scoffs. ''You're sounding ridiculous, do you think what you did is justified just because I did the same to Alkaios?'' He laughs again for a couple of seconds, his eyes cold. ''You're more naive than what one would expect from a Crown Princess''.
Her eyes become dark with anger. ''You're a threat to the Empire!'' She's exaggerating, after all even if the original Nikias did all those bad things in the other time loops, it all happened after he turned 18, therefore she killed him before he did any real harm this time, even the poisoning of his brother hasn't been happening for that long. The one she resents is the Nikias that never came to be in the fourth timeline.
''Enlighten me on why that is. Is it because I disgraced myself in the past? Or because I drank too much at parties and acted like a spoiled brat? Or maybe because I tried getting things with status alone?'' He mocks her words, his eyes glowing again making his mana leak slowly as he grows angry. ''Oh! Maybe because I begged for my brother's attention pathetically with a small poison that just made him a little weak?'' He scoffs, the golden mana leaks more, covering the floor of the room with a thick fog that sparkles slightly due to his mana properties, the only ones that notices it are the employees at the door. But Lowe and Fleuri don't interrupt the Prince. ''Miss Petit, may I remember you that contrary to me, you actually killed me with that poison.''
Evangelia seems mortified, her black eyes shaken with the words coming out of the Prince's mouth, her brain working hard to find the words for this situation. She always believed she was moving towards justice, that killing Nikias was something for the greater good, someone who drowned himself in gambling dens and even bought slaves, he was the scum of the earth, he was someone who didn't deserve any mercy whatsoever. But now? She's starting to doubt her own resolve. With everything on the Ancient god, how could she spare time to deal with someone as insignificant as Prince Nikias? Is she wasting her time being here? Shouldn't she be working hard as a future Empress?
Is everything she thought about herself a lie?
Nikias can see in her face, all her thoughts, her doubts. Evangelia in the novel had those thoughts after she was confronted by Alkaios when he found out about her killing his brother. He even remembers the man's words in the novel. It was an impactful scene due to its heavy emotions, but there was something that Alkaios said that pops into Nikias' mind now.
''Is this a game for you Evangelia? The life of my brother was something you easily took due to mistakes he never got to make? Who are you to decide when someone's life must come to an end? You're not the person I fell in love with anymore, I don't think I know you. If everything I knew about you is a lie, then… Who are you?''
There was a lot more said in that scene, but Nikias remembers being shocked by those words, since Alkaios was always extremely devoted to Evangelia in the novel, for him to turn his back and despise her instead was quite surprising. Even though it took him what? Six chapters to forgive her?
Nonetheless, Evangelia's face must be similar to the expression she made when Alkaios told her those things.
''I…'' Her words leave her mouth dryly, her voice cracking. ''I'm sorry for saying those harsh words and for poisoning you'', her apology doesn't sound sincere, but Nikias didn't exactly want one anyway. After all he neither was hurt by her words nor was he the one that died with the poison.
He gets up, ''I do not forgive you'', his words are cold, and he doesn't glance at the woman anymore, ''Just leave me alone, and I'll do the same'', with that he leaves the room, followed by Fleuri and Lowe.
She didn't manage to inquire with me about the relics and the fairy, good. He smiles, happy with the result of the meeting, his goal was to shock the woman enough to make her get off his trail for a while, at least enough for him to get a firm ground for himself. The next one I'll need to deal with is that annoying Duke withholding my assets.
But with the moon up high, the Prince will first check if his fiance sent him another letter, as that is more important than worrying about the pests he needs to eliminate around him.
❥
Chapter curiosities:
Let's talk about Nikias new knights ^^ I'll breakdown their profiles in the Index because I'm proud of it ehe, including Raphael, Dacre, Gutierre and Scarlet whom we already spoke about the meaning behind their names:
Raphael's spirit animal is a water spider, symbolizing courage and overcoming obstacles, we already talked about his mana color and size previously, his plant symbolism is a white hydrangea that symbolizes purity and grace, his weapon of choice is the stiletto, being associated to assassins, symbolizing both sophistication and violence.
Scarlet's spirit animal is a summer tanager, symbolizing courage, strength and joy, her mana color is blood red means vitality, passion and aggression and her mana size being a butter knife is more abstract, since its a blunt knife and what knifes usually symbolize its to show the conflict behind her mana usual characteristics and her personality and goals, her plant symbolism is a sugarbushes that symbolizes courage and transformation, her weapon of choice is any type of sword, that can have a lot of symbolisms but hers is power, violence and authority.
Gutierre is a character with less descriptions since he's not a character that is considered a 'main cast', but his weapon is the greatsword to symbolize martial prowess, power and strength.
Irene's spirit animal is a penguin, symbolizing balance, emotional strength and adaptability, her mana color is teal, the same as her eyes ^^, meaning serenity and healing and her mana size is a screw symbolizing pressure and detail, her plant symbolism is a ivy that symbolizes resilience and strength.
Now on one of my 5 favorite characters: Dacre, he has no mana, his spirit animal is a hamster, symbolizing playfulness, hardwork, energy and resilience, his plant symbol is a pink tulip, that is both a foreshadowing that I won't explain and symbolizes gentleness. His weapon being a crossbow symbolizes the ability to overcome challenges. ^^
If you're curious (you're probably not but I'll tell anyway) my top 5 favorite characters are: Vahe/Nikias, Lyor, Dacre, Lowe and a character I didn't introduced yet ^^, yes in this order ehe ^^ after them are Raphael, Scarlet, Evangelia, Rainier and Cypress ^^ (completing my top 10 ^^)
On the characters introduced and their names:
Irene is a name of greek origin that means 'peace'.
Sascha is a name of slavic origin and it means 'defender'.
Petal is a symbol of beauty, purity, and spiritual enlightenment.