"How can I be the Demon God!? There's just no way that's possible!"
"Calm down young one. All will be explained. But I would not lie to you."
Now I do admit. Shouting at a Goddess and essentially calling her a liar was not one of my better moments. But the ludicrous claim she just made was not only the wildest out there but it was quite dangerous. I looked to the Sister Superior who hadn't made a move to possibly execute me out of pure zealotry.
"You needn't worry about me sire," Sister Olivia assured. "Harming you is the least of my worries."
"The Sisters do not believe the Demon God was entirely evil," Lady Mana said. "Neither do I."
"It's a false doctrine taught by Celestus who claims to only wish for order," said Sister Olivia. "Mainly to obscure the true reasoning behind the Grand Crusade."
"Please, Sister Superior. We shouldn't discuss such things with someone so young."
"I apologize your Holiness. You are correct."
"Look I don't know what is going on still," I noted. "But... Let's say you're telling the truth and that I am Ragnakhet. What could possibly tell me that would make me even believe that?"
The Goddess thought for a moment, her mind seeming to wander around for an answer. When it came to her she placed her hand on my head. "Memory Projection," she chanted and a small rectangular image appeared before us. It was the scene from this morning from my point of view. I was primarily focused on Osirian as it appeared. Reaching out to the blade like I'd want to unsheathe it.
"The Osirian Blade is an artifact that was created to seal away the Demon God. It did so by separating all three of its original parts and sealing them into jewels."
She then zoomed into the hilt of the blade which contained only one of the jewels. "The Ruby Jewel of Body and the Emerald Jewel of Mind have lost their color. Meaning Ragnakhet is partially free."
My mind began filling in the gaps in her explanation with the ordeal I'd suffered at that time. Then there was the voice. The voice that'd beckoned me to touch the blade. The voice was the blade.
"What would've happened had I touched that sword..?"
The Goddess stopped projecting the image. "In your current state, the sword would've resealed you immediately. You would've stood no chance against its power."
So... Not only did I almost commit suicide this morning but I am a Demon God in the flesh. There was no way that any of this made any form of rational sense but I expected too much from magic and the Goddess.
"F-Fine... I believe you. But doesn't that mean I cannot return?"
The Goddess shook her head. "Despite his sworn duty, Sir Roland has not resealed you. With the Blade in his possession, the second the blade resonated with you he should've known."
I instinctively rubbed my neck thinking of what Sir Roland could've done. But it does matter that he didn't. Maybe out of respect for my Father? Or perhaps something else I didn't understand. In any case, thinking of what could've happened doesn't matter now. What mattered was the next step.
"I want to return then. My Mother needs me now more than ever."
The Goddess nodded again and we both stood to our feet. "Sister Superior Olivia, please escort Ragi to his Mother at once. Ensure he does so safely."
Olivia bowed, "It will be done, your holiness."
As we turned to the Sanctum's entryway the doors opened.
"Hold on," the Goddess called out. She then held out her hand. A small ring took shape and she handed it to me.
"This ring will allow you to utilize magical power. You must return every full moon so that I can recharge it. I will also teach you magic and how to mask your power."
"Mask it? Can someone detect it?"
"As the Demon God, you will always have traces of miasma within your mana. It's how I confirmed who you were."
Great, another thing to watch out for. From there I waved my goodbye to the Goddess and even thanked her for her hospitality. Sister Olivia escorted me out of the temple and into the forest. The walk was quiet allowing me to reflect on what I'd just learned. There was no way I could tell anyone about it at all lest their lives are put in danger or worse. When we reached the gates of Rigel the two Guards that chased me spotted us.
"Hey... It's that kid again," the first guard shouted. His partner held him back before he approached us.
"That's a Sister Superior Harold... No, we can't rough him up lest be carved up like turkeys."
Sister Olivia placed her hand on her sword readying herself to slay one of the guards if needed.
"No... No wait do not antagonize the Sister!"
Another Guardsman came from around the gate. He'd worn golden armor with a cape draped over his back. "Sister, if you'd be so merciful as to forgive my men."
"Who might you be?" She asked.
"I am Knight Commander Joffery Tarn, Captain of the Watch. I'd received a report that an Imp boy came through the gate an hour ago. His Majesty ordered us to seize him if he returned."
The King of all people wanted me? Great, Prince Fernando must've given the royal court some magical story about how I might've raised a hand against him.
"I understand your orders," said Sister Olivia. "But, the Goddess Mana has tasked me to escort this boy to his mother. Should any of you intend to harm him I'll separate your heads from your shoulders."
The Knight Commander rubbed his neck for a second. "Please, Sister... There is no need for violence. You may accompany us but you must respect Baskerville's laws."
"It's alright", I said. "I figured this was going to happen anyways. In fact... I'd like to settle this as quickly as possible."
Sister Olivia removed her hand from her sword but she made it a point to stick close to me.
The Older Knight turned around and waved in the direction in front of us. "This way please."
We'd been led through the city by the three guardsmen but strangely enough, the Knight Commander was a bit chatty. He apologized for the Imp remark and even stated that the King wanted clarity on the situation. This isn't the first time Prince Fernando has used the guards for selfish things.
As we reached the Castle, the gates had been open, and standing right by the entrance were Rory and her Father.
"Ragi!" Rory shouted as she ran through the gate. She'd practically tackled me giving me the biggest hug I'd ever gotten. "We were so worried about you! I'm so sorry I should've come after you."
"Now now Rose, you really need to compose yourself," said Sir Roland.
"It's fine," said Commander Tarn. "They're children. It'd be selfish to ask them to behave any differently."
Rory held me by my shoulders as tears began to fill her eyes. "Don't ever run away again. You're my friend I'm supposed to help you through that stuff aren't I?"
Something sickening began to rise in the pit of my stomach. When I ran I didn't think of those I'd left behind until I stopped. The mountain of apologies I'd have to regurgitate was going to be steep.
"I'm sorry Rory. I don't know what I could do to make up for this."
"You could start by clearing your name." Sir Roland suggested. "It's best not to keep the King waiting."
That's right. Even if I were to reunite with Mother now the fact remained I'd probably be imprisoned if I couldn't get the King to hear me out. "Alright... Wait here, Rory. I'll be back."
Sir Roland shook his head. "I may not be able to go in because I am the Grand Cross. But Rory is a key witness to what transpired. Besides I trust you with my Daughter."
I hadn't known whether or not it was because he probably knew who I was or rather how little of a threat I posed. But I could take all the help I could get.
"Before I go... I want to know where Mother is?"
Sir Roland stroked his chin. "She's fine. Lord Auberon is looking after her in the guest quarters we're staying in. She'd passed out from stress as soon as you left.
That was a relief. I didn't know what I would do if Mother wasn't alright.
"Come now Ragi. We've kept the King waiting long enough," said Sister Olivia.
This would be the first time I'd ever been to Rigel Castle. It certainly wasn't anything as I'd expected. They weren't gold-adorned halls filled to the brim with chandeliers or shiny decorations. The castle looked more akin to a fortress, something a veteran like Commander Tarn would be in charge of. As we reached the main hall there would be portraits of the past kings of Baskerville.
Two knights stood guard at the entrance to the throne room. Near the throne stood the knight that was with Prince Fernando along with the royal himself. He looked way too smug for someone who was pathetically spewing nonsense in the wind earlier today. Along with the Prince and his dog, another young man along with a young lady also stood near the throne. They were likely the First Prince and Princess given the circlets they wore.
"Here ye... Here ye!" Called out the Court Advisor. "By the King's correspondence, we have brought the accused to stand trial before King Luther Von Baskerville."
I tightened my grip on Rory's hand and although I could feel the fear begin to crawl up my back I had to remain vigilant.
Sitting atop the throne of Baskerville was a rather large gentleman who wore fine black clothes with some golden buttons. He didn't seem to adorn himself with capes or fur like most nobles did. As he stroked his long black beard he sat up straight on his throne and curled his fists.
As a human or rather as one pretending to be human. I bowed before his grace. Rory and the Guardsmen joined us while Sister Olivia remained standing.
"You will bow before my Father cur!" The Prince demanded.
"Silence Fernando," said the King. "The Sister Superior will not be asked to do any such thing."
"But Father I-"
The King narrowed his eyes and his son clenched his lips together.
"Now then... It is very late tonight and the commotion in Concordia plaza has kept me from my bedchambers. So only the boy will answer me. Do I make myself clear?"
Sister Olivia nodded but I felt as though that was more for the second prince than anyone else.
"Good... Boy... Did you raise a hand against my son?"
I shook my head, "No your Majesty. I was merely defending my friend."
King Luther looked at his son. "Are you sure? I have been told you even cast magic against him. The Son of House Frey was even injured"
"It was only because he antagonized Lady Sinclair. Prince Fernando is the aggressor in this case."
The Prince stepped forward to object but his knight kept him back. Even though the knight was no better than a sellsword he did seem to have some situational awareness.
"Even if what you're saying is true," said King Luther. "You realize that I still must punish you as you cast magic in the middle of my city. Then there is the fact that I must lay the blame on House Frey's injury upon you since your companion has a form of diplomatic immunity being the daughter of the Grand Cross."
It was a bit farfetched to say that but I could see where he'd been coming from. Regardless of who was at fault a Noble House could still demand judgment. Injuring an heir was a serious offense.
"Before I render judgment. I'd like to know who you even are. To know the Grand Cross's daughter in the first place is something that piques my interest."
I wasn't sure what to say. Father and Mother tried so hard to keep my existence a secret. Telling the King of Humanity who I am could've gone against everything I'd been taught. But as I looked into the King's eyes there was something about him that made me want to trust him. Maybe now saying my lineage could probably save my life.
"Ahem... Well to answer your question, your Majesty. My name is Ragi Norak Sunai. I'm the only Son of Daedalus Rita Sunai."
The King's eyes widened and it seemed everyone was surprised. Well, all but the Sister and Rory of course. The King stood from his throne and hurried down to get a closer look at me. His burly physique was even stranger to see up close.
"You are the Son of the Arcane Maestro? The same Arcane Maestro who defended Agnia from Wulfric the eastern dragon who is known by all as the Drifting Death? The Son of the Warrior who is said to be the reincarnation of Raenara Stormblood, Mother of War?"
Wolfric? Raenara? I hadn't known either of those two. Though Father did mention he fought one of the three dragons before. I just nodded.
The King nearly twisted his ankle as he spun around to face his son. "Fernando! How dare you!?" The Prince's face turned so pale I'd nearly thought he'd died.
"Daedalus Sunai is one of my closest benefactors. You dared to convince me to sentence his son spitting in the face of the respect this Kingdom owes him?"
"F-F-Father... I didn't know! I swear."
"Of course, you didn't know. No one but I knew as much. Thought you didn't even bother to ask or even have the common decency to not antagonize him."
The King stormed off back to his throne and plopped right down into it. "Honestly if you weren't my son I'd have your throne in a dungeon for the rest of your life... It's honestly my fault for not having a more firm hand in raising you."
The King pinched the bridge of his nose as he tried to calm himself. This turn of events probably changed everything the King decided before.
"Young Sunai. I must apologize for my Son's blatant rudeness toward you. The same to you as well Lady Sinclair. I will be sure to reeducate my Son about his incompetence. Now... I must speak with Daedalus right away. I cannot allow him to think I've insulted him so."
That would be impossible now. News must've not reached the King's ears somehow but it was likely due to Fernando's meddling. I must've done something to catch the King's wary eye because something he saw in me that gave him pause.
He looked to his advisor as he sat back on his throne. "Edmund... Have we had any visitors I don't know about tonight..."
"Y-Yes sir... Lord Auberon brought a woman here earlier this evening. She wasn't a courtesan and she appeared to be in a state of distress. She was also a Draconian woman."
King Luther grimaced as his mind seemed to solve an invisible puzzle. Once he'd solved it he leaned forward on his throne. "How did it happen boy?"
The Guards seemed confused along with the Princes, Princess, and Edmund. But I'd known.
"Sickness," I said. "Something unknown to any of us. He'd been fine this morning but something happened while I was away."
The King looked unsatisfied as if something about what I'd said was amiss. But he reclined into his throne taking a moment to himself. He'd taken a deep breath and exhaled loudly. "Very well, then I shall commence with my oath."
He stood from his throne and beckoned his advisor. As King Luther whispered into Edmund's ear I couldn't help but wonder what he'd have planned. My Father's death must've been shocking news but he'd accepted it better than I did. I didn't know why but I admired the King for his composure. He had a quality that I sorely lacked.
As the two finished their discussion Edmund went into a room toward the left of the throne. It is there he retrieved a large broadsword. The hilt was colored in an obsidian metal and the scabbard had been adorned in rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. The colors of Baskerville's ancient kingdom. The Guards were in awe of the blade and even Sister Olivia was confused.
Given everyone's stunning reaction, I didn't believe the King was going to slay me but probably something more outrageous. As Edmund handed him the blade he unsheathed it from its scabbard. Even though the blade seemed rather old it was properly maintained. The steel shinned even under a torchlit night.
He then approached me with the sword holding it with two hands and stopped right before me. He then held the tip of the blade at my shoulder.
"Boy... How much has your Father taught you about Baskerville?"
Honestly only the basics but to insult the king like that would probably mean my death. "As much as he could," I answered.
He smirked, "Good... Then that means everyone in this room should know the significance of this sword... It was forged by Julianna, Goddess of Law and one of the Seven King's Vessels. This sword has dubbed many knights... Slain many tyrants... And is the symbol of absolute authority on Polaris. The very fact that I am able to draw this sword is physical and irrefutable proof that I am worthy of the title of Von Baskerville. As such any decree I make while holding this blade is absolute. Any objections will be met with swift execution."
The King paused and turned to Prince Fernando. The Prince's brow furrowed as he appeared to understand what his father meant by this. Raising the blade King Luther held it parallel to his chest.
"By the will of Arclight, an armament of King Zariel von Baskerville, first of his title... I name the Sunai Family permanent nobility of the Kingdom of Baskerville in perpetuity. Starting today they will reside in the castle."
At this moment, I'd strangely recalled a lesson my Father taught me. He told me that Leaders had the leave the room speechless and in awe of their display of power. But this... This was something I wasn't expecting.
The King then turned to the Second Prince now aiming Arclight's blade directly at him. "Prince Fernando Waldheim..." His voice boomed. "Not only have you committed an affront to Daedalus's son but also to the Grand Cross's daughter. You have tested my patience for the last time!"
Prince Fernando fell to his knees, his body quaked with fear as he tried crawling toward his father. The Guards came from around us to now stand guard for the king. They even went as far as to aim their spears at them although they were reluctant.
"Since you are my second-born son I will not imprison you in the dungeon... Instead, your rite of succession is hereby revoked and you will be sent to the south. House Frey will need help ruling the southern territory."
"Father! Please no! I was ignorant of the imp... Sir Sunai's station. I beg of you to forgive me."
"Fernando..." The First Prince called out.
Prince Fernando turned to his brother but only to find that the First Prince appeared disgusted with his sibling. "This is not how a Prince of Rigel acts. Accept your punishment with grace while you still have your dignity."
"Lyle?" Prince Fernando squeaked.
"Guards... Prepare my Son for his journey... And seize his fool."
The first guard lifted the Prince to his feet while the second moved towards his lackey. I thought the cutthroat would put up a fight at least.
The King sheathed Arclight and then called Commander Tarn over to his side. "I will see to Rita momentarily. Please ensure that when the Sister completes her duty she is properly escorted back to her sanctum."
"Yes, your Majesty."
The King then turned to his daughter. "Aurelia... See to it that young Sunai receives the proper materials for his house."
The Princess bowed. "As you wish Father."
The Princess looked over at me and she smiled and waved. I waved back though Rory didn't seem to like that.
The Prince and Princess then exited the Throne room and Commander Tarn rejoined us.
"Come now Lord Sunai. Your mother is more than likely at her wit's end."