A few days ago, in Aurelia.
"The temples were sending monsters our way?"
Amara couldn't believe it. They've had their differences with them, but this was a new low, even for them. To make things worse, Lucien couldn't prove it was the temple's doing.
"We were busy looking for nests when the monsters appeared out of orbs," Lucien informed her.
These orbs were one of the demonic clans' greatest inventions. They served as cages, trapping creatures in the astral plane. When the orb broke, all those monsters were released, causing chaos and destruction everywhere.
Since they were the size of a marble, the generals of the demon lord's army often carried them. The orbs were used to back up the existing troops or to make an escape in the chaos. Once used, the orbs would disappear, leaving no traces behind.
Luckily, Lucien stumbled across one such orb before it disappeared. Still, it was strange for those orbs to still exist.
After the demon lord's defeat, no one expected there'd be more orbs. Lucien had taken it upon himself to destroy those before the party disbanded. Hence, they didn't think of that possibility earlier.
"Those damn orbs…" Amara sighed, massaging her temples. "But how do you know it's the temples? It could be the work of those demonic cult bastards."
Lucien went silent. Amara knew something was off, and had a hunch, but she didn't want it to be true.
"…don't tell me."
"I'm sorry," Lucien said, averting his gaze. "It was the only way…"
"I knew it… God, how can you be so freaking stupid!"
Amara threw her hands in frustration.
Right before their wedding, Lucien went to persuade the high priest of their relationship. While Amara was against it, she couldn't stop Lucien because they were his only family.
But she didn't expect that moment of stupidity and weakness would backfire.
Amara thought her might as a member of the hero's party had silenced the temples. In reality, Lucien had bought their silence through those orbs.
The temples had lost their influence since the saint abandoned them and their teachings. They were prone to attacks from other factions and required some form of protection.
"They won't let go of a saint without something equally valuable in exchange. I had to give them the orbs for our future—!"
"What future are you talking about!?" Amara yelled back. "We both know what could be inside those orbs, damnit!"
There were many things Lucien could take, but he couldn't take Amara's anger. He rushed over, wrapping his arms around her. But their physical closeness couldn't overcome the emotional abyss.
"I did it for us, Amara—"
Amara pushed Lucien away.
"You doomed the world for us?"
"YES! AND I WILL DO IT AGAIN!"
There were a million things to say, but suddenly, silence seemed the befitting response.
A part of Amara understood Lucien. As virtues, they had sacrificed a lot. It forced them to protect what little they had. For Lucien, it was Amara and their relationship.
Yet, a bigger part of her couldn't agree with his decision. The mere thought of not being by Lucien's side killed her. But as a virtue, she couldn't ignore the risk he had put everyone in.
"The temple is targeting Aaran…" Amara spoke, wiping away her tears. "I thought he'd be safe in the capital…"
The temple won't dare send monsters to Velrune, but she couldn't be certain. If those religious fucks could try to assassinate Aaran, there was little they won't do.
Analeis and Dread were there to protect him. But that's what worried her now.
If the temple attacked and Dread was forced to defend Aaran, they'd get a reason to execute him. She couldn't allow that.
"I'm going to the capital."
***
Back in the academy.
"That's how she ended up here."
Darius finished his report to Aaran.
That was fine, but what are you doing here?
Aaran wanted to ask that, but couldn't open his mouth during the lecture. As usual, Darius was quick to read his mood.
"Your father isn't someone who needs my protection, little liege," Darius said, floating above the crowd. "Besides, your mother told him to stay put at Aurelia. I doubt he'd dare upset her anymore."
Aaran smiled awkwardly. It was true, Lucien had fumbled badly. If he disobeyed Amara, she would divorce him, or at least threaten it.
"Prince Aurelia," Amara's sharp tone startled him. "I don't think I cracked a joke. Do you mind sharing what's there to laugh about?"
Aaran shot up to his feet, hurriedly apologizing. Amara was there to protect him, but she wasn't about to let him half-ass his classes.
Amara shook her head before turning to the rest of the class.
"In my class, only your mind, eyes, and ears should be open. Next time someone breaks the rule, I'll personally throw them out. Is that clear?"
No one opened their mouths, which was strange considering how many entitled and coddled kids were in the room.
"HAHA! Now she's talking like a true ruler. Off with their heads, filthy backstabbers!"
Darius laughed heartily. His hatred for the empire extended to all the kingdoms that willingly joined the emperor. So much so, that he was itching to kill their children.
You're all too keen for violence.
Aaran thought but didn't dare make any expression. Amara was the teacher there, not his mother who'd tolerate his nuisance.
Amara continued with the lesson.
"As the Virtue of Courage, I've learned many things through my journey. Today, I'll teach you the most important lesson."
Saying so, Amara snapped her fingers, and the room changed instantly. The stage and podium were replaced with a field of training dolls. Countless wooden swords were neatly placed on the stands.
Now it looks like the training hall I know.
"Headmaster Igor wants me to teach you theory to become a warrior. But I disagree. Theory is for the weak!"
Amara grabbed a sword and lightly tapped the doll with it. At first, nothing happened, but the next moment, it exploded. The grass and sand filled it and scattered everywhere.
"Lesson one!" Amara announced. "Grab your swords and prepare your mana, for none of you are to leave until they've turned to dust."