|Fair Judgement|
Another dawn had rose before they have come to realize it. In an unspecified place with plenty of rocks. There is a crater within a radius of about 10 meters.
[Vivian: Uhgh.. It consumed most of my mana in a mere second. This is the reason why I prefer not to use Royal magic as much as possible.. But its him after all...]
Vivian and Lucas were found in the center of that crater she made. Half kneeling position while panting for breath, she pinned her sword down to the ground as a support in order for her not to lose balance.
[Vivian: Lucas... Finally... You've calmed down... *Thud*]
[???: Gotcha.]
Her vision became blurry and at last, her whole body received intense fatigue and tumbled to the ground after seeing Lucas unconscious, but someone caught her body before it hits the ground.
[Ethan: Hufff.... Good work, Princess.. You can rest now..]
Placing his right arm under her knee while his left arm carried her back. Ethan chuckled while looking at her sleeping face for the reason she started uttering cute sounds of snores.
That fight was certainly a rough one, but since Ethan saw Vivian's slumbering... It's enough for him to forget what happened in a moment of silence. She slept so soundly while Ethan carried her like a princess (although she really is a princess).
[Ethan: Hey sleazeball, I've used all of my remaining mana to catch her. Transport us back to the kingdom, now.]
[Shadow: I do have a name! Hmph! I will never listen to you if you decline to say my name!!]
In summoning someone, His "own" shadow answered his call and returned back to life once again.
[Ethan: Look, I suppose you're forgetting something here.]
He replied in a low voice while carrying Vivian. It is safe to assume that he wanted to keep Vivian asleep as they converse.
[Shadow: Fufufufu, I may be like this but my memory is on another level.... And well... That is?...]
Shadow was feeling smug while stating that lines, but shadow was too curious and didn't last longer than expected and finally asked him for the answer.
[Ethan: Hmmm, a new day has come so I probably think that your limited tim-]
[Shadow: Stop, I'll do it real quick.]
After hearing those words coming out from Ethan, shadow began to perform a spell oppositely similar to his. A black magical circle underneath them indicates the preparation of transferring all of them into the kingdom. The circle created a pack of shadows and started to devour them. After being swallowed by the shadows, they left the place in an instant.
(Axminster Kingdom)
At the central district where the royal castle exist. Ethan, together with Vivian(sleeping) came out from the shadows inside her room.
*(note)I'd like to change imperial castle to royal castle...
[Ethan: Royal magic is one heck of a kind. I'd like to acquire that kind of magic, but I ain't a royalty. Well, it's useless thinking of something you can't get in the first place.]
Ethan sighed while giving a dissatisfied look. Putting Vivian to her fluffy yellow bed, he felt the exhaustion throughout his body. It was already around 6 in the morning when his vigor went south after seeing Vivian comfortably sleeps on her bed.
[Ethan: Hufff.... I'm tired... I just.. need.. to go.. back and... bring Luca...]
With intense tiredness, his eyes gave up and slowly fell down along with his body on the floor. Even the cold floors couldn't wake him up.
[Shadow: Ethaan!!!! You big fat liar!! I went to the shop(in disguised of someone else, that is) but they informed me that the
*(note) Shadow can disguise as someone else in order for him to conceal his authentic identity. He went ahead and impersonated a typical looking guy for him not to make any unnecessary problem.
Looking down, he frowned his face while squatting near Ethan.
[Shadow: *Sigh* I guess a human body is as fragile as ever. I still need you to stay alive for me to enjoy this life though, be thankful.]
He made a stern expression after saying that while pointing his finger at him. A few seconds later, he uttered a word and shadows began to appear before them, teleporting the two back to their residence.
(The house of Silhouette Crimson)
In the living room, where each of the members are present (except for the ones Ethan ordered to take a certain mission). The room was filled with worry as they ponder on what happened to their captain after they disappeared like a bubble.
Not long after, a black stuff lingers from the floor that they're standing with became more apparent as this thing arouse. Charles recognized this kind of phenomenon and approached it quickly without any hesitation in mind.
[Charles: It's captain! I need assistance!]
Charles took a peek inside the shadows, there he saw two unconscious figures. One is their captain- Ethan, and the other one is Lucas. Charles requested for help to get them out from the shadow as soon as possible to get them treatment immediately.
[Blade: The wounds aren't too deep. I can close them, even though I'm not into this kind of expertise.]
Blade applied some pressure to stop the bleeding quickly. This way, Ethan won't get anemia. After disinfecting the wounds to reduce the risk of having an infection, he then covered the wound around Ethan's body with bandages to prevent anymore bleeding.
[Blade: Strange, how come Mr. Lucas received only fewer injury. We clearly saw the princess that she assisted leader, so it should be 2 against 1 and on top of it... She's a royalty...]
As they carry Ethan while putting some thought on what happened, they have attempted to connect each pieces of puzzle one after another.
[Javier: I dunno what happened but.. Perhaps, because it was 2v1, they have the upper hand to defeat him without inflicting much damage..]
[Giovanni: Then why did our captain took much than him??? Hmm.... Arrhhhg I don't wanna think anymore!]
After they put Ethan on the sofa to let him rest, their attention went to Lucas, whose body is in a better condition than Ethan. They keep debating on their theories until someone ceased them.
[Charles: Overthinking won't do us any good, let's stay calm.]
[Floyd: Charles is right. Under such circumstance, we should unite as one.]
Floyd received all of their surprised gazes upon saying that.
[Blade: Man, cut it out. Those line doesn't suit you.]
[Giovanni: I agree.]
[Javier: Me too.]
[Charles: .... Same here...]
[Floyd: Wha-?! You dimwits! I was just trying to act cool. Tch! I'll just keep on thinking about Christine!]
Floyd, who was standing near the door behind him, decided to locked himself inside.
[Giovanni: Now, that's more like him.]
[Blade: ..Still, thanks to him we've settled down. He's truly a good guy.]
[Charles: The only thing that bothers me is his obsession towards my sister.]
They all agreed and laughed in unison after Floyd vanished from their sight.
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[Christine: ?!?!?!?! EEK!!]
[Emily: What's wrong?! Any monsters spotted??]
[Christine: Suddenly, I felt a chill down my spine. Looks like someone is talking behind my back.]
[Emily: Nahh, it's probably "him" again. More importantly, we should stay vigilant. Anything crazy might actually happen inside this place.]
With their mission still ongoing somewhere, her sixth sense tells her that while they were walking through a narrow, dark passageway. As they proceed on with vigilant movements, they noticed a silhouette figure along the way. Christine slightly swung her torch to show her location. That person noticed them and they assembled.
[???: Report.]
[Christine: No traces of monsters at the rear part of this labyrinth place.]
[???: Good job, let me take care of the rest here.]
[As you wish..]
Moving forward as they exchange reports. They've finally reached their destination...
(SC's residence)
[Javier: Could we just place them in captain's room?]
[Charles: His room is locked, The only place I can think of him putting his key is in his shadow.]
It was already noon when they began to think of another place for Ethan and Lucas to rest. Their condition seems to be stable at the moment.
[Blade: Guys, let's have our lunch. Who's going to cook for now?]
[...]
Blade's stomach started to rumble after waking up from his bedroom. The living room was filled in silence the moment he uttered the word "cook".
[Blade: Oh come on, letting the girls to the cooking is uncool you know. They're not here, we can't depend on them as always. ]
[Giovanni: Then you do it. Cooking is the last thing I'd do.]
He replied to him with a sudden stern look on his face.
[Blade: Wha-!?]
[Charles: Now now, you have a point blade, I shall assist you with it.]
The two simultaneously headed to the kitchen to prepare for lunch.
[Javier: Let's await them here while looking out for cap and Mr. Lucas at the same time (After that "incident", he rejects any kind of cooking activities.... This is actually a serious matter.. Though I can't solve it myself).]
[Giovanni: .....]
KNOCK! KNOCK!! KNOCK!!!
From the living room, where the both of them can hear someone stridently knocking a door. It produced a harsh sound, like indicating its anger towards them.
Javier didn't last longer than expected. Thus, he began to move towards the door and welcome the irritating unknown visitor.
[Javier: ?!!? Why's a messenger here?]
Javier gulped in shock as he furrowed his brow since he saw someone that only means one thing.
[Your captain, Mr. Ethan, together with Mr. Lucas, shall come with me at once.]
[Javier: But they are still recover-]
[This is an Order from above.]
Javier was about to explain their condition, but orders from above can't be rejected, unless you want to end your peaceful life that is.
[???: It's fine Javier, you have my gratitude for letting us recover for a bit.]
Someone tapped his right shoulder, it was Ethan who woke up. More like he's pressing his hands deeply on Javier's shoulder as a support for him not to fall down on the ground.
[Javier: Cap!? You're awake! But... Your body won't last!]
Ethan smiled at him while giving no words. He called someone at the back and went along with the messenger. It was Lucas whose consciousness was still fuzzy. Their figures became tiny as they walked away to the house. Javier shut the door and immediately went inside.
[Javier: Why didn't you cease him?!]
[Giovanni: Says the one who couldn't reject him.]
[Charles: Let's trust captain. I'm sure he has his own reason for doing this.]
Javier rushed towards the dining room and shouted at them for not stopping Ethan, but instead, his complaint returned back at him after receiving Giovanni's reply. The two exchange glances for a moment, but Charles managed to calm the two.
[Blade: Let's just eat. Here's your fried scrambled egg.]
Blade laid a suspicious looking food that can't even be determined by its looks on a dining table. It released a black aura coming from it.
[Charles: If I remember it right, I helped you beat the egg and mix them... But how the heck it became like this?]
[Blade: How rude! It's just the color! Eat or starve to death!]
They exchange glances and went to their respective chairs. They decided to eat them together at the same time.
[Javier: Ughhhh... I.. I've been curseddd!!!]
[Giovanni: To.. To think someone is far inferior than mineself... hah.. hahahaha...]
[Charles: Ack!! Guys.. You must survive...]
[Blade: How.. Rude *Blarrgghh*]
After tasting the food of the underworl- scrambled eggs rather. Their stomach growls even louder the moment they ate that suspicious food.
Javier tumbled to the ground as he spread his arm forward, begging for any help at the moment. Giovanni's head hit the table sideward while unexpectedly smirking. Charles continued to cheer them up even though he's giving a distorted face. Lastly, blade went to the toilet to loose some portion that he ate.
[Floyd: Where in the world is Etha-?! Everyone, What happened while I was asleep??!]
[Charles: Aghh, Floyd... My tummy hurts... I.. I only took a bite, you know...]
Floyd came looking for Ethan.. But instead, he saw Charles and others screaming in pain as they hold their own stomach. He inspected their condition and found out it was the food they ate. He sighed in dismay as soon as he hit his face with his palm.
[Floyd: Seriously? Does anyone know how to cook a decent food? *Sigh* Anyway, I'll be the one to cook.]
[Giovanni: You know how?...]
[Floyd: Of course! What do you take me for?]
Floyd smirked at him while puffing his chest to indicate his superiority. After that boasting, he asked what's the current ingredients available in the kitchen. It was only a tray of eggs and some rice because they've forgotten to buy some other ingredients in the market place. Well, it wasn't in vain though. Floyd continued and prepared for the food in a few minutes...
[Floyd: Here's your omellete fried rice!]
A delicate aroma rose in the air. The moment they inhaled that smell, they became like zombies hunting their prey. As soon as Floyd placed the viands on the dining table respectively, they hastily took a bite from it.
[Charles: De... Delicious!!!!]
[Giovanni: You saved us Floydd, thank you!!]
[Javier: ... *sob* *sob*..]
[Floyd: D.. Don't mention it.. Hey Javier, don't cry while eating!]
Charles sliced the eggs and ate a portion of it. His face clearly stated a satisfying look. Giovanni constantly showed his gratitude towards Floyd for making such a delicious food. He turned his gazed over to Javier and found out he was crying. Guess it was really a big deal. Blade on the other hand, was the last one for the reason he went to the toilet to throw out.. But in the end, he got his share when he came back to the dining room...
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(Ethan's point)
[Ethan: This is...]
[Lucas: ....]
[The "Judgement Chamber".]
After leaving the residence, they went to the central district, which holds an certain event... Ethan and Lucas found themselves in a tight situation when they stepped in that chamber room.
[Ethan: (Lucas... It would be a bad idea to provoke him in his current emotion. I need to lessen the pressure we'll go through near future somehow...)]
[Lucas: ....]
[Jayson: Restrain him, now!]
Under Jayson's (who governs the East District) order, the Guard knights have made their move and prevented Lucas from rampaging if ever that would happen. Ethan couldn't do anything at that moment. It was a better idea to restrain him using metal shackles that can intercept the flow of mana on the person who wears it. In other words, he can't use any magic the moment they suppress him.
Lucas was force to go to the center of that big room. There are some people inside, including the 4 Aristocrats who are in the spotlight of that room while they sit. To be more precise, Lucas was the culprit who destroyed half of the place in the Red-light district.. Meaning...
[Jaime: We're here to discuss how dangerous this man is! Last night, under a heavy rain, This criminal was the one who wrecked the main building! He caused havoc to the surroundings!!]
[Ethan: ?!?!]
Jaime (who governs the West District) stood up and began delivering his speech towards the people inside the chamber room. In order to acknowledge his address, he would need to have the their agreement and turn to his side. In this way, Lucas will definitely cast out from the kingdom without a problem.
But with Ethan's presence, he didn't let things went smooth to Jaime's plan. With that in mind, he teleported using his magic and rushed near Lucas, whose eyes are lifeless.
[Edward: Ethan, get out of there. NOW..]
[Ethan: I'd like to.. But I can't.. Not in this situation, you integrate your hatreds towards Lucas and now you're finally sabotaging him. Why? Because he was only adopted and became part of nobility? TCH! That's discrimination.]
Edward (who governs South District) told Ethan to back off, but he didn't listen to him. Instead, he delivered a provoking speech to everyone inside the chamber room with an austere look on his face.
[Jayson: *Snap* You're really getting in my nerves!]
[Grady: *Sigh* Your anger won't solve this problem, Jayson... Ethan, due to your quick and precise action, we avoided casualties last night, thanks to you and your squad.. But you have no rights to cease this sacred judgement. Remain silent, this is an order.]
Jayson snapped and gave a frowned look against Ethan. Grady (who governs North District) interrupted their arguments before it could lead to a serious conflict. After doing so, he ordered Ethan to quit beleaguering the convention. Ethan has no choice but to stand still near Lucas, whose still unable to come to his senses.
[Lucas: ....]
After preventing Ethan, they carry on to pass the judgment on Lucas. The meeting was going too smooth to begin with, due to the fact that the people inside were the ones that got involved last night in the same place. They all agreed to heavily punish Lucas with some false accusations.
[Ethan: (This is bad... DAMN IT!!!!)]
Ethan couldn't manifest his bad temper to them. Nothing can change their mind with the current circumstance. Not until "a young adult man" entered the chamber and made his presence the center of attention..
[Ethan: ?!?! (...RIGHT!! Their mission! As expected of him. They cleared it within just a day.. Maybe I could still turn the table from here!)]
It was no other than "him", The king of Axminster, "Vincent James de Callisto". His aura shone as brilliant as sunshine under the glimmering summer. Additionally, his existence itself reigned the spotlight after saying this..
[Vincent: Who died and made you four the ruler here?]
[Jayson: (His mission... That was fast! Way too fast!)]
[Jaime: (A flawed prediction of mine..)]
[Edward: .....]
[Grady: (coming here means he completed their mission, huh..)]
The 4 aristocrats went silent after hearing his voice. King Vincent was only asking them in a sarcastic way, yet they abruptly kneel to the ground.
Not only the 4 aristocrats, but all the people inside the chamber kneeled before him, except Lucas... It wasn't feared or any negative feelings. It was out of admiration towards him for completing another major mission.
[Vincent: You may rise. However, give me the full details.. *looks at him* Captain of Silhouette Crimson, Ethan.]
[Ethan: Gladly, your royal highness..]
Ethan informed Vincent in a complete detail. He became speechless after knowing the news afterwards. Closing his eyes to decide what to do as he placed his finger under his chin, he pondered on what to be the right punishment befitting to Lucas... But instead..
[Vincent: There was no casualties involved, am I right?]
Ethan nodded in response.
[Jayson: Your highnes-]
[Vincent: Who gave you the permission to speak? Mr. Jayson.]
[Jayson: My sincerest apologies, your royal highness! Please forgive me for interrupting you.]
Jayson attempted to interrupt their conversation, but Vincent didn't let that happened as he turned his eyes towards him. If ever someone intervenes as they converse, there will be a separate punishment. With that, no one tried to move an inch. At last, Vincent had made his decision to say that would conclude this meeting.
[Vincent: Ethan, from this day forth. You are expelled from being the captain of Silhouette Crimson. You were the one who let Lucas in your squad. Not only that, the people say here he's wearing your knight uniform, right? There might be a reason for that but technically, it's your fault. Wearing that uniform means you should protect the people, not to make them suffer. You must take responsibility. As for Lucas, keep him under surveillance, for now. (I'll think of a proper punishment later. *sigh* Be thankful I'm in a good mood.)]
[Edward: King! You must reconsider. Lucas should be the only one who gets punishment.]
[Ethan: Father, enough!]
His father couldn't accept the punishment. Why would Ethan be the one who suffers but not Lucas? He battled eyes against the king. Before it could get to worse, Ethan shouted at him... Kneeling to the king.. Edward couldn't do anything at that moment, and he finally accepted it. Thus, he too kneeled before him. Others were stunned with the King's decision as well, to the point all of them stood up. Whispering was all over the place, Vincent could somehow hear them and said something..
[Vincent: Did you all forget he's the student of the "Bloodless Valkyrie" - One of the greatest magicians in this kingdom? The woman who pledged her loyalty to us and died protecting this country? This is the only way to repay her service to us. And... The only thing that matters the most is your lives, my beloved people.. Lucas didn't kill a single life, right?... You must know how to forgive.]
All of them were in awe after the king delivered his speech towards them. They were all ashamed of themselves for falsely accusing Lucas.
[Vincent: Ethan, you may go together with him. I know there's more to it, but it's not the right time for this. (There's no time for break huh)]
[Ethan: Understood.]
Vincent lowered his voice so Ethan could only hear it and pointed his gaze over Lucas. It seems he caught up to something else and it's the most crucial part- the reason why Lucas had gone berserk... But it wasn't the right time to talk about it either. Therefore, he decided to order them to leave and take some rest. Others went out as well.. The only people inside were the 4 aristocrats and the king himself. They discussed more about the havoc that happened last night while he was away.
[Christine: Captain!! What happened to you!]
Christine was waiting outside the room and found Ethan having a hard time walking due to his injuries, along with Lucas.
[Christine: Mr. Lucas, what happened while I was away??]
[Ethan: No words can penetrate his spirit right now. The only thing that comes in mind is "them"..]
For the last time, he used his shadows to devour and teleported Lucas to his house.
[Ethan: Let them handle the rest... *thud*]
Ethan finally went to sleep after using his magic. Christine caught him and they began to head towards their residence.
*(note) Christine has no idea on what happened inside the chamber. Therefore, she doesn't have a single ounce of clue on what was the punishment. She didn't asked any further because of Ethan's current condition.
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After using Ethan's shadow. Lucas was transported back to their mansion. He mindlessly opened the door and saw someone inside waiting for him....
[Lucas: ..... ?!?! Evelyn?!]
His eyes began to show some hope. He slowly walks in after entering... He saw Evelyn waiting for him....?!?!?!
To be continued...