⚠︎ This chapter has no major warnings.
♬ Until We Go Down by Ruelle ♬
"The intricate lines of life and death dance in the air as we move, the more we live, the closer we are to death, so what's the harm of celebrating the fact that you lived another day? Isn't being alive worth such happiness by itself? What more do you require?."
Dearest Lyor,
How are you faring in this cold morning? I regret to inform you that I am not faring well, my plans, everything I worked towards these past months, it all feels that it was for naught. As I told you in my letter yesterday, the operation was a complete failure, and today at dawn I was informed that the enemy who I was working to arrest was found dead.
Although I managed to concoct a plan in moments upon hearing the news, enough to give me the minimal amount of time to shift my plans, I still have so much to plan.
Everything feels so useless, my plans, my choices, all the moves I made on the board are now amounting to nothingness.
His death was at first ruled a suicide, but rumors are already running about it being my work, how I used my subordinates to kill him and forge a suicide, how my wickedness only increases.
And how can I defend myself? Go after the killer myself? I already have a faint idea of who's behind it, and it'll do me no good to go after them right now.
Who would think a son could murder their own parents? Especially one reported to be far away at the time of death?
As if a magician couldn't find a way around it.
Fleuri told me that there are rumors I'll be investigated soon and that more of my ''wicked'' acts will come forth.
Mine?
No, Nikias' wicked acts.
How can I prepare myself when I do not even know what they are?
Lowe told me all the Prince did was stay in his room reading novels and wasting away, he didn't even partake in high society parties.
But even if I know he's not lying to me due to the mana pact binding us, perhaps he didn't see all Nikias was up to.
Isn't that a possibility?
The Duke even mentioned my name in documents I am not aware of, crimes I could be put to death for, like treason, although I do not believe Nikias was involved in such acts, how can I know for sure?
Knowing parts of the future and past aren't enough to give me the answer this time around.
Tell me, how can I get out of this situation? Can I keep living this fake life behind the mask of someone else's life?
Lyor, oh, how I wish I could run away right now.
Or hide under your cold touch, so that no harm may reach me.
But the reality of my station won't allow me, regardless of how far I run, the blood of the Imperial family that ran in Nikias' bloodstream and now flows in mine binds me to duties I will forever be responsible for.
With a restless heart,
Nikias.
♕
Oh my lovely Nikias,
As your heart cries in your words I feel mine clench as I am unable to save you from your troubles. Believe more in yourself and in those that believe in you, you're not alone, it is ok to rely on others to figure out what to do next.
If the Duke forged your or past Nikias' signature in the documents, you may be able to find proof amidst the documents you have found in the caves during the failed operation.
Does the child that was rescued at the scene still refuse to speak? They may also be of help proving the Duke was attempting to put the blame on you.
Are the documents putting the blame on you recent? If so, didn't your signature change after you became Nikias? If there are changes in such before and after and he still uses the old one, could you use such to prove your innocence?
Please do not worry, we will find a way out of this.
With love,
Lyor.
♕
Dearest Lyor,
You're right, thank you.
Due to your suggestion I asked Gutierre to do the investigation and gather any materials that might prove my innocence. I was not interrogated yet, but it is a matter of time.
I was informed they already ruled out suicide, since there are traces that the Duke was dead before his neck broke due to the hanging.
The Palace is awfully quiet, and a lot of the people are on the side of the deceased Duke, accusing me since I was seen with him the night prior to his death.
Fleuri and Gutierre are working overtime on this, and the opening of my store was delayed due to such, this is so frustrating.
Why is everything going awry when I planned everything down to the last detail?
Is it because I am unlucky?
Will more and more fall apart?
Will our marriage be one of those things that are planned and just don't work out?
It has been long since despair filled my heart so much, although I have died once, I do not wish to die again.
In fact, I am scared of death, scared of being in pain.
There is a way for me to escape retribution from this investigation if any proof I cannot refute comes forward.
I can always announce my sainthood. I would be given immunity, but at what cost?
Our marriage could be stopped and I could become trapped in a Temple for the rest of my life.
Dear… What should I do?
With despair,
Nikias.
❥
Dearest Lyor,
My heart has lulled as this past week went by, your words of encouragement gave me strength, in which I appreciate immensely.
Although I was fearful, the investigation went well and Gutierre was able to find newer documents in which my signature didn't match my current one, and the Palace's physician testified to the investigators that I am indeed amenisiac, I do not think he was fully convinced, but what can he do when the Empress herself was breathing down his neck?
''Mother'' asked me if I had anything to do with Duke Sawdon's death. How little faith does she have in her child that she believes such obvious lies yet helps me prove otherwise?
''Brother'' on the other hand, testified in my favor since I had previously told him about the Duke refusing to return my assets quietly.
The letters I sent the Duke also aided in proving my innocence.
I believe the people and nobility aren't convinced, but even so, I was able to avoid being investigated further.
What surprised me the most was Evangelia coming to my aid, she not only testified that I was collaborating in the investigation of the Duke's involvement in the mana stones smuggling case, but she also aided in providing evidence that I was not further involved in it.
She may be a hypocrite and get on my nerves most of the time, but there's no denying she is honest to a fault when it matters.
Not that this act of hers will improve our relationship by itself.
Now that this worry is tossed aside for the time being, I put Scarlet in the investigation team of the Imperial Knights for this case, since I was proved innocent, my suggestion of one of my Knights aiding them was accepted by ''father''.
If it wasn't for the inauguration of my store, I would've sent Gutierre, however I do need him for the store. Next week we'll be interviewing people to work on the store, if you have any suggestions from your side, it would be much appreciated.
Since the store is also a symbol of commercial alliance between our nations, having someone from Morke working in it could be a good thing.
The plan is to have an information guild in the basement of the store, it took a lot to convince Gutierre to take the reins, however since he'll need to stay in the Empire due to his children and position in nobility, it was the best offer I could provide him.
Luckily, he isn't stupid enough to go back to his life as a mercenary, since according to Dacre, he barely just got back the trust of his ex-wife with his children due to his new job as a Knight.
I do not understand the nuances of his relationship with his family, but the fact that he accepted the position was good for me.
The building of the store is already completed, and this week the furniture will also be properly delivered, thankfully.
I'm still in doubt about what to name the store, any suggestions?
Thank you again for appeasing my heart this past week.
I seem to be relying more and more on you as the days pass.
I hope you'll do the same when you require my help.
With care,
Nikias.
♕
Dear Nikias,
Do not worry, it was my pleasure, as it was all I could do a sea away from you, and I still do not believe it was enough so please spare the words of thankfulness.
You aided me enough already, do not worry about such.
In your store, I was about to call back one of the spies planted in the Palace. I believe she's talented enough to work for you if you'd like. I have mentioned her before to you, and I believe you have already contacted her once, her name is Ginevra in case you forgot, she's working as a kitchen maid in the Palace.
And about the name, there is a children's fairytale from Morke I think it matches you quite well and could be of use while naming your store.
''The Golden Light And The Sandman
When the Golden Light kisses the horizon and night floods the skies, a creature wakes up from their slumber to begin their work. The Sandman is quick and astute just like a gnome, but his stature more resembling an elf brings question to which god created such. Even tall like the trees, the Sandman hides in the forests across the planet, waiting for the Golden Light to fall asleep so that he can enter humans' houses and bring the humans the secrets the gods hide.
He sprinkles dust on the humans who are about to fall asleep, granting them the ability to see beyond what the gods allow them to see, the dust gives humans dreams that bring forth their utmost desires and allow them to experience being god-like until the Golden Light comes up again, and another day rises and the Sandman hides again.
Fearful of the day the gods will find him and punish him for allowing humans to dream.
And so the circle of the Golden Light protecting the humans from the gods fury and the Sandman providing humans with dreams of more repeat endlessly''
This fairytale is a bit outdated since the story was banned from the Kingdom a few decades ago for promoting the questioning of gods, when I found it in one of the old libraries I was fascinated. First, how could someone create something so heretical and still live, and why was it just banned a few decades ago if it promotes shameful propaganda against the gods?
Implying the gods don't wish for humans to acquire knowledge that may bring them closer. Regardless, I enjoyed how it made both the light of the day and the night as characters, the Golden Light being what makes humans move, the day by day, work, family, everything happens in daylight, while at night we are given the gift of dreams and are able to escape the reality we face as the Golden Light shines above.
Of course, they call it Golden Light since there never was a sun in the Morke Kingdom due to the blessing of the Light and Darkness gods.
So you could use these fictional names to name your store, it would definitely suit you.
With love,
Lyor.
❥
Truth be told, from all of Nikias' worries, he has shared only half of them with Lyor, he knows if he said everything to the King, he would have helped him, kindly given him advice or support, just like with the situation with the death of Duke Sawdon. However, if he depends too much on the other, he will feel himself becoming more trusting, and he doesn't seem ready for that just yet.
In the beginning of the last month of the year, the followers of Vremes will have their first public appearance as the Time Cult, as they call themselves.
Such a fact wasn't well described in the novel, only a small scene that didn't even go too deep into detail compared to other scenes as well as the consequences of such on the protagonist's life. So Nikias doesn't have all the information of the Cult itself, not enough to be able to stop their first appearance either way.
He had hoped stopping the flow of money would be enough to at least delay their appearance, however that was not the case since they had failed the mission.
''Your highness'', interrupting Nikias' thoughts, Lowe enters the office, his eyes are bloodshot and his appearance is not as neat as usual, he must be lacking sleep in order to figure out how to save Rainier, although there is still a year until his death. ''There is a visitor for you''.
''I told you I didn't want any meetings for the time being'', Nikias sighs, he's so exhausted with dealing with the whole Duke's death debacle that he has been avoiding any other meetings or deals until it was settled.
And now that it is almost settled, all he wants is to focus on his store for the time being, at least until he needs to start his new plan after the first public appearance of the Time Cult. It will be easier to mobilize the Knights once they see for themselves the threat I only told them it exists.
As seeing is believing.
''My apologies, your highness'', Lowe bows, ''However this guest cannot be left waiting''.
''Who is it?'' He asks with a bit of hesitation, he's pretty sure he would be able to deny the visitation of even his parents.
''The Crown Princess of the Gypsum Kingdom'', Lowe says with a sigh, he probably tried to deny the visitation, but considering the implications it could have, politically, he couldn't.
''Ha'', Nikias chuckles. ''Fine, let her in''.
''As you command'', Lowe bows again, leaving the room.
She's probably here because of the Wisdom Pearl, well, she is to blame for it being stolen, so I wonder if she wants any kind of reparation for it.
When Lowe returns he is accompanied by who Nikias assumes is the Princess. She is tall, a few centimeters taller than Lowe, her skin is a warm tone of brown, her eyes are the characteristic grey eyes of the Lapis family and her long wavy hair is white, almost the same tone of the salt from the deserts of her Kingdom.
''I greet the second star of the Exos Empire'', she bows shortly, just to show basic respect, but still standing as her station allows.
''What do I give the honor of a private meeting with the Crown Princess of the Gypsum Empire?'' Nikias asks, not giving her the same greeting, after all, she did ignore the basic courtesy of letting him know of her visit in advance. Not to mention how she ignored the fact that he denied any meeting at all.
''You are fully aware of why I am here, your highness'', she says, raising her eyebrow skeptically.
''Enlighten me'', he replies not wavering, his eyes showing no emotion whatsoever.
''You sent your little Knight to steal a Royal Treasure!'' She almost yells.
''I do not know what you're talking about''.
''Oh really? Then your Knight seducing me, entering the Castle and then stealing our treasure is all a fucking coincidence?'' She's mad, it's clear in her eyes and the way she's unable to not yell.
Nikias pauses for a moment, observing the woman's loss of reason and her wavering expression, it's clear she's suffering the consequences of the Wisdom Pearl suddenly disappearing. Considering she was the one that let Scarlet into the Castle, she is to blame in the end, after all.
''Princess Saffire, I completely understand you're probably angry about losing such a precious artifact, however, you cannot possibly come to the Empire to accuse me, without a single sliver of evidence''.
The Princess sighs, her eyes trembling with anger. ''Your highness, let's stop with the facade, we both know you stole my Kingdom's artifact!''
''And what evidence you have of such?''
She hesitates, ''What's the point of evidence if you and I both know it to be true?''
''Oh, so you're not expecting some sort of compensation to the Kingdom from the Empire?''
''That's not what I came here for'', she says, taking a few steps forward to sit down in front of the Prince. ''Listen, I'm pissed you stole from us, yes, but if this were to get out I would need to step down from being Crown Princess''.
''Then what's the point of confronting me?'' Nikias leans back, watching the woman, unsure of where their conversation is leading.
''If I step down, who do you think is the next to take the Crown?'' Princess Saffire asks, as she plays with her necklace that seems to be made with small pieces of mana stones.
''Probably Prince Daniel'', Nikias says.
The woman nods. ''My brother is next in line, but he's too weak to take the throne, so the next option would be our youngest sister''.
''I don't see the issue then''.
''My sister is involved with the eldest daughter of the Whisperia Kingdom, can you see the issue now?''
Nikias stops and ponders, if somehow the next in line for both the Gypsum and Whisperia Kingdom were to join hands, a possible war between the Empire and the nearby Kingdoms wouldn't be just a mere rumor.
''They would lose'', he says at last.
Saffire nods. ''Of course they would, it doesn't mean they wouldn't do some damage at least''.
''So, you want to keep the theft a secret? That sounds hard''.
''Of course not'', she shrugs. ''They already know the relic is missing, however they do not know of my or yours involvement''.
''You came here to strike a deal, then'', Nikias points out.
''I want contact with the Whisperia's Crown Prince'', she says, ''Or past Crown Prince, I guess''.
''And what makes you think I will allow you?''
''Let's make an alliance, I'll help you with whatever you require once, no questions asked, if you manage to get me a meeting with Prince Cypress White''.
''Why do you want to meet him?''
''Because we used to be friends as children'', she sighs, leaning her head back onto the chair and pondering for a second. ''I thought he was dead after his parents exiled him, but someone said they saw him next to the King of Morke at your coming of age party''.
''That still doesn't answer my question''', Nikias says, his piercing eyes analyzing every breath the woman does.
''Your highness, are you aware of the death of the youngest Prince of the Whisperia Kingdom?'' Saffire asks, pushing her hair back, she lowers her voice and looks warily at Lowe, as if she's about to speak of something confidential.
''Lowe, can you cast a barrier in the room, please?'' Nikias asks, the servant simply nods, doing as told.
''You can speak freely now, he's trustworthy'', those words are bitter on his mouth, he knows he doesn't truly believe in his words, but there's no point distrusting Lowe now, especially considering how much he already entrusted to the man and the mana pact between them as well.
''The one who ordered the Prince's death was your brother, but that isn't something people are unaware of'', she says more freely, leaning back with a sigh, not looking Nikias in the eyes. ''The Whisperia Kingdom has been planning to take down the Empire's power for a while now, and the new Crown Princess is forging a secret alliance with the Hai Empire in order to make that happen, you know how power-hungry war-obsessed those assholes are'', she waves her hands as if what she's speaking of is simply obvious.
Of course to Nikias, most things about other nations aren't obvious, the novel never went into detail within the whole politics of the Empire, since it was focused on Evangelia and her duties lied inside the Empire and not outside of it, she mostly commented on things that influenced her goals.
The Whisperia Kingdom's hostility to the Empire was something that was touched upon, however not in great detail, it only said that the Kingdom wished to wage war, but was unsuccessful.
And if the Hai Empire has anything to do with it, or if they're secretly funding the Time Cult… No, that can't be it, the War goddess wouldn't allow such blasphemy from the Imperial Family, and there isn't a god that sympathizes with the Time god. Therefore they were probably cut off before it came to fruition. My involvement could change things, however, since Prince Cypress was announced dead after his exile, him being alive and coming to the Empire, near the Kingdom, could piss them off enough to attempt war, even if they don't stand a chance.
Nikias remains silent, thinking, his brain working slowly to understand the nuances of what the Princess is telling him.
Would the gods allow a war with Vremes to return so close? They cannot truly interfere, but they can send down oracles. The War goddess is known to enjoy wars, would she allow it just for the fun of it? There's too much I still do not know about the gods and their intentions. Most of the books are written by those who blindly believe them, so how can I neutrally access their truth? And it's not like my only experience with a god was positive.
And the Darkness goddess was probably punished for directly contacting me, the rules of the Universe were mentioned once in Aelius' diary when he said Blaze was complaining about being punished for breaking rules. Not that the rules were specified, however interfering directly with humans is probably one of them, since the gods don't do so and require Priests and Saints to deliver their wishes.
''You want to reinstate Cypress' position?'' He asks after a few moments of pure silence, the woman didn't dare to interfere with the Prince's line of thought.
''Correct'', she says.
''I do not think that would be possible while the nation still turns their back to their god'', he says tilting his head, observing as the woman winces.
''Why?''
So the fact that Cypress was exiled for being a Saint wasn't shared?
''Why you think he was exiled?''
''The official version is treason, he wanted to destroy the World Tree'', the woman's answer makes Nikias laugh loudly.
''You're joking?'' He laughs more, sighing at the end. ''As if a nation that betrayed their god would care about the World Tree''.
''Of course I don't believe such things'', Saffire says, ''As I said, I was Cypress' friend, I know more than anyone how much he cares about nature''.
You claim to be so close to him yet you don't even know of his sainthood?
''I can send a letter in your name to him, that's all I can do, if he meets you or not, it's his choice, he's no longer a Prince so I wouldn't expect much''.
Saffire bows her head, ''Thank you so much, your highness, as promised I will do any request you have as long as it is within my power to do so''.
''For now, I do not have any need for your favor'', after all I already got the Wisdom Pearl I needed, he finishes in his head. ''But there is one thing you can do for me, not as a repayment, as such I would like to keep unpaid for now, but as common courtesy for temporary allies'', Nikias says, smiling softly. ''If you hear of any news of Saints or relics within your nation or any nation, I would like to be informed immediately''.
''What use do you have for such?''
''That isn't your business, your highness'', Nikias says coldly, still smiling.
The woman hesitates, she seems to want to insist in her question, but she doesn't, aware that Nikias could deny her at any time, and if he does so, her only way of communicating with Cypress would be cut, considering the line of communication between most nations and the Morke Kingdom is limited, not to say inexistent. Nikias was lucky to be the Prince of the second most powerful Empire in the world and the pioneer in globalization, otherwise he wouldn't have been able to contact Lyor either.
Such isolation will need to change once the Kingdom becomes an Empire, he thinks to himself.
''My aide will contact yours with the letter later on this week'', she says, getting up, hesitating before continuing. ''Thank you again, your highness, I hope this temporary alliance of ours will come to be fruitful''.
''I hope for the same, your highness, my servant will show you the way out'', Nikias nods, signaling to Lowe to take down the barrier and accompany Saffire out, before the woman leaves, however, she speaks one last time towards the Prince.
''You've become less meek, I guess it is true we all mature with age'', her comment makes Lowe flinch and Nikias glares at her with cold eyes, annoyed. ''I hope you become a great asset to the Morke Kingdom after your marriage'', he can't tell if she's provoking him, praising him or purely insulting him. Regardless of such, he does not answer and allows her to leave his office quietly.
❥
On the first hour of the first day of the last month of the 1000th year of the Empire, bells rang all across the country, waking up the slumbering commoners and startling the partying nobles. Bells of an ominous beginning Evangelia knew all too well, for the fourth time she felt shivers running down her spine as she stood on the rooftop of the Petit mansion in the Capital. Hoping to see any figures running around or escaping from the bell towers.
However, aside from the loud bells, there were no suspicious souls in the city. Even if in her third life she waited inside one of the bell towers near the border of the Empire, it was to no avail, the magic circle planted beforehand was old and was triggered remotely.
She sent letters to Margrave Larchier, asking about such magic circles, but the man that was moved by his sheer curiosity never bothered to answer her letters. So although this is the fourth time she's experiencing this night, she's still unable to stop them.
A yell, shrieveling and loud, repeated over and over again takes place after the bells stop to ring. She does not need to move from the rooftop to know why such yells are being heard, at the center of the Capital's square, mere meters away from her mansion, a body is hanging from the oldest bell tower of the Empire.
The body of Mathieu Bloem lies there, his blood dripping from his neck, fresh for everyone to see. In her second loop, Evangelia was able to intercept the death of the Margrave, but all she did was delay the inevitable, they couldn't stop his death, be it a month or a year later on, the moment she let her guard down he would be killed.
Regardless of her words of caution or her attempts to stop it, those damned cultists would kill him every single time.
In her third loop, she found out the reason why. Involved with the slave-trade of the poorest population of the Empire, he was a greedy man involved with the cult itself, however due to his greed, he wanted more and more power, pissing off whoever is in charge of the cult and warranting his death.
Even if Evangelia wanted to interrogate the man, to find out more about the cult, the man didn't budge, and imprisoning a noble for reasons she cannot prove, is something she cannot do as a mere Crown Princess.
So this time around, she let him die, but not with enough preparations.
''What are you doing on the roof, it's freezing'', the soothing voice of her best friend rings softly in her ear. Tove appears out of nowhere, but it doesn't startle Evangelia, she's used to her friend's antics as an experienced spy. ''I retrieved the recording artifact, but his body stank so much, I swear I need to rinse my body at least six times to take off this stench'', the girl comments, tossing the small artifact Evangelia planted on the bell tower in advance. ''People are so morbid, they see a fucking dead body hanging on a tower and stop to freaking watch, I swear'', Tove lays down on the roof, resting.
''Didn't you say you were cold?'' Evangelia comments with a chuckle as she checks the footage in the artifact, the image is bad due to the lack of light at night, but she can still see a figure dragging the already dead Margrave up the stairs.
''Can you tell who it is?'' Tove asks, curious.
''No, but it's a good start'', and even so, it's way more than what she had in her previous loops, attempting different things each time, this is the first one she has so many leads and hopes. As things work steadily as she planned, even if she still isn't able to stop their black market operations, she will, eventually, be able to fix things and save Alkaios.
''I heard the Emperor is going down a spiral even more now as we get closer to the Founding Festival'', Tove comments, stargazing. ''Is Alkaios alright? I mean, his mother is sick, his father is going insane and his brother is dead'', she comments.
''He'll be ok'', Evangelia whispers. ''He's not like his parents''.
Tove stays silent for a moment, before speaking again. ''Angie, do you think the Empire will be fine if the Emperor goes more and more insane?''
''Alkaios wouldn't let his father destroy the Empire'', her words are spoken with the conviction of someone that trusts her lover blindly, she can and will trust Alkaios until her last breath, as they are one of the same, souls connected by the threads of fate and love.
''I trust you Angie'', Tove whispers. ''But I'm unsure if Alkaios is totally sane himself'', her words are spoken almost silently, but Evangelia hears her.
Most would question the same, but she knows better.
Alkaios is kind, sweet and a great ruler, he died for her, for the Empire, he fought until his last breath and even as he fell in battle, he still was evacuating the innocent and begging her to escape. But there was no escaping a god that commands time itself.
Silence fills the space between the two women, none of them comments on the topic again, but the silence isn't uncomfortable, as they share the comfort of the unsaid words between them.
Although the novel described the bells to be loud and reverberating across the whole Empire, Nikias wasn't ready to know how loud it was, or even how fast his subordinates were able to report the events to him. It took Fleuri twenty minutes to knock on Nikias' room.
Differently from the night when Duke Sawdon died, there was no need to report the news urgently to the Prince, but smart as he was, Fleuri was quick to connect the dots between what happened and the organization the Prince kept speaking of.
The symbol of the Time Cult, the sandless hourglass, was stamped in all of the bell towers across the Empire in pig's blood. Rumors travel fast across the fiefs, and the news of Margrave Bloem's death must've also reached the Palace already.
Evangelia probably already got her hands in the footage as well, Nikias thinks as he moves the pen on the paper where he put down the information of that night, checking down all that happened according to the novel and all that changed.
''Your highness, you already know what happened, don't you?'' Surprised due to the calmness of the Second Prince, Fleuri comments, blinking slowly as he watches his Lord not even glancing at him with fake surprise. There's no need to.
''Well, I did tell you all that it would happen''.
''Are you aware of the Margrave's…'' Fleuri doesn't even finish his sentence before Nikias nods.
''Is Raphael back?''
Although Evangelia reportedly attempted to intercept the cultists two times before giving up, Nikias wouldn't let it go simply because the novel told it would be fruitless.
''Not yet''.
He didn't say exactly why Raphael should be on standby near the bell tower, or why whatever he sees he shouldn't interfere, only observe. It won't be hard for his subordinates to be able to guess, though.
The fact that Nikias is a Saint covers for a lot of his predictions or seemingly random orders. All he needs is to say he received an oracle and that would be the end of it. Quite convenient, he thinks, silently thanking the Sun god for such an excuse.
''You think those involved with the mana stone smuggling case are also the ones involved with this?'' Fleuri asks, pushing his long hair back, showing his elven ears. He seems distressed, Nikias isn't sure exactly why.
''Not all of them, I don't think the paper trail would link the two, but they're certainly involved'', Nikias says, ''The money from the smuggling was probably funding them'', he pauses before he continues speaking. ''I am still thinking about a new approach since Duke Sawdon's death''.
''At least your properties are being returned'', Fleuri says, sighing, his eyes are sunken and he looks way more tired than before, although Nikias is plenty aware that he is probably partial to blame for it, he does not ask his aide why he looks so bad. ''It will take a while to process it and clean it from the personnel working there''.
''Now that they have stopped investigating me, send Miyuki and Dacre there to investigate the people and the states'', he says, placing the papers he was working on back into the locked drawer on his desk.
''Shouldn't those orders be given by their Captain?'' Fleuri asks, his question is defiant but his tone is simply tired.
Silently Nikias looks up at Fleuri, his golden eyes glowing with danger making the half-elf flinch under his gaze.
''As you wish, your highness'', he whispers, bowing, avoiding meeting the Prince's gaze again.
Just as Fleuri is about to leave, Nikias' bedroom's window opens with a bang, allowing a gust of wind to enter his room, messing up his hair and papers that were on top of his desk. Raphael climbs up, his hands soaked with a dark thick substance Nikias quickly recognizes as monster blood.
Before when he was far away he couldn't notice how pungent the smell of the blood is, he cannot even describe it with the plethora of smells he knows, perhaps a mix of rotten eggs and sea salt, but not even if you mixed those things you'd get that exact scent.
After the man fully enters the room, the other two present notice the blood is not only on his hands but also on his clothes and hair, his eyes are dulled and his lips are bleeding.
''What happened?'' Nikias asks, pulling the servant's bell he has on his table and ringing it to call for Lowe.
''I was near the bell tower…'' Raphael speaks in between pants, trying to breathe properly. ''They saw me…'' He sighs, trying to calm his own breathing. ''I don't know how, I was hidden, but they summoned monsters?'' He seems to question his own words. ''What the fuck happened…'' he whispers the last part to himself, still in shock. ''They were all masked, but I did recognize one of them as one of the kids that were with me and Lowe at the Northern Tower.'' Raphael pauses, unsure how to even continue.
''Do you think they recognized you?'' Fleuri asks.
''Of course they did, we spent 10 years together, Fleuri'', Raphael answers, more curtly than he wished. ''Sorry, I'm a bit on edge''. Taking a deep breath and continuing his report: ''They dragged the body up the Tower and then proceeded to paint the symbol with pig blood in the square'', his dull eyes go to the window where the moon shines brightly on the night sky. ''I was busy fighting the monster, but I could hear them talking something along the lines of reporting back to their master''.
''If the Northern Tower is involved, then the new Duke…'' Nikias trails off, thinking. ''I need to send a message to the north, if Duke Burton isn't aware of it he might be of help''.
''He could be involved'', Fleuri observes.
''I know that'', Nikias says simply, avoiding looking at his subordinate with contempt.
In the novel Duke Burton was a powerful ally in the second book, but there was no mention of any involvement of his with the Magicians Tower, however, since there is no mention of the Northern Tower at all in the novel, then Nikias can't truly trust he's fully uninvolved. I could send a letter and request a meeting… Since his brother used to be my servant, that is a good start.
He is, of course, forgetting the fact that he dismissed the Duke's brother because the man was ugly. Well, he'll probably remember such thing soon enough.
''What class was the monster?'' Nikias asks, grabbing a paper. He never saw a monster himself, and the novel didn't cover much on their appearance and levels, he does study them in his classes with Sascha Gagne, since the monsters are creatures created by the War goddess, they're considered sacred beings while also posing a threat to most nations.
Monsters classification goes from I to X, I being the weakest and X the strongest, even class IV monsters can pose huge threats to experienced fighters, Nikias even recalls that Lyor commented on such in one of his letters. Just how strong would an X Class Monster be?
''Two'', Raphael sighs. ''Luckily for me I had previously discussed their weaknesses with Miyuki after the mines' operation''.
''You were lucky'', Fleuri points out and Raphael nods.
''I don't think they can summon any stronger one, though''.
''That would be good, but don't assume it'', Nikias says.
The door opens and Lowe enters, his clothes are a mess, his face flushed and his lips swollen. There isn't much need for imagination to know what he was doing. But he doesn't comment on it, nor any of the other ones present there.
Nikias and Fleuri simply don't care and Raphael is too tired to feel angry about his brother's love life.
''What happened?'' Lowe asks, running towards Raphael and analyzing every inch of his body for injuries, his hands and clothes becoming dirty with the monster's blood, although he doesn't seem to care.
''Work'', Raphael says simply as he stares at his brother, his eyes show an emptiness Nikias never saw before and he can even see the hesitation in his lips as he fights the urge to comment on the appearance of his twin brother.
''You need to be more careful, Raphael! Your life isn't trash to be tossed around!'' Lowe seems angry.
''I am aware, brother, but I was ambushed, so what could I do… Oh, I saw Four… She always hated you the most'', Raphael chuckles as his brother freezes.
''Four? She saw you?''
''What do you think?''
A range of emotions go by Lowe's eyes, anger, disappointment, fear and anxiousness. He stops and thinks before speaking. The situation of his life changed so much in the past months that he cannot think of running away so easily anymore. Is running away even a good option at this point? Will they run away forever? From their pain? Their past?
Isn't that exactly what he's angry at Rainier for doing?
''Did she say anything?''
''Report to master that we've found Seven'', Raphael says after coughing, the bleeding on his lips doesn't seem to stop any time soon. ''They're going to come for me now'', his tone is playful but his eyes are filled with fear.
He seems to be trying to hide it so that the Prince doesn't see him as a scared cat and ends up disappointed, but inside, deep down, he's terrified of going back to that dark, damp and terrifying Tower.
''Then you should prepare yourself thoroughly'', a voice comes from the hallway, standing at the door's frame is Rainier, he's wearing his Knight's uniform, the white coat is stained with blood, meaning he was probably at the square not long ago, and his lips are also swollen just like Lowe's, in addition one side of his cheeks are burning red, as if he's been slapped.
''You don't know what we're up against'', Raphael says, pushing Lowe away and getting up from the floor he was sitting on, as he moves the stench of the monster blood spreads even more. Nikias grabs his handkerchief to cover his nose.
''I know parts'', Rainier says, looking at Lowe, his expression is shrouded in mystery, unclear to everyone there present. ''I may not know the full context, but I can always help…'' he trails off, smiling weakly. ''If you ask, of course''.
Implied in his words is the statement that he will do anything Lowe asks him of, Nikias wants to laugh, the lines the second male lead of the novel spews all the time to the main character are now being said in front of him, to someone else.
Lowe glares at Rainier, making the man flinch.
''You can simply avoid walking alone'', the Knight says with a sigh, walking into the room and closing the door previously left open behind him. ''It sounds ironic to assign a guard to a Knight, but it does happen, I, myself, have guards when I go out in official Dukedom business'', Rainier says, grabbing a handkerchief from his pocket to clean Lowe's hands that are stained with the monster's blood from Raphael.
''I don't think your highness has any Knights unassigned'', Fleuri comments towards Nikias. ''Miss Scarlet is overseeing the Duke Sawdon's suicide case, Lord Gutierre is busy with the store, and you just assigned Dacre and Miyuki to investigate your returned assets''.
''We can assign Sir Jiwon to accompany Raphael'', Lowe comments, allowing Rainier to hold his hand as if it was completely normal in that situation, perhaps he's getting too used to this sort of physical contact.
Nikias shakes his head. ''Jiwon is too unstable, he cannot accompany Raphael all the time''.
''I'll stay with my brother when Sir Jiwon can't''.
Rainier flinches, he seems to want to protest, but he doesn't speak.
''Even so, I can't possibly stop working'', Raphael is the one to protest instead. ''And with the new artifacts, there isn't any real danger'', he doesn't seem too trusting of his own words. ''I don't want you to keep protecting me, Lowe''.
''Don't be stubborn, Raphael!'' Lowe answers, almost yelling. ''You're my brother, I would die for you, so stop treating your life as if you're the only one suffering if it ends!'' His words don't seem to be only directed at Raphael, as the man next to Lowe seems painfully aware of.
''I understand Lowe, but there isn't a point to this discussion! I won't, no, I can't keep running away! And you cannot possibly stop your life to help me every single time!'' Raphael yells, his empty eyes on his brother.
''Who says I'm stopping my life?'' Lowe yells back, both forgetting their stations as servants, yelling in front of their master, something it could be seen as insubordinate to any other noble. However Nikias simply observes them silently. ''You're my only family left Raphael! We went through hell together! How could I not possibly care and wish to help you when you're all I have left?!''
Raphael pauses, hesitating as Lowe seems to be almost in tears, not used to seeing his brother so sensitive, so… emotional.
''Lowe, I'm an adult, I don't need to be protected'', Raphael says at last, almost whispering.
''Nonsense, even adults depend on others'', Rainier is the one to speak as he brushes his hand on Lowe's lower back. ''Just accept his help Raphael, if something does end up happening, you'll forever regret and he'll be the one living with your absence'', his words are hypocritical, making Lowe's eye twitch in anger.
''As if you're any better'', the man steps away, sighing with frustration. ''I'll manage my lessons, you can take Sir Jiwon as you work and in other moments I'll be the one accompanying you, however do not move alone'', he says to his brother.
''It's settled then'', Nikias says, before Raphael can protest again, it would be detrimental if he lost his Knight, and considering how hard-working and loyal Raphael has poised himself until now, he is an asset Nikias isn't willing to lose now. ''It would be bad to lose such a good Knight for a mere thing like ego'', he says with his golden cold eyes laying on Rainier, who ignores the obvious undertones in the Prince's words.
''I'll take my leave then'', Fleuri says, bowing, as he has other duties the Prince has bestowed him.
''I also will…'' Rainier starts but Nikias interrupts him.
''Rainier, there are any news on the documents recovered from the mines?''
''No, your highness, nothing more than what was already reported to you'', Rainier says, straightening his back, as if he's taking a position to show he's using his work tone. Differently from before, his eyes don't show any more hints of disgust, whatever it is that Lowe has been feeding him on the Prince, seems to be working in making the man hate him less. Or perhaps it's just basic courtesy on the person paying the salary of his lover. ''Evangelia halted the investigation, saying that she was after other connections''.
Nikias nods, she was probably waiting for the cult to make their first apparition to be able to connect them and launch a new bigger investigation. But that won't work, any attempt she makes on the cult will prove unsuccessful. At least until years in the future.
''Oh'', the Prince says, looking at his subordinates before glancing at Rainier again. ''I would appreciate it if you refrained from seeking my servant during his work hours''.
His words make Lowe blush.
''I apologize, your highness, this was my fault'', he bows.
''No, I was the one that went after him'', Rainier says calmly. ''My apologies, it won't happen again''.
The Prince taps his finger on the desk, impatient. ''I couldn't care less about your relationship, but not during work hours'', he says with a sigh. ''My patience is limited, so do not test it.''
''Yes, your highness'', Rainier says, bowing apologetically.
''Please leave for now, I will hear the rest of the report once you're clean and calmer'', his words are now directed at Raphael, who nods.
All three men leave the Prince's bedroom, leaving the man alone, the open window invites gusts of wind, the cold air makes Nikias think about his fiance.
He pulls open one of his drawers, taking out one of the books he was reading from the Morke Kingdom. Fundamentals of Worship, a book on the traditional holidays and customs, he opens the book at the page he was reading last, not to continue it, but to stare at the bookmark laying in between the pages.
The dried flower Lyor gifted him months ago, the color of the aster flower had already faded, and the scent was so faint it could not even be present, yet looking at it brings great peace to his heart.
He could go to bed, read the book or even go back to working on his documents, but he stays there, frozen in the moment, staring at the flower, thinking about the King.
Seven months… How many times did we actually meet? How many moments did we actually share besides our fervent exchange of letters? Why is my relationship with him so different from the other ones surrounding me? Is it simply because of things like fate?
Jiwon mentioned that he and I are soulmates. Such a concept doesn't even make sense in my head, how could my soulmate be someone in a different reality from my own? If the story in the novel were to be the reality, we would've never even met, if I hadn't died, if I hadn't been transported here inside of Nikias body…
Would Lyor have loved someone else? Just like the Emperor was able to love the Empress although he had already met his soulmate?
Will he love this person, whoever it is, even while we're together?
How can I know when the novel never mentioned such things?
Can I ever find out the future that never came to be?
Nikias looks behind him, the moon seems to mock his doubts, and the cold wind enveloping him soothes his worries, the night is ruthless and lonely to the boy that cannot stop worrying about what has yet to come.