The scene gives joy to Rahel. She felt like being their mother, taking care of her grown-up children and cooking food for them. Rahel and her husband always dreamed of having a happy family, but unfortunately, it was never given to her. Instead, fate itself took her only source of happiness. Still, Rahel has the strength to smile and be happy even if it
was not that great like before.
---
Invictus went out for a walk–resting after he finished eating a whole bunch of food–and coincidentally came across the liquor store's owner in a carriage.
He thought that the old man was just going away to buy more alcohol and products he would use outside of the town. But he noticed how well-groomed Zeb was, wearing all black clothes.
The thumping hooves stopped, and Zeb slightly looked down on Invictus. And the latter raised his gaze, meeting Zeb's eyes.
"Introducing yourself as Meliora, going around in circles, and buying a bottle of rice wine, I know what's about to happen."
Somehow, Invictus was grateful that Zeb figured out who he really is just by having a conversation with him for a few minutes.
'I am glad that Zeb has decided to move out to finally achieve his dream.'
"Do you want to stay for a bit to see the fireworks display I've prepared?"
Zeb spits out the straw he was chewing on, cursing under his breath, erasing the cruel imagination he just had after hearing Invictus' crazy question.
"I'm still sane enough to reject such an absurd event. My conscience won't be able to take it while I drink my ass, watching this whole town— no, mountain, enveloped in flames."
"That's a horrible thing to say, Zeb. You sound like I'm insane and have no conscience whatsoever for scheming a magnificent event."
"Oh, fucking hell! Where did that assiduous and forgiving person I know? I'm certain that you're aware of your actions and what's going on in your
mind."
As low as he could, Zeb tried to tone down so as not to alert the people around them about Invictus' evil scheme, although he was kind of against it.
"Estaroth killed that person, Zeb. He buried him alive and left him to rot and die, to be forgotten forever."
Invictus stood there, his eyes fixated on Zeb's while the latter didn't avert his gaze, seeing the depths of what Invictus could see.
Inside of his eyes was a raging man, shackled on his four limbs to not get away. However, the rusty chains restraining him were long gone and was now a free man about to unleash chaos on everything those eyes
could see.
"But don't you care about the innocent lives your actions will take? Think about the children, the people in this town, just trying to survive the day
and be happy."
"Are they more innocent than my daughter? So, my beloved Austria and wife deserved death, and these townspeople don't? I see no difference in them being as guilty as my family if we're talking about being sinful. If my wife and daughter had it coming, then all people of Estaria should also perish. No one can stop me. They won't be able to. So, Zeb, you might want to rethink your decision about just moving to a secluded place in Estaria. Go to another kingdom. This place is doomed to fall."
Hatred had already corrupted Invictus' mind, and Zeb knew that his words would not go through his mind. It would just get over Invictus' head and be disregarded afterward. It will only go from one ear and left to the other.
Zeb scoffed at how Invictus had become. "How low you've stooped down, Meliora. I'm disappointed in you. Don't worry. You won't ever see me again."
Without bidding farewell to Invictus, Zeb went on his way, the horse trotting on the dry path leading towards the feet of the mountain.
Two special roads were made for carriages. A one-way path that leads up to the mountaintop, and another one that would convey outgoing vehicles. People can't use this road because the size of the way can only fit a single vehicle. They can't block incoming or outgoing carriages, or it will cause heavy traffic.
Anyway, it pains Invictus to part ways with Zeb without having a proper goodbye, but he needs to do what he has to. He lives to exact vengeance and satisfies the desire of the goddess of time and space. Therefore, his strong desire to plunge Estaria into chaos and bring forth judgment towards them shall not waver.
"If you are not a friend, you are a father figure to me, Zeb."
The love that Invictus could not receive from his dead father was given by Zeb. For most of Invictus' time spent in the provincial town, Zeb would accompany him and teach him things a man, who's growing more, should know.
They went fishing and hunting together and even built a house for a family that needed shelter.
Such quality time with Zeb will always be remembered. Not a single piece of their memories of him will be forgotten, for Zeb will always have a place in Invictus' heart.
"I have no qualms about Zeb's safety. What I'm worried about right now is the innkeeper. Innkeeper Rahel will be caught up in the ring of fire."
Nighttime was near. The inevitable is right around the corner. Invictus stood there in the middle of the road, people walking past him, avoiding being around him, for he looked weird staring at the sky.
"Why's he wearing a mask? Is his face burned, or is he just ugly?"
Invictus began to stand out, wallowing in the sensational finale he
constructed for the fate of the town and its townspeople.
"Be careful, son! That mister has lost his mind."
Restraining his emotions, finally being able to think for himself, act for himself, and speak for himself, Invictus felt free for the first time.
"So, this is freedom! What a beautiful feeling it is! To think that I was
depriving myself of this wonderful sensation, I was naive!"
Let go of all the restraints that are weighing you down and have a taste of the delicious meal called "freedom." And don't let someone tell you what needs to be done ever again. Be the freeman that you yearned for and live a stress-free life to its fullest.