Given the circumstances, Noite knew that he has no right to bargain. Still, he took his chances to negotiate with Lord Foeni.
"I can grant any request as long as it doesn't involve my brother's demise... I can't simply part take on that..." Noite clearly stated.
There is a deafening silence in the room as Lord Foeni contemplates and consider his request. Tension starts to build as the silence continues to drag.
What if it is unavoidable?
"Noite..." Lord Foeni began.
He wanted to ask but can't seem to utter the words he ought to express. He calmly looked at Noite as he wonders.
'What if it inevitable to end your brother's life? What would you do?'
On the other hand, Noite understood Lord Foeni's gaze. No one can predict how everything will pan out.
What if his brother resists and irredeemable?
What if that is the only way to stop this madness?
What if that is what his brother wanted?
If that is the case, should they surrender and let Meness have his way?
Noite looks away with a bitter expression on his face. In a way, he is in denial of the possibility.
Still, they have to face this fact, and they have to do whatever it takes to defeat Meness even it means ending his life. Once that happens, they can't hesitate and give up.
"Ravikanth, can't you lie to just console me? When the time comes, I won't hold it against you." Noite chuckles as he holds his tears.
He tried his best to mask his sadness, but Lord Foeni and Eu quickly notice what he is trying to do. Still, they remained silent and kept their thoughts to themselves.
Noite is soft-hearted, and his tears always flow easily. It is something he wasn't able to change over the years.
That is why Meness was the one handling most of their affairs in the Nether Realm. His brother always the one supporting him. He is too emotional and can easily waver under pressure.
Noite is trying his best to go against someone significant to him. He is genuinely in a tough position, muddled with conflicted thoughts.
"We will try our best to consider your wishes, Noite. Besides, we already decided you can stay as long as you won't cause trouble." Lord Foeni calmly explains.
Lord Foeni's lips formed a gentle smile to reassure his friend. He inwardly sighs as the conversation went well for everyone.
"Then, I appreciate it. I was never wrong to seek your assistance. I promise to do what I can to help out..." Noite said gratefully to his long time friend.
"Don't worry. It will suffice." Lord Foeni responded.
On the other hand, there is a mixed feeling of hope and guilt as Noite expresses himself. He knew that his friend has all the right to eradicate them but instead welcomed him and accepted his absurd request to protect his brother.
He can't imagine himself doing the same if their situation is switched. He is too weak to go against anything, but from this day on, he wanted to change.
He knew that Lord Foeni would try his best to save Meness from whoever is controlling him. He feels sad in a way from not stepping up sooner and let his brother do whatever he pleases.
Will everything be different if he opposed him from the start? He can't help but wonder how everything will turn out if he was more assertive against his brother's plans to bring chaos throughout Astra.
Can he save his brother from the clutches of this mysterious perpetrator? He continues to believe his brother is fighting all by himself, and he ignored his pleas.
Meanwhile, Lord Foeni is always a good person, and that is why he was chosen by Lady Emilia to be her apprentice. Noite looks at him as he continues to hold his tears.
'Thank you...' he murmured.
On the other hand, Eu is relieved that everything went well. She created this opportunity, not only to strengthen their forces but to understand the situation.
'Someone is controlling Meness... Hmmm~' she thought.
She already considers that possibility but still can't understand who it may be. Then again, she can't help suspect that Lunaria holds a grim secret about these misfortunes.
The Artifact of Heavenly Sword and Shield's power should have been sufficient to protect the one who holds it. This blesses the wielder not only with immense strength but also protection to fight their enemies.
Does Meness suggest splitting it to protect his brother?
She gently turned to Noite and considered that possibility. For three hundred years or more, Noite remained unaffected by the malignancy.
Shadows only loom around him, but it never affected him. Typically, hanging around these malignant entities has a negative effect on anyone.
Why is he not contaminated?
Instead, the Shadows under Noite seem like rational beings, unlike Meness mindless forces. Eu felt somewhat guilty upon this realization.
She closes her eyes and lowered her head. She controls her emotion as the rage builds up inside of her.
How can she miss all of these? The brothers are not the enemies but victims of circumstances.
She is too focus on Mystic Spirit, Celesea, and the Divine Lord Foeni. She casts a bitter smile as she sighs.
Lady Emilia entrusted the Nether Realm the artifact knowing their situation. It can protect them, but in the end, it has failed to do its intended purpose.
'Lumina.' she calls out.
There is something that she needs to clarify with her, but Lumina didn't respond. She knits her brows on her silence.
Then she remembers she sent her away to figure out who is disturbing Ravikanth. There is a dimension parallel to theirs who is trying to reach out to them.
She heaves a heavy sigh as she remained silent, lost in her own thoughts. What is really happening?
What is behind these series of events?
"Eu..." Ravikanth calls out.
He noticed Eu has remained silent and didn't participate in their discussion. It is very unusual for her not to do so, and he is worried.
"Hey, Eu!" he calls again.
"Huh...?" Eu replied in surprised a tone.
She doesn't know how much she missed and doesn't really know how to respond. She looks at them with a perplex expression and somewhat speechless.
'Why is he suddenly calling me…? Does he need any assistance?'
"Let's go. I assume you are tired from your journey." Lord Foeni calmly said as he offers his hand.
"But..." Eu began.
She wanted to explain, but Lord Foeni interrupted her. He has already given instructions to Fugue and Canon to take over the relocation.
"Can't you relax and not exhaust yourself? We can handle things from here. I will update you ones you are well rested..." Lord Foeni suggested.
Noite is flabbergasted. He shifted his gaze back and forth between the two. He knits his brows and starts to assume these two are more than just allies.
He is tired as well, but his friend didn't even consider asking if he was well. He can't help but suspect they are in a relationship.
'Are they really in that kind of relationship? Eu is just a teenage girl, and Ravikanth is very, very old... Is he a... No... But he likes older women, like Lady Emilia… RIght…?' Noite started to fill his mind with random thoughts.
Meanwhile, Eu gave up and pursed her lips. She wanted to listen more and gather more information but decided to wait.
"Fine! I won't be a nuisance anymore and leave. Hope you are satisfied with my disappearance..." she pouted.
Lord Foeni and Noite must have matters to discuss as well. She understood but felt like being rejected.
Ravikanth heaves a heavy sigh and unable to defend himself. It is very unusual for Eu to act so childish and genuinely wanted to console her.
If it wasn't for Noite being in the same room as them, he has already pulled her on his arms and showered her with reassuring words. He misses her every second they were apart, and she just came back as well.
He wanted to prioritize and ask how her negotiation with the Trents turned out.
He wanted to ask if their journey was smooth.
He wanted to pose so many questions but can't directly ask any of them. He can only look at her helplessly, unable to utter the words he wanted to convey.
"Oh, please don't mind me. Just pretend I don't exist. I can eat this meal peacefully without being a distraction. I am sorry. My arrival must have to inconvenience your reunion..." Noite chuckles teasingly.
How can he miss the Lord's longing gaze and their stealing glances at each other this whole time? Do they think he is insensitive?
In fact, he is finding them adorable despite the considerable age gap between them. Still, he wonders who the mysterious Oracle girl who resembles Lady Emilia is?
He can only assume that there is more story behind her that is yet to be untold. Their meeting can't be a coincidence...
Noite's lips slightly curve up as he looks at the odd couple. Somehow, he is feeling disappointed that Eu and his friend are involved with each other.
On the other hand, Lord Foeni and Eu's face were flustered as they heard Noite teasing tone. They are trying their best to hide their feelings after all...