CHAPTER 5 - III -

 

***Vegencia, Amaranth’s main port city to the south***

 

The Imperial debacle at Dawson Valley caused the Emperor’s personal ship, the Golden Leviathan, to be diverted from its original destination to the port town of Vegencia instead, to the south of Amaranth.  With him was a fleet of ships with ten legions—all fully equipped, and several exotic beasts known as the ‘Leviathan’, and they all set foot in Amaranth, ready for war.

 

The emperor himself was dressed in his magnificent golden armor and purple cape when he went down from his ship to inspect his men.  He was escorted by his Imperial guards, and his crown heir, the Imperial Prince.

 

“My dear Jean!” a familiar voice called out to him.  The emperor froze from his spot because he knew the owner of that deceptively sweet voice.

 

“Your Holiness!” the Imperial Prince and their guards gave respects to the Saint of the Flame, Seirna, who welcomed them in the docks.

 

The emperor also tried to bow, but Seirna stopped him.

 

“Your legions are as impressive as ever.” she quipped, “I heard you got a lot of elvish recruits this time, huh?”

 

“Well, it’s true, Your Holiness.” the emperor replied, “Elves are superb with their eyesight and with magic, so we always have them serve as scouts or magicians.”

 

“Indeed.” Seirna gave a sigh, “I wish these northern barbarians would give up their prejudice for the other races:  the Beastmen, elves, and dwarves.  It’s only in your alliances that would stand up to the power of the demon race…or you’ll risk a repeat of the last Human-Demon war.”

 

“It can’t be helped, Your Holiness.  These parts of Chersea are rife with discrimination, and humans here are not exempt from it.  However, unlike these people, in the empire, we have laws and customs that treat our slaves with respect.  The other races have the same opportunities as our human citizens.

 

“Of course.  Lord Gaius founded your empire after all.”

 

“That’s why we are invading these barbarians—we aim to spread civility and Lord Gaius’ teachings.”

 

“And, speaking of civility, about Dawson Valley…”

 

“Yes, Your Holiness.  I aim to relieve the general, Umberto Benicci, in command.”

 

“That won’t be necessary.” Seirna was quick to counter him, “I wanted him to remain in his position.”

 

“But Your Holiness, I just lost two legions.” the emperor pleaded, “Those were 10,000 men with their own families and children.  Should I allow myself to lose more?”

 

“We all have our reasons, Jean.” Seirna explained, “The sacrifices of those soldiers you lost were not in vain, especially they’re doing Lord Gaius’ will.  I wanted someone who will fight the Human Saint, not someone who would be afraid to even touch her hair.  Besides, I already put someone capable in command together with Prince Umberto.”

 

“But Your Holiness…”

 

“My dear Imperial Jean…” the Saint of the Flame caressed his face, “I believe you’re forgetting who’s in charge here.  What do you think would happen if you invade without my support?”

 

“M-My…” the emperor took a deep sigh, “My legions would be decimated by Lady Madelaine’s powers to afflict sickness.”

 

“And what do you think would happen to your empire if I won’t protect it?”

 

“It’ll succumb to Lady Madelaine’s schemes to blockade me.”

 

“So, what will you do now?”

 

“M-My apologies, Your Holiness…”

 

“Good…” Seirna smirked, “Listen.  There’s still hope for you to save face after what happened in Dawson Valley.  The Duchy of Savoy was still holding out, but your legions defeated the combined army of Nerfes and Savoy there.  Concentrate your forces in that area and crush any resistance.  Its fall would not only affect the morale of your men, but it would also pose a danger to the Holy Palatial Gardens.”

 

“I understand…”

 

“And please, perish the thought that you could go against me.  I could read your mind, my dear Jean.  It’s either you follow me, or you’ll fight against me.  Alright?”

 

The emperor, reluctant as he may be, could only nod, for deep inside, he’s regretting asking for the Saint of the Flame’s help.  It’s more than what he bargained for, and Seirna could see that in his heart.

 

 

**Madelaine**

 

Although Lily and Kuro were both in Stadtsberg, I still find time to come to them via teleportation.  Well, I admit I miss them often so I would sometimes check on the situation, or Lily would give me a summary of things that happened.  Also, sometimes I’m helping them by transporting some of their men from one point to another.  

 

Yes, it was only ‘some’.  The god-power of teleportation was pretty convenient, but it had its limits, especially to a human-like me.

 

However, this time, it was a pretty different matter when I arrived in Stadtsberg.  For one, I just learned about what happened in Savoy, which was our neighbor to the west.  

 

I planned to rescue Prince Simon and the Duke of Savoy along with their men; however, they told me they would hold their positions in Huirot, and wait for reinforcements from Stadtsberg to resist the Imperials.  If the Duchy of Savoy fell to the empire’s hands, not only would the coalition’s line of communication to Holy Palatial Gardens would be severed, it could also allow the Imperials to strike wherever they pleased, and stretched-thin the coalition army.

 

And with limited support from these human kings, I guess Lily and Kuro could only do so much…and Simon also got injured.

 

The second was, I learned about Lily’s fight with Kuro.  I knew something changed within him, for I keep hearing disturbing reports from my friend that he’s getting violent, but I never expected it to reach a boiling point that Lily would slap him.

 

“Well, he’s sleeping right now.” Lily greeted me once I reached the secret place we agreed upon, “I guess the stresses of war was really getting into his mind, and he needs a time off.”

 

“I wanted to, but Kuro keeps on pushing forward.” I told her, “He wanted to feel that he’s needed, and he’s contributing to something worthwhile.”

 

“Yes…that’s typical Kuro.”

 

“I’ve been looking into his thoughts ever since he came here, Lily…that man, though he’s conflicted with himself, he tries to be strong to those people who need him.  And as someone who loves him, why wouldn’t I be touched by that?”

 

“Well, I hope he returns to his old self soon.  I miss the old Kuro…”

 

“I’m the same with you, Lily…” I admitted, “But there may be some things that we couldn’t return to.  Will you still love him if it ever comes to that?”

 

“Of course!” Lily was quick to answer, “I did not only like him for the way he treats me, but I also loved him for who he is.  Kuro may change, but all I have to do is to adapt to it.  He’s the man I swore to love, after all.”

 

“Yeah, but you’ll be second to me.”

 

“I know that, you Holy Pervert!”

 

“Excuse me, but it’s only natural for someone in-love like me to do such things!  Besides, you talk like you haven’t got your own jugs with you!  Don’t you think your body is perverted, too?”

 

“Well, mine’s a perfect figure!  Yours is like the…”

 

“What?”

 

“…never mind.”

 

“Why you!”

 

We both teased each other and laughed.  Though I wanted to talk to Kuro, for now, I’ll just cast a spell to calm his mind and let him rest.  That guy’s been through a lot of things, even back in his own world.

 

“…”

 

One of these days after the war, Lily and I are planning to settle down together with him.  And we can’t wait for that day to arrive…

 

 

***The Holy Palatial Gardens***

 

“Head Maid Jessica, you got mail.”

 

The paladin who was delivering the letters gave Jessica a rather simple-looking folded paper.  The letter had a strong spell covering it, designed to prevent its accidental opening.  However, Jessica was shocked to see not its magic spell, but the mark used to seal it.

 

“This is…the von Albert coat-of-arms!” she muttered as she opened the letter.

 

‘To my dearest sister, Jessica.  How are you?  I hope you are as fine as I am.  It’s been quite a while since I talked to you, and I just want to let you know that I’m fine and alive, after all that’s happened in here.  The Saint of the Flame is gracious to let me live, and she also told me a lot of things I didn’t know that were already happening back there.

 

Can you help me?  Her Holiness, the Great Saint of Chersea, is in danger.  If you wanted to know more, please come to the location on the map after this letter.  Please, we’re doing this for Chersea.  With love, your brother, David.’

 

“Her Holiness is in danger?” At first, Jessica couldn’t believe the contents of the letters, since she thought her brother was already dead.  However, the seal of the von Albert family was something only their family could use.  Add the map that was drawn after the letter—her brother David could use the mapping spell—and her doubts vanished altogether.

 

But what did he mean by ‘the Saint is in danger’?

 

Carefully examining the map, she concluded that the place that he showed was a hidden spot just outside the town of Arles.  And since her desire to see her brother was rekindled within her, Jessica wasted no time in putting on a dress, borrowing a cart, and speeding-off to Arles at a moment’s notice.

 

 

Jessica was led to a relatively dark copse of trees, partly hidden from view of the guard towers of Arles to the east.  Though by then, she was apprehensive, thinking whether to continue.  Nevertheless, the kitchen head maid met the person who sent her the letter.

 

“Sister!”

 

Jessica turned, but not towards her brother, who suddenly appeared in front of her in inconspicuous hunting clothes.  She made an about-face and ran away; fortunately, her brother caught her arm just in time.

 

“You scaredy-cat sister of mine!” David was laughing, “Don’t worry, I’m fully alive, and not a ghost.  I still couldn’t believe that I’m still alive, as well!”

 

“If you’re really my brother…” Jessica challenged him, “Then who ate my pudding last time when I bought one in Amaranth?”

 

“It was me—” the Crown Prince suddenly realized his error halfway into saying it.  He tried to take back his word but failed to do so.  Jessica quickly kicked his shin.

 

“That’s for being an ass, brother!” Jessica smirked, “But anyhow, that also proves you’re alive!”  She quickly threw an embrace to him, “Welcome back!”

 

“Damn, lady!  You don’t have to hurt me like that!” he protested.

 

“Anyway, how’s father and our mothers?”

 

The crown prince silently shook his head, much to Jessica’s horror.  Then, he told her how he survived thanks to the Saint of the Flame.

 

“That fool, Prince Umberto!  If only I could get my hands on him!” Jessica couldn’t help herself but release her anger, “Anyway, brother, what do you mean in your letter that the Saint is in danger?”

 

“Well, the Saint of the Flame told me about the true nature of that man, Kuro.”

 

“Kuro?”

 

“Her Holiness Lady Seirna revealed to me that Kuro someone who’s working with the demons in trying to sabotage humanity, using Lady Madelaine’s peace.” the Crown Prince explained, “I know she might’ve been bluffing, but I couldn’t discount such a possibility.  Sir Kuro is proficient in using a demon weapon, right?”

 

“It’s the weapon he used to win the first and second rounds of the Tri-skill tourney after all.”

 

“Listen Jessica.  Her Holiness, Lady Madelaine, is in danger with that man, Kuro, around.  Will you help me save her?”

 

“Are you out of your mind, brother?” Jessica fiercely asked, “Kuro wouldn’t betray Her Holiness as that Braunhauer brat did!”

 

“Huh?  Lady Eris betrayed the Saint?”

 

“Yes!  I don’t know the details, but apparently, she tried to kill her!” Jessica pointed out, “See?  What I’m trying to tell you guys before was the truth!”

 

“Alright, alright.  Now’s not the time to look back to the past.  You should keep Sir Kuro away from her, understand?”

 

“It’s impossible!  And I won’t do it!” Jessica stood her ground, “I don’t know what that Saint of the Flame told you, but I can assure you, Kuro’s more trustworthy than that Saint of the Flame!  If you won’t believe me by all means, we’re enemies from now on!”

 

“Jessica…”,

 

“I won’t back down, brother!  I may be stupid, but I know a good person when I see one!”

 

The Crown Prince could only sigh, “Fine then.  Have it your way.  But listen to my warning…”

 

“What?”

 

“Pack your things and be ready to leave the Holy Palatial Gardens as soon as possible.  We’re about to assault the armies of Nerfes and Savoy holed up in the town of Huirot.  We plan to march into the Holy Palatial Gardens the moment this land falls into our hands…and even Lady Madelaine won’t be able to do anything about it, for we have the support of Lady Seirna.”

 

“W-What are you saying, brother?”

 

Prince David then removed his hunter’s clothing to reveal the Imperial armor he was wearing within, “I’m sorry, Jessica, but I guess I’ll have to save this land from Sir Kuro and the demons.  I’m now an ally to the empire and Prince Umberto.”