'Why is Nox von Reinhafer so cold towards me? Could he nurse grudges detrimental to the Empire, or worse, does he dislike me?
If not, did he discern a trait in me that suggests I might manipulate him? But, I see no evidence of that…'
Princess Penelope sat in her chamber, her mind consumed with thoughts of Nox. No matter how much she ruminated, nothing made sense.
She was the Empire's Princess.
The times when she experienced such frosty treatment, she could count on one hand.
If he were a commoner, rare are the noble and commoner individuals who could afford such audacity.
Yet, Nox remained consistently aloof in her company.
His boldness reached its peak during the demon raid.
He declared himself as the leader then.
He would be the leader.
Despite Penelope's objections, he asserted it was his duty – the people's mandate to safeguard the princess.
His words mystified her at the time.
He and she were adversaries.
Yet, he managed to redeem himself by challenging my brother.
She comprehended all too well the motive behind her brother, Prince Louis's challenge to Nox.
His vile habit of wielding power to affirm his dominance often backfired on him.
But Nox, fearless, accepted the challenge and triumphed.
This is precisely why Penelope needs him as an ally.
If she could shape him into a formidable force and broaden his influence.
'I must somehow persuade Nox von Reinhafer to join my faction… even if it necessitates offering him all I possess…'
Resolved, she shook her head firmly.
Then, a knock.
At the sound, Penelope felt her shoulders involuntarily droop. Composing herself, she addressed the one at the door.
"Nox von Reinhafer. Did you fetch him?"
"Yes."
"Enter."
Crreaak.
(kkiig.)
The door swings open, revealing a man and a woman.
Nox von Reinhafer.
Silver hair, lavender eyes, and an attractive countenance.
Despite his apparent exertion and lack of grooming, there was no hint of disarray.
After observing his perpetual aloofness and impeccable appearance, seeing him perspire now renders him more knight-like.
A blush crept onto Princess Penelope's face, a faint embarrassment but inevitable nonetheless.
A visage that could thaw even the most frigid Zitri with every passing second.
Princess Penelope was no exception.
With a charm rating surpassing twenty, she stood no chance.
Nox, however, remained standing.
"I understand you wish to speak with me."
"Indeed, but first, allow me to express my gratitude for your willingness to engage in this discourse."
Penelope briefly curtsied. She adjusted her skirt and offered a modest bow. It might not be the most formal way for a princess to greet a duke, but…
At this moment, she needed to entice Nox.
Whatever the method, I must keep him close.
Her smile was gentler than when they first met.
"Why not sit and converse comfortably?"
"You surprise me with your consideration."
"No consideration is too great for a potential knight, or perhaps a prospective archmage?"
"I grasp your intent. You require my services."
Nox was forthright. Penelope's expression stiffened briefly before she regained her poise and retorted.
"… Perhaps you should pace yourself. You appear rather impetuous."
"My lady, I shall step aside for you to converse freely."
Echidna advanced, requesting her leave.
Penelope conceded.
"Please accept my apologies; I shall return shortly."
"I understand."
Echidna made her exit, and Nox seated himself.
It was a continuation of the story she had narrated in the carriage. Less than a day later, she found herself repeating the tale. Even for Penelope, the circumstance was somewhat draining.
She hadn't known Knox long enough to comprehend his character or how he might respond to her demands.
To win his allegiance, she needed to offer something he desired.
However, she was still unsure what that could be.
"I shall reiterate, Nox von Reinhafer. I need you. To become Empress of the Empire."
"That's a bold claim, considering the First Prince is alive and well."
"You were the one who rendered him incapacitated. So, in a broader sense, we're journeying the same path."
"That may be the case, but it doesn't imply I'll support you."
Just as I thought, Nox was indeed setting boundaries.
Penelope bit her lip softly.
He demonstrated no fear. The idea of reprisals for challenging the prince seemed to have vanished from his mind.
This realization sparked a peculiar sense of acknowledgment in Penelope.
The enemy of my enemy is my ally?
Nox almost felt like a companion now.
"I'll ensure you receive the finest treatment. Stand by me. Be my knight, and I'll bestow upon you all within my power."
"I hold no allegiance to any side."
"There's more to the periphery than you imagine. Wealth, honorable reputation, and so much more."
"I presume my family possesses none of those, and I doubt they hold any value to a rogue like myself."
Penelope pondered Nox's words, then conceded, "Perhaps."
From here on, she would need to improvise.
"True… but aren't you unaware of the people's affairs? Besides, your family's resources must have limitations."
"So you believe my chances of ascending to power are slim due to my status as a family outcast."
"To state it plainly, yes. However… I can provide more than you could ever request, Theo von Reinhafer. More than even your father held. Therefore…"
"I believe I need to clarify something."
With that, Nox fell into contemplation. After a moment, he resumed.
"Firstly, I don't possess an insatiable desire for favors, power, or anything similar."
At this, Princess Penelope could only express her confusion.
After all the hardship he inflicted on my brother, he claims this?
He doesn't yearn for power?
Nox continued his speech.
"Secondly, I will never align myself with anyone, not even my father. Not even if it's Theo von Reinhafer."
…?
Penelope wore a look of confusion. She gasped, slightly taken aback.
"Uhh…"
"I must admit, I genuinely dislike my father."
Nox confessed, his tone imbued with rare sincerity.
A hundred percent sincerity.
Penelope was convinced Nox had a talent for performance. No matter how much she despised her father, she couldn't state her disapproval as naturally as Nox did.
That was Penelope's conclusion.
* * *
Louis, the first prince of the Arkheim Empire.
He currently sat in conversation with a boy sporting a bread-shaped hat. The boy's face seemed vaguely familiar.
It was Rick, Eleanor's chief financial deputy, the one who had approached Nox and consequently faced a brutal backlash.
"…So, Rick, your attempt to persuade him also proved futile?"
"Indeed. His obstinance is notable, and I suspect he's executing another scheme, but… I haven't discerned it yet."
Louis sighed.
Somehow, things had spiraled out of control.
His plan to subsume Eleanor's faction was proceeding well, but issues arose elsewhere. Take Nox, for instance.
He was sabotaging everything.
His loss in the duel led to him relinquishing his 'Undefeated Knight' title. A title previously held solely by his father, Emperor Esteban.
Louis intended to claim the title of Emperor, with White Light, the Emperor's sword, at his side.
In this scheme, Nox was merely a pawn to be exploited and discarded.
However, Nox was more astute.
He maneuvered his situation, manipulating Noah von Trinity into accepting his terms.
A formidable adversary.
Louis twirled his cigarette as he ruminated.
"How's the progress on the resurrection plan for 'him'?"
"We're on schedule, so there's no cause for concern. In a matter of days, the Academy will likely be thrown into complete disarray."
Rick responded courteously.
A grin tugged at the corners of the prince's lips.
Naturally, in his envisioned future, the Empire stood free of Eldain Academy's influence, with him reigning supreme.
Thus, the prince was dabbling in a forbidden realm.
Demon summoning.
The resurrection of a creature that once wrought havoc across the continent as a demon. He had concealed a magic stone in Eldain Academy's basement.
The spirit of Paimon – he planned to usher it back into the continent.
"This is going to be quite the spectacle."
"Indeed, and I'll be reuniting with my lord after so many years."
Rick's lips curled upward in response.
For once, he didn't conceal his demonic nature before the prince.
* * *
Despite his anticipation, Penelope's proposition exceeded his expectations.
She promised him anything he desired. A blank cheque. An offer that no one in this world could resist.
Yet, I found myself in a bind.
Even if the only destiny awaiting me in House Reinhafer spells doom.
I had to refuse her.
Nox von Reinhafer.
Who would be pivotal in defeating this adversary?
Penelope, with her consolidated authority as the Empress.
She's the one who would place a bounty on my head in the Empire's name.
As the villain, my sole connection with her lies in our shared homeland.
So, I needed to maintain as much distance as possible.
Regardless, I should hasten to the story's conclusion.
But…
Is it really prudent to so vehemently reject her in this situation?
The imminent threat of death may dwindle, but excessive disregard may lead to complications down the line.
I'm still determining how the butterfly effect will unfold.
I had already experienced this during my encounter with Paracelsus in the Fourth District.
Regardless of my actions or methods, the story will always unfold differently than I wish. It's inevitable.
Even the most minor action can signify something different to another, potentially rebounding on me.
So, I made a choice.
To remain neutral, observe unfolding events, and minimize my variables as much as possible.
I cleared my throat and declared emphatically.
"I won't take sides, because I don't want to live my life fighting someone else's battles."
I said nonchalantly.
"However, I'll aid anyone if necessary. It could be the Princess, it could be someone else, I don't know. But I'm prepared to lend a hand in my own way if it saves my life. So, don't be too hard on yourself."
Consider this an insurance policy, so to speak.
If I do end up assisting someone, I have a justification.
A narrative that can serve as a shield if I end up erring later.
Doing this or not could bring a significant divergence. In any case, I need to spread the word.
However, Penelope didn't seem convinced.
"What if I offered you everything I possess, save for… my authority as a princess?"
"All I seek is my freedom."
"...."
The Empress bit her lip for a moment. But she couldn't push me further, couldn't demand more. I had already made up my mind.
This wasn't necessarily the worst outcome for her either.
At the very least, it prevents me from aligning with Prince Louis.
If she plays her cards right, her path to maturity should be free of hurdles.
She also holds a trump card in Echidna. There's no need for my interference.
Finally, she acquiesced, albeit with one stipulation.
"Fine. I respect your stance, but I ask for two things.
Firstly, do not align with my brother or your so-called friend, my father. They will only serve as flawed support."
"I understand."
"Secondly…"
Penelope glanced at me.
"Nox, you… you've pledged to marry Miss Talia von Steiner, haven't you?"
"….?"
What on earth is this about?
I started to respond, but understanding what the Princess implied, I furrowed my brow. A triumphant smile graced Penelope's face.
"Henceforth, you will be a Consort candidate for House Arkheim, Nox. It's one of those Imperial Laws you so respect. You'll abide by it, won't you?"
A faint smile formed on the Princess's lips as she spoke.
Damn it.
(jegilal)
She's got me there.
With a natural smile, she continued.
"Nox von Reinhafer, you will be a candidate for my husband from now on."