Back in ancient times, when monsters still roamed the lands, it is said there were two valiant Knights who served the Vuvaria Empire back when it still stood. Their prowess in combat was unparalleled, a seamless collaboration that rendered them an indomitable force. Few adversaries, whether be it a human or a monster, could withstand the formidable duo when they fought in unison. They were meant to achieve great things, and their names were surely to go down in history, but a twist of fate had one of the two men die due to an unknown illness. Unable to live on without his dear friend, the other knight took his own life.

And that's the tale of the two knights who were unable to leave their names in history.

A paragraph from the book "Myths and Legends of Our World, Year 858 Edition" by Archibald Thorne.

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Liam's POV

Around the same time Emilio was talking to Celestia south of the Kingdom in Farnworth, Emilio was visiting the Arlin church he always went too located on Silverbreeze street in the capital, Arixalum.

It has now been two months now since Emily joined Aludell, not that Liam wants to think of her at the minute.

Arlin above, if you can hear me...Please, forgive my mother, for she has committed many sins...

Liam knelt in silent reverence, his eyes closed, hands clasped together, the white lily necklace gifted by Nicole nestled between his palms.

And also, about these thoughts I've been having about Nicole lately....These unholy thoughts...

Liam knows that it's normal for a guy his age to start desiring such things, and that he can't help it, but he still didn't like it. He has known Nicole for over half a year now, and this desire in him has not calmed down with time. Most of the time he can ignore it just fine, but some days, like today, it's not easy.

"Now hurry, you two! The good Father must have already started his lesson!" A woman's voice pierced through Liam's introspection. She beckoned to her two sons, who scampered towards a room in the church.

They ARE a bit late. I brought Karl sometime ago now.

Completing his prayers, Liam rose and settled onto one of the wooden pews in the church. Observing his concluded devotions, Sister Elara gracefully approached him.

Sister Elara, adorned in a resplendent ensemble of yellow and white, embodied the sacred hues associated with the revered Sun God Arlin and the symbolic white lily. The golden-yellow fabric gracefully adorned her form. A flowing white veil cascaded down from her head, symbolizing purity and grace.

Yellow and white, those were the colors of the outfits of the clergy.

"Done with your prayers for the day? You sure are here early today." Sister Elara spoke with a gentle voice.

"Oh, good morning Sister Elara." Liam greeted. "I'm here early today because I brought Karl to attend Father John's lesson." Liam explained.

Every Sunday, Father John holds a lesson to teach kids about Arlin and the faith. It's free, so anyone can have their child attend.

"Oh, I see! I think I've seen you with a little boy here before. So that must have been Karl." Sister Elara remarked as she recalled their previous encounters.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

"Yup, that was him."

"Is he your younger brother?" she asked, a question Liam hoped she wouldn't pose.

Karl and I don't really look alike, so I can't answer with yes. I hate lying, but I can't be truthful here.

"He's my....cousin. He's staying with me and my family for a while." Liam lied, trying to sound nonchalant. He felt guilty but maintained a composed demeanor.

"I see. You sure bring him to church often." Sister Elara commented, oblivious to Liam's deception.

"Yes, I want him to learn more about Arlin and the faith." Liam spoke, this time it was the truth. He truly wanted Karl to learn more about Arlin, and would take him to attend Father John's lessons whenever he could.

Sometimes Liam thought it was silly to make Karl, who is also a witch, learn more about Arlinianism, but he thought it would still be better if Karl was better educated regardless.

"How kind of you. There really isn't many boys your age who are as pious as you. You should be an example to them." Sister Elara spoke with a smile, and while Liam was sure she meant well, he still put on a fake smile when she said that.

That's not true...I'm not a good example. I'm lustful, I'm a witch, not to mention...

"Sister Elara, can you come here for a second?" Another Sister called out.

"Oh, coming! I must take my leave now. Take care." Sister Elara spoke as she hurried towards the Sister who had called her.

"Y-You too!" Liam said back.

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After some time, Father John's lesson was over, and the kids left the room where it was taking place. Karl, along with other kids, came out of the door. Karl ran towards where Liam was waiting for him.

"So how was the lesson?" Liam inquired.

"It was okay." Was Karl's response.

Not much of a talker, this one.

"Hm? Did you not have fun?" Liam asked another question, hoping to make Karl talk more.

"Well, I learned some things, but I wouldn't describe them as fun... They were more complicated." Karl explained, prompting a restrained chuckle from Liam.

"Haha, alright. So, what do you say we head back home now?" Liam suggested as he rose from the wooden pew. Children scattered around, either running towards their waiting parents or departing for home on their own.

"Okay." Was again all what Karl said.

Liam took Karl's hand, and together they made their way towards the exit. Before reaching it, however, the church door swung open, revealing Nicole, who seemed to be in a hurry. Her eyes immediately found Liam and Karl, and she hastened toward them.

"Nicole? What are you doing here?" Liam asked.

"There you two are!" Nicole exclaimed, breathless as if she had rushed to get there.

"Did something happen?" Liam asked, a hint of nervousness in his tone.

"Well, no, but actually yes, I mean..." Nicole paused for a moment to catch her breath before continuing. "Our teacher has a mission for us."

"A mission? It has been a while." Liam spoke, a surprised look on his face.

"Yes, but he needs all of us present before he explains what the mission is. So come on, let's go home!" Nicole declared as she seized Liam by the hand, pulling him along behind her.

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When they left the church, the trio ran into Vincent Caldwell, one of the knights in charge of keeping an eye on the Aludell members. He was waiting outside the church for them, and he did not look happy.

I see, it must have been him who came along with Nicole here.

Vincent walked towards them, glaring daggers at Liam.

"How many times must we tell you not to sneak out?!" Vincent lashed out.

"Oh, come on. You know I'd be at the church. I wasn't planning on running away." Liam tried to explain as he rolled his eyes.

Here we go again...

"As IF I trust any word that comes out of that mouth of yours! Do you enjoy breaking the rules?!" Vincent shouted, attempting to contain his anger but failing.

"No, it's just that by the time you'd get ready to take Karl and I to the church, Father John's lesson would had been over, so.....it made more sense for us to leave on our own." Liam explained himself.

"Hmph! Excuses! Not that it matters what you have to say for yourself, if you continue leaving without having a knight to keep an eye on you like this, you will face the consequences!" Vincent declared, glaring at Liam.

Oh boy, I really made him angry this time. I should try not to push my luck for a while.

"Um, can we please have this conversation later? We need to go back home, for the mission and all...." Nicole interjected, looking and sounding nervous.

"...Alright. Sure, let's go. Start moving, you three." Vincent said as he scrutinized the group of witches in front of him.

"Let's go." Liam said as he, with Karl's hand still in his, and Nicole began heading home.

A mission, huh? I wonder what it is this time.

Chapter 2: A New Home, A New Family - End