After Elder Uisce's words started sinking into my mind, I stared at him with disbelief, as if I am a deer in a headlight. However, even as the gravity of the situation was quite heavier than anyone expected, Heliotrope keeps a default countenance as shes stare down at Elder Uisce.

No, it is more accurate to say that within her gaze, a coldness steeps into her blue eyes that pierce the soul.

"That was an amusing speech. I do not disagree with you, however, you have simply blabbered around without any solid foundation to your claim. Skathi or not, you do not have any means to prove the worth of your words." Heliotrope answered. Her tone was tinged with indignation and extremely antagonizing.

"Was it not enough? Of course, it is not convincing for you. After all, you, yourself are withholding half of the truth that can unravel the tale of the two divine beasts, namely you, Heliotrope, and you, Aster."Elder Uisce answered sharply as if he has already seen through Heliotrope.

Heliotrope, if not honest, frank to a fault. However, I do felt that she kept a lot of unspeakable woes to herself. She never shows it but because of my growing attraction to interaction and affection, I could easily tell various expressions, especially Heliotrope.

I do not claim that I am well-versed with human nature or outward and inward personality, all I have is my ever longing for happiness. Inside me, I know that I need befitting actions to please people around me.

In my lifetime, I neither had the pleasure of pleasing people nor the joy of finding the use of myself for others, but that is the sole reason I might be sensitive to emotions.

"Is it relevant to you whether I am withholding crucial information about us or not? Do I have any liability in giving you the information you seek due to your ignorance?!" Heliotrope finally spat words the seemingly admit Elder Uisce's claim.

"It is not relevant, however, if I do not unravel the truth behind this mystery, I may not able to sleep tonight." At the heat of the moment, Elder Uisce dropped his shoulders and shrugged as if he entirely gave up. "If you don't want it, I shall not pry further. That is all. I was told not to incite the wrath of a woman." He added.

Wrath of woman, I see.

Rather, Elder Uisce visibly don't want to antagonize Heliotrope further as the latter showed that she is tight-lipped. However, it was inevitable in my part that my curiosity got piqued at the secret she dearly holds but I shall not make any pursuit on the topic itself.

After all, it also involves me to a degree. No, it might be the whole reason I am here right now, sitting beside her, experiencing new sensation the past me would never feel.

"With that out of the way, and I am feeling exasperated, I'd like to hear your story. It is irrelevant to me by the way. Rather, I would like Aster to be filled in the situation." Heliotrope, with a huff, sat down and resumed that conversation with its direction pointing towards my initial curiosity, Tirheaarn Kingdom's state of affairs.

"You must be a woman who had all of your whims followed to the letter, I see. How fearsome. Uisce, if you will." Atil spoke up to give Elder Uisce a push for the topic to be pursued.

"I was not able to satisfy my thirst for knowledge. I am quite appalled of this situation where I have to speak out for crucial information." Elder Uisce barked back at Atil and glared at Heliotrope with a little annoyance.

I successively look at Heliotrope and she looked back with the same annoyance reflected on her eyes. She doesn't want to be included in the conversation anymore it seems.

It suddenly struck to me that I am now on my own to proceed with the conversation.

So, I ramp up my conversation and persuasion skills, as to what Heliotrope taught me.

"I do think it is only fair for us to learn of the affairs involving the current events, specifically, with your expert input and high deductive skills." I immediately breathed out those words. "I am certain that the information coming from you would be highly credible and accurate." I added while looking at Elder Uisce. shyly as I can.

"Well, I can see why you want to rely on me, hehehe. But I still don't see any good trade-off coming out of it." Elder Uisce said abashedly as he rubs his nose with his index finger with a smile trying not to break out from his lips.

This, coming from a who knows how many decades lived man, saying with embarrassed countenance while still puffing his chest.

Heliotrope and I kind of stare at him with blank eyes. I seemingly regret my choice of words, however, it has proven effective.

"Well, thanks for showing me this condescending sight, Aster. I am going to remember this until my death." Heliotrope whispered to me sarcastically with the most despiteful tone.

"It was...necessary, I guess." I whispered back, troubled.

it was a rather interesting sight that beheld in front of us but it is far cry from sight for sore eyes. If the saying if I could wash my eyes is popular, it is a phrase I will use.

Getting back on track, I made out a positive response from Elder Uisce. It was generally an economic strategy move that mainly points out your interest and corroborating it positively with the other party's best quality they are proud of.

However, I will become assertive and decisive at the next set of conversation to sweep the favor to me.

"I do not see any of the best tradeoffs, I understand that. But, Elder Uisce, since you admitted that you investigated about us without our knowledge, that was breaching what little privacy we have." Since Heliotrope taught me how to attack a sore spot, that is what I did. However, I threw in a little stage expression as I acted downcasted with a sight peering from a saddened glassy eye.

"Are you trying to guilt-trip me? I do not have remorse for my actions. You are not that much of a naive, no?" Elder Uisce immediately shot me down as he coupled his words with a sigh.

"I did try. I should have known better, all the elders aren't alike. I am not saying you are inferior to any." I stated as I reset my countenance to default, dropping all pretense of the act.

"You impresses me with your positive impression and ingenuity with words. Out of goodwill, I will speak about my objective." Elder Uisce said out of sheer sarcasm whilst agreeing to tell me.

It is quite astonishing how little resistance he offers in giving out information. I would like to think that he exclusively made an exception for me and Heliotrope. May it be out of responsibility or whim, either way, we get to hear their objective to infiltrate a city infested with the Rousse Empire soldiers.

And if not asking too much, I would like to know something about Atil. I feel like Atil would play a huge role against the Rousse Empire.

Atil from the tribe of Hun. To simplify it, from the countless books that I've read, he may be the leader of the Hun, Atilla, the one who destroyed the Empire of Rome.

I have my speculations from before about the place that I was reborn in. The Celtic myth, the Empire that grows like the Rousse, and now, the tribe of the Hun, Ostrogoths, and Alans. I may be wrong but I felt like the odds are high.

"I am going to save the Kingdom of Tirrheaarn." Elder Uisce said with conviction in his eyes.

"Are you sure you are not pulling your arse too much on your goal? It is a fool's errands to my ears." Heliotrope made a snarky comment with a snicker. "I, for one, knows the might of the Empire of Rousse, unless you are going to get help from another country or kingdom." Heliotrope added as she glances at Atil.

"You have mistaken my statement. Well, I did phrase it like I am brave, but I am not. I am quite the coward and I am aware of a fool's limitation. What I meant about saving the Kingdom of Tirrheaarn is saving its history." Elder Uisce said as he took out a book under the wing of his coat.

"That is...? What a thick book..." Since I don't have any clue, I just gave a generic comment about the book Elder Uisce took out. It was a thick laden book, messy at one because of the horrible placing of the bookmarks made out of flattened leaves.

"It is, and I have dozens of more stored in the library of the Madd Kingdom. I am archiving Tirrheaarn's history, culture, everything. We cannot salvage the citizens of Gaul from the influence of the Empire of Rousse, however, if I can keep our identity stored, we can claim victory in a roundabout way." Elder Uisce laid out.

"...I see, to prevent destruction, you will persevere with preservation. We heard that the Empire of Rousse started burning all the records and books relating to the Gauls." I speculated while I stare at the book.

"That is correct. they want to completely eradicate our traces but, If I can preserve the writings important to identify ourselves, even if decades pass, we can emerge again. After all, we, the Elders, have seen this cruel fate of our people. They will not be killed but will be stripped of their identity. For us, at least for us who firmly believe in the Gaul's tradition, identity is our pride." Elder Uisce confirmed my answer and elaborated his scheme on a surface level.

"I do not know of the method and I feel too intrusive if I ask about it but, I want to let you know that I am in awe from your dedication." I utter words of amazement to Elder Uisce. It was a unique way to view how to grab victory over an undefeatable foe.

"Do not think too highly of me. As I said, we have already laid down the path that we will go down. What I mean is, the Elder's fate was already predetermined, so is mine, The fate to continually survive to tell the tale. For Elder Doiteain, to die in the battlefield but it seems it took a scrutinizing turn." Elder Uisce said as he sighs.

I heard of something the immediately grabbed my attention. It is something about the elders and how I kept remembering how they all knew that they will be defeated but...I didn't know there was an intricate plan behind all of it.

"Planned? Everything, every scenario, are planned by the elders?" I ushered Elder Uisce as his implication weighted more than I have anticipated.

"Elder Domhan accepted his fate too. Even King Cuh knowingly agreed to the staged betrayal. Betrayal of Elder Iarann that is." Elder Uisce's eyes swam to the side and he starts avoiding my gaze.

"Say, Elder Iarann...Elder Iarann staged a betrayal? Towards King Cuh?" That is...so cruel..." I can feel my lips shaking. Everything that Elder Uisce felt surreal that it made a pricking sensation in my heart that I can't do anything else but hug myself. "They all knew what will happen, and yet..." They kept smiling at me and showered me with kindness.

Knowing that they planned everything, I cannot fathom how much of a sacrifice they have to make. I never met people who willingly put their lives down for the people who lost their trust in them!

And...for the two, for King Cuh to let himself betrayed by someone whom he dearly trusted. For Elder Iarann, to betray someone whom he dearly respected as King. For Elder Doiteain to willingly offer her head to the enemy...and for Elder Domhan to forfeit his life...

I am clueless...

I am clueless and tattered in mind...

"We are fated to be killed anyway, we might as well play it out to our advantage. Elder Iarann's betrayal will give him a form of authority over a small populace of the Gauls, Elder Doiteain stained our name by branding ourselves as tyrant so people will trust Elder Iarann, who sided with the Empire, Elder Domhan to show the spirit and tenacity of the Gauls that sparked inspiration to all uprisings, and me, who uses the commotion they caused to save our history." Elder Uisce's eyes are full of vigor, a conviction that has thoroughly saw all of it from the start and will persevere for the end.

"King Cuh? How about King Cuh?" I asked, sounding desperate as I grip at the hem of my shirt.

"Of course, King Cuh was the one who planned everything. As a head figure of the Kingdom of Tirheaarn, his death by betrayal was the most fitting theme for his fall. We didn't go down by the hands of the enemy but was served justice by his own subjects. It is quite novel if you ask me." Elder Uisce commented positively. His smile was genuine as he gives a thought of King Cuh and all the Elders.

"I still have something to tell to King Cuh..." I muttered whilst my heart is being pricked. "I...I already have an answer for him." I added while biting my lower lip.

"I cannot help you with that. King Cuh has already passed away and Elder Iarann will be judged by the tribunal of the Empire of Rousse. I want to be empathetic of your feelings, however, we are now going down on our paths. So, choose well, Aster." Elder Uisce said as he stood up whilst collecting the book he put down earlier.

"Where are you going?" Heliotrope snaps a soft growl towards Elder Uisce. "After avalanching Aster with all of this information and caused her emotional scar, do you think it will go unpaid?" She added with a threatening tone.

"Hmph. Of course, to retire for the day. I do not need this much emotional sway for one day." Elder Uisce said as he left us.

"We go to the same inn." Atil brought it down to Elder Uisce.

"...Seriously?" Elder Uisce replied with his jaw hanging.

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A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

"Damn! There's a limit to how cold a man should be! How dare he?!" Heliotrope stomps on the carpeted floor.

"Please calm down, Heliotrope. I didn't take that heavily. I am okay." I said as I tried to appease her anger.

Currently, Heliotrope and I are in the room we rented. It was a grandiose room for a fair price as a chandelier runs by the power of Faes lit the room. The furniture is modern contemporary as it was designed for both gaudiness and sturdiness.

The walls are lightly painted with yellow and crests design native to Tirheaarn. The windows are a fancy frame type with woods as its base and the glass panel are tidy that peering outside didn't pose any challenge.

Two single-person beds with frilly beddings and soft pillow exclusively made from cotton are in the room. In this area, cotton and feather bed and pillow are a luxury. No, cotton is more expensive due to its extremely tasking process.

"Do you think it is unreasonable for me to get angry? No! It is unreasonable that you aren't affected by this! Who does he think he is?!" Heliotrope got into my face threw her anger at me.

"Rather than angry, I am glad to know what happened. Not to be left out from the dark, I felt relieved but at the same time, I am torn. It was too late for me to know. I know there's nothing I could do and to only give respect to their will is to not obstruct them." I said as I gaze down, eyes getting moist.

"Aster..." Heliotrope weakly said as she looks at me, standing in front of me.

"I already figured out what to say to King Cuh. I wanted to tell him how happy I am for his feelings, of how happy I was that he made me feel that I am loved... but...I cannot reciprocate his love for me..." My voice coarsely came out as I squeeze out those words.

My head becomes clear and I realized that...

That...

I cannot reciprocate his love for me as I still don't know how I can love myself. I want to first love myself for who I am and for what I do. My longing is only for that love that will reach out to me, to drag me out from the mud of despair that I was thrown in.

I do not want to disrespect King Cuh, however, his love was ineffective for me to get me out of the agony the tormented me.

"I see. Keep those words in your heart for the meantime. Tomorrow will be a special day and also the day we leave this place." Heliotrope said as looks out of the window.

"I have rented this room for two more days. Is that fine?" I rebutted softly.

"I feel like staying here will be nothing but detrimental, for you and me." She replied while gazing at the moon slowly rising towards the horizon of the skies. "You'll see soon enough." Her last words as she turned around and head out.

"Where..." I said before I cut short myself as Heliotrope ignored me and continues on her way out whilst putting up her hood to hide her rare figure.

I lay down on my bed with an audible sigh, staring nothing but the painted ceiling made out of wood. It was certainly a long day and it was a bit hard for me to digest all the information Elder Uisce gave to me.

I know their fates are cruel but I cannot muster the will to weep, or rather, I already knew that shedding a tear will be nothing but a short step away from disrespecting their actions that they consider noble and gracious for their kingdom.

Even if they are branded as traitors by the populace, or see themselves in the most shameful light by deceiving people, all they wanted was for the betterment of their subject.

Selflessness is destructive but so is selfishness but one can already see the distinction of the benefits acquired from these two separate concepts.

When I think about it, am I selfish for trying to become happy more than I am now, or am I too selfless for settling with these bits of joy that filled my heart? I know at every point of people, these thoughts would cross their mind because if not, they have completely attained satisfaction throughout their lives without question.

But in the end, people are enslaved by their desire whether it was to give or to take from someone...

What am I...?

Do I want to give...or do I want to take?

My thoughts slowly trailed off and my consciousness started drifting to endless darkness that beckons the sweet embrace of slumber. I slowly sank into the prime desire of unconscious for the dreamland to take me...

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A drizzle covers the land as the morning comes from the beckoning of the night. At the heart of the plaza stands a wooden stage and everyone is gathering around it, however, there was still a restriction of how close they can watch within the perimeter.

Despite the weather, people have come to watch in earnest to see the traitor everyone has branded. It was a plaza full of people eager to see Elder Doiteain dies...

"Aster, this is the best I can do. I cannot allow you to get close anywhere there." Heliotrope said in a default countenance, lacking in any emotion.

"Who knows. What if the matter about the Divine Beasts were leaked on a few officials and they are on a lookout for you. Even if we disregard the matter about the Divine Beast, our bunch is suspicious enough." Elder Uisce said with the same tone as Heliotrope.

"That is truly the mind of a coward." Heliotrope commented.

"It would be my best interest if you do not phrase it like that, although I did admit on being one." Elder Uisce replied as he leans back on his chair.

"I am quite magnanimous to retract my claims about you. I'll stop at calling you a callous man." Heliotrope whilst retracting her earlier claim about Elder Uisce closed the matter with a more dignified title for him.

Currently we, the four of us whom the group yesterday, settled on an open-air veranda with a roof over us. The reason being is that they won't let me fit into the crow because of the danger of exposing my identity. It was a bit frustrating but I gave into their suggestion.

We are quite a good dozen meters away from the heart of the plaza but it was enough for us to watch the event unfold. This execution was meant to be grim and sad, however, the radiant vibe and the lack of any melancholy within anyone made me feel sick for some reason.

It is like they are just going to mark Elder Doiteain's death a sign of a new festivities.

"Uisce, do you think any faction or group will rise to stop the event?" Atil asked while keenly watching the people preparing the stage.

"The only thing we can do right now is to wait and see. Will they emerge or not? If somehow, one of Emperor Nazrhal's general is present, the idea of revolt will be purged." Elder Uisce concluded.

"I see." Atil nodded.

"There must be quite a lot of them if you are that restless." Elder Uisce willingly said as his eyes started swimming around.

"At least four groups. Last time I checked, they are those who firmly believed in Elder Doiteain's innocence." Atil said.

"Wait, the way this goes, Atil, are you perhaps watching for any potential allies?" Heliotrope interjected the conversation between Atil and Elder Uisce.

"Contrary to Uisce's objective, I am here to collect information and yes, to look for allies. By the end of the day, I recommend that you two flee immediately." Atil said while giving me a warm look.

A jolt runs down my spine as I knew what those eyes are for. It was very similar to King Cuh.

"Is it beneficial if they rescued Elder Doiteain or not?" I ask meekly.

"If Elder Doiteain doesn't die and get rescued, the people will become restless. Also, that is not what the Elders intends it to be. If Elder Doiteain is killed, the people waiting in the shadows could use the wave from this event as a spark to start a revolt." Elder Uisce explained.

"Then, Elder Uisce, what do you feel about it?" I ask him while making small eye contact as possible.

"...I think that Elder Doiteain should be executed. She has lived for long enough to be in this world." He replied coldly to which I understand and at the same time, I don't. "It was the same for Elder Iarann, they are overdue for the prospect called life, but that old man gets to stay for the goodwill of the Druids." Scoffs, as he said that.

"Don't you think that making Elder Iarann betray King Cuh is equally painful as death?" I asked.

"Like I said yesterday, King Cuh Rux's death was quite novel. He died by that hands of the man who treated him like a son. It should be twice as painful for Elder Iarann. To that end, that is his punishment. A punishment that cost him a lifetime. Don't ask, it is a long story that happened over a hundred years." Elder Uisce stopped the conversation abruptly.

I stopped asking questions that I feel like it doesn't matter anymore for both Elder Uisce and to me. Each Elder of Gaul, the Druids, has their circumstances, has their woes to think about...and has their job to do.

Only one thing is clear for all of them, including King Cuh. It was the survival of the Gauls, rather than preserving their kingdom. Each of their actions has a price to pay to lead to what the Kingdom of Tirrheaarn is now.

They have crimes and history to keep, and I am going to respect it.

Then, after a grueling ten minutes of preparation, a soldier of the Empire of Rousse blows a trumpet that signals the start of the execution. After that. a man clad in a white robe and an insignia pinned on his dress comes up the stage.

As he garners the attention of the masses, he unfurled the parchment in his hand.

"Greetings, citizens of Tirrheaarn. Today, we will be withholding the execution of one of the Druid's Elder, Doiteain. The execution will be carried for the numerous reason such as the malicious act of tyranny, embezzlement of the tax from the people, forced labor and heavy taxes, and most of all, collaborating a genocide with King Corcairdhearg Mac Nessa for a forbidden ritual. All of these are self-attested by the Doiteain herself. As such, with her saying nothing in her defense, we will carry out the execution!" The man reads all of the absurd crimes, however, I can see that some of it are something they have committed and I cannot argue.

The people cheered in sheer joy and excitement as another fanfare resounds the whole plaza, it is as if a celebration they have been waiting for. The whole cheer intensified as the soldiers started bringing someone with a face covered with a sack.

Eh... is that Doiteain?

The people started jeering at her nonstop and some even started throwing eggs and tomatoes at her. Her steps are weak and her body was limping. The two soldiers that are holding her arms are practically dragging her.

After dragging into the center where a small table has been placed, they made her kneel before it and took off the sack covering her face.

"...Doi...teain..." My heart aches that I felt it was about to explode. It was so painful that my heart voluntarily stops itself from beating and I could feel the streams of tears gushing out of my eyes.

The prideful, dignified, and gentle Doiteain that I know has a face practically disfigured. Her left ear was visible lopped off and her right ear is basically on the verge of falling off. Her nose was bent to the left and one of her eyes is bleeding as if there is no longer an eyeball in it.

Her face was full of laceration and her head has scalded to the point that she doesn't have any hair on the crown. But what destroyed my heart is that her throat has a slit on it. They knew that to command the power of the Faes, the Gauls needs their voices.

"No...Noo! Doiteain!" Without thinking, I turned around and sprint off towards the stairs, attempting to get to where Doiteain is!

"Aster!!" However, Heliotrope immediately grabbed me in her arms, making my run impeded. After that, Atil and Elder Uisce help Heliotrope to stop me.

"Doiteain...Doiteain is...!" Through my cracking voice, I mutter her name. Knowing how horrible her fate was, I couldn't turn a blind eye to it anymore.

I didn't know!

I didn't know that it would be this painful! No one told me that this would be so painful that it takes a lot of my will to take one breathe.

I was so blinded by the complacent and safe travels that I had that I was blinded by this kind of reality. They stripped off Doiteain of her dignity, her beauty, and her treasured calm and warm voice!

They made her suffer while tainting her name with blemishes that she didn't do! I don't care anymore if this was orchestrated by all the Elders including Doiteain herself! I don't want to see her in that state!

"Aster, stop struggling! We don't want to alert the Rousse, right?!" Heliotrope said as she pinned me down on the floor whilst hugging my torso.

"I don't care anymore! Why...Why do they have to do that?! Why do they have to be this cruel?! Wasn't winning enough for them?!" I cried out those words. I stopped struggling and cried while burying my face on the wooden floor.

Someone...or something!

Anyone that could help her, please step up!

"Quit making a baby out of yourself." Elder Uisce's cold voice pierced immediately through my heart but it didn't help me relieved of this choking sensation in my chest.

"But..." I pleaded. I pleaded for the small chance that either Elder Uisce or Atil would act.

"Doiteain has committed far worse than that. She is just having the taste of her own medicine. Truthfully, she well deserved it. Even if she repent on her crimes, it is too late now for atonement. She can never be forgiven! What part of that you don't understand!" Elder Uisce shouted right into my ears that it made a sharp tingling sound.

I can't accept that!

"You are deliberately insulting us at this point, Aster! I thought you better than this! Look, behold, the countenance of Elder Doiteain who is about to face judgment!" Elder Uisce grabbed me by the hair.

"Hey! What the hell do you think you are doing to Aster!?" Heliotrope growled at Elder Uisce, seething with nothing but hostility. Her voice and everyone else wasn't heard as it was all drowned by the loud jeer of the people.

"Look! Look at your beloved Doiteain! Watch her as her life is severed from the living!" Elder Uisce lightly slam my face on the rail of the veranda and made me watch the horror in front of me.

"Uisce, you are going too far!" Atil tried to pull Elder Uisce away from me but he was stubborn.

In front of me, in my tear-filled eyes, Doiteain kneels in front of the pedestal, all beaten up and disfigured. I could feel nothing but despair as she was laid down there with no one else besides her.

"Doiteain..." My voice shaking with all the bottled up feelings for Doiteain mixed with despair and agony came out weak and helpless.

At that moment, as if the time has stopped, Doiteain, in the last feat of her strength, looks up. Her sight latches onto me as if she knows that I am here. We locked gazes and at the very moment, her mouth wordlessly utters a word that none could hear but myself.

"Live..." She said with one last smile.

My whole body shudders and my whole body ceased to move a single muscle. I couldn't keep up with the time as I saw the ax that would spell her demise slowly approaching her neck. In that time that seemingly forever, her smile to me never broke. I can feel my heart gets destroyed, just to be restored and destroyed again.

And then...her life was severed right in front of my eyes.