Hello,
Sorry for the late update, got a hellish month in my work :(
It also comes from the fact that I am working at the same time on my Doki Doki fic.
Hell! I just noticed but this fic is now bigger than Strange Alliance :O
Please enjoy this chapter!
The same evening.
Lux and Celis were facing each other, alone, in the study room of the Academy (which was actually a comfy living room) where their group of friends used to meet.
At this hour, they were alone, which did not really help them, their embarrassment being only greater because of this.
Barely a quarter of an hour earlier, thanks to Sharis' plan and sacrifice, Lux had finally been able to express his true feelings and desires, which Celis had heard.
Without thinking, she had embraced him and confessed her love for him and her reciprocal desire to live at his side.
Celis' words had been powerful enough to melt the wall of ice that Lux had barricaded his heart with so as not to distract him from his duties.
Sharis, who had invited Celis without saying a word to her, had quietly slipped away, leaving them alone.
Although Lux and Celis had now realised that their friend had been responsible for this outcome, at a terrible cost to herself, they were now in a rather embarrassing situation.
Both of them were now aware of this.
Talking sweet words and exchanging hugs was not really going to help their situation, after all. It was not enough to erase Lux's debt, remove her criminal collar, or get their relationship accepted by their friends.
It was going to take more than that.
Without really consulting each other, once Lux's tears had dried, the two of them got up and walked hand in hand to the room they were now in.
Their original intention may have been simply to spend more time together, but without really intending to, it had truly become a strategic meeting. Which was not really moving forward, as both were unspeakably embarrassed by what had happened.
Lux was so nervous that he was sitting up straight, in an armchair, his hands on his knees, his head down, not daring to look Celis in the eye.
Celis, who was facing him, had more or less exactly the same posture, with the difference that her mouth was tense, as if she was holding her breath; moreover, her face was so red that one wondered if she was not doing an apnea contest.
Lux was racking his brains trying to find an idea to get out of this impasse. Of course, it was out of question to smile and say that it was all a joke. That door was definitely closed.
It was time to move on. Especially that moving on hand in hand with the one you loved... there could be a worse situation.
Lux pondered about Sharis' intervention.
(She had planned everything from the beginning. She knew the outcome of this confrontation. I feel so bad that I can't give her back her love...)
Seeing her senpai exposing her feelings, she who had usually always held back, and having to break her heart made Lux feel like he was the big bad guy in the story.
And yet, he was infinitely grateful to her. Despite what everyone else was telling him, Lux was a coward: the proof was that without Sharis, he probably would not have been able to confess his feelings out loud.
(Those feelings... unlike the ones Fugil nii-san pretended to have for me... they're not a lie. They are real. They are real and precious...)
Lux could not, would not conceal those feelings.
For Sharis, who had sacrificed everything for him.
For Celis, who loved him at least as much as he loved her.
And for his own happiness, which he had denied himself all these years.
He decided to put his feelings into words, and looked up, only to discover that Celis was looking at him, smiling.
"Celis-senpai. I'm sorry, for all the time I... doubted myself, doubted you. For making you suffer like this."
"Lux, you-"
Lux would not let her finish, for fear of flinching later.
"But it's over. I'm not running away from my feelings or yours anymore. Celis-senpai, I love you. I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want us to move towards a better future, hand in hand, not as comrades, but as husband and wife."
"!"
"That's why I promise you... I will do everything I can to pay back my debt as soon as possible and get rid of that collar. And once I do, I will ask for your hand. Will you... will you just wait a little longer for me?"
Celis eyes widened; she was so surprised that she even forgot to blush.
Lux was doing his best to remain composed, but he did not know how long he would last. After all, just a few months ago he could hardly look at a girl in a swimsuit without feeling impure, and now he was literally proposing to his older senpai.
To his surprise, he saw tears flowing from Celis deep blue eyes.
"Celis-senpai?... I... have I done something wrong?"
"Wha... ah?..."
Celis seemed to notice her own tears, and wiped them away with a trembling hand.
"This... I never thought I would say this one day, but I think... these are tears of joy."
She smiled so brightly at Lux that his heart almost stopped.
"And I never thought I would hear those words from you one day, Lux. But... they fill me with joy, with happiness beyond measure. To think that it was not a one-sided love..."
As more tears ran down her cheeks, Celis had an embarrassed laugh.
"Of course I will wait for you, Lux. You do not even have to ask. I love you, and I will do everything in my power to help you. I want to help you carry this burden."
Lux, who somehow feared that Celis would refuse, felt a huge relief.
"Thank you, Celis-senpai..."
"However, Lux... I know you do not want to burden anyone with your debt, but, if we wait until you have paid it off to marry..."
Indeed, Celis knew that Lux would not accept that someone would pay his debt for him: he could probably have his collar removed in light of his feats of arms, but forgiving his debt would require him to contract another one with other nobles. This would not solve the problem.
She had no desire to pressure him, but she was realistic: between his new duties as a knight and his classes, he would not really have time to perform chores to pay his debt.
"About that, I may have... probably have the perfect solution, come to think of it..."
Lux grinned nervously and folded his hands.
"You may remember... but your father has offered to officially join Queen Raffi's faction, so that she can have my support. If I do so, they will remove my criminal collar, and no doubt forgive my debt... ...in addition to betrothe ourselves to seal the deal."
Celis blushed at the very memory, but a second later she had an interrogative look on her face.
"But... as we discussed, this means you will give up your 'neutrality' in the factions of the kingdom and take a full part in its affairs, right?" Is that what you wish?"
"I'm not sure... I'm not even sure I deserve it, to be honest. But I've thought it over... and I want to change this country. I don't want to fail again, so I will do what needs to be done. Besides, if it makes it possible for us to get engaged without causing any trouble for anyone... ...then I am fine with it."
"Lux..."
Unable to hold on, Celis suddenly stood up, drew Lux to her and kissed him fiercely, imprisoning his hand in hers, while Lux, hypnotized, returned her kiss.
When she finally released him, almost out of breath and with the taste of his tongue still on hers, she had to refrain from jumping on him and give in to her desires.
"Sorry... I..."
"It's nothing, Celis-senpai. That's... what a couple in love does, right?"
Lux whispered these words, embarrassed.
"Yes... this is right.."
She quickly changed the subject.
"Lux... by the way... you should, since we are a c-c-couple... stop calling me senpai... since I have been calling you by your first name for quite some time."
"All right... in that case... that would be... Celistia? Or Celis?"
Hearing Lux's voice say her name, Celis felt like an electric shock and her heart pounding.
(Why does it feel like that when we just exchanged a b-b-beck?!)
Celis put her hand on her chest, as if she was having a heart attack, out of breath.
(So this, is the power of love...)
"Celis-sen... Celis?!"
Lux panicked and approached her, being careful not to call her "senpai", as she had requested. But this second unexpected attack only made things worse.
Celis, having received a critical blow in her feelings, let out a kind of groan in which embarrassment and pleasure were mixed.
Lux, forbidden, contemplated her for a few seconds, until she stood up as if nothing had happened and coughed, having regained her composure.
"...Lux."
"... Yes?"
"I... I think you should keep calling me senpai for now, until we are officially engaged."
"... okay..."
Lux did not quite understand what had just happened, but preferred not to object.
"You know, Lux... this is weird. I have been old enough to get engaged to someone for a long time. As the daughter of one of the Four Great Nobles, you might even say that this is part of my duties. However, since I did not want to become anyone's puppet, I imposed a condition on my father: that the man he proposed to me as a husband would be at least as strong as I am, if I did not have feelings for him and him for me."
Lux could not help but smile.
This condition alone was enough to eliminate about 99% of the world's population, if not more.
Celis was one of the most talented Drag-Knights in the world, and only the Seven Dragon Paladins could take her on, let alone defeat her.
Dist was a realistic man, and no doubt he would have preferred to grant his daughter that boon rather than see her break the ribs of an overly arrogant husband who would try to dominate her...
"Little did I know that the man he would eventually propose to me would fulfill that condition, and share my feelings as well."
It was Lux's turn to receive an electric shock at Celis' innocent words and tender smile.
However, he recovered quite quickly.
"Ah... I almost forgot."
"Hm?"
Lux reached into the pocket of his uniform and pulled out a small red box, the size of his palm.
"I learned at the White Days Festival that... women give the man they love chocolates."
"!"
"But also that there's a hidden tradition that a man should give a gift if he feels the same way the woman does."
Lux handed the box to Celis, one knee on the ground.
"At that moment... I thought you and the others had given me chocolates as a token of respect. I realized it wasn't just for that... and I chose to respond to your feelings that way too, Celis-senpai. So please... accept this."
Celis took the box between her fingers and, holding her breath, opened it.
Placed on a small carpet of felt was a garment brooch shaped as a golden dragon with blue eyes, which were obviously aquamarines.
It was neither extravagant nor too inconspicuous, and...
"When I saw it, I thought of you..."
"Do I look like a dragon to you?"
"No! I mean, the color of your hair and the color of your eyes!"
"Ah..."
"Even though yours are far more beautiful to me than gold or jewels..."
Celis smiled at the flattering compliment.
Then she looked into Lux's eyes.
"I... thank you, so much, Lux. It is beautiful..."
With infinite caution, she carefully threaded the brooch onto her uniform.
"I'm glad you love it. And... I promise you that one day I will give you an engagement ring instead."
"Yes... I know you will."
Being as pure as they were in love with each other, Celis and Lux wished each other good night and went to bed, as if in a dream: both of them could hardly believe what had just happened...
The very next day, Celis and Lux tried to behave like a couple, or at least the way they imagined couples would behave.
Their pitiful attempts to act like a couple (like holding hands or feeding each other, "aaan" style) failed or only caused them embarrassment (as well as the amusement of the other girls at the Academy).
Besides, thanks to their blunders and the Triad, the fact that their relationship had become official was on everyone's lips. So much that on the first day, at lunch break, a long queue formed in front of their table, and almost the whole Academy, including the professors, came to wish them happiness.
Almost, because of course, a small group that included Lisha, Philuffy, Krulcifer and a good twenty girls who had really fallen in love with Lux, refused to give up (Yoruka had declared herself happy that her master could finally start conceiving heirs, while reminding him that she was there if he ever had needs that Celis would not be able to satisfy).
This coalition of course had no desire to break the relationship between Lux and Celis, but simply wanted to enjoy Lux as well. Strictly speaking, it was a fairly extremist group that was willing to tolerate polygamy in order to also couple with the one they coveted.
Lisha, as a princess with strong influence, had taken the lead of this group, with Krulcifer as her advisor, herself the daughter of a powerful noble family of Ymir Theocracy.
She had rallied followers to her banner by loudly proclaiming that one of her first acts as queen would be to make polygamy legal, so that Lux could marry whomever he wanted.
Lux did not really know if she was serious or not, but it seemed clear in any case that neither she nor the others had renounced to him (Krulcifer was heard to say that she preferred a trophy to be harder to get so she could enjoy it).
Apart from these incidents, life at the Academy was almost back to normal, with the difference that Celis and Lux shared almost all their free time together, whether it was doing homework, talking about anything and everything or training with their Drag-Rides.
Any anxiety had left them, and a peace of mind that they did not know each other had overwhelmed them: such was the power of the bond that united them and the feelings that had for each other.
They drew comfort and trust from each other, something they had been cruelly lacking in despite appearances.
And, as both were, to put it simply, of unparalleled kindness, seeing them reassure each other was so adorable that even Celis' rivals admitted that they made a charming couple.
Although they were all lovey-dovey without realizing it, they never got beyond the kissing stage (and only when they were alone). Whether it was for Lux or Celis, they had to be married or officially engaged before going further.
They had not even agreed on this: it was just natural to them. This did not mean that they were devoid of desires, quite the contrary: both of them often had hot flushes or indecent dreams in the morning.
But, out of respect for each other, none of them tried to take this step by force.
Celis had sent a message to her father to inform him of their new relationship, and of Lux's agreement to his offer. Dist Ralgris, who had had to return to his estate to attend to important business, had informed him that he had forwarded this information to Queen Raffi.
Celis and Lux were not just fooling around, far from it: they spent most of their time on the training ground, either giving courses for volunteers wanting to join the Syvalles, or training with each other.
In the latter case, as they were both highly skilled Drag-Knights, these training sessions were very fruitful.
It was one thing, as they had both been doing for years, to train alone, even intensively; it was another to train with a fighter as strong as yourself every day. This allowed them to progress, to spot the other's shortcomings and to point them out in order to correct them.
The more the days passed, the tighter and more intense their fights became. In order not to be spotted by other students (Lux not being publicly known as the Bahamut user), they trained on the farthest field of the Academy, and only early in the morning or late at night.
Beyond their strength and the manipulation of their Drag-Rides (which were already impressive), Celis and Lux gained several benefits from their training, after only three weeks.
First of all, Lux was finally able to invoke his Drag-Rides without incantations or passwords, just like Celis did.
It did not sound like a big deal, put it like that, but being able to save several seconds at the start of a fight was a huge advantage.
In return, Lux had taught Celis an art that he himself knew, but had not yet mastered: techniques using the tuning of a Drag-Ride, also known as Battle Array.
These were not unique techniques that could only be used by Divine Drag-Rides, such as Celis' Starlight Zero, or Lux's Quick Shot.
It was a matter of reconfiguring the energy of the Drag-Ride's auxiliary systems in the middle of combat and redirecting it where one wanted it.
Indeed, a Drag-Ride was not limited to its weaponry. While it was important, a huge portion of the energy used to power the Drag-Ride went into other systems, such as the flight system, the aircraft's automatic barrier, propulsion, brakes, and so on.
Tuning consisted of changing these parameters in the heat of the moment: in theory, you could completely deactivate the automatic barrier to recreate one manually and pour the amount of energy you wanted into it.
For example, the automatic barrier was quite weak, because a fixed amount of energy was allocated to it without the user having to touch anything.
On the other hand, if the user decided to deactivate this barrier and then generate one, but also add the energy from the weapon systems during that moment, then the barrier would be infinitely more resistant.
All of this was, of course, theoretical, but more importantly, extremely risky.
Reconfiguring a Drag-Ride's energy allocation was already very dangerous in itself; without careful dosing, there was a high risk that the device would simply fall out of the sky and mistakenly disable the wrong power supply.
Moreover, this had a major disadvantage in combat, because if someone neglected his defensive systems to support his entire attack, then the slightest blow would prove fatal.
It required a huge knowledge about Drag-Rides (basically a technician one) and a huge amount of skill.
But the hardest part was getting from theory to practice.
Performing a tuning technique was basically like trying to tame a ten-headed beast that kept bucking.
Doing this in the middle of a fight, performing these manipulations in a tenth of a second to serve your purpose and plan, was simply inhumane.
Fortunately, inhuman was obviously Lux and Celis' middle name.
While Lux was still trying to figure out the "trick" that would enable him to apply it, Celis had assimilated and executed it in two weeks, and had mastered it in about a third.
This had stunned Lux, of course, but not for long: he himself knew how wonderful his senpai and lover was.
That day, they were both in the middle of a discussion with their friends (who seemed to be tolerating their relationship) in the cafeteria when a student informed them that Relie wanted to talk to them.
Intrigued, they went to the principal's office. Relie rarely called Lux or Celis in for tea: the only time she did, it was to discuss important topics.
And this time would be no exception.
Once there, Lux knocked gently on the office door.
"Come on in."
Relie's voice answered, and he pushed the doorknob before entering the room, followed by Celis.
The curtains of the room had been drawn, as usual, plunging it into a certain darkness.
Relie, as usual, was sitting at her desk with her hands folded under her chin.
"Hello, Lux-kun, Celis. Thank you for coming so quickly. Please take a seat."
"Thank you."
Relie gazed at them and sighed.
"So, it is Celis who will get Lux-kun virtue... to think I have done everything for Phi to get the privilege. But nothing is lost, I suppose..."
"…"
"Relie-san, did you bring us here just to talk about Lux's virtue?"
Celis wiggled in her seat, embarrassed by both Relie's and her own words.
"No, of course not. Although I am surprised that you two finally got together... you do make people jealous, you know that?"
"Err..."
"But no matter what happens, a victory is a victory. Congratulations to both of you!"
"Thank you?"
Relie's half-depreciated-half-playful demeanour was quite confusing to Celis and Lux, who were unsure about how to react.
Finally, she waved her hand as to show playtime was over.
"Well... about the reason I called you here... I received a message, from the capital. From Queen Raffi, specifically. For you, Lux-kun."
"From the queen?"
"Yes. She's summoning you to the palace for a private audience. I know no more about it."
Lux knew that Raffi was most likely summoning him to discuss the terms of their alliance... and his engagement to Celis.
(I assume that Dist Ralgris will also be present. Even if he's busy, he should be able to make himself available for such an important matter).
"Excuse me, but is this a private audience?"
Celis questioned Relie in a curious manner.
"Indeed it is."
"That means I will not be able to attend it, but... should I accompany Lux?"
"Well, that's exactly why I brought you here, too. If Lux-kun had left without saying a word, I'm sure you would have run after him. I'd rather tell you and ask you to stay here."
"But... why?! Lux needs an escort, he cannot go alone! And as his aide, I am the only appropriate choice! "
Relie had an embarrassed smile.
"This is not a maneuver to separate you, hear me well, but we can't afford to do without you two. Just to remind you, you're both instructors in everything but name now, to train potential recruits for the Order of the Syvalles."
"Yes..."
"That Lux-kun is leaving, even for a week, is already a serious setback considering the number of recruits we have to examine. But for you to leave, as well, would be far more problematic. And even though you're his aide, Lux-kun can get an escort without you being a part of it."
"This, this is true..."
Celis knew well that Relie was right. She was not to let her feelings dictate her behavior, and yet...
It was a childish, selfish wish, but she had no desire to be separated from Lux. Her world had filled with color since she had met him, and had become even more beautiful since they had confessed their feelings.
She looked so sad that Lux wanted to comfort her, even though he felt the same way.
Relie watched them with an amused expression, as they were so easy to read.
"I can only suggest that you hurry, Lux-kun. The sooner you get to the capital and complete whatever task awaits you, the sooner you will reunite with Celis. Don't you think?"
"...you're right, Relie-san."
"I will arrange for a carriage and twenty guards from my household to be at your disposal. I know that flying there with your Drag-Ride would be faster, but you know how nobility see people who do not arrive with a proper party."
"That's right."
In fact, Lux could not show up dressed with only pilot suit for a private audience with the queen. Even though he knew her and was friends with her adopted daughter, there were certain formalities and courtesies that had to be observed
"That's all I had to tell you. The departure is set for two o'clock in the afternoon, is that all right with you?"
"That's fine. Thank you, Relie-san."
Celis and Lux thanked the headmaster and left the office.
Once outside, and within a reasonable distance, they stopped in the hallway after making sure no one was listening to them.
"How long do you think you will be gone?"
"A week, at least... the carriage ride is not that long, but it's impossible to know how long it will take to discuss my role in their faction, our agreement, and other details..."
"A week... This is long..."
Celis let out a sigh, before correcting her posture.
"I mean... this can only make us tougher. We must endure this ordeal together. Yes!"
Lux chuckled at one of his senpai's endless attempts to look strong and oblivious to loneliness.
"Besides... I think we have been too relaxed in public lately, we need to...?!"
Celis was unable to finish her sentence because Lux, in a fit of tenderness and boldness, had put his lips on hers.
A simple kiss, far more eloquent than any words he knew. Celis, blushing at first, closed her eyes to enjoy it.
And then...
"... this is unfair, Lux. Doing this to me when you are about to leave..."
"That's precisely why..."
Even though the hallway was deserted, they both felt a powerful embarrassment to behave like this in public.
Holding back his desire to kiss Celis again, Lux, instead, grabbed her hand.
"I promise I'll be back soon. And when I do, to make up for my absence... I will ask for your hand."
Celis smiled brightly, then patted Lux on the shoulder.
"You already told me you would..."
"That's right... sorry..."
"...but I cannot wait for you to come back."
They both laughed, for no reason other than the happiness they felt by simply being together.
Lux went to his room to make his travel preparations. Once his small backpack ready, he straightened up.
"Yoruka."
Immediately, the one he had called appeared in front of him, her knee bent as usual.
"Aruji-sama."
"Please get up..."
With a provocative smile, Yoruka did so, her mismatched eyes casting a languorous glance at Lux.
"How may I serve you?"
"You may have heard it, but I must go to the capital."
"Indeed. What a pity. I would have hoped that you could produce an heir as soon as possible, but...
"…"
Lux found nothing to answer, because in the end, if he went to the capital, it was partly to be able to marry Celis.
"Err... I did not really call you out to talk about this, I am sorry..."
"What a shame. But with all due respect, Aruji-sama, there is no way that I will be staying here while you are gone. My place is by your side. I will not leave you unprotected again."
Yoruka had closed her eyes, and spoke in a soft but firm voice.
Even though, when Lux was attacked, she was not there because of the orders he gave her (and she had successfully protected Airi), she blamed herself too.
"Therefore, if you called me here to ask me to stay here..."
"Quite the contrary. I will need your help, Yoruka."
"Aruji-sama?"
"You're absolutely right. Even if it seems like there's no danger, it's precisely at times like this that you shouldn't let your attention wander. This is a private audience, so I can't take any companions with me. But you can watch over me without being spotted. So I humbly ask you to escort me on this journey."
"…"
Lux smiled awkwardly.
"Do you accept my request, Yoruka?"
Yoruka stepped forward, took Lux's hand, and brought it to her face, her lips touching Lux's palm. Lux felt an electric shock.
"You have no need to ask, Aruji-sama. My body, my life, my soul... my whole being belongs to you, and aspires only to serve you."
"I know, but... I want you to do what you want. So... do you really want to come with me and watch over me from the shadows?"
"Of course, Aruji-sama."
Lux felt a wave of empathy towards Yoruka.
She once claimed to have no emotions, and still did.
But then, where did it come from that she seemed happier than she had ever been in that moment?
"Thank you, Yoruka. I'm counting on you."
After his conversation with Yoruka, Lux made his way to the entrance of the Academy with his friends at the agreed time.
Relie, who belonged to the Aingram conglomerate, had not skimped on the means to provide a suitable suite for the Fallen Prince.
A sumptuous black carriage, pulled by six magnificent horses, awaited him. The vehicle looked as sturdy as it was elegant from the outside.
The interior was cozy, with comfortable seats and thick curtains that could be drawn if the urge to take a nap ever occurred.
A cupboard above the seats was filled with refreshments and sweets, proof that the servants of the Aingram family knew Philuffy's habits.
Lux also had the carriage all for himself. As announced by Relie, twenty servants, ten women and as many men, escorted him in smaller carriages, including five Drag-Knights.
"Come home soon, Lux!"
"Don't get killed..."
"Nii-san, don't do anything dangerous.
"Yes. Airi is right."
"I wonder if he'll come back with another girl to his arm..."
"But?! Tillfur?!"
All of Lux's friends, including his little sister, Airi, were there for his departure, either giving him recommendations or mocking him.
He greeted them one last time, held back from exchanging a kiss with Celis, and climbed into the carriage.
As soon as he had settled down and the coachman had cracked his whip, the convoy set out, crossing the streets of Cross Field before leaving the town.
At a moderate pace, and without complications, it would take about three days by carriage to reach the capital Lordgalia.
The last time Lux had been there was for the tournament that took place there. The capital was a beautiful city, the jewel of the Old Empire Arcadia, but for Lux, every time he went there, something bad had happened.
And now he was going there to lay the first paving stone to a better future.
Unless something happened, the Queen would allow him to join her faction to better fight the inequalities of the Kingdom.
Thanks to the support he would lend her, she could in exchange officially remove his collar, and, as proposed by Dist Ralgris, the whole thing would be sealed by his engagement to Celis.
Lux watched the landscape pass by through the carriage window without seeing it, lost in his thoughts.
He had long hesitated to accept the offer for two reasons.
The first was, that before Celis managed to break his shell, he was convinced that he did not deserve to be happy.
This was the main reason for his refusal, but not the only one. The other was that Lux was not too sure that joining one faction would serve the others as much as the politicians hoped.
The fall of the faction of nobles in the Old Empire had convinced him to do so however.
If he had joined the Queen's faction while the Old Empire nobles were still powerful, it would probably have only added fueled quarrels.
As this faction hated him, the fact that he joined the Queen, considered weak by many people, would probably have led to political fights and even civil war through his own fault.
Lux had not foreseen that the nobles of the Old Empire would take the initiative to try to resurrect the old Arcadia lineage by trying to kidnap his sister and have him killed, or even enter into open rebellion.
Fortunately for them, they had failed.
Now that those same nobles were out of harm's way, the Queen's faction was dominant. The faction of the kingdom's wealthy merchants were greedy competitors, not enemies.
Thus, Queen Raffi's policy of appeasement could take off, unimpeded by the conservative male chauvinists.
In the end, it was all a matter of timing.
If Lux had joined the Queen's faction earlier, he would have only provoked more conflicts.
Now, he was going to be able to be a real help to her.
He could help the people, oppose unjust laws, close the wounds of the past.
(However...)
Throughout the journey to the capital, Lux took advantage of his solitude (even though he already missed Celis) to ponder.
Recent events had prevented him from thinking about it again, while he was busy savouring the happiness of being with the one he loved.
To think back on the feeling that had plagued him during his convalescence.
The feeling that something was wrong.
Everything seemed fine, but Lux felt like they were all dancing in someone's palm. Not just him, but all the parties involved. The Queen's faction, the Old Empire, the Syvalles...
This thought tormented him throughout the journey, whether they were driving or stopping at an inn in the evening to eat and rest.
Every night, he would summon Yoruka (who would follow him in Drag-Knight and cloaked) to make sure no one else was following them, and to force her to eat a bit.
It was not until late afternoon, on the third day, as they approached Lordgalia and its seventeen districts (after being checked several times by patrols) that Lux managed to pinpoint the detail that was bothering him.
From the beginning, the enemy that had been pointed at and acted against them was the Old Empire faction.
It was this faction that had supplied the rebel army with men and weapons, when it attacked Lisha when he had barely arrived at the Academy, or when the Capital was assaulted.
It was them who attempted to assassinate him and kidnap Airi in the first place.
It was them who then tried to take Cross Field a second time, and eliminate the Syvalles.
Lux did not question the fact that they had committed these acts, but rather the disconcerting ease with which it had been proven that they were guilty.
Everything accused them, absolutely everything: moreover, had they not been informed before that they were going to try to attack Lux?
And as if to corroborate this intel, Lux had indeed been attacked shortly afterwards.
It was as if they had been made to mistrust the nobles of the Old Empire, and to persuade them that they were the only enemies.
In short, in the eyes of Lux, his friends, and even the kingdom, they had become public enemy number one, the "evil" to fight.
Nothing united the people better than a common enemy.
(It's a bit far-fetched... but...)
Although it sounded a bit crazy, there were several things that supported this hypothesis.
First of all, their attempt to resurrect the Arcadia Lineage by removing Lux and taking Airi.
The plan made sense and could have worked, but had failed.
Second, the nobles had been arrested, and had ordered their remaining troops to rise up to attack Cross Field and get a bargaining chip.
The tactics used in the confrontation were ingenious, but the strategy seemed to have been hastily worked out: it was nothing like the finesse of their previous plans. It resembled a desperate move.
(It's as if they panicked and decided to act in a hurry... yes, they didn't expect their first plan to fail, but it looks like something else happened...)
"Excuse me, Lux-san. We have arrived."
A man from his retinue had just opened the carriage door.
Deep in thought, Lux had not even noticed that they had arrived in front of Lordgalia's royal palace.
"Sorry."
Lux got out of the vehicle, his limbs a little numb, and gazed at the palace, as majestic as he remembered it.
Protected by a triple wall and round towers, the palace dominated the capital. Its construction, which had taken years of hard work by the most renowned architects and craftsmen of the Empire, combined strength and elegance.
Stone arches rose elegantly, wings of carved stone connected the buildings, all paths were paved and the gardens carefully maintained.
Lux decided to put his suspicions aside for the moment, having an even more urgent task to accomplish. After all, he had no proof, only suppositions.
(I have to tell the Queen and Dist Ralgris about this, though. If another enemy is guiding us to weaken us...)
Lux saw that a delegation was coming out of the palace to meet him. He made sure his uniform was perfectly smooth and joined them, while his retinue followed him.
The one who came to greet him was Prime Minister Nulph, the Queen's closest adviser and supporter.
Although still young in the eyes of the other Great Nobles, his abilities and diplomacy were well regarded by many people: it was even rumoured that it was thanks to him that Queen Raffi kept her throne.
About twenty Drag-Knights followed him on foot, easily identifiable by their Sword Devices. Sons of nobles for the majority, many looked down on Lux with contempt.
After all, he was, in their eyes, only the Weakest Undefeated, a fallen prince unworthy to be admitted to the palace, despite his deeds. Few people knew that Lux had saved the kingdom many times...
Lux, used to this kind of treatment, ignored them.
"Welcome, Lux Arcadia. We have been expecting you."
"Hello, Prime Minister Nulph."
"May I ask you to come with us? We have arranged accommodations for your people to eat and rest after their long journey."
Lux bowed his head.
"I thank you, Prime Minister Nulph. And..."
Nulph anticipated the question.
"However, with regret, the queen has requested to have you brought immediately to her private courtroom."
Lux was somewhat taken aback. Behind them, the sun was beginning to set, half hidden by the palace walls.
Etiquette would have it that after an informal dinner, the discussions would wait until the next day. Not giving the host a rest time was generally considered disrespectful.
"I apologize for that, Lux Arcadia, but the queen has been formal. I fear the matters you need to discuss cannot wait tomorrow."
While remaining courteous, Nulph was extremely clear. Whatever happened, Lux had no choice but to comply.
( Had anything serious happened?... It's true that, as we were in the middle of our journey, I hadn't received any news from the kingdom for three days...)
Lux nodded.
"All right, let's go."
"Thank you. This way, please."
The Drag-Knights deployed as an honor guard around Nulph, Lux and the Aingram household, then the whole group marched in.
Once through the main gates, they found themselves in a vast hall of rare splendor. Their feet trampled a bright red carpet, and elaborate tapestries hung on the walls.
A few mels further on, Lux separated from her retinue, and half of their escort guided them down a corridor that led to the quarters reserved for those of lesser rank.
The other half stayed with Lux and Nulph, who went directly to the Queen's private courtroom.
When they reached the doors of the room, Nulph stopped.
"I must leave you here. The Queen wishes this audience to be private."
"I understand. Thank you."
"It is only natural."
Nulph bowed his head slightly. Two of the Drag-Knights escorting them opened the doors to the throne room, which slowly pivoted on their hinges without a sound.
Lux crossed the doorway, and waited for them to close the doors before moving forward.
The private audience room, smaller than the majestic throne room, was no less impressive: as high as a church ceiling, long stone columns supporting the building, and a throne that, from the top of its steps, allowed the sovereign to look down on the audience.
In this case, the assistance was limited to Lux, who advanced to the bottom of the steps and bent his knee.
"Your Majesty."
"Hello, Lux. Come on, get up."
Lux obeyed.
Queen Raffi watched him from the throne.
She may have been beautiful in her youth, but much of that beauty had been lost over the years.
The queen, rather plump, with cheeks rivaling those of a batracian, seemed out of shape. As far as Lux remembers, despite her good will, she was indecisive, and her resolution rather weak.
Even her crown, elaborate necklace, jewels and silver brocade dress were not enough to give her a royal look.
It was not just a question of age: something in her was broken.
"I am sorry to have brought you here like this, without even allowing you to relax after this long journey. But our discussion cannot wait."
"I understand."
"Good. Let us no bandy words. You have come to offer me your allegiance and your strength."
"...Yes. I believe that by joining you, by fighting for the values you stand for, I can rectify my mistakes and open the way to a better future for this country."
The queen nodded.
"It is true that times are changing, as recent events have shown. There is no doubt that new trials await us, and to face them, we need to be united. Division will be our undoing."
The queen's voice sounded much louder, much more powerful than Lux's memories.
In his memory, he had never seen her express her convictions like this. Perhaps that was because Nulph was not there to speak for her?
Nulph's absence also surprised him. Nulph was the Queen's vanguard, so much so that she almost depended on him.
Could it be that she, too, had decided to change and take things into her own hands?
"I agree, Your Majesty."
Lux meant it. As he had spent years among the people, in order to understand them better, he had seen how socially divided the people were. The rich, the poor, the commoners, the nobles...
If the Queen wanted to reduce those gaps, and bring people together to work together, they would be stronger and that would benefit everyone.
The injustices of this world had to end.
Easier said than done, however: it would take years to succeed in changing people and the system.
"I know, Lux. I know more about you than you think. Do not think that your efforts have gone unnoticed..."
The queen smiled and leaned towards him.
"After all, you were the Chore Prince, and now, you have become one of the Seven Dragon Paladins, the representative of our country to counter the threat of the Ragnaroks. That such a figure supports our faction will help us greatly. Nevertheless..."
She paused and straightened herself up on her throne.
"It would be unseemly for our representative to be treated as a criminal. Besides, most of the people who opposed the removal of your collar are not here anymore. Therefore, as proposed, in exchange for your support, we will remove your criminal collar and forgive your debt... ...and your sister's, of course."
Lux remained impassive. He had weighed the pros and cons of this decision for a long time, and now that he was here, there was no turning back.
"Naturally, this alliance would also be sealed by marriage. It would strengthen our ties and show the rest of the country that we really want to move forward. As offered by Dist Ralgris, you would marry his daughter."
"Yes. As described in our letter, we all agree to this match."
Suddenly, Lux frowned.
"Excuse me, Your Majesty, but where is lord Dist?"
"Dist Ralgris is not here. He had to return to his lands to settle an urgent matter."
That was weird. Dist was among the queen's supporters, so why was he absent from such an important debate, especially since his daughter's hand was to be promised?
Before Lux could object, the queen raised one hand.
"Let us leave this marriage matter here, we will have plenty of time to talk about it. The more pressing matter, and the one for which I insisted on seeing you now, is far more important."
The queen's gaze grew harder.
"I have a plan, Lux, and I need you to make it happen. I told you earlier, this country needs to be unified. I want you to help me make that dream come true. That is the real reason I asked you to join me. With you, we could make it within a year."
"What do you mean, within a year?"
The queen did not answer him directly.
"Right now, I am queen only by title. The true rulers of this country are the nobles... hence the title of the Four Great Nobles. Here, every nobleman has his army, his Drag-Knights. Royalty is symbolic, and my power, too, rests only with the nobles who support me."
Indeed, the New Kingdom was not an empire like the Arcadia Empire. Its forces were not centralized into a single army controlled by the imperial family, but rather by a multitude of nobles who rarely made common cause.
As a result, these nobles generally acted as they pleased.
"This is not acceptable, and can only harm our country. All must serve the same goal, and there must be only one kingdom, not a hundred small ones. There must be only one leader. And to do that, we must purge this kingdom: eliminate corruption, unify our forces, end the factional systems that tear each other apart, while the poor suffer. This must end."
She swept the room with her arm.
"We must all come together under the banner of royalty, so that we can move forward together: one kingdom, one ruler!"
Lux listened to Queen Raffi's speech, stunned.
For indeed, the New Kingdom was currently fractured into many factions and ways of thinking.
Each noble was overflowing with ambition and thought above all of increasing his own power instead of protecting the country: Balzeride Kreutzer had been a perfect example of this.
Uniting the country, ending the dissension, misery and oppression of the poor, Lux desired nothing less.
However...something in Queen Raffi's speech him.
He had to be sure.
"And... for those who would refuse?"
Lux asked this question with a blank voice.
"It pains me, but these ones, we will have to break them and scatter their power to the winds so that they are no longer a threat. Just as we did with the nobles of the Old Empire."
The Queen's voice was anything but pained.
It was that, more than anything else that opened Lux's eyes.
Her entire speech, well built, charming... was nothing more than a web of lies.
What she was proposing was nothing less than building a new Empire, where those who would challenge her rule would be eliminated.
"But to do this, I need your strength. I need the Black Hero to come out into the open and support our cause. Fight for me, Lux, and I will grant you your freedom and everything you desire. I will give you Dist's daughter, or any woman you want."
Silence fell in the courtroom.
Lux was trying to figure out how things had gotten this far.
What had happened to make this woman, an advocate of conciliation, change her mind so abruptly that she now wanted to establish a tyranny where she would rule unchallenged?
To offer to "give" him Celis like she was livestock?
Was that what Dist Ralgris wanted, too? To establish his dominion over the rest of the country, serving the Queen?
Was the Queen manipulated?
Things had gotten out of hand so quickly that Lux was lost.
"What is your answer, Lux Arcadia? Will you help me in this endeavor? Swear your sword to me, and together we will save this country."
This last sentence uttered by the queen awakened a rare feeling within Lux.
Anger.
(Save this country...)
Lux clenched his fists.
(That's not saving a country...)
"Never!"
Lux shouted without realizing it.
"What you're proposing is not what I've been fighting for so far. And I will never fight to build a new Empire!"
He said those words without thinking.
The Queen's offer, to restore precisely the evil he had fought against, had led him to respond instinctively.
Had he been able to, Lux would have weighed his words carefully beforehand.
He would have considered the fact that a person proposing to dominate a country and eliminate its opponents had only subjects or enemies.
And that anyone who was not with her would be against her.
Raffi's eyes narrowed.
"I see. What a pity. It seems I underestimated you. And I thought that, naive as you are, you would be moved by my words... I was wrong."
Her voice had changed completely. It was heavy with contempt, with malice.
"I see. Plan B it is, then. Pity..."
The Queen Raffi he was looking at had nothing to do with the one he thought he knew. It was someone else.
She sighed, and readjusted her crown. And then...
"GUARDS!"
The doors behind Lux opened and a score of soldiers carrying swords and halberds invaded the room.
Two of them closed the door, and Lux heard it being barred from the other side.
"Seize this traitor."
I am sorry. I did not plan this cliffhanger. But I wanted to keep you pumped for the next chapter, with questions like "what the fu just happened", "why is that", "I hope there is no plot hole"...
I might be able to release another chapter before my trip to Japan (40 days from today on). But then I would not have anything for the duration of my trip, huh... I have to think about it.
Welp, I hope you enjoyed the chapter and story development. See you and take care!