In the neighborhood of Locustitle the guards who had been quiet for days finally found the rebels, thanks to catching them they will be able to secure the city. For a long time they had been hunting for this group of people. The first time the gang appeared was when they made a rally against the upper society, but it resulted in a failed consequence for them. From there they continued their mischief and even tried to harm the royal family living here, but thanks to the soldiers and famous people coming here, they failed. But the guards never managed to catch them, because they were quite dodgy people, and some of them even had mana. After studying their files a little, the guards realized that they lived in the lower quarters of the settlement and were probably eager to gain power as some people thought.
But let's go back to where now, after getting out of the statue a boy named Silius was running away with all his legs, dodging bullets and trying to evade the chasing guards.
— I'm not one of their group! I'm just an ordinary citizen! Would you like me to repair your statue or build one. Just leave me alone! — the boy with a bandage around his neck was rushing across the rooftops, his lungs running out of air. He looked around the streets, trying to find something to give him shelter.
«The trash can, that's it! They won't find me there and I'll land softer». — he thought hopefully. He stopped abruptly and stood up to use the technique. The armed men, puzzled by what he was doing, tried to get to him while continuing to shoot.
— Wraithblitz! — using magic, he hit the floor with all his might, causing a rather powerful explosion, where a few seconds later a hole was formed in the roof, and dust and debris from the building was flying around. The dark blue-haired man suddenly disappeared.
— He went inside the house now! — the soldiers immediately ran in.
Meanwhile, Silius who was trying to get right into the trash after a hit, fell in the wrong place altogether, hitting some resident walking around town with a similar sentinel uniform.
— Oh, I'm sorry, please, I didn't mean to. — the boy tried to remedy the situation, but without hearing a reply he looked at the man lying there, who appeared to be unconscious. Pulling his finger to his breathing, he realized with relief that he was still alive, just unconscious. However, voices of guards were heard nearby, causing Aylan to panic, coming up with an idea on the fly. He took the uniform from the man who had passed out and put it on over his own clothes, covering him with a plaid he found nearby so he wouldn't freeze.
— I'll take it for a while. I promise that I will return it. — he said goodbye, walking faster away from here.
— Stop right there! — shouted someone's rough female voice. — How long do I have to wait for you, huh?! You're new, and you can't do your job properly, so should I fire you?!
— Э... Me? — Silius stopped and looked back at the girl, who was staring at him with her arms crossed angrily.
You can see that the maiden has unusual dark red hair, light brown big eyes. Also a red heart like tattoo under her right lower eyelid, pale skin and plump lips. Her whole appearance showed beauty and strength, but only her evil face and clothes unlike the people here drove it away.
— Have you lost your memory yet? Maybe I should fire you. — she clucked.
— А... I apologize, ma'am. — the boy, not understanding anything, tried to get into character, which was very bad for him. He didn't even know her name or who she was.
— Strange...you seemed taller and more muscular..... — the girl narrowed her eyes at him, and the guy with the bandage on his neck tried to hold back his excitement. Not knowing what to say, Silius remained silent as he heard the guards approaching and realized that he was in a terrible position.
The guards who ran past said hello to the red-haired woman in a very royal manner, which surprised the boy. She looked at them indifferently and just lazily moved her hand.
— Come on, today's the big day. — turning to Aylan, the red-haired woman slightly reduced her anger — If I see such antics again, you will not only be fired, but also deprived of any further ranks. — she said arrogantly, grinning smugly, and when she decided to look at her henchman and found the desperation and prayer in his eyes, she was surprised. As she saw a calm, perhaps even stupid face that didn't realize what awaited him if he made a mistake again. Not feeling satisfied, she walked irritably forward, and the dark blue-haired man had to follow her.
In the meantime, things were going nervously for Saif as upon reaching the place where they were supposed to meet he had found no one and had been waiting for his buddy for 35 minutes or more.
«Why did I ever trust him in the first place. I could just walk away and leave him now. Like I give a damn about him». — he thought to himself, as if there was something holding him there. He wanted to leave, but every time the blacksmith remembered the moment when Silus was not afraid when he pointed his sword at him and it still surprised him.
So he continued to stand, already falling asleep. And then, after waiting a little, the man in the blindfold went in search of him. But then he was stopped by the surrounded guards, among whom was the biggest of them, a bulky man with a pumped-up body and big biceps, not inferior in size to his height.
— Boy, these things aren't toys, you better give it to us or you'll cut yourself. — the jock spoke with such an expression as if he were giving a lesson in kindergarten, pointing at Cruenta the terracotta haired man. The blacksmith's mood immediately dropped because of such treatment, but then the guard came to the rescue came closer to them.
— Captain Tafe, I don't want to contradict you, but you're not looking at a child, you're looking at an adult. — he looked at the bezokogo youth again, and then something clicked in his head.
— If that's the case, I apologize if I offended you with that, but the guns will still have to be confiscated due to city regulations and because of your...vision. You could inadvertently hurt someone.
— I created this sword with my own hands and inventory and I do not intend to give it to anyone. And yes, I have much better eyesight than you think, I'd say more than you do. — Saif tried to refuse as politely as possible, but he realized it sounded rather rude, but he didn't care, holding the hilt of the weapon tightly in a relaxed position.
There was a silence in which no one wanted to move or say anything, thinking about something in their heads. Realizing what was going on, the blacksmith remembered and decided to add one more thing:
— I was allowed to enter here with a weapon on Keren Brandt's orders... — everyone immediately perked up, feeling relieved while slightly surprised.
— That's where we should have started, my friend! — the commander-in-chief said cheerfully, gesturing with his hand to his subordinates, who immediately parted and went about their business. Except for him, who seemed to want to continue the conversation, which did not suit the terracotta haired man. — So she's in Locustitle now?
— You could say that, I talked to her for about two hours or more, she was in a bar in the lower neighborhood. — Saif replied in as much detail as possible, so that there would be no suspicions.
— Oh, that bar! She goes there often, she always says it's tastier and has a nicer atmosphere... I forgot to introduce myself, my name is Chon Teif. — the bulky man held out his palm waiting for an answer.
— My name is Saif Gudbrandr. — they both shook hands.
— Gudbrandr, how come you're in this town? I can tell you're not from around here. A traveler?
— Yes, thanks to one man with strange behavior and a desire to explore the world.
— So you didn't come to Locustitle alone? If it is not a secret with whom and for what purpose? — the captain asked, and the blacksmith heard a slight note of seriousness, as if he were being interrogated, but he didn't want to reveal any secrets.
— We're traveling and just exploring the world. It was a random spot on the map that brought us here. — he answered him as briefly as he could without explanation, which Teif didn't like, but he decided to stay out of it and ask another question, digging in his pocket.
— You've seen this young man on your way, — he showed Saif the sheet, — He's a very dangerous man who has made many attempts on the royal family and the people. Basically it's a group of people who have formed a violent riot against others in this city. We have a hard time catching them because half of them have mana. Due to which, they are somewhat ahead of us in terms of strength. The man in the picture has this magic that makes him jump very high and with a slight movement of his foot he can destroy buildings or break someone's bones, there is also a girl and they are both considered to be in charge of that gang. One is called Atan and the other Zeria.
— Unfortunately, I haven't met them.
— I see... Oh, and one more thing. We recently received word that an old man has joined their group and it's unknown where they get such strong people, but their newcomer has managed to make a lot of noise. At the moment the other squad is in active search of finding him, we are also looking for him. — he held out another sheet of paper, which made the terracotta-haired man's throat dry, and through the blindfold he could see his eyebrows draw upward. Saif was still unable to believe his eyes as he tried to see what he was looking at in the image.
— What kind of noise did the new guy make?
— I still can't believe it myself, but he managed to destroy a piece of Vitaincolumitas! It's just impossible, the material itself was created by God Sued, which no one can damage, and this is happening!
«I didn't expect a simple shopping spree to turn into an adventure. You've given me a little extra work. I'm going to find you, Silus, and I'm going to give you a good kicking, — Saif said, burning deep in his soul as he clutching a piece of paper with a picture of a young man, remembering the priest inadvertently:
«Probably, that old man's beard must have gone bald because of such news about the statue». — the terracotta-haired man managed to say goodbye to the commander-in-chief and went in search of his friend, but the aura of anger continued to hang around him.
***
Suddenly, a chill ran through Silius' body, giving him goosebumps. He stopped and looked around.
— Why are we slowing down? — the girl asked threateningly.
—... А? I'm sorry, I just felt someone's aura nearby, but... I guess I imagined it. — when she heard the answer, she looked at him like he was an idiot and snorted and walked on.
When they reached the castle Silius couldn't ignore such beauty looking at it. The building itself looked quite large taking second place after the statue and supremacy among the houses. The coloring is a red and white color with outlines of silver and gold. The building has the shape of a month, like a red moon surely glowing at night. By the unusual patterned windows one could count three or even four stories high. And the flag of the country itself hung from the top, showing the importance and the very character of the place. Around the palace there are many trees, several fountains nearby and the garden itself already attracting with its unusual shades of colors.
— Do you keep me waiting for you, servant? Open the gate at last! — the red-haired woman angrily stomped her foot outside the palace. The boy obediently opened the door before her, and she looked at him contemptuously as she passed on.
When they both reached a certain room walking through the corridors the girl said stiffly:
— Don't let anyone in, even if it's the queen...or father, no one should come in here. Or else you'll be punished so badly you won't be able to walk again. And don't you dare come in here either! — she slammed the door in Silius' face with all her might. He had to just stand there, still not understanding why it was like that.
«Okay, I'll look at the castle». — Silius was happy, looking at the magnificent building, at the vases that were there, and while he was admiring the patterns he heard sounds from the room. And the sounds were not good, he could hear a girl screaming. She was yelling as if with anger and hatred, even hitting something and not calming down. The boy with a bandage on his neck wanted to check what was wrong with her, but then remembering her words he continued to stand until he saw a figure that majestically approached him. Her crown, her clothes, and her gaze showed her status here. It was immediately clear that this was the queen, but her eyes were no different from the evil one of that girl, just as dark and angry. And there were bags under her eyes as if the woman hadn't slept at all. The same dark red hair and piercing gaze. Silius remembered how that guard had greeted her and did the same when she approached.
— Open the door, I need to talk to my daughter. — she said defiantly, raising her head higher.
— I apologize, Your Majesty, but Madam told me not to let anyone in. — Silius replied in a neutral voice, trying not to look her in the eye. The woman raised an eyebrow at him.
— I don't remember you. If you don't follow my orders, which are much higher than the princess', you will be punished in such a way that you will hardly walk afterwards!
«They are exactly the same field of berries. Me were surrounded on both sides. Why do want all to kill me on this day?» — he thought sadly, never moving from his seat, frozen like a soldier.
— Ah, that's how! — she took her palm into a fist and slammed it into Silius' face with all her might. The pain went through his whole body, the blow from that skinny hand was with the power of a hammer so strong that he would have fainted from it, but he continued to stand with his eyelashes down. The next hit went through the body, and then a secondary hit to the head. He looked like a punching dummy, his opponent's blows accelerating and turning him into a crushed punching bag. Blood was coming out of his mouth and from his wounds, giving off a burning sensation in every area. Without stopping there, the lady kicked him to his feet so that he fell to the floor, and then grabbed him by the hair, pulling him upward, and taking off her shoe, presented the heel, the sharp edge of it in his eye.
— Now, I hope you'll listen to the order? — she looked menacingly at him as she continued, squeezing his hair until the roots were almost ripped out.
— ... I can't let you in. — Silius repeated, thankful that his regeneration was doing something to save his body.
— Guards! — she shouted down the corridor, so loud that it rang throughout the building and could probably be heard outside. Soldiers came here at once. — Take him to prison, it's not enough for fools who don't understand their situation. — letting go of his curls, she pushed him, after which the guards were already about to tie up the guy.
— Your Majesty, what are you doing! — the red-haired woman suddenly came out, looking at this horror. — What have you done to my subordinate!
— That worm doesn't do my bidding. And how many times have I told you to call me mother?
The red-haired woman stepped forward in front of Silius, who was barely standing up and just staggering about. She put her hands up, covering him.
— He was the only one who listened to my orders, unlike the others who were already crawling on their knees before you, Your Majesty... — she said menacingly, emphasizing the last phrase.
The queen, unable to bear such treatment of herself wanted to raise her hand against her, but let go in time.
— Ungrateful. We raised you, provided for you, — she said, looking at her daughter with distaste. — At least learn something in this world. You have no talents, no skills. — and turning back she walked away, saying her last words — Tonight you will not attend the ball, especially not in those clothes you always wear. For once you should have dressed for status and your fingers are painful to look at. And you, subordinate, won't have long to live.
The princess, hearing these words, became so angry that her clenched teeth made the sound of bones grinding against each other, and her veins came out. When the queen left the guards she turned to the boy with the bandage around his neck.
— You!....subordinate go to my room! — he jerked slightly at the sudden address.
«I'm gonna get beat up again?» — he thought to himself as he imagined it and realized that wounds didn't heal so quickly.
Nevertheless, Silius could not go any farther than the doorway, as if something was stopping him. The girl, looking at him, did not understand at first, but then she thought of it and was even surprised.
— That's it! You have my permission now! Are you going to react to every word? — the boy was confused by this change of mood and rules, but he went in and saw the room was not in good shape. It was in disarray, especially the pillows, which looked chewed up and scattered all over the place.
The princess pointed to the place where the chair was, and Silius sat down there like an obedient guard. Not knowing what to do next, he just started watching her every move. Not realizing what she was going to do to him. But then the first aid kit was placed on the table, and she finally, with a calm face, began to carefully select the remedies.
«What? She's been switched?» — such a drastic change in behavior Silius hadn't expected. And while he was thinking he was already being treated because of which he was trying to hold back the sounds. Continuing to apply the healing ointment, the girl said:
— You...earned a little bit of my trust by following my orders. I never loved that woman, so we're going to the ball tonight anyway. You need to get ready and protect me again, — she glanced at his throat and grimaced slightly. — Haven't you changed the bandages on your neck since you were in diapers? They're in a terrible state. Let me change them.
— No! — he overreacted with both hands grasping his neck, — It's all right I'll change them myself later.
— Is the scar so big you're afraid to show it? — she asked, without hearing an answer. The young man, remembering her mother's words, looked at her fingers, which were all covered with plasters, near the nails. The red-haired girl, seeing such a gaze, tried to hide her hands, continuing to heal his wounds.
Finished with the treatment, she sat down across from, crossing her arms and legs — Okay, let's move on to another topic. I can see you have questions. It's like you don't understand anything, so I'll tell you everything you need to know. And yes, you should improve your greeting gesture, you bow like a tree. — she waited attentively with a calm expression on her face.
There were many questions for Silius and which one to choose was difficult, but he decided to start small:
— What's your name?
— First of all, we can use "you," and second of all, WHAT?! — she asked a little loudly — Wait, wait, wait, you don't even know who you serve? No, you certainly know how to follow orders, but not to know... Who are you? — she asked the question more threateningly, realizing that he was not his subordinate, but a stranger.
— Traveler. — without a shred of doubt, he gave himself away immediately and without deception.
— Traveler? Why are you outfitted like a guard then???
— Just because of a misunderstanding, the whole guard is after me now. — he answered awkwardly.
— All the guards!!! What have you done?!
— Well it wasn't me... I just wanted to look down on the city, but some people made me fly off into a monument and it uh.... It broke a little bit.
— It's bloody impossible!!! — the statue of Vitaincolumitas is made of magic metal, and even if an object weighing 50,000 tons were to fly into it, it couldn't break it, because it was created by God. Many people have tried to break it, with horrific results! You should go to jail for that!
— But I didn't do it on purpose! I was thrown there while I was fighting a man who jumps high and some girl who used air power.
Here her face darkened.
— Could it be that those two... You mean they're around somewhere? This is horrible!!! — she abruptly got up from her chair and started pacing back and forth while Silius perplexedly just sat and watched. — The damn gang is always trying to hurt my family! — with all her might she pounded on the cabinet and then hissed in pain — So.... We'll think about what to do with you later, since right now the most important thing is that I can get to the ball, — she turned sharply to him. — My name is Dahiya Daurbek. I am a princess of this kingdom because of my family. Now you say your name.
— My name is Silius Aylan and I and my friend are traveling together We were brought here by chance.
— What friend? Your accomplice?
— No you that we're just traveling together. We have no hostile intentions toward any of you. His name is Saif and he's... Oh... — Silius looked at the time and froze in place with an awkward smile on his face. — And it looks like he's going to kill me, since I'm already two hours late to meet him. Without completing his assignment. — awkwardly, he scratched his head.
— Yeah, he sure has a hard time with someone like you. But I can't let you go. And if you try to run away, you know what I'll do to you. — she threatened.
— Okay, I'll help in any way I can, — he said with a calm face, which was starting to annoy Dahiya again. — But can I ask you something else? — she nodded.
— It's probably none of my business, but is it so strict that I was even beaten by Her Majesty? I fear what will happen to the King.
— You could have phrased the question differently! — indignantly and lightly she hit him on the head. — Everyone here lives peacefully and normally. And daddy and the queen rule well I would say thanks to them this city is prosperous. The queen's name is Maira Durbek and my father's name is Eldar Durbek. At least you've seen her like this. That doesn't mean she's like that with everyone. She's just very careful, because since becoming queen, she's been assassinated a grand total of 32 times in her life. And not because she rules badly just because no one liked the fact that her father married a second time and fell in love with someone who is not from here, but from another country, Miscellusa, where mixed creatures are found. Everyone is afraid that she may not be human at all. But no one knows or they just don't want to accept that in fact she is a simple person, who because of the war ended up in another country.
— Why do you call her queen? She's your mom, isn't she?
— Yes, she is my mother, but because I was born of a first marriage, I am not taken kindly, — she said sadly. — I was already seven years old when my mother came to the palace. It would have been nothing if my younger brother named Murtaz hadn't come along. Who she praises because he was born with mana and I was a mere man, — her face became angry, completely self-absorbed. — I tried to take on everything to show off my skills, but for some reason in different areas I was damn near failing. My brother was better than me at everything I did. My dad was the only one who never forgot me and gave me some warmth, but he was always busy, so we only talked once in a while. I've become everybody's… Actually, why am I talking to you here! — she suddenly came to her senses. — It's none of your business, you should be with me at the ball, protect me and keep quiet. — she pointed her finger at him sternly.
Silius, on the other hand, with an innocent look, simply nodded.
— But if things are going so well for you here then why is there some group trying to kill your family? Is it revenge or is there another reason?
— There is one reason why all this fuss is happening. But first, let's just go. When I have time, I'll tell you all about it. Right now, we need to sneak into the ball unnoticed.
They both went to the banquet.
***
— All right. Remember, when you walk into the ball, you don't say a word unless I say so. You follow all orders, and you talk formally. Understood? — said Dahiya dressed in a beautiful red dress with a half-mask on her head.
— Yes. — replied Silius.
— Tonight I'm going to show everyone that I'm not just some wastrel... — she mumbled to herself as she made her way to the entrance of the ball.
They went in with the rest of the group, slipping in quickly so they wouldn't be noticed. And then they walked up to the table as if they had invitations.
The red-haired girl took the drink from the table and glanced around at the others. Silius looked at her and waited patiently for what she had to say.
— Since you're my subordinate your job is to find those two and stop them even if they're in disguise, understood? — he nodded.
— And be serious, you're my guardian and you have to look intimidating! — she gave him a slightly disgruntled look, and then started just thinking about something while sipping her drink. Until by chance a group of girls approached them.
— Dahiyaa! It's been so long since we've seen you. We are friends after all. You could have contacted us at least once. — said one of the girls with a fan on her hands hiding her lips for some reason.
— Hello Inari. I'm sorry, but we won't be able to talk today.
— Oh, but is there anything we can do to help you?
— Uh, no thanks.
— Oh, come on. I brought you some tea, it's better than what you're drinking. — and then she approached the princess, but she slipped sharply and unexpectedly because of her long dress. But the cup that was in her palms did not fall for some reason. And when the girls opened their eyes everyone was surprised. Silius calmly held the cup in his hands tasting it and realizing that it was disgustingly bitter for such tea.
«Hot...It doesn't seem to be poisoned, but it's like a big cup of salt was shoved in there». — placing the mug on the table he went back to standing guard. The standing girls just bulged their eyes at him.
— Who is this boor Dahiya?! — stood up and said her friend.
— This is my new guardian. — she answered with a note of mortification.
— Ha! He has no manners at all, acting like that!
— I'm just doing my job. And you're in....
— Shut your mouth! — the princess suddenly shouted with restraint, and then she slapped Silius with all her might, which inadvertently attracted the attention of the others, but because of the great noise, few people cared about their quarrels.
Silius was speechless at this, staring at her in surprise. She turned back to her friends.
— I'm sorry Inari, he's just still learning later I'll punish him properly. — Dahiya said emotionlessly.
— I think he's learned his lesson. Oh, my God. Look, my clothes are ruined. Can I borrow one of your clothes? I just have a long drive home, but at least it's so faster. We're friends after all. — she pleaded.
— All right, let's go, — said the princess then turning to the boy, — You servant stay here and don't make any messes you'll regret.
— Thank you so much! The girls are coming with us too, if anything, to wait from afar. — they all headed down another aisle.
Silius alone didn't realize what he had done, not as he continued to stand there staring at one point. He had seen with his own eyes that she had wanted to spill it on her, and he had seen the other girls smiling slyly, trying to humiliate Dahiya. The fact that they were friends didn't make him feel any better, because that's not how you do things.
«Or is that the kind of friendship they have? Is it like that?» — he thought to himself.
— So thirsty. — he mumbled, and looking at the table of sumptuous food and drink, he didn't see the water he craved. The boy with the bandage around his neck felt the evil aura of someone approaching him. And taking a good look at the crowd near the entrance, Silius saw Saif, who immediately as geolocation found his target and with a stern gait and an evil look was approaching him.
Since the dark blue haired man couldn't escape, he took the empty tray from the table and hid his face hoping to escape.
— What the hell are you doing here Silus! — the blacksmith came closer and started whispering at him.
— This.... The circumstances here are so... — he replied as he continued to hide.
— We're getting out of here now! You're wanted everywhere! And if they find you, you're gonna be in a lot of trouble. — after taking the tray away from him, the terracotta hair grabbed him by his clothes trying to drag him out of here.
— I can't leave. — he took his hands away — I promised her that I would help!
— Gee... You've done something after all... Did you even buy what I told you? Where's the paper?
—...
— Why don't you say something?
—...
Realizing that he had done nothing for a long time, he wanted to hit him. But he stopped when he saw the state he was in. He looked as if he had been beaten for several hours, and there was a red color on his cheek, which made it clear that he had recently been in an unpleasant situation. — All right, let's get on with it, tell me what happened.
And then Silius briefly explained the situation...
— So we need to catch some people fighting for their rights?
— Well, they want to kill, they don't fight. — corrected his buddy.
— I don't care. It's their business..... But since you're in this situation, I'll help. We'll make it quick, we'll get out of here fast.
— Yeah, except they need to be found, and you're attracting a lot of attention. How'd you even get in with a gun?
— I just snatched an invitation from someone unnoticed and just hid the weapon and then got it out... I'll be there soon. — he replied as he went to hide the Cruenta again.
— I see you again. — the queen suddenly approached Silius. — You're definitely up to something, why haven't you been kicked out yet? — she held her wine glass up hypocritically looking at him. The boy with the bandage on his neck bowed to her as if nothing had happened. She snorted at him.
— Answer me, what do you want here?
— I just want to help Dahiya.
— Her? Can anyone really fall in love with her?
— No, I don't...
— So you know I disagree. She'd have to learn something first before she could make a life for herself. — she interrupted him. He looked at her lost. But then suddenly a shuriken flew within a millimeter of the queen. And it was not luck queen herself as if she felt it, sharply turned her head to the left dodging the attack.
Everyone yelled at once. A group of people with weapons emerged from the shadows.
— Guards catch them! This is the same group! — myra ordered, running after the attacker.
A commotion began as the assembled guests tried to leave the place as quickly as possible, and the guards fought the attackers.
There was a tremendous rumble, and everyone turned at the sound. The king, who had been sitting on his throne the whole time, suddenly fell on the stairs with Murtaz without waking up.
— Doctors now!
But no one had time to do anything before someone turned off the lights. It was completely dark...