Chapter 54 A United Front

The sunlight come through the narrow window of the café’s upper floor, falling across the empty bed beside him. Rein blinked awake, reaching out—but Aura was gone.

With a quiet sigh, he pulled himself up, dressed, and made his way back to the castle barracks.

The moment he stepped inside his room, three familiar faces greeted him, only to be immediately ambushed by Mari.

 “Well, well, look who finally decided to come home. Tell me, Hero-kun—run off to some new mystery woman again? You’ve already got three gorgeous teammates, and yet you’re still out hunting for company? Tsk, tsk… greedy.”

Mari skidded to a stop in front of him, leaning in close before he could react and sniffed. Once. Twice. Then another, dragging it out. Deep, dramatic.

“YOU! I can smell it on you!” she gasped, pointing a finger right at his chest. 

“You’ve really been with another woman again! Getting to marry Lady Liora wasn’t enough for you? Now you’re sneaking around on the side too?! Wasn’t one breathtaking, powerful woman enough for you, Rein?!”

She clasped her hands together, putting on a mock swoon, her voice dropping into a tragic wail.

 “Here I thought we, your loyal, beautiful companions, were enough to keep you satisfied at night! But nooo—our fearless leader craves more, more, MORE!”

She dropped the act as fast as she’d put it on, jabbing him in the chest with her finger that burned hotter than her fire magic.

 “Spill it, Casanova. Who is she? What’s her name? Don’t even think about lying to me—I’ll burn the answer out of you!”

“Enough, Mari,” Selene cut in, “Don’t let your imagination run wild.”

 “Oh, come on. You don’t think it’s suspicious? He vanishes all night, comes back looking like that—” she gestured at Rein’s face, “—and we’re supposed to believe he was just out on a walk? Please.”

Kaia fidgeted by the corner. 

 “We were… worried about you. You didn’t say anything before leaving. You could’ve at least left a note.”

Rein let out a long breath, dragging a hand down his face.

 “Morning to you all too… But this isn’t the time for jokes. We need to talk. And I mean serious talk. We’ve known each other since the Hero Candidate program. We’ve been through hell and back. I need you to keep what I’m about to say in this room. A secret, no telling anyone. Can I trust you?”

Mari’s mouth dropped open, and she threw her arms up in outrage.

“Ohhh no, no, no—you don’t get to brush me off like that, Rein! I smelled perfume, I saw that smug, well-rested face of yours, and now you’re telling me, ‘Not the time for jokes’?! Mark my words, mister Hero, I will find out what woman you’ve been sneaking off to. You can hide it for now, but I’ll drag the truth out of you even if I have to follow you around twenty-four-seven!”

Then she huffed, crossing her arms with a pout, irritated.

 “But fine, fine… if you’re that serious, I’ll shut up for now. But you better believe the second this little ‘serious talk’ is over, I’m back on the case.”

Selene’s response was simple.

 “Yeah, let's hear it. We've been in one party for a long time. We won't bail on you now.”

Kaia bit her lip, worried, but she nodded.

 “I’ll keep it to myself. And I’ll help however I can. Please… tell us what’s wrong.”

Rein told them everything he knew—the king’s lies, the Hero’s corruption, Liora’s past, the ambushes, and the twisted schemes that had cost so many lives. 

Then, he asked, “So… will you help me? Will you stand with me in this fight?”

Mari blinked, her face serious, more serious than he’d ever seen. 

 “Well… damn. That’s… a lot to take in. If what you're saying is true, then the King is a real ass. That bastard hurt my idol, my beloved Lady Liora! And you’re asking me if I'm in? Of course I’m in. No way I’d let you do this alone. I always had this feeling something is fishy with your grandfather.”

She bit her lip, looking down, her voice catching.

 “And I… I used to joke about you marrying Liora, Rein. Like it was some game. But now—I feel like an idiot. I swear, if Arthur really did that to her… if he really took all of that from her… I’ll burn his throne down myself, and his face too!”

Selene’s expression remained calm.

 “The king… the Hero… everything we trusted—it’s all been lies. I knew the world wasn’t simple, but this… this is beyond anything I imagined. But if what you say is true, Rein… this fight isn’t just us swinging our weapons at a group of monsters. It’s about exposing lies, protecting people who can’t defend themselves, and taking on someone who’s supposed to be untouchable. The King himself. One wrong move and the whole Aura kingdom is against us. But know this—I won’t forgive those responsible for the lives they’ve destroyed. I’ll stand with you."

Kaia’s cheeks flushed slightly, her hands clasped tightly together. 

 “Um... yes. It's a lot to take in. But if you're saying it's true. I… I’ll help too. Whatever you need, Rein. You won’t be alone.”

Rein let out a slow breath.

 “Good. That’s all I needed to hear. I won’t lie—it’s going to be dangerous. Worse than anything we’ve faced before. But we’ve always had each other’s backs, right? That hasn’t changed. I’ve gotten used to being the hothead who rushes in, but not this time. Not alone. With you three—and Liora—I’m not walking into this blind. We’ll do it smart. And we’ll make sure to stop him. Though… don’t get used to me being all serious like this. It’s a one-time thing. Enjoy it while it lasts.”

------------

Demon Lord lowered herself into the seat, but before she could even relax, the heavy doors open.

 “Verron. Did you bring the report from last week? The monsters that attacked… the battle where I crossed blades with Rein. Don’t spare me the details. I want the full picture of the situation.”

“Yes, my lady. Every detail has been accounted for. We lost that sector completely. Our enemy haven’t established camps there yet—it seems Arthur’s armies are on standby, waiting. No movement for now, but the ground is no longer ours.”

 “Casualties?”

 “Surprisingly… no deaths. Many seriously wounded, but not a single one killed. I have to admit, it’s impressive. Must be Liora. That girl… she threw herself into the line of fire like it was nothing. Shielding everyone during your little display of power with Rein—most would have turned to ash."

 “Yes, Liora… She shielded them. Even during my fight with Rein, she never let that barrier fall. Always protecting others, even at the cost of her own life.”

 “But I’m afraid the news grows worse. The magi stone mines. They were attacked during your battle with the Hero. Those same monsters—the ones that attacked the ruins with your teleportation circle—they massacred everyone inside and took every last shard of ore. Only few survivors, nothing left. This wasn't a random monster attack. All of that was planned. It has to be Arthur’s doing.”

“Yes… that is bad news,” she admitted, "Losing the mines, the ore… that will hurt us in the long run. But don’t worry, Verron. There is good news too. Rein… He finally believes me. He knows I am Aura. Liora told him everything. No more running from the truth. And now, they are ready. Ready to fight against Arthur.”

 “Now that is good news. The great Hero finally believes your words. Took him long enough. Still, if Rein truly stands with you, then Arthur should start worrying. That’s a blow even he will struggle. But forgive me if I don’t break out the wine just yet. Belief is one thing. Standing against a King—against Arthur—quite another. Heroes turned against him fallen before. You and I know that first handed. So, tell me, my lady… are you sure he’s ready? Or will he fall the moment Arthur swing his blade?”