I truly apologize for the delay since a lot of stuff happened in real life :)
I actually planned a small scene for Julius and Anastasia, but it got longer than expected lol
And the flow of their scene went a little... You'll know when you read it lol (Honestly, they could have a story of their own for what I know)
The original end for this chapter has been moved to the next chapter since I want to dedicate the lewds next chapter
(Yes, Subaru and Priscilla Lewds next chapter)
Hope you enjoy it :)
As the sun finally rose from its slumber, a brand-new day greeted the people of Priestella. While there was nothing inherently special about this day, for the people who became victims of the treacherous witch cult, they view this as the day their lives have changed as their heroes emerged victorious, as the light vanquished the darkness and thus a brighter tomorrow awaits.
Victims of the Sleeping Beauty Curse finally awakened as the Sin Archbishops of Gluttony who caused it were no more. After having been forced to slumber for so long, they are now able to see the light of a new day once more. For some, it was a tearful reunion amongst family members, and for others, it was a long-awaited reunion among friends, all forcibly separated by the cruelty of the Witch Cult that is no more.
Although these beautiful moments of reunion and relief were very much spread out, the reality is that not everyone can afford this luxury due to what they have done during the period of perpetual fear and darkness…
In the Second floor Ward of the Western District Hospital, while a great many cried in joy over being reunited with their loved ones, some still waited on their beds, waiting for their loved ones to receive them home…
While some are hopeful, some resigned themselves to the fact that their loved ones will never come to see them again. Be it a memory of them perishing before they succumbed to their curse… or be it a realization that much time had passed… While for some, it had been over a year, for others however, even more had passed them by… Enough time for their loved ones to move on with their lives and, by their own choice, forget about them…
Truly, as many as there are people who were glad that the curse of the Sin Archbishops has finally been lifted, conversely there are many others who would rather the curse of the Sin Archbishops remained so that they could go back… Back to the darkness… Devoid of the light that gave them this reality… A reality without their loved ones…
"This can't be real… this isn't real… this isn't real…" A blonde-haired middle-aged woman stated as she was being restrained by one nurse on each arm. Her voice now hoarse after all her screaming of denial. Filled with so much sorrow and grief, it ached the heart of the people surrounding her.
With tears pouring down like a stream along her cheeks, she remembers carrying a child in her arms, a small child with blonde hair much like hers, brimming with energy and delight as it played with her finger.
Seeing the child's delightful smile was all she ever wanted in the world. Promising to do anything and everything because he was her child, and he meant the entire world for her… But now she was confronted by a grim reality.
"He wouldn't like to see you like this…" The doctor stated, with a tear running down his cheek as he tried to voice out the words of the man whose voice was taken away by this conflict.
Slowly looking back up to the doctor, she saw the form of the man in front of her. Bearing a now ashen grey hair, her long-time friend and adoptive father of her son was now in his later years.
Even with her seeing the sorrow in his eyes, she still knew what she wanted…
"I would… *sob* very much like him… to see me like this *sob* if it means that… *sob* I could get to see him once again" She stated with quivering lips as she continued to mourn for the life that meant the entire world for her.
Wailing out in pain as her hoarse voice continuously states her son's name, the pain of a mother losing her child resounded in the ward…
Looking through the glass window of the hospital ward, a violet-haired man saw in entirety the effects of lifting the curse that long plagued the world.
He should be happy, that is what he thought, they have finally released everyone who became victims of this curse. However, sights like these, that number more than they should, serve as a bitter reminder, that may be true for some but unfortunately for many that was simply not the case, this was not the reality that they want. Although they say that the people cursed by the Archbishops to forever sleep were the unlucky ones, however the bitter truth is that, in reality, they were all cursed…
-o-
"Please… *sob* believe me… Juli…us" a raven black-haired man pleaded as he was bound by chains on the walls. The chains on his wrists were the only source of attachment that prevented him from easily slumping all over the floor.
Hearing his name, the Finest of Knights looked back at the form of Subaru Natsuki. With Subaru's blood staining his face and uniform, the man could only look back at him with disgust as he saw the young man look back at him…
-o-
"Yes… We were all cursed…" Julius stated, clenching his fist, as he remembered the sight that will forever haunt him for the rest of his life. The sight of his friend looking back at him… With a face that clung to hope… With a face that still believed in the person in front of them in spite of everything that they had done… With a face that still looked up to them… Even when it was covered in blood… Even when they were the ones who took the light out of his eyes…
Julius could still see it in his mind, Subaru Natsuki looking back at him with his mangled face dripped in blood and with nothing but empty holes on his eye sockets looking back at the man who took his eyes.
With the sight flashing in front of him once again, Julius closed his eyes once more and turned away from the glass window of the hospital ward. Haunted by this image of what he had done over and over, Julius was not able to get any ounce of rest ever since their victory. Instead of having a weight lifted off of his shoulders, it was merely replaced with an even heavier burden. Or rather, the weight of his sins that always were there was merely unveiled along with the truth.
Just as he turned away, a woman with purple hair, donning her long white dress, fur hat, and scarf, called out to him from behind.
"Julius"
Hearing the familiar voice, Julius instantly knew who the person in question was. As much as he was gladdened to hear the woman's voice utter his name with the recognizable familiarity in years past, Julius, however, could not remove himself so easily from the burden he was now facing.
Reuniting once again after more than a year since she forgot his name, Julius tried his best to greet her back with the same familiarity from years past.
Turning back, Julius greeted back with a forced smile, "Anastasia-sama, It is very nice to see you once again"
Hearing and seeing Julius with his name returned brought her so much joy. However, as much as she wanted to enjoy this reunion, she knew that she couldn't, as she of all people knew the burden they were carrying, especially by the man who is in front of her.
With his forced smile, tired expression, as well as his slightly unkempt appearance, Anastasia knew the man in front of him was a far cry from the man she recognized as the Finest of Knights. Knowing that the burden he was carrying was weighing down on him heavily, Anastasia wasted no time in addressing the current situation.
"Julius, We need to talk" Anastasia replied to which Julius's forced smile finally broke off, replaced with a solemn and steeled expression, as he knew that his Mistress already saw right through him and had a plan of some sort, or was at the very least in the process of concocting one as such was her cunning and intelligence.
"Understood, Anastasia-sama" Julius answered as he bowed and immediately followed the Merchant Princess.
Heading over to the First room of the Second floor, Julius and Anastasia were greeted by a very familiar demi-human.
"Ana-bo and Julius! Ahahahaha. It looks like the group is really coming back together!" The wolfman said as he immediately raised and waved his right prosthetic iron hook to them with delight.
However, as soon as he did so, he immediately recoiled at the pain of his injuries, much to the enjoyment of the three other cat-like demi humans nursing him back to health.
"The doctor told you to not move!" Mimi exclaimed as she tried to lower Ricardo's arm back onto its resting position.
"Ow, Ow, Ow, Ahahahahaha~ I got it. I got it." Ricardo replied as he slumped back onto the bed.
"My Lady and Julius!" Mimi exclaimed, soon followed by Hetaro and Tivey with their own greetings, before running around and embracing the pair.
"It is nice to have you back, Julius" Mimi, Hetaro, and Tivey stated as they smiled back at their long-lost companion.
Looking back at each member of his camp, Julius felt his eyes water up slightly to the nostalgic sight. Receiving the feeling of warmth he long sought and fought for more than a year, alleviated Julius's burden ever so slightly.
"Glad to be back" Julius stated back with a smile as he truly missed every single one of them.
Seeing Julius smile back, she knew that the reunion with the other camp members relieved some of his burden. Making sure that he would be in a sound state of mind before their actual conversation, Anastasia gestured onto Julius to reunite and talk once again to the people he cherished.
"Ahahahaha~ So, How did you and the others beat that Sin Archbishop!?" Ricardo added with a grin, curious at how they fared and managed to kill the monstrosity.
"Ohhh~ Story time! My Lady, I would like to have some Hamburgers, please!" Mimi added to which Hetaro, and Tivey seconded.
With a chuckle and a shake of her head, Anastasia immediately ordered one of their soldiers outside to get the triplets their desired burgers. At the same time, she mediated the conversations in their delightful reunion, making sure that she alleviated Julius's burden.
Led by the guidance of her Artificial Spirit, Echidna, Anastasia conversed silently with the fox around her neck all throughout on how they would fix the situation they were in. Fearing that any misstep in this situation would be dire for everything she has, Anastasia was now not taking any chance of error in her decisions.
All the while guiding the conversation between her camp members, the room would be filled with warmth and laughter. Recalling their moments in their respective battles as well as their interactions after Julius's name was erased, the triplets and Ricardo made Julius remember the strength of the bond that he had forged and re-forged with them.
However, for as long as Julius wanted this moment to last, he knew that the burden he was carrying is something that he has to inevitably face. And this fact rang very true as the conversation that he was having transitioned to the memories of a long-lost friend, Subaru Natsuki.
"That kid must have had it way rougher than any of us here! To be forgotten by his own Camp members and even to be accused by our own camp…" Ricardo stated as he rubbed his chin in deep thought at what Subaru Natsuki must have faced in the past year.
"But still, That kid is truly something else! He still fought his way and remained true to himself despite what other people thought of him!" Ricardo added to which the Pearlbaton triplets agreed.
"My Lady, I think I can speak for everyone here, not only for Mimi, that we should meet and apologize to Subaru" The little Mimi spoke as she looked back up at Anastasia for an answer.
As both Anastasia and Julius were hearing this, they knew that they all felt the same. However, as much as she knew their desire for an apology, she also knows that the simple act of meeting and apologizing to Subaru Natsuki was easier said than done. Especially when Ricardo and the triplets were not aware of what Julius and Anastasia had done to him in the past year.
"Of course, Mimi. Our camp will apologize to him in due time." Anastasia answered, which led to a confused and questioning look from Ricardo and the triplets.
"My Lady, I don't understand. Why don't we just apologize to him now?" Hetaro replied as he looked back at Anastasia for an answer.
"Ana-bo, The kid has already been through so much. The least we could do is give him the apology he deserves." Ricardo added as he folded his arms.
"Exactly, That is the reason that we will apologize to him in due time… It is to give him the apology that he deserves." Anastasia reasoned out as she then further explained to the four the current state of Subaru's loyalty.
"Oh right, Subaru is now under "that" candidate" Tivey muttered as he understood the reasoning of his Mistress.
"But other than cutting trade with him… We never really did anything bad to Subaru" Mimi reasoned out as she did not know the full extent of the treachery done by the entire camp to Subaru Natsuki. Only knowing that small act by their camp, Mimi did not feel that Anastasia needed to do something other than a simple apology.
As soon as he heard Mimi's reply, Julius lightly clenched his fist in anger at himself as he remembered once more everything he had done to Subaru Natsuki in the dungeon.
"Of course, Mimi. Subaru knows that. It is just a matter of working around the Candidate, Priscilla Barielle" Anastasia replied with a smile, reassuring Mimi of their apology.
Hearing Anastasia's reply, Mimi was scolded by Hetaro and Tivey for not looking at the broader picture of Anastasia's thoughts.
"I get it! I get it!" Mimi retorted as she fended off the scolding of her brothers.
"My Lady, Why work around "that" candidate? With the memories of his name returned, Wouldn't Subaru just go back to his original camp?" Tivey added, to which he remembered Subaru's undying loyalty to a certain half-elf candidate.
"Because… It is not as simple as it seems" Julius replied, to which it caught the attention of the other members of the camp.
"What do you mean Julius? The curse has been lifted. Everything should go back the way it was." Ricardo stated, reiterating Tivey's point.
"Subaru was not the one who was cursed… but we were. Just like the time that I lost my name…" Julius replied as he then looked back at the people around him.
"Tivey… Ricardo… I was me then… And I am still me as I am right now. You were the ones that changed." Julius added with a sad smile on his face upon remembering this first realization.
"As much as I am happy at reuniting with all of you once again… The truth of the matter is that I continued to live… And the reason that I am still with you all is because I chose to stay… I chose to reforge the bonds that I have lost. It may have been a difficult path, especially at the start but… I was glad that all of you came to trust and believe in me." Julius voiced out as he remembered the same man who was in his situation give him the strength he needed to make that choice.
"Julius, What are you saying?" Ricardo replied as he sat upright on his bed, wanting Julius to clarify his statement.
Just as Julius was about to dwell deeper into his unwanted memories, Anastasia immediately interjected to save Julius from his thoughts.
"What he meant to say is that Subaru lived… He was the same person before Gluttony, and he is still the same person after Gluttony. Although, the curse of Gluttony has been lifted, the memories that returned will not dictate how he will live his life… because he was not affected with the memory wipe, we were. And just like what Julius said, he is still here right now because he chose to and because we were able to believe and trust in his word… All of our decisions that came after Gluttony's curse made it possible for Julius to reunite with us after the curse was lifted." Anastasia said which bought widening eyes to Ricardo and the triplets upon the realization, while it gave a pained expression to Julius of this reality.
"My Lady… Are you saying that Subaru won't forgive us and come back…" Mimi replied with a saddened expression as she looked back at Anastasia.
Seeing the saddened expression, Anastasia immediately replied, "No, No, No, Mimi. I am not saying that.", as she gently ran her hand on top of Mimi's head to comfort her.
"You know what kind of person Subaru Natsuki is, right?" Anastasia added, reminding her of Subaru's kind and gentle heart.
With a gentle nod of Mimi's head as she sniffled a little at her state, Anastasia swore to Mimi and the others that Subaru would be able to forgive them.
"Which is why we need to gather first some information regarding the state of Subaru and the Priscilla camp so we can properly give him the apology that he deserves, okay?" Anastasia finished, getting Ricardo and the rest of the triplets to nod in agreement.
Reaching a consensus, the triplets found themselves hungry once again for some hamburgers, which somehow lightened the atmosphere.
Sighing at the current situation, Ricardo laid back onto his bed as he muttered, "How did we even get into a position like this… Ana-bo, What tipped the scale for you that made you distrust that kid in the first place? The last time I saw you with him in Priestella, you even said that he was too kind and earnest for his own good…"
Chuckling at Ricardo's words as she shook her head, Anastasia replied, "I guess I miscalculated with the information that I have *sigh*"
"There will be a lot of words that will be said to our camps in the coming days" Ricardo stated as he looked up at the ceiling in wonder.
"Don't worry, I am already doing damage control on our end. The rumors would be very difficult to pinpoint back to us, so on that end we are in the clear. As for the Merchants, we are making sure that they are informed that the Hoshin Company was "informed" of this recent development and that Priscilla Barielle and Subaru Natsuki will no longer be blacklisted in trades. Saving face by using the rumors we utilized, I can say that our fail safe is going according to plan" Anastasia replied, reassuring Ricardo that everything was being handled.
Hearing Anastasia's reply, Ricardo gave a light smile at her cunning. Taking a deep breath, Ricardo still felt something amiss with the current situation. Muttering under his breath, "I hope so", Ricardo expressed his hope of Anastasia being correct on that everything will be alright.
Seeing the triplets and Ricardo finally coming to terms with the plan, Anastasia, however, saw Julius look back at her with a pained look that she did not want to see from him.
With the memories of his sins starting to weigh down on him, Julius knew what he must do to atone for his abhorrent actions. Just as he was about to confront Anastasia about what he was about to do, Anastasia called out to Julius and asked to have a word with him in the room nearby.
Leaving Ricardo's room, Julius and Anastasia went inside the nearby room she reserved beforehand. After ordering her other soldiers to guard the door, Julius and Anastasia settled into the room, face to face with one another.
"Anastasia-sama…" Julius called out before getting cut off by Anastasia once more.
"Julius, You will rest here in this room, and you will let the Doctors tend to your injuries" Anastasia stated as she looked back at him as she folded her arms.
Looking back at her, Julius knew what his Mistress was planning. Buying time for a person like himself, Julius could only shake his head at how pathetic he really was.
"No… I am fine, Anastasia-sama" Julius replied as he gave a gentle smile and bowed with his right hand on his chest.
Hearing his answer, Anastasia felt shivers ran down her spine as she was seeing her feared scenario unraveling right in front of her.
Unfolding her arms as she looked back at him with worry, Anastasia implored Julius to listen to her.
"Julius, You are not fine!"
Shaking his head, Julius looked back at Anastasia with a pained look, bringing horror in the eyes of Anastasia.
"I must atone for my sins" Julius stated as he moved closer to his Mistress.
"Julius"
"For the unforgivable crimes that I have done to another knight… to a friend…"
"Julius!" Anastasia voiced out as she tried to break him away from his actions.
Falling on deaf ears, Julius continued by kneeling down in front of his Mistress and gently grasped her hand.
"I, Julius Juukulius, am unworthy to remain as your knight" Julius stated as he grasped onto Anastasia's hand tighter, aching his heart on what he was about to let go.
"Stop!" Anastasia exclaimed as she shook her head in denial at what was in front of her.
"That is why… I will surrender myself to the Royal Guards for my just punishment" Julius said, instilling unto Anastasia the reality she feared.
"I said STOP!" Anastasia screamed as she pulled her hand away from him and slapped him across his face.
Silence engulfed the room as Julius was shocked at the reaction of his Mistress. Feeling the sting of her slap, Julius remained still as he waited for a response.
As Julius waited for her voice, he, however, heard a sound so unexpected that it made his head turn to see if it was true. As her haggard breathing resounded in the small room, the restrained sniffling of Anastasia escaped as teardrops fell off of her face.
"Anastasia-sama…" Julius muttered as he looked back at the surprising tearful face of his Mistress.
"I will not lose you again!" Anastasia shouted as she bit her lips in anger at herself for losing him the first time at the Pleiades Watchtower.
Remembering everything that they have been through throughout the years, most especially the period of getting to know him once again in the past year, Anastasia knew that her statement meant something more than just a Candidate losing a knight, it was losing something more… unfortunately, seeing the expression of the man in front of her right now, it was clear that he still couldn't see the full depth of her words.
Reaching out as he tried to console her and assure her that this was the right way, Anastasia vehemently refused the answers laid out by his knight.
"I will not lose anyone… Not here… Not now…" Anastasia stated as her emotions were running really high to the point that her head was spinning due to the stress of possibly losing Julius.
"Anastasia-sama… I'm sorry." Julius replied, shaking his head as he was resolute on surrendering himself to the Royal guards.
"N-No… Julius… I-" Anastasia muttered as her vision blurred and staggered back at the intense headache she was experiencing.
"No… I can't… I can't lose…"
"Anastasia-sama!?"
"Julius…"
With each unsteady step she took, led her closer and closer to her tipping point. Upon reaching her third unsteady step, Anastasia finally succumbed to her great distress. As soon as she fell backwards, Julius immediately jumped from his knees to catch the unconscious Merchant Princess.
"Anastasia-sama, Anastasia-sama!" Julius voiced out as his Mistress laid unconscious in his arms.
Amidst the sea of her consciousness, just as her doubt was about to consume her and her vision of Julius standing by her side starting to fade, a familiar voice reached out to her, helping her in her time of need.
"I won't let you lose him"
Getting into a panic, Julius immediately pushed himself up from the floor as he lifted Anastasia in his arms.
Knowing that medical personnel were just beyond the doors, Julius immediately sprinted to the door. However, right before he was able to reach for the doorknob, Julius felt a hand grab onto his arm.
"Anastasia-sama!?" Julius exclaimed as he looked back at the woman in his arms with worry.
"Not Exactly" the woman in his arms said, looking back at him, expecting Julius to know who he was actually speaking to.
With widening eyes, Julius knew that there could only be one other person he was speaking to. "Echidna?" Julius replied, which gave a light smile from the woman in his arms.
"B-But Why?"
"It seems like your little interaction with Anna forced me to take over her for now" Echidna replied as she then started to gently get down from the arms of the Finest of Knights.
As soon as she was able to stand up for herself, Julius immediately inquired about Anastasia's condition.
"Don't worry, She is just taking a quick rest in her Od" Echidna replied with a soft smile, giving Julius his much-needed relief.
"Thank goodness" Julius said as he gave sigh of relief.
"You two are quite a handful to deal with" Echidna replied as she looked back at the conflicted young man in front of her.
"… How so?" Julius asked to which he lightly clenched his fist.
"Well, for one, Anastasia knew this outcome was inevitable and yet she still tries to fight… while you, on the other hand, are blinded by your sense of righteousness that you do not see the entire picture in front of you" Echidna replied as she stood in front of Julius.
"Blinded…" Julius muttered with a hint of annoyance from the response.
"Yes, to the point that I even find it selfish"
"Tch… How can you say such a thing! I am a Knight of Lugunica, and I am-" Julius tried to retort but was cut off by Echidna.
"A Knight of Anastasia Hoshin!" Echidna answered back, stopping the violet haired man in his tracks.
Narrowing her eyes, she looked back at Julius intensely.
"Maybe you have forgotten that you swore fealty to the woman in front of you! You swore to her that you will stay by her side!"
Gritting his teeth and clenching his fist, Julius averted his gaze away from Echidna.
"And yet, here you are putting yourself ahead instead of her" Echidna stated as she shook her head.
"Putting myself ahead? This surrender is not only for me. I am surrendering for her sake as well! Being associated with me will lead to her downfall! You and I know this fact" Julius replied as he looked back at the woman in front of him.
"I know" Echidna answered as she frowned slightly at Julius's answer.
"Then how… How am I putting myself ahead?"
"Because… I am here… and she is not" Echidna stated, immediately reminding Julius of the argument between him and Anastasia before she fainted.
"I will not lose you again!" Anastasia's voice rang well inside his head as well as the sight of her tearful face as she said it.
As much as it pains him to remember that moment, he knew that Echidna had a point. To go against her wishes was essentially putting himself first before her…
"Julius… Stop trying to make things right on your own and let us help" Echidna added as she held her hand out to him, hoping that he would grab onto her hand.
"…"
"I know that memories of Subaru's torture are weighing down on you heavily, that you would like to do this decision on your own but… other than Subaru, there are still people that care about you greatly, Ricardo, Mimi, Tivey, Hetaro, Joshua, Anastasia, and… Myself" Echidna voiced out as she smiled to remind him of his loved ones that are with him right now.
Tunnel visioned on the memories of guilt, he forgot that there were still other people that cared for him deeply. Taking matters into his own hands, he completely disregarded the possible consequences of his resolute decision. Finally with widening eyes, the clouds in Julius's thoughts started to part.
Finally reminded of this fact, Julius felt warmth in his eyes. As much as he loathed himself at this moment, he was still gladdened by the fact that there are still people that cared for him.
Closing his eyes, a tear escaped from its small crevice. Grabbing hold of the hand in front of him, Julius felt a great release of the tension he long carried ever since their victory against the Witch cult.
With his grip tightening around her hand, Echidna felt the emotions that Julius was going through. Pulling him into an embrace, Echidna reassured the man in front of him that he was not alone, and he will never be alone, and that they will be with him carrying any burden that he might have.
… … …
"Thank you…" Julius stated as he looked back at the woman sitting beside him on the hospital bed.
"No problem, Julius… That is the reason why we are here in the first place" Echidna replied with a chuckle as she was glad that the man beside her finally came to his senses.
Hearing her reply, Julius gave a light smile as he replied, "So this was part of your plan?"
"You could say that" Echidna answered with a playful smile, making Julius chuckle a little at the frightening cunning of both Anastasia and Echidna.
"When did it start?" Julius asked, curious at how far they planned the whole interaction
"Ever since you came back to the hospital last night"
"What!?"
After a chuckle from the shocked expression of Julius, Echidna then explained to him how the plan came to be.
Immediately after having their memories returned that night in the hospital, Anastasia and Echidna saw the chaos that was brought up in lifting the curse. Although some patients were more subdued in their actions, others were more on the other end of the extremes. The primary examples would be the incidents that happened to Rem and Emilia on their respective floors.
The initial hit from the realization of these lost memories clouded, if not, isolated these people in their own emotions.
Seeing this unfolding right in front of their eyes and understanding the situation they have been dealt with, Anastasia immediately asked for Echidna's assistance in preventing this situation from happening to Julius.
"So… That's what happened to the floors…" Julius muttered as he remembered himself panicking at the thought of his Mistress getting trapped in an unwanted battle in the hospital.
After giving a nod to his response, Echidna added, "Hence, Everything that happened after the time the Doctor led you back to your Brother was all part of our plan to bring you back to your senses"
Shaking his head with a slight smile, Julius couldn't believe that everything he had done was just as they predicted. Although he was glad that he is of sound mind right now, he still felt a slight unease on how things led up to this situation. With every meeting and conversation he had prior was with intention on leading him into this current situation, Julius couldn't help but go back to the desperate plea of the tear-stained Anastasia.
"So… Even at the end where Anastasia-sama cried-" Julius tried to point out his doubts, however it was then cut off by Echidna, who shook her head to clear his doubts about Anastasia.
"It was real, Julius. The tears she shed for you were real"
"I'm very sorry... *chuckle* It is just who she is, that I thought… *chuckle*" Julius replied as he was shaking his head in shame for doubting his Mistress.
"I can't really blame you. You don't know her as good as I. For a cunning businesswoman as she is, it is understandable to have that thought" Echidna answered back as she chuckled.
"Although… if you have been keener about your Master, you should have known outright to not doubt that her tears for you were real"
"What do you mean?" Julius said as he was a bit confused at her statement.
"Hmmm… It seems like you are denser than I thought" Echidna said with a bit of surprise at his response.
"I beg your pardon"
"Oh, nothing, nothing" Echidna replied back with a chuckle as she then moved the conversation on what they are facing and what they will do moving forward.
Discussing in detail the aftermath of the battle as well as the damage control that was being done by their camp, Julius heard the excessive costs that Anastasia was incurring to clean up or silence the people who knew what took place in the Karsten Manor.
Although he was gladdened by the effort of his Mistress, Julius felt that the costs to clean up his own very mess was far more than what he is worth to the camp.
"I don't know if I am truly worth this… This is my mess to begin with and to have Anastasia-sama…" Julius said as he felt like a liability rather than an asset to the woman he is serving.
"No, Julius... This was also our fault" Echidna stated as she gently looked back at him.
"What do you mean?"
"It was a call she and I decided to do as soon as we heard the pivotal news of Ferris catching Subaru Natsuki as a Sin Archbishop… We both knew the rewards and consequences that would come between our two choices… Noting the stories of both Ferris and Subaru, we knew the risk of participating in the interrogation… On one side, we can put ourselves ahead along with the Emilia Camp and Crusch Camp, while on the other, we could be placing ourselves in the chopping board if Subaru Natsuki was actually telling the truth…"
"If you both knew that this was great of a risk then why run with the interrogation? Isn't there more to lose for our Camp…"
"No… because all of it was on you…" Echidna answered, to which Julius finally realized the meaning of her answer.
Knowing his Mistress, Julius knew that every decision she made was calculated for her own benefit. She would never make a decision that she knew that she would be at this great of a risk which only meant that she made the decision to go through with the interrogation with him because…
"I was expendable" Julius replied to which he received a gentle nod from Echidna.
"Yes… that is why the other camp members were not aware of your involvement… because she believed that if the situation indeed went south, the camp could easily cut you off…"
Shaking his head as he heard Echidna's answer, Julius couldn't believe that he was viewed so little by his own Mistress.
"So… I am worth that little to her…" Julius muttered with a pained look upon the realization.
"No… and you should know that better than anyone else…"
Shaking his head, Julius reiterated Echidna's point, "I was the scapegoat, Echidna"
"Which is why she is trying her hardest to fix her mistake!" Echidna pointed out, catching the attention of Julius.
"At the time of that decision, Subaru Natsuki was erased from our minds… and with that, so was our faith in you at that time… With our memories going only as far back as to your Rebirth in the Pleiades tower, Anastasia and I saw you as nothing more than an expendable asset we could use… However, surely enough she came to regret that decision… Loyalty and dedication to her aside as a Candidate, You took your time to know her and understand her quite unlike any other… From there, you have not only reforged your bond with her, but you made her realize how precious of a man you are to her in her life… Even before our memories finally returned, she was spending more and more of her resources to prove that Subaru Natsuki was a Witch cultist because she felt guilty each time she looked back at you… Julius, in the past year alone, You are worth more to her than you could ever imagine… More than just a Knight… And with our memories returned, perhaps more than just a single companion" Echidna added, reassuring Julius for what he is worth as well as hinting to him another view of his Mistress of him that he was not completely aware of in the past year.
With a relieved nod and smile from Julius as he finally came to grips with Echidna's words, Echidna continued with her discussion with him about the plans they will do moving forward. Other than the cleanup of the incident in the Karsten Manor, Echidna explained to Julius their plans in attaining Subaru's forgiveness.
With their connections in the city of Priestella widespread just as the metropolis was largely mixed with their people in the country of Kararagi, Anastasia was able to secure some eyes in the city to discern the locations of a certain raven black-haired man and a red blonde-haired woman.
Luckily, in the early afternoon, the people they have laid out in the city finally caught sight of the Vollachian Princess and Subaru Natsuki. After following their carriage up to the Water Plumage Inn, they then followed the reunited Priscilla Camp into a nearby restaurant.
Utilizing the Conversing Mirror Metia on hand, Anastasia laid out her instructions to her nearest soldiers in the area to observe and retrieve more information by blending themselves into the restaurant, be it being a patron or a servant.
Impressed with the plans at play at the moment, Julius, however, questioned Echidna on how they will exactly extract the information they wanted. With a sly grin on the woman's face, Echidna answered Julius by explaining to him that a person similar to their position would be the one showing them.
"A person similar to our position?" Julius asked, curious at what his Lady had in store.
"Yes, We were not the only ones that betrayed Subaru Natsuki and the rest of the Priscilla Camp. In fact, for some, they have even profited greatly from our little black propaganda. Taking advantage of our rumors, they have even made their own fake rumors to bolster our own to get more trades within our networks *chuckle*… However, one merchant in particular went beyond just the rumors for profit but he also went to cut his ties with the Domain it mainly traded its wares" Echidna answered as she looked back at Julius expectantly in knowing who the person in question was.
Julius's eyes shone with recognition as he realized who Echidna was referring to. "Avalin", a merchant who had gone all-in at betting against Subaru and now would be forced to pay a price so steep that any merchant would feel physically ill from the thought alone.
With widening eyes, Julius answered the man's name, "Avalin"
Hearing this, Echidna smiled and continued, "Yes, Avalin, the man's ambitions are quite admirable, but his excessive greed got the better of him. *chuckle* To cut ties, even knowing that almost the entire supply network of the Barielle domain was his, was beyond greed to be honest… but then again, the prospects of expanding beyond just one domain was too much of an opportunity he couldn't refuse, given a man of his character. *chuckle*" Echidna replied, arousing Julius's curiosity on what they had done to this merchant.
"What did you do?" Julius asked to which Echidna lightly smiled.
"It was simple really. We planned to cut our ties with him. Bringing his part in the rumors to light, it was simply bad business to keep him among our ranks. Knowing his connections, we made sure to discreetly leak this information to him. Now with his back against the wall, he will now turn to the only man that has a possibility of helping him get out of this situation. Surely enough, he did not disappoint just as he utilized his remaining power to get information of the location of Subaru Natsuki. Being a prime example of being consumed by guilt and desperation, he is the perfect candidate to extract the information we wanted. How will they react? How will they answer? What could they possibly accept to earn their forgiveness? All of it will be for our eyes to see" Echidna answered as she then reassured Julius that their plan shall succeed.
With the plan under way, it was only a simple matter of waiting for their pieces to all come together. With Julius finally up to speed with the plans, Echidna advised Julius to take their advice to get his well-needed rest and recovery.
Pointing out the bags in his eyes as well as the noticeable wounds and blemishes on him, Echidna poked some fun unto the battered violet-haired man until he finally became fully aware of his current condition.
With a light chuckle as he finally became fully aware of the situation with himself as well as all the other things around him, Julius finally took the advice of the woman most precious to him… or at least her artificial spirit in the form of the most precious woman to him…
With a light smile as she looked back at the violet-haired man slowly take off his jacket and slowly lay back down unto the bed in front of her, Echidna was glad and happy to see that she was able to save the person Anastasia currently held most dear.
Remembering what Echidna said to Anastasia about opening up herself to him in order to save him, the astute businesswoman was very much reluctant to show her vulnerability which led to Echidna's initial doubts of having her desired plan ever succeeding. It was only when Echidna saw Anastasia with her desperate plea and tears did she realize how truly important the man in front of her truly was.
With a light smile as he laid back unto the bed, Julius looked back to the woman beside him and spoke, "Thank you… Thank you for saving me…"
After a light chuckle of flattery from Echidna, she responded, "You are most welcome… Although… I do think it is best that "she" would be the one hearing that from you"
With a gentle nod from Julius, Julius couldn't have agreed more.
Sensing Anastasia's consciousness starting to come to within her Od, Echidna voiced out, "Looks like Anna is finally starting to wake up"
Hearing this, Julius knew that his time with the artificial spirit was almost up. Reaching out to her one last time, Julius expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the spirit in front of him in helping both Anastasia and him.
Finishing it off with his fealty to the woman in front of him as her knight once more, Julius promised to stand by her side come what may in the Royal Selection.
As much as she was delighted, and appreciative of Julius's fealty to Anastasia as a knight, she however wanted more from the man in front of her, given what she knows about how the two felt for each other.
After a light sigh and a shake from the head to Julius, Echidna then gently sat at the chair beside Julius's bed and leaned her body forward to hover her face on top of his.
Face to face with one another, Julius was slightly flustered at the reaction of the woman beside him.
"W-What is the matter?" Julius asked as his heart skipped a beat at the sight of the woman in front of him.
"Anastasia cares for you, Julius" Echidna said as she let the hair of Anastasia fall unto the side of Julius's head.
"I know… I know she does"
Shaking her head, Echidna clarified to Julius, "Not the Royal Candidate… but as a woman, Anna cares for you deeply…"
Stunned at the words of Echidna, Julius tried to process everything she had just said. Seeing the slight blush rising from Julius at her suggested implication, Echidna then pushed the agenda she wanted to push onto Julius.
"Which is why… I want to hear your fealty to the woman, Anastasia Hoshin… not as a knight but as a man" The Spirit asserted, as she then expressed her need for Julius to stand by Anastasia's side until the end… Knowing the complications of all the things that came with his titles, Echidna wanted to hear and see that the man she was entrusting Anastasia to, would be the man that will fully dedicate his life to her… put her first and no one else.
Hearing the Artificial Spirit's passionate plea, Julius understood and reciprocated with his fealty to the woman Anastasia Hoshin. Smiling as she finally heard his fealty, Echidna then made her expectations of Julius clear in the relationship between him and Anastasia. Putting Anastasia's word above all else, he must never again face his problems all by himself but rather entrust everything to Anastasia as well as she will do to him, hand in hand in their lifetime.
Satisfied, Echidna gave a light chuckle at the man in front of her. Looking back at him so fondly, Echidna could feel the power of his Divine Protection slightly tug at her heart strings.
Feeling a slightly euphoric attraction to the man in front of her, Echidna muttered, "So this is how she feels about you…"
Smiling as she felt a glimpse of the unknown emotion, Echidna found the unknown emotion to be very intoxicating…
"How she feels about me?" Julius muttered questioningly, as he looked back at the woman in front of him.
Chuckling back at his reaction, Echidna voiced out, "You two are really a handful"
Still not understanding her hints of Anastasia's feelings, Echidna could only shake her head at how hopeless these two people were.
Sensing Anastasia's consciousness slowly becoming self-aware, Echidna came up with a plan that will speed up… if not, strengthen the bond of the two even further.
Locking eyes with Julius, Echidna said to the young man below her, "Julius, Do you really want to know what she feels about you?"
With his heart slowly racing as sweat started to come out of his pores, Julius gave a light gulp as he stared back at Anastasia's face. Averting his gaze, Julius felt that he had no right to intrude on the privacy of Anastasia's emotions.
Seeing his reaction, Echidna could only chuckle at how a gentleman he was with a maiden's feelings.
Going around her initial suggestion, Echidna came up with another way to make Anastasia's feelings more known.
"How about I give you… just a hint then…" Echidna stated to which it gave Julius some second thoughts…
With curiosity arousing him, Julius nodded in response.
With a light chuckle from Echidna, she then however gave one request to Julius before finally giving her hint.
"Julius… With your relationship between Anastasia as her knight finally overridden by your fealty to her as a man, I do hope that you finally call her "Anna" instead of Anastasia-sama… Think of it as part of your deeper fealty with Anastasia… I am sure she would understand *chuckle* as I am very sure that she would be most fond of it…" Echidna stated as she muttered the last statement in silence.
Agreeing to her terms, Julius gulped as he looked back at the woman in front of him. Adjusting her face slightly so that their faces were perfectly parallel to one another, Echidna then asked Julius to lock eyes with her once more.
With Anastasia's face getting closer to him, Julius could immediately feel the once cold air turn to fire as he perspired at her proximity. Smelling Anastasia's intoxicating perfume did not help either…
Asking him to close his eyes, Julius was a bit dubious at the intentions of the Artificial spirit. However, with a light chuckle, Echidna then reassured him that she will not be doing anything of the kind…
Asking him to listen to his heart, Echidna asked Julius to remember the day Anastasia and himself first met… Going through every memorable memory that they did in their early years, Echidna gave the foundation of their relationship… Now asking him to remember everything that they did in the past year, Echidna now wanted him to remember the feelings they share for each other "that" day… The day when their titles were lost… The day when it was just a man and a woman together in happiness…
With images of Anastasia appearing before him one by one, the emotions Julius felt on that day finally started to surface… Remembering all of their conversations up to this point, Julius was now slowly piecing together the reason for all of Anastasia's decisions… Because just like on "that" day, she expressed to him his effect on her on how he makes her choose irrational decisions… The excessive spending, The guilt, and her desperate tearful plea…
With a slight quiver of his lips, the emotions that Julius buried deep within himself finally surfaced… Unable to speak the three words he desperately wanted to say to her on that day due to his title as her knight… However, now, the same three words finally found its way onto his mouth and unlike before, a voice finally accompanied these words…
"Anna" Julius muttered as he remembered the sight of her looking back to him, asking him if he had anything to say… anything before they ended their day…
With her mauve colored hair swaying gently with the wind as she turned to him for an answer, Julius could not put into words the beauty of the woman in front of him. With her yukata blanketing her form with vibrant colors, under the night sky she shined brilliantly to him. Along with her bright smile that accompanied him all throughout the day and the light blush that somehow tinged her white glowing skin with so much allure… Everything… for what she stood for… for who she is… Everything culminated into "her"…
With his heart racing, it voiced out to him the meaning of the woman in front of him… "Everything" that is what she meant to him… He couldn't imagine a life worth living if she were to disappear from his life...
Listening to the voice in his heart, Julius finally muttered the words on how he truly felt about the woman, Anastasia Hoshin, "I love you"
Hearing Julius's words, Echidna gave a light delighted smile. With the man in question finally realizing the feelings they held for each other, Echidna then gave a sly smile, seeing that it was now Anastasia's turn to know the feelings they held for each other.
With a small teardrop escaping from left eye of Julius, Echidna neared her face even further, stating to him, "Please take care of her, Julius"
With only a hair's length left separating them, Echidna finally cut her ties with Anastasia's body, immediately trading her consciousness with Anastasia, who just recently became half conscious.
As fast as the switch was, it was however not as fast as the instance that happened between the switches. With gravity letting her body fall unto him, the distance between Anastasia and Julius was reduced to nothing.
"Mmmm…" Julius moaned as he felt Anastasia's body lay on top on the upper half of his body.
With her soft lips against his, Julius couldn't describe the delight he felt upon this instance. However, after feeling her weight on his, Julius knew that the woman on top of him was still unconscious. Although he was delighted with the small trickery of the Artificial Spirit, Julius, however, knew that this action was not fair on the side of Anastasia.
Just as he was about to gently lift Anastasia off him, Julius felt her body shift its weight, lightening its touch against his lips…
Just as Julius was about to mutter Anastasia's name, he was then caught off guard by Anastasia, who at the time moved her lips against him instinctively.
"Mmmmph…Mmmm…" Anastasia moaned as her body moved on its own against him.
With her mouth against his, Julius felt her need for him to reciprocate her actions… With a light pucker of his lips, Julius reciprocated the kiss Anastasia was giving her.
With light smacks of their lips, the two finally gently expressed their need for one another.
In a dream she saw him ending "that" day with a kiss… at least that was what she hoped back then, after realizing her feelings for him… He would tell her the words that she wanted to hear… as she would say it back within a deep passionate kiss…
Feeling his soft lips against hers was what she wanted… In her dreams, she could feel a taint of warmth against her lips… Moving against his lips, she felt the sensation intensify the longer she indulged herself of him… Almost as if it was real… Almost as if he was actually there…
Feeling a slight sensation of breathlessness from her kiss, Anastasia finally felt herself be bought out of her half-conscious state.
Gently opening her eyes as she finally fully came to from her dream, Anastasia was surprised at the state she was in! Seeing Julius right in front of her with his eyes closed… She could tell that there was no distance in between their bodies… Now feeling the warmth and breathlessness she felt in the kiss in her dreams, Anastasia was simply intoxicated at the sensation…
With Anastasia giving a light gasp at what was happening, Julius, however, chased her lips from their separation. Locking himself to hers, Julius was slowly letting himself indulge himself of the woman on top of him.
Moaning as she felt his need for her, Anastasia was slowly falling into his loving kiss…
With Julius's left hand gently placed at the back of her head, it maneuvered gently the head of Anastasia in their kiss. Angling her head slightly, Julius deepened his kiss with her with more passion.
"Anna… Mmmmph… Chup… Mmmmph… Chup…" Julius moaned as he tried to catch his breath in between their kiss.
Hearing her name, Anastasia's heart and body were burning to be his. She wanted nothing more than to melt away with the one she loves… However, with one little ounce of self-control she had left, she knew that this was not the best time to indulge herself of him… She still needed to delegate the tasks needed in saving the Camp… especially saving him…
Summoning every ounce of her willpower to not succumb to his loving touch, Anastasia lightly pushed Julius away from his advances.
"Stop, Julius, Stop" Anastasia said as she pushed herself up from his chest.
With panting breaths, Julius and Anastasia looked back at each other with their flushed faces. The first time seeing each other after she fainted, the two were not sure on how to start their conversation.
Although Anastasia indeed expected Echidna to be able to convince Julius to listen to them, she did not however expected Echidna to put her in a situation like this with him…
Seeing that she now knows that they both held mutual feelings for one another, Anastasia was truly ecstatic at the revelation. However, at the same time, she was now more anxious in front of the man she was now with... As much as she was great at knowing what to do in a situation, she however has no single clue as to what to do in a very intimate situation like this...
Looking back at her shivering, Julius immediately apologized for his rash actions, disappointed in himself that he made her feel uneasy...
However, as soon as he said it, Anastasia immediately denied his claims of him making her feel uneasy.
"I-It's just that… I have never been in a situation like this before…" She explained as she then reassured him that she welcomed his actions.
Blushing as they looked back at each other and feeling their hearts yearning for one another, the two knew that their hearts were in the right place.
Just as Julius was about to pull her into an embrace, Anastasia, however, denied him this satisfaction.
"I-I'm sorry Julius but we can't… Not now…" Anastasia implored as she gently pushed herself away from him.
"But why?" Julius replied as he got confused with Anastasia's reaction.
Setting herself upright on the bed to which Julius followed, Anastasia told him that she still needed to delegate the tasks needed for their plans…
With a wry smile and little chuckle, Julius responded, "O-Oh Of course, Of course…"
Forgetting that they had a situation to fix, Julius felt slightly ashamed of being overcome with passion.
Apologizing to her once more for all the effort she was putting in, Anastasia, however, responded, "No need… I chose to do this of my own volition…"
Smiling back at him reminding him of this fact, Anastasia further reassured him by giving him her reason, "It's because… I love you", as she then gave him a quick peck on his lips.
Smiling back at her with a blush, Anastasia then asked him to do his part in their plans, and that is to get his well-needed rest and recovery.
Nodding back to her in agreement, Julius complied with the request of Anastasia. Letting his head rest back onto the pillow, Julius looked back at the woman who looked back at him with the same gaze of longing.
"Anna, I love you" Julius stated with a smile that made Anastasia's heart skip a beat.
Feeling the same emotion of longing and regret of having their very intimate moment cut short, before exiting the door of his room, Anastasia made her final request to him that will hopefully make up for that lost opportunity…
"J-Julius, after you have fully recovered… I need to talk to you in private in my suite… in regard to the next steps we are going to take in this situation, of course" Anastasia responded as she stuttered and subtly averted her gaze.
Seeing her slightly bashful response, Julius smiled lightly as he knew the meaning behind her words.
Seeing Julius nod in approval, Anastasia was visibly happy at his response. Opening the door, she gave one last look at the man that meant so much to her. With a gentle loving look on her face, Anastasia departed from him with three words that gave him the strength to move forward, "I love you"
Before the door fully closed, Anastasia saw the smile that meant the entire world to her. With his smile in her mind, she knew that she would do anything and everything in her power to keep this smile by her side.
-o-
In around the late morning of Priestella, a creature dug itself out from the ground. Bearing two large eyes, it was also accompanied by three pairs of smaller eyes. Bearing pincers and a stinger, the creature would have been a horrific monster to encounter, if not for its currently small size. Barely able to fit in a palm, it could hardly be believed that this creature is a Mabeast, feared by the people.
And yet the small creature, called as a "scorpion" in another world was truly a Mabeast in existence.
Mindless beasts that could only do nothing but kill and destroy, these were the definitions labeled out to these creatures. And yet somehow the glowing red scorpion does not seem to fit these definitions.
For a time, it would seem like the creature was actually mindless since it was technically lulled in by the Divine Protection of a certain blue-haired girl, revolving around Mabeasts. However, after a certain incident last night where the little red scorpion got separated from its Mabeast tamer, the little mabeast found a consciousness that it thought it lost…
Memories of a once proud, powerful, loyal, and voluptuous woman named "Shaula" was all encapsulated in the little red scorpion. Even though she had lost her form, the innate power and consciousness given to her remained.
Although she had lost all the advantages she had when she was in a humanoid form, she still retained the extreme sense of smell that could detect the scent of her beloved master.
After taking her rest underground for the night, she was finally awakened by the scent she had long yearned for.
Although, this time, the scent of her beloved Master was stronger and more potent than ever before, much like the scent of her own Mother.
With the scent approaching closer and closer to her direction, the little red scorpion finally gleefully waved its pincers as it gently went on with its march to intersect the scent of her beloved Master.
… … …
Climbing on carts, carriages, and a host of people along her way to her destination, the journey of the little red scorpion was like an epic in disguise! Although her destination was a simple restaurant, the journey she had to go through with her size were nothing less than that of an adventurer's!
Littered with cats, dogs, and other various animals that are capable of eating the little red scorpion, it was safe to say that her journey was like that of an adventurer diving into the nest of mabeasts. With leaves used as parachutes to crossover to different carriages… climbing onto the side of moving carts… Shaula truly has a lot to say to her Master once she finally reaches him!
Now settled on top of a woman's straw hat, it would seem like the little Shaula found her perfect ride to her destination.
Hiding behind the flower on top of the straw hat, Shaula could overhear the conversation between the man and woman she was with.
"Belle, Keep your eyes and ears open as soon as we head into the restaurant" The blonde-haired man said, in his black formal attire.
"I know, I know, You don't have to tell me over and over, Ark" The black-haired woman said as she pouted at her partner's reminder.
"Says the woman who lost track of our last target" Ark said as he shook his head at the memory.
"I said I was sorry! It all worked out didn't it… I mean we got the information that the client needed" Belle said as she twirled a part of her hair with her finger.
"*sigh* That may be true, but we can't have slip ups like that in this line of work" Ark said as he looked back at Belle.
Sighing at his words, Belle expressed her great disinterest in the work they are doing. Born from the cloth of seamstresses and cloth designers, being an informant is hardly giving justice to their heritage.
Shaking his head, Ark explained to her once more that what they were doing is a temporary endeavor. Exiled from the industry they know for crossing someone that shouldn't be crossed, they were left with targets behind their backs. Unable to get jobs in the clothing industry, they both knew that they have to make a name for themselves from the ground up.
Now confronted with the need to procure the capital they needed; they knew that they had to take jobs that not only just pays well but pays really well. Luckily, with some underground people recognizing their eye for detail, they were given the opportunity to be an informant.
Although they were reluctant in accepting their current task right now because they almost botched their last task, however, in seeing the payout, they knew that it was definitely worth the risk! Seeing that their client was none other than the biggest merchant of Kararagi, it really should not have come to them as a surprise.
"The payout for this job is huge. I doubt we will ever see a payout like this ever again so please bear with me okay. After this, We are definitely out of this informant business" Ark said, reassuring his partner.
Smiling at his response, Belle pointed back at Ark and replied, "You promise!"
"I promise" Ark replied with a smile as he crossed his heart.
Satisfied, Belle reiterated once more their mission to her own understanding, "So we will just sit on the table assigned to us and observe… a red blonde-haired Baroness named Priscilla Barielle… and a black-haired knight named Subaru Natsuki…"
"Yes, these two will be our sole focus for the day. Also we were instructed to observe more keenly when a grey-haired merchant named Avalin appears to talk to them" Ark replied as he nodded at Belle's statement.
Perfectly unaware of the looks of their targets, Belle imagined the Knight and Baroness to be a middle-aged man and woman.
Sighing at their targets, she exclaimed, "Another old hag and a sleazy old man… What else is new…"
"We don't know that"
"Ark, All the targets we've seen underground are old hags and sleazy old men"
"What is the problem with that?"
"Well, at least when my job is to observe… I at least want it to be aesthetically pleasing for my eyes" Belle retorted which brought out a light chuckle and a shake of the head from Ark.
"Well, We'll know soon enough because the restaurant is just up ahead" Ark said as he pointed towards the restaurant.
After giving each other a light smile and a nod, the two informants finally went on their way to the restaurant, hand in hand, in their disguise as a young noble couple. As they were doing so, a certain little red scorpion was shaking its tail in excitement as she would finally be reunited with her master.
Sorry that I stopped there lol
At least, I showed Shaula's POV at the end lol
Don't worry Priscilla Lewds will be next chapter along with some other stuff
(Currently around 4k words) (I am now in the transition to the lewd scenes)
(So, I will drop a new chapter in a couple of days or within a week hopefully)
As for the people who want the "torturers" to be punished (I am curious what your stance is now knowing about the "Merchant Princess' POV"
I will most likely do a smut chapter for these two in the future lol
Currently sick (Have a doctor's appointment tomorrow) (Hopefully, it won't be that bad)
Oh yes, just in case he did not see my PM back to him.
Ernalore: Yes, it would be an honor lol
Again, Thank you for all the support!
See you in the next chapter!