[Lucilius]
'Miss Luna is not in her residence.'
Lucilius put down the document and stared at his butler. 'Where did she go?' he asked.
'Her maid claimed that she doesn't know. Miss Luna left with Elias last night and never came back,' the butler replied.
Lucilius went silent. Did she run away?
He felt bad when he saw Luna walking out of his room sadly. It was a spur of the moment; he forgot that Luna had no idea how to use her healing power properly. It was like asking a baby to walk and scolding it when the baby couldn't do so.
The books in his library surely had some archives about Healers. Healers have not emerged since the last 5 decades so he couldn't find a mentor that could help her. But perhaps he could invite her to his library and monitor her training.
Lucilius huffed. 'Find her.'
'Yes, Your Majesty.'
'You may leave.'
And the butler did so.
After completing some more documents, he began to walk over to Ophiuchus and into her room, wanting to see for himself. Entering, the room smelled of peppermint. Helena set the scented candles up every morning for her, even when she wasn't there.
He walked over to the pile of books and parchment papers on her bedside table, arranged nicely by her maid.
Sirius: the Origin, Alshain: the Origin, A Complete Guide to the Art of Seduction, A Comprehensive Guide to Attracting Men, All About Hunting…
Lucilius frowned. The genres had no correlations to each other. He examined the parchment papers.
The first one was a messy drawing of some houses, a straight line and on the other side of the line was lousily drawn trees. He kind of recognized the picture. It almost seemed like the Archibald Village and the Lorcan Forest.
Why would she draw this?
There was a circle at the bottom of the line and then some arrows and small circles that looked like pebbles.
'Your Majesty?'
There was a knock on the door.
'Archer?' Lucilius called, and as he expected, it was Archer who entered the room. 'What's wrong?'
'A villager from Archibald Village is held hostage by the Alshain patrol officers,' said Archer.
Lucilius quickly looked back at the paper. Then at Archer. 'Why was he taken?' he asked.
'They said he trespassed.'
Lucilius hummed. So she went out for this?
'I think you should go and have a look. They suspected the Crown Prince would come as well,' Archer added.
'Send Rena to scout Leonhardt and inform me if he's making a move,' said Lucilius.
'Yes, Your Majesty,' Archer replied with a bow. Then he raised his head. 'Are you not going?'
'I will. But wait until I get the affirmations that I need.' He placed the paper back in its place and headed for the door. 'For now, we'll enjoy some tea at the teahouse. Do join me, Archer.'
***
As expected, Leonhardt wouldn't let me hear the report so he disappeared with the guy to someplace else. I took a peek outside and made sure there was nobody else in the area.
Outside the marquee, there were several ground quivers filled with arrows lined by the side of the entrance. I scanned the surroundings and saw that there were thicker parts of the forest not far from where I was.
Nice.
Making sure Leonhardt wasn't around once again, I then exited the camp and grabbed an arrow before rushing towards the trees.
I hid behind a big one, sat down and slid the shoulder part of my clothing down, and saw the bandages neatly wrapped.
It's so neat that if I meddle with it, he would know.
I needed time to think but Leonhardt could come back anytime.
***
'Our patrol officers are still engaging with those from Sirius. It seems pretty serious although there are no casualties. As I reported yesterday, I think you should take a look at the scene.'
Leonhardt was silent.
Not yet, he thought. A messy obstacle came–I can't possibly ditch her.
'I heard they sent a messenger to inform the Palace. If Sirius' emperor arrives before us, we could be compromised. His magician is rumoured to be powerful.'
'Inform me if they make a move,' said Leonhardt.
'Yes, Your Highness,' the soldier said with his head dropped.
'How about the stones?' he asked.
'Since last night, none of them came in. I have sent my men to investigate,' the soldier replied.
'Don't take too long. If people find out about this it could be dangerous for us,' said Leonhardt.
'Yes, Your Highness.'
'What about the hostage? Is he safe?'
'Yes, we're keeping him as healthy as possible and he's obedient so it's easy.'
'Okay, keep me updated.'
'Yes, Your Highness.'
'You are dismissed,' said Leonhardt. The soldier bowed and left in a hurry. The Crown Prince sighed deeply.
'Things are getting rather troublesome,' he muttered. Then his mind wandered to the young girl residing in his camp at the moment.
It was quite a sketchy meeting to begin with. He's never missed a target, and he knew he did hit the deer he saw in a glimpse. But when he heard the scream, he saw her on the ground with his arrow in her shoulder, in a further distance than his target area.
Leonhardt knew that he was not someone who is free from mistakes. The girl could've walked right in front of the deer mistakenly and got shot. He was genuinely apologetic and decided he should bring her back to his camp.
She lost a lot of blood and passed out when he brought her back to his camp; didn't even flinch when he treated her wound. She looked pitiful–and her story of her secret lover leaving her to go home alone from the forest bothered him. Who could be so inconsiderate?
But then again, she could be a spy. All her stories could be fake, all her injuries could have been intentional; even so, she hadn't shown any warning signs. Could she be trying to gain his trust before stealing information?
He realised he shouldn't leave her alone for a long time so he headed back to the camp. When he entered, the bed was empty and she was nowhere to be found. Clicking his tongue, he ran to the large table and slid the drawer open. His belongings were still there.
She didn't touch anything. Then…?
Leonhardt went outside and searched for traces. Easily, the ground had vague imprints leading to a part of the forest. He followed the mark and it wasn't long before he heard a faint squeal nearby.
Walking around cautiously, he found her sitting behind a large tree with her bandages on her shoulder unwrapped and her wound bleeding profusely.
'Milady!' he exclaimed.
She turned to him with a gasp, perhaps not expecting him to be there.
Leonhardt knelt and inspected her shoulder. 'Did the wound reopen?' he asked but through his eyes, the wound looked fresh.
The girl didn't reply–she was biting her sleeve to contain the pain.
He didn't say anything else and just brought her back to the camp.
***
I can't believe the lengths I go to just to stay for one more night. I hate this world.
After Leonhardt treated the wound, he forced me to sleep to recuperate and I did as told. When I woke up, I was bundled up in a thick blanket, probably because it was night time so he didn't want me to get cold.
There was no one in the marquee so I got off the bed and walked out. Leonhardt was sitting on a log, a stick in his hand as he meddled with the bonfire in front of him. The fire lit up was not too big, enough to warm him.
He heard my footsteps and turned to see. 'Good evening,' he said.
I didn't reply and went to sit beside him.
The fire was very warm.
'I'm sorry,' I said quietly.
'Why did you stab yourself?' he asked.
Oh. Of course, who was I fooling?
I was thinking of a reply but he continued, 'You really don't want to go back home?'
'They probably found out I was missing,' I said. 'And will probably find a family for me to marry into as soon as I go home, to restrain me.'
'Do you think your parents know about Lucifer?'
'Of course, they're not dumb.'
We both went silent. I placed my folded arms on my knee and rested my chin on my arm, watching the fire crackling, trying its best to continue burning.
'I miss my mother,' I murmured. 'And the life I had before this.'
'What was it like?' he asked.
'Not as chaotic as this.' I turned to Leonhardt, the side of my face on my arm as I stared at him. 'What about you?' I asked.
'What do you mean?'
'Must be hard shouldering the nation's problems,' I said.
'Ah, so you know who I am,' he chuckled.
'Pfft, of course. You're the Crown Prince. How could I not know you?'
'You could've taken advantage of the Crown Prince.'
'I'm not that bad of a person,' I said. 'But if you have the ability to turn back time, perhaps I would exploit you.'
He let out a short laugh.
'Have you met Sophie?' I asked.
He was taken aback. 'How do you know Sophie?'
'Unbeknown to you, I have a large network,' I tittered. 'Does she not miss you while you're out here hunting?'
'Miss me? She complains I get in her way every time.'
I scoffed. 'I guess love is blooming, huh.'
'Don't be ridiculous. We're nothing more than acquaintances.'
'Whatever you say, Your Highness,' I replied mockingly. 'Try and surprise her when you come back. If her face turns red or has tears in her eyes, she likes you.'
'How are you so sure about that?'
'Please, I'm an expert in this.'
He shook his head, not believing me.
'Anyway,' I raised my face and smiled. 'Thank you for helping me. It must have been such a hassle.'
'It's nothing.'
I slapped his arm, in which he jumped in surprise. 'Aww, don't be shy!' I cooed.
'I'm not though?' he replied questioningly.
'It was nice meeting you. You turned out to be a nicer person than I thought.'
'What? You thought I would leave you to bleed to death in the forest?'
'Well, I know someone who might,' I said. (Yes I'm looking at you, Lucilius)
'You mean your secret lover?'
I laughed.
'You should head to bed, you need more rest,' said Leonhardt.
'Oh,' I said, then remembered something. 'Which reminds me, where have you been sleeping while I sleep on your bed?'
Leonhardt thought for a moment then shook his head. 'You don't have to worry about it,' he said.
I frowned. That is so suspicious.
***
Elias exhaled sharply. He and Hayes had been transporting the magic stones since 2 nights ago with minimal sleep. It was very exhausting–he charged his mana with carbohydrates and it was barely enough. After they were done, his next task was to retrieve Luna from Leonhardt. It was already the third night since she set out to distract the Prince.
He didn't even know where she was, but seeing that the Crown Prince didn't arrive at the border, she must have succeeded. He did think her ideas were crazy but everything was going well at that point.
Elias sent Hayes home and went back to the mine for one last inspection before the final step. It was almost empty–Luna reminded him to leave some for Alshain. If anyone were to come in, they would probably think it was an ordinary cave with miraculously some magic stones. It would be enough for Alshain if they try to come in and take it.
After confirming everything, he thought of Luna and teleported to where she was. But his eyes widened when he saw what was right in front of his eyes.
A bed. On it was Luna between a wall…
And another man.
She was sleeping soundly on her side facing the guy's back, wrapped in a thick blanket up to her neck. The guy was lying on one side as well, facing away from her.
He almost threw the man off the bed but he realized it was Leonhardt, the Crown Prince. Elias bit the tip of his tongue, not sure what he should do.
He didn't have much time to think though–Leonhardt's eyes fluttered open.
Elias quickly disappeared out of the marquee, hiding beside the tent, careful not to let anyone see him.
Leonhardt got out of his shelter and coincidentally at the same time, a soldier came running to him from a distance.
'Your Highness, report!' the soldier panted, as he halted in front of Leonhardt, head bowed.
'Did they move?' Leonhardt asked, his hand reaching for an arrow in the ground quiver next to the entrance.
'They're on their way!' the soldier yelled.
Leonhardt frowned. 'Shh, not too loud,' he muttered and glanced at the marquee.
The soldier gasped and bowed. 'Apologies, Your Highness.'
'It's alright,' he said. 'Where's Ciaran?'
'He's already there.'
Leonhardt took one last look at the marquee and left with the soldier. Elias sighed in relief and went back inside.
'Luna,' he tapped her shoulder. She frowned and hummed.
'Luna, His Majesty has been informed. We have to move,' Elias added.
She opened her eyes, saw Elias and quickly sat up. 'Is it time?' she asked.
'Yes, let's go.'
They held hands and vanished into thin air.
***
[Lucilius]
Archer briefed him all the while they travelled to Archibald Village. Lucilius was not pleased at all. He summoned the Healer a day ago to confront her about her ability but found out she had gone away from her residence along with Elias the magician. Her maid, Helena, did not know anything about it.
He sent men to look for her but to no avail. No one saw or knew where they went. Lucilius got caught up with his work until the evening until Archer came to report about the issues at the border near Archibald Village.
A villager stumbled upon a mine and was held hostage by patrol officers of Alshain under the accusation of trespassing. Both sides engaged with each other and there were more than 50 injured. It was also reported that Alshain seemed unusually more powerful.
A mine? Lucilius had thought. And the fact that Alshain tried so hard to cover its existence…
***
'Your Majesty!'
As Lucilius arrived, a soldier spotted him and immediately knelt. Other soldiers began to follow suit. 'Your Majesty!' they chorused.
'Good work holding up, everyone,' said Lucilius.
'Ah, if that's not the rumored formidable young emperor!' a voice called.
Everyone turned their heads. There was the Crown Prince of Alshain walking towards the wooden fence with a few soldiers behind his back. A noticeable young man with white blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes was seen by the Prince's side.
Ciaran. The Prince's closest aide.
Archer and him had a brief eye-contact.
'Leonhardt de Crest, fancy seeing you coming all the way here,' Lucilius replied with a wicked smile.
If there was one person he would want to throw in the river, it would be Leonhardt. The two have met in a party before and were not fond of each other at all. Sarcasm and mean remarks were often thrown instead of appropriate greetings.
'I wonder what brought you here, Your Majesty?' Leonhardt queried with a hint of mockery.
'I should ask the same to you, Your Highness,' Lucilius replied, matching his tone.
They both smiled at each other.
'I heard one of my people has been taken hostage by your patrol officers,' said Lucilius first.
'Why, I heard that one of your people trespassed on my land,' Leonhardt said.
'I hope the hostage is in good health.'
'Absolutely. He was arrested ethically and with due procedure and shall be under investigation. He could be a spy for all we know.'
'My spy wouldn't be so careless.'
Leonhardt shrugged. 'I can't trust your words alone. I need affirmations.'
'Affirmations?' Lucilius chuckled. 'What of the existence of the mine you're trying to hide, Your Highness?'
'Hide a mine, Your Majesty?' Leonhardt replied in disbelief. 'It is indeed true we have found a mine but why would we try to hide it? We found it first; it should be ours.'
'You know that's not how it works,' said Lucilius. 'The mine is right under this village.'
'But it is also right under our forest.'
Lucilius nodded. 'Thus, you have no right to claim that it's yours.'
'Well, since it has come to this perhaps we could discuss the possibility of distribution?'
'I'll need my people back.'
'Him for the mine.'
'Fat chance.'
'You can't expect everything to go your way every time, Your Majesty.'
'I will make it go my way,' replied Lucilius.
'You're difficult to deal with,' said Leonhardt with a frown.
'Back at you.'
Archer looked at the emperor then to Leonhardt. They sound really childish right now.
Then, as if on cue, the ground shook terribly and a loud explosion was heard. It came from quite a distance but sounded rather muffled.
Leonhardt immediately knew where it came from. The mine…!
BOOM–!
The ground below them shook again, this time knocking some people over.
Leonhardt and Lucilius locked gazes and both held the same meaning: This is not over.
Smoke was beginning to cloud them.
'Your Highness, we need to leave!' a soldier said to Leonhardt.
'Your Majesty, it's not safe here.' the soldier on Sirius' side approached Lucilius. 'The fire might spread.'
Leonhardt clicked his tongue and backed away slowly. The situation wasn't looking good and he needed to check on the mine.
The smoke then got in the way between Alshain and Sirius. But then, even from far with clouded vision, he could see a figure running up to Lucilius, calling him out.
Is that…?