A/N
- Cool
Don't worry. I hate harem and polygamy too. That's all I'm going to say. lol
- yuukiko
Yeah. A huge consistent focus of this story will be Satella and Echidna's constantly evolving relationship and attitudes towards each other. Whether it ends in a happy ending or not is another story though. :3
Anyway, just a brief chapter to wrap up the 1st arc~.
Chapter 5: The Sage and His Apprentice
Arc I Epilogue
Prison Tower, Lugnica City
Inside Lugnica's most infamous prison, the Prison Tower, reserved for the worst of criminals and political criminals, the Sage, Flugel, and his assistant, Shaula, make their way towards the cell of Regulus Corneas; the man who kidnapped and attempted a forced marriage on the half-elf, Emilia of the Elior faction, a little more than two weeks ago.
However, Regulus wasn't convicted for his misdeeds regarding the half-elf. Instead, he was convicted for the murders and mayhem he caused at the marketplace. After all, the information about what truly happened still remains undisclosed.
"Welcome, welcome! Nice to see you again! I really appreciate your visits, I really do!" With his golden eyes sparkling like a child's, Regulus greeted his guests upon their arrival. "If there are more well-mannered people such as yourself, the world would be a much better place!"
"Hello, Regulus." Flugel greeted back with a smile. "Have you been doing alright?"
"Oh, no, no, no. Not at all! I'm trapped inside this prison, you know? I'm deprived of my freedom, which is a serious violation of my rights. Not to mention, the guards are all ill-mannered mutes. I try to greet and strike a conversation with them, but none of them ever respond! Talk about serious lack of manners. So, no. Unfortunately, I can't say I'm doing alright."
"How regrettable. Are you being fed well and taken care of, at least?"
"Yes, yes. But while they bring me sufficient meals per day, the food doesn't taste anywhere near decent. Seriously, whoever's in charge of this place has an atrocious sense of taste! I consider this to be another violation of my rights. My tongue holds the right to experience only satisfactory and proper food."
The Sage placed a finger against his chin. "That is a problem, indeed. I can't promise you anything, but I'll see what I can do about it."
"Much appreciated, Sage. You truly are a kind, honorable man."
Meanwhile, the Sage's apprentice, Shaula, is growing annoyed by the rather pleasant conversation. She can only tolerate the farcical conversation, masked with smiles and pleasantries, for so long.
"Ah, what the heck! Both of you, enough of your crap!" She cursed both men. "Let's get straight to the point." Her intense glare landed on Regulus. "Unless if I'm mistaken and you're actually a complete dumbo, you know what we're really here for. Start talking."
Ever since Regulus was arrested by the knights, Flugel has been occasionally visiting him in an attempt to extract information out of him. He's been trying to unearth the real motive behind Regulus' action as well as other possible "connections," such as how he ended up with the artifact, the Ring of Greed. Unfortunately, he hasn't gotten anything useful out of him. Thus, he decided to take a "friendly" approach. However, it appears Shaula might have spoiled that approach already.
Regulus frowned slightly. "What's more to talk about? As I've already stated, I wanted to marry the silver-haired elf because I like her face. It's absurd how exercising my right to love led me to imprisonment."
"Don't get me wrong, I don't doubt your love for the half-elf at all." The Sage accepted with his reasoning. "But I'm curious, how did you find out about her in the first place? Did someone tell you about her? Did someone give you an order to capture her? Perhaps, that someone is an acquaintance from, let's say, a group of friends? An organization? Or perhaps, even a cult? But then again, maybe the faithful moment you first laid your eyes upon her truly was a coincidence. Although, I'm not a believer in coincidences. I'm someone who believes there's a reason for everything that happens. So, do forgive my suspicions if they prove to be unwarranted."
"A cult... you say?"
Thanks to the keyword, cult, Regulus was certain Flugel might have already figured out the extent of his involvement. Actually, he guessed Flugel was probably just toying around with him until he gives in. Thus, he decided there's no point in playing dumb anymore.
An irksome smile rose on his face. A smile that most people would wish to wipe out with a resounding punch to the face.
"Heheheh, you live up to your reputation, Sage. I've heard of you before. The Sage who can tackle and solve any and every mystery, apparently. At first, I thought those rumors were bullshit, but it seems there's some truth to them."
"I'm flattered, but I'm not as great as you think I am. I simply take advantage of the resources at my disposal. Anyway, I take it you're admitting to my suspicion of your involvement with some sort of a large-scale group, then?"
"I suppose you earned the right to be rewarded, Sage. Allow me to introduce myself again. I am Regulus Corneas, an archbishop of the Witch Cult, representing the sin of Greed." He reintroduced himself with a fancy bow.
"Witch Cult, huh? As I suspected." The Sage mused with satisfaction. His face didn't express any surprise at all despite the major revelation.
However, the same can't be said about Shaula. The air around the apprentice suddenly changed.
"Witch Cult." She hissed under her breath. "Now that I know of your involvement with those bunch of no-good vile scoundrels, you are going to spill EVERYTHING you know of them!" She demanded. A hint of wrath glints in her jade eyes.
Regulus was slightly taken aback by the sudden threat. Nevertheless, he didn't falter one bit and he continues on with his smile that can only be described as irksome.
"And this is where you're mistaken, lady. I have the right to remain silent. I'm not obligated to answer any of your questions."
"Heh, is that so?! Well, if you don't have anything else to say, this makes you nothing more than a disposable trash!"
Wide-eyed and face full of malice, a hint of madness was displayed in Shaula's expression.
She raised an arm. Then, it was subsequently followed by the build-up of a sharp icicle in front of her. Her fingers formed the shape of a gun. And with a somewhat maniacal grin, she intends to ruthlessly pierce the greedy man in front of her.
Before she can send the icicle charging towards Regulus, however, Flugel grabbed her wrist and pulled her arm down.
"Shaula, enough!"
"W-whoa!" Regulus gasped dramatically. "D-did you just try to attack me?! Me?! A defenseless man! Seriously! What the heck is up with women these days?!" He pointed an accusatory finger towards her. "You're the third woman who tried to attack a defenseless me with killer intent! Is this some sort of a recent trend or what?!"
"Come on, Shaula. Let's go." Flugel began dragging his apprentice out of the room before things really escalate. "Do forgive her attitude, Regulus. She's really not fond of the cult."
Before she was completely dragged out of the room, Shaula sent one final menacing glare. A warning. A warning that told him, the next time she sees him, he won't make it out alive.
With his "guests" gone, Regulus let out an exhausted sigh before settling down on the floor and leaning against the wall.
"Women are so rude these days."
Commencing a monologue, he recalled the events that took place two weeks ago.
"First, there's that greedy white-haired bitch who claimed to be [The Witch]. Bullshit, I say! There's only one true Witch! She, the princess of darkness, whom the cult revere. The one true Witch. Then, there's that silver-haired bitch who had the audacity to pretend to be my bride! She did all of that to trick me! Are you kidding me?! Although, it's most curious how she looks exactly just like my bride! What kind of sorcery is that?! And finally, of course, there's that girl a while ago. What an annoying show-off. Why is she dressed so inappropriately?! She barely wears anything! I can't believe someone as respectful as the Sage lets her dress like that."
"They're all just – ugh!" He grabbed a handful of his white hair with both hands in frustration. "Just a bunch of rude women who have no regard for a man's rights!"
"Seriously, all I wanted to do was marry that lovely silver elf. Is that too much to ask?! Why do I have to deal with all this bullshit?! I don't really give a damn about the cult and their stupid goals! Showing me a portrait of that lovely half-elf and commanding me, with no regards to my rights, by the way, to 'bring her to us!' But of course, the half-elf has such a pretty face that I couldn't do that, and I chose to marry her instead! But, wait, wait, hold on a minute."
He briefly paused his monologue as he came to a new realization.
"What if… what if the other silver-haired half-elf, the one who shares my bride's face, the one cladded in black, is the one the cult wanted?"
After their brief encounter with Regulus, Flugel and Shaula settled at a café near the area to calm down the raging apprentice.
This is nothing unusual for both of them. Whether it's to discuss important matters and refresh themselves or loiter around for no reason, going to the café is a frequent habit that's a staple of their relationship.
"Echidna was right when she said talking to that man would be a waste of time." Shaula, who accompanied Flugel's visit to Regulus for the first time, admitted bitterly.
"I wouldn't say it's a complete waste of time. After all, we're now certain he's a member of the Witch Cult now that he admitted to it. I had my suspicions, but I needed him to confirm it himself. That fact alone opens up many possibilities and connections. Although, we're left with even more questions than answers. Well, it is what it is. I believe everything will be solved in due course."
He pauses for a moment, taking a sip out of his cup, before continuing.
"Your actions, however, were very reckless. You've antagonized him and as a result, he'll be less cooperative next time."
"But what's the point of keeping that scum alive, master? Do you really believe he has any remaining useful information to tell us?"
"He's a useful source of information, Shaula. And without the peculiar Ring of Greed, he's rather harmless, even if he somehow escapes. It's more beneficial to keep him alive."
The apprentice let out an annoyed huff. "Fine. I'm sorry. I'll try to do better next time."
"It's fine. Don't beat yourself too much over it," assured the Sage with a smile.
"It's just that… I lost control of my emotions when he mentioned he's part of that Cult… the Cult that took everything away from me… I would like nothing more than to see every single member of that garbage Cult burned and destroyed..."
"I understand how you feel. But it's important to always maintain a composed mind, especially if the means to achieve your goals clash against your principles."
"... if it clashes against my principles..." She repeated his words in whispers. "Composure, huh?"
Suddenly, her thoughts shifted to a certain white-haired witch who can be considered the very definition of "composure." Feeling disgusted, she dispels those thoughts away.
Afterward, they momentarily halted their conversation as they happily indulge in the refreshments they ordered from the café. Until eventually, something else of wonder came up within the apprentice's mind.
"Master, are you really sure the girls have nothing to do with the Cult?" She asked after taking a long slurp of her drink.
"I'm certain of it. The Witch Cult existed before the girls even started acting as witches. Thus, we can undoubtedly conclude the Cult aren't influenced by their actions."
"But that's not what I'm asking. I mean, what if it's the other way around? What if the girls are the ones influenced by them? Have you considered the possibility they might be members of the Cult? Or perhaps, sympathizers of the Cult? Hence, the reason why they refer to themselves as witches in the first place."
"No, not at all."
She gritted her teeth in frustration. "How can you place blind faith in them, master?! This is so unlike you!"
"Will you be satisfied if I tell you, I believe in them?"
"Are you kidding me?! Of course not!"
When it pertains to the witches, the apprentice's frustration with the Sage continues to grow with each passing day. She had always trusted her master's judgement, but she finds it irritating how he doesn't even have a trace of lingering doubt about the witches.
It happened that one day, seemingly out of nowhere, when Flugel informed her he solved the witch rumors. Not only did he confirm their existence to be true, but they're also going to start working for him to solve occult-related issues around the kingdom, claiming they will help him achieve a better Kingdom of Lugnica in the foreseeable future.
But of course, she also has no idea about Flugel and Echidna's backdoor Contract.
And perhaps, it's due to paranoia, but she REALLY hated how there are other girls now serving under him.
Ultimately, more than any of the girls combined, there's one person she blames the most.
"It's that girl, isn't it?" She spat, too disgusted to mention the girl's name for the second time today. "Don't you dare think I didn't notice when it seems to me you're always so damn fixated on her for whatever reason!"
It goes without saying they both know who she's referring to; Echidna. While she might have no idea about their backdoor dealings, she always has her suspicions about the witch.
"So, you've noticed. I'm surprised. You're much more perspective than I expected. As your master, I'm very proud."
"Don't dance around the issue, master. Just what the heck is your relationship with her?!"
"Heh, there's no way for me to get around this, is there?"
"No!"
"Well, I guess you can say we're some sort of… kindred spirits."
"Kindred spirits?"
"Yes, kindred spirits. Nothing more, nothing less."
Silence.
And then,
"Haa… haa… HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" She burst out laughing. "Seriously, you're just both trying to make one another dance to your sweet melodies, aren't you?! Well, whatever! At least now I know who I should look out for!"
"I fail to see what's so amusing, but I'm glad you appear to be happy and excited about it."
"Oh, believe me, I REEEEALLY dislike her even more than I did minutes ago!"
This time, the Sage can't help but sigh. "Just make sure to play nice, please? As I told you earlier; composure. That would be your lesson for today, my apprentice."
"Oh, composure, I'll try it, alright! But I can't promise you anything!" With a lovely wink, she continued indulging in her refreshments.
With the issue resolved at the moment by virtue of mutual understanding, Flugel joined with her.
And thus, the Sage and his apprentice spent a pleasant time together until the darkness of night overwhelmed the skies.
A/N
Sooo, next chapter would be the start of Arc 2.
The 1st arc is mainly introduction. But, there were so many things I wish I could have done better or done differently. But whatever. I'm still going to rework a lot of it at some point. :3
Btw, I'm also going to start writing my other fic again for those who kept up with it before! Though, I'm starting it over from scratch again. lol