They all rode away from the ruined manor, burning in flames in the distance. The Emperor was ahead, his face calm as if the boy with his long red hair wasn't sitting on his lap, squirming and moving everywhere as he looked around with wide, curious eyes.
And the knights, riding behind them, kept their voices low as they spoke.
"I can't believe His Majesty brought that dark mage's son along!" Kane hissed, clearly frustrated. "Did you see how he can easily cast a powerful spell like it's nothing? I've never heard a toddler casting spells before! Even His Majesty awakened his magic at the age of fourteen,"
"He's obviously older than three, Kane,"
"That's besides the point! That kid cast a powerful spell, Luther,"
"I know, Kane. I was there with you,"
"Don't you sass me,"
Luther rolled his eyes. "I trust His Majesty's decision. And besides, he's just a kid. I'm sure His Majesty wants to keep an eye on him rather than letting him roam around on his own,"
Kane scowled but didn't argue. "Tch. I just—I just don't want the same war to happen again. We lost so much of our people,"
"Even if it did, we'll just have to stop it again," Luther gave a lopsided smirk. Kane narrowed his eyes at him.
"Ugh, you're so full of yourself,"
Calix didn't really hear what his knights were murmuring about, but he knew that they were voicing their concerns about bringing Senna. But keeping the boy close was the only way to control the situation. He glanced down at the child, who was happily watching the trees pass by.
"These look so much different from the picture books," Senna mumbled in awe, eyes sparkling.
"Why he won't let you go outside?" Calix asked, curious.
Senna tossed his head up to meet Calix's eyes. "Eh, he never tells me. He keeps talking in riddles, that crazy guy,"
"Riddles like what?"
"Something like, 'you are not ready yet', or whatever,"
Calix frowned.
Not ready? What does that mean?
"That doesn't matter anymore!" Senna beamed, jumping up to Calix's lap. "HE'S DEAD! WAHOO!!!"
"HEY, STAY PUT YOU BRAT!" Kane yelled after seeing Calix wobble on the horse while he tried to keep Senna steady on his lap.
"SHUT UP SHORT STACK!"
"S-Short stack..." Kane gaped in shock.
Luther snorted, looking away to contain his laughter.
Senna plopped down again. "What's your name, uncle?"
"OI! ADDRESS HIM PROPERLY!" Kane shouted again.
"Calix Lorais Vaerunne," Calix replied, giving an amused smirk at Senna.
"Ooh, sounds familiar," Senna hummed.
"Yeah?"
"Mhm. I think that guy mentioned you at some point,"
Calix frowned at that. "He did?"
"Yep," Senna popped the 'p', looking straight ahead while swinging his legs, patting the horse's head. "He never talks about anyone else,"
Hm.
Calix didn't know how to respond, so he stayed silent.
As they all approached the camp, the soldiers who had been waiting for their return lined up to welcome him back. But as the Emperor sauntered into view, their beaming faces faded, and they murmured in confusion. All eyes were drawn to the small figure riding with him—a child.
His bright red hair that spilled over his shoulders and down the horse's sides made him stick out like a sore thumb.
"Woah, there's so many people," Senna mumbled. "Are they your lackeys?"
"No, they're my knights," Calix raised an eyebrow.
"Aelther always calls his subordinates lackeys," Senna pointed out.
"I respect my knights. The term lackeys are very demeaning, so be sure never call them that,"
Senna pouted. "Fine. Since you let me ride this cool horse, I'll listen to you, uncle,"
"Your Majesty, who is that child?" Someone asked in the crowd.
Calix jumped off the horse, picked the boy up from the horse with ease, and put him down on the ground.
"Kane, Luther," Calix said. "Give him a proper wash, he's filthy,"
"You need a proper wash too, uncle. You're stinky," Senna scrunched his nose.
The others seemed shocked by how casually the boy was addressing the Emperor.
"This brat," Kane sighed, holding Senna's hand and dragging him away. Luther followed them.
When he looked over his men, they all waited patiently for an explanation. Calix sighed.
"We found him in the manor. He's, related to the dark mage,"
A ripple of shock coursed through the crowd. They all exchanged wide-eyed looks, some gasping audibly, some muttered in disbelief.
"What do you mean related, Your Majesty?"
"Is he his disciple?"
"No, he's his son,"
And that caused even more uproar.
"Why is he still alive?"
"How does the dark mage has a son?!"
"What kind of a nut woman would want to be with someone like that?"
"Why did you bring that child here, Your Majesty?!"
"I will never murder a child," Calix said, his calculating eyes scanning over the crowd. "However, he's dangerous. I can't leave him alone, this is the only way to make sure he's always in check,"
"But, Your Majesty-"
"This is an order,"
The crowd was silent for a bit, but some of them nodded in understanding, and the rest were understandably wary.
"I'll take responsibility for him. So from this day forward, he will stay by my side. I'll watch over him, so make sure he isn't harmed in any way. Do you understand?"
Calix knew none of his men agreed with him. They all just battled the boy's father, Aelther, and lost so many throughout the process. Their hatred and anger will all be directed at Senna.
Despite it all, they all complied with his order.