A/N: The chapter ahead is raw, which means not been proofread yet nor edited.
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"POLAROID CAMERA!?!" The Earthling bystanders exclaimed the moment they recognized what the gift was. Moon was startled and the camera almost slipped out of her hand, but the Young Lord, with his quick response, caught it.
"M-My Lord! I-Is this what they call a 'camera'!?"
Moon's hand trembled from the technology sitting on her hand.
"Yes. That one is a polaroid camera. It prints the picture taken within a few seconds. Do you want to try it?"
"T-Try? But, I don't know how! What if... What if I broke it? Oh no! I don't know what to do! What should I do---"
He placed his hands on his shoulders and said, "Calm down. I'll teach you how. Just...calm down, alright? Come here, let's try it."
He pulled her against his chest and took the camera with his other hand. He faced the lense to their faces before raising his hand.
"I'll count from one to three, and give your best smile, okay?"
"Hmm-mm!"
He placed his finger on the button and counted, "One, two...three! Smile!"
The hand over Moon's shoulders formed a peace sign over her head. On the other hand, she did gave her best smile while pressing her index fingers on her cheeks.
When the camera flashes, the polaroid film instantly printed. Moon danced like an excited kid as she wait for how their picture turned out. The Young Lord took the polaroid and showed it to themselves.
It was perfect.
"Ah! What's that, your hand!" Moon pointed his silly sign over her head and looked at him with a pout.
"What? It's cute. You're very cute here. I will keep this. Our first photograph...with a photobomber?"
They squint their eyes on the two men behind them and instantly knew who they are. When they looked back, they found Prince Maxigaufeas and Thirdy running back to their families after leaving them to join their picture.
Moon chuckled.
"You---! You ruined our picture!" The Young Lord fumed in disbelief.
"What! My handsome face made that perfect!" The Prince nagged.
Moon chuckled, "I think it's very cute."
He clicked his tongue and took his leather wallet out to display their picture in it.
"Cute, isn't it?"
She nodded with her thumbs up. "Yep!"
He put his wallet back in his back pocket then stepped back a couple times.
"Stand there. I take a picture of you."
"A-Ah, no! I-I'm very shy!" She covered her red face and shook her head.
"Don't be. C'mon, I'll let you take a shot of me after. How about that?"
She looked at him between the gaps in her fingers.
"I-I'll keep it?"
"And I'll keep yours."
He helped her choose a good pose. He changed her position, standing with the moons over her head and the fountain behind her. He even asked the people to clear the background for a moment for her. Wattroid threw petals on Moon, and he's having fun doing it.
And as her pose, she was supposed to do a curtsy, when she saw his best friends doing silly poses behind him, as if they're telling her to do the same thing.
It was a heart sign, hands over head. Hers isn't perfect which made it cute.
Then, the camera flashes.
The Young Lord looked up upon seeing the polaroid, pressing his nose thinking he'd get nosebleed from the overflowing cuteness this one polaroid possess.
"Your turn now!" Moon giggled and took the camera from him. He then hid her picture in his pocket and stood where she stood, putting his hands inside his pocket for his pose.
His fanboys, Prince Maxigaufeas and Lord Thirdy, screamed in a high-pitch while waving their hands.
"Kyaaah~ Lord Watts, you're so hot!" they said, speaking what's inside the ladies' minds.
The Young Lord scoffed with his eyes rolling, and prepared his smile for the picture.
When printed, the couple show their pictures to each other.
"O-Oh, I look silly!" Moon said as soon as she found how awkward her pose is.
"It's very cute. Let's take lots of pictures from now on. We'll put them in photo albums and picture frames. I'd need a few of your pictures to hang in my office. Your painted portraits, too."
Moon cupped her burning red cheeks.
He pinched her lovely cheeks, "That said, let's call the sixth drone and exchange contacts."
"Con...tacts?" Moon whined with a pout when he's pinching her harder.
"Sorry. You're just so cute, Darling."
"D-Darling!"
The sixth drone stopped between them. The Young Lord put it down to see the face it's blocking in front of him.
"Yes, Darling? Or do you like 'honey', 'babe' or 'baby'?"
Moon turned her back on him before ducking, burying her face between her knees. She's feeling weird in her stomach, and she couldn't stop giggling. Her lips stretched from ear to ear, and she want to hide how embarrassed she is from everyone. Especially from him who's not getting enough of teasing her.
The sixth drone dropped a rectangular box on his hands.
"Babe, look at this."
"No! You're teasing me! It's... It's embarrassing!"
He leans forward and left his pointing finger beside her head, waiting for her to turn around.
"You'll like this. It's a gift."
And when she turn her head to look at him, his finger poked her cheeks.
"I knew it!" She ducked again, sulking.
He laughed and pulled her up carefully. He opened the box in front of her, revealing the world's second smartphone. His being the first.
"W-What's that?" She forgot that she was being teased the moment she laid her eyes on it.
He picked the smartphone from its box and showed its slim body to her.
"This is a smartphone. A type of gadget. I'll explain more. For now, let's exchange contacts. Even when we're apart, we will still see each other through video calls, and talk to each other through calls."
"W-Wow! I know this! The touchscreen type of thing with lots of games and moving pictures! Video!"
He was surprised on how she got knowledge about it, but he thought that maybe King Liorei brought her to the Tower where Earthling technology were kept and remained functioning. Unfortunately, such things don't work when taken outside the Tower, for the forces in Cosmo-Vale is different from that of Earth's. Such forced interfere and blocks the waves that maked gadgets and technology from Earth unusable. Thus, they're stuck in the Tower, protected by a barrier that provide it the environment like Earth's.
It took him 13 years to solve the problem, and another two to perfect it. He worked independently and secretly--he became everything for her.
He became Watts Xirquit for Moon.
"It's so thin and light! Does it have games? I want to play games!"
"It doesn't have yet. But soon. I developed the necessary applications first like for communication, world map, emails, and such. This is a sample only. I want to give it to you, because I want us to be the first ones to have phones."
He pulled out his and showed it to her. It has the same build, but of different color. It was color blue like his eyes, and hers is silver like her hair.
At last, Princess Lorreign and King Liorei has returned. It took her time because being a woman is hard. She have to choose the perfect outfit, the perfect hairstyle, and the perfect makeup for this occasion. She wanted to look perfectly pretty that they won't be able to take their eyes off of her. But she forgot that she's not the star of the event right now.
"What happened!? What have I missed---IS THAT A PHONE!?"
She ran to the couple and grabbed the phones they are holding.
King Liorei, exhausted, followed his daughter.
"Dad! Look at this! Watts made this! This is so crazy! I've never seen phones in ages! A new era has begun! Everyone, BEHOLD! The age of technological advancement has begun!" she announced, showing the smartphones to the mass.
"Fuck, yeah! I want one! GIVE BIRTH TO THE INTERNET ALREADY, WATTS! Internet! Internet! Internet!" Prince Maxigaufeas second the motion while throwing his fist in the air.
"He's going to be the father of the New Age. Actually, he is now," Chancellor Titania stated with a proud smirk on her lips. She's a very proud godmother.
"Guess we'll be back into business," Blane Steele rubbed his hands in excitement. He can't wait to develop applications and games again. Watts Xirquit will need his experience and skills.
"Watts, do you have another one? I want one!" Princess Lorreign jumped to his side and hugged his arm. Prince Maxigaufeas flounced towards them and hugged the other arm.
"Hey, Daddy. I want one, too. Color red. I'll give you a kiss. Smoooch~"
The Young Lord winced and pulled away.
"Stop. Are you gay, Maxi?"
"What!" The Prince gasped dramatically, "You liked it when I kiss you back then!? You don't like my kisses now? You've gone cold? Have you found someone better?" He cried, then turns to Moon.
"Is it her!? Your mistress!? What about our children!? Take responsibility, I'm pregnant!" and he caressed his imaginary belly.
"What is this?" Lord Thirdy entranced, looking betrayed.
"You cheated on me with him?"
The Young Lord palmed his face. His best friends are insane. They're insane. This is why he chose to distance himself from them, too. It's because they're like that.
"Boys, don't stress our CEO like that. Sir, I'll give you a massage. I'd do anything in exchange of securing slots of your products," King Liorei kindly smiled and massaged his shoulders. It was good, he's not gonna lie. But he can't be tempted!
Moon smiled at the scenarios happening in front of her, genuinely happy for the recognition her man is receiving. The others wanted to him meet and talk about business, but it's clear that it's getting him annoyed. After all---
"Alright, stop! This is not my day! If you want it so bad, be professional and do it formally,"he calmly yet sternly insisted.
Moon smiled at him wider when he went back to her.
"You're very amazing, My Lord. It makes me so happy to see you shining."
He sighed and kissed her hand, "Sorry for leaving you. I didn't mean to leave you out. Those guys...don't t mind my friends. They were born prematurely."
Moon nodded. A yawn accidentally slipped from her mouth.
"F-Forgive me! I didn't mean to---!"
He kindly smiled and placed his hand on her cheek.
"Are you tired?"
Moon hated to admit it, but she is. Also, the time is past her bedtime. She's not used staying up so late. This is the first time. Celia is very strict when it comes to curfew and beauty rest. Maybe she let this one slide since it's her happiest birthday party ever.
"Let's call for the last drone, then. Let's stay in my villa. Tomorrow, let's go shopping and go anywhere you want."
"T-That's too much! You don't have to..."
He pulled her and kissed her forehead.
"I'm making it up to you. I was gone for a year. And even before that, we rarely see each other because of how busy I am. I will spoil you with the luxuries you deserve."
She look up to him and saw his fiery adoration for her. It's melting her. The type of gaze that makes her feel things in her.
"When the dawn breaks and you woke up by my side, you're free from them. You'd be under King Liorei's custody and if we have to, we'll fight them to get your name back to you. We'll take back everything that was stolen from you and expose the thing we have to expose. I swear to my honor and name, with all honesty and truth, that you are the Third Lady of Heart, Her Imperial Highness Holy Azarese Elyzena. Heavens, you may take my life right now must I speak of lies."
Sun heard the chains of her false righteousness snap from the declaration she heard. Anger took control of her mind and marched down the staircase as the storms in her eyes spin sharply against the Young Lord.
"You, a mere Earthling---speaking blasphemy against me? My name is mine! I am the Third Lady of Heart, the one and only Holy Azarese Elyzena Dragunovv-Warlock! I've had enough of your offenses! Do you think you're invincible because you're a Xirquit? Your name won't save you once I said the word! Take back your declaration, Watts Xirquit! TAKE IT BACK!"
Moon shuddered from the overwhelming power coming from Sun. Her eyes may be glowing electric blue, but they know better that a pissed blue Warlock isn't as dull as hers. However, despite his assumptions that she's an impostor, she made him think twice for every steps she make, the ground is breaking and quaking. As her aura grow, the weak were overwhelmed and was forced down to their knees.
On the ledge of the fountain sat the alleged Deity, Skadi Eira, watching intently to not miss any.
"Do you think showing off yourself as a second-rate Warlock will faze me?" The fearless Young Lord nonchalantly replied to her wrath, standing mighty and strong while hiding Moon behind him. Their hands were intertwined, securing her safety and protection.
"WATTS XIRQUIT!"
A lightning strike struck between them. The King left the Empress with her parents to calm their daughter.
"Get down on your knees and ask for forgiveness. This is a grave matter. If you're wise, you know there'd be consequences. You swore to me!"
As if to mock her, he snickered. Her veins popped.
He let Moon's hand go to take a wide step to get close to Sun. Close enough for her aura to burn him, but her aura seem to avoid him.
She can't touch him.
"It's Aloisia and Calamity who swore to the Empress. They didn't swear anything to you. They swore to the Empress and us, their children, have no business with the Imperial Family but merely formalities. We're not shackled to any vow, because it's completely between our parents."
He stepped closer and lean down to smile right on her face.
"Going feral won't legitimize your identity as the Third Lady. That's not how it works. Pretty sure Moon can do the same, but let's not push her buttons, hmm? There are proper and legal procedures for that. If you're so sure about being the real one, then just sit back and wait for the results."
He smiled nicer and touched her face, caressing her cheek with his cold hand. Sun gritted her teeth so much that her mouth bleed. She raised her hand to hit him, but he caught it and locked her hand behind her. There he pressed her against his body, putting pressure on her back to minimize her breathing.
Moon gasped from the sight of them hugging and felt something pinch her heart.
He whispered to her ear with unserious threat, "You made an enemy of a Xirquit. No way you can keep their minds under your threads forever, Sun. Remind you, I'm their favorite. You don't know much about us. You've never seen them angry, right? And my sister, she's so obsessed with me. Tell your little knight to always guard your back. You will never know when she will bite."
He parted himself from her when the best father in the world got close. King LIFE shield himself and faced the young Xirquit, but he only smiled and walked back to sulking Moon. When he tried to touch her, he left his hand hanging in the air. Then, he opened a portal to get a bottle of alcohol and sprayed it on his hands.
"Gotta kill them bacterias," he said with a chuckle.
Moon gazed at him with worry.
"My Lord, the car?" Wattroid whispered.
"Ah, yes. Bring it in."
And with the appearance of a badass sportscar that is also luxurious and convertible, they reluctantly forget about Sun and showered their attention on the mobile. It's shiny white with embossed gold on the details.
"No fucking way! A CAR!?" His best friends ran to the car. They checked it out, touching it and feeding their eyes with its sleek and luxurious entirety.
"How much?" asked the Prince.
"It's not for sale. It's Elyzena's," the Young Lord sighed.
The greedy Prince stomp his foot. He pulled out a cheque book and wrote numbers with lots of zeroes. He then hand it to the Young Lord.
"Here. I'm buying it. Make a new one."
Empress Clastigaufeas palmed her face before nudging her husband. So, the Emperor jog his way to his son. He took the cheque and laughed at how poor his offer was.
"Dang, you poor? That's not how you negotiate, son. I'll teach you. Watch me,"
The Emperor wiggled his eyebrows and stated his offer, "I'd like to make a partnership. Strictly business. Vernignac Empire has a very few landlords, and we have lots of lands to offer. You can make a branch of your company there. You know me, my boy. You'll need my expertise and skillzzzz. I know you'll need the others. Blane Steele, Chase Hyatt, especially your Ninang Titania. Her expertise about cars is world-class. Think, boy. The papers are ready for the ink. We can write a contract for that."
They expect nothing less from the sly scammer such as the Emperor himself.
And with Duke Paris popping behind him, "Count me in. Leave the internet thingz to this master, my boy. I knew computers better than anybody. Just a car, please. You know I love you!"
The Young Lord feel the stress creeping into him as they crowd all over him. Still, he didn't let Moon's hand go.
"Stop, or else I'll put your names in a blacklist!"
With that, everyone jumped away from him and gave him a salute.
"Drive safe, Sir!" they said in unison.
King Liorei chuckled on the sidelines, since he know he already secured a slot even when he's not signing up yet. Perks of being an ally.
The Young Lord clicked his tongue and passed them by while pulling Moon. He opened the door for her.
"Tell me if the seat is making you uncomfortable," he told her after she's seated.
She shook her head with a gummy smile, "Not at all. It's very soft. Thank you, Nikola."
He was stunned for a moment, then flashed a shy smile as his ears redden. He never knew his second name would sound so sweet and cool. It was refreshing and feels new. He tenderly kissed her forehead, then her cheeks, before putting the seatbelt on her.
"You're always welcome, my sky. Would you mind staying in my villa for a week? We will go out on dates every day and have fun. Say yes, my love. I will make you happier."
He kissed her cheeks again. Longer and filled with sincerity and respect.
"Just the two of us?"
"Hmm-mm. We can count on King Liorei to look after Her Divine Almighty. Right, Your Majesty?"
Their stares landed on King Liorei who's watching them proudly, with contentment and ease knowing that her daughter is in the good hands.
"Strictly business. I'd like a slot to the lists of your to-be-released products," he joked.
"You know your name's already in the list, Your Majesty. Apparently, I just realized that I had favorites."
King Liorei gave the three other men a smug smirk.
"W-What about me!? I'm your bff!? We're literally twins!" Prince Maxigaufeas whined.
"You were born first," they told him.
The Prince hissed, "No, you're wrong! We're twins!"
The Young Lord ignored him and kissed his woman again. Then, he walked around to get in the car and ignited its engine.
"Celia, I'll leave Elyzena's things to you. Bring the tomorrow. Wattroid,"
Wattroid walked to him and leaned forward to listen to his master. No sharp-sensed being could hear their conversation. Not even Skadi Eira.
"Noted, Master. Safe trip. Bye, Princess." Wattroid waved his hand to the Princess. They exchanged gummy smiles.
The Young Lord glanced over King Liorei. They nodded at each other. Soon, they left, leaving everyone with blooming greed and poisonous jealousy over Moon. The perspectives were divided, but mostly are in favor of them as a couple. Especially the commoner Ancients who were loyal to Moon from the beginning. They loved her for who and what she is; whether she would be truly a Veil or not.
Sun smacked her father's hand away and furiously marched to her Palace. Her knight then followed her steps.
But on their way, a woman fell from above, blocking their way.
It was Lady Elektra.