Ulrich walked away, from the throne, from the crown, and most importantly, his sister. Despite what her brother may have believed, Alicia was very much aware of the pain that her brother was going through. She had remembered the day that her brother returned from the forest, and how their cousin had managed to bring him back from the brink of darkness. It wasn't something that she enjoyed remembering. Luckily, for her brother and herself, Nina had managed to finish her mission quickly and was able to return in time. After giving out the sashes and explaining that Ulrich had left her in charge, she approached Dianna, who hadn't moved since Ulrich left.
As she approached, Dianna motioned to her soldiers to head out into the city. Maria then walked into the throne room and greeted the soldiers, telling them to follow her. As everyone made their way out of the throne room, Dianna and Alicia were now alone. Alicia walked over to her brother's throne and took a seat, while placing her sword in the same place Ulrich placed Excalibur. Time felt like it was dragging by at an agonizing pace. Alicia hated sitting there in the quiet, however, she had questions to ask and she was also obligated to remain in the throne room until the current business was taken care of.
"I apologize princess Alicia, I had hoped that he would take that news better. I'm afraid that my original intent of that story has been rendered useless." Dianna put her hands on her head as she slumped over. It was clear to Alicia that she didn't know anything about the Ulrich she knew. Though, Alicia knew that no one knew Ulrich better than his own sister, not even Nina.
"My brother is a very different person from who he was in the forest. I was a lot younger than I am now when that happened, but it was clear to me that he had changed from the happy and gentle brother I knew. It took him a long time to return to some sort of normalcy, but he managed to do it. You see, my brother remembered what happened in the forest, but not the whole thing. However, what he did remember was enough to cause him to never use normal magic again. The only time he does, is when he uses runes, Excalibur, and to enhance his natural abilities." Dianna looked at Alicia with an expression of guilt. It was clear to her that it was her fault for not trying to explain everything to him.
Alicia could see that Dianna was blaming herself. It didn't take a genius to see that much on her face, so she did what she was best at. "Princess Dianna, don't blame yourself for my brothers reaction, nor his state of mind. Even if you had told him, it wouldn't have changed a single thing about what happened. My brother would have turned out to be the exact same afterwards." Alicia let out a sigh, as she began to ponder on what she would say next. She thought about everything that had taken place, in the past and the present. "I think that, even though he is hurting now, it was best to keep it from him. If not, he may not have turned into the person he is. He definitely wouldn't be speaking to you again and he wouldn't care about those who follow him. When he returns, you should speak to him once again, but in private. That way, you can be truthful about your feelings."
Alicia then stood from her throne and began to walk away when Dianna finally began to speak again. "Hold on, I want to ask you about something important." Alicia stopped and looked over her shoulder. "The queen wouldn't tell me about the details, so I wanted to hear about it from someone who was there." Alicia's eyes then narrowed with confusion. "Could you tell me about what happened in Sastin?" As soon as she finished speaking, she could see Alicia's eyes widen, before she turned her head away.
"The exact details of that incident are only known to the family, however,..." Alicia began to contemplate her next words, slowly twiddling her thumbs. "I suppose if you really want to hear about it, then I will tell you. However, it must wait until my brother's campaign against the Holy Empire has begun. He must be clear headed when that begins, so I ask you to be patient." Alicia then beamed a smile towards Dianna, the same one that she had saw when entering the city, however, she could tell that it was a forced smile this time. It was clear that she was upset about her causing Ulrich's current state. If someone had caused such a thing to Apollo, Dianna would react the same way.
"Very well, Princess Alicia, I shall wait until you are ready to tell me." Dianna stood and began to walk towards the door. As she walked by, Alicia handed her a sash. "I shall find my people and await King Ulrich's call." Alicia could see that Dianna was still saddened about the situation, though, Alicia knew that her words had managed to lift her spirits, even if it wasn't by very much. As the doors closed behind Dianna, Alicia began to make her way to Nina's room. She walked through the hallways, greeting the guards and workers within. She eventually made it to Nina's room and opened door. As the door opened, she gently smiled at the young girl within. She was wearing maid clothing that was covered by a cloak that was given to her by Nina. Alicia saw the light red skin and tail and could immediately tell that she was a pure blood succubus. She couldn't see her clearly when Nina first brought her into the castle, plus, even though Nina told her about the girl's race, Nina was prone to mistakes when it came to identifying races.
"Nina told me about you, but she left out some details." Alicia's gentle smile seemed to set the young girl's heart at ease. It was different from when she met Nina, as it seemed like this person radiated love. "My name is Alicia. So, could you tell me your name dear?" She smiled as she walked closer and closer.
"Um, my name is Eve, Lady Alicia." Alicia could tell that she was nervous and was probably uncomfortable.
"So, Eve, would you like to come with me and see the rest of the castle? I'm sure Nina will join us when she has finished speaking with my brother." Alicia noticed Eve's eyes lighten up when she mentioned she was the sister of the king. Alicia then wondered, "Nina, what haven't you told her?"
"So, you're my aunt? Nina said that she's the older sister of the king, so since you're also his sister, that would make you my aunt. Oh, so does that mean your also a princess?" In a moment, Eve's entire personality seemed to do a complete 180. Now, it seemed like she was full of energy and was even being more familiar with Alicia. What Alicia seemed surprised about, was the fact that what Eve had said, meant that she views Nina as her mother figure. Alicia slightly let out a small laugh when she thought about Nina acting like a mother. She then noticed that Eve was looking at her with a smile and seemed a lot more happy than she did previously.
"Well, she's our cousin, but she is pretty much like an older sister. Also, yes, I am a princess, which would mean that you are now part of the royal family. Though, I will say that I don't want you to call me aunt or anything like that Eve, because I'm not that much older than you, so feel free to think of me more like a sister or cousin, okay?" Alicia then held out her hand to Eve, who took her hand and stood up. "Come on, let me show you around the castle, then afterwards, we can go and find you some more clothes." Alicia gave Eve another smile, which Eve returned immediately.
Though Alicia was only six years older than Eve, Eve thought that Alicia acted very much like an adult. Alicia guided Eve throughout the castle, showing her the ins and outs of the building. There weren't many questions from Eve, at least, not until they reached armory room. It was there that she saw the many weapons that had been collected. The armory room housed many unused weapons, as these were powerful weapons, only used in times of war. Normally, the armory would be near empty because of Ulrich's declaration of war, however, in an attempt to hide their true strength, Ulrich decided to wait until the time was right. Eve saw this room, and was drawn to the many different designs and craftsmanship. She noticed how these weapons looked better than those carried in the Western Federation. Alicia could tell how Eve felt, as she could feel her hand tighten around hers and saw her eyes light up.
"Sister Alice, are these weapons special like Nina's?" Alicia let go of her hand and proceeded to walk into the armory. She walked up and took one of the weapons that were placed on the far wall. It was a beautiful white lance that had gold spirals that wrapped around the weapon from the tip. The handle was wrapped with a specially made Camelot sash.
"Most of the knights here carry or take care of their own weapons themselves, however, these weapons are special, such as this one." Despite the weapon being nearly twice the size of Alicia's small frame, it was easy to tell that the lance was lighter than most. Alicia carried the lance over to a table near Eve and called her over. As the two inspected the weapon, they heard footsteps coming from the hallway. Soon, the person who emerged, was none other than Sir Richard of House Ector. Eve quickly returned to her shy personality and hid behind Alicia. She looked at Richard and saw his unique armor. It was mainly light plates on top of reinforced leather armor with heavy armor on the legs. His left arm had heavy shoulder armor and armored the arm completely, but the right arm only had light armor on the shoulder, while the rest was bare, except for a leather, fingerless gauntlet. "Sir Richard, what a pleasant surprise. Did you come to speak to my brother?"
"Princess." Richard bowed before replying to Alicia. "Yes, I came to speak to the king about training my knights on how to properly handle the gryphons. At least, that was what I had planned, however, Maria informed me about the current situation. So, I decided to find you in his stead, but it seems that I interrupted something." He looked at Eve and smiled. "Tell me princess, who's the little one that's hiding behind you?" Alicia looked down behind her and gently pulled Eve in front of her.
"This is the girl that Nina saved. Her name is Eve, and she is now going to be a part of the royal family, so I'm showing her around the castle. Nina has agreed to be a mother to her, so please do treat her well." Alicia patted Eve on the top of her head. "You don't have to scared Eve, this man's name is Richard. He's a knight of the Round Table, and this weapon here belongs to him, the greatest horseman in all of Camelot." Eve looked up at Alicia and then over at the lance. Richard let out a laugh as the words left Alicia's mouth.
"You flatter me princess, but I do appreciate the compliment." As Eve looked at Richard, she noticed that he had a confident smile on his face, and also took note, that he never denied Alicia's claim that he was the greatest horseman. She could tell by looking at him, that he had the utmost confidence in his horsemanship. He walked over to the table next to them and picked up the lance. "So, the little lady was interested in my lance?"
"She was wondering if the weapons here were special like Nina's, so I planned on telling her about yours. Though, since you're here, perhaps you wouldn't mind telling her a bit about it." Richard replied with a smirk.
"Well, allow me to tell you that this isn't just any lance. My lance's name is Rhiannon, and it was specially constructed from rare materials. This could most likely be wielded by someone as small as you, though, it would be a bit awkward considering the size difference. As for your question about it being as special as Nina's sword, I'll just say that Rhiannon here, is just as mighty and beautiful as Joyeous. As for what it can do, well, I'd prefer to keep that a secret. Maybe you'll be able to see it in action one of these days. I can tell you that the gold on this weapon isn't just for looks." Richard once again gave a cocky smile, the kind that many knew him for. He then walked back to the wall and placed Rhiannon back in its previous place.
Despite Eve's shyness, she was able to eventually muster some words. "Why do you have that wrapped around your weapon?" Eve then pointed at the handle of his lance, pointing out the Camelot sash.
"Oh, well all of the 12 knights of the Round Table all have their own special way of wearing that certain piece of fabric. Most knights have the standard sash, but ours have that special golden trim on them, so if you ever need to identify us, just look for that. I carry mine on my lance because I never really leave the castle without it. Nina's was made into a scarf, Lady Leanna's are used as grips on her swords, Saint Elizabeth had her's made into her clothing, Sir Robert's was made into a shoulder cape, and so on and so forth. However, I can show you one that was made just recently, and I'm sure you'll see how unique it is." Richard walked over to another table that was close by and opened a long case that was place on it. He picked up the spear that laid inside of it.
"Um, Sir Richard, are you sure you should be handling Boudica's spear? You know how she feels about that particular spear. I'm not so sure she'll enjoy you telling Eve about it, considering how much she cares about it." Alicia knew that there would most likely be a fight of some kind in the future. Boudica loved that spear for many reasons, however, the main and most important reason, was what she was worried about.
"Don't worry about it, I'm not going to spoil anything, I just want to show Eve another way that we carry our special sashes. I'll leave the explanation of it to her whenever she feels like telling Eve about, because we both know she'll jump at the chance to talk about this thing any chance she gets." Alicia let out a worried laugh. Richard then began to untie a rope that was wrapped around the top of the spear, revealing the sash, however, this sash was made in the shape of a small flag. "This is another example of attaching it to a weapon. It is quite the spectacle and I must say that it is quite bold, considering this cross spear will be used in battle quite often. Perhaps you'll be able to have your own sash little lady, and you'll be able to wear it however you please. Just keep in mind, that we all have our own reasons and preferences for wearing ours the way we do." Richard then wrapped the flag around the spear again and tied it back, before placing it in its case. Alicia, however, noticed that he had wrapped the flag up differently than Boudica did.
"Where's your sash, sister Alice?" Eve's voice then distracted Alicia from telling Richard about it.
"Oh, I only wear mine whenever the king is outside of the city. It's nothing special, I just wear mine normally considering I never really need to wear it." Alicia noticed that Eve seemed less nervous around Richard. She was very curious as to the reason Eve acted the way she did around Richard. Being a succubus must have made her be cautious around men, considering her abilities were mainly effective against men. She must have had to hide her abilities and race for a long time. She hoped that she wouldn't be as nervous around Ulrich. However, rather than worry about it now, she decided to deal with it if it ever came up, deciding to continue on with her current plans with Eve. "Was there anything else you wanted to know Eve? I'm sure Richard would be more than willing to explain a bit more. Or, would you rather wait for Nina to teach you about them in more detail?"
Eve's eyes seemed to light up at Alicia's suggestion. Eve didn't know that Alicia was suggesting it because the person who taught her and Leanna was Nina as well. "I think that's a wonderful idea, however, I think we should leave her other education in the hands of Saint Elizabeth. Just a thought, but on that note, I think I should be taking my leave. Be sure to inform the king of my training with the gryphons." Richard gave Eve a small smile before quickly leaving the two in the armory. His armored footsteps echoed through the halls as he made his way out. However, it wasn't long after departure, that footsteps could be heard sprinting towards their location. Sir Lawrence turned the corner and immediately addressed Alicia with an urgency that was seldom seen from him.
"Princess, something has happened to Lady Maria! She was attacked outside of town by an unknown intruder who managed to escape, Lady Brynhildr and some of her valkyries are giving chase." Alicia was immediately startled by this news. Who would have the ability to successfully attack Maria unannounced?
"Is Maria alright? Has she been taken to the healers yet?" Lawrence shook his head with a solemn expression.
"Lady Maria isn't herself milady. Something strange happened to her. It's almost like she's a completely different person. She began to attack our forces, however, we had some spell casters in the area, who have been able to create a barrier that can hold her. I'm afraid that it won't last long though. I came to inform you and Saint Elizabeth, so that..." As he was speaking, a young female knight, who was wearing light, sleeveless armor with a short sleeve, blue robe over it, entered. She wore fingerless leather gloves with bracers, while wearing steel leg armor with leather boots. She didn't speak a word to anyone when she entered. Eve saw her face, taking note of her emerald eyes and unblemished, pearl colored skin, which gave an elegant and beautiful aura to her.
She walked by each person and made her way to a nearby table, before opening the case and retrieving her spear. Eve then realized that this person was Boudica, but was puzzled by her actions. Boudica then removed the bottom of the spear case, which revealed a silver longsword that had runes transcribed upon the blade and, interestingly, the leather handle. She strapped the sword to her belt and turned to Alicia. She bowed before speaking in a polite and elegant voice, "Princess Alicia, I will take care of the issue at hand until Saint Elizabeth and yourself can come up with an idea. I do believe it would be a good idea to inform King Ulrich of the situation, if he hasn't been already. I will now take my leave." Alicia was a bit thrown off by her demeanor and even the way she spoke. However, she realized that the two of them had never spoken to each other before.
"Lady Boudica, only buy time, don't attack her to kill, just to incapacitate. Also, don't do anything reckless and get yourself injured. You are still new to the Council, so try not to overdo it." Boudica was at the door by the time Alicia managed to speak to her, and she didn't think that Boudica would even listen to her words, however, she was surprised when she turned her head and acknowledged her words with a nod. As she realized the gravity the situation, she ordered Lawrence to inform Saint Elizabeth to meet her at the city gate with Sister Therese. Alicia and Eve then made their way back to Nina's room.
After they reached her room, Eve grabbed onto Alicia's arm with a tight grip. "Sister Alice, let me go with you. I can help." Alicia looked at Eve and was surprised by her suggestion.
"Eve, you're too young and Nina would be upset if I put you in danger. So, I can't let you come with me."
"But I know some magic that could help, and I want to be useful. You don't have to take me with you outside of the city, and I can watch from far away. I know I can do something to help." As Eve spoke and pleaded with her, Alicia thought about when she would ask her brother for the same thing. She understood the feeling of wanting to help and be useful and what it was like to have to watch while everyone else solved the problems. She just didn't know how to make sure that Eve was safe during the ordeal, since this attack could have been motivated for any number of reasons. As she was thinking, her mind then began to remember someone who would be more than willing to help, and someone who Eve would be able to trust.
"Alright, I'll take you, however, you have to stay by someone's side the whole time. You have to listen to her, is that understood?" A big smile then emerged on Eve's face. Alicia sighed heavily, knowing that Nina would most likely be upset about her decision. She grabbed her hand, and the two then made their way outside of the castle.
Outside of the city, Maria was clashing against the barrier that was put up by some sorcerers in Aurelius's unit. Even though they were relatively strong sorcerers, in Maria's current state, the barrier wouldn't last long. It was draining their magic each time she hit the barrier with her sword. Suddenly, the attacks stopped and the sorcerers thought that Maria had come to her senses, however, they looked on in horror as Maria grabbed her sword by the blade and impaled herself through the torso. She pulled the sword out, causing a massive amount of blood to spill out, before the wound quickly pulled itself back together. The blood then pooled together in multiple different areas, before forming into floating arrows. Maria had a devilish grin as she launched the arrows at the barrier, one by one. The barrier became weaker and weaker as each arrow landed, causing the sorcerers' magic to be expended twice as fast. Soon, they would have none left, and Maria would run loose. They had managed to trap her in this barrier for the city's, and her own, protection. Maria let out small laugh, which sent a chill down their spines.
"I've grown bored of these games, little sorcerers. So, while I appreciate the fun, I'm afraid I'm going to have to break out of this. Though, I'll give you a chance to live, if you take this barrier down now and manage to harm me with a single spell, I'll let you all live." Maria's voice was much lower than when she normally spoke, and it was much colder and calculating. The sorcerers knew that they couldn't let her go after she spoke. They looked at each other and nodded, steeling themselves for the inevitable. Maria cocked her head to one side, "I see, I find your bravery commendable, however, I don't like being locked up, so I apologize for having to do this." The arrows began to form together and transformed into a large spear. Suddenly, a voice called out.
"I used to think that your loyalty to this city and our king surpassed my own, however, you've made me see that I was wrong. How disappointing Maria, to see you become nothing more than a feral dog." Maria turned to see Boudica walking from the gates of the city, followed by a squad of valkyries walking behind her.
"Ah, if it isn't the little girl who only cares about receiving praise from her king. You're nothing more than a little girl playing knight, so who do you think you are to lecture me about loyalty. I have served the king far longer than you. So, why don't you make like a good girl and run back to the castle and fetch the king. Of course, we both know that he won't be coming, considering..." Boudica's eyes narrowed quickly, before her spear was suddenly thrown directly at Maria, the speed of which caught her off guard. Maria jumped back but noticed that Boudica seemed to have transported from where she was, to where the spear had landed. The valkyrie all made their way around the barrier and began to use their magic to reinforce it. The sorcerers then sat on the ground in exhaustion.
"You had better pick your words carefully, Maria Du Lac, for I won't allow you to speak ill of the king." Maria smirked at her words, causing Boudica to grit her teeth in anger. She then took a deep breath. She then unwrapped her spear's flag and drew her sword. "I was ordered by the princess to not kill you, however, she never said I couldn't beat you to a pulp." The dirt and grass around Boudica began to swirl around her, followed by her red, magical energy. Her sword and spear were then coated in that magical energy, giving them a similar look to Maria's blood spears. "So, from this moment on, I, Boudica Alexandria Bedivere, shall be your opponent.