"...Yeah, see you later Eren"
As he began walking away, I heard footsteps nearing closer.
Turning around, it was a familiar face. One of the family guards seems to have finally found our little hidey-hole. I couldn't remember his name if someone were to ask me. His size stood at colossal height even compared to the old me. His bowler hat hid his otherwise unkept wild curly hair. His eyes are what always scared me the most, they always seemed to be analyzing the smallest movement that I make.
He stopped right in front of me. Leaning against the wall to try and catch his breath. The man was probably running around like a maniac looking for wherever I began running off to.
"You were quite difficult to catch, young master. What in the Founder's name are you doing out here alone! Look around, this is no place for someone like us to be here without your father. Please do not run into these streets again." The guard chided me. Taking off his bowler hat and tightening it on my head. I winced as he pulled on my bruised arm, pacing me through the bustling streets of the Marleyan district.
My gaze could only linger on the spot where Kruger had been standing mere moments ago. Our conversation didn't last long, but after what I felt...that spark. I couldn't have imagined that. And the parting words he gave. Have I been going about things the wrong way this whole time? I've been thinking tunneling on what I can stop. I don't have a clear goal for myself outside of chasing safety...
Who do you fight for Tybur? Your People or your home? When I look at you, I don't see a fire burning in those eyes. I see a lost child with no sense of direction.
Dammit, did that bastard really have to throw me like that? I guess if there's anything I just learned about him, it's that he doesn't do things halfway.
But...He's wrong. He doesn't understand! I never wanted this. Why should I be fighting for either side? They're lucky enough that I'm trying to at least stop the slaughter...
Wait, when did we stop?
"-Young Master, are you listening? What were you thinking about going out here on your own?"
"Huh, Oh sorry," Crud, he was actually talking to me, "I-I uh... wanted to get some souvenir! Yeah, and I may have gotten lost around here. This place is much bigger than I thought it would be"
Smooth man, real smooth.
The guard groaned while continuing our trek towards the train station."Had you been out here any longer, I would not have been able to guarantee your safety. These are not safe times right now. Your father is already worried to death that the wrong type of people will catch wind of the Tybur family making an appearance here. While I doubt I can spare you from your father's wrath, I can at least talk him down since you seem...put together for the most part. Now let's move swiftly, the longer we are here, the harder my job is going to get." He shook his head silently muttering, "I didn't think I would be back in this hell hole after all this time."
I tilted my head, "Did you used to live here sir?"
"Gustavo, sir isn't something I enjoy hearing on my name." Gustavo responded with a dry chuckle, "That's one way to put it. If I'm being frank with the young master. You're too young to understand much of this right now. I only wish that I would never have to come back here again. I'm not ready to come back here"
"Bad memories?"
"Yes, bad memories. When you're an Eldian inside this district, you only have two options in moving up the ladder to survive. The first option is becoming a soldier and hoping that you're lucky enough to maybe become a warrior candidate or die by taking shrapnel. Your other option is to scrape by and make a living here. Obviously, you can tell which route I took."
If he comes from here, does that mean that all the guards are from here? Did they all grow up knowing each other? Though, this does add up with Lorraine and the rest of the maids. If anything it would've been weird if they didn't come from Liberio. This does beg the question.
Why are they so loyal to our family?
I didn't miss the twitch in his face before returning back to his stone scowl. "Young Master, for what it's worth. I'd rather lose my limbs than fail Lord Tybur. My life belongs to the Tybur family first and Marley second."
"You'd rather die than go back here?"
A grim frown marred his face, "If I were to lose a limb, then I'm probably dead already. Yet I also died knowing that my duty had been fulfilled. Returning back here only means I'm probably just going to take a bullet for some overpaid Marleyan officer sitting in the back."
"Is that why you hold a deep loyalty to my father?"
Gustavo let out a sigh, our beginning to slow down once again. Probably from the memories I'm forcing him to remember now. "I can't speak for the rest of my fellow brothers in the guard. But when your father gave me this position. He saved me from eternal damnation. I had been slated to become a titan myself. The relief I felt that day, when I was summoned by my superiors and given notice by Lord Tybur himself, was the light at the end of the tunnel that I thought I would never see. Since that day, I swore that my life would always come second to my duty here."
Loyalty and determination, the two things I keep hearing people spew around here. First Lord Tybur, Kruger, and now this guy?
"Seems like we made it just in time, alright, stay behind me while I try and talk down your father. The last thing you want is whatever punishment he will give on top of Ms. Ancel's punishment that's awaiting you."
That is a valid point. Wait, when did I tell him about Lorraine's punishment?
Before I could ask more questions, Gustavo shoved me through the doors of the train and greeted me with the sight of Lord Tybur looking livelier than usual. To his side was Willy, holding a nervous expression and a glint of pity shining in his eyes.
I slump my shoulders in defeat. Stuttering out a laugh while sitting on the opposite side of the table. Letting Gustavo do all the talking while I waited for my impending doom.
What fun is in store for me next?
"Insubordinate, reckless, churlish. Is there anything else or did I miss something that you want to add Lucas?" He calmly stated, walking back and forth at the front of the table. To the side, Willy was wincing at every word leaving his mouth. The rhythm of the train's bumps was the only thing alleviating my nerves.
Glancing at him, I could see him silently mouthing sorry, but I doubt he was actually going to help. But why? He has no reason to be involved in my mess-ups. Though it's not really a mess up when I did do this intentionally.
"No sir. I think you got everything." I bowed my head.
"What possessed you to think running off was a good idea? Even after the ample number of warnings that you must stay by my side the whole time. Were you not listening in on my conversation as to what's happening in the world currently?"
"I wanted to get a souvenir for both my mother and auntie." I straightened my back. Holding my ground against his growing irritation.
I obviously avoided saying that I wanted to see an all-knowing titan shifter before he went off to die, but that's beside the point.
His expression softened for a moment, before leveling a frown. Taking his seat on the cushion opposite to me. "While that was thoughtful of you, don't get me wrong. Both of you have yet to understand the magnitude of your lives and their value to this world." Sighing as he pulled a few folders from his portfolio. "Well, I was initially preparing to give you two this talk when we arrived in my private quarters, but this will do."
He turned to Gustavo and the other two guards. "I want all the shutters sealed shut. Make sure no one else remotely gets close to this cart for the next hour. If anyone else on this train asks, tell them you both were tasked by an official. The less that know the Tybur's are on board, the better.."
"And if there is a high-ranking official stationed on this train my lord?"
"There shouldn't be, I made sure of it before we boarded the train."
"By your word then, my Lord" Gustavo nodded, Walking out while commanding the other two guards about their positions.
He locked his gaze with both of us. Quickly organizing the folder he had pulled out. I couldn't make out anything written on them from where I was sitting. "I will admit, I have failed as a father. It was a sacrifice I needed to keep us ahead of the curve. A legacy that one of you will have to inherit. That's why we are sitting here now. To hear a story about our legacy."
Story? Is that too much of a coincidence?
How much do you know about your own family kid? Obviously, they aren't your family of white knights in shining armor. But I doubt one whole family backstabs their friends and lovers for no reason.
Turning to Willy, he was straightened up and completely focused on Lord Tyburs figure now. Seems like I finally hit the jackpot at that question, Kruger.
"Since the beginning, the Tyburs have stood side by side with Fritz's family. We were one of the first to be bestowed a titan of our own after it split off from Founder Ymir's children. We enacted their will and forged a future through the Warhammer Titan. We've stood by them since the empire's humble beginning as a tribe and we stood by in its Golden years. There is one truth that still stands, even after all these years. The Tybur family never once betrayed the Fritz family."
I grimaced, what he's saying is lining up with what Kruger was saying. But never betrayed the Fritz?
They will betray, backstab, and destroy anything that gets in the way of their own guaranteed future.
And what's that guaranteed future, Mr. Kruger?
Confusion arose on Willy's face, "What do you mean father? We turned on the Eldian Empire, didn't we? We allied ourselves with the Helos and ended the nightmare."
"History, Willy, is never written to tell the truth. It's written to tell a story. One written by only the victors. The story you two know is one of Eldia's downfall and our gratuitous alliance with Marley. Bringing forth Humanity's greatest hero Helos, The Savior. Quite the riveting tale of Humanity fighting back against the titans. Yet that's all it is, a tale told to mask the truth."
I slowly nodded back at Lord Tybur. A little out of line, but he does have a point. Can't say the states or any Earth Nation for that matter is ever clean. Some much worse than others, but
Glancing over to Willy, he was having a tough time taking in this news. Can't blame him though, kids must have loved Helos.
Biting the bottom of my lip, I decided it was best to remain still and allow him to finish speaking.
"Reality is often much more heavy and gruesome. It is not a lie that during the Great Titan War, we did side against the Empire's faction. But never once did we raise our weapon against the Fritz family."
"The story that you two know and reality are quite stark. It was not due to the hero Helos that Marley had come out on top by the end. It was the 145th King of Eldia, Karl Fritz, that had won the war for humanity."
"King Karl Fritz had grown tired of Eldia's never-ending conflict and bloodied path of destruction. He was a pacifist to the very core. Behind closed doors, he made an agreement with the Tybur family to put a stop to this conflict. In return for accepting this agreement, the Tybur family would rule the remainders of the mainland as we saw fit if he is allowed to leave this violence behind and rule a remnant of Eldia. On that penal colony that is Paradis Island." He paused, gauging our reactions. He raised his eyebrows once he landed on me. "You don't seem all that surprised by this."
I shook my head, "I'm just having trouble wrapping my head around all this father." Rubbing my chin, "So all the other noble families of Eldia sided with the Empire besides the Tyburs and the lesser houses?"
He nodded, "Due to our alignment with the Rebel faction. The Tybur family had stood alone against the remainder of The Nine and its respective families. In the end, none of them could match us. One by one did they all fall to our ancestor's might. The titans were placed under eldians loyal only to us and by extension our newest ally. By the height of the war, Karl Fritz had decided to use his Founding Titan's power and end the war once and for all. Concluding the conflict and allowing us to reach an agreement with the newly established Nation of Marley. From there, the rest is history." He sighed before glancing down at the folder.
"You're telling me...even when we stand at the top. We can't do anything about it? We had all the power in the world. The power to create change and you're telling me we just handed most of it away?" Willy rose from his seat, all but yelling now.
Lord Tybur did not so much as flinch to Willy's sudden outburst. Merely closing his eyes and shaking his head. "We simply reached an agreement with Marley. There was no future in the Tyburs ruling the remaining lands of Eldia. If we did, then for what purpose was the war? Instead, we handed the people of Marley their newly earned land. Along with six new titan shifters that held loyalty to Marley." He paused, lighting his ornate pipe. Visibly calming him down from the growing annoyance of our outburst.
"All we asked in return was to be left to our own devices for the foreseeable future. We would never raise the Warhammer Titan against the world if that request was met." He finished, closing the folder with the documents and hiding it in his bag. "This is the true history. Your true legacy is not only to stand by history but to continue its further progression. We are the living evidence of Eldia's atrocities that must continue to live on or else this world is doomed to repeat them."
Our legacy? No, he wouldn't do that already? Would he?
Out of consideration for Lord Tybur's growing white hairs, I pulled Willy back down to his seat. Giving him a side glance while maintaining focus on our Father's upcoming drop. Because I doubt he simply called us here to give us a history lesson.
"Neighboring countries around the globe are becoming increasingly agitated as time moves. I will not repeat my talk with Sergeant Gross, but from what my spies have gathered, other countries are slowly catching up. I'm unsure when war can break out in these parts, but it will one day. When that day comes, I fear Marley through its hubris will not be powerful enough to deter advancing technology."
Glancing down at the remaining papers on the table. There were what seemed to be crude outlines to a...canon?
I resisted the urge to slide my shaking hand through my hair.
This...is bad. Those anti-titan artilleries were no joke and I doubt even a Warhammer Titan could defend against that - Shit. If this is already being developed by neighboring countries, at what point are the Hizurans with their airplanes?
"Recent events have tied my hands. These arms races among our enemies will only grow at an exponential rate the moment they get concrete results. So far we only have gathered what are concepts and ideas are buzzing around. Not to mention those same enemies are knocking on my doorstep demanding answers.I don't know what's coming in the future and the last thing I want is to not be ready to defend my family." He paused, growing solemn before hardening himself. His focus turned squarely on me. He fizzled out his pipe and stored it away inside his coat. "That's why…this has to be done."
"Lucas, you have shown me great resilience and a growing bud of intelligence. I can see the determination to bring change burning in your eyes."
No, No, NO! What's goin-
A pit of guilt built up in my stomach seeing Willy's widening eyes. I wanted to reach for him, but I could only numbly feel my body.
We both knew where he was now going with this. Our fears and doubts were confirmed.
"Willy, for my oldest child. Forgive me, this decision is not something I came to in a moment, but your family needs you to uphold this duty. The world needs you to become its hero. We need you to fulfill the legacy of the Tyburs and take on the Warhammer."
Willy audibly gulped. Tears slowly formed into the corners of his eyes. We struggled to meet each other's gaze. He slammed his eyes tightly and let out a whisper
"Father if this is what you wish th-"
I mellowed out the conversation as Kruger's words began ringing.
He knew about this didn't he…
"You can't always swim against the current Tybur. ...I would know."
I can't just let it turn to this...Not when they are waiting for me on the other side.
Gripping the end of the table, I focused my staggered breathing, "Fath-Dad...please, rethink this. Let me inherit the Warhammer Titan when the time comes. You've seen how capable Willy is. I don't come close to his social skills or intelligence. It's just the sensible option to take him as the future symbol for our family. "
Lord Tyber seemed perplexed at my suggestion. He gave a grunt, "Right now Lucas you're too young to understand the magnitude of what's coming in the future. I cannot guarantee to put our future on a child with what's coming. What's best for you is to lead the family while Willy defends the family. There shall be no further discussion on this today."
I double took for a moment, because I swear he showed genuine concern, but it disappeared as fast as I noticed it.
"Take a rest, we arrive back at the manor by dawn."
He walked out of the room quickly. As the guards left to follow, Gustavo gave one last look of sympathy to Willy. Who happened to remain in his seat staring at the ceiling.
I delicately placed myself next to him while hunching down. How could I face him in the first place? I'm the reason why he's being sent to a death sentence…
"I'm sorry" I mumbled. Laying down next to him. Exhaustion finally kicked in as all the events of today were finally culminating and wearing me down.
"I should feel honored, but why...why does it hurt?"
"Will, I-"
"Thirteen Years, it's not a lot of time is it?"
"No, it's not."
The embers lighting our cart burned with vigor as we lay there in silence. Staring blankly at the furnished ceiling. Feeling the rigid bumps. The roaring breath of the locomotive train drowned out any thoughts we wanted to share.
"Twenty-one is going to be quite the year now."
"Yeah…" He mumbled. Pushing himself upwards to get out of the seat. I winced looking at his hollow eyes. Devoid of emotion outside of sorrow.
"Willy wait! Let me talk to father, convince him that this is the wrong decision. Maybe he will hear me out." I pleaded
He raised his hand, urging me to stop. "Lucas, there's nothing to talk about with him. Father's decisions are always final. For what it's worth, congratulations." He finished, forcing a smile before leaving in a hurried pace to another cart.
I waited until the door fully closed before slumping down on the floor. I struggled to even mumble anything half-assed for the first time. Only one thought rang throughout my head.
...Now what?
The trip back home had been somber. Lord Tybur didn't bother saying much after yesterday's announcement. Only grunting when asked for approval by one of the guards. Willy could be seeing better days. When I saw him that following morning, the part that stood out was the black rings under his eyes. Just like Lord Tybur, he had not voiced a single word.
I should've done something more.
A part of me kept repeating it was better this way. I wanted to make a change in this world and I accomplished that.
Upon arriving home, Lady Tyb-Mother and Lorraine had been waiting outside the manor. Standing there patiently as we got off the carriage. As they walked up to greet us, Willy had shuffled behind. Trying to seemingly hide from their presence.
"Did the meeting go as planned Josef?"
"Unplanned developments all things considered, but yes. Everything is going according to schedule. I hope those diplomats from the Middle East were not much trouble, honey?"
"Not much different than the Hizurians, but what about you two? Were you both on your best behaviors?" She asked, crouching down to our level. She frowned upon seeing Willy's change in attitude. I wouldn't put it past her to also have noticed how I was gripping my arm.
She turned to Lord Tybur with a glare. One that would promise pain if not answered correctly.
"Like I said, unexpected developments. I made the announcement earlier than planned."
She gasped. Already knowing the implications. She ran up to Willy and pulled him into a tight hug. Whispering to him as he began to break down in her arms. His sobs tore my heart knowing what I ripped away from him and only sentenced him to. I stood there awkwardly, part of me internally yelling to go up to him and support him. The other part of me, demanding that this is for the best. There isn't anything I can do for him other than make it worse. I'm probably the last person he wishes to speak to right now.
I...chose the ladder. Standing awkwardly next to him as he sobbed his heart into Lady Tybur's dress.
Lord Tybur had already begun walking inside, not so much as sparing a glance at us. He was followed by the guards as they shuffled themselves inside. Gustavo had at least thrown me a sympathetic glance and a smile. Ruffling my hair as he passed by me.
The guilt was rising once again. I could only push those feelings down through the only way I knew how. To keep looking towards the future. My next step forwards following these setbacks.
What's coming now? Does this mean WIlly is dying again? Does the speech never occur? How am I going to lead a nation like this? My breathing had gotten erratic by this point. Before I knew it, someone had tugged on me and pulled me inside gently.
Looking up, it was Lorraine. She enveloped me into her own hug once the sound of the door slammed with the frame rang through.
"Congratulations young Master. I'm proud of you."
"...Thanks, Lorraine." I struggled to escape her grip. The pain from my arm reverberated through my whole body. "Please, could you let go-AH! My arm is not feeling great right now..."
She frowned, gently taking my left arm and inspecting it slowly. "Your arm, it's bruised? How did this happen? Were you not with the guards the whole time? Your parents should be notified of this immediately."
I frantically pull on her as she begins turning her heels towards Lord Tybur's office, "Please, just this once keep it between us. Look...some stuff happened over there because I was not careful. I'm begging you please, don't tell anyone about this."
"I want to know everything that happened to cause your arm to end up this damaged." She said with a tone of finality.
"Can it please be sometime tomorrow? I just want to rest right now. I'm tired, Lorraine."
She inhaled. Gently massaging my arm.
"Alright, but hurry along. I will be passing by in a short while to mend that arm."
"Thank you…" I murmured while quickly walking to my room. Only for that walking to become running. Making a dash through the hallways as the servants littered around the manor greeted and congratulated me.
Barging into my room, I immediately shut the door and locked it. I turned to the bed before jumping straight at it and I snatched a pillow. Once I made sure there were no prying ears nearby, I screamed into the pillow. Tears wallowed down my side. I ignored the pain throbbing in my left arm as I thrashed like a child for once. The reality of the situation at hand was beginning to catch up to me. And the worst part is, I almost believed I could do what was necessary.
I saw it...home and now. The key that's responsible for sending me back is now ripped from my grasp.
I wallowed in my rut for what seemed like hours. Wrinkled in my sadness.
Out of nowhere, a firm knock echoes through my room.
A feminine voice spoke through the other end of the door. As the door creaked in and allowed the light to seep through, it revealed Lady Tybur. She hurried to my side of the bed, worry lacing her question.
"Lucas, what's going on?"
Smothering my face under the pillow. I muffled out a question from under, "Mother...what do you want right now?"
"Is that any way to talk to your mother?! Give me that!" She let a quiet gasp, seeing my dried reddened, eyes. Layered with my paling face and disheveled hair. Her motherly instincts appeared to have gone into overdrive.
"What happened, sweetie?" She said, Pulling out a comb and quickly cleaning me while I just sighed and remained motionless.
"It's nothing mother, but how is Willy?"
She blinked rapidly. Tilting her while caressing the comb through my hair. "He's holding up, but I wanted to talk to you? Are you not happy with your news? Or are you just really worried about your brother?"
"Would you be okay to say a bit of both? It's just...I never wanted this spot. I wasn't even trying to be perfectly honest. I guess I just resigned myself to becoming second best because I personally felt fit for it. And after yesterday's news, you knew about it right?"
"Our true position of power?"
I nodded
"I'd be a terrible mother if I lied about that, but yes. I've known. Not always mind you, before I was engaged to him, I had always assumed the Tybur family were just the ones who got special treatment the most because of their accomplishments. Never in my right mind assume that they were the ones giving the special treatment."
"Why...Why was I the one chosen mother? That should've been him."
"Like your father said. We're not sure what the future is beginning to look like and he wants to be prepared. Now I vehemently argued with your father about this, but he said now was a better time than ever to at least prepare. And so, with you being much too young and bursting with potential, he saw you had more of a shot as his successor."
"But-"
She placed her finger on my lip. "No, buts. Your father had another reason for choosing over your brother that I honestly have no clue for, but he told me it was the defining reason for choosing you over him. Now I want you to freshen up. I do remember you had to leave before fully celebrating Isabelle's birthday, correct?" Shocking me as that had slipped my mind.
Not again!
I spring up from the bed and begin rummaging through my messy drawer. I needed to at least look presentable compared to what I was wearing.
Just as I was sprinting through the door, I smacked myself for being inconsiderate. I turned to Lady T-Mother. Dammit, I said I would give her a chance, so I will give her one. That's the least she deserves.
"Thank you, for everything. Sorry, you had to see me like that."
She merely covered her mouth as she giggled at my previous state. "No, you're fine honey. It merely shows you care deeply about your brother. Never let that feeling go, will you? He's going to need support down the road just like you will need his. So look out for him ok?"
"You have my word. Cross my heart."
Once I reached her door, I gave myself a break before entering. Triple checking the cake and making sure it was all intact or else all that work to make this was for nothing.
The cake itself was nothing too extravagant. Even after not being in the kitchen for what's become five years, I'm still quite proud of what I could make. Thankfully mother had tipped me earlier in the week on what Isabelle's favorite flavor was. Which happened to be strawberry. That was quite a pain to get my hands on since they were not local fruits and this world doesn't have high-speed aviation technology just yet.
A small voice in the back of my head kept telling me something was missing. Though, after going through everything multiple times, I just shrugged my shoulders and began tapping on Isabelle's door. Whatever I forgot, must not be important right now.
"Auntie? Are you there?"
The door swung on my face as I was for the third time enveloped into a tight hug. How fun, my arm is going to enjoy healing from this.
"Oh, my is that a cake?"
"Yeah, I meant to give this to you yesterday, but you know I got a little busy."
"Here, place it up on that table while I find the right utensils." She commented while scouring the room. "By the way, where's your brother? Did he forget?"
Facepalming at myself and guilt building up in my stomach. How could I forget him? Although, it's probably best if I avoid him for a while longer seeing how depressed he looked.
"It's probably best if me and him...avoid each other for a while auntie. I'm guessing you have not heard the news yet?"
She tilted her head, waiting for me to continue. Obviously not having heard the news from anyone. Doesn't surprise me seeing as how she's typically locked herself up in here.
"Father, he made an announcement. He named me the heir to the family auntie."
She gasped, before bringing her hands together. Looking at me with delight and pride." That's incredible! Though, why is it that you yourself don't look all that excited-ah, your brother."
"I shouldn't have gotten this title. I'm not sure what father saw in me, but yeah. Willy is your successor just as I am now father's successor."
"And maybe, that's for the best." She gave me a smile. Not the same one of pride, but of broken happiness.
"Lucas, these abilities I have...the family pride. It's not something I would ever want you to experience." She was profuse with a hint of venom. "I want you to live a long and happy life. Not to have it cut short fighting a battle you don't desire."
"I can't let him have his life thrown away. I don't have what it takes to take this role, auntie. I would do much better just being his second hand."
"Trust me, it's not something you want to have. This timer that's constantly ticking is not the only burden you could've inherited. The echoes, the whispers of the past. I-Its something I can't exactly explain, but they next get quiet. I can't silence them. Lucas, look at me. Forget about ever thinking that this is your fate. Live long."
Echoes? What the hell does she mean by that?
"I-Alright."
"Trust me, you'll learn of them in the coming future from my brother."She spat out. She grabbed my undamaged arm and held my hand. "If nothing else, make one promise to me. Don't let a repeat of Josef and me happen again."
Without missing a beat, almost offended that she would insinuate that, "I would never dream of it."
She let out a sigh of relief, before letting out a small chuckle. "What am I saying, of course, you two will never become us. You two are already double what we were at your age. Now let's have some of this cake. While midday cake is not my forte for lunch, for this occasion it's perfect."
"Here let me serve it up."
"Strawberry? That's my favorite, how did you know?"
"An artist never reveals his secrets, auntie." I waggled my finger at her.
She rolled her eyes, before taking in a slice." It's...simple yet amazing." She carefully tasted the cake, savoring each bite she took." When did you learn how to cook like this? Better yet, when did you learn to cook at all?"
"I learned more than manners from Lorraine, thank you."
"Oh my, I want to hear more about this. You see, I used to cook before...well it was a fun hobby of mine back then. Now what kind of recipes can you cook."
"Well you see there's this one dish involving…"
Huh, that's weird. Usually, there are more servants patrolling the top floor at this hour. Well, I'm not complaining. Less prying eyes for me.
I double-checked both sides, making sure there were no servants coming last minute or just now coming around the corner.
Alright, the coast seems clear. I think there was a pathway upwards somewhere over her-
Of course, it's a ladder. Because why would it not be one?
I took in a deep breath and began pacing back forth. Slapping myself loudly on the cheek. Sadly it slipped my mind that my left arm was still bruised from earlier.
Ok just shrug it off. Maybe it's a little shaky, but you know what, nothing a little perseverance can't defeat. Alright, One, two, three!
...
Nope! Nope! Nooope! Not doing that! There has to be another way up there right?
…
There isn't another way up. God Dammit!
Alright, ok I can do this. I just can't look down. Easy enough. What was that thing coach always told me? Yeah, the faster I run, the longer my break is. The same thing applies here right? The faster I climb up, the less time this ladder has to wiggle. Simple Physics.
I can do this! It's in my grasp...Shit! Just a little bit more! YES!
I paused for a moment upon reaching the roof. Catching my haggard breath. This body is definitely in need of physical training. I gazed my sights upwards and took in the Marleyan night sky.
This scenery...it never looked like this back home, did it? It looks so...pure up there. This beats even the rural south skies. There has to be at least double stars up there. Then there's the forest! Those are something with this full moon tonight.
For the first time all day today, I allowed myself to completely relax. Forgetting about the worries of the future, the implications of what role I would need to play, and the strings are already pulling onto me. All of it, absent at that moment as I absorbed the peace.
"Hey, it's been a while Mom, Dad. Sorry, things have just started ramping up around here. Looking back it's a little funny." I laughed, a genuine laugh. The irony finally clicked with the reality of my situation. "You two always complained about how I would one day leave home doing who knows what. Forgetting about you two once I left, but here I am, trying to find a way back to you two."
"It's kind of childish right? But, I made a promise to both of you, that I would help both of you as you did for me. That's the least I could to pay you both back…" I began sprawling myself out on the roof of the manor. I had long given up on watching my surroundings outside of the night sky.
"I got a real job finally! Well sorta...I didn't get it myself, but someone is handing it down to me in the future. It's a little complicated, but you know me. I always figure out a way to get through this."
I noticed my hands were shaking
"You two would've loved a lot of the people here. There's Willy, he's the perfect son that you two always wanted. Cleans his room, doesn't talk back and keeps things in order. Even if he's a bit lazier than I am. Then there's Isabelle, Lorraine, and Mo-Lady Tybur. Amira is her actual name, but that just feels too weird for me at this point. "
God, what am I going to do about them in the future? I don't have it in me to hurt them like this. Not anymore, not after I've grown up with them.
"You two would probably be happiest seeing me live this life. I practically have it all here, servants, people I can talk to. A guaranteed future...but I'm not happy. I don't belong here. I probably never will and that's the part that scares me."
Wait, when did it start raining - Oh.
"I'm probably going to need to do things neither of you would dream of me doing. If there's one thing you two could do for me, please never let me live my sins down. This probably might be the last time I bother doing this, but -"
"Who are you talking to?" A familiar young voice pitches in.
"AH!"
"Woah bro, easy bud. It's me." The mysterious individual's face finally illuminated by the moon's glow. Revealing it to be Willy. His expression is quite the opposite of what he had earlier today.
"God...please don't sneak up...like that" Pausing in between to catch my breath after what could've been just now.
That bastard had the balls to smirk at me, "Don't worry, I would've caught you."
"Why are you up here?"
I know for a fact I checked those corners! How the hell did he see me?
"I got curious and then I saw you sneaking around so I decided to follow you. Which by the way, make sure you check your back more often when you're trying to sneak around. Though, that brings up the question, what are you doing up here?"
Oh you know, just wanting to vent to god knows who after being named the next president of the ignorant.
Forcing a smile, "Everythings has been feeling heavy after these past few days, So I wanted to see what it's like to be as light as a cloud."
He rolled his eyes at me as he made space for himself. Making room for himself as he laid next to me. Staring upwards at the glistening afterglow of the stars merging with the night sky. "You read that somewhere didn't you bookworm?"
Little bastard, no appreciation for the finer things. Can't blame him though, that book was a little too thick even for me. "Yeah yeah, keep talking and maybe you might slip by accident. Then we'll see how scary heights can be."
"Try me pipsqueak"
"Oh yea?!"
…
Our eyes locked into each other. Neither of us wishing to give up ground. His gaze, burning with passion. Willy then decided to have a bright idea and turn up the heat by lightly pushing me. I widened my eyes with my mouth agape.
The guy knew about my fear of heights and he was abusing it! Fine, two can play that game.
I clung to the side of his shirt with a vice grip. If he wanted to pull a stunt like that, then he's also falling with me.
...Is he laughing?
"Bahaha!"
I glared at him for trying to pull such a stunt. Only to relent and throw my hands in the air.
At least this was better than seeing him all gloom and doom.
We both layed on the coarse tiles of the manor's roof. A wide smile donned both our faces as we gazed at the glistening sky together.
"Change...that's something I'm holding you towards, Lucas."
I raised my eyebrow at his declaration, waiting for him to further elaborate
"When you said those words to me yesterday when we were on our way to Liberio. I still hear them right now, thinking about them. I can't forgive Eldia for what it's done, and quite frankly I doubt you'd want mother and father to hear that. But, the passion, the vigor, the determination when you talked about it. Maybe...that's what father saw in you."
"What are you getting at here Willy?"
He held out his hand, "You're going to need help with what's coming down the road if what Father is saying becomes reality. So, this is my way of saying, you got my back. If we want change to happen, then we have to make it happen then, right?"
I clasped his hand, before glancing one last time at the fading full moon.
Thank you, both of you for everything. I will make sure to come back, but not before taking a small detour.
Surprise! Happy late chapter once gain...Wooo!
Yeah, I still feel a little dirty doing the Kruger scene like that. I do have something with that planned later down the road so that's not the end of it.
Oh, what others ripples in this timeline are already occurring?
Anywho, hope all of you had an amazing Thanksgiving if you celebrate it and if you didn't, hope it was a nice Thursday. Sadly the next chapter probably won't be worked on too much for a while since final exams for my fall semester are coming up. Hopefully I won't take as long as this one.
Special thanks Chifle once again. Always a big help when I bounce ideas with you. .If you ever want to talk with me about anything pertaining to this story, writing, or just feel like talking then you can always find me on The Fanfiction Treehouse discord server.
discord (d o t) gg / 9XG3U7a
Until next time!