Early in the morning, Karisha woke up as soon as she heard movements from the kitchen. She found Haelas' mother, Healer Caris, preparing for their breakfast. She's currently cooking the rice in a robust fire.
"Good morning, Auntie!" she greeted her.
"Oh, Good morning! Did I wake you up dear?"
"No, no, Auntie. I woke up to help you."
"You really don't have to, dear. By the way, would you want some tea ?"
"I would love to, Auntie. But, please continue what you're doing; I will prepare it myself."
"Then, help yourself dear."
"Yes, Auntie. By the way, what are we preparing, auntie?" Karisha asked while preparing her tea.
"We're preparing Chicken in ginger broth. You can start preparing the vegetables dear."
Chicken in ginger broth is a soup dish that involves cooking chicken pieces in ginger broth. Wedges of unripe papaya and malunggay leaves are cooked in rice washing with the chicken. It will be seasoned with ginger, onion, garlic, ginger, and salt.
"Okay, auntie. I'm on it."
Karisha grabbed the vegetables and started preparing them. Meanwhile, the rice is already cooked and Healer Caris moves to prepare the chicken. As she was about to slice it, a baritone voice grabbed their attention.
"You can leave that to me, ma'am," he said.
Karisha turned to the owner of the voice. It's that defender with sharp monolid eyes and mysterious look. His tresses that are always tied were let loose- making him look warmer - Sir Allegros.
"Oh, You've also woken up. It's alright dear. I can do it."
"Ma'am, it's okay. Let me do it," Dorn said and reached for the butcher knife.
"Okay, if you insist. And call me Auntie."
"Okay, Auntie," Dorn said after contemplating about it for a while.
"Then, be careful dear," Healer Caris said and gave the butcher knife to him, "Now that you two relieved me of my work, I'll get myself a cup of tea. Dorn dear, would you like a cup of tea as well?"
"I would love a cup of tea, Auntie. Thank you."
Karisha glanced at Dorn who's currently slicing the chicken. She hesitated for a while before greeting him.
"Good morning, sir."
Dorn glanced back at her and made a small smile.
Even if it's so little, he can still smile!
"Good morning, Aspirant Grasi."
Oh, he remembered me!
"You can just call me Karisha, Sir."
"That's a bit..."
"Well, it's just more comfortable, Sir. Aspirant Grasi seemed stiff. Moreso, we are not inside the training camp. So, kindly just call me Karisha, Sir," she said as she smiled widely at him.
"Mm."
Silence.
Karisha glanced at him again. He seemed so focused on the chicken; thus, she decided to keep her mouth shut and finished slicing the vegetables. After which, she went to get the wok.
"Karisha, leave that to me. Kindly wash these chicken pieces," Dorn said when he noticed Karisha fixing the wok on the fire.
"Oh. Okay sir."
Hearing her name from his lips, made her heart flutter.
Dorn started sauteeing the onion, garlic and ginger. He then added the chicken pieces, sauteeing it until it turns light brown. He then added the rice washing and they waited for it to be cooked.
While waiting for the viand to be cooked, Healer Caris went outside to water her beloved plants.
Meanwhile, Dorn and Karisha were seated apart sipping their tea. Then, Dorn walked towards the wok and opened it. He scooped a spoonful of the soup and tasted it. He then looked at Karisha who is currently staring at him. She looked away immediately as soon as she met his eyes.
"Karisha, Come and have taste. Let me know what you think."
"Me, Sir?" she asked, confirming it like an idiot.
"Yes, please".
Karisha slowly walked towards Dorn. He scooped a spoonful of soup and gave it to her. As soon as she tasted it, a coarse voice greeted them. It was Sol.
"Good morning! Oh, Good morning, sir!" she said when she noticed Dorn who's standing behind Karisha.
"Would you like some tea?" Karisha asked, while sending facial signals to her to escape the awkwardness she felt with Dorn.
Sol smiled and purposely ignored her.
"No thanks," she said and went to prepare her tea.
"So, how was the taste?" Dorn then asked Karisha.
"Um, it tastes deli- delicious Sir," she stated, stuttering, "You are a g-good cook, Sir. It would be great if we could taste your dishes every day!"
She is not really the type of person to stutter, but why is she stuttering in front of him?
Sol let out a soft chuckle that it made Karisha realize what she had just said. It seems like she wants him to be their cook. She met Dorn's eyes.
"Oh, I-I don't mean that in th-that way. I-it meant to be a compliment sir."
"Mm."
Silence enveloped the kitchen.
Then, Tobias came with a knotted forehead. It means that he didn't get a good rest and has a bad headache.
"Did you get enough sleep, Captain? I saw you went out last night. Where did you go ?," Dorn asked.
"I just went to take a walk. I can't sleep," he said and took a seat.
"If you've been having trouble sleeping at night, you could've gone with me to the Artemisian Fields, Captain . You could've enjoyed such magical scenery," Sol chimed in.
"I'd rather not," he said plainly.
"Would you like some tea, Captain?" Dorn asked, ceasing the brewing fire between the two.
"Mm."
"I'll go and prepare it, Sir," Karisha volunteered.
"Oh. Thank you," Tobias answered.
As Sol and Tobias are enjoying their tea, Healer Caris came in to inquire if the breakfast is ready.
"Yes, it's already cooked, Auntie," Karisha said.
"Then, let's prepare the table. Sol dear, would you mind calling Ka-el and Haelas so that we could already eat."
"Auntie, how about Uncle?"
"He went to the Healer's Center earlier at dawn, so it's only us here."
"Okay then, Auntie," she said and went on her way. After a while, she came back with the half-asleep Ka-el and Haelas.
"Haelas, how could you still be a sleepy head when you have guests here?" Healer Caris said, scolding him.
"Oh. My apologies, mom. It's just so good to be back home that my sleep never ceases," Haelas said while letting out a playful smile.
"Don't worry Auntie, it's only us," Ka-el said grinning.
"Ka-el dear, how can you still side with this sleepy head?" Healer Caris said, kiddingly scolding him.
"Is it because I'm also a sleepy head, auntie?" Ka-el said, chuckling.
"You still haven't changed, dear. You're still cracking jokes," Healer Caris said, "Come on. Sit down and let's eat."
Just as they were starting to eat, a healer came in with loud noises, getting all of their attention.
"Healer Caris! Healer Caris! The Supremo's here! The Supremo's here!" he shouted until he reached the kitchen and was just cemented on his feet when he saw the guests currently eating peacefully.
"G-Good morning! M-my apologies for interrupting," he said and lowered his head.
"What is it dear? What do you mean the Supremo's here?" Healer Caris asked.
"Healer Caris, he is really going to be here. A fellow healer passed by them at the nearby town and he heard that they would be visiting Chief Healer Sapiensa. He should be arriving at noon."
On note, Chief Healer Sapiensa is Healer Caris' mother-in-law and Haelas' grandmother.
"Then, inform your fellow healers to prepare for the Supremo's arrival. I will be there in a bit," she said.
"Noted Healer Caris. Then I'll be on my way."
"Yes, go on."
The healer then excused himself and went on his way, rushing.
"Continue eating," she urged her guests when she noticed that all of them seemed to stop eating as they were focused on the healer's announcement.
"Would it be okay to join you later, Ma'am?" Tobias asked, "We would love to meet the Supremo."
With that request, everyone on the table looked at Healer Caris with pleading eyes. It is normal to want to meet the ruler of the Land.
"Yes, yes. But you should help us prepare a feast for them. And call me Auntie."
"That wouldn't be a problem...Auntie," Tobias said, assuring her. He then continued eating while Haelas and Ka-el clapped in celebration.
XXX
As predicted, Augustus Supremo arrived with the current Minister of War, Adviser Moraii, Commander Remus and about 20 Golden Shielders. Chief Healer Sapiensa, along with other healers as well as Haelas' guests, stood outside the Chief Healer's home and waited to welcome them. Healer Caris then ushered the Supremo to his seat as the others went to find their seats as well.
"It's a surprise to be visited by the revered Supremo like this," Chief Healer Sapiensa said.
"Well, visiting the Chief Healer's abode is a must when travelling around our land," Augustus Supremo replied.
"It's lovely that you remember to visit me."
"It would be a shame to me if I forget you."
Chief Healer Sapiensa just let out a courteous smile and focused on her food. She knew that the Supremo didn't simply visit her. He has an agenda.
XXX
The presence of Augustus Supremo shone all over the humble abode of the Chief Healer. As soon as Tobias had a glance of his gallant presence, a pinch of pain hit his heart. It's because the Supremo doesn't fancy him as he is related to a traitor.
Earlier, when he championed the Grand Duel, he was so excited to have dinner with the Supremo (as it is customary). When the invitation came, his heart was pounding for joy but then his heartbeat went flat when the recipient was moved to then Aspirant Atalanta Himenes , the Wishbone whom he defeated to be the Champion. Aspirant Himenes was also puzzled. Though the invitation was for her, she dragged him towards the Manse as she believed that it was rightful for him to be there.
The Supremo had no choice but to welcome and dine with him as well but the Supremo's inattentiveness to his presence made it clear that he disliked him. This continues to haunt Tobias as there were few rumors about it including the information that he was related to a traitor.
Almost all the people have forgotten the names of the traitors but because of the rumors, a lot of people have come to know about the flaw in his background. However, because of his skills and reputation, no one dared to insult him in the face.
XXX
As the defenders and Aspirants stood at the back with the healers; Tobias noticed that the Supremo had been glancing at the Aspirant near Aspirant Aris- that would be Aspirant Sol Moraii. Surprisingly, Aspirant Sol didn't lower her gaze or look away when she caught the Supremo's eyes.
Is she just a brave soul? How can she look straight with unwavering eyes at the Supremo? She must be crazy.
XXX
After the Supremo and his entourage had a feast, the defenders, aspirants and healers also took their turn to eat at the other room near the dining area. Tobias noticed that Sol was not around. He unconsciously stood up and began looking for her. While looking around, he arrived at the backyard of the Chief Healer's abode. He saw Sol and she was talking with Commander Remus. Tobias observed the way they speak, their facial reactions and body gestures. They seemed to be close. He felt a burst of pain from somewhere around his heart. He somehow wished that Sol is in no way related to the Commander; but what he's currently seeing is showing the opposite. Tobias harshly sighed and left the place.
XXX
Commander Remus looked at Sol with sulky eyes while the latter nervously smiled.
"Miss, you said that you're going to stay and train at the camp for the rest of your vacation. That's the reason why you didn't come with me," the commander started scolding her.
Commander Remus has been a father figure to her since she was young. Thus, she has been quite close to him and they have banters from time to time. She calls him Uncle.
"That is true, Uncle."
"But, why am I staring at you here in a place miles away from the camp?"
Sol grinned.
"Uncle, it is really my plan to stay at the camp but I then realized that I would rather go with my friends to experience new things, aside from training."
"Miss, you should meet your father," he sternly said and led the way.
"What? Uncle! Commander!" she shouted, calling his attention but Commander Remus totally ignored her, "Is he sulking?"
She chuckled as she followed him.
XXX
After the feast, Augustus Supremo asked to have a talk with Chief Healer Sapiensa. She only agreed when he let the Minister of War and Adviser Moraii to be out of the conversation. That is in compliance with her condition. After which, she led him to her study.
"What really brought you here, Augustus Supremo?" she asked straightly.
"I came here to personally ask you to concoct Luminous again."
"What?"
"The Manse's Astronomers found a significant movement among the stars. The Blue Moon will shine soon. You could finally concoct Luminous again."
"Augustus Supremo, you don't seem to really understand the dangers of the Luminous if I will concoct it again. I only concocted Luminous before because of our desperate desire for freedom. Now, that we are liberated, I don't see any reason to concoct it again."
"I understand your dilemma, Chief Healer. But you see, the Corpse Shield will wither soon; four big armies will try to enter Largus again. If I don't treat my defenders with Luminous, I don't know if we can keep Largus in one piece again."
The Corpse Shield is an impenetrable killer net made from an Abaca plant soaked in the concoction made from the 5 different rare poisonous plants and flowers having the corpse flower as the main ingredient. The Corpse Flower is a rare plant that fully blooms after 10 years. It's called a Corpse Flower because it gives a strong stench that is similar to rotting meat. Whoever smells the Corpse Shield, within one kilometer radius, they will faint and be brain dead. Whoever touches it, will have its flesh rot until he or she becomes an ash blown with the wind.
This Corpse Shield was set up around the areas that are possible for penetration by the enemies. It was set up after they were liberated. With these, the land of Largus was kept safe from any possible revenge attacks. However, the effectiveness of the Corpse Shield is coming to an end and an impending battle is expected.
"If I will concoct Luminous again, you can never avoid the dangers that it will bring. People will always be greedy and greedy people will bring chaos to our land; chaos which is more frightening than war. Why don't you train your defenders harder? Why don't you hire more excellent war strategists?"
"Chief Healer, what I am asking is for the benefit of our defenders who will defend our land- "
"I'm sorry to let you down Augustus Supremo. My answer is no."
The Supremo sighed.
"I will give you time to think about it. I will visit you again."
"My answer would still be no."
The Supremo harshly sighed again and irritably left the healer's study.
XXX
Meanwhile, as Haelas is touring his guests around his grandmother's abode; Tobias stealthily left the group and roamed around the house looking for the Chief Healer's study. He heard earlier that the Supremo and the Chief Healer will be having a private talk and Tobias felt that he will find something in that private talk. He arrived near the study and went to look for a hole that could transport the conversation towards his focused listening ears.
He heard the words of the Supremo : If I don't treat my defenders with Luminous, I don't know if we can keep Largus in one piece again. His curiosity peaked. Just as he decided to continue listening, Commander Remus appeared behind him.
"Are you lost, Captain Tobias Karsh?" he asked in a rather calm yet suspicious tone.
Tobias felt the immediate fast beating of his heart as well as the sweat forming all around his body. He still hasn't confirmed if he is really the one who murdered his mother; but his body is reacting strongly. He mustered the courage to face the person who make his knees tremble.
"Ye-Yes, Commander. I-I don't seem to find Aspirant Aris around."
"Why don't you go on your way and look harder for them?" he said in a kind yet sarcastic tone.
"Y-yes Commander," he said and hurriedly walked away to calm down.
As soon as he was far from the Commander, he tried to breathe in and out harshly to calm down. He slowly opened his clenched fist.
Calm down Tobias, Calm down.
As he tried calming down, a painful gush of emotions flowed with his tears that came so suddenly. Memories of the painful death of his mother came flashing more vividly back at him.
"Captain," a baritone voice called out from behind. It was Dorn.
Tobias didn't turn around. Judging from the soft sniffles and his trembling shoulders, Dorn already knew that tears were coming unstoppable from Tobias' eyes. He turned his back on him. He stayed there and said nothing.
Not far from them are Sol' pair of curious eyes. While walking around the abode, she saw Dorn suddenly turning around and started to walk away from the group. Thus, she decided to follow him. When she saw Dorn turning his back on Tobias, she decided to stop from approaching them.
And there, she witnessed tears flowing endlessly from Tobias' eyes. His eyes and his posture looked so sad. A sudden warmness touched her heart at the sight and wondered what could make the ruthless captain cry so painfully like what she's seeing right now.
She decided to walk away and find her friends and Sir Braegen.