Deep in the night, inside the Rozenberg house. The husband and wife who are supposed to be in bed resting awoke to tend to each of their tasks. Ayan pretended to turn in early while Clayton quietly laid beside her. When he was certain she had fallen asleep he rose from the bed and went to the basement where Johann confined their prisoner.

At the same time, Ayan looked at the empty side of the bed and patted her chest. She couldn't close her eyes properly the entire time! Thank goodness Clayton left soon or he will notice her poor acting.  

"Milady." 

Five tiny balls of light entered the window and turned into people. 

"Oh~ achoo!" Blue sneezed as she shivered and turned back into thumb size form. "I'm bad with cold weather. My wings are almost frozen. It's hard being a water elemental!" 

"I was offering to warm you up, but you refused," Red said smugly, poking her playfully. 

The tiny Blue flew away from her evil paws. "No thank you. You'll end up burning my hair again." 

"Hush." Coco reprimanded. "Keep your squabble for later." 

Ayan apologized to keep them waiting outside, she took the shivering Blue on her palm then put her near the hearth and wrapped her with a fluffy blanket.  

"Milady, we found it." Old White stepped forward and presented an enamel box about five inches long and three inches wide. 

It doesn't have any sort of decoration or mark. 

"The shady merchant kept it real tight," Red reported. 

"We scoured every corner of the mansion and found it placed behind a statue in the main hall," Coco said. "Hiding it in plain sight was clever but with so many people, once she finds out her treasure is gone I don't think the collector would realize who took it." 

"According to the plants I came in contact with, the collector also holds a secret gaming chamber," Green added. "Some treasures inside were valuable but some were mostly counterfeit used as prizes for the winner."

Blue wriggled inside the warm blanket and also reported what she saw, "That Madam Guildford has a daughter sleeping in one of the upper chambers. She appears to be terribly sick to leave her bed." 

"I see…" Ayan nodded. So Madam Guildford has a child that none of the outsiders knows of. This is a valuable piece of information but she doesn't know when it can be of use. "Thank you all for your hard work." 

"Don't mention it," Coco replied. "Now open the box." 

Ayan took a deep breath as she looked at the inconspicuous little case laying on Old White's hands. Inside it is one of the cures to Clayton's suffering. If not for the book, she wouldn't be able to get this in advance.

The ending of the second volume was so outrageously written and vague at the same time because it no longer mentioned if Clayton was able to obtain the last antidote. It just said that the heroine Lucia Neu and her harem lived in Ava, the biggest territory within the empire and one of the strongest forts fighting against the horde of the Dark Continent. As the years passed, they slowly reclaimed the land overrun by the miasma. 

Ayan touched the box and was instantly swamped by an overwhelming sense of despair. An image of a burnt tree appeared in her vision and a place scorched by dragon fire. 

"Ayan!" The fairies called out in alarm when her face visibly lost its colour. 

"Wait," she whispered. She had no idea why such an image came to her along with a knot of anxiety. Again her eyes fell into the box. 

Could it be because of this? 

Her hand reached for the case and slowly placed it on the rosewood table before opening it. Laying on the black velvet is a thumb-sized vial filled with a golden liquid. The contents were small but despite the poor light, it still managed to give out a shine of its own. 

This is it. The golden dragon's blood. 

She should rejoice but instead, why does she feel as though she was neglecting something very important? 

"Is this the genuine thing?" She asked.

"Indeed it is." The fairies agreed. "It's not only genuine but also in its purest."  

"Will there be no complication if Clayton takes this?"

Old White caressed his beard and spoke gently, "The Lord has taken the precious Fairy Tears many years ago and shortened the effects of scorching pain to three days. The golden dragon's blood role is to cleanse his body of impurities. In essence, the Lord's internal injuries will slowly heal and the manic state during the attack may disappear." 

This means, Clayton no longer has to stay away from them when the peak of his curse comes. He doesn't have to worry about hurting them.

"A word of caution though, Ayan." Coco finally spoke, "The antidote for Hellfire has all very precious ingredients that can only be found in the fairy clan. Clayton must keep his recovery a secret because I suspect that those who gave him Hellfire were not really after him but after our hiding clansmen."   

Ayan's eyes narrowed. The three ingredients are extremely difficult to find, does that mean that once Clayton's recovery becomes known the enemy will begin the search for the fairies? 

But who's after them? 

In the basement after the interrogation, Johann pulled a five feet long cloth they confiscated from the spy earlier. It was old and brown from time and neglect but the hand-woven details within can still be clearly seen. They determined that what he came for was not Ayan nor was he able to see the pillar of Penance Flame. 

The spy's mission was to come to the mansion, posing as a guest and win this broken tapestry from one of the prizes. Madam Guildford was able to win this piece from an auction she attended in another kingdom many years ago but because it was torn and incomplete, she lost interest quickly and left it hanging in her treasure vault to collect dust. 

Clayton spread the cloth on the table inspecting from top to bottom. 

"I can't believe the spy came for this old piece," Johann said, looking around as well. "It looks fragile, washing off the dirt might only cause more damage." 

"As long as the images are still clear, it's fine." 

"It's amazing. Who would have thought one of the Dragon's Saga series was just lying around in some merchant's house?"

The Dragon's Saga. Clayton fell into deep thought. It's an old tale even the little children in Asturia and its neighbouring kingdoms know of. But while the empire revered the dragons, there are others who believed they are the harbinger of calamity and this tapestry for one tales that certain kind of story. 

A long long time ago, when the western kingdoms were still fraught with the menace of high ranked monsters and demons, a hero was summoned from another world. He came blessed with the power to purge the darkness and bring the land back to its former peace and prosperity. 

In every story, a hero is revered for being benevolent and mighty. He wielded his strength to help the weak, tame even the wildest of beasts and made them submit. Not even the prestige of the ancient dragonkind was able to compete with him and they, as well, recognized his power. The hero fought for the freedom of the human race and eventually sealed all evil in the place now called the Dark Continent. 

The irksome dragonkind who stood tall above all found their match with the hero, eventually curbed their tempers and vowed to no longer trouble the weaker species. 

Clayton looked at the tapestry with an inscrutable expression. Sensing that his lord state was not right, Johann refrained from making any casual comments. 

"Bring a rope and light a torch for me." He commanded.

Johann gulped. Is he planning to burn a valuable relic?! But even as he was confused, he followed as told. Clayton picked up the tapestry, tied it on both sides with the rope and hung it in the middle of the room. Now the images are displayed in full detail, Clayton took two more torches mounted on the wall and placed them near the cloth. 

Johann was still a little lost. What does the lord want to do?

In such a distance, the glare of the light made the fabric almost transparent. The embroidery began to blur and… change? Johann rubbed his eyes. 

"Go to the other side," Clayton said.

Johann doggedly followed and froze in surprise. 

"M-Milord, why is there another embroidery on the back? I hadn't seen any when I took it out earlier." 

"It's an old, unique technique. Double-sided weave." He replied as he scanned the new images. A woman with transparent wings resting beside a golden dragon under the shade of a giant tree.  

Unlike the heroic tale on the other side, this part of the tapestry tells about a love story and a tragedy… 

 

Mornings of early spring still carry the cold from the past winter but in the backyard of Rozenberg house, the men in the family were already actively working up a sweat. The twins held their practice swords clumsily imitating Clayton's movements. 

Milk flicked his tail, rose from the cushioned seat and stretched his round body with a lazy yawn. 

Huh? Something smells nice from the kitchens.

Gently, with his soft pink paws, he jumped from the seat and walked to follow the scent. In the kitchen, he saw Ayan sitting by the stove watching the soup pot. It seems… the good smell is coming from there. the saliva poured from the little fat cat's mouth. 

Everything mama makes is delicious! 

Milk was about to pounce on Ayan when they heard people calling from the gates. An edict from the imperial capital arrived at their doorstep along with a hundred Holy Knights on horseback. 

 

For what should have been an intricate conspiracy that takes a deeper understanding to unravel, the insurgents are having a hard time implementing any kind of action after running into several difficulties one after another. First, the southern lords who had amassed a large militia faced the problem of food supply when the winter disaster hit. Second, Roy Sybil and his troops were recalled.

Now the crown prince delivered a new development to Clayton and Lachlan. 

"As expected after the newspaper published the article about the 5th Order, people stormed into Countess Cecil's home. If we haven't taken enough measures to bring her to a safe place she might have been abducted by now." Beck said, bringing a cup of freshly brewed coffee to his nose for a whiff. Travelling overnight drained him but the sharp bitter taste from the hot beverage served to him miraculously washed away his fatigue. "The curious thing was, some impertinent fellows also sent men to the 5th Order's garrison. Wanna guess what their aim was?"

Lachlan was frowning in deep thought not liking the conclusion forming in his head. "Without their commander, the 5th Order is doused in anxiety." He tossed Clayton a look, "Any idea Clay?"

"If some people come in between convincing them to turn sides, it's going to be a problem. Perhaps the plan is to disband them or divide the order troops of Commander Sidrain to another player's side. I presume it's the latter."

"Same." Lachlan agreed. "Most of the 5th order is yet to know that the commander is fine." 

"Another enemy, for them to be moving secretly we can assume that this third player's intention is not known to the Sybil faction. Their appearance was too coincidental, they came at the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the commander's accident and the current criticism on the queen's side to recruit more troops."

"Not bad. It seems you have a clear understanding of what's going on within the country." Beck nodded in approval. 

Clayton did not bat an eyelid from the compliment. 

"Commander Sidrain may already have reached Ava. he will convene his men, or what's left of them and meet the 3rd Order until the enemies show themselves," Lachlan said. 

"Exactly, when the delegates from Ma-i come to the imperial capital for the dialogue, this is when they will move. In the meantime, the 5th and 3rd Order will hide away from the public and let Dylan Blackwood's 2nd Order handle the preparations in the city. Within the palace, the 1st Order of Holy Knights will be guarding closeby."  

Clayton then spoke unhurriedly, "The southern territory will start soon."

"That's exactly the reason why I am here." Beck stood and took two sealed parchments from a silver box, one for Lachlan and one for Clayton. 

"Viscount Stellaris," Lachlan rose to his feet. "The empire is delighted by your successful recovery. In the name of Emperor Aegis Reginald Asturia, you are hereby directed to resume your duty as commander of 3rd Order." 

Lachlan bowed his head and received the edict with both hands. "This subject hears and obeys."  

Beck then faced Clayton with a cryptic smile. "The emperor wishes to extend his greeting for your arrival in the empire. Asturia is originally the homeland of the Rozenbergs and their roots bore deep within. However, because your ancestor broke the original vow not to leave their homeland the imperial family has to impose a punishment."

Clayton listened with a serene expression. 

"All the wealth and land of your ancestors are currently under the safekeeping of the imperial treasury. If you as their descendant want to fight for it, you will have to perform a great feat to earn the right to inherit everything."  

"Oh?" Clayton's eyes narrowed. "May I ask what will happen if I refuse the inheritance?"

Beck knew he would say this, he also told the emperor about Clayton's apathy with prestige and wealth but Emperor Aeris threw in an unexpected dare. 

"Naturally the Rozenbergs' properties and the privileges that come along with it will remain sealed awaiting for the new owner to claim it." Beck still saw no signs of reaction from Clayton until, "Five years ago, the emperor declared the untouched wealth in the treasury shall be given to the person with the highest merit. Roy Sybil happened to be eyeing it already." 

Lachlan was the first to react strongly. "What?! Is this even possible?"

"It is, do you know how many years the northeastern territory had been left without a lord? More than two centuries. The Rozenbergs left Asturia right after they fought and conquered the Lancel Kingdom in the south. To be brief, an unmanaged fief will eventually deteriorate without a master taking charge so to remedy this, father had to let go and let others inherit it."

"I see…" Clayton remarked slowly. He was puzzled as to why Roy Sybil would suddenly raise soldiers for his self-directed war play. From commoner, he rose to baron rank after his feats with the notorious bandits in their hometown and managed to insert his sister in the palace. Why was he still not satisfied? The answer was ridiculously simple. It was for the northeastern territory. The land of his forefathers and a much higher title. 

He thought Roy Sybil had a deeper, more elaborate reason for sacrificing the lives of a faraway tribe. In the end, he turned out to be just some worm trying to crawl up. With this, Clayton also concluded that someone like him had nothing to do with the rebellion in the south. His shallow reasoning wouldn't be able to comprehend it. But he could work as a decoy more or less. 

"You don't have to use such a roundabout way to convince me to join Asturia's legion." He spoke after a while. 

"I know we could count on you." Beck beamed. "But Clay, we hope to use you as the last resort." 

"Noted. Is there some simple errand you wish for us to start with?"  

Beck likes intelligent people. It saves him from a lengthy explanation. 

As the crown prince's entourage left the Rozenberg house, almost all of Arpeggio had learned about his visit including Eudith Guildford. The madam wanted to make amends by sending gifts to the marquess and marchioness in hopes of alleviating their anger but the package was returned without a word. 

She regretted it. Eudith was only aiming to test the couple knowing that their reputation is pretty well-known in every kingdom on the continent. The gossip back in the Kingdom of Lattice began to proliferate how a promising person like Clayton Rozenberg fell from grace when he married the infamous villainess that is Ayan Elford. That old piece of the story remains fresh and juicy; it was often used as a reference when educating young ladies. 

The cold transactional marriage of the two almost painted as a repulsive tale. But aren't most marriages the same as theirs? However, any aristocratic lady worth her salt wouldn't dare air her family's dirty laundry. It's a huge scandal with a stress level between divorce and suicide so every couple with problems guards their secrets protectively. 

But the Rozenbergs slapped them with reality. There was nothing stiff nor artificial with how they looked at each other. Even the most loving couple in high society would refrain from blatantly showing affection during social gatherings, but those two didn't care for any rules. The young marquess in particular exercised no restraint when gazing at his wife.

He was devouring her with his eyes all night. 

Eudith Guildford laughed self-deprecatingly. She had been a purveyor of earthly pleasures to all kinds of men. Meeting their demands and fulfilling their deepest, darkest fantasy. There are different kinds of customers who came to her private chambers before, the adventurous seeking to try out new things and those that are simply dangerous… 

Hiding behind their exceptional backgrounds and polished education, those men are rotten underneath. They enter the chamber only for one thing: thrill. Something none of their spouses can offer. She doubted if any of those men ever had sex with their wives in such an open and pleasurable manner. In her chambers on the other hand, those repressed men are free to let go of their restraints. 

She thought Clayton Rozenberg was the same when he accepted the invitation. Eudith was even tempted to personally entertain him. Unfortunately, she can only dream. 

Had she known that the couple who is said to be driven out of Lattice retained their influence, she wouldn't dare try to offend them with a trick. Their arrival caused a lot of controversies, whether or not they will be able to persist in the empire or flee to yet another country. But the presence of the crown prince quickly dispelled all unnecessary gossip, he officially declared to the public that the Empire of Asturia is generously welcoming the family. 

 

Two days later Clayton was sent to his 'errand'.  

In the port of Arpeggio, more than two hundred people from Ma-i safely arrived after a month of sea voyage. The tribal clansmen were welcomed by a row of imperial soldiers bearing the insignia of the empress's family, the frost blossoms of LeGivre. 

In front stood an imposing knight in black and red armour with a magnificent silver sword on his waist. 

"Welcome to the empire." He greeted the weary delegates cordially. 

 A slim hand owned by a young lady under a gauze veil was held out to ask for a greeting. Clayton, who was acting as their welcoming escort, returned the greeting properly. He shook her hands when she was so obviously asking for a kiss. 

The face under the veil narrowed her eyes and smiled playfully.