Chapter 20- Nero

The first time Nero heard about the appearance of a new saint was from his mother. She said that her dreams were compose of light and an image of a girl. Well, In Nero's point of view the new saint isn't a big deal because the empire has the power to rule.

After his aid told him about the missing children incident, he initiates in joining the operation. Nero got the emperor approval and he quickly investigates the noble children.

Upon investigating, the emperor sends him an order, to protect Alicia Forbe. The foster daughter of Duchess Samantha Forbe. She's an orphan and a former noble from countryside but what Nero made curious about her was her divine power. She is the new saint.

After the emperor and empress confirmed her power, they offered her the position of the saint but weirdly enough the girl refused it. She joined the investigation of missing children after the deal with the emperor. Nero understand it well because he heard that one of the missing children was her friend. Surprisingly enough, Alicia was very intelligent that her participation helps to find the culprit faster than his prediction.

They found the children easily after freeing Dilon where he wanted to kill but control himself. It was a tragedy when he ordered his men to clean the dungeon. Many corpses are found and mostly were little kids. Nero was disgusted and angry but he suppresses his emotions and prepare for the proper burial.

The traces of forbidden magic were found at the scene and as Nero analyze the spell the more the darker it become. The ancient spell was called Neshama means soul. Where human souls were needed in offering for the caster not to die while using greater magic. It was forbidden to use because of human sacrifices. Nero gritted his teeth in the information he absorbs just now. Dilon died because he can't let the man live after performing blasphemy in the empire but they lost the lead. They have to find the mastermind of this while he still need to gather information about the real reason of Neshama ancient magic.

Nero despite his busy schedule have to keep attending to Alicia and they went to capital to tour her friend Elise. The commoner girl he was curious about. The first time he meets her was when she's vomiting blood and can't be healed by the divine power. Nero become suspicious of her but eventually realize that Alicia uses huge amount of divine power that time, He was clearly aware that Alicia can only use limited divine power because it takes toll in her body that makes her weak.

Elise has a brown long hair. Her eyes are darker brown and have pale skin. Nero can't figure out her and he can't sense mana into her but once he tried to used his magic to her but surprisingly, she won't be affected, a mystery indeed. After the conversation with her wanting to go to the academy Nero coldly rejected her because He won't be around for days because of the emperor ordered of him to come in the palace. He needed to work and report to his highness.

Nero got an order to investigate the Yaven mountain because of the mercenary missing rumors. His aid Carson was with him and Alicia. The emperor made sure that it was a secret mission. They killed monsters in a process while staying for days and in their last day. They spotted Peru guild members Rj Grimald and Rio Aguztine then a black cat and an unconscious girl he was familiar with.

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Rj and Rio were anxious while waiting for Elise. Bwi told them that only Elise can enter the spirit garden for peony flowers. It was already seven hours since they gone and Rj can't help but to be worried at the same time feel frustrated that he can't be help for Elise. After some minutes Bwi and Elise appear in front of them. Rj started to feel nervous.

"Sir Rj! Sir Rio!"

They heard Elise small voice calling their names. Her complexion was not good and her eyes were red and have traces of tears. She was paler than usual that Rj become more worried. Then Elise collapse while her hand holding peony flower portion that she collected. Rj almost shown his emotions when he learned what Elise preciously holding but collected himself and listened to Bwi's instruction to go out of the cave.

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Rj carefully lifted Elise and they quickly go out of the cave. Bwi instruct Rj to go to the falls. The falls below the hill. It was a magical fall because of the mountain spirit can give power of healing. The legend said, they were fairies or spirit from the mountain who help lost people.

"Elise?"

Alicia's round eyes become bigger after spotting Elise unconscious body. She worriedly kneels and about to heal Elise but Bwi stops her.

Rj put Elise in a white cloth they used as blanket and realize that here were other people aside from them in the place.

"Your Grace?"

Rj bow respectfully after seeing Nero and Carson walking to them with a blonde girl he didn't recognize.

"What happened to her?"

Alicia aggressively asked them and ignore the black cat who stops her earlier.

"She's just tired and need some rest."

Bwi answered Alicia straightforwardly.

"You are bad for her health now so don't come near Elise."

Bwi seriously starting to Alicia that his round golden eyes are visible to everyone.

Nero is quiet and just stare at the black cat.

"W-who?"

Alicia was confused and started to Rj and Rio who are staying quiet.

"He is a spirit guardian Alicia."

Nero told her

"S-spirit guardian you mean?"

"They formed a contract based on the mana I see to her."

"We're here to find the-"

Rj is about to explain but paused after sensing something.

"Your Grace…"

Carson calling for Nero.

"We have unwanted visitors."

Rio's eyes changes from being gentle to serious. There were twenty people surrounding them and looking from it, they must be assassins.

Carson quickly cast a spell to protect them from the attack.

"Protect the girl Carson."

Nero after glancing at Elise.

Carson quickly went to Elise and cast a spell. A blue light appears and form a barrier serve as shield from the attacks.

Rj and Rio started to fight the attackers killing them while Alicia is with Nero.

Bwi's eyes become golden yellow while watching Nero fighting.

Nero after killing an assassin went to Alicia to check if she was in her limit using divine power. But Alicia's face was serious and distraught affecting her fighting.

"Killed the blonde!"

After shouting of the leader the more assassins went for Alicia and almost lost her composure remembering Bwi's remarks.

"Alicia! Get yourself together! You are the target!"

Nero shouted and block the bomb like spell for Alicia

"I-Im sorry."

Alicia close her eyes and concentrate but she was worried for Elise that she can't help but to think of her welfare affecting her control in power.

"Damn it!"

"I never really wanted to use my power for these small prey but I have no choice."

Nero eyes changes

The blue light Nero uses changes into white and golden. A bubble pop out and formed in the air. The assassins tremble in fear with the great mana surrounded Nero.

Nero's hair changes to Gold and his gray eyes changes to jewel ruby color.

The assassins body can't handle the aura from Nero, some of them collapse and some kneel before him trembling…

"Y-your Highness…."

Nero ruthlessly beheading the leader of the assassin.

Alicia and Rio were shocked after witnessing Nero's action.

Nero killed the attackers then look down to the small rounded golden eyes watching him..