Julius woke up feeling strange. Almost as if he shouldn't be here. His head was hurting him as he tried to remember the last thing that had happened to him before waking up.

Opening his eyes and taking a look around, he noticed he was in his mansion which made him shocked.

'I don't exactly recall where I should be, but I'm almost entirely certain I shouldn't be back at my family's mansion. How is this possible? When did I arrive here?'

He groggily got up and went to take a bath. A headache was present whenever he tried to remember when he arrived at his mansion, and the only things he could remember were specific pieces of memories that did not paint any picture. Asking his buds proved inconsequential as they too had no knowledge prior to this day.

"Julius-sama. I unfortunately was asked to come wake you up as the breakfast is nearly finished. Hurry up." A knock came and a cold voice suddenly called out.

'That voice! Is that Helena? For some reason I feel as if I had not heard her voice in a long time. Strange.'

"Thank you. I will be down momentarily" He called out. His headache spiked up when he heard that voice, but it was only for a short moment.

Heading down to breakfast he was met with the unlikeliest of faces. His brother.

Running all the way to him before embracing him in a tight brotherly hug.
"EH?! J-Julius?! Wha-"
"Joshua! You are awake! Thank goodness! " "Words cannot begin to express how happy I am to see my younger brother up again. Truly a joyous occasion."

Joshua turned slightly red with embarrassment at the unexpected hug. Confused at what just happened.

"Y-yes. Me too?"

"If I may. How long have you been awake for?" Letting go of the hug and nodding his head as he eyed him out from top to bottom to make sure he was perfectly healthy.

"Oh? Um. I-It was about when y-you returned from the Pleiades Watchtower if my memories serve correct. wh-which they d-don't hehe" Joshua nervously replied, scratching his head. With a poorly attempt at a joke to get Julius to stop eyeing him. Though his reply made Julius confused.

'When I returned from the Pleiades Watchtower?'

"When you came to visit me after your return, you told me I had been asleep for an entire year. "

'What? I recall doing no such thing. Why do I remember none of this?'

"Though I did not remember anyone when I woke up, including you.." Joshua said in a slightly sad tone.

As Julius was thinking of a way to respond, the doors opened and 2 figures came through. One of them was a maid with long brown and green eyes who came carrying utensils, she looked to be younger than Julius yet slightly older than Joshua. While the other was a middle aged man with short hair and a muscular frame, wearing glasses and sporting a lightly trimmed beard that made him appear older than he was. He was carrying plates with food. He looked to be slightly younger than Reinhard's grandfather. Though his muscular frame meant that he was no doubt one of his many comrades during the Demi-human war.

"Good morning young masters." Said the butler. The maid said nothing.

As they place down the food on the plates. Julius couldn't help but smile at seeing them again.

"It is remarkably pleasing to see you both, and doing so well too after all this time. I'm truly glad." Julius called out to both of them. Making all 3 present in the room confused.

"Good to see you too... Young master?" The Butler replied with a confused tone.

"Julius-sama. Did your big knightly pride get to your brain, swelling your head and making you sway from side to side hitting it on the door on your way down?" The maid replied stoically with a cold tone. Though she was also confused. Her manner of talking made Joshua break out in laughter while the Butler's eyebrows twitch.

"Helena!"

"Sorry Marius-san." She again stoically replied.

"Don't apologize to me, apologize to the young master." He chided her again.

She sighed, turning her gaze towards Julius.

"F-forgive me J-Julius-sama." She bit her lip and spoke in a fake apologetic tone that could make anyone fall for it. Though not Julius and definitely not Marius who wanted to chide her again. Joshua's was somewhat new to this so he fell for it.

Julius just smiled and chuckled at that interaction as he did miss being at home.

"Haha it is alright Marius. I admit I woke up slightly confused today, so perhaps what Helena said was right. Despite her.. unique choice of words that is. Regardless, I insist on you both joining us for breakfast. I could tell you both worked hard and I for one would enjoy your company as well as that of Joshua." Julius replied to both of them to diffuse the tension.

Marius smiled kindly before replying.
"Very well young master, then please let us enjoy the meal while it's still warm."

Helena said nothing, only nodded silently as a meaning of gratitude before settling down to eat.

As they were eating. Julius noticed Joshua was stealing glances at Helena but he said nothing, simply smiled at his younger brother.

Marius noticed the smile that Julius kept on his face all morning, and it appeared to be genuine too.

"I must say I am delighted at seeing you looking well and smiling again young master, those last few days were hard for all of us." Making Joshua nod and Helena simply stared at Julius.

'Huh? What does he mean?'

"Y-yes. Marius-san. I too am surprised at my b-brother's change of attitude. He even h-hugged m-me all of a sudden.." Shuddering as he remembered the tight hug that almost knocked him out.

"Hm. Julius-sama looks to be the same. Though I suppose he is more presentable today as opposed to his previous rugged appearance that resembled a common brute." The stoic voice of Helena sounded. Which made Joshua bite his lips to sniffle down a giggle. Doing the opposite for Marius who chided her again.

"Helena!"

"Sorry Marius-san."

'They speak as if I arrived wounded or something, although it could be just Helena being Helena. Still, what do they mean?'

He wanted to ask, but he feared that the headache might further spike up which would ruin the currently peaceful atmosphere of the dining room.

"Yes well.. I believe it's simply seeing all of you again filled me with joy." He finally spoke.

They were confused at his response, but shrugged it off to him missing interacting with them.

Minutes passed by and Julius finished breakfast before anyone. He got up and decided to get ready to go out.

"Please excuse me everyone. I must get back to my room to grab a few essential items before starting my patrol duty." He replied in a sad tone as he didn't want to leave their company so soon yet knew he had to. He also had to make sure to report to the garrison to see if Marcos has assigned him any missions that he may have forgotten about.

"Huh?" "Young master?" "Julius-sama truly did it?"

They looked utterly confused at him. Joshua and Marius mostly, while Helena believed he really had hit his head.

"Yes? May I ask why I'm receiving astounded looks?"

They again looked at him as if he was saying the most incredible thing. 'What is going on with him?' was present on everyone's thoughts.

Joshua decided to speak up.

"J-Julius, do you feel alright? Have y-you forgotten what your captain told you to do?"

'So Marcos ordered me to do something? It seems my intuition was correct. I can only hope he hasn't given me some important assignment.' Sighing internally at this.

"Dandy. But please feel free to enlighten me." Replied Julius in a slightly harsh tone making Joshua flinch.

He was getting tired of not remembering important events. Tired of having questions upon questions come up to his head without any answers.

"If I may young master, I could answer that." Marius took the lead as he saw Joshua looking uncomfortable at his brother's tone.

While I may not know fully what transpired between you and Captain Marcos. All I was told is that he ordered you to take a break to recover yourself. I'm afraid I'm not fully aware of how long the break is young master, so I truly apologize. It could be a week or two weeks or even a month."

Helena again said nothing, merely looking at him with curiosity and confusion. Thinking that maybe he should hit his head again to jog his memory. Though she did feel truly awful at how he was unlike himself when he returned from Kararagi, she even shed few hidden tears for him and gave him space to recover. Strangely enough today he was acting almost as if nothing of that sort has happened.

'What on Od has happened? Why would Marcos order me to take a break? Have I failed my duty? Have I failed to uphold my standards?' His head was filling with more and more questions.

"No its alright. Thank you Marius for answering. As I mentioned before, I woke up slightly confused so my mind is still on the process of waking up, I suppose. But in the case I forget any other important detail regarding my duty then please inform me."

He replied then sighed before continuing.

"Still I must take my leave. I need to keep my sword skills sharp despite being on a.. break. So I will be in the training yard should any of you wish anything of me." He knew he needed to clear his head so he decided to clear do it in the best way for him. By training with his sword.

He said goodbye to Joshua and the others. Giving Joshua a short hug. Before going out to his mansion's training yard to start his swordsmanship practice as usual.

The other two simply said their goodbyes, though they were kind of worried about Julius, as well as confused over what else he forgot.


Walking out following that strange conversation. He went to the training yard, and while there he noticed something odd about his sword. It felt like it didn't belong to him, for some reason he knew he should have a different sword yet he didn't remember what it looked like. Shaking his head to prepare for training he decided to continue with the sword he has. All the while trying to think about answers to his questions.

Couple of hours passed and Julius was still training but he was unfocused. The headache that was gnawing at his mind increased. He felt as if he forgetting something important, and tried to but couldn't pinpoint it exactly before the headache invaded him. Which made him almost kneel from the pain. He even asked Kua to cast a healing spell on him to soothe the pain a little. Realizing afterwards that he could not force himself to remember, otherwise it would just hurt more.

By now he had paused momentarily to catch his breath as he was still thinking of a way to try and remember while averting the headache that came from it, when a voice woke him up from.

"Julius-sama. I noticed you stopping your training for the day, judging by your rugged, dirty looks, and.." Helena called out to him before she stopped to smell the air making a disgusted face.

"That nauseating smell. so I brought you a towel to dry yourself with." She stoically finished her sentence.

"Thank you Helena." Sighing at her way of speaking being the same as always. He took over the towel to dry himself, an idea formed in his head.

"Helena." He called to her in a serious tone. Making her stand in attention as she looked at him.

"Do you mind if I ask you something that may sound strange?"

Continuing after seeing her nodding slowly.

"Do you know how long it has been since I arrived in the mansion? It's just that I do not recall arriving here. Or if I even should be here if that makes sense. I was hoping you had some answers. "

She gave no reply only a confused stare as she pondered her answer.

"Forgive the sudden question Helena, it was just something on my mind today, I assure you it's not-" Julius mistook her silence as being uncomfortable with his question.

"No I was just thinking. it has been few days, no less than a week since you arrived here." Spoke in a matter-of-fact. Though he was surprised she didn't reply in her usual way of talking towards him. He supposed it was because he asked her in a serious manner.

She continued:
"Though it goes without saying."
"Julius-sama."
"What is the last thing you remember?"

"Hmm. I was.. Gah!" Pain assaulted Julius's mind as he automatically tried to recall the last thing he did before waking up. Making him clutch his head in pain. The headache returned and made him unable to give any coherent answer.

"Julius-sama?! Are you alright?" Helena called out to him in a worried tone and rushed to his side.

A moment passed and the headache was starting to fade slowly, yet the pain lingered.

"Y-yes forgive me for worrying you Helena. I feel much better than a moment ago, I'm not entirely sure what came over me." Still clutching his head he replied to her, before dropping his hands and meeting her gaze in an act to appear as if nothing is hurting him anymore. She looked at him with worried eyes, one of very few times he saw this look on her face.

"Are you certain? Perhaps we should call on Blue-sama just to make sur-"

"No it is alright there is no need to bother Felix. I believe I may have simply exerted myself too much in training just now is all." Trying to get her to drop the subject. Giving her a a comforting smile. Though the pain was still persistent.

"Hmm if you say so Julius-sama." She didn't look entirely convinced but she knew not to push the topic too much. Helena still wondered what happened to her master a moment ago.

"Then may I suggest for Julius-sama to head inside the mansion to rest? Though the day is still young, I wouldn't want the world to know that Julius-sama fainted from a simple sword exercise. What would the knights say if that were to happen?" She told him in her usual tone. Making his comforting smile slightly twitch.

"Y-yes, thank you Helena. Actually are we in any need of supplies? I'm not feeling overly tired and I could use the walk to clear my head. I'll even offer to carry the supplies in return."

Sighing to himself at what transpired a moment ago, he knew that if he went into his room, then the pain will simply return again due to him trying to investigate his memories. He hoped that by going out and seeing the capital again, then the pain will fade and he wouldn't have to think so deeply.

Helena hummed before replying

"Hmm we are stacked until next week. Though I suppose we could always restock."

"Very well then I will quickly take a bath and meet you at the entrance." Julius replied to her before walking away without letting her reply.

She just looked at him leaving wondering what could've happened to him, before going back to the mansion to prepare to head out.


30 minutes passed and Julius headed out with Helena to pick out whatever supplies they did not clearly lack. A long the way He noticed something strange was going on in the capital but he chose not to comment on it. There were banners that felt familiar to him. But their sight made his headache flash again.

"Julius-sama?" Helena saw him being lost in thought and wondered if it had to do with what happened earlier.

"Forgive me Helena, I'm simply thinking over the last time I saw the capital in all its splendor. I do not remember seeing it so lively the last time I was here."

"Ah yes. It is mostly because of the royal selection finally being over. The people are finally celebrating the end of it, as well as the start of a new peaceful era." She stoically replied. Feeling bad as she said that, remembering who suffered along the way.

'The royal selection is over huh? Curious. I wonder who won? I..' The headache was returning and his head was throbbing in pain again. He almost clutched it but decided to act quickly and asked Kua to begin healing him again. Gritting his teeth from frustration.

'This is beginning to grow more and more bothersome.' Almost letting out a sigh but held himself in check.

"I see. Thank you Helena." He replied after regaining his surroundings again.

As they were walking, he saw some several knights patrolling. Those that noticed him either nodded at him sadly, or simply gave a sad look.

'What's the matter with them? Does this have to do with Marcos? Though their looks say otherwise.'

As they walked they stopped at a restaurant to eat lunch as they didn't eat before going out. Julius noticed some gazes were on him. Though some appeared to be sad while others were of jealousy that were cast either towards him or towards Helena, but he didn't pay them any attention and simply focused on his meal. Unbeknownst to Julius, Helena had a shadow of a smile on her face.

After that they resumed the shopping trip.

Reaching the shopping district. Some of the shop keepers and the citizens there recognized him and said their condolences. Making him extremely confused but he kept his thoughts to himself. Helena took note of this but also said nothing, she merely thought he was keeping himself in check, no doubt one of his knightly virtues.

"Did we truly need so many supplies? Not that I'm complaining of course, but I feel like this is taking advantage of my company." Julius was now carrying a large amount of supplies, they did not weigh much for him though they still encumbered him.

"Julius-sama and I quote: "I'll even offer to carry supplies in return". Now be quiet and do as you said. " Helena said, though she was amused at this.

"Besides, even I carry much more than this whenever we truly need to restock." She paused before continuing on, a small smile formed at her typically emotionless face.

"Or are your muscles not as thick as your brain?"

Earning a heavy sigh from him. Making her small smile slightly grow at his reaction.

As they were walking back, they heard a yell crying out for help from a shady alley. Noticing no knights around, he had to interfere even if he was suspended. Looking at Helena who gave him an understanding nod and a sigh. He lowered the supplies, telling her to wait for him as it will only take a moment. Before dashing off towards the voice.

Reaching a secluded alley, he saw the reason for the shout. A demi-human girl with fox ears being surrounded by 4 thugs. No doubt with bad intentions. Cursing at himself for not bringing weapons with him, he knew he could easily take them out but he didn't want to have a hostage situation. He decided to use the element of surprise quickly before any harm can befall the innocent girl.

"Tsk. Be quiet you demi bitch. Though I wouldn't mind hearing you scream in other ways. You should feel honored to be with humans." One of the four thugs said sneering at her.

"No! Please let me go! My race has done nothing wrong to any of you!" She nervously said with tears nearly streaming her face.

"Haah? Does it matter? Your filthy race is the same. Bah.. The worst of you filth is that half-devil on the throne even! I wish I could throw up right now." Another one replied with a disgusted tone. Overhearing that Julius wondered what they were on about. Before discarding it as he had better things to focus on at the moment.

"T-t-that's treason! You're insulting Queen ... despite what her camp's done to everyone!" She replied in an indignant tone, though with hints of fearfulness. Julius froze in his steps for a moment as intense headache overtook him. Cursing this disadvantage timing. He gritted his teeth in pain, anger and frustration all at once.

"And? Hell ye're gonna do about it, eh? Bare yer fangs and bark? Hahaha! I don't think ye understand the position yer in girlie" The third spoke.

"Face it scum. Kingdom's gone to shit with people like you and that half-devil in it.. I should take out my frustrations some 'way' don't you think?" The 2nd thug spoke again in a menacing tone. Emphasizing his words.

Having heard enough, Julius quickly charged in. He immediately went for the one whose back was turned towards him, managing to knock him out with a precise punch to the back of the head. Leaping infront of the girl to put distance between the thugs and her.

The remaining 3 were wildly confused and shocked by this sudden appearance.

"Huh?! Who the hell are you prick?" "What have you done to my cousin you bastard!" "He lookin' familiar. Oi! Do I know ye or somethin' ya prick?"

"I suggest you three to stop speaking and surrender quietly. You've said enough incriminating words. Miss I'm truly sorry for what you have endured."

"Haah? What's it to you prick?"

"Hell you on about? We were simply introducing ourselves to that demi bit- human is all" Giving her a sneer. Making her shudder. Julius noticing that got agitated.

"Silence" his tone was authoritative. Making the 3 still conscious thugs freeze as they listened to him.

"I Julius Juuklius of the Knights of the Royal Guard of Lugunica hereby condemn you to be arrested." He said that with all the dignity and authority befitting a royal knight of his status.

"Tsk! Told ye' he looked familiar. So finest o' knight's, eh? More like finest o' pricks! Ye' won' be capturin' any of us. Ye'r unarmed and we got weapons, eh? Sides' there's 3 o' us and only one o' you." Giving a mocking smile and unsheathing a rusty sword while the other 2 also took out their weapons, one had a club while the other had a serrated dagger. All 3 of them charged at him.

Though Julius being a very good fighter easily held his ground. He instantly studied their fighting techniques and form, noticing how sloppy and untrained they were. He quickly dodged a slash from the dagger wielding thug that was closest to him. Then gave him a kick to the stomach in kind, making him fall to his knees to catch his breath as he held his stomach in pain.

The club thug tried to clobber him from the side but Julius sidestepped the strike then swept the thug off his feet, taking the club off from him in the process. He was about to bash him on the head to knock him out before he noticed the sword thug trying to hit him from behind. Julius instantly evaded and blocked with the club before hitting the sword wielder in the ribs. Cracking or breaking a few. Then knocked him out with the club and grabbed the sword that lay near.

Julius noticed the dagger wielder had recovered he was going to knock him out, when his legs were suddenly grabbed by the former club wielder, giving an opportunity to the dagger wielder to stab an immobilized Julius. He seized the opportunity and rushed in to stab the immobile Julius, but Julius was fully in control of the situation. He dropped the club, making it hit the face of the thug who grabbed his legs, breaking his nose. Then immediately parried the incoming stab with the sword he still had in his hand. The dagger wielder tried again. Julius parried again and caught his wrist, immediately breaking it and disarming him from the dagger. Making the dagger wielder yell out from pain.

Flipping the sword in his hand and switching it over into a reverse grip, he hit the thug on the temple with the hilt knocking him out.

The club wielder was the only one left, and he tried to escape but Julius instantly grabbed his collar from behind and knocked him with the hilt of the rusty sword.

He looked around for a moment to make sure there are no threats remaining. Noticing all 3 were knocked out. From the back of his eye he saw the fourth beginning to rise and Julius again knocked him out this time with the hilt rather than his fist.

He told his yin spirit Nes to use a yin spell to keep them unconscious for a longer period, as he didn't want them to wake up and run away before the knights came to arrest them. Finally he turned towards the still frightened and shocked demi-human girl to calm her.

"I apologize that you had to see that Miss. I would also like to apologize for my late interference." He bowed as he said that. Noticing she said nothing he thought she was hurt.

"Miss? Are you alright? I can ask my water spirit to heal you if you are hurt in any way." He eyed her to make sure she wasn't hurt.

"I can only ho-" He couldn't finish as she suddenly hugged him

"Thank you! Thank you so much Sir Knight!" Crying into his chest. He simply held her as she cried.
A moment passed and she recovered

"S-sorry about that."

"No need to apologize Miss. I understand that you've just been in a tough situation. Please allow me to escort you out of this place, and you do not worry about them anymore Miss. I made sure to keep them unconscious for awhile." Julius calmly replied to her.

"Lianna" She told him in a low tone as they started to walk out.

"Pardon?"

"My name is Lianna." She told him while keeping her gaze down.

"Pleased to meet your acquaintance then Miss Lianna. I am-"

"Julius Juuklius of the Knights of the Royal Guard of Lugunica?" She replied as a smile appeared on her face.

"I see you overheard that declaration." Julius said. Wondering if he should be ashamed at how much of a knight he behaved while suspended from duty.

"Mhm but! I thought it was a good speech! If anything, you really looked like a knight from the stories." She quickly added as she thought she might have wounded his pride.

"I suppose I should thank you for the compliment then Miss Lianna." Giving her a smile that made her cheeks redden.

Reaching the alley's exit, Julius quickly informed one of the shop keepers that there are 4 thugs down that alley that the knights should immediately arrest. Giving the shop keeper some money in compensation. Lianna wanted to pay, but Julius wouldn't have it as it was his duty to do that.

"I suppose this is where we part ways Miss Lianna." He said as he noticed a sad look on her face.

"Y-yes.. I suppose so Sir Julius." She said in a somewhat sad tone before replacing it with a bright smile.

"Thank you again for saving me! I-I hope we meet each other again one day!"

"I would very much like that. Though I do hope our next meeting won't be as.. eventful. Please take care of yourself until then, Miss Lianna." He reached down, grabbed and kissed her hand making her blush intensely.

"Y-y-you too sir Julius! May Queen ...ia guide and protect you until our next meeting!" She averted his gaze and waved goodbye at him.

Julius was frozen once again. His headache intensified immediately as she said those words. He nearly yelled out from the pain but miraculously managed to stifle it down. Instantly asking Kua to heal him. Moments passed and he was still frozen from the pain. Kua was still working diligently on soothing him, and it was luckily working.

Finally able to focus again. He was thinking about what she had said.

'By the Divine Dragon what is happening to me today? Why did her parting words bring out the headache even worse than before?' He couldn't finish his train of thought as a familiar voice suddenly called out to him.

"Julius-sama is truly a knight of knights. Making a girl wait all alone to carry heavy supplies as he dashes off to the wind to play hero." Helena with her cold tone appeared. Snapping him out of his thoughts.

She had been watching him and was obviously worried for him. She saw how he froze after the girl he rescued said some last words before she went away. She also saw him closing his eyes in pain afterwards. Helena wondered what went on with him. Did he sustain an injury in the alley while rescuing the girl? Or perhaps she has said something bad to him?

"Helena? I thought you had returned home?" Julius was brought out from his thoughts as he was surprised at seeing Helena waiting for him.

"I wonder. Did Julius-sama hurt the brutes using his head? You told me to wait for you, remember?" She pointed out to him the last thing he said to her before he ran off.

"Ah right. Forgive me then Helena. I was simply.. It's no matter. Let us be on our way." He told her that and picked up the supplies. He wanted to get home fast as he did not trust when the headache would return. And if in a worse pain than before.

Helena wanted to say something but she restrained herself. She felt guilty for accepting to escort him to go out. He clearly had something bothering him but she doubted he would tell anyone this.

The rest of the trip was peaceful and quiet.


Back after shopping. Julius was pacing back and forth in his room. Initially he checked his head for any injuries he might've sustained, and after finding nothing out of the ordinary, not even a scar. He asked his water spirit Kua to see if he had any concussion or if had any internal injuries to his head that he may have sustained during training or since he woke up. She confirmed that nothing was out of the ordinary.

Deep in thought. He started thinking of all the possible scenarios that could've happened.

'Was I attacked by Gluttony while unaware? But that does not make sense as I clearly remember everyone in the mansion. Even my friends. I even remember people I have not seen in years like Fourier... Besides I know one Gluttony was killed and another Gluttony was captured.. by...by.. ?!'

"Gah!" Headache coursed through his head again making him clutch it and groan in pain. Nearly kneeling from it.

'Curses! This is not going anywhere. The more I think about it the more it hurts and the more it hurts the more I think about it.' Sighing that this is going nowhere.

'I need to find out what happened, but where do I even begin?'

Resuming his steady pace of going back and forth through the room.

'My buds are as clueless as I am, so that's not an option. There is Joshua but I doubt he knows. He hardly knows anything as his memory was eaten, let alone what happened to me. Marius may know something, as he did explain why I couldn't go on patrol duty. Then again that is undoubtedly public knowledge by now. Helena is another option of information.. But I don't want to worry her more than necessary, especially after the events of today. Let's leave that thought for now.." He was trying hard to think of any possible solutions.

'Reinhard is a good solution. He may have a divine protection that could tell me about what is going on at the least, or would get one that tells me what is going on as soon as I mention it.' Chuckling a bit to himself before continuing abruptly ending that train of thought 'Though I highly doubt he's around here.'

Letting his thoughts roam again, he started to consider what Helena had said earlier.

'Hmm... Perhaps Helena was right? Maybe I should seek Felix? I highly think he knows the solution to this. Yes he would definitely help.'

'What am I even saying? He would undoubtedly leave whatever engagement he may have to come help me in an instant. No. I cannot bother him and keep him from his important duties. Even if he is my cherished friend. There has to be a way to figure this out first before resorting to call for his aid.'

Sighing heavily as he ran out of potential solutions to think of. Still pacing back and forth when a knock came on his door.

"Young master? I hope I am not intruding on your rest. I'm merely here to tell you that dinner is nearly finished preparing." Marius's voice called out informing him that dinner is nearly prepared. Julius thought merely minutes had passed and not hours when he was in his room. It would seem this day was playing a prank on the finest of knights.

"Thank you Marius. I'll be there momentarily."

'This is going nowhere. If this lasts another day or two then I will definitely pay Felix a visit.' Decided Julius before heading down to the dining room.

He headed downstairs to the dining room. Though it was empty, his brother was nowhere to be found. He thought that Joshua was simply preparing or was not hungry. His thought quickly lost as Joshua entered the room.

"Ah Julius good evening, you seem to be doing better than when you arrived" He asked him with a curious gaze.

"Yes.. Thank you Joshua. And if I may, what did you mean by "better than when you arrived"?"

Julius asked, especially curious about the last part of his brother's sentence.

"W-well.. Y-you know after the whole.. I mean y-you looked like you came back from a fight." Stammered Joshua.

"Well you're not wrong." "Though it was not that exciting of a story I assure you. Some thugs were harassing a poor demi-human girl and I simply did what any knight in my position would do." Julius said calmly. Explaining why he might've looked rugged when he and Helena returned. Making Joshua stare at him with amazement in his eyes.

That is until:

"Does Julius-sama mean that it involves leaving a girl all alone in a dangerous part of town with heavy supplies?"

Helena came carrying utensils.

"Helena please show respect to the young master." Marius came in carrying food on plates.

"From what I heard and please forgive me young master. I did not mean to eavesdrop." He quickly added to avoid any misunderstandings.

"But it sounds like not only did he rescue a girl. But he also did all the heavy lifting."

"Sorry Marius-san." Which in turn made the old butler sigh.

"it's alright Marius. I offered to carry the supplies instead of Helena. I even told her to wait for me instead of heading home, so I apologize for that Helena. I should've known better than to leave you uncomfortably in a somewhat dangerous part of the Capital waiting for me." He said while giving Helena a slight bow to show his sincerity.

"I-it's fine Julius-sama. I can easily take care of myself. I just simply enjoy teasing you.." She said for once not in her usual cold tone. Though the last part was mumbled in a very low tone and mostly to herself.

"Well with that said. Please join us both of you. As I said at breakfast, your company means much for me as I'm sure it means much for Joshua."

As they were eating dinner while chatting over what their minds could dig up. Julius again noticed Joshua glancing over at Helena every now and then.

Once the meal was finished and Marius and Helena started to gather the plates and left them alone, Julius pounced on the opportunity. Smiling at the chance to tease his brother and hopefully a chance to build their brotherly bond again.

"I had no idea you were so.. shameless Joshua. Worry not for I can carry all the honor in the Juuklius family while you may carry the opposite aspects." Julius spoke, as soon as Helena was out of earshot. Giving him an understanding nod and a knowing smile.

"E-eh?! W-what do y-you mean?" Joshua looked at Julius, nervously wondering what he was suddenly on about.

"Come now brother, I saw the way you looked at a certain someone. And I want you to know, it is my knightly duty to oversee your success in that endeavor. Despite how hard to crack that endeavor seems." His knowing smile formed into a smug one.

"N-no! Y-you got it all wrong!" Joshua denied it vehemently with his cheeks turning red from embarrassment.

"Indeed? Then did my eyes deceive me?" He was getting amused at his brother's reaction. Watching as his cheeks blushed even deeper.

"You should confess to her before it's too late. You know what she is like after all. I sometimes fear that her behavior would probably get her to an early grave."

"Sh-shut up! Besides! You're one to talk when you didn't confess to An...ia!"Joshua said instantly. Before he put a hand to his mouth in an instant as a big regretful look appeared on his face.

"I-I-I'm sorry! T-truly! I did not mean to bring h-her up. I-It was just a spur of the moment please forgive me!" Hiding his face and nearly tearing up as he began to apologize profusely.

"J-Julius?" Opening his eyes. He saw Julius on the ground with his trembling hands on his head. He was trembling from the pain. Then falling into unconsciousness. His buds were floating over him making all sorts of noises, as if they too were in pain.

"JULIUS!" He rushed to check up on his brother's sudden state.

The doors opened soon after and Marius was the first to answer. "Young master I heard yelli-" "Young master?!" Rushing in as he got near Julius who was unconscious on the ground with Joshua worriedly by his side.

"What happened to young master Julius. Young master Joshua?" Marius asked in a worried tone.

"I-I don't know!" "H-he was f-fine one moment and then the next h-he dropped on the ground and was c-clutching h-his head." Joshua replied as he frantically searched his memories for any clues.

"Julius-sama?!" Helena came up and seeing Julius on the ground, she instantly ran over to them. Joshua quickly explained what happened to her.

"I see. He has been acting strange all day when I think about it." Helena revealed her eyes were fully on Julius as she spoke.

"What do you mean Helena?" Marius asked his junior. Joshua looked at her with curiosity.

"I'm not certain. But I noticed Julius-sama was lost in thought quite a lot of times today. He even asked if I reme-" She couldn't finish as a voice suddenly interrupted.

"...ia..." "...ia...sa..ma.." Julius suddenly muttered though he was still clearly unconscious. Immediately alerting all 3 of them.

"Julius!" "Young master?!" "Julius-sama?"

Marius sighed and spoke as he was worried over what his young master might be dealing with.

"Had it been earlier in the day I would have sent someone to bring young master Felix over."

"I had suggested it to Julius-sama earlier, after he finished training. But he said he was fine.." Helena replied though she also agreed with Marius.

"W-what c-could've done this to h-him? He was fine in the morning, r-right?"

"Your guess is as good as mine, young master. Regardless, we cannot leave the young master here. Let us bring him to his chamber."

Helena simply nodded and helped the two carry him to his room. She wanted to stay by his bedside from her worry and guilt at not doing anything to him when she noticed him in pain earlier. Though Marius eventually convinced her to leave him be for tonight. Joshua also volunteered to stay by his brother's side, before Marius calmly assured him that Julius doesn't seem to be in pain at the moment but rather deeply asleep.

As all 3 left his room. They failed to notice the tears that were going down Julius's cheeks.

In an unknown area that was more close than far. A ghost was watching over events playing out on two locations surrounding 4 figures. One figure more important than the rest. Smiling as the pieces of a board are being reshuffled in its favor.


I do not own any of this all characters and rights belongs to the creator Tappei Nagatsuki.

Author's note.

Hello again everyone! Continuing on from last chapter, this one is mostly Julius' pov of the same day.

I enjoyed writing Julius's pov. He's truly an interesting character for me. Though I hope I didn't do his character wrong. That said. I hope you enjoy reading his pov!

I'm grateful for all the reviews and any criticisms!

To answer some of the reviews and questions I've got:

To Marshall0-56: I don't think I can answer this without giving too many spoilers. I'm essentially writing this with a theme of emotions for Subaru. Almost like a cycle of the sins. So poor Subaru has to go through all of them before reaching their counterparts.

To ExoticIdiot: Nice name:P The psychological nuke ideas makes me amused. Poor Julius and Emilia should that ever happens haha. But I can say there won't be any overly heavy smut. There will be mostly implied smut or soft smut for now atleast.

To Starmegalo: Haha I hope so too. There is a reason why she and poor Juli are targetted. There is also a reason why she's having headaches and why Julius is having even more than her in his pov. But it will be explored in the next chapters though. Appreciate the interesting theories and enthusiasm!

To Synicall: I can't judge how my story will go so I hope it won't be disappointing or that disappointing:P. Thanks for the compliment though:)

To Commandercost: There is a reason why Emilia can't hear Julius's name.

To Im The Person: First of all I'm a big fan of your Sealed fic, as well as the WHDAAA fic you wrote about the Sage, Warlock and Sealed Subaru! That said I appreciate the enthusiasm and I do like your theories. Pandora or "Ghost" atm, is doing her own agenda for a purpose. And thank you! I'm still continuing to improve.

Without anything more to say. Thank you for reading. See you on the next chapter!