Author note: Trigger warning for the last part of this chapter for mentions of domestic abuse. Nothing is graphically described, but I just want to put it out there that there is a discussion about this.
For those who want to just skip the last part of the chapter because they're uncomfortable with this kind of content matter, skip all the way down after 'Uh, yeah." Dylas nodded a bit, shaking his head. "Not my problem." I will write a TLDR of sorts at the endnote so you won't be left behind.
22. Further Revelations
"Frey!"
No answer. Arganan stared down the chasm, straining his ears in the attempt to hear her.
"FREY!" He called again, louder this time, but there was no answer.
Woolia 'baaed' beside him, trying to nudge his metal leg where he stood. He looked down, realizing that Frey must've brought the little sheep creature on the airship with them on the way here. How he didn't notice until now, he had no clue.
"No." Arganan sighed, shaking his head. "I can' just jump down there." Even if he could make things float, he had a feeling that trying to make himself simply float down there wouldn't end well.
But what do I do? How do I…wait. He faltered, looking towards the path he and Frey took to make it to this part of the forest. Didn't Frey get an airship license? And didn't she park it just outside Yokmir Forest?
The entrance wasn't far. He could make it. Get on the airship, get back to Selphia, and go get help.
"Come on, Woolia." Arganan trying to take Woolia by the paw. Even as it "baaed" in protest, Arganan did not let go. "Don't worry, we're rescuing Frey. But we're sure as hell not doing it alone."
In theory, this plan should've been perfect. It made a lot of sense, given how he was the only one other than Woolia to witness Frey falling down a cliff and so on. However…there were two problems with his plan.
One: He didn't have an airship license. He was more than sure he'd get in legal trouble for it, but hopefully all the important people, like Arthur and Forte for example, could handwave the incident, especially if it was for saving Frey's life.
Two: He had no idea how to drive an airship.
Cue him trying to figure out which button was the 'on' switch. That took like infinity (though it was, in reality, only five minutes) before he finally turned on the airship engine.
And then came the matter of driving the ship all the way to Selphia. Getting the airship high in the air was not the issue. It was making sure it didn't keep tilting every time he moved the steering wheel.
He could at least tell he was going in the right direction, however. He could see that he was getting close to Selphia. All he had to do was land at the port.
Question was…how did you land this thing? He could only wish, as he started lowering the airship with a few buttons, that it wouldn't crash. Woolia the Wooly seemed to anticipate this, letting out another 'baa' in fright.
"I'm trying my best." Arganan managed, swallowing. Woolia seemed to almost glare at him, and he groaned. "Let me focus, okay?"
Woolia only baaed in response.
Most if not all of Selphia's citizens would wake up to the sound of a prominent 'thump,' due to the airship not crashing into the port, but harshly banging into it nonetheless. Arganan didn't really care, glad that he and Woolia survived his hasty and dangerous driving, before making sure the airship was turned off and getting off.
Just outside at the port, Volkanon and Vishnal were already present (Arganan guessed that Clorica was still asleep in bed back at the castle), and Vishnal stared, jaw gaping wide.
"What happened!? Why are you…is everything okay?"
"Frey's in danger," Arganan managed, catching his breath as he looked towards Vishnal, then Volkanon. "I know I'm not supposed to drive the damn ship, but it was either me or the Wooly."
"Where's Frey?" Volkanon asked, brows furrowing with worry as is. "She's not with you?"
"No. We went to Yokmir Forest after a Chipsqueek that stole Frey's charm, and then…she fell off a cliff. We have to back there right now, and…"
"Arganan? Vishnal? Volkanon?"
Arganan looked past Vishnal and Volkanon to see…
"Frey?" How the hell is she here!? Last time he saw her, she fell off a cliff! The former Count approached the Princess of Selphia as fast as he could, almost tripping over his own feet. "How are you…"
"I used the Escape spell." Frey offered him a sheepish grin. "It's okay, I'm safe!"
"But…"
"I fell into some mines and tried to find the Chipsqueek," Frey explained, "But then I had to retreat, so…"
"Frey." Arganan looked her in the eye, swallowing. She could've died down there. And yet she's here. "Please, be more careful."
"I think I was careful." Frey managed, frowning slightly. "I mean, sure, I'm a bit sore from the fall, but…"
"I thought you were dead, okay?" Arganan's voice came out sharper than he hoped, and he saw Frey wince. He bit his own tongue, before averting his gaze from her, shaking his head. "I'm sorry. I just…"
"You had a right to be concerned. I'm sorry I didn't just use the Escape spell rightaway."
Arganan looked towards Volkanon quietly. "You're not going to report this to my niece, are you?"
"Well…" Volkanon faltered, butt hat was when a new voice spoke up.
"Report to your niece about what, Arganan?" Arganan's gaze snapped towards Arthur, who just approached. It seemed the younger man got dressed in a hurry on the way here, given how his usual clothing hung a bit loosely off his frame, but he was awake and alert otherwise despite it being evening. "What's going on?"
"It's my fault." Frey quickly butted in, catching the former Prince's attention. "I fell down a cliff while trying to get a charm back from a Chipsqueek. Arganan got worried and drove the airship all the way here to get help on my behalf. He didn't realize I had the Escape spell, and I should've gotten back to him to let him know I was okay."
Woolia the Wooly baaed a bit and waddled towards Frey. Frey gently petted Woolia, and Arthur looked mildly distracted by the adorable little monster before he looked towards Arganan again. "I'm guessing you don't have a license for driving an airship, do you?"
Arganan could only shake his head. "I wish I did."
"I'm sure that's something we'll have to talk about, in the morning. Right now, however, we should all get some rest."
"I'll look at the airship in the morning." Vishnal managed, and Arganan looked towards him, wincing.
"Sorry if I damaged it."
"It's okay. It can be fixed." Vishnal offered him a weary grin, before looking towards Frey. "We should get back to the castle, Princess. I can help you find the charm in the morning, if you'd like."
"Let's just get some sleep." Frey chuckled sheepishly, and the two, plus Woolia, started making their way back to the castle. Volkanon looked towards Arganan as Arthur also bid the group goodnight and went back to his own home, before the elder butler spoke.
"I'm surprised you actually managed to drive it here without crashing it. Was it your first time?"
Arganan nodded. "Yes."
"I see. Well, given the situation concerning Frey, I am glad that you made it all the way here in one piece to warn us, even if she already was safe in the end." Volkanon took a deep breath, looking the former Count in the eye. "And speaking of reporting things to your niece, she did recently send a letter, but it turned up at the castle by accident."
She sent another letter? "Do you have it?" He asked. "Can I read it?"
"I'll have it sent to the Clinic by morning." Volkanon reassured him. "You can read it then. Right now, you should get some rest."
Arganan wished that Volkanon could just hand him the letter, but he relented. He was exhausted, tired, but also still horrified from earlier. If he and Frey hadn't met, if she had went off by herself like that earlier…would she be dead by now? Would someone else have gotten to her?
He didn't doubt her strength, but he still feared for her running out and getting hurt. It was exactly like he feared, he realized on the way back, when he was still Count and Calista kept running away from the castle. Then again, the fact that he virtually kept Calista prisoner in their own castle didn't help, either. A sigh left him, and he shook his head.
The worry for Frey wouldn't go away, no matter what he did. It was so strong that he didn't sleep a wink.
The next morning, back at the Clinic, Arganan did receive the letter as promised. After a very strong cup of coffee (okay, probably two), he did end up reading it.
Dear Uncle,
I'm sorry to hear that Lady Ventuswill has gotten into worse conditions. It's not just you that reported this to me at this point, but also Frey herself as well as Arthur. I'm sending Therius back to Selphia to assist in this matter, as I've learned from Frey that her condition is connected to the entirety of Selphia as is. I also heard about Dolce, as well.
If you're wondering how I got your letter and sent back one so soon, it seems that thanks to Arthur and Frey's work, as well as the Gurak now having a peace treaty with Selphia, it's helped streamline trading routes and messages to come and go much faster. Hopefully this will help us stay in contact more frequently.
As for the missing original reports on your condition, the only thing I know is that the messenger I initially sent ended up losing them on the way there. However, they haven't been recovered so far, despite our best efforts. Please let me know if you have any new news on your end. I hope this can be resolved soon.
Sincerely, Calista
Arganan sighed, putting the letter down and looking towards Pico, who floated by his shoulder. "Please try not to read over my shoulder next time."
"It was conveniently there to read!" Pico protested, huffing slightly. "Besides Mi'lady wanted to know who it was from!"
"Dolce?" Arganan looked across the kitchen table, Dolce pausing as she sipped her tea.
"I didn't know you had a niece." Dolce managed. "But Frey did tell me about you, some time ago."
A sigh escaped the former Count. "How much did Frey tell you about me, exactly?"
"Let's see…" Dolce put her cup down, before shrugging. "Everything but the niece bit, I suppose. And now, on top of that, everyone's been saying that you crashed the airship last night."
"I didn't crash it!" At least, he hoped he hadn't damaged it badly. "It just had a harsh landing."
Pico giggled at that, giving Arganan a teasing look. "Sure, it's just a harsh landing…"
"Don't make me grab you by the ear." Arganan hissed back, offering her a glare. "You don't want to know what I'm like, both pissed off and not properly caffeinated at the same time."
"Fiiiiine."
Arganan looked towards Dolce, a groan escaping him. "How did you live with Pico this whole time?"
Dolce sighed. "Pico's a ghost, if you hadn't noticed until now. That's how she stayed around for so long."
"I…figured." The Count finally managed, after a moment. That certainly explained all of Pico's shenanigans in the first place, prior to Dolce getting back to normal.
"Yes!" Pico chimed in, grinning ear to ear. "I can't go too far from her, or else I disappear~!"
"Disappear? As in…pass on?" Arganan wondered if he would've been a ghost after dying. Just lingering around Lazulis Castle, or a particular person. Maybe Calista?
"Yup! So that's why I'm here!"
"I see." Arganan looked down at the letter, then up at the other two again. "So, any questions?"
"Questions?" Pico blinked.
"About me. I'm sure you want to know details. And we're living together as is, so we might as well get along, even if I am away part of the day working at Illuminata's shop."
"I see." Dolce paused, then looked him in the eye. "Frey told me you had this thing called the Outsider's power. What is the Outsider, exactly?"
Arganan faltered. He knew he could just ask her to go check out the papers he'd given Dr. Jones and Nancy about the Outsider and so on, but he figured he might as well tell her. "The Outsider was a meteorite that was summoned by my ancestor and a sorceress, numerous years ago. It was a world seed, so it's supposed to create life. However, they used its power to stop a war."
"Really?" Pico's jaw dropped. "That's so cool! So, your powers can stop a war?"
"I don't think I have that same capacity, no. The problem with the Outsider is that it eventually started draining the entire land of life. It's not supposed to stay in one place for long. So the Sorceress split the Outsider in two and sent one half to the Gurak continent. Back in Lazulis, where I lived prior to coming here, I used it to power a cannon we had, meant to wipe out any foes."
"Gurak?"
"Another species of beings. Lazulis did not get along with them. It's only recently that my niece managed to form a peace treaty, with them. And before that, we had another war."
"And your injuries resulted in you ending up here." Dolce ended.
He nodded. "Exactly. And it turns out I have the Outsider's power, now. I'm not sure how much, or if there's more to what I have so far, but I have it regardless."
"Huh." Dolce paused, then looked towards Arganan. "Your letter mentioned missing reports, right? When I went to go visit Arthur the other day, I think I saw a few things on his desk that mentioned that…."
"What?" Arganan's gaze snapped up at her. That shouldn't be possible. It's not like I asked Jones to give the information to Arthur because of our confidentiality and…sure, I told Arthur about my poewrs, but I never gave him any papers about them, which means…Arthur has the original reports.
He had them the whole time.
He gritted his teeth, standing up from the table as he put the letter down.
"Arganan?" He heard Dolce gasp. "Are you okay?"
"It's him." Arganan looked Dolce in the eye. "He has the original reports on my condition and the Outsider. He had them all along." How long? Did he…get them somehow right before he arrived in Selphia? Jones said that he was still waiting on the original reports after I arrived, but Therius later told me, during his visit, that they were reported missing…. "Arthur must've intercepted whoever was bringing them in the first place. He stole them. He knew I was coming to this town, so he dug up literally anything he could on me before he arrived! It has to be him!"
Which means he played dumb, the first day, when we met in person. He knew who I was the whole time. He just didn't want to give himself away! The former Count walked out of the kitchen, grabbed his coat, and put it on.
"What are you doing?" Dolce started, getting up from her seat.
"Giving Arthur a piece of my mind." Arganan felt his voice come out in a growl, but it was hard to control the anger growing.
"Arganan!"
Arganan left, and he wasn't about to let anyone stop him.
Because Arganan knew he couldn't just saunter in, he did knock before entering Arthur's office. Thankfully, the former Prince was unoccupied, so he was
"Oh, Arganan." Arthur looked up at him from his desk. "I wasn't expecting you. Is there something you need?"
"Actually, yes." Arganan extended his hand towards the younger man, raising a brow. "My reports, please."
"What?"
"You stole the original reports and research on my health conditions and the Outsider's power on the way to Selphia. That's why they were reported missing." Arganan spat, taking a step towards him. "You knew who I was before you even got here, but you played dumb when we first met."
"Wait." The younger man paled, standing from his seat. "I can explain—"
"Don't you play dumb again, Arthur! You stole confidential reports that belonged to Lazulis Island and were to be strictly delivered to Dr. Jones and Nancy. When I first arrived, Jones told me that he was still waiting for the reports. Then you came along, the day after. And then the next thing I knew, when Therius visited, turns out that Jones never got them. And it's because of you, isn't it? Fess up already!"
The door to Porcoline's restaurant opened to the left, Dylas barging in. "What the hell is going on?" The former-horse-now-man demanded. "You're disturbing all the other customers next door!"
"Sorry, Dylas." Arganan managed, looking towards him, and then his gaze snapped towards a definitely-shaken Arthur. "Just confronting a thief."
"I didn't mean any harm." Arthur protested, looking towards Arganan. He swallowed, tugging at his collar with a hand briefly. "I believe I must've taken them by accident—"
"How do you just take someone's confidential reports and research by accident?" Arganan knew that Arthur should be glad that he couldn't just straight-up attack him with the Outsider's power, given the limitations of his own abilities, or else he would've thrown him into a wall by now. "Tell me!"
The room went quiet. Arthur looked down at his desk, adjusting his glasses, and then looked towards Arganan, taking a deep breath.
"On the way to Selphia, I accidentally ran into a messenger. We ended up dropping our things due to the collision, and when we picked ourselves up and went on our way, I realized that I picked up one of the messenger's parcels. I didn't open it until after I arrived at Selphia and got settled in. That's when I realized I took the reports on your conditions."
"What?" Dylas looked between Arganan and Arthur, eyes widening. "But…if that's the case, why didn't you just bring it over to Jones?"
"That was what I planned to do," Arthur admitted, "But then I learned that Arganan had the Outsider's power. And some time after that, Sir Therius came with the replacement reports, so I figured I wouldn't need to give them to you if you already had what you needed."
"You still should've given it to Jones." Arganan looked towards Arthur, still glaring. Assuming Arthur was telling the truth, he was glad that it wasn't like Arthur meant to take them. But to keep withholding them, knowing that he had someone else's personal information, wasn't right, either. "That would've been the responsible thing to do. Though I guess you're anything but."
"Excuse me?"
"You literally gave up your position as Prince and ruler of this town to Frey on the first day you came here!" The former Count pointed out. "And sure, I commend the fact that you have been working with her and helping her get adjusted to her position. But it still wasn't fair to spring it all on her, especially given her amnesia. I don't know why you came here, or what you plan to do for your own personal sake. But as far as I've seen, you haven't done a lot of good. And you keeping the reports on the Outsider and me behind our backs isn't helping, either."
"What will you do, then?" Arthur frowned. "Report me to Forte? Frey?"
"Oh, definitely. And I'd report you straight to Ventuswill, if she hadn't collapsed a few days ago as well. I'm sure she'd have something to say about it." Arganan knew he had the upper hand. Arthur had nothing to help him at this point. Sure, business connections were one thing, and it would help with Selphia's tourism and all, but this wasn't going to save the fact that he hid important things behind others' backs. "But since I can't…I'm sure we can negotiate to something better, to make amends for what you've done."
"And those are?" Arganan knew he had Arthur in his grasp, now. He could see the younger man was listening, looking straight at him, as if Dylas in the room with them didn't even exist.
"First, hand back all the original reports and research to me immediately. I definitely don't want you holding onto those, right now. Also include any notes you might've made to yourself about me." Arganan managed. He was glad his voice was a bit more level now, but he still maintained the stern tone he would when giving any punishment, back when he was Count of Lazulis.
"Very well." Arthur nodded. "And the second?"
"It's this: help Frey save Ventuswill. And if you don't, I will certainly make sure you're sorry."
Arthur frowned, but he also nodded. "I understand."
Arganan looked towards Dylas, who looked a bit in shock from the whole confrontation. "Dylas…tell Porcoline I'm sorry about the disturbance, please. And I'd rather keep this between the three of us. I'll Frey as well, myself."
'Uh, yeah." Dylas nodded a bit, shaking his head. "Not my problem."
Arthur did hand back all the information he took, as well as the additional notes he made. Arganan was just glad he got the stuff back, and he did end up going straight to Jones with both old and new information, before going straight to Frey to explain things. Thankfully, today was one of the days that Illuminata and Amber weren't running the shop, so it wasn't like he'd get in trouble for skipping work (though it was for good reason). In fact, Illuminata and Amber were actually hanging out with Frey at the castle when he dropped by to visit, and so he had to explain the entire situation to them.
"Wait, what!?" Illuminata's jaw dropped, and she nearly dropped her cup of Relax Tea along with it. "He was the criminal all along!?"
"He was apologetic, at the end." Arganan managed, looking towards him. "But I still think he should've come clean sooner, at least."
"Was there anything extra that he wrote about you?" Frey asked, brows furrowing.
"I didn't take a good look at it before handing it to Jones, but it was at least a few pages' worth. At least the information is in the right hands, though." He gratefully accepted the salmon onigiri Frey had made, taking a bite and swallowing before continuing. "However, I did also make him help you with whatever efforts you're taking with helping Ventuswill, though. So, at least he's on your side. He and I might not talk much for a while, though. At least not to each other."
Frey sighed, shaking her head. "I'm just glad that neither of you got hurt. I was worried it would turn out into a real fist fight, you know? When Dolce told me, earlier, that you stormed out of the Clinic and towards Arthur's office, I feared that could happen."
"I think he still would've beaten me." Arganan hated to admit it, but he had to. "After all, he's been practicing with his own magic for a while, I assume, given how well he did assist in the battle against Dolce prior to her returning to normal. I'm just glad I got to give him a piece of my mind and get my things back."
Amber looked up from sipping some juice, and towards Arganan. "But things are okay now, right? Other than Venti collapsing, that is."
"Well…" The former Count faltered. How was he supposed to explain it to her? "Relationships are complicated, Amber. Sometimes they can get difficult. But I'd like to hope that things between me and Arthur can get better from here. Whether they do…we'll see."
"Can't imagine it's easy." Illuminata took another sip of her tea. "Why do you think he hid them the whole time, though?"
"I don't know." Arganan wasn't sure if he wanted to know. "Curious, I imagine. But I don't know what he would've done with them. I just hope he keeps his word. He better help Frey help Ventuswill. And of course I'll help her, too, I just…"
He shook his head, recalling the previous night as he looked towards Frey. How he nearly yelled at her. I'm surprised I didn't make her cry. "I don't want to hurt you, Frey."
Frey shook her head. "If this is about last night," she managed, "I know you were just worried."
"But that's my issue." He managed. "That's how me and Calista ended up being so apart in the first place." He faltered, then looked between Frey, Illuminata, and Amber. "Lumie, Amber…mind if you two leave us alone for a bit?"
"It's okay." Illuminata shrugged, getting up. "I gotta go check the stock back the shop, anyway."
"I'll help!" Amber got up as well. After bidding the two farewell and after the two left, Arganan looked towards Frey again, taking a deep breath.
"What is it that you want to tell me about?" Frey asked. "About you and your niece?"
Arganan pushed a few strands of hair out of his face, before speaking.
"I abused her, back when I was Count."
If there was anything he was glad about, it was the fact that at least Arthur didn't know of the full history behind him and Calista. And he was glad that he could talk to Frey on his own terms about it, right here and now.
He saw Frey's eyes widen, but he kept talking. "At first, I thought I was just keeping her in the castle for her own safety. She is my niece after all; I didn't want her getting in danger. But then it got to the point that I had people watching her every move, trying to set her up with a fiancé she hated for the sake of my own political power, and even trying to manipulate the man she's now married to, to get the Outsider's power on my side. I never talked to her much, either. I've probably talked to you more in a few months than I have to her in several years."
He saw her gaze soften, lower lip tremble. He looked down at the floor, but he kept talking. "But then I realized I drove a wedge between her and me. I stifled her own growth…for my own selfishness. I got greedy. And horrible. And she has every right to keep me away from Lazulis for good. She didn't just send me here to Selphia to recover, Frey. She sent me here to make sure she'd never have to see my face again."
"Why didn't you tell me any of this?" Frey asked, and he looked up at her. She didn't seem angry, but rather confused. Worried, even, given the small frown on her face.
"Because I saw this place as a fresh start. It's not like I knew anyone right before coming here. And no one exactly knew who I really was or what I did, either, save for Ventuswill." He pushed a few strands of hair out of his face, before looking Frey in the eye. "And I didn't want to tell you until now, because I don't think you with your amnesia would've helped first impressions. It's not like I want to go around telling people I abused my niece and we're separated now because it's all my fault. I'm sorry that I didn't tell you until now."
"But if she wanted to not talk to you," Frey finally asked, tilting her head. "Why is she sending you letters, then?"
He paused. Frey had a point. Calista could've easily just sent letters to Frey. Or Dr. Jones. Probably anyone else in town but him. "I just assumed it was formalities. Checking to make sure I didn't make any trouble." He thought back to the airship last night, and winced. "Though I imagine I've made more than enough trouble for her, given what we've gotten ourselves into right now."
"That's fair." Frey admitted, with a soft chuckle. She paused, before looking him in the eye again. "I think…honestly? I think you regret it. And sure, you were different back there, but I think you've changed a lot, if that's the case. If you were to see Calista right now, do you think you'd hurt her?"
"I don't know." He admitted. "I'd try not to. But that's not always guaranteed."
"I think something like this will take time to figure out." Frey offered him a soft grin. "But I also think that not all hope is lost, if you two are still communicating with each other. Maybe she wants to reconcile things with you, too."
He looked down at the floor again, and closed his good eye. Would Calista ever forgive him for all that he did? Maybe. Maybe not. But Frey had a point there, too. Maybe she does want to try to patch things up with me. And I want that, too…
Maybe…she might forgive me, at some point?
"Frey?"
"Yeah?"
He looked up at her, offering her a soft grin. "Thanks. For listening. And for being there." He doubted things would be the same if Frey wasn't here.
She smiled back at him, just as softly. "I'm glad you're here, too. And," A chuckle escaped her, "I'll try to be more careful when running off like last night, promise!"
"I can only hope so." A chuckle left him at that. He knew he could only hope.
Author note: Here's the TLDR, for those who skipped the last bit:
After Arganan confronted Arthur, Arthur *did* give the notes and research back to Arganan. Arganan gave the stuff to Jones to check out, before he went to go visit Frey and tell her about what the heck was going on with the missing reports. Illuminata and Amber happened to be there as they were hanging out with Frey, and so the four discuss how all those events went, with Amber wondering if things would be okay now that the situation is resolved. Arganan explained that his relationship with Arthur, as well as relationships with general, are complicated, but he does hope that it'll get better. Frey admits that she was worried that Arganan and Arthur would get into a fist-fight over it all, given how Dolce let Frey know about Arganan going to see Arthur. Arganan reassures Frey that he didn't, as Arthur probably would've beaten him in combat anyway, and Arganan managed to kinda-force Arthur to help Frey with Ventuswill's condition. It's then that Arganan recalls the previous night when he snapped at Frey out of worry, and he recognizes that his anger born of worry was also what led to him abusing Calista (though he doesn't say that bit aloud). Arganan asks Illuminata and Amber to leave so he can chat with Frey privately (and both of them do).
Arganan explains to Frey that, back when he was Count, he abused Calista. However, he also makes it clear that he very much regrets it now, and he feels that Calista will never forgive him (and he doesn't expect her to). Frey, however, points out the fact that Arganan and Calista have still been sending letters to each other during this current time, so it could be a possible sign that she still wants to stay connected to him, giving Arganan hope that maybe, just maybe, he and Calista might be able to reconcile in the future.