Part 1
The day had turned to night and the castle was silent. A cold gust of wind swept across the grasslands. The moon's light was covered up by the passing clouds.
Two shadows could be seen standing underneath a tree overlooking the castle.
"—That is about all I know from what he told me. I have a feeling he's hiding something but I can't force him while he's the most hurt from this situation. His injuries are severe." One of them said.
The other sighed before replying.
"His foe was someone completely out of his league. I am surprised he is still even alive. To be hunted down by a heretic inquisitor is definitely a serious matter."
"…Yes."
"You have been awfully quiet from what I've heard from the other servants," Sebastian stepped into the light of the moon and breathed in the cold air of the night, "What are you planning to do?"
When he turned back to look at Victoria, he noticed her eyes glowing in the dark. A murderous glint and all kinds of other emotions flashed in those eyes.
"You are thinking of infiltrating the Theocracy and killing Lancelot?"
"….Will you stop me?"
"Fool. Do you think you have what it takes to take on an entire government? It's not just Lancelot you'll be facing," Sebastian fist appeared before her eyes before she could even blink, "See how easy it could have been for me to blow your head off just because you are not focused?"
The wind from the force of his fist made her hair flutter.
"One mistake, Victoria. You could let your emotions get the better of you and die. Tell me, do you want to fight in the state you are in?"
"But they…" She gritted her teeth and punched the huge tree beside her. The bark of the tree dented heavily and the tree creaked, "—They hurt Al."
"He is not a boy who needs your protection. Your contract period ended long ago when you went against the orders given to you." Sebastian put his hand on her shoulder, "How do you think he'll feel if he lost you? The person that raised him?"
"…My life is not what's important. I have long since accepted my death. If I can at least fight with a purpose then I'd throw it away any day of my life."
Though she said that with determination, Sebastian could sense her fear and hesitation.
"You are free to go if you want. However, opponents even I could not manage will be there to stop you."
"Even you could not handle…?" Victoria seemed shocked but considering the fact that Sebastian was retired, it was obvious that he was weaker than in his prime.
Alitus, the Mountain of God. He is the wielder of one of Promethius' two most sacred weapons, the Sanctity Shield.
Seraph, sub-leader of the Testaments and the bearer of a holy artifact. She is the youngest but also one of the strongest in the Testaments.
Justice, the man who was rumored to have fought against a demon lord before and lived. He is a man capable of handling six holy weapons at once.
"There are many other prominent figures but these three are the most important to mention."
Victoria lowered her head.
'It is still too early for you to fight people like this, little one.' Sebastian wanted to say that but couldn't.
He wanted her to choose what she wanted to do on her own. His input wasn't needed.
"Do you think Al would want his own revenge against this Lancelot person?" Victoria forced out that question.
"—Did you just say Lancelot?"
Another voice came from behind them. Sebastian had already sensed her coming so he wasn't that surprised when he saw Flora standing there.
"You are still up. It is already past midnight." Sebastian said when he turned around.
Flora just yawned and shrugged.
"I felt like getting some fresh air. No harm in doing that, right? That name you just said. Lancelot. What connection do you have with him?"
"Why is it that you want to know?" Sebastian asked his own question instead.
"Curiosity, I guess?"
Sebastian chuckled at Flora's reply.
"I see. Well then there is no need to withhold anything—"
Sebastian began explaining what he heard from Victoria. Victoria seemed uninterested that he was telling Flora and only silently gazed into space.
"T-That guy survived a fight with Lancelot? A decorated inquisitor of the Holy Kingdom?" Flora smiled bitterly. "That man is such a monster…"
"So…you are familiar with this Lancelot?"
"Sort of…" Flora's complexion darkened.
"Do you have any intention of fighting that guy?" Flora turned her eyes to Victoria. Said person bit her lips.
"I am confident in defeating him but…" She gazed down. "It is not my fight."
"So you'll allow your precious young master to get his revenge and possibly die this time?"
"…."
Victoria remained silent. Flora sighed.
"He was looking for me," she said gazing into Sebastian's eyes.
"…What do you mean?" Sebastian asked.
"You must've heard from Arnold, right? That he was involved with the slaughter of the Felix gang?"
"He did mention it…"
"It seems they managed to infiltrate the crime scene and find evidence to convict him as well. They now have that evidence."
Victoria gasped.
"I told that idiot not to take me with him…" Flora sighed again, this time defeated, "But it's over. I'll deal with Lancelot on my own if he intends on hunting me again."
Flora turned around and was about to leave.
Sebastian spoke:
"Are you…from the Luthial Kingdom?"
"…." Flora stopped. She turned around, "Why the hell is that a question? You just want me to confirm it, right?"
"Indeed. Why else would a man such as Lancelot, one who protects the pope, be chasing some slave. In addition, you involved my lord's son. That is something I cannot ignore."
"Will you kill me…?" Flora didn't seem scared at all. She only asked in a lifeless tone. It was like she didn't have a will to resist.
"You are safe in this city. Even the Theocracy would not invade this duchy ruled by a great noble. Lancelot's actions were his own intentions."
"You didn't answer my question…."
Flora narrowed her eyes.
'Whether I kill you or not is not a decision that benefits me in any way.' Sebastian wanted to say that but he changed his words:
"I do not have the right to decide your fate. Knowing the young master, he is using you and you serve some purpose. If that wasn't the case then you would have been tossed to the curb a long ago."
"Well, you're not wrong…"
"So do tell us what is the relationship you had with the royal family. You do not have to trust me since I am in a neutral position."
Flora shook her head, "It's fine…I'll tell you. I am the last princess of that kingdom."
"So the last princess was alive. What a small world for you to be in our city," Sebastian didn't seem that surprised.
"The Theocracy crushed your kingdom…Do you also seek revenge for your royal bloodline?" Victoria spoke up.
"And what will revenge get me once I've achieved it? Who can I blame? The entire Theocracy? The government of priests alone? That Greater Demon scum?"
Her tone was bitter.
"I'd rather keep these feelings to myself than question my target of revenge."
'Well said.'
Sebastian smiled. He had his doubts about Flora before but his opinion changed after knowing a little about her past. She had forced down her murderous feelings and had instead thought rationally.
'Why can you not learn from this young woman?' Sebastian secretly shook his head as he looked at Victoria. 'She probably went though so much more than you to be this mature.'
"I see…" Victoria seemed unmoved. It seemed that she still wanted revenge for Arnold.
"I think we must start Luke's training immediately." At Sebastian's words, Flora's eyes widened.
"You mean…"
"Yes. I would like you to help me in training young master Luke."
"Got it!" Flora nodded. "Then I can be free from that bastard after finishing up that kid's training!"
Sebastian simply smiled. He felt the chilly wind of the night getting colder and spoke:
"It is unwise to remain outside any longer so let us—"
---GYAAAAAH!!!!
A loud scream suddenly broke the silence of the night. The knights who were stationed outside the castle instantly moved towards the castle.
Sebastian, Victoria and Flora looked at each other and nodded.
All three of them took out their weapons and immediately ran towards the castle.
Part 2
Jurius was born with everything served to him on a silver platter. His father was the emperor, the ruler of a nation and he was a prince.
Though he had such a title, he had no power as a prince. That is because he had an older brother who was crowned as the one likely to succeed their father, Jurnick.
Jurius had lived in his brother's shadow ever since he gained awareness as a child. There was never a single time when he was praised if he did good.
It was always:
His highness, Julius is such a genius!
He'll be a great commander one day!
He might not have the power of a hero but he has the heart of one….
There was never even a time wen he ever heard his father praise him. It was always Julius.
What did I lack that my brother had?
Was it looks? Intelligence? No, not just that. It was because he wasn't the first born.
Perhaps it was already a given that the first born would be such an outstanding individual.
Jurius lost the cheerful side he had when he was a child. He began picking on those weaker than himself. They could do nothing because he was a prince and that was what gave him the right to beat and insult others.
There was one person who had never cried nor stood up to Jurius for bullying him.
Arnold.
Arnold was the first person that he had ever considered inferior to himself. He had met Arnold one day when Olivia visited the Berkley household. She brought him to the palace after getting permission from their mother. The two had regular playdates from then on as they grew up.
Jurius could say that for the first time in his life that he enjoyed that day.
He beat, kicked, spat on, and did all sorts of other bad things to Arnold. It felt him with ecstasy and happiness.
Arnold was like his personal toy.
Even growing up and becoming a tyrant feared by many he would always stay silent when faced with Jurius. It was like a cornered rat in front of a cat. That was what Jurius saw in his imagination, however. Although Arnold had never openly done anything about Jurius bullying him, he would always have this special look in his eyes that Jurius absolutely abhorred
He did nothing and Jurius liked that. But those eyes that were looking at trash and someone equal to dirt would always enrage him to the point of beating Arnold in public as they grew up.
However, even that didn't last long when Arnold did something he didn't expect last week.
That incident where he choked and shamed Jurius was the last straw.
…
Thunder struck outside as the rain fell from the heavens. The room was brightened by the flash of thunder and one individual could be seen standing inside the room.
A click echoed after the door closed.
The one that came in was a tall and handsome young man with a crazy look in his eyes.
"Today is the day you die for mocking me. You made such a fool of me in front of all those people. Do you realize what you did?"
Silence.
Arnold was still sleeping with deep and slow breaths.
'This handsome face. I absolutely hate it. Why the hell do you look handsomer than this me!?'
"I just want to see your expression when you die miserably. Hahahaha."
More silence.
Jurius' mutters went unanswered so he drew out his dagger and held it close to Arnold's neck.
A crazy smile appeared on Jurius' face as he swung down the dagger.
'Die!'
Clank—
"Huh?" The dagger suddenly hit something metal-like. Jurius gazed down in confusion only to realize that there was a transparent black smoke that was surrounding Arnold's body in the shape of… armor?
"What the…" Jurius tried to look closer but then Arnold's eyes opened, immediately followed by the slashing of flesh.
A hot sensation spread on his arm followed by excruciating pain.
"GYAAAAAAH!!!!"
His entire right arm was completely cut off and the side of his face was burned by the black flames.
The demonic sword with a demon eye on its hilt stood was in Arnold's hand that released a storm of killing intent.
Jurius fell onto the ground and clutched his arm, a horrified expression on his face.
The image of a tall giant wearing dark armor holding the sword, appeared within his eyes.
It was like looking at a demon.
The armor vanished and Arnold, while holding the sword, gazed down at Jurius with a threatening glare.
Jurius stained the floor with his piss as fear overwhelmed his body.
He knew right then that that person wasn't Arnold. It was someone else entirely.
Its eyes were red and its hair silvery white. A disgusting grin appeared on its face.
"Know your place, human worm. Before you stands a fetish of the highest caliber. Do you think I'll allow you to kill my pet?"
The demon spoke, but Jurius had no idea if it was female or male.
Jurius shrieked when he saw the demon approach him.
"Arnold!"
"Al!"
Sebastian and Victoria appeared within the room at that moment.
Both stood between Jurius and Arnold.
"What's going on in here!?" Another person entered the room.
It was the duchess. Behind her were Olivia, Melina, Anna and Luke. Claudia wasn't with them. Either she didn't want to come out of her room or she was just a deep sleeper.
All of them looked horrified towards Jurius whose arm was missing. Blood spurted everywhere.
"H-H-H-He tried to kill me! A prince! Seize him! S-Seize him at once!" Jurius screamed madly while clutching onto Sebastian's pants.
The people in the room looked at Arnold and back at Jurius. The latter was squirming on the floor with his right arm cut off.
Arnold was holding an ominous sword and was standing nonchalantly. Jurius couldn't see that demon from before with silver hair anymore.
'Wha…'
"Arnold." Adrianna stepped further into the room. "I will ask you only once."
Her face turned cold and her tone serious. "Did you have any intention of killing the prince?"
"What kind of question is that!?" Jurius shouted in disdain.
"Quiet!" Adrianna shouted even louder.
Jurius went completely silent.
Everyone looked at Arnold. Said person was smiling. He pointed to the corner of the room.
"It was simple self-defense." Arnold shrugged as he was busy wrapping the sword back in the sealing cloth.
"Huh?" Adrianna could see Jurius' arm lying there. The strange thing was that it was holding onto a dagger filled with poison.
Her frown deepened.
Sebastian headed towards the arm and took the dagger. He smelled the purple liquid.
His eyes widened.
"Coysilariam. This can kill a person within minutes. All of their orifices would first start bleeding. Then their throats would clog up and suffocate them. The poison would rot their throats and that will be how they die."
When a person is injected with poison, the body would immediately go on the defensive and vomit the poison out. However, if it doesn't leave the body through their esophagus then the heart will stop due to not receiving oxygen. If that doesn't kill them immediately then suffocation will.
Sebastian was a former underground gladiator and had been poisoned before by his opponents so he knew first-hand what these kinds of things can do to a human being.
Everyone's eyes landed on the squirming Jurius.
"Are you suspecting me of doing such a thing!? How do you know if he didn't try to set me up!? I demand you call the Imperial Force! Call my father as well!" Jurius looked at his sister. "Olivia! Listen to me and call father!"
Olivia remained silent.
"You bitch! Answer me!"
Arnold slapped Jurius across the face. He flew halfway across the room.
"Aaah!"
"What a pitiful idiot. You claim that I attacked you without reason even though all the evidence is right there? Isn't it also weird how you're in my room? Sorry but I only allow women in my room after dark." Arnold grabbed Jurius' face.
Jurius glared at him with tears in his eyes.
"Why look at me like that? You're the one who started this, right?"
Arnold raised his hand, intending to slap Jurius again.
"Stop," Sebastian grabbed his hand and held onto it tightly, "This is enough. A case of attempted murder will be filed and will not work in your favor. This dagger is proof enough."
Arnold sighed and threw Jurius face aside.
"Whatever."
Arnold yawned and left the room. He passed by his family without any expression of guilt for what he did.
They seemed to wonder if he really was in danger of being killed.
"….I'll have my father destroy this household…! You bastards! Do you know that I am a prince!? Why do you take the word of a tyrant bastard such as Arnold!? You…you...!"
Jurius felt groggy and lightheaded.
'No…I can't…I can't die like this…'
He had lost way too much blood. His eyes couldn't stay focused and he collapsed.
The last thing he saw was Olivia's emotionless eyes gazing down at him not with concern or showing any signs of anger.
Jurius fell unconscious.
Part 3
Two days later.
The entire city of Lockinge was in an uproar after a bard ran around the city screaming:
There was an attempt of murder at the city lord's castle!
People crowded outside the gate. The knights had their hands full just stopping anyone from pushing through their perimeter. The duchess ordered that everyone must stay inside the castle until things calmed down.
However, even after two days nothing had calmed down. Thus, Adrianna decided to answer the people begging to meet with the family. At the way things were going, rumors could somehow start circulating among the people.
Before informing the citizens, Adrianna decided to come into contact with their vassals first and the fief lords around their city. In addition, Judith was also called here since she was the second wife and had to bear witness to what happened. Jack and Melina weren't informed of what happened and the two of them were staying over at a branch family's mansion.
After hearing about the attempted murder case in the Berkley castle from the first madam, the vassal households and the servants of the day-period shift rushed towards the castle.
Although they heard it was an attempted murder case, they didn't know who was the suspect and who was the victim. Adrianna was very vague with explaining what was going on and how the incident happened.
'Why did all of this have to happen while I was here…' Grace cried in her heart. 'That fool just had to go through with it all. Why are you so stupid? Why, your highness? Even if I don't care what you did to Arnold, this affects how others will see me as well!'
She only wanted to enjoy her visit to the Berkley castle. She didn't want more headaches. Today she planned on going on a shopping spree with the pocket money she received from her father. If possible, she would've liked to visit a magic store as well to buy materials.
She wanted to begin her plans for the future using all the knowledge she had. However, that dream might not come true yet since she had the duty of looking after her baby of a husband. She couldn't look away from him for one second without him causing trouble. Similar smaller incidents had happened in the past when she looked away.
Grace entered the room where everyone was gathered. The entire castle was filled with people. Servants, knights and nobles who were around the neighborhood alike.
"I… I have gathered you here today to inform you of something that happened earlier this week. I believe some of you already heard this from the nightshift maids and guards. No, I am certain that it has almost reached the entire city." Adrianna spoke while looking at every person in the room.
"There was almost a murder in our residence, as you have heard. The culprit…."
"Was it Arnold?" someone asked with a sly tone.
"Judith…Why would you think my son would be the suspect even though I have not even mentioned the victim?"
"I mean, why are we making such a fuss about this? He has killed so many people before yet no one bats an eye. Why is this time different?"
"…Then tell me, have you ever witnessed him murder someone wrongfully?"
"…." Judith's face distorted. "That is…"
"Exactly. These kinds of rumors always aim to bring down the reputation of our family. I would not be surprised if it was one of our enemies."
Murmurs of agreement echoed among everyone.
They had indeed never witnessed him actually kill a person. Everyone had only heard this from a second person. In the end it was all made up. Although he beat people up for fun and boasted his powers, he wouldn't kill without reason.
Stooping so low as a criminal was unbecoming of someone with so much pride in himself.
'Well, I guess that remains true for now.'
"Then what about that girl servant you brought in?" Judith pointed at the girl with brown hair next to Adrianna.
"M-Me?"
"Yes. Your name is Sona, right? Wouldn't Arnold have killed you if Sebastian didn't stop him? He would have done so, correct?"
"T-That…Um, err…" The girl timidly lowered her head and glanced at Adrianna with fearful eyes.
Adrianna's glare sharpened.
"Why antagonize my son when you know nothing? He was in a very emotional state after…" Adrianna looked at Olivia and remained silent, "The point is that you should stop pointing fingers. I will not allow this as the acting head of this castle."
"Tch."
Judith remained silent and looked away with a childish pout.
Adrianna could finally speak.
"Excluding Gustavic, most of you probably did not know that His Highness, Jurius accompanied Olivia to visit our castle…." Adrianna remained silent for a few seconds and spoke again. "He… The prince tried to stab my son with a poisoned dagger in his sleep."
Every single person—besides those who already knew—gasped.
"H-How could that…Is there any evidence?"
Adrianna glared at the man who spoke up.
"What gains do we get from lying to you all? And yes, there is evidence. Sebastian."
"Madam." Sebastian appeared out of nowhere with a bag in his hands.
"Take it out and show everyone."
"As you wish. I suggest everyone step back." Upon his serious warning, everyone moved a few steps back.
"What the…" That was the man who spoke up earlier. He was dumbfounded.
The weapon in Sebastian's hands was a dagger. The blade was slowly corroding from an unknown purple substance.
"This is a type of poison from outside this empire. I have seen many die from it during my travels across the continent in my youth." Sebastian rolled up his right arm sleeve.
A few of the spectators almost vomited when he used the dagger to pierce his arm. Almost immediately after, a black substance flowed out of the wound. It was blood that was infected with the poison.
"As you can see, it is a fast process." Sebas grunted and flexed his muscles.
A purple goo fell through the wound. His arm which was swelled returned back to normal.
'He…just forced the poison out with his muscles alone…?' Grace was dumbfounded. She couldn't believe a human being was capable of that.
No, could this man be considered a normal human being in the first place? His body was literally a fortress.
"This is the weapon that his highness used to attempt to kill young master Arnold." Sebastian threw it on the table. Everyone shrieked and stepped back even further.
"I would like to hear from you all what we should do about this. Should we tell it to His Majesty as is or should we fabricate the truth?"
There was most likely no way anyone would believe a prince would attempt to murder a son of a Great Noble. Perhaps even the emperor would force them to stop speaking nonsense.
"It…is only obvious that we tell the truth. Even if he is the prince, he cannot be let free." Someone spoke up.
"Indeed. This is inexcusable for a royal to be acting like this. Her highness, Olivia looks furious. How could he tarnish their name?"
"Yes. He must be punished for his crimes."
"Agreed. We must tell his majesty the truth. It was self-defense so lord Arnold should not be held accountable."
Words of agreement echoed among the crowd of nobles and servants.
Adrianna clapped her hands so everyone could quiet down. That action worked as everyone was staring back at her, waiting for her next words.
"Then I shall contact the Imperial Force and the court nobles. We will see what they will do with this case. If necessary, I will rightfully use the power left to me by my husband to make sure that justice is served."
Part 1
The day had turned to night and the castle was silent. A cold gust of wind swept across the grasslands. The moon's light was covered up by the passing clouds.
Two shadows could be seen standing underneath a tree overlooking the castle.
"—That is about all I know from what he told me. I have a feeling he's hiding something but I can't force him while he's the most hurt from this situation. His injuries are severe." One of them said.
The other sighed before replying.
"His foe was someone completely out of his league. I am surprised he is still even alive. To be hunted down by a heretic inquisitor is definitely a serious matter."
"…Yes."
"You have been awfully quiet from what I've heard from the other servants," Sebastian stepped into the light of the moon and breathed in the cold air of the night, "What are you planning to do?"
When he turned back to look at Victoria, he noticed her eyes glowing in the dark. A murderous glint and all kinds of other emotions flashed in those eyes.
"You are thinking of infiltrating the Theocracy and killing Lancelot?"
"….Will you stop me?"
"Fool. Do you think you have what it takes to take on an entire government? It's not just Lancelot you'll be facing," Sebastian fist appeared before her eyes before she could even blink, "See how easy it could have been for me to blow your head off just because you are not focused?"
The wind from the force of his fist made her hair flutter.
"One mistake, Victoria. You could let your emotions get the better of you and die. Tell me, do you want to fight in the state you are in?"
"But they…" She gritted her teeth and punched the huge tree beside her. The bark of the tree dented heavily and the tree creaked, "—They hurt Al."
"He is not a boy who needs your protection. Your contract period ended long ago when you went against the orders given to you." Sebastian put his hand on her shoulder, "How do you think he'll feel if he lost you? The person that raised him?"
"…My life is not what's important. I have long since accepted my death. If I can at least fight with a purpose then I'd throw it away any day of my life."
Though she said that with determination, Sebastian could sense her fear and hesitation.
"You are free to go if you want. However, opponents even I could not manage will be there to stop you."
"Even you could not handle…?" Victoria seemed shocked but considering the fact that Sebastian was retired, it was obvious that he was weaker than in his prime.
Alitus, the Mountain of God. He is the wielder of one of Promethius' two most sacred weapons, the Sanctity Shield.
Seraph, sub-leader of the Testaments and the bearer of a holy artifact. She is the youngest but also one of the strongest in the Testaments.
Justice, the man who was rumored to have fought against a demon lord before and lived. He is a man capable of handling six holy weapons at once.
"There are many other prominent figures but these three are the most important to mention."
Victoria lowered her head.
'It is still too early for you to fight people like this, little one.' Sebastian wanted to say that but couldn't.
He wanted her to choose what she wanted to do on her own. His input wasn't needed.
"Do you think Al would want his own revenge against this Lancelot person?" Victoria forced out that question.
"—Did you just say Lancelot?"
Another voice came from behind them. Sebastian had already sensed her coming so he wasn't that surprised when he saw Flora standing there.
"You are still up. It is already past midnight." Sebastian said when he turned around.
Flora just yawned and shrugged.
"I felt like getting some fresh air. No harm in doing that, right? That name you just said. Lancelot. What connection do you have with him?"
"Why is it that you want to know?" Sebastian asked his own question instead.
"Curiosity, I guess?"
Sebastian chuckled at Flora's reply.
"I see. Well then there is no need to withhold anything—"
Sebastian began explaining what he heard from Victoria. Victoria seemed uninterested that he was telling Flora and only silently gazed into space.
"T-That guy survived a fight with Lancelot? A decorated inquisitor of the Holy Kingdom?" Flora smiled bitterly. "That man is such a monster…"
"So…you are familiar with this Lancelot?"
"Sort of…" Flora's complexion darkened.
"Do you have any intention of fighting that guy?" Flora turned her eyes to Victoria. Said person bit her lips.
"I am confident in defeating him but…" She gazed down. "It is not my fight."
"So you'll allow your precious young master to get his revenge and possibly die this time?"
"…."
Victoria remained silent. Flora sighed.
"He was looking for me," she said gazing into Sebastian's eyes.
"…What do you mean?" Sebastian asked.
"You must've heard from Arnold, right? That he was involved with the slaughter of the Felix gang?"
"He did mention it…"
"It seems they managed to infiltrate the crime scene and find evidence to convict him as well. They now have that evidence."
Victoria gasped.
"I told that idiot not to take me with him…" Flora sighed again, this time defeated, "But it's over. I'll deal with Lancelot on my own if he intends on hunting me again."
Flora turned around and was about to leave.
Sebastian spoke:
"Are you…from the Luthial Kingdom?"
"…." Flora stopped. She turned around, "Why the hell is that a question? You just want me to confirm it, right?"
"Indeed. Why else would a man such as Lancelot, one who protects the pope, be chasing some slave. In addition, you involved my lord's son. That is something I cannot ignore."
"Will you kill me…?" Flora didn't seem scared at all. She only asked in a lifeless tone. It was like she didn't have a will to resist.
"You are safe in this city. Even the Theocracy would not invade this duchy ruled by a great noble. Lancelot's actions were his own intentions."
"You didn't answer my question…."
Flora narrowed her eyes.
'Whether I kill you or not is not a decision that benefits me in any way.' Sebastian wanted to say that but he changed his words:
"I do not have the right to decide your fate. Knowing the young master, he is using you and you serve some purpose. If that wasn't the case then you would have been tossed to the curb a long ago."
"Well, you're not wrong…"
"So do tell us what is the relationship you had with the royal family. You do not have to trust me since I am in a neutral position."
Flora shook her head, "It's fine…I'll tell you. I am the last princess of that kingdom."
"So the last princess was alive. What a small world for you to be in our city," Sebastian didn't seem that surprised.
"The Theocracy crushed your kingdom…Do you also seek revenge for your royal bloodline?" Victoria spoke up.
"And what will revenge get me once I've achieved it? Who can I blame? The entire Theocracy? The government of priests alone? That Greater Demon scum?"
Her tone was bitter.
"I'd rather keep these feelings to myself than question my target of revenge."
'Well said.'
Sebastian smiled. He had his doubts about Flora before but his opinion changed after knowing a little about her past. She had forced down her murderous feelings and had instead thought rationally.
'Why can you not learn from this young woman?' Sebastian secretly shook his head as he looked at Victoria. 'She probably went though so much more than you to be this mature.'
"I see…" Victoria seemed unmoved. It seemed that she still wanted revenge for Arnold.
"I think we must start Luke's training immediately." At Sebastian's words, Flora's eyes widened.
"You mean…"
"Yes. I would like you to help me in training young master Luke."
"Got it!" Flora nodded. "Then I can be free from that bastard after finishing up that kid's training!"
Sebastian simply smiled. He felt the chilly wind of the night getting colder and spoke:
"It is unwise to remain outside any longer so let us—"
---GYAAAAAH!!!!
A loud scream suddenly broke the silence of the night. The knights who were stationed outside the castle instantly moved towards the castle.
Sebastian, Victoria and Flora looked at each other and nodded.
All three of them took out their weapons and immediately ran towards the castle.
Part 2
Jurius was born with everything served to him on a silver platter. His father was the emperor, the ruler of a nation and he was a prince.
Though he had such a title, he had no power as a prince. That is because he had an older brother who was crowned as the one likely to succeed their father, Jurnick.
Jurius had lived in his brother's shadow ever since he gained awareness as a child. There was never a single time when he was praised if he did good.
It was always:
His highness, Julius is such a genius!
He'll be a great commander one day!
He might not have the power of a hero but he has the heart of one….
There was never even a time wen he ever heard his father praise him. It was always Julius.
What did I lack that my brother had?
Was it looks? Intelligence? No, not just that. It was because he wasn't the first born.
Perhaps it was already a given that the first born would be such an outstanding individual.
Jurius lost the cheerful side he had when he was a child. He began picking on those weaker than himself. They could do nothing because he was a prince and that was what gave him the right to beat and insult others.
There was one person who had never cried nor stood up to Jurius for bullying him.
Arnold.
Arnold was the first person that he had ever considered inferior to himself. He had met Arnold one day when Olivia visited the Berkley household. She brought him to the palace after getting permission from their mother. The two had regular playdates from then on as they grew up.
Jurius could say that for the first time in his life that he enjoyed that day.
He beat, kicked, spat on, and did all sorts of other bad things to Arnold. It felt him with ecstasy and happiness.
Arnold was like his personal toy.
Even growing up and becoming a tyrant feared by many he would always stay silent when faced with Jurius. It was like a cornered rat in front of a cat. That was what Jurius saw in his imagination, however. Although Arnold had never openly done anything about Jurius bullying him, he would always have this special look in his eyes that Jurius absolutely abhorred
He did nothing and Jurius liked that. But those eyes that were looking at trash and someone equal to dirt would always enrage him to the point of beating Arnold in public as they grew up.
However, even that didn't last long when Arnold did something he didn't expect last week.
That incident where he choked and shamed Jurius was the last straw.
…
Thunder struck outside as the rain fell from the heavens. The room was brightened by the flash of thunder and one individual could be seen standing inside the room.
A click echoed after the door closed.
The one that came in was a tall and handsome young man with a crazy look in his eyes.
"Today is the day you die for mocking me. You made such a fool of me in front of all those people. Do you realize what you did?"
Silence.
Arnold was still sleeping with deep and slow breaths.
'This handsome face. I absolutely hate it. Why the hell do you look handsomer than this me!?'
"I just want to see your expression when you die miserably. Hahahaha."
More silence.
Jurius' mutters went unanswered so he drew out his dagger and held it close to Arnold's neck.
A crazy smile appeared on Jurius' face as he swung down the dagger.
'Die!'
Clank—
"Huh?" The dagger suddenly hit something metal-like. Jurius gazed down in confusion only to realize that there was a transparent black smoke that was surrounding Arnold's body in the shape of… armor?
"What the…" Jurius tried to look closer but then Arnold's eyes opened, immediately followed by the slashing of flesh.
A hot sensation spread on his arm followed by excruciating pain.
"GYAAAAAAH!!!!"
His entire right arm was completely cut off and the side of his face was burned by the black flames.
The demonic sword with a demon eye on its hilt stood was in Arnold's hand that released a storm of killing intent.
Jurius fell onto the ground and clutched his arm, a horrified expression on his face.
The image of a tall giant wearing dark armor holding the sword, appeared within his eyes.
It was like looking at a demon.
The armor vanished and Arnold, while holding the sword, gazed down at Jurius with a threatening glare.
Jurius stained the floor with his piss as fear overwhelmed his body.
He knew right then that that person wasn't Arnold. It was someone else entirely.
Its eyes were red and its hair silvery white. A disgusting grin appeared on its face.
"Know your place, human worm. Before you stands a fetish of the highest caliber. Do you think I'll allow you to kill my pet?"
The demon spoke, but Jurius had no idea if it was female or male.
Jurius shrieked when he saw the demon approach him.
"Arnold!"
"Al!"
Sebastian and Victoria appeared within the room at that moment.
Both stood between Jurius and Arnold.
"What's going on in here!?" Another person entered the room.
It was the duchess. Behind her were Olivia, Melina, Anna and Luke. Claudia wasn't with them. Either she didn't want to come out of her room or she was just a deep sleeper.
All of them looked horrified towards Jurius whose arm was missing. Blood spurted everywhere.
"H-H-H-He tried to kill me! A prince! Seize him! S-Seize him at once!" Jurius screamed madly while clutching onto Sebastian's pants.
The people in the room looked at Arnold and back at Jurius. The latter was squirming on the floor with his right arm cut off.
Arnold was holding an ominous sword and was standing nonchalantly. Jurius couldn't see that demon from before with silver hair anymore.
'Wha…'
"Arnold." Adrianna stepped further into the room. "I will ask you only once."
Her face turned cold and her tone serious. "Did you have any intention of killing the prince?"
"What kind of question is that!?" Jurius shouted in disdain.
"Quiet!" Adrianna shouted even louder.
Jurius went completely silent.
Everyone looked at Arnold. Said person was smiling. He pointed to the corner of the room.
"It was simple self-defense." Arnold shrugged as he was busy wrapping the sword back in the sealing cloth.
"Huh?" Adrianna could see Jurius' arm lying there. The strange thing was that it was holding onto a dagger filled with poison.
Her frown deepened.
Sebastian headed towards the arm and took the dagger. He smelled the purple liquid.
His eyes widened.
"Coysilariam. This can kill a person within minutes. All of their orifices would first start bleeding. Then their throats would clog up and suffocate them. The poison would rot their throats and that will be how they die."
When a person is injected with poison, the body would immediately go on the defensive and vomit the poison out. However, if it doesn't leave the body through their esophagus then the heart will stop due to not receiving oxygen. If that doesn't kill them immediately then suffocation will.
Sebastian was a former underground gladiator and had been poisoned before by his opponents so he knew first-hand what these kinds of things can do to a human being.
Everyone's eyes landed on the squirming Jurius.
"Are you suspecting me of doing such a thing!? How do you know if he didn't try to set me up!? I demand you call the Imperial Force! Call my father as well!" Jurius looked at his sister. "Olivia! Listen to me and call father!"
Olivia remained silent.
"You bitch! Answer me!"
Arnold slapped Jurius across the face. He flew halfway across the room.
"Aaah!"
"What a pitiful idiot. You claim that I attacked you without reason even though all the evidence is right there? Isn't it also weird how you're in my room? Sorry but I only allow women in my room after dark." Arnold grabbed Jurius' face.
Jurius glared at him with tears in his eyes.
"Why look at me like that? You're the one who started this, right?"
Arnold raised his hand, intending to slap Jurius again.
"Stop," Sebastian grabbed his hand and held onto it tightly, "This is enough. A case of attempted murder will be filed and will not work in your favor. This dagger is proof enough."
Arnold sighed and threw Jurius face aside.
"Whatever."
Arnold yawned and left the room. He passed by his family without any expression of guilt for what he did.
They seemed to wonder if he really was in danger of being killed.
"….I'll have my father destroy this household…! You bastards! Do you know that I am a prince!? Why do you take the word of a tyrant bastard such as Arnold!? You…you...!"
Jurius felt groggy and lightheaded.
'No…I can't…I can't die like this…'
He had lost way too much blood. His eyes couldn't stay focused and he collapsed.
The last thing he saw was Olivia's emotionless eyes gazing down at him not with concern or showing any signs of anger.
Jurius fell unconscious.
Part 3
Two days later.
The entire city of Lockinge was in an uproar after a bard ran around the city screaming:
There was an attempt of murder at the city lord's castle!
People crowded outside the gate. The knights had their hands full just stopping anyone from pushing through their perimeter. The duchess ordered that everyone must stay inside the castle until things calmed down.
However, even after two days nothing had calmed down. Thus, Adrianna decided to answer the people begging to meet with the family. At the way things were going, rumors could somehow start circulating among the people.
Before informing the citizens, Adrianna decided to come into contact with their vassals first and the fief lords around their city. In addition, Judith was also called here since she was the second wife and had to bear witness to what happened. Jack and Melina weren't informed of what happened and the two of them were staying over at a branch family's mansion.
After hearing about the attempted murder case in the Berkley castle from the first madam, the vassal households and the servants of the day-period shift rushed towards the castle.
Although they heard it was an attempted murder case, they didn't know who was the suspect and who was the victim. Adrianna was very vague with explaining what was going on and how the incident happened.
'Why did all of this have to happen while I was here…' Grace cried in her heart. 'That fool just had to go through with it all. Why are you so stupid? Why, your highness? Even if I don't care what you did to Arnold, this affects how others will see me as well!'
She only wanted to enjoy her visit to the Berkley castle. She didn't want more headaches. Today she planned on going on a shopping spree with the pocket money she received from her father. If possible, she would've liked to visit a magic store as well to buy materials.
She wanted to begin her plans for the future using all the knowledge she had. However, that dream might not come true yet since she had the duty of looking after her baby of a husband. She couldn't look away from him for one second without him causing trouble. Similar smaller incidents had happened in the past when she looked away.
Grace entered the room where everyone was gathered. The entire castle was filled with people. Servants, knights and nobles who were around the neighborhood alike.
"I… I have gathered you here today to inform you of something that happened earlier this week. I believe some of you already heard this from the nightshift maids and guards. No, I am certain that it has almost reached the entire city." Adrianna spoke while looking at every person in the room.
"There was almost a murder in our residence, as you have heard. The culprit…."
"Was it Arnold?" someone asked with a sly tone.
"Judith…Why would you think my son would be the suspect even though I have not even mentioned the victim?"
"I mean, why are we making such a fuss about this? He has killed so many people before yet no one bats an eye. Why is this time different?"
"…Then tell me, have you ever witnessed him murder someone wrongfully?"
"…." Judith's face distorted. "That is…"
"Exactly. These kinds of rumors always aim to bring down the reputation of our family. I would not be surprised if it was one of our enemies."
Murmurs of agreement echoed among everyone.
They had indeed never witnessed him actually kill a person. Everyone had only heard this from a second person. In the end it was all made up. Although he beat people up for fun and boasted his powers, he wouldn't kill without reason.
Stooping so low as a criminal was unbecoming of someone with so much pride in himself.
'Well, I guess that remains true for now.'
"Then what about that girl servant you brought in?" Judith pointed at the girl with brown hair next to Adrianna.
"M-Me?"
"Yes. Your name is Sona, right? Wouldn't Arnold have killed you if Sebastian didn't stop him? He would have done so, correct?"
"T-That…Um, err…" The girl timidly lowered her head and glanced at Adrianna with fearful eyes.
Adrianna's glare sharpened.
"Why antagonize my son when you know nothing? He was in a very emotional state after…" Adrianna looked at Olivia and remained silent, "The point is that you should stop pointing fingers. I will not allow this as the acting head of this castle."
"Tch."
Judith remained silent and looked away with a childish pout.
Adrianna could finally speak.
"Excluding Gustavic, most of you probably did not know that His Highness, Jurius accompanied Olivia to visit our castle…." Adrianna remained silent for a few seconds and spoke again. "He… The prince tried to stab my son with a poisoned dagger in his sleep."
Every single person—besides those who already knew—gasped.
"H-How could that…Is there any evidence?"
Adrianna glared at the man who spoke up.
"What gains do we get from lying to you all? And yes, there is evidence. Sebastian."
"Madam." Sebastian appeared out of nowhere with a bag in his hands.
"Take it out and show everyone."
"As you wish. I suggest everyone step back." Upon his serious warning, everyone moved a few steps back.
"What the…" That was the man who spoke up earlier. He was dumbfounded.
The weapon in Sebastian's hands was a dagger. The blade was slowly corroding from an unknown purple substance.
"This is a type of poison from outside this empire. I have seen many die from it during my travels across the continent in my youth." Sebastian rolled up his right arm sleeve.
A few of the spectators almost vomited when he used the dagger to pierce his arm. Almost immediately after, a black substance flowed out of the wound. It was blood that was infected with the poison.
"As you can see, it is a fast process." Sebas grunted and flexed his muscles.
A purple goo fell through the wound. His arm which was swelled returned back to normal.
'He…just forced the poison out with his muscles alone…?' Grace was dumbfounded. She couldn't believe a human being was capable of that.
No, could this man be considered a normal human being in the first place? His body was literally a fortress.
"This is the weapon that his highness used to attempt to kill young master Arnold." Sebastian threw it on the table. Everyone shrieked and stepped back even further.
"I would like to hear from you all what we should do about this. Should we tell it to His Majesty as is or should we fabricate the truth?"
There was most likely no way anyone would believe a prince would attempt to murder a son of a Great Noble. Perhaps even the emperor would force them to stop speaking nonsense.
"It…is only obvious that we tell the truth. Even if he is the prince, he cannot be let free." Someone spoke up.
"Indeed. This is inexcusable for a royal to be acting like this. Her highness, Olivia looks furious. How could he tarnish their name?"
"Yes. He must be punished for his crimes."
"Agreed. We must tell his majesty the truth. It was self-defense so lord Arnold should not be held accountable."
Words of agreement echoed among the crowd of nobles and servants.
Adrianna clapped her hands so everyone could quiet down. That action worked as everyone was staring back at her, waiting for her next words.
"Then I shall contact the Imperial Force and the court nobles. We will see what they will do with this case. If necessary, I will rightfully use the power left to me by my husband to make sure that justice is served."
