Chapter 2: The Truth
It took half a day to travel from Lesalia to Goland. The road to Goland was actually well established since it was the shortest way to the southern Ivalice. But the snowstorm which occurred frequently in this highland made a harsh road way.
Fortunately for the small group consisted of Ramza, Agrias, Ovelia and two Chocobos, the weather that night didn't show any sign of storm. But the snow covered path did prove some difficulty for the Chocobos they mounted. Agrias and Ramza decided that it would be best to lessen their burden by walking, letting Ovelia still mounted on one of them. The former queen, however, insisted that she should walk too, brushing off Agrias objection.
"Why not? I think Rukeios would be grateful if his burden is lessened." So Ramza said. Agrias couldn't give any counter answer, so she let Ovelia down and walked beside her.
However, the former queen quickly realized how difficult it is to walk on snow. Not used to walk such a long distance, and worst on a frozen path ascending to the hill, Ovelia felt she would slip and fell down anytime. Though she didn't complain and just keep walking, trying not to slow down her two companions.
"Do you want to get on the Chocobo?" Agrias asked after watching her struggle for a while, concerned about the well-being of the former queen.
Ovelia shook her head. "No, I still can keep going."
"No need to rush. Just take it easy. Nobody is pursuing us." Ramza was sure Delita wouldn't send anyone to pursue them. After all it was his wish to let Ovelia go. He didn't say it outright, but Ramza understood. Delita wished for Ovelia to have a live unbound and happy. Yet, in the end, he couldn't give it to her.
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"Why are you here?" asked the king. All caution dropped, he sat up on his bed, combing his hair with his fingers. Frustration was clear in his gesture.
"The news about the assassination." Ramza spoke, but didn't elaborate.
"Dead people can still hear, I see." Delita snickered. "So, what do you want to know?"
"The truth."
Delita eyed Ramza. "What makes you think it isn't the truth?"
Ramza didn't answer. He just stared back at him.
"Hmph! So you aren't as blind as those morons of nobles. They think Ruvelia has something to do with it. How wrong they are!" Delita clenched his fist. Anger and sorrow swelled in his chest, ready to explode. Ramza stayed quiet, looking at his friend tormented by the swirling emotion.
Looking at his fist, Delita's anger began dissipating, leaving sorrow behind. He unclenched his hand and stared at the palm that had done the deed. "She said I only used her to get to the throne, like how I used you to interfere with the church's plan. Someday I'll throw her aside, just as I let you struggle alone." He remembered her eyes as she stabbed him. Hate and disgust.
"I stabbed her." He clenched his hand again.
Silence stretched in the room as Delita once again filled with regret for what he had done.
"Say, Ramza, did what I do wrong?"
"You did what you believe was right. And just like you, I did what I believe was right. Right or wrong, no one can tell."
"Hmph." Delita let a small smile slipped on his lips. "She is in her chamber. Take her with you. I have no use of her anymore."
"That's our intention."
"Our? Who comes with you?" Delita knitted his brows.
"Agrias. She went directly to the queen's chamber."
"Agrias…that former bodyguard of her? ...I see." Delita then laid back down, his back facing Ramza. "I told you the truth. There is no other reason for you to be here. No ghost shall be seen in the light of sun."
Ramza nodded. "Live well, Delita." He walked to the window, but stopped before stepping out. "You said you would gladly give your own life to save her. I knew you would keep your words, Delita." Then he jumped out of the window, disappeared into the darkness.
"Sweet talk, Ramza." Closing his eyes, Delita whispered, more to himself. "You too, live well."
AN: Thanks to FFNet for screwing the file format. I can't even add a dash between the paragraphs!
Well...this is a short chapter. I plan this story to be a long one. I have the rough plot in my head, but I haven't planned out the details. So far, I only got 3 chapters down without any significant plot progress. So I bet, it'll take a long time to update. If you like this, I hope you can stay patient. Reviews might push me to write faster. Thanks for reading!