A/N: THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!!!

Everytime I read the reviews I feel thrilled and thankful.. Can't help wondering, there're so many people waiting, yet I torture myself not to write. Silly me!!

Thank you Minna-san!!!

Oh, and please read the last AN.. thanks!


CHAPTER 11

It was still early in the morning, yet Yuuri found it very difficult to stay asleep. He felt really strange and awkward. He kept on thinking about the event yesterday. He was simply regretting it, and that made him feel bad. He should be happy. Right?

A day earlier..

After a private short conversation, Yuuri and Conrad decided to join in the investigation along with Gwendal, Gunter and Conrad. They walked to the dungeon together quietly, each had their own thoughts.

When they arrived at the dungeon, they encountered several military healers. Their number were concerning, but Yuuri and Conrad decided to keep on walking. They finally reached the corridor heading to the cell where the assailants were held as hostages. They were about to go in when Gwendal came out, followed but Wolfram and Gunter. Gunter gestured to the guards and they locked the cell. Yuuri stepped forward,

"What is happening? Why there're so many healers wandering around here??" he asked cluelessly.

"They were healing several fatal injuries on the assailants, Heika," Gwendal answered. There was silence for a while before he turned to Conrad, "our situation is very favorable if only we have more time," he stated. Yuuri was still confused,

"Why? They won't talk? You can't get information out of them?" he asked again. Gwendal shook his head,

"As I've mentioned before, Heika, they were severely injured. We only have two archers in hand. One of them is still in coma prior to head injury, while the other were medically induced unconscious out of fatal damage in the vertebrae and limbs," he told the king. Gunter stepped closer to Yuuri,

"In other words, interrogating them is out of the question right now, Heika," he added. Yuuri gasped,

"But they're alive right?" he asked again. Gwendal threw them off the tower after all. Wolfram rolled his eyes,

"Really wimp, that is the least importance information right now. We can't use them if they can't talk! We can't do further investigation! Now you patriotically asking about their wellbeing?" the blond retorted to him. Before Yuuri could reply and start another argument, Conrad asked another question to Gwendal,

"What about their belongings? Do you find anything?" he asked. Gwendal shook his head,

"We found nothing you've mentioned earlier. We lost track of the ground assailants, and the archers possessed nothing representative in their belongings. We had them searched thoroughly," he answered. Yuuri turned at Conrad again,

"What is it? What did you see, Conrad?" he asked. Wolfram stared at Conrad also. He obviously had no idea about it. Conrad hesitated as he looked at Wolfram, but he decided to answer it,

"One of them held Beliefeld's crest, Yuuri," he told him the truth, "I saw it in one of the assailan't belt. They-" he stopped abruptly, "Wolfram! Where are you going?" Conrad called as the blond suddenly walked to the exit. Wolfram grunted,

"I'm going to ask uncle about this," he said, clearly wound up. Gwendal frowned,

"Retain yourself, Wolfram. We have no evidences. Impulsive act like that will make this matter worse. Even if it's you, Waltorana will probably use this againts Heika. He'll incriminate us for a disgrace act to the Bielefeld," Gwendal stated clearly, "You know he'll constantly drag heika into this, seizing any opportunity he could find," he added. Wolfram gritted his teeth in silent anger, surpressing his urge to burst at his own uncle. Gunter spoke again,

"But if we can prove Waltorana's involvement in this, we could turn the table," he said, looking at Conrad, "we can use this as a weapon. Better yet, we can use this as insurance for your safety, Conrad," he stated. They knew this was right. Intentional assasult to the king's most trusted man considered as a treacherous act against the king himself. But still..

"We don't have the time we need, right?" Yuuri sounded so tired and desperate. Conrad smiled at him,

"Its fine, Yuuri. We'll do further investigation about this. You should rest," he suggested. Yuuri shook his head,

"I'm thinking about something else too. You can't wander alone anymore Conrad, it's dangerous," he said, worried as usual. He turned to Gwendal, "can't we give Conrad some personal bodyguards to ensure his safety? Should we double the security around him?" he asked. Wolfram snorted to that,

"Like they would be any use, wimp. Compared to Conrad's skill in swordfight and survival, mere guards will just be a bunch of hindrances to him," he told the king cynically. Yuuri knew it was very true. But he was worried nonetheless,

"But alone is out of question," Yuuri insisted. Gunter finally spoke,

"I have a very fine solution. Wolfram can do that. He'll accompany Conrad wherever he goes," Gunter suggested. Yuuri was dumbfounded. He gaped as he turned his gaze to Conrad. His godfather was smiling,

"Gunter.. I don't think it was necess-" Conrad was cut by Gunter,

"Yes it is Conrad," he said without looking at him. He turned to Wolfram in instant, "Is it alright with you, Wolfram?" he asked the blond entusiasthically, "besides, both of you are fiances right?? It's normal to sleep together in the same room," he stated bluntly. Wolfram blushed,

"WE'RE NOT!" he shouted spontaneously. The blond suddenly felt all eyes were staring at him and realized what he had said. Wolfram cleared his throat, "I mean, not yet.." his face became redder. Conrad blinked in surprise. Gunter clapped his hand in his usual theatrical style,

"Oh.. That's such a wonderful indirect implication of love invitation!" he said, concluding all by himself, "It's settled then, Wolfram will move to Conrad's room tonight," he told them. Gwendal frowned,

"You looked more and more like our mother, Gunter," The grey haired man rubbed his forehead at this advisor's wobbly personality. But his concern truly rested in his youngest brother, "Wolfram, are you alright with this?" he asked. Wolfram sighed,

"Alright.. Alright.." he agreed finally. Conrad stared at Wolfram, concerned.

"Wolfram, are you sure about staying in the same room with me?" he asked. Wolfram rolled his eyes impatiently,

"Its fine, I'll live," he replied shortly, but not reluctantly. In fact, no hesitation spotted in his clear voice. Conrad looked a bit relieved. They left shortly after that resolved argument.

No one asked about Yuuri's opinion. Not that anyone had to.

* * *

Yuuri exhaled loudly, trying to seal his thought away. He drowned his face in the pillow and sleep again.


At the same time in a quite different place, Wolfram's eyes slowly opened. He really got an undesirable sleeping habit. He moved uncomfortably, feeling his blanket was missing somewhere. He got up and rubbed his eyes, looking at his side, where Conrad was supposed to be.

"Conrad?!" he exclaimed as he leapt off the bed. A familiar sound answered him,

"I'm here, Wolfram," he answered. Wolfram finally alarmed of his surroundings, it was still early and dark. He yawned, rubbing his eyes again. Conrad smiled, "go to sleep again," he told the blond. Wolfram looked at Conrad, who was now fully dressed in his uniform. Wolfram shrugged,

"I'm sorry you didn't get much sleep," he apologized awkwardly.

"It wasn't you, I just can't sleep," he replied. Wolfram ignored him,

"No, maybe I'll ask them to place another bed for me. This one is too small for both of us, and I didn't sleep as graceful either," he said, sighing. Conrad shook his head,

"No, it's fine.. It has been a long time since we sleep together like this," he told the blond who was supposedly his little brother. Wolfram smiled a little at that,

"When was it? 50? 60 years ago?" he asked, trying to remember.

"47 years ago, the last time you were sleeping here, after mother's party. I was too tired to take you to your room," he told the blond. Wolfram smiled at that, feeling a bit guilty,

'and in the morning I ranted him for being human again..'

"yeah.." he said, and the room fell in awkward silent again.

"Wolfram," Conrad started, "Waltorana asked for audiency with all of us this afternoon," Wolfram sighed,

"I know that," he said as he got up. Wolfram fixed his white sleeping robe and headed to the exit, "I'll get dressed and tend to the soldiers. I won't attend for breakfast and lunch, but I'll be there early," he told the brunette and opened the door. Conrad instinctively called him, he need to say what he had to.

"Wolfram, wait.." he called, more like pleading. The blond couldn't help but noticing a slight of gloom in his usually calming voice. Wolfram didn't bother turning around,

"What is it?" he asked, hand still on the door knob. He could hear Conrad sighed inwardly,

"You don't have to do this.. Find an excuse and leave. I'll be fine on my own, Wolfram." Conrad told him, "I'll be fine.." He repeated. His voice was soft, yet disturbed. Wolfram couldn't find any appropriate reply for that. The door creaked open and slammed closed.

He just left..


The sun almost set. The Blood Pledge castle looked very peaceful at this time of a day. Castle guards were heading to the dormitory as their shift ended. The maids were busy attending to the royal garden and square. Several healers and high ranked bodyguars were spotted around the yard. All of them nodded and greeted politely as Yuuri and the others walked.

Yuuri was walking to the hall, followed closely by Gwendal and Gunter. Even his busy surroundings couldn't lift the troubling thoughts from his mind. He sighed and stopped in front of the hall door. Two guards opened the door for him. Yuuri took a deep breath before he walked in,

"Yuuri Heika," Waltorana nodded slightly, greeting him. Yuuri replied with an awkward gesture, smiling uncomfortably. He turned to look at Conrad and Wolfram who were already there. Conrad looked a bit anxious, but he still greeted Yuuri,

"Heika," he also nodded formally. Yuuri didn't bother fix his title there. The air thickened within the room, and it was getting more intense as Waltorana started to speak,

"We've discussed this in the previous days. This matter were delayed longer than I expected and I'm afraid we can't afford to hold it up any longer," his voice became vague in Yuuri's ears, "as we all know, the illegal.."

'What should I do now?' Yuuri thought silently, confused and helpless. He didn't bother listening to Waltorana's endless speech of demands and accusations,

"…I assumed you already knew the terms and the outcome of this, that the punishement will be an open execution…"

'What do I do? What do I do?' Yuuri kept on repeating the same question. He lifted his gaze and looked at Conrad. His godfather stole glances at Wolfram from every possible time as he himself listened to Waltorana's speeh. Wolfram in the other hand looked really quiet, staring blankly at his uncle but apparently lost in his thought. Yuuri openly stared at him, ignoring Waltonara completely.

"…therefore, as the leader of ten aristocrats, it is my duty to see this matter done," Waltorana ended and turned to Yuuri, "Now if you will, Yuuri Heika," he said. Yuuri almost jumped when he heard his name called. He turned at Waltorana, and looked at the others. He gulped,

"Ah, yes?" he seemed lost and confused. Waltorana gestured to Conrad,

"The final decision regarding Conrad Weller, I hope Heika will kindly resolve this matter once for all," he repeated. Yuuri gaped, didn't know what to do. The thin line in Waltorana's face curved into a smirk. He was certain he would win this time.

"I will speak for Yuuri Heika," Gunter stepped forward but still strictly standing a step behind the king, "as you know that Conrad Weller and Wolfram Von Bielefeld will be engage soon, there's no reason for us to continue this matter of lineage," he stated. Waltorana shook his head,

"I'm afraid soon is not enough," he replied, smiling contently. "I also need to ensure that the engagement was official," he added. Gwendal openly glared at the Bielefed's ruler. There was nothing he could do at this moment other than watch. He looked at Gunter, who was now speaking again,

"Then, your wish of them is to do it in front of your eyes, Lord Von Bielefeld?" it wasn't a question. Waltorana's intention was clear. The blond nodded,

"Indeed, Lord Von Christ," he smiled contently, "In front of me, the leader of ten aristocrats, and in front of the king himself," he made himself clear for everyone to hear. He was dead sure Wolfram would never accept the engagement. He spent decades to maintain the pure hatred in Wolfram's heart. Wolfram hated Conrad.

"So it shall be, Lord Von Bielefeld," Gunter nodded and gestured to Conrad and Wolfram, "Lord Weller, Lord Von Bielefeld, now if you will," he said formally.

Conrad stepped closer to Wolfram. He needed to slap his formerly said little brother, yet his palm was so stiff. He lifted his hand slowly, looking at the blond. Green eyes were staring at him also. His hazel eyes were fixed to the clear emerald, piercing through his heart. He couldn't feel his own hand anymore. In fact, he couldn't do it.

'I can't do it,' he sent a silent message to Wolfram through their locked eyes. Wolfram's eyes widened in surprise as Conrad lowered his hand, smiling sadly at him. Yuuri held his breath. Gunter glanced at Gwendal who was cursing silently. Conrad was giving up.

'No..' Wolfram could vaguely feel Waltorana smiled in triumph. The blond's heart raced in his chest. Conrad closed his eyes, lowering his gaze as he slowly turned away. Wolfram moved his fingers.

If this was the end of Weller's lineage..

"Conrad.." His sound was determined. The brunette turned his gaze back at him. It didn't take long before Conrad could feel a cold and slowly disappearing touch in his cheek. Everything moved so fast for everyone around them. But for Wolfram and Conrad, it felt like ages.

They were officially engaged..


Conrad didn't know how he should feel exactly. Wolfram didn't talk since, not a single word. They were in their room now, preparing to sleep. He was worried for sure. Even the fact that Waltorana almost fully lost his gravity didn't ease his mind. They needed to talk.

"You can't sleep?" he started with an oblivious question. The blond was sitting in front of him, on the edge of the medium sized bed. Wolfram shrugged,

"No," he replied. Conrad used to stand all the time but he decided to sit beside the blond now,

"You wish to talk?" he asked again. Wolfram shook his head,

"No," he replied as short. Conrad fell silent. It wasn't like him to feel this awkward at a conversation. He couldn't make himself as diplomatic and cold as he had been all this time, especially not to Wolfram now. Conrad tried to relax, clearing his throat,

"You want me to tell you a story?" he asked. Wolfram raised his eyebrows in confusion. He expected something heavier. He stared at Conrad,

"Huh?" he responded, and shook his head, "can't you find a better topic?" he said, half mocking and half hoping. The blond didn't like this intensely awkward atmosphere either. He usually found it easier to burst at Conrad. The brunette smiled,

"You always like it back then. In fact, you asked me to tell you one every night," he told the blond. His voice was calmer right now. Wolfram's face flushed,

"I hate your stories," he replied quickly, throwing his face aside. Conrad let out a soft chuckle,

"Once upon a time.."

"I said no, Conrad," he snapped. Conrad lowered his gaze,

"Alright.. I was just joking," he said, still smiling. Wolfram rolled his eyes,

"I hate your joke either," he said, "I'm going to sleep now," he warned the other man beside him before he drop his weight to the soft mattress. Wolfram curled inside the blanket, feeling relaxed a bit. Conrad was still in his current position,

"Wolfram.. I'm so sorry for all of this, I really do," he started again. Wolfram sighed. This was so unlike the usual Conrad he knew, but then again he realized he had no idea about the true nature of his former brother anyway. Wolfram sighed,

"Aren't you a bit talkative here?" he asked. Wolfram felt Conrad moving to lay beside him,

"I just want to talk to you, Wolfram, making things easier to us," he couldn't belive that kind of words came from his lips. Wolfram knew Conrad really cared for him. There was no point in taking pride at lies and stubborness anymore. He closed his eyes as Conrad continued, "I told you before, I'll be fine on my own," he repeated. Wolfram shifted a little,

"I heard that," he sighed, "but you're not on your own, Conrad," he mumbled before he drifted off.

Wolfram's voice was soft, but it was clear enough for Conrad to hear. He smiled in true relief before finally giving way to the night.


A/N: How was that?? Please review! :D

Anyway, I drop my sketch for Tangled Lineage: SWEET AFTERNOON (I'm not sure that will fit in the story or not) I was just screwing aroung with my pencils.. hahahaha.. please comment on it alright? Thanks! :D

Visit LINK in my profile.. see you next time!

NEXT ISSUE: The maids were ecstatic. Yuuri desperately needed someone to talk to. Gunter and Gwendal were out of the question. Wolfram stayed by Conrad's side all the time. What should he do?