Chapter 35: Jane Gladiolus [MOON]

It’s been days since I last seen Rose. Today marks the 6th day of the week. Tomorrow will be our final day of preparation before I officially declare war with the Queen. Lily and I had been sparring daily and once a while John comes over to spar as well. We certainly had gotten stronger as compared to our younger days. One might say that Lily is the weakest among the three of us but that is not true. Her brawling skill gives her an advantage over speed. Even me or John is not comfortable in taking a direct hit of her normal punch. And that is not even being buffed by her fire or lightning spells.

I am more worried about Rose. It is sad to say that she is not on par with all three of us in terms of growth. While her dual casting is impressive, she only have her existing spells to test out which is limited in the first place. I hope the Paladin Lord is able to guide her into learning some other spells or find some other ways to improve herself. At this point, stats no longer play the primary role when State Of Mind comes into play. While I have faith in Rose eventually improving herself, getting results in just five days is quite a stretch.

I sighed unconsciously in the middle of sparring. Lily lowered her hands and approached me. I was unfocused during the sparring and was looking down most of the time. It was not until I saw Lily’s boots that I realised she was standing in front of me. I looked up and she booped my nose. Her face is awfully close to mine which made my heart flutter. She always knew how to approach me while flaunting her beauty.

“Watcha thinking about, Mister Genius?” she asked me while smiling.

“I told you to stop calling me that,” I said while chuckling.

“Thinking about Rose, am I right?” asked Lily.

“I’m just worried that she is pushing herself too hard or just down in the dumps. Not to mention we have such short time to improve ourselves. Rose had it hard as she could not learn Concentration. I wish I knew where she went so I can check out on her,” I sighed at the end.

“You are really such a sis-con,” she chuckled.

“No, I’m not. Just worried about my little sister, that is all,” I said bluntly.

“Rose is much stronger, smarter and brilliant than all of us. You are probably the only one who doesn’t see that. I believe you still see her as the little girl you saved a long time ago,” said Lily.

Ever since I bought her that bracelet, she is superbly sharp now. Almost the same level as Rose. I reached out my hand and pet her head. Kind of awkward when she is taller than me.

“I still remember you being a little girl too,” I said to Lily.

“W.. Stop making fun of me! Who is the shortest one here?!” shouted Lily.

Ugh, right in my kokoro.

“Let’s get back to sparring. I’ll be more serious now… Lily? Yoo hoo?” I asked as I waved my hands in front of her. What is she looking at?

I turned my head behind to see what Lily was looking at. There was someone coming into the arena. It looked like someone wearing white but covered in dirt and soil. Looks as though someone had not shower themselves in days. It can’t be, right?

As it turns out, it was Rose that walked into the arena. She looked as though she had not slept in days and was covered in filth. I quickly ran up to check up on her. I have never seen her in such condition before. What had she been doing for the past five days?

“Rose, are you okay? You looked like you’ve been through hell,” I said to her.

“Onii-chan, let’s spar right now,” she said to me.

I wanted to tell her to take a shower and clean herself first but her eyes had a deep conviction in them. She is eager to show me the fruits of her training. I should definitely indulge her lest she feel more rejected than before.

“Very well, let me warn you that I will be serious. Show me what you got, Rose,” I said to her.

“You better give it your all. Even I can’t promise that I might not hurt you,” she said.

Getting cocky eh, let’s see how much you grown in this past 5 days.

***

I opened my eyes quickly. How long was I laying flat on the arena floor? I quickly pushed myself up to see Rose at the other corner panting herself. She gave the biggest smile and made a peace sign after seeing that I was looking at her.

“I win, Onii-chan,” said Rose.

I was speechless. No doubt I was not going all out but I did not make myself vulnerable enough for her to trash me to the ground. She certainly accomplished the impossible in just five days.

I approached her. Upon reaching her, I gave her a pat on the head along with the biggest smile that I can muster.

“You did it, Rose. I am so proud of you,” I said to her genuinely.

I did not care that she was stronger than me. As long as she can protect herself in this war, I am more than happy about it. I never craved to be the strongest. Only strong enough to defeat Tom had always been my sole purpose.

Rose started sobbing. She then gave me a hug to which I returned it. What an accomplishment to be able to become this strong in just five days. Could she secretly be a Saiyan? I won’t lie, I am a little envious.

Lily who was watching the entire scene had her jaw dropped. She came over to the both of us to congratulate Rose. She even declared Rose as the strongest among the four of us. I said that the jury is still out as she had not fought John yet. I am fairly certain that John had not revealed his full strength to any of us. He is the only one who was able to achieve the Higher State Of Mind. Fairly certain he have more trick up his sleeves.

***

It was dinner time and the four of us gathered in our favourite inn “Sleeping Daisies” once again. Rose had finally washed up but her panda eyes were getting more obvious now. I told her to take the rest of the day off for tomorrow. She will need to be in tip-top shape before the start of the war.

I will be going around checking on the guilds tomorrow to make sure everything is in place. By now, we had probably sneak out a small number of civilians out from the city. The adventurers tricked the soldiers that they are bringing them on a tour to sight-seeing animals outside the city. Obviously, the soldiers questioned on why the adventurers were doing a tour with the civilians when the city is still in lockdown but we had proper paperwork. The promise was to just bring them on a short tour outside and will bring them back by the end of the day. Of course that was not the case. The adventurers will be guiding the civilians to another town where they will be safer there. While the civilians will be caught off-guard and will think that they are being kidnapped, we had no choice but to ensure that they are safe. Sadly, I can’t say the same for their belongings and shelter in the city.

We raised a glass to each other with a clank. This might probably be our last meal together but I pray to any Gods above that it does not come true. All my friends are powerful now and they will survive this war. I am counting on all of them to play their part.

“To all of you, John, Daisy and Rose, thank you so much for supporting me. And thank you for willing to be my friends,” I said to them while bowing.

“Why you being so sentimental for? I thought we were going to celebrate instead?” said John while he rubbed his nose.

“It’s not the first time he acted this way. He’s always been like that ever since we met him,” said Lily.

“Onii-chan is always sentimental when something bad is about to happen. But sadly he is never thankful enough to officially date any of us,” laughed Rose.

“Wait, am I in the list? How come I didn’t know about it?” said John while alternating his look between Lily and Rose.

“What are you talking about? You are the highest in Zen’s list. You two are practically partners right about now,” laughed Lily.

“Blood cousins to be more precise. Am I right, Zen?” said John.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

“Wait.. you knew? I was never able to officially confirm it,” I said to John with my mouth agape.

“What are you two talking about? Are you saying the both of you are related in some ways?” asked Rose.

“Well, I found out that Zen’s mother was part of the Gladiolus family. Her records were astounding. I am quite envious that both of your parents were such accomplished adventurers, Zen. Makes my parents seemed like they accomplished nothing when they were in the Viking guild,” said John.

“At least you still have your parents around to appreciate. All I have are stories about them and nothing else. Truth be told, I never knew much about my mother. She was always overshadowed by my father’s accomplishment instead,” I said to John and Lily.

“Which is why.. here,” John passed a book to me.

“What’s this?” I asked him.

“It’s your mother’s diary, Jane Gladiolus. Surprisingly it was kept in the Viking Lord’s room. Not sure why her diary would be kept as something secret or valuable. Quite strange really. Sorry I had to read some of the contents to know it was your mother. I only found out when she wrote about your father. I stopped reading after I realised that it was your mother’s diary.

“And you think it is okay to just give me? Won’t you be in trouble if they found out that you took out a secret book and just handed it to me?” I questioned John.

Rose coughed to interrupt our conversation.

“Onii-chan, he is the guildmaster. I’m pretty sure he knows what is best. Don’t worry about it,” she said.

I squinted at Rose and John. These two have some dirty secrets regarding guildmasters. I carefully looked at the diary handed to me and stroke the surface. This book is very old. The edges were rough and the binding holding it together were peeling apart. There was no title written on it. I need to be careful as to not accidentally tear this book. It might be the only direct thing in this world that can bring me some insight and perhaps closure about my mother.

I flipped the cover to read the first page. I bit my lips as I read the first few sentences. I instantly closed the diary as now here is not the best place to read it. It would be impolite to my friends but more importantly, I was wrong about my mother.

“If you want to read you can go ahead. You can take your leave y’know,” said John.

“It’s fine, it can wait for later. Spending time with my friends is more important right now,” I said.

“Tell me brother, are you actually planning to date either of these two after the war is over?” said John.

All three of them looked at me. Why is John ratting me out?

“John, you’re supposed to be on my side. And yes, probably. But after my revenge is over. Not just the war. What are you thinking by asking me that? Are you aiming for either of them?” I asked John.

“What? Nah.. I already fancy someone else now. I’m just curious about you, that is all,” he said.

“Are you saying that me or Rose is not good enough for you?” asked Lily.

“Nah, both of you belongs to Zen in body, heart, soul and mind. I wouldn’t even dare to think about choosing any of you,” said John.

“W.. what the hell are you saying?!” shouted both Lily and Rose while John laughed.

“Hahaha! Both of you should just be Zen’s wives! Why bother fighting over him anyway?” laughed John.

“Ahem, I thought about it but.. honestly, I really prefer to only have a single wife. I feel that you should treasure and love that partner of yours exclusively. Getting multiple wives kind of defeats that purpose of getting married y’know,” I said to all of them.

Both Lily and Rose kept quiet. I know this affects both of them but I wanted to get my message clear. I did not stall in choosing them because I wanted to play around. I really wanted to choose my future partner properly.

“You do know it is legal to have multiple wives, right? I guess you are dead-set in just having a single wife of your own. Never took you for an idealist,” said John.

“Or a hopeless romantic. You have a beautiful, slutty elf right here ripe for the taking but you’re still delaying the inevitable,” said Rose while introducing Lily like some talk show guest.

“S.. slutty? You should choose your beautiful little sister instead. Besides, how many men out there who would have the chance to lay their hands on their sister? It’s like one in a billion chance!” shouted Lily.

John spitted his drink after hearing that. These two must be drunk or something to suddenly start talking like this. While it is funny to hear them banter, I do not wish for another war to start earlier.

“Alright, if I have to choose someone tonight then I will choose my mother’s diary to keep me company instead,” I said out loud.

All three of them looked at me in disgust. What in the world are they thinking?

“I meant reading it. Not what all of you are thinking of. I am not that crazy,” I told them.

All of us started laughing. The alcohol must be getting to all of us. We should call it a day before we get hammered and do something stupid.

“Alright, I’ll take my leave first. Can’t drink too much alcohol nowadays to keep my body in shape. My partner is waiting for me back home,” said John.

All of us looked at John and thought he was joking. But his face showed no sign of laughter. Wait, is he serious?

“Y.. you have a partner?” asked Lily.

“Yeah, didn’t I said it earlier?” said John.

“When you say partner, you meant as in romantic partner, right?” I asked John.

“Yeah,” he said with a straight face.

Both Lily and I looked at Rose. She shook her head saying that she had no idea that John was dating anyone despite being in the city.

“Since when did you start dating and who?!” asked both Lily and I.

“It’s a long story. I thought I told you all before,” said John while putting on a thinking face.

“Oh you are not leaving, Mister Gladiolus. We have plenty of interrogation to do tonight,” said Lily as she tried to stop John from leaving but I doubt she will be able to keep him here.

I guess I should retire for the night too. I want to get started on reading my mother’s diary and find out what she had went through before. Although, the few sentences that I read was so misleading.

“Alright, I’ll be taking my leave too. You girls going to continue drinking? Don’t get too hammered and do something stupid alright,” I said to both of them as they waved me away.

***

Finally, made it back in my room. Tomorrow will be last day that I will be enjoying this room of mine in the Dark guild. Hopefully my room remains intact after the war. Hate to have all my belongings destroyed.

Now, as much as I don’t like reading a diary written by my mother, this is possibly the only thing that I will probably be able to find that can bring me some insight on what happened to them. Hopefully I can find as much information about the way they lived and what kind of person they were. First-hand information about my mother or father are hard to come by even though they were accomplished adventurers.

I opened the diary and scrolled through the pages. There were not too many entries in it. Some of the entries were torn as well. Not sure by mother or some previous Viking Lord. Hopefully it does not contain too much information on those missing entries.

Oh well, here goes nothing. Sorry mom, if you’re watching me from above. I am going to have to intrude on your privacy a little bit.

***

Entry 1

I cannot believe that I am actually writing a diary. Who would have thought that a brute like me would even think of doing something so girly. How do you even write a diary? I think I should just write down all the necessary details into each entry. Hang on, do I need to write the date and sign? Ah, never mind.

My first entry is because of Jack. Who would have thought he would ask me on a date?! While we hang out often together, he always ogled at those big-breasted elves like they were Freyja herself.

I daresay that I won’t lose to those elves in terms of sex appeal but I’ll admit that my body is not slim and frail like them. My body is muscular all around due to my heritage. Which is why I am completely surprised that Jack is even willing to ask me out on a date.

Wait, am I being mistaken here? Maybe I assumed too much and perhaps he is just asking me to accompany him somewhere. I must be getting ahead of myself. Jack is not into me. I should play it calm tomorrow and act as though I am just following him. But why am I getting so excited! What should I even wear tomorrow?!

Entry 2

Kyaa! I was not mistaken! Jack really asked me on a date! I’m so glad I wore a nice dress today. Jack was flabbergasted when he saw me in this dress. Not to mention this dress enhances my cleavage to a certain extend. I can’t even hold my excitement right now and felt the need to write before I even change. Hang on, maybe I should. I shouldn’t crumple this dress that my mom gave me.

There, I changed back to my normal clothes. Which is same type of clothes that I always wear that exposes my abs and muscles. Will Jack go back to being normal if he sees me in wearing the same thing? Maybe I should buy more girly clothes tomorrow. That should change his perspective about me.

Entry 3

We are dating. HOLY THOR AND ODIN WE ARE OFFICIALLY DATING!!

I cannot even believe myself that I said yes to him!

Who would have thought that he would confess to me out of the blue?! I had to keep my cool in asking him questions. I made very sure to question him about his elf fetish. He said that he will keep it in check.

I asked why he was willing to confess to me when there are plenty of other big-breasted female elves that flaunt over him. Why choose a brute like me?

To my surprise he actually told me that he had his eye on me for quite some time. Ever since I gave him a trashing at the tournament, he started taking notice on me.

I never knew Jack was such an M. Maybe his masochistic trait supersede his elven fetish? Should I be proud about that right now? Jack chose me because I was a brute that gave him a trashing. Not as a feminine female. Can’t believe I feel so sad at the end of this entry.

Entry 4

Jack had complete mastery over his sword. The way he handled it with his movement was so extravagant that I swear I saw glimpses of Valhalla a couple of times. It was such a rough and lovely night that I think Jack might have brought out more feminine appeal in me than I ever thought I had. I think both of us went the opposite of our usual attitude. To think Jack was such a brute when I showed him my shy feminine side. I think I might be pregnant by the amount of times we did.

***

I slammed my head on the table. This is exactly what I was dreading to read. I do not wish to peek into their love life and figure out how I was conceived. But sadly, I must press on.

Ugh, my brain is starting to hurt from reading the latest entry. The image of my father being rough with my mother is not something I wish to picture in my brain. I went to splash my face with some cold water and got myself a glass of wine. I don’t really fancy alcohol that much but I felt that I needed it to push through this diary. Not too many entry now. I can finish this!

***

Entry 5

I was right. I am really pregnant. It started with me feeling disgusted with some of my favourite food and vomiting after a meal. I thought I had food poisoning or something but the doctor said that was not the case. I really am pregnant. How am I going to tell Jack? We are not even married and it was because of my high… ahem drive that I ended up pregnant.

Will Jack push me away after I tell him? I am so scared right now. I fought with plentiful dangerous monsters and beings but the very idea of Jack abandoning me right now is making me shiver with fear. O Lord Odin, please help me. I am just sixteen.

Entry 6

I was surprised that Jack was so happy when I told him that I was pregnant. Despite being a noble, he was the most sensible and responsible man that I have ever met. He gave me a hug as he saw that I was turning pale and started shivering when I told him. He knew that I thought of the idea that he might leave me. I felt so loved by this man. He said that he was equally responsible for this baby as he shot plentiful of his cannons inside me the other night. He knew it was only a matter of time.

But the bastard became a brute after knowing that I was pregnant. He even said “You’re already pregnant, you won’t get pregnant twice,” jokingly. I thought I was the one who had high sex drive but it turned out that he was even worst!

Entry 7

I got married today. I can’t really believe it but I AM MARRIED. Take that, Mom and Dad in not believing that your brute daughter would end up getting pregnant and married! I sure showed them!

I thought it would be a simple ceremony yet Jack went out of his way to invite everyone from the Viking and Light guild. I swear I even saw guild members from all the other guilds joining in.

Jack was so handsome when he took my hand and swore to take care of me forever. I told him that he can have his big-breasted elf that he craved so much as his second wife. There is no law that prevents him from having another so I resigned to that fact. But he swore in front of everyone that he will only have one wife. I shall hold onto him on that promise.

We celebrated so much today that it felt like I was in a festival. Ah how I wish today would never end. My stomach is getting a bit bigger now and I have never felt so happy.

***

Ugh, do you have to write so many unnecessary details inside here, mom? I am getting a headache trying to finish reading this diary. It seems like entry 8 and 9 has torn off. Only one entry remaining. Hopefully I can get an idea on what happened to them.

***

Entry 10

I woke up in an infirmary. I cannot believe I survived the war. I was hurt badly that I can barely even move but I am very much alive. From what I heard, Jack died fighting the Demon King. It was so chaotic that I suspected as much when the Demon King unleashed his fury.

I am so sad right now. I am crying as I am writing this entry. To lose my son and him together, I cannot bear the thought of it being on my own. I need you Jack. I miss you so much.

***

Huh? What? Did mother wrote wrongly? Did she thought that I died or something? That can’t be right. Otherwise, how am I here? Was she too sad and not thinking straight after hearing that father had died? Or maybe there was some fake news that she heard that I perished during the war? Something just doesn’t fit here. Let’s read the last entry.

***

Entry 11 and possibly the last

The fucking Queen has declared that all Hawthorn are traitors! She is literally committing genocide right now and no one is fucking preventing it from happening! I will not sit by as she sully on the memories of Jack. My husband gave his life to defeat the Demon King and here she is suddenly issuing this statement out of the blue.

If I do not write any further entries after this it would mean that I died fighting the Queen. I do not care if she is the fucking Queen. I am going to kill her!

***

I slammed my fist on my room table which cracked it a little. I thought both father and mother perished during the war. As it turns out, my mother survived and was possibly killed by the Queen.

I won’t lie, I felt bitter when I wanted to start this war. There were many times during this week that I thought of calling it off. The deaths of many was not something that I wished for.

But now, the Queen just made it fucking personal. I am going to avenge my mother by torturing the Queen and I am going to enjoy it.