CHAPTER 5: REGRETS

***The borders of Devyere and Savoy, a few leagues into the Savoian territory…***

Concurrent with the events in the Dawson Valley area, the army of the Duke of Savoy, along with a contingent of soldiers from Nerfes under the command of Prince Simon Hugh Reed of Nerfes, waited in sweltering heat for the legions marching to conquer their land.

“…”

Like Amaranth, Savoy’s west was covered in forests, which extended all the way to Devyere. Simon and his co-commander, the Duke of Savoy, purposefully encamped in a small clearing in the middle of the forest path, which led to the town of Huirot—the westernmost land in Savoy. The plan seemed simple, for the combined armies of Nerfes and Savoy simply blocked the road that had access to the country, and the rest of west of north Chersea. But Simon and the Duke also deployed men in an ambush around their flanks.

“…”

The entire allied force was apprehensive about the sounds of the approaching enemy army. From what they’ve gathered, it was composed of two legions, along with friendly Amaranthine armies, with a total number of 20,000 as opposed to their 15,000.

They are outnumbered.

Nevertheless, Sir Simon’s efforts to bring in the Duke of Savoy into the coalition bore fruit, and with his cooperation, they could launch that ambush, leading to the Massacre at Devyere. Now that the Empire decided to strike back and invade Savoy and Stadtsberg, he felt it was his obligation to help the Duchy repel the Imperial legions from its land.

“Here they come,” Simon heard the Duke muttered, “Time to tell these bastards that they are in the wrong place.”

“Yes, Your Excellency!”

The first units of the Imperial legions finally appeared on their sight. It was the cavalry, and much to the allies’ dismay, on the hands of the horsemen were several severed heads of their comrades. Upon reaching a certain distance, the Imperial cavalry then hurled the grisly items towards the Nerfes-Savoian lines.

Some men panicked, but it was quickly dealt with by their officers.

A head eventually landed on the feet of the horse of the Duke of Savoy, “Looks like these fuckers defeated the ambush party,” he stated the obvious.

“What shall we do then?” Simon asked.

“Well, isn’t it obvious? We avenge my men. Your Highness, shall we begin our attack?”

“You bet!”

The battle of Savoy then begun with the clashing of the men of Nerfes and Savoy against the legionnaires led by the Imperial expedition commander, Umberto Benicci, and the Crown Prince of Amaranth, David von Albert…

----------

**Lily**

Just like when he said we should win battles, Kuro won the battle of Dawson Valley for us.

“…”

Before we engaged the Imperial legions trying to invade Stadtsberg, he kept on rambling about a certain ‘Hannibal’ and how that man defeated an overwhelming army with his cunning and knowledge of his soldiers’ abilities. He further stated that he’d do a ‘Cannae’ and that he would leave no one alive among his enemies.

And Kuro delivered.

With his ruse, he made the Imperials believe that we’re losing, only for them to realize that our retreat was a way to get them surrounded. The Imperial cavalry was not a threat to us—they were of doubtful quality than our own knights; it’s in the well-trained and disciplined legionnaires that the Empire’s military strength lies.

They proved those qualities by not retreating on the battlefield unless necessary, and as a result, Kuro killed them all.

“…”

But I’m never happy. Nor do I think Maddie will…

The soldiers and mercenaries were cheering for him as they entered our fort in Stadtsberg in a triumphant procession, but Kuro never smiled. His bloodied clothes were something that I couldn’t imagine seeing him wearing.

“…”

After he left his spear to another soldier and removed his sword from his waist, he continued to the war room, where the rest of our army’s commanders gathered.

I kept on asking myself, what happened to him? It’s as if he was a completely different man. His face showed no emotion as he ordered the deaths of thousands of our prisoners after stripping them of their belongings.

This isn’t the Kuro we knew!

I guess it’s only my opinion, but he became grim and serious. Not only that, there was time I would catch a glimpse of him crying over that broken sword he calls ‘Luisa’. I don’t know, but maybe he was losing his wits after being involved in a lot of dangerous situations here.

After all, Kuro’s just some ordinary person back in his original world…

“…”

“Your Highness, General von Leese…” a soldier had come to my room, “Your presence at the war council is appreciated.”

“Ah, yes,” I stood up and prepared myself, “Please tell the commanders that I’m on my way.”

The orderly saluted and hurried back to the war-room. I took one last look at Maddie’s portrait that was hung on my quarters’ wall, before heading to the post-battle meeting.

----------

It was noisy at the war council when I arrived. The commanders of the coalition army were arguing on the next best course of action to take.

“What’s with the apprehensions?” I asked.

“Your Highness!” they gave me the customary salute before continuing, “A report just came in from the Duchy of Savoy. They are asking for our help in repelling the Imperial invasion of their territory.”

“Hm? I thought Nerfes had already sent help to the Duke.”

“Err…Your Highness, that force was defeated and the Duke of Savoy was killed,” the Duke of Greene was reluctant to tell that information to me. But he decided to reveal it, since it was a matter of strategic importance.

It’s as if blood was drained from my face when I heard that. That army from Nerfes was led by Simon, and if it was defeated, what happened to him?

“The second prince of Nerfes was wounded, but he’s fine, according to the reports,” the Duke of Greene added. It was not a secret to them that Simon, Maddie, and I were close friends, that’s why he said that.

“The army of Savoy and Nerfes retreated to the town of Huirot to prevent the legionnaires from flanking us,” the Prince of Stadtsberg stated, “They were being besieged there as we speak, and were asking for our help.”

“And with that, we should continue on our offensive to the southern flank of Amaranth” It was Kuro who brought up that topic, “If we wanted to help them, we could relieve the pressure of the siege by moving on the Imperial’s southern flanks.”

“That would be irresponsible, Sir Kuro!” the Count of Brooke sharply rebuked him, “The Duke of Savoy is an ally of us for allowing our armies to operate secretly in his territory, and when he needs our help, we abandon him?”

“We should attack the legions invading Savoy to defeat the threat to our flanks,” The Count of Tillie also supported the Count of Brooke, “Not only do we send a message of support to the Duke, but it would also secure our base here in Stadtsberg.”

Kuro, however, insisted on his proposal, “We do not intend to abandon them, but it would waste our meager resources to attempt relief. Diverting men to attack the legions in Savoy would weaken our southern thrust into Amaranth and would only prolong the war.”

“Sir Kuro…” it was the Prince of Stadtsberg who spoke, “You know I always support you in your plans, however, for this one, I’d side with the Count of Brooke. We should send people to Savoy if we’re aiming to galvanize the support of the kingdoms in Chersea for Her Holiness’ cause.”

“But the opportunity to defeat the Imperial legions in Amaranth was here already!” But Kuro remained stubborn, “What’s with that kind of thinking? It’s not like we’re not doing our own sacrifices! A few more men’s lives would not equal to the lives of thousands of Cherseans waiting for an end to this conflic—”

“!!!”

The entire war council was taken aback when I stepped forward and gave Kuro a slap on his face.

“K-Kuro…” I could feel anger seething in me, “Those…those ‘few men’s lives’…one of them is our—Maddie and I—friend! How could say that?”

A moment of awkward silence filled the room where the war council was being held. Kuro had the same surprised expression on his face.

I never showed it to the council, but I wanted to cry right now. My feelings were conflicted; I don’t want to hurt Kuro, but then, I wanted to hurt him by saying that to Simon. They’re friends, too, right? Why would he consider Simon’s injuries as a sacrifice that had to be made?

It only sounds good, but when you’re maimed or dead, nothing is worthy at all!

“I…I’m the commander of this coalition force. For now, Sir Kuro is temporarily relieved of his responsibilities as my second-in-command,” I asserted my authority, “Prepare the men. We’re marching for Savoy tomorrow.”

Kuro then walked out of the council.

----------

**Kuro**

That slap from Lily sure was painful…

“…”

I left the council, not because of what she did to me. In fact, her slap was a welcome event. It brought me back to myself.

What the hell am I doing?

The flashbacks of those terrified men, just before they were killed by my orders, passed through my mind. And then, Sir Simon. That guy was a good friend and supporter to me, even when his blood-brother and love of his life, King Rambo, was mad at me.

And I dismissed what he did in Savoy as a ‘sacrifice’ that was necessary.

Oh god, am I sliding back again to my former self?

“…”

Honestly, I was glad that he survived that onslaught with the Imperial legions. Yet, I let myself be blinded by my desire to avenge the Marquise. I was pretty sure that if Luisa was still alive, I’d receive an even more painful punch into my face.

You fucked up again, Kuro!

----------

Even before, in my past, I always fucked it up, just as when everything was going fine…

I thought I was some normal kid. My parents raised me normally, getting spanked every time I commit errors, or a pinch in the ear if I didn’t listen. My mother was a former teacher, and she educated me in a manner I’d say was like an ‘iron education’. However, as strict as it could be, when I entered school at five years, I never thought that something so routine would change me…

“Everyone!” my teacher said, “Please clap your hands for ****! You guys should strive to be intelligent like him!”

My classmates showered praises and compliments to me when I won the word-reading contest by my teacher. For the first time in my life, I felt happy. I’m important. I am needed.

And everything followed.

“Top 4 in class, **** ******!”

“**** won every quiz bee he’s ever been! He’s got potential in the future! Children, that’s a good model for you!”

“You should emulate ****. He’s a good student!”

Children around me would always clap and shower praises for me whenever the adults were around. I never asked them to do those to me, but I admit I did like it when they give me compliments. Because of that, I strove hard to meet everyone’s expectations. My teachers loved me, and my parents were proud.

However, it was a different matter when we children are alone…

“Hey, ****, that’s a good drawing you got there, huh? It looks like an elephant.”

“It’s a hippo, you dumbass!”

“Please stop it! Don’t bully **** anymore!” a classmate of mine would always say, but he’s never my protector, “He sucks at drawing even though he tries; it’s pretty pathetic of him to continue, so avoid teasing him! It’s making my stomach turn already.”

Then the laughs, and the jeers…I could always hear it within me. Every time I walk in the hallways, I would always feel like everyone’s eyes were staring at me, and were talking bad behind me…

I wonder what’s wrong with me? Back then, I tried to be my best. I let them see my skills whenever the opportunity presents itself. I wanted to be the coolest kid by showing everyone what I could do. But somehow my efforts backfired.

“That’s a weirdo.”

“He’s a high-handed freak.”

“That annoying guy from class 2? Stay away from him.”

For several years, when I was growing up, it went like that. There never was a school year that I did not make enemies and bullies. The painful words, punches, kicks, and curses increased the more I get myself involved with the people around me…

I tried to fight back at first, however, the bullying just got worse, where—in everything I do— they’d always make me look like a fool by claiming that what they want was different from what I did. So, I learned not to assume things, even in little matters like romance.

What’s wrong with me?

“…”

Then I went to college. There, I learned that maybe it’s because of my arrogance that caused me to be scorned by the people around me. So, I strove to change myself. But the bullying went on. In fact, it went for the worst. Sometimes my classmates would cooperate with one another not to include me in-class projects, or would not talk to me at all!

It is painful, but I guess I reaped what I sow…I fucked up, for the first time.

----------

After that, I graduated. It took a few years before I could land a job as a teacher in a city quite far from where I lived. I wanted to stay away from my place, for it was full of painful memories. If there’s one thing that I learned from my experience during my school years, it was not to care.

Yes, I don’t care what the others would say about me anymore. I don’t give a damn to whatever they expected from me. I won’t sympathize with others, since they felt no mercy for me.

Since then, I swore to become a ‘stone’. I’d live my life like I wanted to, regardless of everyone else.

It was a success. I never truly cared for others, nor do I get emotionally attached to anyone. If I’d ask about you, it’s mostly superficial concern…something that came out of me because of culture, or custom. Whoever came and whoever went, I just continued moving on. If I failed on my first try at life, then in this second one, I’d make sure I’d succeed by throwing away my emotions.

But then it happened.

“…”

I should’ve never let that guy be by himself. But, since I don’t want to get involved, I let him alone…even though he was my student and a good friend. I never knew he was already suffering, all because I am too blind to look to others who really needed me. I knew that if I did something back then, I might’ve talked him out of it, yet I did nothing.

And so, he killed himself.

I could still remember it, fresh like yesterday’s memory…I guess it’s my second fuck-up.

----------

That guy’s legacy never left me. It happened when I was in my second year of teaching, and from then on, I scrambled to regain what I lost. I tried to bring back my former ‘feeling’ self. I re-learned to sympathize with others, especially with my students. Even though I was getting the short end of the stick, I endeavored to help.

I don’t want to lose a student again.

I am a teacher, and my responsibility was to enable my charges to live the life they wanted, responsibly, of course. If I had to make sacrifices, no matter how big or hard it was, it’s fine. I wanted to be someone of use, as a person who was made to feel that he was irrelevant for his whole life…

“Sir, you’re the best teacher I ever had.”

Yes, the feeling of being needed is good, I told myself.

So, I tried my best to do the best for my students, even at the cost of alienating my co-workers. I wanted to become the elder brother they never had or the father they yearned for. I fought for what I believed was for their well-being.

But then…

“Mister ******, why did that child say that to you instead of the guidance counselor? Are you trying to usurp our authority here?”

“N-No Ma’m, I was just trying to—”

“We have our SOPs here!” the principal bluntly told me, “Even if it’s a molestation case, you still have to follow it!”

“I-I’m only trying to help—”

“You put our organization in jeopardy because of that, Mister ******.”

What did I just do? Did I fuck-up again?

I had to resign from my work, all because I over-zealously did my job. A co-worker of mine was involved in molesting a student, and when that child asked for my help, I went to great lengths—and even a bit of illegal ways—to expose him. And in doing so, I guess I put my school and colleagues in danger…once again.

My third fuck-up.

I’m at a loss. If I did not care, I fail. If I did care, I also fail. What am I going to do with my life? Perhaps it’s really a mistake!

And then, just when I woke up one day when I was exhausted from looking for another job…I opened my eyes to see a beautiful, silver-haired girl staring right back at me.

Maddie.

Getting to know her and her friends was one of the best things that happened in my life. For the third time, I felt I was needed. I felt I was doing something good and noble. And that girl always believed in me. So were the others: Lily, Eris, Luisa, Atkins, Simon…the list goes on.

And yet, here I am again. Fucking up my ‘new’ life by making wrong decisions—causing Luisa’s death and almost losing Sir Simon, all because I was blinded by my foolish desires…just like how it’s always been.

----------

My thoughts were interrupted when I heard the door slowly open. I was staying in my private quarters, lying on the bed, thinking of what’s happening around me, and my failures. However, I guess the time to talk to Lily was inevitable, for there she was, standing by the door of my room.

“…”

She just stared at me for a few moments. I wanted to speak to her, tell her I was sorry for what happened back in the war council. I wanted to apologize for all I’ve done so far…

…but much to my surprise, I can’t say anything to her. I feel so ashamed of myself…

“Kuro…” Lily began, “We need to talk…”

“Y-Yes…I have something to tell you as well.”

Lily then sat by my side at the edge of the bed. Then another round of silence followed between us. I took the initiative and speak to her.

“Sorry…”

“Yes,” was Lily’s meek reply.

“I…I didn’t mean to say those things. Sir Simon’s been a great friend to me, and yet, I treated him like shit.”

“It’s okay Kuro, I understand. I’m sure Maddie would understand, too.”

“Well…I don’t know Lily. It’s like, your slap brought me back to my senses,” I admitted to her, “Then I realized, I’ve done a lot of things that would remain in my hands for as long as I lived. I killed many people, though it was unnecessary because I’m blinded by my revenge.”

“Hmm…I guess it’s only natural that you feel that way, you know, your desire to avenge the owner of that sword on your waist. Maybe, she was your friend. I would do the same too; the fact that I slapped you earlier meant that I’m the same. However, Kuro…”

“…”

“…I don’t want you to focus on what has already happened. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Sure, you killed many people even if it could be avoided; maybe that would be a sin that would remain in you as long as you live. However, don’t let it dictate what you would become. As you always say to me back then, change for the better, right?”

“Yes…I wanted to change for the better, for I failed my life before,” I felt dejected, “But I kept on coming back to that failure…”

“Well, we’re humans. And because of that, I guess you’re okay with making errors. It’s just that, as you always tell me, we learn from those mistakes,” Lily then added, “Besides, if you think you’ve done the worst thing a person could ever do, think again. There were people—like me—who’ve done even worse to others. And I could change myself because I got friends like you and Maddie who stood by me.”

The conversation between us brought tears to my eyes. It’s not that I was needed, but it’s the feeling that the person speaking before me was thankful I did something good in her life.

“Haa…I’m tired, Lily.”

“I know.”

“I just wanted to live a peaceful life…with the people I love and understand me. I don’t want to be a bloodthirsty murderer…no matter how successful am I on the battlefield. I don’t want to be a failure for the rest of my life, wasting it on things I never wanted to do.”

“I know,” Lily suddenly held my head and pulled it towards her lap, “That’s why I—and Maddie—would do our best to make you the best man in all of Chersea.”

“I don’t need that. I just wanted to be the best husband for you and Maddie, as well as the best father for our children in the future…”

“And we’ll be the best wives only for you, Kuro…” Lily gently kissed my forehead as she caressed me to sleep.

----------

***Vegencia, Amaranth’s main port city to the south***

The Imperial debacle at Dawson Valley caused the Emperor’s personal ship, the Golden Leviathan, to be diverted from its original destination to the port town of Vegencia instead, to the south of Amaranth. With him was a fleet of ships with ten legions—all fully equipped, and several exotic beasts known as the ‘Leviathan’, and they all set foot in Amaranth, ready for war.

The emperor himself was dressed in his magnificent golden armor and purple cape when he went down from his ship to inspect his men. He was escorted by his Imperial guards, and his crown heir, the Imperial Prince.

“My dear Jean!” a familiar voice called out to him. The emperor froze from his spot because he knew the owner of that deceptively sweet voice.

“Your Holiness!” the Imperial Prince and their guards gave respects to the Saint of the Flame, Seirna, who welcomed them in the docks.

The emperor also tried to bow, but Seirna stopped him.

“Your legions are as impressive as ever,” she quipped, “I heard you got a lot of elvish recruits this time, huh?”

“Well, it’s true, Your Holiness,” the emperor replied, “Elves are superb with their eyesight and with magic, so we always have them serve as scouts or magicians.”

“Indeed,” Seirna gave a sigh, “I wish these northern barbarians would give up their prejudice for the other races: the Beastmen, elves, and dwarves. It’s only in your alliances that would stand up to the power of the demon race…or you’ll risk a repeat of the last Human-Demon war.”

“It can’t be helped, Your Holiness. These parts of Chersea are rife with discrimination, and humans here are not exempt from it. However, unlike these people, in the empire, we have laws and customs that treat our slaves with respect. The other races have the same opportunities as our human citizens.

“Of course. Lord Gaius founded your empire after all.”

“That’s why we are invading these barbarians—we aim to spread civility and Lord Gaius’ teachings.”

“And, speaking of civility, about Dawson Valley…”

“Yes, Your Holiness. I aim to relieve the general, Umberto Benicci, in command.”

“That won’t be necessary,” Seirna was quick to counter him, “I wanted him to remain in his position.”

“But Your Holiness, I just lost two legions,” the emperor pleaded, “Those were 10,000 men with their own families and children. Should I allow myself to lose more?”

“We all have our reasons, Jean,” Seirna explained, “The sacrifices of those soldiers you lost were not in vain, especially they’re doing Lord Gaius’ will. I wanted someone who will fight the Human Saint, not someone who would be afraid to even touch her hair. Besides, I already put someone capable in command together with Prince Umberto.”

“But Your Holiness…”

“My dear Imperial Jean…” the Saint of the Flame caressed his face, “I believe you’re forgetting who’s in charge here. What do you think would happen if you invade without my support?”

“M-My…” the emperor took a deep sigh, “My legions would be decimated by Lady Madelaine’s powers to afflict sickness.”

“And what do you think would happen to your empire if I won’t protect it?”

“It’ll succumb to Lady Madelaine’s schemes to blockade me.”

“So, what will you do now?”

“M-My apologies, Your Holiness…”

“Good…” Seirna smirked, “Listen. There’s still hope for you to save face after what happened in Dawson Valley. The Duchy of Savoy was still holding out, but your legions defeated the combined army of Nerfes and Savoy there. Concentrate your forces in that area and crush any resistance. Its fall would not only affect the morale of your men, but it would also pose a danger to the Holy Palatial Gardens.”

“I understand…”

“And please, perish the thought that you could go against me. I could read your mind, my dear Jean. It’s either you follow me, or you’ll fight against me. Alright?”

The emperor, reluctant as he may be, could only nod, for deep inside, he’s regretting asking for the Saint of the Flame’s help. It’s more than what he bargained for, and Seirna could see that in his heart.

----------

**Madelaine**

Although Lily and Kuro were both in Stadtsberg, I still find time to come to them via teleportation. Well, I admit I miss them often so I would sometimes check on the situation, or Lily would give me a summary of things that happened. Also, sometimes I was helping them by transporting some of their men from one point to another.

Yes, it was only ‘some’. The god-power of teleportation was pretty convenient, but it had its limits, especially to a human-like me.

However, this time, it was a pretty different matter when I arrived in Stadtsberg. For one, I just learned about what happened in Savoy, which was our neighbor to the west.

I planned to rescue Prince Simon and the Duke of Savoy along with their men; however, they told me they would hold their positions in Huirot, and wait for reinforcements from Stadtsberg to resist the Imperials. If the Duchy of Savoy fell to the empire’s hands, not only would the coalition’s line of communication to Holy Palatial Gardens would be severed, it could also allow the Imperials to strike wherever they pleased, and stretched-thin the coalition army.

And with limited support from these human kings, I guess Lily and Kuro could only do so much…and Simon also got injured.

The second was, I learned about Lily’s fight with Kuro. I knew something changed within him, for I keep hearing disturbing reports from my friend that he’s getting violent, but I never expected it to reach a boiling point that Lily would slap him.

“Well, he’s sleeping right now,” Lily greeted me once I reached the secret place we agreed upon, “I guess the stresses of war was really getting into his mind, and he needs a time off.”

“I wanted to, but Kuro keeps on pushing forward,” I told her, “He wanted to feel that he’s needed, and he’s contributing to something worthwhile.”

“Yes…that’s typical Kuro.”

“I’ve been looking into his thoughts ever since he came here, Lily…that man, though he’s conflicted with himself, he tries to be strong to those people who need him. And as someone who loves him, why wouldn’t I be touched by that?”

“Well, I hope he returns to his old self soon. I miss the old Kuro…”

“I’m the same with you, Lily…” I admitted, “But there may be some things that we couldn’t return to. Will you still love him if it ever comes to that?”

“Of course!” Lily was quick to answer, “I don’t only like him for the way he treats me, but I also loved him for who he is. Kuro may change, but all I have to do is to adapt to it. He’s the man I swore to love, after all.”

“Yeah, but you’ll be second to me.”

“I know that, you Holy Pervert!”

“Excuse me, but it’s only natural for someone in-love like me to do such things! Besides, you talk like you haven’t got your own jugs with you! Don’t you think your body is perverted, too?”

“Well, mine’s a perfect figure! Yours is like the…”

“What?”

“…never mind.”

“Why you!”

We both teased each other and laughed. Though I wanted to talk to Kuro, for now, I’d just cast a spell to calm his mind and let him rest. That guy’s been through a lot of things, even back in his own world.

“…”

One of these days after the war, Lily and I are planning to settle down together with him. And we can’t wait for that day to arrive…

----------

***The Holy Palatial Gardens***

“Head Maid Jessica, you got mail.”

The paladin who was delivering the letters gave Jessica a rather simple-looking folded paper. The letter had a strong spell covering it, designed to prevent its accidental opening. However, Jessica was shocked to see not its magic spell, but the mark used to seal it.

“This is…the von Albert coat-of-arms!” she muttered as she opened the letter.

’To my dearest sister, Jessica. How are you? I hope you are as fine as I am. It’s been quite a while since I talked to you, and I just want to let you know that I’m fine and alive, after all that’s happened in here. The Saint of the Flame is gracious to let me live, and she also told me a lot of things I didn’t know that were already happening back there.

Can you help me? Her Holiness, the Great Saint of Chersea, is in danger. If you wanted to know more, please come to the location on the map after this letter. Please, we’re doing this for Chersea. With love, your brother, David.’

“Her Holiness is in danger?” At first, Jessica couldn’t believe the contents of the letters, since she thought her brother was already dead. However, the seal of the von Albert family was something only their family could use. Add the map that was drawn after the letter—her brother David could use the mapping spell—and her doubts vanished altogether.

But what did he mean by ‘the Saint is in danger’?

Carefully examining the map, she concluded that the place that he showed was a hidden spot just outside the town of Arles. And since her desire to see her brother was rekindled within her, Jessica wasted no time in putting on a dress, borrowing a cart, and speeding-off to Arles at a moment’s notice.

----------

Jessica was led to a relatively dark copse of trees, partly hidden from view of the guard towers of Arles to the east. Though by then, she was apprehensive, thinking whether to continue. Nevertheless, the kitchen head maid met the person who sent her the letter.

“Sister!”

Jessica turned, but not towards her brother, who suddenly appeared in front of her in inconspicuous hunting clothes. She made an about-face and ran away; fortunately, her brother caught her arm just in time.

“You scaredy-cat sister of mine!” David was laughing, “Don’t worry, I’m fully alive, and not a ghost. I still couldn’t believe that I’m still alive, as well!”

“If you’re really my brother…” Jessica challenged him, “Then who ate my pudding last time when I bought one in Amaranth?”

“It was me—” the Crown Prince suddenly realized his error halfway into saying it. He tried to take back his word but failed to do so. Jessica quickly kicked his shin.

“That’s for being an ass, brother!” Jessica smirked, “But anyhow, that also proves you’re alive!” She quickly threw an embrace to him, “Welcome back!”

“Damn, lady! You don’t have to hurt me like that!” he protested.

“Anyway, how’s father and our mothers?”

The crown prince silently shook his head, much to Jessica’s horror. Then, he told her how he survived thanks to the Saint of the Flame.

“That fool, Prince Umberto! If only I could get my hands on him!” Jessica couldn’t help herself but release her anger, “Anyway, brother, what do you mean in your letter that the Saint is in danger?”

“Well, the Saint of the Flame told me about the true nature of that man, Kuro.”

“Kuro?”

“Her Holiness Lady Seirna revealed to me that Kuro someone who’s working with the demons in trying to sabotage humanity, using Lady Madelaine’s peace,” the Crown Prince explained, “I know she might’ve been bluffing, but I couldn’t discount such a possibility. Sir Kuro is proficient in using a demon weapon, right?”

“It’s the weapon he used to win the first and second rounds of the Tri-skill tourney after all.”

“Listen Jessica. Her Holiness, Lady Madelaine, is in danger with that man, Kuro, around. Will you help me save her?”

“Are you out of your mind, brother?” Jessica fiercely asked, “Kuro wouldn’t betray Her Holiness as that Braunhauer brat did!”

“Huh? Lady Eris betrayed the Saint?”

“Yes! I don’t know the details, but apparently, she tried to kill her!” Jessica pointed out, “See? What I’m trying to tell you guys before was the truth!”

“Alright, alright. Now’s not the time to look back to the past. You should keep Sir Kuro away from her, understand?”

“It’s impossible! And I won’t do it!” Jessica stood her ground, “I don’t know what that Saint of the Flame told you, but I can assure you, Kuro’s more trustworthy than that Saint of the Flame! If you won’t believe me by all means, we’re enemies from now on!”

“Jessica…”,

“I won’t back down, brother! I may be stupid, but I know a good person when I see one!”

The Crown Prince could only sigh, “Fine then. Have it your way. But listen to my warning…”

“What?”

“Pack your things and be ready to leave the Holy Palatial Gardens as soon as possible. We’re about to assault the armies of Nerfes and Savoy holed up in the town of Huirot. We plan to march into the Holy Palatial Gardens the moment this land falls into our hands…and even Lady Madelaine won’t be able to do anything about it, for we have the support of Lady Seirna.”

“W-What are you saying, brother?”

Prince David then removed his hunter’s clothing to reveal the Imperial armor he was wearing within, “I’m sorry, Jessica, but I guess I’ll have to save this land from Sir Kuro and the demons. I’m now an ally to the empire and Prince Umberto.”