Many days have already passed since we arrived here, and I swear this is the longest I've stayed in one place other than home. It was a strange feeling that came back to me, though it didn't feel as fuzzy and comfortable as one would think, in fact, it's the opposite.

I had explained everything to Gino and Daphne beforehand, everything about my time with Dante and Caden, and the time I've spent searching with Aster to find his sister.

This time they had something for me, something that they wanted to keep to the back of my mind as if they had never said it.

There was a change in her, as if she was a different person already. What it took to change her I can't be too sure about, but what I do know is that with the way I see her, she's moving in the right direction.

"Gino and I will be moving to Mesolvia, a town to the west from here. We have decided on how things will go, but I wanted to let you know before we leave."

She explained her plans and her means to achieve it, baffling me with how her words reverberated and enlightened me. Her influence was stronger than I thought, but her character as an heir to the throne is something to behold. She already has so many people supporting her, and with her abilities alone she has achieved this much in such a short span of time.

"This is something else. I can't quite believe I'm witnessing the start of a war," Aster exclaimed, looking a slightly terrified, but speaking only to lighten up the atmosphere. I wish I could support you right now, but I still have yet to find my sister. She's the first one on my list. I can't put anyone's safety before her, I'm sorry."

"I understand that. It's the natural thing to say, Aster. I should be the one apologizing for not committing to finding your sister. However, I think I will do a better job once I reclaim the throne. There should be nothing oppressing my decisions."

"You are taking Erica with you, right? The most dangerous place she could be at is here if you're planning just that. For me, I will still help Aster find his sister. That's one of the things I came here for. But I've also promised to protect you however I can, so I will."

"Yes, I will be taking care of her," replied Daphne firmly. "No harm will come to her, rest assured."

"Thank you. I don't know for how long we will still be here, but I just don't have any leads pointing towards her whereabouts. You'd think that their presence would be known to the public, but not a trace. It's strange."

"About that," interrupted Aster. "I think I have a lead on where to find her. It's still weak, the connection that I'm getting, but it's clearly her, no mistake about it. I've tried going in, but the security is just too difficult to get through. I think she's being held inside the castle."

"I'll be going there today. There's someone that wanted to meet me, so I have no other choice but to comply. But if what you're saying is true, then this is our only chance to try and find out. At this point, arguing whether she's there or not will only delay us further."

"Who would that person be?" asked Aster.

"She said that the princess would be there along with the king, Daphne's uncle. I don't exactly know why they want to see me."

"Be careful with her, Zach. She is a dangerous person, and so is my uncle. That is all that I needed to say before we departed."

She took an exhasperated sigh and continued.

"Then we should move out as early as possible. Gino, could you carry my belongings and put them on the carriage? Wait there as well. I will be out shortly. I'd like to talk with Zachary for a while, if you don't mind, as well, Aster."

With Erica holding Gino's hand, they left the room, but before that, I caught a glimpse of Erica looking at me with a concerned face. She whispered my name, but I struggled to think about what I should tell her. Then I just realized that she had already left the room.

"Got it. I'll give you two some space. But don't make too much noise, alright? Too many tenants around. They will think it's strange to be going at it hard in the morning," he laughed, smiling as he left the room waving.

"Aster! It's nothing like that!" Daphne remarked loudly, her cheeks flushed red, and her actions erratic. "Goodness, even when it's time to part ways his provocation knows no bounds."

I found it amusing the way she was worked up that I couldn't help but smile at her. That drew her attention, although.

"What's so funny?"

"Oh, it's nothing much. It's just that, I was glad to see that there's still a part of you that I know inside. I thought you'd become a completely changed person since you seemed so different, but you're still there, that charming part of you that I know about."

"C-Charming?! What are you saying now of all things? This isn't where we part ways yet, alright? So don't go disappearing, otherwise I'll be really angry and disappointed at you. After all, you made a promise that you won't do that anymore."

She looked up at me with a serious concern in her eyes, one that forced a promise to be followed. But that was a natural response, and naturally, I would have kept it anyway. The more I break, the heavier my conscience gets. But it's not just because of that. I don't want to make her sad anymore. She's grown past it, so there's little sense in making her anxious once more. She will lose her resolve if that happens.

"Of course, I'll be by your side before we truly separate our paths. I still have to fulfill my promise to you. But I just want to thank you for believing in me up until this point. You've truly grown spectacularly, Daphne."

"Well... It's all because of you mostly," she said shyly, looking at her feet, glancing at me periodically until our gazes met and locked. "I would say that ever since I left this kingdom in search of you, it seems that it was not the easy path of a fake marriage that would help me build my resolve, but meeting you. And because of that, I have taken my first steps. I can say clearly that I have changed, but for the better."

"No. In the end, it's whether you choose to act or not that makes the most difference. But thank you for letting me help you. I'm confident that you can accomplish this even without me."

"That's not true! But I think explaining things here would take a long time to do. So, for now, I must cut this short. Let us have a long talk after this, Zach. I will be waiting for you."

With a gentle smile directed at me, she opened the door.

"Come. You have not said your goodbye to Erica yet. I'm sure that she would be sad to know that you suddenly had to part leave without saying anything to her. I haven't explained everything to her yet, but I'm sure she will understand."

So, we met the carriage that Daphne and Gino were taking. Their baggage’s were loaded, and so were they.

Erica looked at me from the carriage sadly, and waited for something from my mouth.

I approached her and gave my best smile as to lift her spirits as best as I could.

"Hey, Erica. You doing alright so far?"

She shook her head and extended her arms towards me.

I carried her off the carriage and placed her on the ground where she started tearing up slowly, holding back her tears barely.

"Don't worry too much about me, Erica. You're strong, I can see that much in you. We're just going to be apart for a while, but it won't be long until we see each other again. But until then, you'll have to remain strong. You're safer with Daphne and Gino, but we're all like family, so there's no need to feel so alone with any of them around, right?"

She nodded, suddenly embracing me and sobbing quietly. I returned the gesture, taking her small frame in my arms, almost like she were my child already.

I could understand where she was coming from.

She lost her parent to a demon attack, but this time, the one who took her in was going to be leaving without any reason being told to her. If that were me, then I'd be worried to no end. To add to it, I haven't even been a good parent to her. I've told Daphne this, but I'm the one who hasn't spent as much time with her as she needed. I was the last person she was safe to be with, and that was clear to see.

The only thing I could do for her was reassure her and pat her head. There was no explaining this without making it sound difficult for her to accept, so this was fine for now. The worst hasn't even come, so this is nothing.

But it sent a flutter to my heart the way she still feels attached to me despite not having spent enough time with her. It's making me not want to leave her, but it pains me to do so.

What did I do to accept such a gift?

"You're strong, remember that. Before you know it, we'll be back together like nothing happened. So for now, please bear with it."

And with the tearful farewell, she had calmed down enough to let go of me.

"Sorry that I don't have anything to say to you, Zach. Unlike these girls that have fallen for your charms, I can only bid you a grace of luck. There is still something that you must do, and I know that you realize the gravity of that. If you are a sensible person, then you will do well to stay alive and fulfill the mission you have been given. It's not simply our lives on the line, but many others' as well."

"Couldn't have worded it any other way, Gino?" I smiled wryly at it, seeing Daphne worked up and flustered once more.

"Forgive me, but I must save my eloquent words for the weeping maidens once the carnage begins. We of close bonds know how to reassure ourselves with simple words that others can see no meaning in. I'm sure that my brief farewell has made itself clear."

And with that, they were on their way, disappearing in the distance, leaving Aster and I to ourselves.

"So, it's still the morning, so why don't we get started as early as possible? I'd like to still help them with what they plan to do."

"You and me both."

"But still, this is surprising how things are developing. I wonder what's waiting for us after this. I feel like something big is about to happen, something other than this one. Maybe it's going to be you who starts it, right? After all, you're a real important person, kind of like a hero waiting for his chance to face evil and save everyone. Kind of dramatic, but that's  just how the books go."

"I'm nothing of the sort. I'm just like you and everyone else. A normal human being walking, breathing, and growing up."

"Still comparing me to a normal human being, huh? I don't think it's necessary, but thanks."

"That tells me, Aster. After you find your sister, what do you plan to do?"

"I don't know, maybe continue what we've been doing? As far as I see, nothing has changed, though change isn't that quick anyway. But there's a part of me that wants to help you. After all, at the end of the day, you have the hardest job of all. You're the one who's in charge of taking down the demon king, something that's impossible to do even foe our kind."

"I'm not even sure I'm ready yet. I don't even know the full extent of my power. The only way I know how to use it is to strengthen my body and blind demons with light. There was one time in Caspia where I used its power to blast a giant demon, but I don't know how to recreate that. It'll really help if there was someone who can tell me how this works."

"Doesn't it have to be you who learns from that? I'm not quite sure, but you'll find out on your own if you keep trying to see what extent your power has. Haven't you been training or tinkering with it?"

"No, I've never really thought about that. I've kept it in mind that this would be enough to at least help me beat a few demons, and seeing how well that's going, I think it'll be enough to get even with the demon king, don't you think?"

"As if that's possible!" said Aster loudly, attracting a few stares, but not minding them at all. There was a slight anger in his voice, but he calmed down and spoke.

"Listen, the demon king is like a divine being, but I'm already exaggerating that part because I can't find a word that would be able to describe him other than that. But saying that he's something close to the creator's power is pure crap. No way anyone would even begin to know how strong the creator is. After all, no one's even seen him. They have statues of him at various places of worship, but all he's depicted as is a man with white eyes hidden behind a white cloak. What I'm saying is, don't underestimate the strongest being in the continent. You're not even close to his strength since you know little to nothing about being what you are, but you have the potential to match that, like every Thalisean has in the past, or so I've heard."

"You're right. I'm sorry. I need to think about this more seriously. I've never faced a clear danger yet, so I haven't begun to even know how it feels like. I guess experience breeds knowledge, and I have none of that."

"It's alright. I'm sorry that I nearly got caught up in that conversation. If my sister were here, then she could explain things better than I would, but it's terrifying to see that she's starting to pay off on me. I don't want to be quiet and mysterious like her. It seems like a chore."

Quickly enough we came face to face with the entrance of the palace where stoic looking guards stood around the perimeter, closely keeping an eye out for anything that might pose a threat to the kingdom.

It was massive as I marveled at it. From the outside, I could already tell that there were many rooms that needed to be searched, and secret entrances that needed to be discovered. I'm simply basing this off Ylithia's capital castle. That was even more massive than compared to this, so I think it's less of a challenge, but not one we should be complacent about.

"I can sense her. It's weak. I can't believe that the only thing stopping me are a bunch of soldiers that I can power through," he clenched his fists and ground his teeth, looking intensely at the castle. "But I have this ominous feeling of something inside that's making me not want to do that. It's just a hunch, so I'm not really sure what's in there."

"Don't worry, Aster. Forcing our way through should be a last resort if it ever comes to that. I just hope that it doesn't."

"Yeah, there's a lot of them. I don't even want to think of what we should do if we are to force our way through. My strength might not be enough to overpower the elites. What's the plan anyway?"

"Let me think for a while. I need to get my thoughts together."

I closed my eyes and sunk myself in my thoughts.

In truth, this was a dangerous thing to do, trying to sneak inside a well-guarded castle to try and find someone, but the worst part is that we don't even know where to start.

For me, it's easy to do since I am expected, but for Aster, who will do the actual searching, he'll need some way to get in undetected.

I can ask Maris to allow Aster in, but that would keep him under constant guard, that possibility can't be counted out. But if that were to happen due to immense luck, then getting out is another problem.

This needed to be planned well, but we don't have the luxury of time anymore. If I'm going to think of one, it should be something both of us are fine with, and that's that. Hesitation is the last thing I'd want to feel, but it's slowly creeping up from the back of my mind.

Breathe, breathe. Focus and think. There's no use panicking.

There were men on the ramparts making their patrols in small groups. From what I can see, most of the ones making their rounds were wielding spears while the stationary ones have crossbows, those we the ones looking at every person passing by the castle walls as if they are suspicious of their innocence.

The walls are tall and thick, spanning maybe forty to forty-four feet tall. If it comes to that, an escape from there would be

Sigh, I'm just not good at this. No matter how hard I look at things, there's no easy way through. Maybe we'll just have to improvise somehow.

"I'm fine with improvising. I'm fairly good at it."

He waved his hands in front of my face.

"You're talking out loud."

"Oh, my bad. I was getting too lost."

While we were busy discussing what we should do, Maris arrived by the gates, smiling neatly. With that smile, no one would expect her to be a demon, but it's a shame that it's how people perceive and act around her that destroys that image.

"Forgive me for arriving late, I had just untangled myself from some work that the Princess needed help with. Come, come, there's no need to wait outside. You must have been waiting long."

"Would it be alright if my companion here we to come with me?"

"If he keeps close to you, then I do not see why not."

The guards made way and opened the gates, keeping a sharp eye on us even until when we were inside the castle's boundaries. The intensity of the stares was stronger from here, enough to feel that their glares might burrow a hole through me.

"Damn, this is terrifying. I don't feel comfortable here. You're pretty lucky, Zach. Her eyes were completely focused on you while the guard's eyes are focused on me. Talk about a rough introduction."

Aster stared at the guards whom looked different from the ones outside. Some wore a dark colored armor, wielding sharper and intimidating looking weapons.

There was an aura about them that made them rather frightening to look at, but looking at Maris' back took my attention away from them. Her small dome of glee encompassing us calmed me down from this oppressive pressure, I thought that my exaggerations were simply getting to me.

"Bear with it for a little while longer. I'm as overwhelmed as you are. I thought I'd be fine after being through a castle before, but I'm wrong."

"Not nervous about meeting the princess?"

"I am. It's hard enough to try and hide, but I can't afford to make any mistakes now."

"Right. Time to start getting level-headed. We might not get a second chance."

Once inside, we were met with a magnificent sight of white, red, and gold.

Bright glowing chandeliers radiating from the sun's reflection, red carpets and curtains, and the bright light of the morning pouring in from the outside through a transparent, tall glass pane.

Small tabletops where beautiful vased flowers decorated the hall we walked on. Their presence refreshed our drained minds and somehow kept us on track.

"Here we are. Behind these doors are the Princess who is reluctantly awaiting your arrival."

Maris guided us with her hands, gesturing at a tall, double door guarded by two spear-wielding soldiers looking forward, not at all disturbed by anything.

"Ah, could you point me towards the nearest latrine? I think I might need to handle this before it gets out of hand," said Aster with a straight face as if it were the most natural thing he had asked for.

"Oh, that won't be a problem."

Maris faced one of the guards and nodded her head to him, speaking in a soft voice that I couldn't make out.

He then came forward and started walking back to the hall where we came from.

"Please follow him. He will direct you to and back from your destination."

"Many thanks. You two can go ahead of me. I think this will take a while. Plus, it's you who the princess wants to meet, not me."

"Very well. Then please wait for us outside when you are finished. I know not how long it would take."

Before leaving, Aster glanced and left me a wink of his eye signifying something. Whatever it was, I won't be able to help him as I am now. Even with my sword, overpowering tens of thousands of the soldiers in this kingdom would be a high ordeal.

"Let us enter now, Zachary," she smiled, leading the way to an adequately shaded room where the curtains blocked out just enough of the light to both allow me to see the grandeur of the main throne hall, while not being overwhelmed by it.

"Welcome! It is grand to finally be able to meet you in personal," said a voice from far off, sitting on a throne.

There was an odd feeling of purity in her. She graced the very floor by walking on it, taking slow and steady steps towards us, meeting in the middle where our gaze met even stronger. Her influence was strong, something I did not expect from her at first glance.

She wore a beautiful light-purple gown with a few accessories to go with her long, glistening golden hair. Her delicate, pale hands held the hem of her skirt, and she bowed elegantly, smiling slightly. "My name is Arielle Luvierre. I am the princess of this fair kingdom, and the daughter of King Georgios Luvierre."

Maris bowed, and I did the same, not familiar with the manners needed to address royalty. I assumed that this simple gesture was common in every kingdom.

Her voice was careful, refined, gentle to the ear. A soothing tone was directed at me, and I could not help but become enamored by it.

"My princess, this is Zachary, the man whom I have spoken of."

"Ah, yes. Splendid. Maris has told me much about you, very much. It seems that you, in her eyes, her savior. But looking at you, I can feel a glint of heroism that she had seen. I have a very discerning sight, you know?"

She held her arm out towards me, her eyes closed.

Glancing at Maris, she gave a nod, and I knew what I had to do.

I locked my arms with her, catching a sweet, fragrant flowery scent waft towards my nose. Her skin was soft and warm, and I found my heart beating faster than ever.

"Firstly, let us head towards the dining hall. I am famished after all the day's work. I hope that you have room for a small banquet to welcome you?"

"Thank you, but was it all necessary to go through such lengths?"

"Why of course. Seeing as you have been such a great aide to my Maris, it is only fitting that I give the brave man a small feast for his efforts. To brave through the eyes of those who see your views as different, is difficult, no?"

I couldn't help but agree, so I nodded and followed Maris, leading the way.

"Are you uneasy because of my presence?" she asked, noticing the stiffness in the way I walk and in my arms.

"I can't say that I'm not. Sorry, but I can't calm down for some reason."

"Worry not. It happens most of the time. We shall try our best to give you some serenity to feel calm in this castle. But I assume that you are not a man of formalities?"

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

"Ah, have I been too familiar?"

"No, at all. I find it quite amusing, those who fuss over formalities. It is best to forget those and learn how to speak to each other as equals. But in the realm of royalty, one must know when and when not to have it."

With the idle conversations we had, we arrived at another wide room where a long dining table sat in the middle, and on it were countless of dishes and appetizing looking food that worked up my appetite simply by the smell they emitted. The scent of cooked meat and aromatic spices and herbs mixing in, it truly was a banquet.

"Now, please, enjoy yourself to your heart's content. Do forgive my father's absence. He is cooped up with his work."

"You are excused for now, Maris. Give us some peace."

"As you wish, princess," said she, bowing obediently and leaving the room after bowing her head kindly to me, a smile was hidden there as well.

"Why don't you tell me of your exploits over this meal? I would like to hear more about you. I can't quite quench this thirst for knowledge about you seeing as you are someone quite special, or that's how I see it."

"Well I don't exactly know what I should say or start talking about."

"How about starting with who you are? Come to think of it, I have not heard your full name. They say that some tales can be better told through someone's name. You see, I am quite knowledgeable about the outside world and some of the people there."

"Is that so? Then, my family name is Erinn. What do you know about that?"

Her eyes were wide open as she stared at me blankly, in a slight daze.

"This might be a speculation of mine, but are you related or know someone named Frederick Erinn?" she asked, narrowing her sight at me.

"Yes, he is my father."

"My, this is truly an amazing turn of events! Imagine this, the one whom inherited the great infamous name of Erinn, a legendary man spoken and not spoken through the lips of the beloved people he has saved!"

"Is he truly that amazing of a man as you say he is?"

"Why not? Have you not heard of the exploits of your own father? He is revered by many, so there is no possibility that you have not heard of his many accomplishments."

"I haven't really asked around that much."

"Have you inherited his strength as well? I'm sure that he has taught his own son how to fight."

By the tone of her voice, her intrigue grew, and her attention was focused on me.

"Well, that matters little seeing as you are his son. It is natural that you would know. To know that the legendary Frederick Erinn has had a son, I cannot let this opportunity pass me by. Become my servant, son of Erinn. Devote yourself to me."

She stood up abruptly with glory and triumph in her eyes, her hand extended out towards me.

"It would be a great honor for you to be offered such a position, and if you were to accept it, you are to be by my side as a servant would. A man such as yourself would be a fitting centerpiece for what may come in the future. Many would look up to me as someone who has the son of the great Frederick Erinn by her side through loyalty and faith, and of course, you will fight for my honor in many ways that please me. Don't you think that this is a very pleasing offer to you? Many have already come to know my benevolence and affection, so it is only natural that all will become mine soon enough."

I set down the utensils I held in my hands and abruptly stopped eating. It took me a while to take her words in since I couldn't believe right away what I was hearing.

My image of her benevolence we crushed into pieces at that very instant.

But it was not it that disturbed me.

"For what reason do you have to make me into a servant? Is it to merely have me as an icon for others to revere you for?"

"For others, that is the case. But for you, I have many other things in store for you."

"Tell me, what is Maris to you? She's a demon, and the rest of the people in this kingdom shun her, yet you have the said heart of gold to take her in despite people discriminating her. There's no denying what she is, but with how I see people treating her, I can't quite calm down about all this. Is she merely another part of this set you're collecting?"

"I would not call her part of a set. She is a servant of mine that serves my every interest. She would not care what I call her since I saved her. That alone entitled me to the sole title of master. She willingly gave up her independence and gave it to me when she took my hand."

"It's sounds as if though she had no other choice. Maybe you have chanced upon her and simply found it as the perfect opportunity to have her for yourself with little effort."

"I do not want to say that it is not the truth, but in its entirety, yes. She is my servant, the liberty of being the master entitles me to many things."

"Then are you going to discard her when you're done?"

"Discard? How vulgar of a word, yet painfully blunt. No, I have a purpose for every single one that becomes my servant. They do lose their purpose in life, but to give it to me is the best type of honor that they could ever have!"

"You're treating people like objects!"

"Yes, oh yes. That is how things should be, of course. Everyone is an object meant to be owned by someone. I simply assimilated the role of the master while everyone else stayed the course of being a mere object. That's how we are born, and the ones that stay the same are those that are lost and need guidance. That is where I pluck them from the dead garden they rot upon and plant them in a magnificent bed where they can flourish."

"Then they mean nothing to you other than your play things! It's not worth that you see in them, but the satisfaction of having people following your every order. It's despicable, you who plays with people like they're nothing!

"I do not like these accusations, Zachary Erinn. You are testing my patience. You cannot see it without knowing it first-hand. What do you mean to tell me?"

"... I refuse."

"Excuse me? I don't think I heard that right."

"No, I think that you heard me right. I have no reason to serve someone like you. Even if I had thought about it, I will serve no one as unfit to be called a master, and an equal, like you. You deserve no one!"

I stormed out the door with my head thumping constantly like a drum. It started becoming a headache because of what I had said.

My feelings overwhelmed me, so the latter part of what I had said was at the spur of the moment. Though I think, no, I know that it was right to refuse. Someone who treats people as her servants and nothing else are no good. I don't know what I can do for Maris, but I have no right. If what she had said was true, then she is bound to her... but by words. That can be changed.

Upon arriving to the hall near the exit of the castle, Aster's figure reappeared beside me on time, blending in inconspicuously. There was not a radical change in his expression, but there was a certain eagerness to him that made his steps upbeat.

"So, how did it go with the princess? Capture another maiden's heart?"

"Sadly, she's not the real princess we made her out to be. All I can say is that she is not worthy of the people she reigns over."

"Well you certainly look angry at something. I'm guessing it's about her."

I replied with a mere nod, changing our focus on Aster's findings.

"I can't settle down. I've skulked around as best as I could, and I found where they might be keeping her. There's a stairway leading further down underground. It's not as well guarded as the floor here, but down there where it's dark, there's about five men standing by the entrance. I couldn't go further since they were blocking it."

"Why didn't you try and push through? I think that you would have a chance to beat them before it even occurred to them. I don't think anyone would have heard you if it's underground."

"That's the thing. One of them's giving me the creeps. There was nothing special about them, but for some reason, I kept hesitating at every chance I got to try. I know she's behind that door, I can feel her presence strongly... But here I am, weak as ever, not even prepared to risk my life for my own sister."

He clenched his fists and looked intensely at the direction he faced.

"But why is she being kept here? I don't like this, but I think that these royals have something to do with her."

"Don't worry. I'll think of something. If she is here, then I'm going to get her out any way I can. Now is just a dangerous time."

"It does feel that way. But where do we go now?"

"To the slums. I need to talk to Caden and his mother, and Dante if possible. I want to have them leave the city and go to Mesolvia. That's the safest place if Daphne and Gino are there."

As we were let out by the guards of the main gate, Maris came up from behind, running frantically.

"Sir Zachary, why have you left so early?" she said while catching her breath. It was clear on her face that she didn't know a lot of what happened.

"Sorry, but there were some disagreements on both of our parts. Besides, I think I was not quite welcome there."

"But I wanted to talk to you as well," she said faintly.

"I'll go ahead. Just meet me there. I'll keep them entertained," said Aster, placing his hand on my shoulder. He left quickly without any problems, leaving the two of us by ourselves.

"I guess now would be the best time for that. I have something that I need to talk to you about as well."

The two of us walked aimlessly in silence until we reached the very same park where I had met my pupils. This time, there were people, but not a lot to form a crowd. And as I expected, their eyes and sneers were pointed towards Maris. I noticed that she knew as well, but feigned ignorance.

"Maris, is it true that you've sworn your loyalty to her, the princess?"

"Yes, I have. Why the sudden question, Zachary?"

"I know I don't have any right to say this, but she's treating people like objects. They have no meaning to her. She doesn't even care what happens to you as long as you keep doing what she says. And if you keep doing things for her, you'll never realize that she's controlling you by a string!"

"She is a good person. Though her words carry much weight, it is and has been to my benefit. I believe that everyone has their flaws, but what you say about her, I can't quite see it."

"But you don't understand. Haven't you seen it? She carries no love for those she takes under her crooked wings. It's nothing but false motives and a fake smile. Surely you must know of this?"

"No, and I don't need to. Zachary, I thought that you would understand me and my intentions best, but it seems that I was mistaken. She was the one who took me in when I needed someone the most. To me, she is a divine grace sent by the creator, but you scorn her here right before me. Why is that?"

"Because I've seen the truth with my own eyes. Please, for your own sake, realize it. Your sake is not to be scorned by these people. You look for love in her, yet you can't see it, nothing was waiting with her but an empty bond. I don't want you to keep living under false hope, so why don't you leave and come with me. I know a place where you can be sheltered, people that can care for you. Though it'll be a rough start, it's better than what you have now."

She stood up and shook her head.

"I don't think you've tried to understand the princess. I do not see what kinds of mistakes you see in her. Excuse me, I shall be leaving to attend to her. I don't think you see the merits in her, Sir Zachary. You have been mistaken, and so have I about you."

As night came, darkness descended on the great dining hall lined with unfinished food. There was a single maiden still sitting in a daze, looking into the distance where someone sat just moments before.

She had not said anything, becoming delusional, slowly losing herself to his words and the realization of her true self being revealed.

"Ha... hahaha, this is unexpected," she said, ecstatically.

Her motions were fluid as her delicate fingers traced the outlines of her own shoulders. She could not hold on to her sanity much less be able to keep up the facade. To her, this was all too overwhelming to digest. It was the first time anyone had been this way to her, but yet, there was no clear trace of anger from the outside, merely ecstasy in her eyes.

"Ahh, it's been too long since I've felt my senses tingle like this. Oh, how... amazing. How spectacular indeed. The hunt is making my body anxious to receive him, I can't control myself, oh how the hunt pushes a lady to such extents that she must embarrass herself," she obscenely said, licking her lips in anticipation.

"I must have him... The more something is kept away from me, the more I long for the time that I have it. But this time, I will not wait, I will grasp you with my own two hands, and then I shall give you a great amount of pleasure for making me this way. Oh, how I can't wait for you to me in my embrace. I shall never let you go, and you will know to cherish every moment with me as if it were your last. You will not be able to live without me for long. Your warmth, your love, your everything! The wait is nearly suffocating me!"

Just as she spoke to herself, full of longing and lust in every aspect of her being, the door opened, revealing Maris, her head low, being discreet as to not disturb her master.

It was clear in her actions and eyes that what Zachary had said to her indeed bothered her mind, but she tried to combat his words with her memories, those fond memories which she had kept happily close to her. Those were the very memories that kept her hanging by a mere thread.

Right away she noticed the presence of her servant, but this time she could not control herself, her shameful self that she wanted to keep locked away by any means. This time, she allowed it for her feelings were immense and overwhelming.

"Princess, are you alright? You do not seem well. Should I prepare your bed?" she asked, slowly walking towards her, failing to notice the clear change in her through the darkness pouring in from the window and the absence of light. The dining hall looked all too eerie as if it suited the atmosphere enveloping the room.

"Oh, dear me, if it isn't Maris. Fear not, I have never been better in my entire life! In fact, I have to thank you for making me feel this way. If it weren't for you, I would have never gotten the chance of meeting the son of Erinn! But I cannot yet tell if he is the one who can make my heart flutter. How I anticipate the moment we are together. He shall be no one else's but mine. If I cannot have him, then no one will," she said as a terrifying aura surrounded her.

"What do you mean, princess? I do not understand what you are saying."

"The son of Erinn is a valuable part of my collection. He is the first in a very long time to have resisted my charms and has made my heart beat like so! I long for him, oh how I do. But for now, I must act before he is free. I must have him at all cost, even at his own life."

The words coming out from her master's mouth left her petrified. The one she praised and placed her pride upon was nowhere to be seen. Though they share the same face, the same visage, the same voice, there was not a trace of the person she believed to be just from this one standing before her.

Even her intentions, they seemed deluded, dangerously passionate. The sense of euphoria in her seductive actions was unreal, slowly shattering the pure, untainted image in her mind. She had half a mind to leave and reconsider her thoughts, to think about all of this clearly, but she could not move a muscle.

She stared as her master felt herself up and traced every part of her body, resisting the temptation of being even more shameless. Her breath was a thin mist she exhaled as if she were out of breath, her mouth softly exclaimed his name over and over. She was lost in her own thought, but eventually returned to reality once she had calmed down to a certain degree.

She looked at Maris as best as she could and spoke softly.

"Maris, my dear, would you do me a favor?"

"Y-Yes, my princess! What would you want me to do for you?" she came close as Arielle gestured for her.

"Please use your charms as a succubus and beguile Zachary Erinn for me, I desire him so, therefore, your true merit as a demon will become a useful asset for me in attaining happiness."

Maris could not respond or think of something to say. All these overwhelming things were throwing her off balance. But most of all, the surprise came from Arielle and her desperation.

"I-I... I cannot do it, my princess. I don't think I can use my merits anymore. It has been so long since then, but I do not have a very good grasp of it."

Though the way she worded it meant that she agreed to it, she simply chose an answer where she didn't have to do anything. She didn't want to, clearly. It hadn't sunk in that she was wrong, but she knew that doing something like that to Zachary for someone like this mad woman in front of her. She had that much common sense at the very least. But what she had to do was unclear.

"How useless," she muttered, disgusted, turning her head away from Maris. "Never mind that. It would be best if you do not come close to my dear Zachary, my prize and the source of my brimming passion. I will be the only woman he will love and know. Anyone else interfering without my consent will die. Call the captain of the guards at once."

At her behest, the captain was made present with a staggering punctuality. His distinguished form and aura stood out as did his loyalty to the princess.

"My lady, before anything else, there is someone here who would like to speak to you. I'm sure that nobility takes importance before a mere guard captain," he bowed, allowing space for the distinguished man to come forward.

He relaxed his wrinkled and aggravated face, showing the just respect to the princess whom he shows an outward facade of fear to.

"And what does a man like you need from me?" she spoke with a mundane tone, showing no great interest at him, as if her excitement had died down the moment he entered the room.

"I have a dilemma concerning my son and the slums area. Would you hear me out, my lady?"

He gestured for the one behind him to come out. The fear in the man grew as he came forward, and confusion tore him apart whether he should be entranced by the beauty of the one in front of him, or should he cower in fear of being beheaded on the spot.

He was like a sore thumb, out of place for someone of his lowly stature. He wore tattered clothing akin to the slums, and his lips quivered, struggling to say something.

"I-I've heard of him, Zachary, that damned man. He was with two children, one from the slums, and the other the nobleman's son! If he's not stopped, then there's no telling what the slums people will do to the kid if they discover what he is."

He eyes lit up, and her interest grew. Her smile went up from ear to ear as she listened.

"Tell me all that you know."

"Oh, you're finally here! 'Bout time," said Caden, swinging around his wooden sword.

Dante and Aster sat in front of Caden's house where a wide space was available to train with.

"Sorry, I got held up. Are you two ready to start again?"

With a quizzical look, Aster motioned for him, receiving not a response.

"Is something bothering you?" he asked. "You seem off ever since you got back from the castle."

"You got to go in the castle?!" asked Caden with a bright enthusiasm.

"They say everything is made out of gold, and everything in there is clean and shiny, not to mention that food! Ahh, I'm getting hungry just thinking of it."

"Now, now. Let's prioritize training for a bit."

"Boo, c'mon. You're no fun."

But despite the complaints, he placed his utmost best in the training. As he held his weapon, his mind was focused and separated from anything else that would disturb his thoughts.

Time went by quickly until midnight came.

"Thank you for your hard work, the four of you," said Julia, bringing out four cups for each of us. "I think it's time for you all to rest for the day, don't you think?"

"These two are good. I'm spent. She's right, Zach. We best get back... wait, I forgot, we don't have the room rented out anymore since Daphne and Gino left. Guess we're sleeping out in the park, huh?"

Just as the silence completely took over, the sound of marching was heard and became louder, soon transforming into the clanking of metal and iron. Their rythmic march filled the empty alleys of the slums and took the attention of the people living within them.

The shadows of people shone under the light of the moon revealed soldiers, in multitudes, all heading towards us, fully armed. There was a man leading them, someone with a dignified stride. He wore an elegant cape to match his aristocratic garb, and on his hand was a sword, gleaming with the bright white light of reflection.

They moved to surround us, pointing their spears dangerously close.

"Aster," I called out, motioning him towards Julia and the two others.

"What the hell is this?" he asked, moving, but questioning the events transpiring before him. He covered those behind him with his arm, tensing up without him realizing it.

"Think I got found out?" he said jokingly.

"I don't think this is why they came here," I said, placing a hand on the hilt of my sword which hung from my waist. Though they were there, they said nothing. Their eyes were full of anger and frustration, and that could be sensed easily in the air, the tense air pollution the surrounding area.

It wasn't completely odd that the people of the slums started pouring out to see what the commotion was about. A crowd formed within seconds.

The distinguished man took a step forward and clasped both hands behind his back.

"The one named Zachary Erinn, son of Frederick Erinn, step forward. By the name of the great princess, Arielle, you are under arrest for the crimes of holding a child of the nobles as hostage. Release the child named Dante, my son!" he announced.

Murmurs began spreading through the crowd, becoming louder by the second.

-The son of Frederick Erinn? You mean the that Frederick Erinn?! Impossible!

-You're right. What's someone like him doing here?

-Frederick? Who's he?

-Idiot! Even people from the slums know who he is! He battled Demon after Demon, keeping everyone in the continent safe! They say he's on par with a Thalisean, and is the strongest man on the continent.

-But didn't he go missing?!

-Why are they taking him away? He didn't take this kid hostage! I've seen him playing around here every day! There's no way the kid's being held hostage if he's not even unhappy or bound!

-Yeah, he's right!

-You nobles are abusing your powers again! Corruption! Justice!

They started chanting in unison, filling the streets with their voices, drawing other slum dwellers into the mess. Their words reverberated within me. These people, they were fighting for me and their selves. But amidst that, I couldn't help but feel an imminent danger come from the noble and the soldiers.

-You've already done us in, now you're going to take in the son of Erinn for something that's obviously fake?!

"Silence! Silence you vermin! You have no right to interfere with this! You will all return to your holes or wherever you came from, otherwise I shall resort to force to drive you all away. Restrain him," he said, pointing at me. Quickly the man responded, but I why I did not resist I cannot even answer myself.

He turned his attention to Aster and the others he shielded behind him.

"Dante! come now. He will not harm you, lest I behead him and place his head on a pike for all to see. I will not let any harm come to you."

But it only made him hide and cower beside Caden, who stood firmly, looking aggressively at the noble.

"Liar!" shouted Caden at the top of his lungs. "You always hit Dante when he does something wrong! You're lying, even I can see that, stinky old man!"

"I will not tolerate the words of slander to my great family name!" he started closing in on Caden, his sword ready to be swung. Caden still held his wooden sword and took a firm stand.

Quickly, without me noticing it, the guards had already held down Aster and surrounded Julia and Dante, preventing them from getting to him. I was the only one close by to do something. Despite being bound by them, I could break free. Their attentions were pointed at someone else. If I have a chance, it's now!

"Caden!" shouted Julia, trying to break free from the guard's clutches.

-Look, he's going to harm the kid! stop him!

Despite those words, not a single one of them moved.

Caden ran full speed towards the noble, raising his sword just as he would in training.

He swung left and right, but the man was agile, avoiding it and flicking it away with his sword easily without effort.

Once Caden was disarmed, he kicked Caden hard enough to force him to fall to the ground, rolling.

"Caden! You monster! Have you no shame, harming a child?! He is my child!"

"Then as a mother, you are a failure for not teaching him manners. Be grateful, for I shall be instilling him the fear of what will happen if order is broken, and words are freely unleashed without thought. Child, to receive such a generous lesson from a noble, you would do well to learn from it.

He raised his sword to cleave downward, mercilessly looking down upon him.

Everyone held their breath while some closed their eyes, the sight of a child being executed in front of them was simply too much for them to bear.

I too held my breath, inhaling, and exhaling, finally using this distraction as my chance to break free.

With two of them on each on my sides holding my arms, I flailed him my right, slugging the one on my right with my elbow, then driving my knee into the other, forcing him to recoil back. Any other attempt to restrain me would be futile as I hastily burst into a run.

-Hey! He's escaping! What are you fools doing?!

I rushed to the noble's sides with my shoulder, knocking him down and disarming him due to the lack of knowledge of my position.

"Are you alright, Caden?"

"Y-Yeah. Man that was terrifying," he said, struggling to stand up.

From the corner of my eyes, Aster had already overpowered his captors and freed himself, Julia, and Dante.

"I don't care if you want to take me in, but to harm these people are inexcusable! Everyone, please listen!" I looked around me, drawing the attention of those from the slums.

"Hasn't this gone on for long enough? Don't let them keep you down because of their status, or the fear of trying to fight them! Weak or not, you do not deserve this! Fight for yourselves!"

"Fool. You dare touch me?! Son of Erinn or not, what you have done is inexcusable. Men, kill them. It doesn't matter anymore if they are taken dead or alive. As long as they do not do anything to disturb the peace, then we have done our job."

He raised his arm, then lowered it, marking the signal for the men to commence their attack.

Damn, this leaves us with no other choice but to fight. But the others, they have nothing to do with this... They have to go somewhere safe!

"What's the plan, Zachary?" Aster asked, Taking Julia and the others behind him.

"We'll break through and escape from the city and head to where Daphne and Gino are. It's clear as day that we won't be able to if we don't fight. Are you ready for that?"

"Heh, I thought you'd never ask."

"Are you prepared to show your identity, Aster?"

"I don't care about that," he said, assuming a form as ripples of electricity and energy coursed through his body. The soldiers backed down, hesitating, but regained the order to charge.

"H-Hey, Zach, what's going to happen now?!" asked Caden nervously.

"Stay close to your Mom, you as well, Dante. Julia, please keep the two safe for now. This is no safe place for us anymore. I can't explain much, but we'll get out of here, I will make sure of that."

I met the soldier's advance, evading the tips of the spears and quickly making my way towards them, trying my best to hit them with the flat edge of my sword.

-Damn! He's a Half-breed! Kill him!

-A Half-breed without bindings? Call for reinforcements! They're damned dangerous!

I heard a shout form behind me, seeing Aster pummeling and thrashing the soldiers with his fists, injuring them by crashing lightning into them with non-lethal amounts of electricity. His immense strength made way for us as he tossed the two soldiers he held by his two hands towards the ground in front of me.

"Through here, Aster! Before more of them come, we need to hurry!"

"Got it!"

As I led the way, we made our way through the streets, running through the crowds and using them and the darkness of the night as a means to hide our position as we changed streets by using alleyways and various shortcuts to get us closer to the gates without encountering the soldiers.

We encountered more than what we expected, forcing us to fight, and soon, we had to shed blood. Otherwise we would be overrun by those that we leave with blunt damage.

-Over here! They're over here! Tell third squad to ambush them on the opposite side, district four!

"We're losing our openings. This is bad. What's going to happen now? The dark isn't obscuring me that much. I can still see clearly in the dark."

"Don't worry, Aster. I still know a few ways that we can take. I managed to memorize some streets and alleys while I strolled the city."

"But it's still ways from us. It's starting to look bleak for us. What we need are horses to get us out of here fast, but I don't think miracles happen that easily."

"There is a stable close by if I recall correctly. This is part of the outer district, so I used to go by here a lot."

"Well damn, what do you know?

Julia kept on giving us directions, steering us away from the soldiers mroe frequently as we got farther away from the noble's districts.

"Haa, haa, I'm getting tired... Zach, can't run anymore."

"Me too, Zachary. I don't have much energy to start with compared to Caden."

"Alright, Aster, please carry them. Julia, please lead us towards the stables. I'll try to deal with those that get in our way through the front."

"Alright, stay calm, kids. You're handling this like pros. Just be careful, Zach. You don't look too good."

"I'm fine. Aside being covered in blood and scars, my fatigue is not as worse as I wouldn't want it to be. I can still move."

Soon enough we reached the stables, having hid ourselves for a time.

We all caught our breaths and thought about what will happen next. Time was valuable. The sounds of metal footsteps on the ground kept increasing, and soon they might crowd the city. It was bad enough that most of the kingdom's army was here, now we have to escape from here, facing them in the process.

But I can't use my mark. Not just because it's risky, but I can't let anyone know yet. 

"We can't linger for too long. Before they all muster and blockade our exit, we need to get past the gates. Currently, there are about six horses here, and we'll only need three. Julia, can you ride a horse?"

"I have. When I was a child, I used to ride horses. I'm still quite knowledgeable about it."

"Oh, that's so cool, Mom! You never told me that. And Zach, what are they saying about you being Erinn's son? Are you really Frederick Erinn's son?! That's amazing! And Aster's a Half-breed! And not to mention having cool electric powers!" Caden danced about, not showing any signs of being disturbed by what's happening. Though the slight trembling in his voice said a lot about his consideration.

"Sorry, Caden, Dante. But we should leave this until later when we're away from trouble. Julia, take Caden with you. And Dante, are you alright with going with us?"

He fidgeted, twiddling his fingers, looking at his feet.

"Y-Yes! If I go back there, then everything will return to normal. I know how ruthless my father is. He won't allow another mistake like this to happen. If I were to have been left behind back there, then I was good as dead. Thank you, Zachary, Aster. There was no longer love in my father's eyes. There was none to begin with."

"Thank us when we're out of here. I still feel doubtful about our escape. But we'll figure it out when we get there. Dante, you're with Aster. I'll take a single horse and clear the way."

We broke out of the stables with our three horses, galloping through the streets, avoiding the soldiers wielding spears dangerous to our escape. Though I had ridden horses and had experience, it was a short struggle to get the hand of it again.

"There! If we cut through there, the gates should be easily reached," said Julia.

"Everyone, quicken your pace. Once we leave the gates, keep moving and don't look back. Leave your rear to me!"

"Are you sure you can handle them all?" Aster asked.

"We can't debate about this now. Just believe in me and don't look back!"

I'm tired. Dealing with so many of them was unexpected. Well, it was to be expected. Most of them were stronger than I originally thought, and most of the men gathered here are for the coming war effort. Surely there are elites walking amongst them. The only question I have is why they would go through all this trouble for us.

The gates were in sight. The large metal barricade was being closed slowly as it descended. Torches on the ramparts and numerous guards on the ground were present. It was a tall gate that would not be scaled, not leapt from. The closing gate was the only option.

"This is bad! The gate will close on us!"

"Aster, take this and make a way for yourself!"

I unfastened the belt and threw my father's sheathed sword to Aster.

"What are you going to do?"

"I'll make sure that you all get away."

"What? What are you talking about?" asked Julia. "You don't expect us to leave you, right?"

"Just take a small detour. Once you see the gates stop moving downwards, use that chance and head here as fast as you can. I'll be with you shortly. You don't have to worry. I can handle myself. Go!" I said, separating from them, heading straight into the thick of it.

There's no way we can all make it out of here. Someone has to close the gates on these guards or they'll be chased to no end! It doesn't matter anymore. If I am to hide this, and risk the people I know being captured just because I don't want people to know who I am, then this mark is wasted on me. If I have to start showing my worth as a Thalisean, then it's now!