"Yuto?"
It was a familiar voice he had heard before.
He opened his eyes slowly, adjusting them to the light, and saw a familiar figure sitting down, drinking tea.
It was Ernaline, the one who always allowed him to ask questions every time they met.
Yuto stood up and walked towards her, taking his seat as she poured him a cup of tea.
"Ernaline"
Ernaline smiled warmly at Yuto, her eyes filled with kindness, "Hello, Yuto. It's good to see you again"
She handed him a cup, the beverage's aroma filling the air, and he accepted it.
The tea she served was always on a different level of deliciousness.
"It's been another two years since I've been in this realm"
Ernaline nodded, her smile soft.
"Yes, time has passed quickly, hasn't it? It feels like only yesterday we were last talking"
…
"I'm guessing why I'm here has something to do with the dragon king?"
Ernaline took another sip, "That's right, Yuto. Your encounter with the dragon king has prompted this visit"
"Beating my ass till I'm covered in blood, prompts a visit?"
Ernaline chuckled lightly, amused by Yuto's bluntness, "Yes, in a way"
"Your interaction with the dragon king has brought to light certain things that must be addressed"
"Hah, are you going to answer me or are you going to leave me, in the dark like the others?"
Ernaline's expression softened, and she looked at Yuto with a mix of sympathy and regret.
"I understand your frustration, Yuto. I know you've been seeking answers, and I promise you, I will answer as much as I can"
"It's not that we don't want to tell you, it's more... more complicated than that"
"…"
"Right, the bullshit rules of me having to find the fragments, I at least know that there are 15 fragments, that makes this a lot easier"
Ernaline nodded, her expression still serious.
"Yes, that's correct. There are indeed 15 Fragments, and it is your destiny to find them and rebuild the Sword of Elise."
"But before I reveal more, I have a question for you, Yuto"
"Wait my destiny?"
Ernaline chuckled softly at Yuto's reaction.
"Yes, your destiny"
"You were chosen to find the fragments, it is a path that has been laid out for you from the very beginning"
"..."
Ernaline watched Yuto, taking note of his reaction.
"I know this information comes as a surprise, but you must understand the significance of your quest"
"Let me explain one thing to you"
"What is it?" Yuto took a sip of his tea.
Ernaline leaned in, her gaze fixed on Yuto, "I do not do this because I want to torture you, but to protect you"
"..."
"What was your question?"
Ernaline smiled, glad that Yuto was being patient.
"Ah yes," she said, "My question for you is this: do you trust me?"
…
"I do, as you are the only one who is willing to answer some of my questions"
Ernaline nodded, her expression softening, "I'm glad to hear that, Yuto. It is important to trust the ones who are trying to help you"
"The reason I ask is because there are things I cannot tell you just yet"
"Certain truths must remain hidden until you are ready to hear them"
Yuto frowned at Ernaline's words, but he knew deep down that she was being honest with him.
"So, what can you tell me now?" he asked, his voice slightly impatient.
"You said that when we meet again, I can ask you five questions"
Ernaline smiled, pleased that Yuto had remembered, "That's correct, you have five questions you can ask me during this visit"
Yuto put his cup down, his hands clasping, "Is it true that Mizuki was the Goddess Elise's ego sword?"
Ernaline smiled, impressed that Yuto had connected the dots, "Yes, it is true. Mizuki was indeed the Goddess Elise's ego sword, or as it's formally known, the Sword of Elise"
"Kaz said that Elise had a lover who was from another world. Is that true?"
Ernaline nodded, "Yes, that's correct. The Goddess Elise did indeed have a lover who was from another world"
"His name was ****, dear me it looks like I can't recall"
Yuto's eyes widened upon hearing the censored portion of the statement, "You can't remember his name? Why?"
Ernaline grinned, "Is that a question?"
Yuto realized his mistake and laughed sheepishly, "Right, sorry"
"I've used up one of my questions, and I didn't even realize it"
"No, as you didn't mean it, I shall let it pass"
Yuto sighed in relief, grateful that Ernaline was willing to bend the rules, "I appreciate your leniency"
"What is your third question?"
Yuto took a moment to think, considering his options, "Kaz said that Elise and her lover broke Mizuki into fragments. Why?"
"Ah, that's a complex question, Yuto. The reason why Elise and her lover shattered Mizuki into fragments is closely tied to your quest to rebuild the Sword of Elise"
Ernaline took a deep breath before continuing, "Mizuki, being the ego sword of Elise, holds a great amount of power. She was a Goddess weapon after all"
"This power, when in the wrong hands, could cause great destruction"
"By shattering Mizuki into fragments and hiding them across the realms, Elise and her lover sought to protect the world and prevent the power from being abused"
["So it didn't matter if Mizuki opposed, these assholes just shattered her!"]
Yuto grits his teeth as he continues, "Fourth question, does Mizuki know of any of this?"
Ernaline nodded, her expression thoughtful.
"Yes, Mizuki is aware of some of her past and her role as the ego sword of Elise"
"However, there are still many things that she does not remember, and many truths that she has yet to discover"
…
"Final question: Are the fragments my past or future?"
Ernaline looked at Yuto intently, her gaze intense, "I'm sorry, I cannot answer that"
"Why not?"
Ernaline took a deep breath and looked away, her expression in pain, "It is not that I don't want to answer, Yuto"
"But I am bound by certain rules and laws that prevent me from revealing certain truths or future events"
"..."
Ernaline looked back at Yuto, her expression sincere.
"I understand that you are frustrated, Yuto"
"But you must-"
"Obtain more fragments, I get it, I'm sick of hearing that"
Ernaline chuckled softly at Yuto's frustration, "I know it must get tiresome"
"But remember, each fragment you obtain brings you closer to the truth"
"Okay, if you can't answer that, then answer this," he slammed his hands on the table.
"Why? Why do you keep calling me your majesty every time I have to leave?"
"I don't want some bullshit lie, I want the truth!"
…
"I'm sorry but I cannot answer that"
"Hah," he slumped back into his chair.
Ernaline smiled sympathetically at Yuto's reaction, "I understand your frustration, Yuto"
"But please trust that I am doing everything I can to help you on your quest"
Yuto huffed and crossed his arms, not quite convinced, "Fine, it's fine, I won't ask that again"
Ernaline smiled warmly at Yuto, "Thank you for understanding, Yuto"
"I know it's frustrating, but I promise you, all will be revealed in time"
The cracks in this world started to form again, "I guess it's time for me to leave"
Ernaline nodded, "Yes, it seems your time in this realm is coming to an end. Until next time, Yuto"
As he fell through the crack beneath him, he could see Ernaline smile, "When we meet again, I shall answer six questions, till the next time"
"Your Majesty"
He was absorbed into the ocean of warmth once more.
His mind began to settle and become more comfortable with the sensation.
He closed his eyes, letting the soothing energy of this realm wash over him.
- ??? -
He woke up, opening his eyes slowly, he felt a warm and comforting presence next to him.
He realized that an arm was wrapped around his waist in a gentle embrace.
As Yuto looked over, he saw Freya asleep next to him, her arm gently wrapped around his waist.
Her face was peaceful and relaxed, and a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
Yuto couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort and warmth seeing her like this.
He carefully reached out and tenderly brushed a strand of hair away from her face, taking a moment to appreciate the peacefulness of the moment.
"It seems you're awake Yuto"
Mizuki was sitting down with a smug look, "I tell you not to do anything stupid only for me to run in and save you"
Yuto looked surprised to see her, he wanted to say something, but all he could let out was a small huff, she chuckled softly, amused by his reaction.
"I warned you not to do anything reckless"
"What happened?"
Mizuki let out a sigh, "You got yourself knocked out. I suppose your reckless nature still hasn't settled, huh?"
"Are any of you hurt?"
Mizuki shook her head, "No, we're all fine. You're the only one who came out of that fight knocked out cold"
"You're angry"
Mizuki crossed her arms, her expression stern, "Yes, I am. You were reckless and nearly got yourself killed, Yuto. I warned you not to do anything stupid!"
…
"No, stop lying, you're angry but not at me"
Mizuki's expression softened slightly, though she still looked frustrated, "Fine, you're partially right. I'm not just angry at you, I'm angry at Kaz too"
"Why are your hands bruised?"
Mizuki followed Yuto's gaze to her hands, which bore a few light bruises. She shrugged, trying to play it off.
"It's just from the fight. Don't worry about it"
"What fight? Mizuki, during that beat down, I didn't call for your help, so how do you have bruises on your hands"
Mizuki's expression darkened, and she clenched her fists, "No, you didn't. But I wasn't about to sit back and watch you get yourself killed, Yuto"
"So what happened after I was knocked out?"
Mizuki took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, "Some things are better left untold"
"Mizuki"
"Yuto"
Mizuki's stern expression softened slightly upon hearing Yuto use her name in that familiar tone.
It was clear that this conversation if continued, was going to end in pointless shouting and arguments.
Yuto lifted his hands in defeat, "Fine, I get it, I'm sorry, I won't press any further"
Mizuki's expression softened, "It's not your fault, it's just-"
"It's fine, I understand that you are trying to keep me safe, I was being rude, I'm sorry"
Mizuki sighed, "You should know by now that I care about you. I don't want to see you get hurt, Yuto"
"I know"
"Then try to be more careful next time, will you? I can't guarantee that I'll always be there to save your sorry butt"
Despite the sternness in her tone, Mizuki's eyes betrayed a hint of concern and affection.
"I promise, still I'm not in as much pain as I expected, I did use Grace Healing twice, so who healed me-"
Yuto was cut off as Kaz and Kana entered the room, Yuto was about to jump up when Mizuki stopped him.
They were not here as threats, as they came to a mutual agreement.
- 1 Hour Ago -
As Yuto and Freya were carried off, Mizuki turned her head back to Kaz, her stern expression never wavered as she approached him.
"Not a word of this gets to Yuto"
Kaz nodded, "This won't reach anyone. You have my word"
Mizuki's eyes narrowed, her suspicion still lingering, "I'm holding you to that," she said firmly.
Kana remained silent, watching the exchange between her father and Mizuki intently.
Kaz let out a heavy sigh, his weariness showing, "So, what is it that you want from me, Mizuki?"
"Nothing, we already agreed that you would give Yuto both of the fragments you have"
Kaz grunted, his irritation visible, "Yes, I remember. But I know you didn't come all the way here just for that"
"No, that is what we came here for, to see if you had any fragments, Yuto was going to speak about it in a manner that would not anger you"
"But you decided to be a violent fuck and attack him"
Kaz clenched his jaw, he wanted to argue, but he knew deep down that she was right, "It was a mistake, I didn't intend to go that far"
…
"And what if I inflict the same amount of pain onto your daughter?"
Kaz's eyes widened, his eyes glowing red, "You wouldn't dare-"
Mizuki cut him off, her tone annoyed, "How you are feeling, is how I felt seeing Yuto half-dead"
Kaz's expression softened, a hint of remorse in his eyes, "I...I understand," he said, his voice quieter than before.
He was silent, processing Mizuki's words. He knew she was right, and he couldn't deny the truth in her statement.
"I...I understand," he said, his voice softer.
"I should have been able to control my anger"
"Stop using that as an excuse, you're just going to piss me off even more!"
"You say you understand, but do you truly understand the depth of what you've done?"
His eyes dropped to the ground, his shoulders slumping in defeat, "I do… I do not"
Had this been anyone else talking to the Dragon King like this, their entire bloodline would have been annihilated from existence.
The only reason Mizuki was able to beat Kaz was because of two reasons, she was an old friend he had not seen in 3,000 years and he was in his human form.
Mizuki sighed as she shook her head, "Let's just forget this ever happened, okay?"
Kaz looked up, surprise evident on his face, "Forget this ever happened? After what I've done, you just want to forget it?"
"Do you want me to beat you?"
Kaz raised his hands in a gesture of surrender, "No, no, I don't want that," he said quickly.
"But how can you just want to forget it? I nearly killed Yuto"
"..."
The room fell into a tense silence, the weight of Kaz's actions hanging heavily in the air.
Finally, Mizuki spoke up, her voice softer but still firm.
"I can't forget what happened, but I can move forward. I'm not going to hold a grudge, as that will only serve to hurt Yuto more"
Kaz nodded, understanding the implications of Mizuki's words, "It's for Yuto's sake that you won't hold a grudge"
Kana smacked her father in the stomach to tell him to shut up.
Kaz clutched his stomach in pain, "OW!"
Mizuki couldn't help but snicker at the scene.
Kana's eyes were narrowed as she chided her father, "Father, shut your mouth for once!"
Kaz grumbled, rubbing his stomach where he was hit, "Fine, fine, I'll be quiet, still, Mizuki, it's been so long, I thought you had passed"
Mizuki's expression softened, but a hint of sadness lingered in her eyes, "There are some things that even time cannot erase, Kaz," she replied quietly.
"I'm happy when I'm with Yuto, that's all that matters"
Kaz's eyes widened in surprise, "You're...happy?"
He couldn't believe what he was hearing. He had never seen Mizuki show any signs of happiness since the war.
He remembered that Elise and her would often fight for the affection of the hero, but he chose Elise, leaving Mizuki to close herself off from any sort of emotion.
Mizuki nodded, a hint of a smile on her lips, "Yuto brings out a happier side in me, one that I thought I had lost a long time ago," she said, her voice soft.
Their conversation lasted for an hour, Mizuki summarizing Yuto's journey so far, bringing Kana and even Kaz to tears.
After their conversation ended, Mizuki made her way to the room Yuto and Freya were sleeping in, she sat down on the comfy chair and waited for him to wake up.
- Present time -
Yuto couldn't understand why Mizuki had stopped him, although his injuries were healed, it didn't change the fact that he got beaten so one-sidedly.
"Hey," Kaz said, his voice was a bit too quiet, different from the loud booming voice Yuto heard earlier.
"..."
Kaz stood awkwardly to the side, avoiding Yuto's gaze. He was uncomfortable and unsure how to approach the situation.
What do you tell a man you just brutally almost beat to death, that you are sorry?
Kana, on the other hand, looked at Yuto with a mixture of worry and guilt, Yuto noticed her fidgeting her fingers and decided to be the first to speak.
"Hey Kana"
Kana jumped a little at being addressed, her heart skipping a beat.
"Y-yes?" she stuttered, her voice shaky.
Now the thing about Kana was that she liked strong men, specifically men stronger than her father, which was an impossible feat.
Who could realistically overpower the Dragon King, when not even gods could do that, so she came up with a plan, any man who wants her hand in marriage, should at least beat her in battle.
She had many suitors in the past but she easily beat them, proving too weak for her taste, but here was a human who managed to land a single hit on her father.
Although it was brief and almost caused his death, Yuto overpowered the Dragon King.
Yuto noticed that she was fidgeting, "Are you okay?"
She smiled faintly, "I'm okay, I'm just...I'm sorry about what happened. I shouldn't have let things go that far"
["Not like she could stop her old man"]
"It's fine, and Dragon King Sir"
Kaz looked at Yuto, surprised that he was being addressed. He swallowed hard, his expression still wary, "Yes?"
"You have something you want to say?"
Kaz's eyes darted to Mizuki for a moment, as if silently seeking guidance, of course, she gave him the silent treatment, leaving it for him to figure out.
"I..."
He took a deep breath, trying to find the right words, "I... apologize"
Kana's eyes widened in surprise at her father's apology. She had never expected him to admit his fault and apologize so willingly.
Sadly for Yuto's case, her affection for him only grew bigger as her tail began wagging slowly.
Mizuki's expression remained guarded, arms crossed but not hostile.
Kaz continued, his voice steadier now.
"I lost control in the face of your words. I should have never let my anger consume me like that"
"... You know what they say when a dragon breaks their promise"
Kaz stiffened at Yuto's words, his eyes going wide with dread, "W-what?"
Mizuki's expression remained stoic, but there was a flicker of curiosity in her gaze.
"What's the matter, Kaz?" she asked, her voice measured.
"Concerned about the consequences of your actions?"
Kaz's expression tightened slightly, a hint of defiance in his eyes.
"I am well aware of the consequences," he said, trying to maintain some semblance of dignity.
Yuto chuckled as he pointed at himself, "You have to fulfill one wish of mine"
Kaz's jaw clenched, but he knew he had no choice but to agree, "Very well," he said finally, his voice resigned.
"I will grant one wish of yours, so tell me human, what is it that you want?"
Kana and Mizuki both looked at Yuto as he had a stupid grin on his face, the tension was thick with anticipation.
"Money, I want money!"
Kaz couldn't help but let out a scoff, "Money? That's your wish? How mundane"
"Bitch please, we are currently on a journey, don't you think we need funds, of course, I want money!"
Kaz couldn't argue with that logic, but he still grumbled.
"Fine, I will provide you with the necessary funds," he said, his expression not pleased.
"Ah ah ah, when I say I want money, I mean a lot of it"
…
"How much money do you want? I'm not a human bank"
"You are a dragon who's lived for 3,000 years. If you don't have money, what the hell did you spend those years doing?"
Kaz bristled at the accusation, "I have money, of course I do. But how much do you expect me to give you?"
"Oh dear, my chest seems to hurt from being punched repeatedly"
Kaz rolled his eyes, his irritation only growing, "Enough with the sarcasm. Just tell me how much you want"
"5 million"
Kaz's jaw dropped at the amount, "5 million? Are you insane? That's a small fortune!"
"Ah, my head from when you kicked it is acting up!"
Kaz grumbled, his irritation growing, "Alright, alright, I'll give you 5 million. Happy now?"
"Oh, what's this? I'm suddenly feeling a lot better"
Kaz rolled his eyes again, clearly exasperated, "You are nothing but a headache," he muttered under his breath.
Yuto heard his comment and smirked, "Vise versa"
Kaz snorted, not even bothering to deny it, "Whatever," he said, waving a dismissive hand.
"You'll have your money by tomorrow. I'll make sure of it"
Kana watched the exchange between Yuto and her father with a mix of disbelief and amusement.
"I can't believe he just got 5 million from my father," she whispered to herself, shaking her head in amazement.
Mizuki chuckled softly, clearly entertained by the interaction, "Yuto has a way of extracting favors, doesn't he?"
Kana nodded in agreement, "It's like he has some sort of charm or persuasion ability"
"I wish I could do that"
Yuto looked away, sweating bullets, Kana couldn't possibly know about his charisma stat.
Kana noticed Yuto's nervous demeanor and couldn't help but smirk.
"You look like you're hiding something," she teased, her voice light and playful.
<- System ->
[ Charisma is in effect ]
Yuto gave his sexist smile, "Am I now?"
Kana blushed slightly at Yuto's charming smile, her heart skipping a beat, "Y-yes, you are," she stuttered, her voice slightly shaky.
Yuto lifted himself off the bed, walking towards Kana as he gently cupped her cheek.
"Beautiful as a rose, you are"
Kana's breath hitched as Yuto's hand touched her cheek, a blush spreading across her face.
She felt butterflies in her stomach, her heart racing in her chest.
She managed to stammer out a response, "Y-you have a way with words, don't you?"
Mizuki and Kaz quietly observed the interaction between Yuto and Kana, their expressions ranging from surprise to amusement.
Mizuki chuckled softly, a hint of teasing in her voice, "Looks like Yuto is charming yet another," she said, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
Kaz looked annoyed, "I'll give an extra million if you stop"
Yuto smirked, his hand still resting on Kana's cheek.
"Why, old man? Can't your daughter find love?"
"Young man, you already have two lovers"
Yuto shrugged, his smirk widening, "And? Do you have a problem with that?"
Kaz grumbled, his irritation evident, "Yes, I do have a problem with that. My daughter deserves a partner who will be devoted solely to her"
Kana was hugging Yuto when she heard this, she tightened her grip on Yuto in response to her father's words, feeling a mix of surprise and defensiveness.
"Father!" she protested.
"You can't just dictate who I spend my time with"
"B-but K-kana!"
Kana looked at her father with a resolute expression, standing her ground.
"Father, I am an adult. I can make my own decisions about who I have relationships with"
<- System ->
[ And another one bites the dust ]
Yuto gave a slight grin as he lifted her face, "Oh? Are you saying you're becoming mine?"
Kana's heart skipped a beat as Yuto lifted her face, his words sending a shiver down her spine.
She felt a mixture of surprise and excitement, her cheeks heating up.
Trying to maintain her composure, she swallowed hard and replied, "Well...y-yes, I suppose I am"
Mizuki and Kaz were watching, their mouths agape in shock. Mizuki couldn't help but snicker, clearly enjoying the situation.
Mizuki whispered to Kaz, "Looks like Yuto strikes again"
Kaz grumbled in response, his irritation growing, "Why him?"
"Because he's Yuto," Mizuki replied, her voice amused. "He has a way with women that's hard to resist"
…
Kana's lips were so close to Yuto's as he kept pulling her closer, he was taunting Kaz by slowly grinding against Kana.
"You are very beautiful, Kana"
Kana's cheeks flushed at Yuto's compliment, her heart fluttering in her chest, "Y-you think I'm beautiful?"
"Am I lying?"
"No..." she whispered, her voice breathless. "You're not"
She found herself leaning in even closer to Yuto, her eyes locked with his. Their faces were so close that their noses were almost touching.
Poor Kaz, he looked like he was about to throw up at any moment.
Mizuki chuckled at Kaz's reaction, amused by his discomfort, "Looks like someone can't handle a little romance," she teased.
Kaz grumbled, his frustration mounting, "This isn't just a little romance,'" he protested.
"I mean, the door is right there old man"
Kaz scowled, "You... you insolent young man!"
He clenched his fists as if struggling to control his temper, "I'll give you another 3 million if you stop right now"
Yuto chuckled, still holding Kana close, "Now, now, old man. Are you trying to bribe me into not courting your daughter?"
Kaz huffed in frustration, his face turning red, "Yes, I am! And don't act all innocent, you damn charmer!"
"You're practically stealing a piece of me!"
Yuto smirked, his eyes sparkling with mischief, "Stealing? No, no, I'm wooing. There's a difference"
Kana couldn't help but giggle at Yuto's response.
"And can you even pay me 9 million?"
Kaz grumbled, "Yes, I can pay you 9 million. But you better stop trying to charm my daughter!"
"Ask your daughter how she feels"
Kaz turned his gaze to Kana, his eyes pleading.
"Kana, you...you wouldn't consider being with this charmer, would you?"
Kana couldn't help but blush under her father's intense gaze. She was still wrapped up in Yuto's embrace, his presence warm and comforting.
She took a deep breath, then spoke, "Father...I...I like Yuto. He makes me happy"
"You met him for like an hour?"
"Yes, but... but sometimes you just know," Kana said, her eyes sparkling.
"Yuto makes me feel special, and he makes me laugh. I can't help how I feel"
"I can find someone else who can do the same. What about Jackson"
"Jackson?" she repeated, her voice filled with contempt.
"No, I want Yuto"
"Trevor?"
"No, Father, I don't want Trevor either," Kana replied firmly.
"I don't want any of the suitors you've chosen for me. They're all so... bland"
Mizuki chuckled, clearly entertained by the conversation, "Looks like your daughter has made up her mind, Kaz," she said with a smirk.
"Don't worry, Yuto shares his love equally, you know~"
Kaz's eyes widened in disbelief and horror at the implication.
"No, no, no!" he protested, his voice growing louder.
"I won't allow my daughter to be one of your multiple lovers!"
Yuto chuckled, holding onto Kana, "Don't worry, old man. I take care of my partners equally"
"They're all loved, pampered, and satisfied"
Kaz ran out the door covering his face, "I'll bring the damn money, you monster!"