Selvaria is the name of a great magician.
She never knew who made this motto and when. But their people certainly lived by this saying for the past decades. It wasn't surprising when someone related to their name makes his or her way at the side of the Royal Household, for it has always been their goal. For one, the members of the Main family serve the Imperial House, either as an inventor, personal guard or head of the esteemed forces that defends the country. Then there were also those many genius magicians in the country that are related to this family in one way or another. For this reason, magic affinity is highly regarded. One's latent ability is observed with keen eye right after their birth. So to have heir, more or less a child, with no magic capability at all is considered the greatest disgrace the Clan will suffer. A thing such as that must be avoided, by all means...
...
Their empire is made of three 'pillar' tribe and one 'central' kingdom. In the past, the central kingdom had conquered the three pillar tribe, however to avoid potential rebellion and 'collapse due to handling all the power within oneself' the central kingdom came up with a bizarre system. The three tribes were given the rights to self rule and their only obligation to the empire is to help stabilize the economy and help maximize the resources of their lands. While they sit atop of the three tribes, they promised to promote equal treatment to them by giving the 'prince/princess' title to the rulers of the three tribe.
For years they have thrived well together and build a harmonious civilization. Due to this, their empire gave birth to a culture more different from any other countries in the 'lower ground'. But of course, this empire had a rough road to its current prosperous state. Assassination, civil war, and revolts. All of these are present. There will always be people who would try to spread chaos in their country. However, back then, the rulers had been wise specially the matriarch of the central kingdom.
She founded a system called 'Celestial Assemblage', a selection of magicians who can prove themselves strong and unique compared to others. She had various reasons in doing such a thing. First, she wishes to suppress any future attempt of civil war by making powerful people known throughout the empire. Second, she wants to maximize the potential of their people since for some reason, majority of their population are born magicians. Third, she wants to make sure that the 'power' will not be monopolized by the royalties and nobles of the central kingdom. Fourth and most important of all, she wants them to be turning point on their chase for their noble mission. These people are not necessarily supposed to swear allegiance to the central kingdom. The king quoted it like this: 'their loyalty is to the empire, both the central kingdom and tribes, and not to its monarchs'. They will help the entire kingdom to prosper and must gather when the time comes that their entire empire faces a great dilemma.
As such, their empire went on. Countless talented people came up to prove their worth and became the pillar of strength of the empire.
And so, the empire that is called Einsamgarde* was born.
...
Another notable feature of their empire is the moral code of their society. Adultery, though not officially a crime in their country, is behaviour most looked down upon on. No matter what the reason is, a 'second' woman or man is a title most hated in their society. The term 'second' seemed to be a 'cursed' title to them. For them, a 'second' wife will always be 'mistress' and a 'second' child will never be an 'heir'. And so, no matter how ideal their country might be, it was just a country in the end. It was also screwed and flawed in every corner. It can be merciful but at the same time, it can also be very harsh especially for people like her.
Both her parents were very affectionate. When she was born, her mother used to say, her father rushed to their side and abandoned a million-cikros* worth contract signing. She grew up with both by her side. She is that person one can call a 'sheltered' child, who was kept oblivious that the world is far wider than what her eyes had seen.
...
When she was eight, her father brought her to the Main family's House. She also found out that she had an older brother with her father's first wife. She'd been anxious of this event and it seems like that her instincts did not betray her.
They looked at her with disdain in their eyes but they smile at her with fake respect. They wore the mask of chastity and reverence, but behind it lurks treacherousness and condemnation. Each and every one of them was a fake, adults and children alike. But there is something else that she hates even more. It's the fact that she is one of them too. She twists her words too in front of other people to please them. She smiles with the gleefulness of a clueless child and acts cutely and obediently. She sings praises even when her tongue reeks of disapproval. In the end, she is just like any other human. In the end, she too, wears a mask.
But when she met him, things changed yet again. Because the first thing he did when she faced him was slap her in the face. Without hesitation.
"If you do not understand this world, it's fine. But at least be honest with yourself. This way, even if you live in a cruel world, every step you take will be a fulfilled one."
That was what he said.
Normally, a child like her would not understand.
But she did.
She understood it.
It has been a while since she realized that nothing in this world moves in its 'normal' course. After all, if everyone would have acted normally, humanity wouldn't even exist today.
After that meeting she had never been normal again.
Defiance slips off her tongue naturally. Even a finger wouldn't lift if she's doing something she disliked.
At the end of the day, she realized that the slap he gave her, removed the masked she'd been wearing all this time.
Their treatment of her got worse but she felt better inside. She thought there is nothing they could do to her.
At that moment she did not realize how wrong she was. After all, there are many other clans that are great at magic just like them. But there was one thing that set their family distinct from all others.
That night when she fell asleep, she did no knowledge of the horrible nightmare that awaits her.
...
Forbidden talks usually occur in the dead of the night. But that concept had already been used for so long to the point that making such decisions might actually get them caught easier than keep them safe. Hence, the Head Elder was summoned at the hottest time of the afternoon. He slid into the room with feigned ease as if he was not going to talk about something hideous.
"My lady, I assure you that the patriarch's daughter to his new wife is no threat." He said immediately after uttering the customary greetings. He knew well why he was summoned.
"Sir, you became part of the Elder's Council because of your wisdom through your life's experience. I'm quite surprised you made such a conclusion with only rumours backing you." He heard the shuffling of cloth and the aroma of sweet liquor invaded his nose.
"This humble servant begs your pardon, but I have seen it myself that she is not a magician, even if she masters our martial arts she would still not amount to anything." He bowed deeply as he speaks waiting for what will happen next. He felt a gentle poke on his forehead urging him to rise. He was met by a porcelain cup while he gradually took after a few seconds.
"Sir, if you want to keep your place and wealth, take this advice to heart. You should only judge someone as weak until you have their corpse under your feet." The woman raises her cup telling him to drink his too. As the liquor touches his tongue he finally understood what the woman wants him to. So even until the end, that is what they are meant to do.
...
"Why?" of all the questions that was running on her mind, it was the one that came out. Well, it was probably the only one that she could muster with her strength.
"Selvaria is the name of a great magician, a goi has no place in here. But to appease your little heart, just think of this as the sacrifice of the clan's future. All of this is for our 'noble mission' after all." Ah right, the noble mission. Their people would go to any extent just to fulfil the said thing. Unfortunately, it includes slaughtering a child. Not that the family would be blamed, because no one would find out about it.
This was their specialty anyway,
the line that set Selvarias different from others.
With their silent and untraceable magic, only the Selvarias can do such a thing flawlessly.
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Kouen's eyes had been open for hours now and it seems that it won't be dropping anytime soon. This was supposed to be one of the nights where he would for once, lay down his books and decide to sleep, but the previous dream efficiently jolt him awake and thrown him into a deep pit of thoughts.
He reached for his walking cane by the side of the bed. Trying to sleep will not help him shut his brain at all. Slowly, he tried to balance himself alone. He does not want to bother Kouha who is soundlessly sleeping in the bed beside his. He's not planning to go far anyway, they aren't allowed to do so. Besides lately, it had been difficult moving with the prosthetic limbs. At first it wasn't that difficult because of Zagan's power equipped inside the wooden limbs that allows him to move around as much as he can with human flesh; however he was caught off guard when it suddenly malfunctioned a year ago. He worries that his little brother got caught into some serious mess and it didn't take a genius to realize that it has something to do with the witch of Al Thamen. But Hakuryuu is a warrior of Ren Household, a member of this family wouldn't die so easily.
He took a step forward, staggering a little but managed to keep standing. He had lost all chances of ever going back to sleep now.
He leaned on the wall to keep him steady. He kept the sound of his wooden feet clashing to the wooden floor as faint as he can. Sliding the door open a gust of wind blew towards his face, the faint light from the crescent moon above entered through the opening of the door. Placing one foot over the other he successfully slipped into the empty corridor outside of their room. There was hardly any sound or sign that there were other people living in this place.
With his right hand leaning on a pillar he lowered himself carefully to sit at the edge of the floor, a faint pain emerging on his lower back as he do so. Once he settled himself on the floor his right hand flew towards his back and gently massages it, a sigh escaping his lips.
Breathing in the fresh air of Kou, his tensed shoulders started to relax.
Maybe waking up is not a bad idea at all, such a peaceful scenery inside his homeland is a sight he would forever keep in his memory. The smell of blood and burning flesh does not linger in the air and the heavy footsteps of the soldier's platoon do not ring on his ears anymore.
But then there came a sound he knew so well. His back shoot straight and his senses sharpen. His eyes were scrutinizing the area; his burning red gaze is piercing through the dark shadows on the corner. He cannot be mistaken, that's definitely the sound of clashing swords and it's not too far from them. Now that he notice it, he cannot sense any guard looming around the vicinity, normally by this time he's supposed to have seen at least one of them patrolling but there were none.
He sharply turned back into the room to wake up Kouha. But then the culprit decided to show himself right in front of him. He had to thank his reflexes and past experiences on battle or else he would have had his head cut down for real this time. The person standing in front of him is like a shadow. Not because he wears all black like the traditionally imagined assassin but because this man had no trace of any other colour in him. His entire face down his toes was covered in black as if he was literally a shadow shaped as a three-dimensional human. His weapon, a bizarre looking katana whose blade is shining red landed on the pillar he was previously leaning on.
But the most peculiar characteristic of it that he was able to note in their short encounter is that it makes no sound. It doesn't vibrate in the air, even when it made contact with the pillar it did not emit any noise. Before the man was able to completely retrieve his weapon, the door to their room opened revealing Kouha with a small wooden pale in hand. The moment he laid eyes on the assassin, he quickly threw the pale to his head with a strength Kouen knew was beyond normal. Kouha quickly went to his side.
"En-nii!" he pulled him and distanced themselves from the man. This is not good at all. Not only do they not have weapons, running is also out of question. So they have to pull this through one way or another at the same time call for help as soon as possible. Kouen could simply tell Kouha to do the later but he doubts that his brother would leave him in this state. By now, he already figured out that the guards that are supposed to be nearby were attacked by this man and probably his comrades if he has any.
"En-nii, what do we do?" Kouha asked, anger and worry are both evident in his face. His question exactly. If it is a hand-to-hand combat, they could easily win but he's certain that it wasn't the case at all. That strange sword is bad news and they currently have nothing against it.
Before he could utter any orders, the assassin started to speak in a language that is neither torran or the universal language they use. His sword glows and dark wind surrounded them.
'What the hell is he doing?!' Kouen though while thinking of a way to escape.
...
Huren jumped over the bodies of unconscious soldiers. His steps were wide and moving at his maximum speed. If the enemies already got past the guards then he had to hurry or else he'll be too late. Tightening his hold on the sword he turned one last time and finally reached the princes' quarters in the deep-end of the palace. He was met by the sharp gust of wind moving toward the center of the corridor. The backs of the princes were on him and in front of them is a man that was causing the winds to move sharply.
He readied himself and quickly moved his feet gathering momentum for his attack. He jumped above the princes and swung his sword, which is being covered in a dark light, towards the man. It successfully distracted the assassin and had to cancel the magic he was using. The moment they clashed swords, a dent was formed under the assassin. He poured more magoi into the sword making it release an even greater pressure. But this one seemed more equipped than he originally thought. A magic transfer circle appeared under him allowing him to escape while Huren had to endure the pressure of his fall on the floor.
"Aw, that hurts..." he says to himself while clutching his bleeding nose. Although in pain, a distant noise from somewhere distracted him.
As if on cue, guards came rushing into their direction lead by a disheveled blond boy that was probably the one called Alibaba. He approached the Ren brothers while the soldiers scattered into the area.
"Who are you?" Huren flinched slightly from fright. He turned around to be met by a man with short magenta hair and a mask covering half of his face. He had to stop himself from saying his name or else they'd be in more trouble.
"Lord Strategist! I am a guard stationed in this area, my name is Li Huren." He bowed respectively towards him.
"That was quite an interesting sword; would you mind us having some of your time?" Huren knew that is not a question. He also took note that aside from the busy guards taking care of the vicinity, the rest are looking at him.
"Of course." Seems like their morning would start a little bit too early this time.
...
Alibaba and Koumei were discussing together their plans for the Kou Empire. Alibaba was in the middle of proposing something to him when he was stopped by Koumei. For a second, he did not know what the strategist is doing until he caught slight movement from his peripheral view.
Seriously? At a time like this!
They both moved quickly when the attack came. (Koumei's physical body improved while staying in the Samon Island, though Kouha is still stronger at least he can move fast enough to save his life. :D ) They jumped towards opposite directions avoiding the fast moving figure successfully. When the man stopped, both of them were equally perplexed by the sight. A figure covered in black from head to toe stood before them. No sight of his eyes or the holes of nose can be seen. As if he was a shadow himself. What more is that he carries a bright red katana that speaks of bad news.
Alibaba, though shocked, was able to grasp things easily. He was glad that he still carries a dagger with him for extra precaution. He never thought that his new found strength would be of use in this era, but well who cares, he's in face of danger now. He looked over to Koumei who was fiddling with something underneath his clothes. When he saw the tip of a red paper he figured that those were probably the flame talismans from the research facility last time. Without wasting any more time, Alibaba quickly set off to work. Koumei placed the talismans just on the right places to trap the enemy and was successful to set the culprit on fire. But the culprit seemed to be no easy prey. To their surprise, a magic transfer circle appeared under him, and they weren't fast enough to stop the man from escaping.
Before they could recover, a piercing scream broke through the air. They knew well that it was Kougyoku's voice. They ran to the door and saw many unconscious soldiers sprawled on the floor. They ran over their bodies towards the Empress' bedchamber meeting Ka Koubun halfway to it. The sight that was revealed to them was the same as the one before. Another one of those shadow like guy was assaulting Kougyoku however this time, the culprit didn't fight them anymore and fled the instant he saw them.
"Hime-gimi!" Ka Koubun ran over to Kougyoku's side and tried to calm her down.
"What the hell are these attacks for?" Alibaba asked loudly. Meanwhile, something snapped on Koumei's head.
"Empress!" He called out to his sister. Kougyoku looked over to him, finally getting over her rattled condition.
"Our Lord Brother!"
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"Your name is Li Huren and you were one of the guards in the area where the princes were residing?"
"Yes, I was there when those strange people attacked us, they easily took down my comrades. I, however, managed to fend them of using this sword here." Huren explained; sweat was running down his forehead while all these royalties are staring down at him. A man in a physician's uniform came and whispered something to them. Prince Koumei who looked really tired turned to him.
"Huren, it seems like the other guards are not waking up yet for some peculiar reason, so you are the only witness we have as a source of information. This is a serious matter as this incident is directed to the Royal Family." Huren actually knew that already, and he doesn't really mind. When he was assigned to escort prince Kouen to Samon Island, he was briefed on their current situation as well as the truth about the fake execution. That alone was enough to compensate him for everything he was doing now. To know that he was entrusted of such information was a great achievement for him.
"I will serve You Majesties with everything I have, please ask me anything and I will answer with the best of my abilities." He bowed in front of them clasping his fisted right hand with his left.
"Where'd you got this sword?" He was jerked upright when a voice from the sidelines spoke. That eerily calm voice and the radiating intimidating aura can only come from one person. Prince Kouen was sitting in a chair beside the Empress and even with her expressionless face he can see the curiosity in his eyes while looking at his magic tool that he laid down on the table.
"Yeah, this sword is pretty strong, its power is like that of Leraje's but it's not a metal vessel." Kouha added and even dared to touch it and toss it around in the air, much to Huren's horror.
"Kouha-sama, please don't handle it too roughly, you might activate that accidentally." Huren said getting off his chair and reaching out to Kouha in-case something happens.
"Oh! Anyone can use it too?!" Alibaba exclaimed leaning a little too closer to him. This magic tool is greatly similar to the ones in the magic research facility in the underground, but this man is surely not working there. Information on their researches is also greatly secured.
"Uhm, yeah..." he replied uneasily, feeling that he is letting out a bit too much information.
"For someone of your status, I wonder how you got something like that." It was Koumei who spoke, there is a hint of seriousness in his eyes but he can see curiosity dominating over it. Well maybe it wouldn't hurt to share this thing to them.
"It's actually invented by my sister, she's a magician her name's Hua."
A/n: It's been a while and I think I'll be updating a bit slower from now since school is just a few weeks ahead, my deepest apologies for that. Anyway thank you for reading, I appreciate your faves and reviews~~
Anyway here are some words used in the fic:
Iikhfa (From the previous chapter)-Arabic- meaning 'hide'
Cikros is their currency, this just popped out in my brain, no spec language used.
Einsamgarde from Einsam(Greman) meaning 'lone' and Garde(French) meaning 'guard'
Important note: I'm using google translate so these words might have been used incorrectly, so for native speakers of the language used, I beg your mercy huhuhu~~~
Little Spoiler (because everyone loves it XD, if not please don't read further)
"I told you not to spill those things, didn't I?" She screams while the rest are just looking at them.
...
"Very interesting."
"I'm not interested on sharing them, at least to you."
...
"Com' on, look me in the eye and answer."
"There's no way I can do that without dying!"
...
"This had been a magic used by Al Thamen."