[The following is an audio transcript of one of Mezil Winston’s strategizing sessions, taking place on the night before the duels.]

MEZIL

Hmm… should I use my Mark and force them to submit? Perhaps use the Keys to teach them a lesson in futility? Or rely more on my non-Red magic? Even with Determination, I cannot take another’s life in this battle; the War is over.

Decisions. Decisions.

…Tsk, I still carry the wounds. This body isn’t trained for melee combat either. That predicament may put me at a disadvanta--

[A ceramic plate is heard crashing against the ground. The distinct click of a loaded gun then follows alongside Mezil Winston’s hurried footsteps downstairs. More tumbling and crashing happened right after.]

MEZIL

Lucidia, are you alright?

LUCIDIA

I-I’m fine. I. Just. Dropped a plate.

MEZIL

………………………

Sorry, but that was a terrible attempt at lying. You’re anything but clumsy. Besides, you would have used your Blue to catch the plate before it hit the ground.

Hmm… Fridge half open, emptied cupboards… Did someone break into your kitchen?

[Mezil closes the fridge door.]

LUCIDIA

…Yes. But, you didn’t need to worry about my safety at all. I know the person who broke in. And, of his intentions. It has nothing to do with money. Neither was it malicious.

MEZIL

It’s that possible gate-crasher for the courtship duels, isn't it?

LUCIDIA

Mhmm. He left this behind too.

[There were faint clatters of nut-shells and bone.]

MEZIL

A necklace? Looks like something straight out of an archeological dig. Primitive. But charming. I would be happy for you if it didn’t involve a competing suitor. Or a kitchen raid.

[Lucidia chuckled a bit. After a few awkward silent moments…]

MEZIL

What’s his name? This strange friend, I mean.

LUCIDIA

…Gaelic.

MEZIL

And does this ‘Gaelic’ have a reason for his quaint behaviour?

LUCIDIA

Yes. My people consider him an outcast due to his troubled history. Vice. Violence. Mentally troubled and questionable. By theory, not someone that I should befriend.

But they don’t know him. I do. You and I had stared in the face of true evil before: DEMONs who hide their hideousness behind civil guises, grandiose philosophy, and honeyed lips. Now those are the people I wish to never associate with.

A thousand times over I prefer Gaelic’s company, however few our meetings are. Eccentric he may be, he's a sweet soul. Never once does he seek harm.

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

I first met him as an eager, mischievous boy driven by curiosity. He treated me as an interesting big sister. So normal and mundane, yet so warm. I felt happy. Relaxed. I could be myself without driving others away. That relationship hasn’t changed. At least, I hope so.

MEZIL

…Sweet souls don’t break into kitchens.

LUCIDIA

He’s not doing that for kicks, mind you. He’s feeding himself for the coming battle. If Gaelic had approached me in person, I would have given him the meals he desires.

…But he didn’t do such to protect my standing. He rather be condemned as a thief than to drag me down to his perceived level.

You know, Sir Latinoros entered twice. For multiple reasons. Perhaps he wanted to examine you thoroughly. Perhaps he anticipated the return of his personal nemesis.

MEZIL

Do tell.

LUCIDIA

Him and Gaelic had a bone to pick with each other since their childhood days. A tragedy happened in the schoolyard. Since then, the two are at odds.

Latinoros is a staunch adherent of civic order. He believes that a nation's health rests on the integrity of its most basic building blocks: family. A healthy, harmonious unit will have their effects multiplied hundred folds in the network of society. I agree to his philosophy in full. However, kindness is not part of his traits. He is prejudicial to anyone who goes against his standards of life.

Which brings us to Gaelic. He is wild and untamed like the wilderness itself. He goes where he pleases, does what he wants. Cares not about the consequences of his whims. We’re talking about someone who won’t think twice about climbing a tree naked. In public. Happened a number of times before.

MEZIL

What was this ‘tragedy’?

LUCIDIA

Children being childish, bullying inevitably happens one way or another. Especially among the Lichborn. Gaelic was targeted for his seemingly unexplained Seer’s Eye. His father belonged to the Blanc Clan, a collective known for their lack of Lich ancestry, while his mother’s family didn’t have any genealogical records. As such, they were unaware of any recessive Aspect genes.

One day, the bullies thought it was a good idea to slander Gaelic’s mother for marital unfaithfulness. He… snapped. It wasn’t a punch or a kick as one would expect. No.

…It devolved so quickly…

The then-prefect, Sir Latinoros, testified that the scene was full of dust. Bite marks. Missing chunks of magical matter. Multiple fingers and an ear, gone.

MEZIL

……………

LUCIDIA

You heard that right. Gaelic had mauled one of his mockers in public. The victim now lives with prosthetics.

…That’s just the beginning of many more tragedies that I’d rather not elaborate on at the moment. Safe to say, his reputation lay in shambles.

MEZIL

Let me get this straight. A bunch of idiotic children thought it’s fun to prod a schoolmate who clearly exhibited signs of instability? Then they’re up in arms when consequences bite them in the face? Hmph. Serves them right.

LUCIDIA

That… that’s quite a cold, ‘logical’ approach.

MEZIL

What’s with the astonishment? Is my reaction really that unusual? I’ll tell you straight: I’m more appalled by the victims than the mauler. Who the hell thought it’s a good idea to insult the fidelity of another person’s parent?

I had repeatedly observed this behaviour in my childhood. Feral cats and dogs. Standard targets. Kids with too much time on their hands would throw rocks at these animals.

Then the dog snaps. Charges straight at the idiots without mercy. They get bitten, the ambulance sirens blare, and the media spends the next week or two babbling about population control while the kids get all the pity points.

LUCIDIA

In this story, do you value the dog more than the children?

MEZIL

I value both on their own merits. Children shouldn’t be hurting anyone. As for the dog, it doesn’t deserve that kind of abuse.

LUCIDIA

If… someone like you stood up for Gaelic back then, maybe his life would have been different. Better.

The hearts of Monsters are easy to win compared to humans, but they also shy quicker from danger. It certainly doesn’t help that Gaelic’s behaviour reinforces a negative feedback loop. Those who do not blame, they fear.

MEZIL

I suppose that’s why most monsters are considered ‘weak’. To be honest, the same deal happens in human society. Please don’t feel guilty for your species.

LUCIDIA

It’s fine. I’m more than aware of the shortcomings of both societies.

MEZIL

This Gaelic, did he come from a dysfunctional background?

LUCIDIA

Oh no, not at all. He’s born to loving parents, albeit advanced in age. They had stable lives running a bookstore. Did their best to give Gaelic some much needed structure.

Though there were emotional moments, Gaelic returned that love. His filial piety to his parents surprised everyone.

But when the couple turned to dust… he strayed. The other members of the Blanc Clan were never close enough to form that bond of trust necessary to keep him in check.

MEZIL

I understand their fears. If he exhibits violent behaviour, it’s only natural that the number of possible caretakers would decrease. Anyone can adopt a nice puppy. Takes a skilled keeper to handle an aggressive one.

LUCIDIA

You seem to know quite a bit about animals. Perchance, do you keep pets?

MEZIL

…No. Just general observation. Internet included. No practical experience. That’s why I was besieged by murders of crows during the War of the Red Victory.

LUCIDIA

Hehehe, oh you.

Don’t worry, I will formally introduce you to the flock once we’re wedded.

[Silence.]

LUCIDIA

If Gaelic shows up… he will become the primary target for rival suitors to prove their worth. I refuse to let my friend become the object of a twisted sport.

…But, I’m powerless to stop that.

MEZIL

I won’t let him become a mere trophy.

LUCIDIA

Oh?

MEZIL

He's a dear friend to you. I shall treat him as a rightful suitor in front of your nation. Not as a gladiatorial beast to be chased away.

That should make my character as clear as day.

LUCIDIA

Thank you, Mezzy. This means much to me.

[END TRANSCRIPT]