There was never a time where Zuxara felt like crawling into the dirtiest hole in the ground and hiding in there until he died. He had heard sayings, as well as people talk about their experiences that made them feel this exact cowardly feeling.
He had scoffed at them, declaring them weak and unable to contribute anything with their lack of magic and their scared natures.
He scoffed at his past self. He certainly was foolish to never expect it done to him. He, who was only a Rank Three mage, clearly not the strongest in the world.
He knew that he was strong. The respect given to him, as well as talent and power that was his birthright stabilized his position as an important member of the hierarchy. He was honored, people praised him.
The males would practically lick his boots while the girls fawned over him.
No matter where he went, attention had always centered around him. His mere presence commanded authority as the Prince of Oceania, one of the pillars of the Delusional Lands. He had flaunted his power, and was praised for it.
Yet right now, he wanted nothing more than to lose the attention he had always gained.
A few seconds ago he was standing, arguing with Houvdon over the matter. He was fully confident in having the support of the majority of nobles as none of them wished to fight. They would follow him simply because he was stronger than them.
Yet at present time, he was on his knees, practically bowing to the one on the stage.
"I am Candidate Archelio. Even if you do not agree, you will join me. It is only by my tolerance that I have not annihilated you all in the last decade. Either you join me willingly, or I force you to join."
Such power radiated from the person he spited.
To think that he held this much power. Normally it took someone time to gather up their aura from within their core, yet Houvdon was able to do it as if it was out of mere willpower. There was seemingly no effort as he manipulated his power faster than any other mage could even summon their power.
With a look of arrogance, looking down at all of them, Houvdon turned away without sparing them another second of his attention. The moment he turned away, the pressure faded from everyone.
Zylaorfier was the same, giving them all the exact same arrogance as his friend had given them, almost as if he were just as strong as him.
Kryva got up quicker than the majority of the other nobles, her body still shivering slightly from fear.
The Princess gave them a shaky apologetic smile, at least giving them a bow unlike the other two. He felt a sickly feeling in his chest as he realized she still wore the cloak that he was sure belonged to Houvdon. She turned and chased after the two men quickly, her long black and red hair flowing behind her.
He looked after her, wanting to call her name, yet he was still after the effects of such immense pressure being placed on all of them.
He couldn't help but forcibly swallow the vomit that threatened to leave his mouth, an unpleasant burning feeling in his throat as it went back down into his stomach.
To think that Houvdon could actually wield such power. He assumed it was merely a myth. Who would've guessed that even myths held some sort of truth?
There was only twice he had displayed this power in public since his name became known. He had heard stories of how much power he possessed when he was merely eight. Almost a full decade ago, he was already stronger than most other mages currently living, proving his worth in a single show of power. That was the first time he removed all restraint on himself.
This was the second.
Who knew how much he progressed after nine years? He couldn't imagine himself as a kid facing off against Houvdon's wrath.
Moreover, he could only obey Prince Archelio's words, else face his present self's wrath.
-----
Zuxara stood by the entrance of the building, waiting for the girl he saw earlier. He knew she had not yet left because he was the first one to recover and head outside.
The girl was beautiful. While not as beautiful as Kryva, she still had bewitching attributes to her. From her beautiful long brown hair to her light amber eyes.
Despite only seeing her once, even if it was just a glimpse, he had practically memorized her looks and figure with but a single glance.
He perked up as he saw the exact shade of brown out of the corner of his eye. He pushed off of the wall and headed towards her, who was accompanied by an older looking girl, most likely a sister, and an older middle aged man, most likely her father.
The trio noticed his approach, and the male stepped forward. He bowed in respect and the two girls did the same.
"Prince Vessard."
He gave a smile, realizing that he had messed up by not knowing their names beforehand. Judging by their reactions and their style of bowing, they were that of a lower noble class. An ordinary noble would not bow as deeply as they did.
"No need to bow. We are all nobles here answering the beckoning of a certain man."
The older man gave a small nervous chuckle, clearly anxious about displaying laughter at someone who was capable of making the entire building kneel at his feet.
"I am rather unfamiliar with your family. I was hoping to get to know your daughter...?"
Both of them exchanged glances with each other, while the father's forehead creased in worry. "Ah, we are of the Yi'Ung. I am Tyuan Yi'Ung, and these two are my daughters. We do not deserve the attention of the prized Prince of Oceania-"
He raised his hand in a stopping motion, and Tyuan paused in his speech. He gave a smile full of mirth, his insides growing warm as he glanced at the younger girl, thinking about how he would savor her.
"As I said before, we are all equal here. May I be allowed time to court your daughter for the rest of today? I would be willing to drop her off after the sun sets."
The family exchanged looks, allowing him to see their nervousness.
Tyuan nodded, and the older sister stepped forward but Zuxara raised his hand. "I was actually interested in courting the younger daughter."
Cue another shocked look.
"Y-your Highness, I don't believe-"
Zuxara gave the father a look, and he stepped back, bowing his head. The blue-eyed male turned back to the older sister, who had stepped back. She bowed her head dutifully, and the younger sister looked unsure.
"Daughter, go with him." Tyuan turned back to Zuxara, his eyes hard. "I expect to see her back within an hour of sunset."
Zuxara waved them off, crossing his arms as he waited for the two to leave him with the girl.
"Where are we going Prince?"
He almost moaned at the sound of her seductive voice.
He only gave her a cocky half-smirk as he gently grasped her arm, leading her to his own carriage.
"I will take you to the city where the Lantern Festival of Achen will be held."
-----
The streets were crowded, so Zuxara had the driver to his coach stop earlier, saying that he could walk the rest of the way.
"Make sure to remain in the area so I can head back."
His driver bowed to him, and Zuxara held out his hand for the woman whose name he didn't even ask for yet. She gently took it and released it almost immediately after both her feet touched the ground.
He rubbed his fingers together, almost as if memorizing the touch of her hand. Even if it was slightly rough, not as soft as other noblewoman, it still held a sort of delicacy that was unmatched.
"Let's head to eat first."
She nodded, neither disagreeing or showing any type of interest. She only followed his whim, as a noble woman normally would.
She had barely spoken in the carriage, only answering to his questions but not asking any in return. Despite her rather passive nature, Zuxara savored every word from her sweet voice, never getting enough.
Despite this, she couldn't hold a candle to the beauty that was named Kryva Pellemeur.
He chose a rather smaller restaurant to cater to the girl's rather simple appearance. A rich and powerful noble would not have reacted to him the same way her father had to him.
He hadn't even remembered the father's name.
The waiter recognized him. After all, with the way he walked one could clearly see that he was a great and powerful noble. And only one person possessed the same blue eyes that he did.
"Your Highness, this way." He placed his hand on Zuxara's arm, but he placed his hand over the peasant's.
"No need, I can seat myself." He knew the waiter felt the small vial being passed into the grasp of his fingers, judging by the way his eyes widened slowly.
The waiter stiffened as he nodded quickly. He scurried away, and Zuxara seated himself in a rather private corner of the restaurant, with the girl sitting down across from him. He did not say anything, knowing they were not close enough for her to sit at such an intimate distance.
The same waiter that greeted them at the entrance quickly brought a teapot and filled their cups to the brim.
He bowed as he retreated. "Your food will be coming soon."
Zuxara lifted his glass, giving her a pleasant smile. "We never introduced ourselves. I am Zuxara Vessard, the Prince of Oceania."
"I am Serene Yi'Ung." She bowed her head slightly. "I am the second daughter of my father, Tyuan Yi'Ung."
Such a beautiful name fit for such a beautiful woman.
"You don't seem to be a noble family?"
She pondered for a while, thinking on what to say. Knowing that Serene was having difficulty on how to express what was on her mind, Zuxara decided it would be better to be on her good side than being distrusted.
"No matter, our positions don't matter. Only our names and who we are."
She nodded, her light amber, close to brown, eyes flashing with thankfulness.
He congratulated himself, being a step closer to her opening up to him and trusting him. He held the tea that was served before introducing himself outwards, offering it to her. "I hope you will accept this toast?"
She looked puzzled, before holding out her own. As she covered her face to drink, a dark smirk flashed onto Zuxara's face as he quickly threw the tea to the side, manipulating it with his magic so it would land into one of the many flower pots in the restaurant.
Such a small use, practically undetectable. He pressed the cup to his lips and tilted it upwards, acting as if he had drank from it. As she lowered her arm that covered her features, Zuxara also lowered the cup from his mouth.
The server finally returned with their food. He set a variety of dishes, ranging from meat to vegetables. Lastly, he set two bowls of rice onto the table, one in front of Serene, the other in front of Zuxara.
He bowed to Zuxara, motioning slightly with his hand, unnoticeable unless you were specifically looking at him.
Zuxara gave a small smirk. He dismissed the servant, looking at Serene. She poked at the assorted dishes, almost unsure as to which to start at.
"Eat this one." He pointed out one of the dishes that he would have practically inhaled had it been any other day.
The brunette frowned, but obeyed him. She gingerly took a small bite, her eyes widening at the rather delicious taste.
She put more into her rice bowl, eating. Zuxara only placed his chin on his palm, his arm supporting his head as he watched her eat. He practically memorized every movement of her lips as she chewed.
There came the time where she finally finished eating. Her eyes widened just slightly as she realized while she was eating, Zuxara had not touched a single item.
"Are you not hungry?"
Zuxara gave a small smile. "Just watching you eat is enough to satisfy me."
Unlike other women, she did not get flustered at his sweet words. She only blinked once, taking in his words.
She did not show any outward signs of distrust.
He gave her a smile, standing. "Let's go since we are finished here."
She nodded and followed him out of the door. However, when she passed through the doorway, she felt someone's gaze on her.
Without gaining Zuxara's attention, she tilted her head slightly, keeping pace with the Prince of Oceania. Her light amber eyes met with a pair of blue orbs she had only seen twice before.
The second time at the gathering that had just taken place a couple hours before.
The first...when he and his friend blocked her way to her locker.
Her eyes widened, and Zylaorfier Pentajis placed his finger on his mouth, telling her to be quiet. She mouthed a single word to him, careful not to let out any sound else Zuxara would know she got someone to tail them. "Follow."
She turned her head back to face forward, looking at Zuxara's back.
As she walked behind him for several more minutes, simply browsing the streets, she continued to feel Zylaorfier's gaze on her. She smiled to herself, thankful that he had taken her request and was keeping an eye on her.
The rumors were true. Zylaorfier really cared not for positions. He had a pure heart and only wanted to help.
She knew there was something wrong with the food that Zuxara had ordered. He had not touched a single one despite the long time she spent eating. She knew there was something wrong with the first bite she took, the taste being slightly off.
Yet, she knew a single bite was enough. Now that she thought about it, the taste of the tea was also slightly off. She knew just those two were enough to affect her, so she continued to pretend nothing was wrong.
The fact that the Prince of Oceania did not eat despite the long time spent in the restaurant proved her assumption.
She needed help, she wasn't strong enough to fight against a Rank Three Mage.
It was pure luck that she ran into Zylaorfier now of all times. He was powerful, even with his unknown proficiency with his element. The fact that Houvdon kept him by his side further proved this.
She felt the first signs. She felt her knees weaken and found herself unable to walk properly. She clenched her jaw as she channeled her magic throughout her body.
She blinked. No magic was coming forth.
She stumbled and Zuxara turned to catch her. "Are you okay?"
He was close, closer than he had ever been with her before. She felt her mind turn hazy as she tried to fight off the feeling of sleep.
Her eyes widened as she pushed him away from her. However, she couldn't muster any strength to resist him.
He leaned closer, and behind his eyes she could see the lust. She cursed inwardly as she attempted to channel her magic, yet just like before, it would not manifest.
She felt his hands trail down lower as it wrapped around her body with the mask of helping her stand. She knew that it was just a facade so he could touch her body while she was still weak.
Zuxara let out a hiss as he pulled his hands away from her, almost as if she burned to touch. Her body practically slumped to the ground, but a pair of arms wrapped around her to hold her up.
Unlike Zuxara, these hands did not hold any perverse intentions.
"Leave."
The Prince of Oceania narrowed his eyes in rage.
"Let go of her, she is with me. I am courting her. You have no business with either of us."
"Leave." The temperature dropped even lower as she felt Zylaorfier's arms grow cold. His blue eyes glowed with power as they stared menacingly at the almost-rapist.
Ice slowly spread from the ground, expressing his threat.
Zuxara practically growled at them, his own eye glowing with power. "Zylaorfier Pentajis, I do not know how strong you are. But one of Houvdon's lackeys should not be a problem. Get your hands off of her and I'll show you mercy."
The white-haired male raised his eyebrow. "Mercy?"
He removed his left arm from around Serene, and held it outwards at Zuxara. "You aren't even worth my full attention."
The Water mage widened his eyes in shock as ice started trailing upwards, covering his entire lower body with frost within a single second.
By the time he realized what was happening, his entire body except his head was already covered with ice, preventing him from moving.
He almost snarled at the look of complete arrogance in Zylaorfier's eyes as they looked at him as if he were nothing. Who did Zylaorfier think he was?!
He was Zuxara Vessard! He was the strongest mage in the region of Oceania!
This 𝘣𝘰𝘺 in front of him was only known as the friend of Houvdon. He had no individual achievements.
Zylaorfier lowered Serene to the ground, pressing his palm against her mouth. His heart burned with rage as he saw how Serene allowed him to touch her with his fingers on her face. Her throat moved, and Zuxara knew that he had fed something to her.
Zylaorfier may have medical knowledge but he was far from being the best. Compared to him, the Prince of Oceania, he was the strongest Water mage in all of Delusional Lands. At least he had a place as the strongest and not just seen as one of the best.
"You think you can stop me?" Zuxara narrowed his eyes, not fighting to break free from the Frost just yet.
Despite the brilliance of the glowing blue eyes, they continued to stare at the Prince of Oceania with a dull look.
"Do you think that by doing this you can ensnare yet another woman to remain in your grasp?" The white haired male straightened, moving his left arm to the side.
Zuxara let out a sound of pain as the ice completely solidified, tightening around his body.
"Do you honestly believe that you can escape from my magic?" He folded his hands behind his back as he took slow but steady steps towards the perverse Prince. "You don't hold a candle to me. I may only be known as Houvdon's friend, but there is a reason why I'm fine with only remaining known as his friend."
"So that when I fight against dogs like you, you don't know how to react to my power."
This was Zylaorfier Pentajis, the Prince of Nihlahim.
Rank Four Mage with the affinity of Frost.
-----
"Are you feeling better?"
Zylaorfier knelt next to Serene, who was lying on a bed.
She had just woken up from a short nap due to the aftereffects of Zylaorfier's antidote.
She struggled to sit up, the male helping her gently. She pressed her palm against her forehead, not because she felt a headache, but rather instinctively.
She felt refreshed, more awake than she had ever been.
"What did you feed me?"
"Just a normal treatment for sleeping drugs." He stepped away from her personal space, crossing his arms as he leaned against the wall. "I'm surprised that you knew what was going to happen. Normally whenever Zuxara looks for a woman, they never realize something is wrong. Despite all of his 'conquests', nobody really knows about them."
She gave him a wry smile. "He was acting unusual. The food and water tasted off, but I dragged out the time to eat lunch. He didn't eat anything in the half hour I was."
Zylaorfier gave a small smile. "Smart. You certainly are different from when I first met you on that day in front of your locker."
She gave a small laugh that Zylaorfier returned. "The rumors were true. Zylaorfier Pentajis really doesn't care about positions."
He shrugged. "I am a man of the people. I will give my utmost effort to help those in need."
She stumbled out of bed, straightening quickly when the Frost mage took a step to help her. His empty hands went behind his back as he stood, waiting for her to speak.
Serene gave a small bow. "I am Serene Yi'Ung. It is a pleasure to finally introduce myself formally to you, Prince of Nihlahim."
𝘛𝘩𝘶𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘐𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘓𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘯.
-----
𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 𝕰𝖓𝖉