“Give me that!” Franny snatched the letter from his hands before Talax could react. Franny’s eyes flickered as he read the few sentences on the page. A myriad of emotions played across his face, from disbelief and horror to anger and betrayal.

Bryan stepped closer to Franny, reading over his shoulder while Qalo shot questioning glances at Talax. Talax merely shook his head, waiting for Franny’s response. The young noble seemed to age before Talax's eyes, as if a spell had drained his vitality.

Crushing the letter in his fist, Franny let out a broken exhale, as if the wind had been knocked out of him. His eyes turned listless, scanning the surroundings. Bryan touched his shoulder, attempting to gain his attention with a sympathetic voice.

“Ferdinand? The letter must be false. I don’t believe for a moment that what’s written is true.” Franny snapped out of his stupor, scoffing derisively at Bryan, his gaze cold.

“Then you are a naïve little boy, Bryan!” The young man, that looked at Franny like he was the sun, recoiled as if he had been hit. “But...” Ignoring Bryan, Franny turned to Qalo and Talax.

“That snake! I always knew my brother was a backstabbing prick, but I never thought he would turn on his own family!” Bryan gave a shocked gasp and muttered scandalized, “My lord!”

Talax gave the man an irritated look, but then he remembered how affronted Franny had been when he swore and fondly realized that his friend has come to be a little more relaxed and casual around them and had decided that when the moment called for it, he could swear like the best of them.

Franny began pacing, seemingly trying to comprehend what he had read. “If anyone had told me before we entered the dungeon that Malachi was plotting my death and trying to usurp our father’s position, I would have called them crazy. But after going through all that…” He gestured toward the mountain that had been reduced into a massive pile of rubble. “I mean, my own uncle tried to kill me!” Bryan gasped, shocked. “What?”

Rolling his eyes at Bryan, Franny continued expressing his thoughts. “It makes so much sense! Uncle Edward accompanied Malachi on his expedition; they were the only ones who returned, along with one more warrior, I think.”

Qalo listened intently. “Do you think Callum could be that warrior? He was your uncle’s accomplice, after all.” Franny looked up, surprised. “That could very well be true! We can’t be sure; I was away when my brother left for the expedition, and I never met his companions.” Qalo nodded, then asked, “Where were you?”

Franny narrowed his eyes and replied, “Is that really what matters?” Bryan, however, seemed to believe it did, speaking with pride. “He was invited to the prince’s ball at the summer palace! Only the most prominent scions get that invitation! It was a great honor for our lord!”

Talax fought back laughter, trying to hold a straight face at Franny's embarrassment. He turned to Bryan, his voice tinged with irritation. “Thank you for that, but please, shut up!” Bryan's eyes widened in shock, his mouth closing audibly.

Struggling to contain himself, Talax chuckled, earning a furious glare from Franny. “Anyway,” he continued, still with a smile, “do you truly believe your brother will follow through with his plan?”

Franny pondered the question and with a defeated sigh, he answered. “I don’t know. Malachi was always the odd one out in our family. Ansel and Gideon, as the elders, were always together, enjoying balls and banquets, generally causing mischief, trying to exhaust the family fortune. Clemens and I, on the other hand, as the youngest, were always studying and training together, striving to be the opposite of our older brothers. Malachi, though, always stood alone. As the middle child, he cared little for our eldest brothers or the pestering bugs, as he used to call us. He was seldom at the castle, either carousing, making connections with important figures, or consorting with lowlife vagabonds, much to our father's dismay, or embarking on fancy expeditions in search of powerful relics.”

Talax listened intently to Franny’s depiction of his brothers, and Malachi struck him as a person driven by ambition. He sounded like the overlooked member of the family that strived for a seat of power. The fact that he was always on some quest spoke of a man that wanted to grow in power and the networking seemed to have paid off if the letter was any indication.

“In the letter, he mentioned a chancellor…” Talax trailed off, and Franny nodded with a troubled expression. “That’s what lends credibility to his words; otherwise, I would have dismissed the letter as my brother's fanciful daydreams…” Franny rubbed his blond hair, as if combating a severe headache. “If the King supports Malachi’s scheme…”

He turned to Talax, desperation in his eyes. “I must warn my father! I have to tell him everything before it’s too late!” Everyone nodded in agreement, and Qalo exclaimed, “What are we waiting for? Let's go!” Franny expressed gratitude with a nod, his eyes reflecting his thanks. Talax was about to assent when he heard Aria’s voice.

"Talax, you can't go with them!" Aria's words stopped Talax in his tracks. "Why?" he asked, bewildered. "Have you forgotten our contract already? Is my family so inconsequential that you're willing to break our agreement?" Talax had indeed forgotten both Aria and her family after reading the letter. He felt guilty about it, but he wasn’t planning on going back on his word, he would find her relatives. Yet, Franny needed him now. After everything they'd been through, he couldn't abandon his friend in his time of need.

"I never said I wouldn’t look for your descendants! But Franny needs me at this moment. Once he talks to his father and warns him about the plot to kill him, I promise I'll search for your family!" The entire conversation played out in his mind, making it hard to focus on both Aria and Franny, who was discussing matters with Qalo and Bryan.

"No, Talax! You signed a contract! Your friend will be fine with Qalo and the other guy to help him. If you follow Franny, it might be seen as a breach of contract, and the consequences will be severe!" Talax felt trapped, a sense of impending doom creeping in. With a deceptively calm voice, he asked, "What kind of consequences?"

Aria scoffed. "It was a contract, Talax. Did you think there wouldn't be consequences if you broke your word? All contracts fall under Aequitaia’s purview, the Goddess of justice and fairness. Anyone who breaks their contract is cursed by the Goddess. Punishments vary, from losing levels to active curses that turn you into a simpleton. It’s a way to ensure honesty and civility in deals and transactions."

Talax's mouth fell open in disbelief. He could lose the levels he had painstakingly earned? "You tricked me!" he accused, outraged. "You never mentioned anything about punishment!" Aria’s voice rose in indignation. "How could I have known you were clueless about contracts? At that point, you hadn’t mentioned your lack of knowledge about anything magical!"

Talax paused to reflect, realizing she was right. Contracts seemed to be common knowledge, and Aria might have assumed he knew the consequences of breaking their agreement. Still...

"Aria, please! I can't leave Franny alone! He's my friend! Please understand! I won't neglect my promise; I will find your family!" Aria sighed in response. "Even if I agree, I don’t know if Aequitaia will see it as within the bounds of the contract. You might inadvertently trigger a curse." Talax felt cornered. He wanted to lash out and blame Aria, but she sounded genuinely distressed. She might have wanted him to find her family, yet she understood his desire to help his friend.

This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

“Talax, I won’t pressure you; the decision is yours. But do consider the consequences. There might be none, but there could also be catastrophic ones.” He was speechless, torn between his friends and a promise he made. Leaving them felt like betrayal, yet he couldn’t see another way.

“Talax?” Franny’s worried expression pulled Talax back. Filled with guilt, he confessed, “I'm sorry, Franny, but I can’t come.” Franny looked downright confused, but Qalo was the one that sounded offended. “What?” he demanded, his tone laced with anger.

Talax sighed, unsure whether to disclose the existence of the contract. Amidst everything that had happened, he hadn’t found a chance to tell them about Aria or their agreement. He wasn’t certain if he should reveal it at all, especially considering the unique connection he shared with Aria, their void magic was a secret he planned on keeping.

“I wish I could join you, but I have to be elsewhere,” he explained, met with a heavy silence until Qalo erupted, “What are you talking about, Talax? Franny needs us, and you’re abandoning him?” Talax winced, pleading with Franny to understand. “I’m truly sorry. If I could, I’d join you in an instant.” Franny seemed perplexed but ultimately nodded in acceptance.

“It’s okay, Talax. We all have our responsibilities,” Franny consoled, trying to pacify Qalo's anger. “Can I have a moment alone with Talax?” Bryan looked wounded at Franny’s request, but he reluctantly moved away with a disgruntled expression. Qalo hesitated, glancing between the two until he grumbled, “Fine,” and followed Bryan.

Once they were a few meters away, Franny inquired, “Where are you going?” Talax was momentarily at a loss, Aria hadn’t mentioned their destination. Thankfully, she provided the information at that moment. “We’re heading to the Cloud Monasteries. There are shamans skilled in divination and tracking spells. That’s our best chance of locating my descendants.” Talax took a moment to hear Aria before responding simply, “To the Cloud Monasteries.”

Franny frowned at the mention of the Cloud Monasteries. “I’ve heard of that place. It used to be a meeting place for young adventurers to train and swap stories, although in recent years its reputation has declined. I won’t ask why you’re going, but I'll ask you to take Qalo with you.”

Talax frowned; even though he would love to have Qalo join him, he would feel a lot more assured if he accompanied Franny instead. “It’s better if he goes with you. You don’t know what you will face once you return. With a warrior like Qalo by your side, it’d give you an advantage, and it’d ease my mind.”

Franny smiled but shook his head. “Talax, I can’t take Qalo with me. Altia isn’t welcoming to non-humans, especially orcs and Tieflings. My family, especially, wouldn’t tolerate it. If I appear before my father with an orc by my side, he won’t listen and might disown me on the spot!” Franny glanced guiltily at Qalo, making sure he wasn’t eavesdropping on their conversation.

“I wish you could join me, but for now, it’s better if Qalo goes with you.” Talax reflected on Franny’s reluctance when Qalo had asked to accompany him once they left the dungeon. Initially, Talax had assumed Franny didn’t want the half-orc's company, deeming him inferior, but the truth seemed different. Qalo was unwelcome in Altia due to his race, and Franny didn’t know how to tell him.

“He won’t like it, you know. He’s fiercely protective of you.” Franny smiled fondly, glancing at the half-orc. Bryan noticed their gaze and perked up, offering an excited smile. Seeing the man, Talax had to inquire, “Are you certain about that guy?”

Franny met his gaze. “Bryan?” he questioned, and Talax furrowed his brow. “Who?” The young noble rolled his eyes, teasingly adding, “You’re doing it on purpose! Bryan, his name is Bryan!”

“Whatever. Are you sure he’s loyal? Can he protect you?” Franny fixed Talax with a long, goofy stare, leaving him bewildered. “What?” he asked, only to receive a chuckle from Franny.

“I’ll miss you, my friend.” Talax mirrored the smile, realizing for the first time that they were parting ways. After weeks of adventures that felt like years, an unbreakable bond tied them together. It was as if the threads of fate had intertwined them, destined to remain connected even as they went their separate paths.

“I’ll miss you too. I worry, Franny. I don’t want to leave you alone, but I’ve no choice. Please, don’t let family loyalty blind you again. Trust no one. You don’t know if it’s just Malachi or if there’s someone else involved you’re unaware of.”

Franny let out a hollow laugh. “Don’t worry. The illusion of a perfect, united family shattered when my uncle turned his sword on me.” Talax nodded, a hint of relief. He still hoped that all this was a big misunderstanding, but he didn’t have high hopes.

“It's time to inform Qalo,” Franny murmured hesitantly. Before that, Talax located the mana connection with Edward’s bag and severed the ethereal bond. “This is yours.” Franny studied the bag for a long moment, then shook his head. “Laws dictate the loot belongs to the one who made the kill. I can’t deprive you of your rightful gains.”

Franny’s desire was evident, but his strong morals prevented him from accepting Talax’s offer. “That’s okay. Besides, I already have a dimensional bag; I don’t need another.” He pressed the bag into Franny’s hands.

“Speaking of which, where did you find all these unusual items?” Franny squinted, and Talax responded with an enigmatic smile. “That’s a tale I’ll share when we reunite.” Franny nodded and then seemed to have an idea.

“About that!” He infused mana into the bag and retrieved a small orb. “Put your mana inside this orb,” Franny ordered, and Talax complied. Franny produced an identical orb and did the same.

Exchanging the tracking orbs, Franny said, “Now we have a way to find each other. Once you're done, come find me.” Talax nodded gratefully, and together they turned to face Qalo.

It didn’t sit well with the half-orc. Upon learning they had to split up, with Qalo accompanying Talax, he protested vehemently. He demanded to know Talax’s business and why it couldn’t wait until they resolved Franny’s issue. They tried to explain calmly, avoiding revealing that Qalo couldn’t join Franny due to his race, which would likely lead to his imprisonment upon entering Franny’s castle.

Ultimately, they convinced him after showing the tracking orbs. Talax pledged to search for Franny once his business was concluded, purposefully avoiding specifying when that might be. He didn’t want a repetition of what occurred with Aria.

Franny rifled through the bag, retrieving the documents containing Edward's estate deed and stowed them away in his own bag. He then handed the bag to Qalo, who accepted it with wide eyes, examining the item with fascination for long moments, turning it over and over in his hands.

“This is where we part ways, my friends,” Franny announced in a melancholic tone. Talax and Qalo turned serious, their expressions filled with emotion, Qalo seemed on the verge of tears.

“We'll reunite soon!” Franny tried to sound upbeat, despite the emotions evident on his face. Unable to contain himself, Qalo rushed forward with a hiccup, wrapping Franny in a heartfelt hug, his emotions overwhelming him.

Bryan gasped in shock, catching Talax's attention. Approaching the young man, Talax spoke with a menacing tone. “If anything happens to Franny, you’re accountable. I’ll track you down, slice you into pieces, and hand them to Qalo for cooking.” The threat made Bryan stumble back, fear flashing in his eyes.

From within Qalo's strong embrace, Franny’s muffled voice chimed in. “Don’t be cruel, Talax! Bryan is a good man!” Confused, Talax looked at the restrained Franny. “Who?” he demanded, but Qalo intervened.

“I don’t eat human flesh, Talax! I’m not an animal!” Qalo held onto Franny tightly until Talax had to pry him away. They bid their final farewells, and Franny, accompanied by Bryan, departed with a last wave. Qalo cried out and hurriedly said, “I’ll be back,” following after them.

Talax stood alone amidst the trees, a bittersweet smile on his face. Franny had left, the obnoxious noble who had become like a brother to him. He sighed, feeling a pang of emptiness, but something caught his attention.

Whirling around, he spotted Vesperine standing just a couple of meters away.

“Vesperine?” He exclaimed, surprised, his face breaking into a smile. “You’re alive! I was so worried! You're alive!”

Vesperine remained rooted in place and her silence made him frown. “What’ wrong?” He asked, his confusion growing.

"I am sorry, Talax," she uttered, her voice carrying an unusual weight. His bewilderment deepened. "Sorry for what?"

Before he could grasp her words, she vanished in a puff of smoke. In the next moment, she reappeared right in front of him. Her black eyes, glistening with unshed tears behind her hanging jewels, made him realize that something was wrong, very wrong.

He managed a choked, “What...” before he felt coldness slice across the skin of his neck. His eyes rounded in surprise as the cold blade left his neck, and the warm wetness of his blood drenched his body.

He managed to throw one last look full of confusion and betrayal before his body was overwhelmed by the chill of death and his limbs stopped working. His mind followed, it shut down and everything went black.