The screams of terror and wails of despair met Celene’s ears, together with the rythmic sound of marching steel boots striking the floor as she walked down the dark corridor. 

Looks like nobody thought to keep the magic lights going. 

Though, I suppose I can understand. They probably thought that they needed to ensure every drop of mana they had was put on defense. 

…But that merely is proof of how unprepared for war they are. 

Celene let out a sigh as she noticed that the floor ahead was covered with blood. Even the walls had a few streaks of blood over them when someone had swung a blood-covered sword. There was no way to tell whose blood it was, but she sincerely hoped it wasn’t from one of hers.

Together with the distant wails, the dark and bloody corridor made it all seem eerie. If it hadn’t been for the steel-covered soldiers making a commotion everywhere, one could have thought they were in a haunted castle. 

When another scream echoed down the corridor, Celene frowned. So dramatic. It’s not like we’re going to kill or torture you. 

Not all of you, anyway. There is only one that needs to die.

As they rounded the corner, the door to the throne room came into sight. Celene’s soldiers lined the walls outside while waiting for orders, just like they were supposed to do when there was already sufficient manpower to suppress those inside.

The soldier that was closest in the line crossed his arm over his chestplate and bowed his head when she approached. “Empress.” 

As if on queue, the rest of the soldiers mirrored his initiative. Celene felt confused for a moment before she nodded in greeting. Right. We’re an empire now.

Conquering the western continent had been easy. Too easy, since it had only taken her a little over a year. Even Azar, who hadn’t declared war, had been preparing to invade - only to whimper like a whipped dog when Celene put the rest of the continent under her banner before they could take the opportunity to bite. They had taken the initiative to become a part of her empire before she decided to deal with them herself.

And now, it was Favier’s turn. The nobles of the Favier Kingdom, who were now wailing inside the throne room, had only been able to watch and wait to be conquered since she started landing her soldiers in Bavara a year ago.

Pathetic.

Celene let out a sigh to calm herself as she approached the doors to the throne room. One of the royal guards behind her increased his pace to get to the doors ahead of them and made a loud announcement. “Her Majesty the Empress!” 

As she entered, everything had already turned dead silent. Between her soldiers that lined the walls, as well as those who stood in the two columns to make a clear path for her to the throne, were the nobles.

Though many of them won’t be nobles soon.

“Empress Celene, have mercy!” (?)

Celene frowned as she heard one of Favier’s nobles call out to her. Noisy. 

“Mercy!” (??)

Pathetic.

““Mercy!!”” (???)...(?...?)

Disgusting.

Celene halted and raised her steel-clad hand as her frustration boiled over. In a few moments, the noisy nobles quieted down. 

Turning her eyes to the throne, Celene lowered her hand. As she expected, both the prince and princess were there - next to the seated king. 

“Empress Celene.” The king of Bavara spoke as he rose from his throne. “Was this really necessary? I apologized for my son’s actions and made a request for peace. So why continue to spill blood?”

How typical. How…pathetic. Celene shook her head with a faint smile. “This was never about your son. You know that.”

“I don’t know, actually.” The king replied as he approached her. “It seems to me that you have gone mad with a lust for blood.”

…Really? That’s the best you could do? Celene looked at him disinterestedly. “Is that the best you can do?”

“What do you mean?” The king replied innocently. “I’m asking because I don’t know.”

Fine, let’s play this game. Celene raised her sword as she watched how it caught the light. It wasn’t anything like the divine weapon that had once been hers, but since that weapon was gone, the sword in her hand was the next best thing. “Tell me: during my entire reign, who have I gone to war with before your son and the other fools declared war on me?”

“Hah!” The king smiled mockingly at her. “Are you trying to deflect the question? It-”

“You wanted me to play this game.” Celene turned her sword to the king, pointing the tip towards his throat; several terrified gasps and wails were heard from the nobles. “So let's play.”

The king’s smile stiffened. “You only fought with the demons before.”

“And tell me.” Celene tilted her head with a smile. “Who have I said we should all fight?”

“...The demons.” The king replied with a frown.

“In comparison, what have you done?” Celene asked quietly as she studied the king’s frowning face. “You hid behind the wall made with the bodies of the fallen. You’ve been looking to fight everyone but the demons.”

As the king stood speechless, Celene couldn’t help but smile. Pathetic. “But you’re right. I am a monster. A righteous monster - the worst of them all.” 

As soon as she finished her sentence, Celene lowered her sword. A wave of relieved sighs came from the nobles. 

Pathetic.

Moving her free hand to her side, she pulled the weapon the smiths had made for her based on the documents Amin had provided her during the conference. It was still at the stage of being a prototype, and only a handful had been made thus far, but it had shown great promise during testing.

Preparing the weapon, which apparently was called a revolver, she pointed it at the king - who had been smiling triumphantly without realizing the danger he was in. Celene had a faint smile on her face as she tilted her head. “I suppose I should be grateful that you were a self-centered fool. Had you not been, it would have been a lot harder to conquer you.”

[Bang!]

Several frightened screams were heard from the nobles as the loud bang resounded in the throne room. As the king fell lifelessly to the floor and his crown had audibly rolled on the floor in the short pin drop silence that followed, the screams returned in a different tone. Letting her gaze move over the tear-filled and horrified faces of the nobles, she sighed.

Pathetic. They really are sheep. Incompetent, ignorant, unthinking and only ever reacting. 

But at least that means that they’ll be afraid of starting a rebellion. Especially now that they’ve seen me kill their king with an unknown-

“Y-you-...” (Louis)

And now, the fool. Celene cocked head as she turned her gaze to the prince. 

Prince Louis stared at her with a face that was painted with anger and grief in equal parts. “You killed him! In COLD BLOOD! We had surrendered!”

“You did.” Celene replied as put the new weapon back in the holster that was strapped to her chestplate. “So?”

“We had surrendered!” The prince howled in anger. “You lack all honor!”

Celene frowned. Honor? How…

…pathetic. 

“This is war.” Celene snorted as she looked at the prince with a faint smile. “There is no honor in war.”

“There is!!” Prince Louis exclaimed furiously. “We fight according to the knights’ code, and-”

“Rules for boys playing at war to win false glory.” Celene scowled at him as she approached. “There is no honor in war. Only murder and false pretenses to justify it.”

Resignation and grief filled the prince’s eyes while his shoulders slumped when Celene stood before him. “...At least spare my sister.” 

“Your sister?” Celene asked as an amused smile spread on her face. “Oh, she isn’t going to die. And neither are you. After all, I made a deal.”

There were confused murmurs through the crowd, and Prince Louis stared at her. 

Fool. Celene let out a sigh and smiled, as she felt a faint pity for the prince. “Even you should be capable of deducing that we conquered you a little too easily, no?”

The prince looked at the nobles with confusion as he tried to think of who had betrayed them.  

Celene let out a sigh and looked past the prince, to the princess who stood beside the empty throne. As they exchanged a glance, a faint smile spread on Louisianne's face as she cast her eyes down and shook her head. Appearances aside, they’re nothing alike. 

“Sister?” The prince whispered in shock as he had followed Celene’s gaze. “...Why?”

Murmurs erupted among the nobles. But the quiet princess ignored them and smiled as she met her brother’s gaze. “You and father…you both viewed me as a tool. Why can’t I treat you the same?”

Tears filled the prince’s disbelieving eyes. “But our father…”

“He never loved either of us.” Louisianne replied. “You know that.”

“But I do!” Louis exclaimed.

“And that’s why you’ll live.” The princess replied with a smile. 

“My, my, how touching.” Celene smiled and patted the prince’s shoulder before she raised her voice. “Take them all to the dungeon. Except for the princess.”

As the horde of nobles was being escorted out, Celene let out a sigh and sat down on the throne. Several of them were shouting at the princess in anger when they were escorted out, while others seemed shocked or otherwise silent. 

Is anyone among them useful?

As she rested with her sword over her knees while stroking her jaw with her fingertips, the princess spoke next to her. “I fulfilled my end of the bargain.” 

“You did.” Celene replied indifferently. 

“...I trust that you will keep your promise as well, Empress.” (Louisianne)

Annoying. Celene let out a sigh. “Yes, you’ll be one of the candidates for the selection of crown princess when the time comes.”

“That-!” The princess exclaimed before she recolleced herself. “You said that you would make me-”

Celene frowned in displeasure. Pathetic. “I said that I would consider you when selecting the future crown princess.” Celene turned to look at her. “And I just told you that you’re one of the candidates.” Did I misjudge her?

The princess clearly wasn’t satisfied, as she was frowning and looking for a way to retort. “But…I just helped you-”

“Louisianne.” Celene cut her off as she looked at her with a bored expression. “If you thought I’d make you the crown princess merely for helping us conquer Favier a little quicker, then I wonder if I should reconsider you as a candidate.”

The princess paled and waved her hands. “No, of course not! I never thought that!”

Typical. Celene sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. “Then tell me why I’m willing to make you a candidate.”

Louisianne was silent for a moment. “Because you believe I could support Crown Prince Luke when he becomes the emperor.”

Looks like she was simply indulging herself a little too much when dreaming about the future. A little indulgence is acceptable, but she better get rid of that habit. Celene turned her gaze to the princess. “Yes. He will need strong support, and that means I don’t care about anything else the crown princess brings but her competence. Even if you had given me the entire continent and all its riches, it would matter little if the empire falls apart because of poor leadership before the end of the century.”

The princess nodded grimly. “Of course, Empress. I agree.”

“Which means I need to select whoever is best suited for the task.” Celene continued. “And you will have ample opportunity to gather merits before this war is over. After all, I need someone I can rely on to keep the peace and begin implementing the necessary laws.”

The princess nodded with a faint smile. “Of course.”

Now, she’s motivated. All that’s left is to warn her not to overstep her boundaries.

Celene nodded at the doors. “You may retire, or see your brother. I want a list of the nobles you believe are capable and willing to follow you, if any, on my desk by noon tomorrow. I have plenty of eager spares with me if you need them, so don’t make unnecessary compromises.”

“Yes, Empress. Once again, congratulations. Good night!” The princess said with a smile as she curtsied before heading towards the doors.

Celene closed her eyes as she judged the distance the princess had reached by the sound of her heels striking the floor. Not yet. She needs to get her hopes up.

Not yet…

Now. Celene smiled as she called out. “Louisianne.”

The sound of the heels stopped. “Yes, Empress?”

Celene opened her eyes as she met the princess’ confused gaze. “Supporting the crown prince means ensuring the nation follows one will. One will. That is one of the most important factors I’ll be considering when selecting the crown princess.”

The princess blinked before she replied. “...Of course, Your Majesty.”

“And one more thing.” Celene smiled wryly as she supported her jaw with her fingers. “The law of the Empire states that anyone who seeks a position of power must have done at least a year of military service.”

The princess’s face contorted as she exclaimed anxiously. “But I don’t know how to fight!”

“You’re young. And I know you have at least a mediocre skill as a magician.” Celene insisted. “I never said when, or how, military service should be done. Only that you must complete it before I begin the selection process. Unless you have a justifiable reason not to.” 

Louisianne opened her mouth to reply, before soon closing it. She cast her eyes down before she replied. “...Yes, Your Majesty. I understand.”

Good answer. Celene gently waved her hand. As the princess left, Celene leaned back on the throne. Show me what you can do, princess. Let’s see if you’re willing to resist the desire to increase your influence for the good of the empire.

As she waited, Celene decided to pick up the crown. Studying it, she fell in thought. Another crown to keep as a piece of the empire’s history.

But perhaps I should let Louisianne keep it. Though that might lead to trouble in future generations…as it could become a reminder of their past independence.

“Are you considering melting it down?” (Teacher)

Celene smiled as the man arrived silently on time. “No.”

“Shame.” The scarred man shrugged. “You could get quite a few coins out of it.”

“I guess one could.” Celene replied with amusement before she turned a serious gaze to him. “Any sign of them?”

“Besides the ones beyond the barrier?” Teacher shook his head. “None yet.”

“Keep looking.” Celene frowned as she looked at the crown again. Where could they be hiding?

 “Of course.” Teacher replied. After a short pause, he added. “We got news on Amin.”

Amin? He’s alive! Celene quickly returned her gaze to the assassin. “Where is he?”

Teacher nodded. “He’s on the elven homeworld. Whildernae.”

Whildernae? Celene frowned as she fell into thought. That means...as expected, the pope was lying when he said he didn’t know where Amin is. 

And then…the druids were indeed sent on Amara’s command, not as guests to promote friendship between the worlds.

Celene glanced at the assassin. “How did you find that out?”

“One of the shadows from Bavara apparently accompanied him there. The shadow recently managed to return and reported the news.” (Teacher)

Celene leaned back against the throne as she thought. “...Is the shadow reliable?”
“They said the shadow’s reports have always been accurate in the past.” (Teacher)

“That’s not what I was asking.” Celene looked at him sternly. 

Teacher shrugged. “She’s been in the church for a decade, and a few years on Whildernae. Who knows?”

Celene let out a sigh and leaned her head back as she looked at the chandelier that was hanging from the roof. Whildernae. 

The druids from Whildernae had been welcomed wherever they went. Even a handful of druids could double a country’s food production, and were sent as pilgrims part of the church to every corner of Teyrin. The fact that they didn’t put any value on money had come as an even greater delight to many nobles. 

But Celene thought differently. She viewed the arrival of the druids as a declaration of war.

An economic war - just like what she had waged to pressure her father into surrendering the crown to her by the time she came of age. 

Many believe that increased food production means no starvation and more money for the peasants. But with increased food production, it means there will be an excess and prices will drop. Many peasants will be unable to make their ends meet as a result. 

Amara is a genius to have come up with that strategy to introduce chaos while simultaneously painting herself as a saint. Although…I suppose it means we can make joining the army an attractive option for those who need a new line of work. Perhaps she didn’t consider that we’d be able to use it to our advantage.

Despite her apprehension about the druids, Celene had welcomed them to the western continent like everyone else. Though, she had a different goal from everyone else in mind; she wanted to keep a close eye on them. “Has there been any changes in the samples?” 

“Nothing. Last I heard, all appraisals and tests come back clean.” Teacher replied.

Celene rested with her lips against her fist as she fell in thought. Are they not going to use food in the end? Perhaps I’m just being paranoid…

“...Should we send someone to Whildernae?” (Teacher)

Celene’s expression darkened as she glared at him. “You mean to deal with Amin?”

Teacher shrugged his shoulders. 

“No.” Celene shook her head. Ever since Amin had disappeared, the doubt in her mind had grown even stronger. “Leave him be. Don’t attack him.”

“Are you sure?” Teacher asked as he cocked his head. “You were the one who said the prophet would need to be killed.”

“I did. Over thirty years ago.” Celene snarled in anger as she stood up, making the crown roll audibly as it fell on the floor while she pointed at Teacher. “I didn’t expect you to act on your own over something I said back then.”

Teacher raised his palms. “I thought you weren’t giving the order because you were torn when Amin was the one who became the prophet. I thought it was clouding your judgment.”

Celene clenched her jaw as she averted her eyes. You’re right that Amin becoming the prophet has shaken my beliefs. 

Amara, you cruel, sadistic genius. This is your warning to me for making myself your enemy, isn’t it?

Teacher looked at her with a pitiful gaze. “Killing him before he becomes a demon would be a mercy. For both of you.”

Celene cast her eyes down as she spoke quietly. “I know.”

“Then why hesitate?” Teacher frowned. “Waiting will only make it worse.”

Celene paced back to the throne before she sat down as she fell into thought. The reason I don’t want to kill him is…well, because I love him. How can I not?

But…it’s not my love for him that’s stopping me. I mean, it is part of it. But it’s not the only reason why I’m doubting. Celene voiced her thoughts aloud with a mutter. “I’m hesitating because I think we might be wrong.”

After all, Amara…if it weren’t for what Alarice said, one would think she’s trying to help us.

“About what?” Teacher skeptically raised an eyebrow. “Are you saying Alarice was wrong?”

Celene stared silently as she supported her jaw with her entwined fingers. “...Maybe?”

_______________

Flashback: Celene’s POV

~35 years earlier

 

A young Celene woke up late at night with a startle. Looking around the dark bedchamber, she kept her senses alert. 

I must have imagined it. 

Lying with her head against the pillows, Celene looked at how the moonlight fell through the window. But no matter how long she laid waiting, she didn’t fall asleep.

Suddenly, a golden light seemed to emerge in the strands of moonlight. 

…Ah. I must have managed to fall asleep. 

The golden light kept swirling around and gradually began to take shape. It grew until a large figure stood before her - a woman with giant, white wings. The entire being seemed to radiate with a light that made it difficult to discern any more defining features than that.

“Mortal.” The being spoke in an authoritarian tone. “Beware the coming of demons.”

Celene stared at the goddess and blinked her eyes. As the goddess was still there, Celene tried to move - and immediately realized. I’m not dreaming.

Celene sat up in her bed and hesitated to speak. “...Goddess?” 

“I see humans of this world don’t remember. Despite that was the only thing I told them to do.” The goddess replied in an amused tone that was mixed with faint displeasure.

‘Remember.’ Celene gulped audibly. “Forgive me, Alarice. Your lowly servant-”
The goddess’ wings moved as she cut off the princess’ words. “I’ve given you a warning. Do with it what you will.”

With a bright flash, the goddess was gone. Celene was left staring at the empty air, as her mind processed what had happened. She felt honored that the goddess had chosen to meet with her, a mere princess. But more than that, she felt afraid.

The demons are coming.

 

The following days were a great tragedy to Celene. As she asked around, nobody else had been visited by the goddess. And when Celene approached her father, convinced of the truth of the goddess’ words, she was immediately labeled as insane or having been manipulated with mental magic. Which meant she was confined to her chambers with mages watching over her around the clock while they cured her. 

One of those days, when Celene sat bored in her chambers, the goddess appeared again. 

“Princess.” The goddess greeted, in a gentler voice than it had before.

Celene raised her face from the table as she stared at the goddess in shock. Realizing she hadn’t heard a reaction from anyone else, she glanced back at the others - the guards, a mage and her maid - she saw that they were all unmoving, as if frozen in time. 

Swallowing audibly, Celene turned her eyes back to the blindingly bright goddess and rose to curtsey. “Goddess.”

“It appears that none are willing to take you seriously.” The goddess pointed out with a faint smile in her voice. 

“I…” Celene kept her eyes lowered. “I’m sorry. I have failed you.”

“Indeed.” The goddess replied. “I brought my warning so that you would prepare. Handing over the responsibility to others makes my entire purpose here pointless, and so does announcing the coming of demons to the public.”

Celene nodded as the meaning of the goddess’ words sank in. “I realize my mistake.”

“I chose you because you are the best suited in every way. I’m sure you will not disappoint.” The goddess replied. 

As the goddess turned brighter as if it was going to disappear again, Celene shouted. “Wait!”

The goddess stood unmoving, as if waiting for her to continue.

Celene licked her lips as her mind rushed to find the right questions to ask. “When will the demons come? How many will come? What…what can we expect?”

The goddess was silent for a moment before it replied. “The demons could already be here. Their numbers will increase until speaking of numbers is meaningless.”

Celene cast her eyes down as she felt horrified by the implication. This…it will be a disaster.

“I suppose I should tell you that a line has been drawn in heaven, and a few of ours have strayed from the light. They now covet rebellion, and seek to ally themselves with the god of demons.” The goddess spoke. “Should they succeed, you will receive a message that an armistice has been declared once the demons have gained a foothold. You will receive word that you have a new goddess protecting you. But it is all a ruse, for your new goddess is one of the rebels, who will sell your souls to the demons in exchange for power...”

 

_______________

Present

 

Everything has happened as she said it would. Except…that nobody has turned into a demon. And no demons have been sighted outside the barrier.

Yet.

But what if…

Celene pinched the bridge of her nose. During the first conference, she had spoken in favor of Amara. But it was all in order to get those who could be allied with the demons to speak up and reveal their hidden allegiance. In fact, everything she had done had been towards the fight against the demons. Even the lies she spread during the last conference was both to put everything in disorder, and to probe those who held onto their beliefs to Amara.

The same was true regarding why she spread the rumor that the elves had been allied with demons. She wanted to see if anyone would stand up for them - and since nobody did, she could draw the conclusion that none of them were likely corrupted by Amara yet. 

And she offered her own friendship to the elves, in order to limit  their influence on Teyrin. She knew it was a risk, but by keeping her enemy close she would be able to suppress them at a moment's notice. 

Unsurprisingly, they ended up taking a step back together with the church, which certainly was a small victory. Although, Celene would have prefered if they had accepted her offer and come to the west. 

“What do you mean, ’maybe’?” Teacher asked in a confused tone. 

Celene frowned as she raised her gaze to the chandelier again. 

{“No way. The telepathic bond is quite strong when she speaks to me. Sometimes I hear the thoughts she didn’t intend to voice, so I’d say she has been honest.” (Amin)}

…What if he wasn’t corrupted at all?

{“Well...they are envoys from another world. And they are strong, so I thought it would be best for us to be on their good side.” (Amin)}

A faint smile spread on Celene’s face as she recalled how her son had come up with an excuse to hide his feelings on the spot. That’s right. At least a part of him was still human. 

“Celene?” (Teacher)

Celene frowned. No. She warned us about the demons, and everything she said would happen, has happened. Except…except for the things related to Amara and her followers.

Though, those things might still come true. If they do…

Celene’s frown deepened. But Amara gave us these new weapons - firearms. Although they are expensive to make at the moment, they could be provided for a large number of people. Why would she do that if she was against us?

Celene rose from her seat as she made up her mind. “Although Alarice has been right about everything so far, Amara, the elves and the druids have shown no sign of being allied with the demons yet. We’ll keep an eye on them, but we won’t act until we are certain.”

“In other words, we’ll continue as we have.” Teacher frowned. “But what about Amin?”

Yes, what about Amin?

“...I’ll need you to deliver a letter to Amin.” Celene let out a sigh as she headed for the doors. “I’ll give it to you at dawn.”

 

_______________

“Here you are, my…eh…Empress.” The maid bowed nervously. 

Celene looked around in the dark office of the late king as she entered. While she waited for the maid to light the lamps, she sat down behind the desk and continued appraising the room. A worthy office for an unworthy king.

“D-do you need anything else, my lady?” The maid asked as she finished her task. 

“That’ll be all.” (Celene)

Celene dug out a fresh parchment from the desk as the maid left with nervous strides. Once she had a quill wet with ink prepared, she immediately started writing. 

‘Dear Amin’

After finishing the greeting, Celene frowned. 

…What do I write?

Celene knew very well that she and Amin had grown apart a long time ago. Almost her entire life had gone into preparing for the arrival of demons, and for the goal of uniting Teyrin under a single banner against them. 

Based on how her father had refused to believe her when she said the demons were coming, Celene realized that even those most loyal to Alarice were weak. And she knew that the other kingdoms would rather fight each other than the demons, when they saw an opportunity to conquer a weakened neighbour. Only when it was too late, would the races of Teyrin unite. 

Celene had already planned on uniting the world when she was a princess in preparation for the coming of demons. But the demons ended up coming earlier than she hoped, before she had prepared her kingdom for a crusade to conquer the world. 

And everything that followed was putting out one fire after another up until the armistice was declared. Frankly, the armistice had been a boon for her, as it gave her time to prepare for her conquest. But she also knew that the demons would be making preparations in secret as well during that time. 

Celene was well aware that she had become a tyrant. But for them to have a fighting chance at all, she knew it was what she needed to be - people were too fickle and selfish to be trusted with the responsibility of making their own efforts against the demons. Be it greed, fear or pride - people would always find a reason to shy away from the dark path they had to stride to ensure the survival of the many. Teyrin needed a single iron fist that pointed the way forward. A fist that crushed those who had forgotten what was expected of them, despite living every day in privilege - the same privilege that should serve as a reminder of their duty. 

And it could only be her fist. At first she had thought so because Alarice had chosen her, but with time she realized it was why Alarice had chosen her.

Celene let out a sigh as she covered her eyes with her palm. She knew that her commitment to fighting the demons and preparing to unite the world under her banner had been a strain on her relationship with her sons. Especially so with Amin, who had to grow up alone. Celene and Amin’s father, Reiven, had both left to fight the demons when he was young, and even during the years she was home during the war she had been distant from him. She had been occupied with forging political ties and preparing reinforcements, all the while fearing that news of Reiven’s death would reach her. And as soon as the crown prince, Luke, was born, she left for the war again and wouldn’t return for seven years.

By the time the armistice was announced and she had more time on her hands, that time went towards replenishing the army and strengthening the kingdom again. By that point Amin had already become a young adult, and unlike his half-brother, had endured the hardships of being born out of wedlock. Hardships he had suffered alone, without his mother to protect him from the stupid nobles. Hardships that had hardened him. In truth, seeing how well her son had grown both in spirit and body in her absence had made her proud - and simultaneously made her heart heavy with guilt.

…Does he even know I love him? He does, right?

The few years that the three of them - Celene, Reiven and Amin - had spent together before the demons arrived, was the best time of her life. She had a man she loved, and a son she loved even more, and she had held great hopes for the future as her kingdom was becoming stronger than it had ever been. It was a time in which they were happy.

He hasn’t forgotten, has he?

Even during the war with the demons, Amin had always been on her mind. She missed him, and the letters she wrote daily had been what gave her life stability in the darkness. But as the horrors of the war put a strain on her, her letters had become shorter and fewer - because the reality of the war that she didn’t want to tell her son about was taking more and more space in her mind.

…Damn it. Celene uncovered her eyes and stared down at the nearly blank parchment. Even if Amin had known that she loved him, that belief must have vanished once Teacher - her uncle - tried to kill Amin. Without a doubt, Amin believed that she had ordered it - after all, she had done nothing to rectify the potential misunderstanding. And she hadn’t rectified it because she wasn’t sure whether or not Amin was human anymore, after becoming Amara’s prophet. And even if he was human, how could she heal the rift that had grown between them for decades, as a result of her negligence?

What do I do?

If he really is corrupted, then…I’m just inviting trouble and deluding myself with false hopes. But-

No. Celene shook her head. I’ve been thinking Amara is against us for too long. The only thing speaking against her, is the words of Alarice.

Perhaps…Alarice has misunderstood Amara?

Or is the help Amara offers now just to lower our guard and trust her, before she leads us to our doom?

Celene dug her fingers in her hair and let out a long sigh as she tapped the desk with a finger while staring at the parchment. I’m writing a letter because I’m holding onto hope. So I should write it with the assumption that Amin hasn’t been turned-

“Celene.” Teacher’s tense voice suddenly broke the silence. 

Celene looked up with a frown at her uncle’s unscheduled appearance. “What?”

Teacher hesitated for a moment. “...I just received a report. People have been disappearing along the east coast.”
Celene suddenly felt cold as she stared at him. “Hoia?”

“Among them, yes. All the way up to the territory of the Rul’maga.” (Teacher)

Realizing that Celene was squeezing the quill, she loosened her grip on it. “Are the druids responsible?”

Teacher shook his head. “One of the druids has gone missing as well. But judging by the report, it’s more likely that the druid is a victim, rather than a culprit.”

…That’s a relief, if true. If the druids are agents of the demons, then it will be difficult to contain this situation. 

“Your orders?” (Teacher)

Celene didn’t need to think long. “When was this report sent?”

“Around three weeks ago.” (Teacher)

Celene covered her mouth as she thought. Three weeks. By then, the shadow had received reports from the others in the east that there were disappearances occuring. Meaning…at best, five to six weeks since the disappearances started. At worst…let's say three months. 

The entire east coast could fall before we arrive. Celene took a deep breath. “We march at dawn. Send word to every nation with the details of the report. Tell Luke that he needs to send us more troops as well. He’ll need to find a way to keep the peace with minimal forces.”

“Where are we headed?” (Teacher)

“Levan. I doubt the demons will have time to reach it before we do.” Celene replied. “From there, we continue to Hoia. The reinforcements sent can gather at Levan in the meantime.”

“What about the church?” (Teacher)

Yes, what about the church… “If the pope isn’t allied with the demons, he’ll send word soon of the disappearances as well, if the messengers aren’t on the way already.” Celene replied thoughtfully. “After all, he should be able to put two and two together and will be requesting the same.”

“...What if he doesn’t?” (Teacher)

Celene’s expression darkened. “Then, the church and the druids are our enemies as well. We’ll deal with the church on our way east if that happens.”

Teacher snorted. “Guess we’ll know if Amin is lost or not soon.”

Celene looked down at the empty letter on the desk. …That’s right. The truth might be revealed soon enough.

Celene began scribbling a short message, putting her emotions into every word.

As she read the finished message, she felt tears emerge in her eyes. Not because the letter managed to express her emotions, but because it was the opposite. Anyone who read it would have a hard time seeing the emotions behind the words. It was a perfect reminder of how she had failed. 

…Pathetic. 

Celene thought for a moment before she made up her mind. I don’t even know how I would elaborate. I should find someone to help-

“Celene?” (Teacher)

…Right. I don’t have time for this. Celene let out a sigh as she rose from her seat and handed the letter to her uncle as she walked past him. “If the pope does ask for aid, I want this delivered to Amin.”

“He’ll deny any knowledge of his whereabouts of course, but I suppose if we tell him exactly where Amin is…he might agree to.” Teacher shrugged and glanced at the letter as he followed behind her. 

Celene soon heard how Teacher let out a sarcastic snort. “This is what you wrote?”

Celene frowned as she stayed silent, the sound of her steel boots echoing through the corridor. I know. It’s pathetic. Just how I’m a pathetic excuse for a mother.

But I don’t have time to elaborate right now. Amin will have to…

Letting out a dejected sigh, she spoke the words she had spoken countless times before. And she knew that speaking them again would only widen the distance between her and her son; because they were like a shield to justify her negligence. “Amin will have to understand.”

“...I doubt he will.” Teacher replied honestly.

Celene cast her eyes down as she nodded. “I know.”

But if he doesn’t understand from that, then nothing I say in a letter can make him understand.

I’ll have to wait until we meet again, when I have a chance to tell him everything.

…If we meet again.