The journey back was slow; exhaustion was evident among the people. After loading those in the worst condition onto the back of the wagon, Alicia drove ahead to Feoh to gather more assistance. It wasn't the ideal situation, but we had to make do with what we had. Our plan was for her to ride ahead, taking those who needed help the most, while I stayed back to watch over the rest.
I ensured there was sufficient light, and everyone gathered together. I kept an ear out for emergencies, pacing around them in a circle, doing my best to ensure their safety. It almost felt like I was a shepherd watching over their flock—though my flock consisted of people, and the potential predators were monsters. Despite the size of our group and the late hour, nothing happened, which was good.
As dawn's first light painted the horizon, Alicia and a convoy of five empty wagons arrived. Knights from Ur manned the reins, vigilant and armed, prepared for any potential attacks. Observing their arrival, I finally allowed myself a moment of relaxation, knowing that professionals were here to handle the logistics. As people boarded the wagons, Alicia came over and joined me by a fallen tree.
"You did a commendable job keeping everyone safe," she said, taking a seat next to me.
"We're lucky nothing went wrong. Frankly, I don't think I have the energy for a fight right now," I replied, fully aware of the exhausting stretch I'd been through. "How did you manage to return so quickly?" I asked, observing the knights assisting people onto the wagons.
"We traveled faster without passengers, pushing the limits to get here," Alicia answered, stifling a yawn. "The journey back will be slower, but at least it'll be safer for them." Her gaze drifted toward Ashley and Aurach, two of the liberated captives. "I can't believe I was blind to all this. How many of my people are still out there?"
"Betrayal has a way of catching us off guard," I remarked. "What matters is that we're aware now, and we can start cleaning up this mess."
A moment of silence lingered before Alicia spoke again. "You're right," she conceded, her voice laden with guilt. "But, this situation should never have occurred in the first place. If I'd been a better leader for my people, I might've... I've allowed these atrocities to happen right under my nose!"
I put a hand on her shoulder, trying to reassure her. "This isn't your fault or anyone else's but those responsible. You couldn't have known, but now you do. You have a plan to root out this problem, and you know they're still out there. It sounds like you've already devised a strategy to mend the damage Beardsley and his conspirators have caused."
The mention of the Prime Minister deepened Alicia's frown. "He... knew I cared too much about my people to think beyond trying to save them," she said bitterly. "My father instilled those values in me—the people always come first. And Beardsley wanted to use that against me."
She fell silent for a moment. "If anyone else finds out and tries to do the same, then..."
"You'll be prepared," I interjected. Alicia looked at me with confusion, so I elaborated. "Now that you're aware they'll exploit your love for your people as a weakness, you can protect against it." I told her, "The first step in solving a problem is acknowledging it. Maybe you could consider implementing a few ways, like giving trusted knights the authority to assume command when you aren't thinking clearly, or making it clear that surrender is not an option."
Alicia's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "You suggest surrendering command to my subordinates?"
I shook my head. "I mean, you're an empathetic leader who can't bear to see her people suffer, and that can cloud your judgment. They know that, and I don't doubt they'll try to exploit it again. You don't have to relinquish command, but establishing safeguards to ensure your love for them can't be used against you is crucial."
For a few moments, she seemed to consider my words.
"You don't have to make a decision right now," I told her. "We have a plan to apprehend Beardsley and his allies; they wasted a lot of resources trying to take out your fortress. You have some time before they'll be ready to try again, but please think about it."
She stared at me for a few seconds, still bearing an expression of contemplation, before giving a small nod. "I will," she promised, as we watched the remaining former captives board the carriages.
"Come, it's time to depart," she declared, rising and making her way to the wagon at the head of the convoy.
Following her, I climbed in and took my seat at her side. It wasn't long after we started moving that I couldn't resist the call to sleep anymore. My eyes were heavy from working all night, my body tired from going so long without rest; and so the slow rocking as we traveled the road eventually lulled me into dreamland.
—-
My nap eventually came to an end, and I awoke still on the wagon with a fair amount of déjà vu.
I was about to stretch out the newfound stiffness when I realized there was a weight on my shoulder. With a glance, I saw blonde hair and the peacefully sleeping face of Alicia. I wasn't too surprised by the sight; she'd been awake just as long as I. However, there's one thing that I can't wrap my mind around: that despite the betrayal she has experienced, she seemed to trust me, and I couldn't fathom why.
If it were any other situation, I think I might understand that she simply has a trusting nature… but after being betrayed by her honorary uncle and who knows how many people from her own guard staff, why does she seem so quick to trust-
"Mhmm…" I blinked as she made a slight groan and readjusted herself.
I briefly considered repositioning her so she would have some better rest, but the idea died as soon as it formed, as her eyes began to flutter awake. "Where-" She asked for a brief moment before looking around, "Hmm, we're still a little way out." She stated, stretching out in her seat.
"How do you know?"
"I've traveled these roads since I was a child," she answered. "I know them just the same as every street in Feoh." She raised her arms, fingers interlocking, and arched her back in a big stretch… I would have to be either blind or oblivious not to notice how elegant that looked. "What kind of Princess wouldn't know her own lands, or travel her own roads?"
"Probably not a good one," I answered. It did make me wonder, though.
"So, please don't consider this rude of me, but-" I hesitated for a moment, every lesson Mom had ever given me about being impolite hitting me at once...
"... Actually, never mind," I backpedaled. Maybe I can find out her-
"What is it?" she pressed, "If it is within my ability to answer, I will."
"Nah, don't worry about it, it's not that important."
"Even so, I would implore you to ask."
I fought back the urge to try and keep denying, and decided to bite the bullet. "... Well, how old are you exactly?" I hesitantly inquired, and for a few moments, I swear I felt Mom's gaze glaring holes in the back of my head, even though she wasn't here.
She raised an eyebrow at the question. "You don't know?" she asked, her confusion evident. After a moment, realization dawned on her face.
"Right, you're new to these lands. Currently, I'm twenty-and-one years old, born in the year six hundred ninety-five of the Second Era, on the first day of Lunaris," she declared, though my expression likely conveyed my further confusion.
"... Alright, twenty-one then." I nodded slowly at the answer. That was a lot more information than I was ready for. I made a mental note to start truly researching the world during my next break... How long have I gone by without knowing how the calendar works here?
"How about you?" she asked. "How old are you?"
"Oh, uh, twenty-two," I replied, caught off guard by the sudden question.
I always assumed she was one of the youngest, but I never learned her actual age.
She raised an eyebrow at the question. "You don't know?" she asked, her confusion evident. After a moment, realization dawned on her face. "Right, you are new to these lands. Currently, I am twenty-and-one years old, born in the year six hundred ninety-five of the Second Era, on the first day of Lunaris," she declared, though my expression likely conveyed my further confusion.
"... Alright, twenty-one then." I nodded slowly at the answer. That was a lot more information than I was ready for. I made a mental note to start truly researching the world during my next break... How long have I gone by without knowing how the calendar works here?
"How about you?" she asked. "How old are you?"
"Oh, uh, twenty-two," I replied, caught off guard by the sudden question.
"Truly?"
I nodded. "Yeah, at least last time I checked."
The blonde hummed for a moment, "… Hm..." she hummed. "When, exactly?"
"Ah, sorry, still trying to figure out the correct, uh, dates from my home to here," I half-lied. "Unless January the fifteenth of two thousand one counts."
That garnered me a few looks from the other people on the wagon, but none more surprised than Alicia herself.
"... Two thousand one?" she muttered in disbelief, and I couldn't help but cough awkwardly.
"We… my homeland, have been counting the years since the dragons vanished, waiting for their return."
… Am I becoming a compulsive liar? I think I might be.
"I… I cannot fathom such a long time. I… Wait, they might have existed around the time of the Goddess!" she exclaimed in sudden realization… and I couldn't help but wince as my lie went deeper than it should have. It's getting out of hand.
"How long ago was that?"
Alicia frowned. "I do not know exactly… Lady Celestine may know, but all I can tell you is that the calendar was reset the day she was discovered as her reincarnation."
I leaned back and looked up at the sky. Fan-freaking-tastic.
How am I going to keep this up? Every time I open my mouth, I can't resist saying something completely false, digging this damn hole deeper. If at any point I get discovered, then… I don't even want to humor the idea of the fallout of that event.
Glancing at the blonde, I saw her brow furrowed in thought as she reflected on what I just told her.
"What are you thinking about?" I asked, although a part of me wondered if I ought to let her draw her own conclusions.
"I think perhaps… Goddess Larentia created the prophecy your people believed in."
…
"Ah… I don't know about that… Maybe if-"
"She has always been able to foresee disastrous events... But, why wouldn't she have told everyone?"
"Maybe don't start jumping to-"
"Could it be that she saw something else? Maybe… dragon loyalists?"
"Stop."
"If that's the case, it would make perfect sense to keep the prophecy of their return hidden and defeat-"
"ALICIA!"
"What?!"
"I appreciate your theorizing about it, but maybe we ought to wait until we can actually ask her about it before crafting our own narrative."
The blonde princess gave me a look of realization and simply nodded. "Yes, you're right," she said, calming herself, as we chose to ignore the looks the liberated slaves had been giving us the entire time.
"I apologize… but still..." she mumbled quietly, her eyes wandering into the distance. "Could it be possible?"
Her question was quiet, more directed inward than towards me. I frowned at myself, pondering my lie and my reluctance to come clean.
One day, this deception will unravel, and the consequences will be inevitable. How can I even try to reveal the truth now? My entire narrative here is built on falsehood, and I never believed they would accept the actual truth…
It's fated to crumble one day, and I'll be powerless to prevent it... But, for now, I should focus on the present.
We rode in silence for the remainder of the trip: Alicia lost in her thoughts, contemplating the revelations I had unintentionally shared, and I was consumed by the realization that my fabrications would inevitably catch up with me. I need to find a way to confess the truth… someday.
In just a few minutes, we approached the fortress, and a couple more brought us to the city. However, upon our arrival, a noticeable absence of people greeted us. Now, I didn't expect a hero's welcome, but it was around midday, if my guess is accurate. Shouldn't there at least be someone going about their business?
"... Where's everyone?" I asked, slightly worried about the situation. "Did something happen?"
Alicia looked equally confused. "Nothing I'm aware of…" she said before her eyes locked onto a guard rapidly approaching the cart.
"Dame Matilda," she addressed the knight. "What is-"
"Lady Alicia, I bear grave news!" the woman said hurriedly. "Former Minister Beardsley is trying to seize power!"
As those words were uttered, we both focused our full attention on her. "I ordered all his powers to be stripped from him!" Alicia protested. "I had given clear instructions that he's to be confined to either his office or his home until I could deal with him!"
"You did… but some members of the guard refused to comply. After they alerted the Dawn Templars to the situation, anyone who adhered to your directives was imprisoned in the dungeon," she informed us. "I managed to avoid it by pretending I hadn't received the command… Please, Lady Arcturus, you must do something!"
Upon hearing this news, I felt something inside of me just, kinda... snap.
I've been working all night to free some captives, fought for hours on end, walked for too long, and my only rest between now and then was a nap that maybe only lasted a few hours at most. I was not in the mood to deal with whatever fucking power play Beardsley had in store for us.
I jumped out of the wagon, earning a few glances from Alicia and Matilda. "Where are you going?!" the blonde called out to me as I began marching toward Feoh's main square.
I didn't stop, keeping my eyes and head forward as I continued forward. "I'm not dealing with whatever bullshit he's come up with," I answered, fists clenching. I could hear Alicia and Matilda follow behind me. "So I'll go punch him in the face."
"He has surrounded himself with knights loyal to himself and the church!" Matilda protested, "You won't be able to-"
"Watch me."
"But what about-" Alicia had begun to speak, but I quickly interjected.
"But nothing."
"Do you honestly think they will let you up to him without a fight?" argued Matilda.
"They will, if they know what's good for them."
"What if they start attacking people?!" Alicia questioned.
"They won't."
If they know what's good for them, at least.
"How can you be so sure?!"
"Because if they try anything, they'll need to answer to the guy who can simply blow them all away."
Alicia paused for a moment before turning to the guard. "Go and gather as many of Ur's Knights as you can; anyone available, to help clean up this mess." With that order, Dame Matilda ran off to do exactly that.
As I went, I observed people gathering in front of Feoh's castle. There was a raised platform in front of the plaza's central statue, providing everyone with a clear view of Beardsley himself and the Dark El-
Wait a minute… What the hell was he doing with them?!
Olga and Chloe trailed closely behind him, their hands bound in chains. Despite the circumstances, Olga maintained a passive and stony expression, with any discomfort completely concealed. Chloe, on the other hand, wore a face that suggested she was about moments away from beating Beardsley to death if it weren't for the fact she was currently chained up right now.
"My dear friends, subjects, people of this good city... you've all been deceived by these witches!" started the old man, addressing the crowd before him. "These Dark Elves have cast a spell on your minds, clouded them with their magic into thinking they are anything but the enemies of the Church!" he cried out with a loud voice… one that lacked any sort of presence to force me to pay attention, though.
"What is he doing?!" Alicia asked as we picked up the pace.
"For she is the Dark Queen of the Northern Lands, Olga Discordia!"
The name was met with gasps and shocked expressions as he let the announcement sit for a few moments. "She has used her magic to deceive you all! She's the one who invaded our great city, ingratiating herself with false acts of salvation!"
As he went on, every part of me lit up with the urge to shut him up. I was way past dealing with the dramatic bullshit of this traitorous son of a bitch.
"For hundreds of years she ruined these lands with her armies, but today... WE WILL HAVE JUSTICE!" he roared, and four mysterious knights, men, flanked the two Elves.
That was when I decided it was time to end this whole farce before it escalated.
"You both may want to cover your ears for a moment," I warned Alicia and the other woman. A moment of realization passed the Princess' face as she threw her hands to her ears, prompting Matilda to do the same. With that done, I raised my head to the sky and Shouted.
"FUS... RO DAH!"
The Thu'um soared skyward, just lightly damaging the buildings on either side of where I stood. But wreaking havoc like that wasn't my objective: I was simply trying to get everyone's attention, and succeeded with flying colors.
Every eye at the end of the road was directed our way, Beardsley looking at us with shock and fear on his face. The silence that followed was almost deafening, but the bastard was quick to try and fill it with his deceit.
"What's this?!" he stammered as we approached. "P-p-p-Princess Alicia?! I thought-" he sputtered. "I-I wasn't aware you had returned."
"What is the meaning of this?!" she cried out, earning a look of surprise from the old man.
He gaped like a fish for a few moments, his mouth opening and closing as he tried to think of something to say.
"W-well, my Princess, we discovered these tw-"
"I know who they are, and thanks to their help, this fortress still stands!" she argued, her voice full of anger. "I witnessed it with my own eyes: these two Dark Elves put themselves between my people and those who would have enslaved us, and worse!"
"And you've been deceived!" Beardsley tried to argue. "They cast a-"
He stopped mid-sentence when I reached the stage.
"What are you doing?! Arrest him! He's not supposed to be up here!"
The men standing guard attempted to block me, but I just tossed them off the back of the stage with little real effort on my part.
"You-You-!" he stammered, voice trembling as he backed away from me, "What are you-?!"
*THWACK*
Refusing to listen to any more of this nonsense, I punched him square in the jaw, the force sending him tumbling back and falling off the stage hard in front of Alicia.
"... Sorry, but I'm not really in the mood for whatever the hell this is," I said to the crowd witnessing this farce. I briefly turned to Olga and Chloe, who were standing on the stage, silently watching the whole thing. "Are you both alright?"
Olga gave a brief nod. "We are well, although I must admit, the situation is not ideal," she said in an even tone, her real feelings on the situation veiled behind her stoic facade.
"You took your time returning," Chloe said after her Mistress had finished. "Thank you for shutting that old bastard up; would have done it myself if you hadn't."
"Well, I mean, if you want, I don't think anyone would be opposed to you giving him a nice kick in the ribs," I said half-jokingly.
"I may… he reminds me too much of someone I knew from long ago."
Was she comparing Beardsley to her old master? Were they similar?
"L-L-Lady Alicia, I-" I heard him stammer at the bottom of the stage. "I have been assaulted! Arrest that-!"
"The only one under arrest here is you," Alicia declared icily, now flanked by Knights from Ur, one of them wearing a more decorative armor than the rest.
"Wha- But he's assaulted me! In broad daylight, with hundreds of witnesses! I have done no wro-"
"We found your journal."
It was all she replied with, but it was enough to drain all remaining color from his face.
He sat there for a moment, struck dumb, before a pitiful "Wh-what journal?" came out, and I couldn't help but laugh.
"The one we found in your office, alongside very…" I struggled for a moment to find the right words. "Personal items," I said at last, not wanting to spell out the explicit details in front of such a large audience.
He glanced up at me. "I- I- Bu-" he stammered, struggling to find anything coherent to say. It was amusing… and frankly, pathetic.
While he struggled to find his voice to retort, Alicia turned to her citizens.
"My loyal people!" she began. "I'm afraid Beardsley is correct: You have been deceived." She then pointed at the man on the ground in front of everyone. "But it is him, not these two Elves, who has done so!" she declared, earning gasps and glances from the people in attendance.
"We discovered that he's been providing insider knowledge to the Black Dogs' invading army, and in an attempt to overthrow Feoh, has compromised our security!"
"You have already felt it, seen his attempts to weaken us: restricting communications, personally hiring traitors into our very guard!" Alicia cried out, and with every word, the mob became more and more unruly. "And that is only the beginning. We are still investigating, but it's clear he still has allies within our city if he could orchestrate something like this!"
With those last words, the mob began looking at one another, at the guards I had tossed off the edge, at the others who remained standing, and at Beardsley.
"Rest assured, however, that I will not allow them to get away with this," Alicia continued. "I swear it to you all, I will get to the bottom of this, and I will purge this disease from our city." She glared daggers at the former Prime Minister, who was currently cowering in front of her.
Now, one would be forgiven for thinking that would be the end of the drama, right? We got the guy, Alicia will start rooting out the corruption, and I'll finally have some time to relax and maybe learn some actual magic… but I could still sense trouble brewing.
And it came when six knights in ornate gold armor I recognized as members of the Church climbed on the platform.
"And who are you?"
They were all women, so I had more than one reason to assume they weren't in league with Beardsley. However, that didn't assuage my bad feeling one bit.
"I am Paladin Cassandra," one of them said, her voice stern and dripping with authority. "Regardless of the former Prime Minister's betrayal, the Dark Queen is still wanted by the Church of Laurentia." She placed a hand on her sword. "We are required to take her into custody."
"Custody?"
The Paladin nodded. "Yes, she cannot be allowed to-"
"She's already in mine," I stated, calmly stepping between them and the Elves. "Beardsley may have tried to take credit for their capture, but they have been with me since we got out of the Black Citadel."
While the truth of that statement was a bit questionable, I wasn't going to let anyone get their hands on these two if I could help it. "And we thank you for your service in bringing her to justice, but-"
"But nothing," I interrupted. "Until I deliver them to Geofu myself, they are my responsibility."
"On authority of the Church of-"
"I don't care if you work for the Church; I'm not-"
Before our argument could escalate, Olga, who had been silent up until now, finally spoke up. "I surrender myself and my subordinate to the Human, James Hind," she said matter-of-factly, gaining both our attention.
The Church Knights were silent. "Very well…" conceded Cassandra after a moment, and with no small degree of reluctance in her voice. "However, I insist she is to remain under armed guard at all times."
I couldn't even get a chance to respond before Olga replied with a simple, "Acceptable."
"Olga…" I started to say in a low voice. "What are you doing?"
The Dark Elf Queen glanced at me briefly. "Regardless of who claims us, we are still prisoners," she said. "At the very least, I would pick who holds our chains."
A frown settled on my face. "I'm sorry," I said quietly.
She gave me an odd sideways look. "Do not apologize without reason."
Once she said that, the Church Knights took up positions all around them as Alicia came up the stairs and onto the stage.
"James, I must attend a meeting with the Commander of the Ur Knights, you escort those two to their chambers." She then looked at the Church knights. "I will also need a few of you to attend as well."
Of the six knights, the Paladin and one other joined Alicia. As they were about to leave, I remained for a moment to watch as two Ur Knights took Beardsley, who was currently a whimpering little pile of shit, to the dungeons. As he was dragged away, I couldn't fight off the smile that creeped onto my face as justice was carried out… but sadly, that brief moment of satisfaction was short-lived as my mind returned to the reality of the situation.
"Alright, good luck," I told her with a brief nod, before looking at the two Dark Elves. "Let's go."
Alicia left to begin repairing her city, and I began to take Olga and Chloe to their room. Figures, one good thing happens, followed by another bad thing.
But I can't say I didn't expect something like this to happen sooner or later, if I was being honest with myself. They couldn't stay hidden forever.
—-
Escorting them back to their place was an unfortunately slow walk, especially with the new revelation that despite my efforts, they were now officially considered prisoners to the Shield Alliance. The feeling of failure was prominent in my mind, and as such I could barely come up with any words to say to them. They must have felt the same, as they barely said anything themselves.
Beardsley hadn't just let everyone in the fortress know about them, he had gotten word to the Church of their whereabouts.
Freedom for them was now next to impossible unless I tried to somehow smuggle them out, but even then it was a near impossible task. We were surrounded by the Church's forces, and they would be locked in their room until they heard from Geofu about what to do with them. The only thing we could do for them was making them at least comfortable while they were here.
"We're here," I announced as we arrived at their quarters. Without a word, Chloe opened the door for Olga to enter. I had expected her to follow suit, but she remained there, holding it open.
Come inside," she told me. It came across less as an invitation and more as a command. I… wasn't in the mood to argue, and gave one look at the church escort we had, who merely nodded, granting me permission.
When I entered, Chloe closed the door gently and went to join Olga on the couch. Seating myself across from them, I took a moment before breaking the silence.
"So…" I began slowly, "We need to figure out how we're going to persuade the Church not to take drastic measures."
I half-anticipated Chloe's reaction to flare up at the mention of it, but to my surprise, she maintained composure — odd.
"Must we?"
"Well, for now, they've got you under arrest. Given the situation, it might be prudent to cover our bases," I explained, recalling everything I knew about the two Elves.
They hadn't intended harm; it was an inadvertent consequence of Olga's magic, and that distinction could weigh heavily in their favor. After all, there's a marked difference between accidental and intentional harm.
As I delved further into this line of thought, a sudden thought struck me. Someone was notably absent, or rather, something was amiss — I'd expected a dog to be bouncing off walls when we arrived. Instead, an unusually quiet atmosphere surrounded us.
"Where's Rex?"
Chloe was silent, as was Olga. They exchanged glances and looked around the room, before the Half-Elf finally said, "When Beardsley had us apprehended, he had the people following him do something with the dog."
Fucker did what?!
"He did WHAT?!"
"He had us knocked out with some kind of gas. I know he did something with your animal, but I have no idea what."
... Alright, fuck interrogating the bastard, I'm going to castrate him instead!
As I stood up and went to leave to go beat an old man, the moment I reached for the door, it opened and in ran-
"REX!"
I could barely contain my relief as the dog ran into the room and began bouncing off the walls… almost literally, even knocking over the armchair after jumping into it. But once he was done running around the room, he quickly tackled me and licked my face with abandon.
While he did so, Alicia stepped into the room. "We found him wandering the grounds," she said, slightly amused. "He escaped the kennel, and from what we can gleam, was looking for either them or you."
I briefly pushed the dog's snout away so I could talk without having a french kiss with Rex. "Thank you for finding him."
"Your gratitude is appreciated… Unfortunately, that's not the only reason I'm here." Her voice was serious, and I could just tell I wouldn't like what she would be telling us.
As I pushed Rex off, he took notice of Olga and Chloe, and immediately went to get his ears scratched, and belly rubbed. "It's bad news, isn't it?"
"Some bad, some good," she clarified, "We're still figuring out how to begin cleaning up the mess Beardsley left us with. Can I rely on your support?"
"Well, since you are currently my boss, and I get to ruin some would-be rapists' day... Yes, yes, you can," I replied as I sat up.
She nodded briefly and closed her eyes. "I appreciate it."
When she re-opened them, her gaze shifted to the Dark Elves.
"Unfortunately, with the Church now aware of your identities, I'm afraid I must place you under house arrest."
"I expected as much," Olga responded, unsurprised. "Will we be confined to this room, then?"
"That is correct. The Church's Templars initially demanded for your relocation to the dungeons until transport to Geofu could be arranged. However, I argued that, since you surrendered willingly, some leniency should be offered."
"A gilded cage, then?" Chloe asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Yes, although I will ensure that the staff still treat you as guests of Feoh."
"And how long are we to remain here?" asked Olga.
"At the moment, we don't know," the Princess Knight answered honestly. "In a normal situation, we would have arranged it as soon as possible. However…" Alicia glanced down at me. "I've received word from the Templars that arrived: Geofu was locked down as well due to the dragon attack."
Worry suddenly flooded me. "Were they attacked too?!" I asked, almost jumping to my feet. Alicia simply shook her head, and the dread drained away, replaced by relief.
"Good… That's good."
"The Church wishes to ensure the threat has passed before they allow anyone to enter."
"... And what's locking down the city going to do, exactly?" I questioned, since dragons can fly over walls... just saying.
However, Olga was the one to answer me. "Prevent their citizens from fleeing into the wilds, a flood of refugees they are not prepared for, ensure the High Queen is safe and secure. There are many reasons for it, all of which they do not wish to risk bringing the 'Dark Queen' back until they have the situation under control."
"That is accurate," Alicia confirmed. "From what the Templars have told me, the situation in Geofu is understandably chaotic. Dragons were nothing more than myth, so undoubtedly they're trying to find some way to calm the situation first before there are any more revelations." She gave a pointed look at the Dark Elves. "As such, you are to remain here until we receive word that it is safe to bring you to the White Citadel."
The exchange seems clear, but if you'd like, you can consider slight adjustments to improve the flow. For example:
Olga only gave a small nod. "I understand." She glanced over at me. "It seems our little agreement will be placed on hold for the time being."
Raising an eyebrow, the Feoh Shield asked, "Agreement?"
I felt my face heat up all of a sudden.
"Ah, um, well, you see-"
"We had agreed that in return for allowing me to study his magic, I would teach him some of mine," Queen Discordia replied simply.
Oh… Well, that didn't sound so-
"To do so, I must sleep naked with him."
-Bad.
Alicia looked between us, stunned. "You would…" she fell silent for a few moments. "Are you certain that's wise?"
"... Which part?"
"Allowing her to study your magic," she clarified, and I was just thankful she didn't ask about the naked part.
"... Well, given we're now at war with what may very well be one of the most powerful armies in history, letting her do this in exchange for higher tier stuff seems more than a fair trade, don't you think?"
The blonde gave me a look of consideration. "I suppose, when you put it like that…" she muttered quietly, before shaking her head. "Anyway, I must go now. I've got a lot of work to do, and I cannot afford to waste a moment."
"Do you need me to do anything?" I asked.
"Not at the moment; I will soon," she replied with a shake of her head, glancing over at the Dark Elves. "Farewell."
With that, she left, and I think it was about time I got some proper shuteye. "I think I'll be going as well. I have a feeling she's going to put me to work soon, and I want to be well-rested for that."
As I left, I didn't hear a reply. A part of me wanted to grab Rex, but right now, I just wanted an undisturbed rest.
—-
It had been a little over a week since we had arrested Beardsley. I never even got the chance to interrogate him myself: from what I was told, he caved the instant he was tossed in his cell. It was kinda disappointing, in a weird way.
After Beardsley confessed, we got to work, arresting and incarcerating a multitude of individuals. Or rather, I was.
Alicia had put the city in a state of high alert, thanks to the Knights of Ur and those loyal to her. Afterward, we divided and conquered, chasing down designated individuals and imprisoning them. She also delved into Beardsley's actions, managing everything on her own. In truth, we both had our work cut out for us.
The corruption ran deeper than anyone expected, from nobles who had paid to have certain women reserved for them or were simply rotten and greedy, to guards who turned a blind eye to the Black Dogs and scouted out potential targets. We were working slowly to hunt them all down. With the generous bounty placed on their heads, along with proof, many common folk were more than willing to expose the men who had tried to ruin their lives.
But now, things had started to slow down.
Beardsley couldn't really tell us anything else. He tried, but he rolled over many of his major conspirators, who then rolled over on their subordinates, who rolled over on their partners.
Which brings us to now.
Alicia sat behind her desk, hands steepled and elbows resting on the wooden surface. Her eyes were closed, and she was deep in thought about what to do about one Ex-Prime Minister Beardsley. She had been silent for most of it, except for an occasional acknowledgement to show she was still listening.
I don't know if anyone else noticed, but it was evident to me that a battle was taking place in her mind.
"He can't be allowed to get away with this!" one of the temporary council members insisted.
Alicia had set up an acting city council, but unfortunately, they could only advise her; she had the final say in all matters. It consisted of one of the Templars from Geofu, the Commander of the Knights of Ur, herself, and a few civilian leaders… Of which I didn't know any of their names.
As for me... I was just moral support, really.
"Such treason cannot be allowed to go unpunished!"
"... I know," was Alicia's simple reply.
Another one spoke up, one of the civilian leaders. "That man is responsible for my daughter's defilement! Justice must be served!"
Alicia had no other reaction than another slow and simple, "... I know."
"Well, what are we going to do about him then? A trial is unnecessary in this case, as this-," the Commander of Ur dropped the incriminating journal down onto the desk, "- contains all the evidence we need to convict him of all his crimes."
"The answer is obvious, isn't it?" Another one spoke up, a noblewoman this time. "There can be only one sentence for a crime of this magnitude."
Alicia remained quiet.
"Be that as it may, he has cooperated since his incarceration. He didn't even try to remain loyal to his new allies," one of the Templars said, laying down a report on the table.
"What do you propose then? Life in prison?"
"I mean, showing him leniency may inspire others to come forward."
"It also shows weakness!"
They'd argued for what felt like hours on what to do, all while Alicia sat silently, listening to them. I wasn't sure what she was thinking, what she was at war with herself over, but I didn't have to wonder long before she finally stood up.
"I have come to a decision," she announced. "I have heard your arguments, and both have their merits." She looked at each of her council. "Thus, we'll have a vote on it, majority rules." Slowly sitting up, she called out to the room. "All in favor of executing the former Prime Minister, raise your hand."
The Templar of the Church didn't. The Commander of Ur did, along with three of the four civilian leaders.
There was no need to see who was opposed.
Alicia looked at the raised hands, and slowly shut her eyes. "It's decided, then…" she said quietly. "Unless Beardsley can provide any more proof… He will be hung tomorrow."
And that was it… with those words, a man's fate had been sealed.
"... This meeting is adjourned."
I waited until the last of the council had filtered out, before I finally spoke up.
"You alright?" I asked the Feoh Princess. "I can't imagine issuing that order was easy for you."
"It wasn't," she admitted, returning to her seat, slumping in it. "I…" she said quietly, eyes downcast and voice shaky. "I don't feel good about it, but this man… he was family when I had none… And now, I'm ordering his death. I have considered many things; ways to punish him that didn't involve taking his life. I thought about exile, imprisoning him for life, but…"
She leaned forward onto the desk. "I have looked through his journal more, looked into his records… " She took a deep, steadying breath. "He… he's been ruining Feoh for a long time… slowly stealing away wealth from the people, lining his and his allies' pockets, hiring traitors for years and sending loyal and good knights and soldiers out to be captured or killed."
"But all the same, I still cared about him once… He helped raise me, and now…"
"You don't want to kill him," I stated plainly. Alicia could only nod, and by the expression she was wearing, it seemed I was right on the money.
She placed her head in her hands. "When I discovered his betrayal… I thought I wouldn't feel any remorse for it. Now that we are here, I can't help but wish there was some other way."
On some level, I could understand that. If what she said is true, then she saw him like an uncle, family… and now, she's forced to be the one to bring him to justice. It can't be easy, but at least she knows it must be done and isn't trying to convince others he doesn't deserve it.
"I'm sorry it's you that has to do this," I said.
"As am I…"
"Do you want me to go and give him the news?" I offered. I wouldn't blame her if she didn't want to see his face again.
Instead, she simply shook her head.
"No… this is something I must do," she said, standing up from the desk. As she walked around it and toward the door, her steps carried a sense of resigned determination. There was little more we could talk about; no reason to delay what came next. I remained with Alicia—strong as she is, without someone like Prim, or anyone else, she needed that moral support.
We descended into the prison beneath the castle. The brown stone, barely illuminated by the few torches on the walls, cast an air of hopelessness throughout the place—a fitting ambiance for the man we were about to confront. The cells, once occupied by Alicia's loyal men and soldiers, now harbored traitors, backstabbing nobles, guards, and one former Prime Minister.
After Beardsley confessed, we got to work, arresting and incarcerating a multitude of individuals. Or rather, I was.
Alicia had placed the city on lockdown, thanks to the Knights of Ur and those loyal to her. Afterward, we divided and conquered, chasing down designated individuals and imprisoning them. She also delved into Beardsley's actions, managing everything on her own. In truth, we both had our work cut out for us.
The corruption ran deeper than anyone expected, from nobles who had paid to have certain women reserved for them or were simply rotten and greedy, to guards who turned a blind eye to the Black Dogs and scouted out potential targets. We were working slowly to hunt them all down. With the generous bounty placed on their heads, along with proof, many common folk were more than willing to expose the men who had tried to ruin their lives.
No one professed innocence down here because, in this place, all the men—and some women—were found guilty of aligning with Beardsley and, by extension, Vault.
Approaching the cell at the back of the dungeon, almost entirely shrouded in darkness, we found Beardsley. His once-clean clothes were replaced with dirty rags, fitting him much better than the finery did. Huddled in the fetal position, there was deep satisfaction within me as I took in his pitiful appearance.
"Beardsley." Alicia's tone was firm. I had heard her use it plenty these past few days; it was one she reserved for those who had earned her contempt.
The former Minister looked up at her. "L-Lady Alicia," he quietly breathed out.
"We've come to deliver the sentence we have deliberated on," she told him calmly.
The old man rose, slowly shuffling toward the bars.
"I've cooperated… I told you who I was working with, what they did, and pointed to where you could find the evidence. I've told you everything I know. Surely, that would warrant mercy… wouldn't it?" he pleaded. Too bad the decision had already been made.
"If your crime hadn't been so severe, it would have," she calmly replied. "However, you have attempted to bring ruin to my city, tried to enslave your own people… tried to enslave me." With each word, he shrunk more. "If you had succeeded… would you have given them mercy? Would you have given anyone you harmed mercy?" she questioned, but… we both knew the answer to that.
Beardsley stuttered in response. "I… I-I-I would have bargained for better treatment!" he weakly defended. "Please, Alicia, I beg of you, I… I made a mistake, I see that now!" he claimed, but each word felt insincere. "I-I fell into temptation, but I've repented! I served you faithfully for your life; I was there for your first steps with your father, watched you swing your first sword, held you when your parents died, helped you become the fine young woman you are today… you've always-!"
"Be silent."
Her voice turned colder, and tears began to build in her eyes.
"Alicia… I-"
Without another word, she turned around and began to walk away, only stopping when she remembered why they came down here.
"Your execution will be carried out tomorrow morning…" she said quietly, leaving without another word.
I remained behind, watching her depart. For a few moments, she wasn't a princess, but simply a person feeling the sting of betrayal. A part of me wanted to leave with her, but it was probably best to give her some space. She needed time to heal.
"You know," I began to say, "I always thought I would have much to say to you; there was plenty of time to think of a myriad of different things to call you out on. But looking at you... I realize now how pathetic you truly are."
"You would mock me?"
"I was going to, yeah," I confirmed. "Don't think I need to, though." He was already lower than dirt.
"I thought I would spend some time kicking you while you were down, but it's almost funny. I don't think there's anything I could say to you that would make you feel any worse."
"Then why are you still here? Leave me!" he all but demanded.
I simply glanced at him through the bars. "Because I spent so much of my time hating you… And now, I wonder why I even wasted the effort to do that in the first place," I said, before leaving to join Alicia. But as I walked away, I could have sworn I heard him start sobbing as I left.
It was music to my ears.
—-
Catching up to Alicia, I found her marching with her head held low. It didn't take a genius to tell she wasn't alright, not that anyone could blame her. I followed her for a while, waiting until she was alone to approach. She ended up on an empty balcony, placing her hands on the railing and looking out at the night sky.
"Why are you following me, James?" Alicia asked, her voice slightly strained.
"Just wanted to make sure you were alright," I said quietly, approaching the railing too, making sure to keep some distance. The last thing I wanted to do was make her uncomfortable. "I... can't even begin to understand what it feels like, but-"
"He was family once," she interrupted. "I appreciate the consideration, but please… I wish to be alone right now."
... Well, can't say I hadn't expected that.
"Alright, but…" I slowly began. "I just wanted to let you know that if you needed anything from me, just ask, alright?" I placed a hand on her shoulder and gave it a reaffirming pat before leaving her be.
I wondered if I ought to have stayed anyway, but she needs space and time to process everything on her own.
—-
Returning to Olga's room, I came upon a strange sight: the Dark Queen herself sitting on the couch, a small piece of meat between her fingers, attempting to teach Rex tricks.
"Paw," she ordered, offering her hand. The Shepherd instantly placed his paw in her waiting palm.
"... Good boy," she said with a small smile, petting the dog as she gave him the small slice. She then grabbed another piece and twirled her finger. "Spin."
As Rex did the little trick and got his next treat, I couldn't stop myself from saying, "I didn't figure you were a dog person."
Olga glanced up at me. "Why wouldn't I be?" she questioned. "They are loyal, intelligent, protective of their owners, and understand their place as pets. They are wonderful animals," she admitted.
But, that kinda sounded like…?
My eyes shifted to Chloe, who observed Olga playing with Rex. It might have been a bit presumptuous of me, but I couldn't help but draw a connection between the two of them. I also sensed a tinge of jealousy in Chloe's gaze; probably because Olga was spending time with him, not her.
... If I could get away with it, I would have given her a 'there-there,' but I wasn't sure where we were standing yet, so I naturally refrained.
"Is there any news?" Olga asked.
"Not on the front you're looking for, but Beardsley has been sentenced to death now that he has stopped being useful," I informed them. "I honestly expected him to at least put up a little resistance, but once a traitor, always a traitor, I guess."
Olga continued to focus on the dog. "Hm," she hummed, "I supposed it is to be expected from one such as him."
"You're certain he will meet his end?" Chloe asked.
I nodded. "If he doesn't meet it at the end of a rope, I'll stab him myself."
And I wasn't joking. If that guy somehow weaseled his way out of this, I would kill him myself, consequences be damned.
"Good." The Half Elf's voice was quiet. "He deserves nothing less for what he has done."
Why did I get the feeling she was talking about what he did to Olga and herself, and not selling out an entire city? Regardless...
"Anyway, I came to check up on you to make sure everything's good; the Church Templars treating you alright?"
"Quite well," answered Chloe. "They have remained civil, even though they know our identity."
"Okay, well, if they stop, just say," I glanced over at Olga, "Anyway, I just stopped by to see if you needed anything... maybe some books to read?"
"We are fine, James," Olga said. "But the concern is appreciated."
Without any reason to linger, I left and returned to my room alone, since Olga and Chloe had taken an extraordinary liking to Rex.
I sighed, slowly undressing, and prepared for bed. Worries about Alicia, thoughts on how tomorrow would unfold, and broader concerns about the future kept plaguing in my mind. I simply wanted today to be over, for this chapter of the story to conclude.
Fortunately, tomorrow this will all end... and with it, the world will hopefully look a bit brighter.
Alicia and I observed as Beardsley was escorted to the stage he had built, now outfitted with a noose. He faced the wrath of the crowd – boos, screams, and objects hurled at him. None of his escorts shielded him from the barrage. His arms were restrained, and he was marched towards his impending demise. A gag silenced his mouth, putting an end to the poison that often spewed from him.
"Traitor!"
"Bastard!"
"LIAR!"
Amidst the chaotic clamor, it was hard to distinguish individual words, but I was certain he caught every bit of the vitriol. With each step, terror etched across his face grew more evident. His eyes couldn't conceal the fear within.
Upon reaching the platform, he began to resist. The realization of his imminent death set in, and he attempted to impede the knights escorting him. He dug in his heels, pushed back, but their grip was unyielding.
As he was forced up the stairs, another knight took the platform. As they positioned him, she commenced her speech.
"Former Prime Minister Edmund Beardsley. For the crimes of conspiracy..."
The calls for his death crescendoed.
"... Treachery..."
The crowd's fury nearly drowned out the knight's litany of crimes.
"... And heresy..."
Despite items being thrown onto the stage, the knights paid no heed. After all, none were aimed at them.
"... You have been sentenced to death by hanging."
I noticed Beardsley's eyes darting wildly. What was he searching for?
"Do you have any final words?" the knight asked, one of her companions removing the gag from his mouth, allowing him one last utterance.
"ALICIA! ALICIA, PLEASE!" he screamed, his voice breaking. "I LOVE YOU! PLEASE! DON'T DO THIS!"
It dawned on me that he was looking directly at Alicia, pleading for his life.
"I DON'T WANT TO DIE LIKE THIS! ALICIA!"
Alicia abruptly turned her head and started to walk away.
Witnessing her departure, Beardsley's pleas escalated. "NO! NONONONONO! ALICIA! ALICIAAAAAA!"
With his final words spoken, the gag was affixed over his mouth again. I could sense his attempts to call out through it, but no sounds emerged. His chest rose and fell rapidly, eyes scanning the crowd, desperate for any sympathy.
When the noose encircled his neck, panic gripped him. He struggled vehemently to escape, to run, to elude the noose and save himself.
But it was futile.
"And now, Beardsley, we send you to the Goddess. May you find peace in her embrace."
All that remained was the pull of a lever.
And Beardsley dropped.
*Crack*
—-
Special thanks to Little White Mouse for proofreading this chapter and putting up with my depressed ass for so long.
AN: Wooo boy…. This is one chapter that I can safely say that I do not like really.
I've looked over this document at least a dozen times now and I still think I am missing something. Like I forgot to alter something or correct a mistake, it is infuriating but… better it get out now than not at all.
It's one of those ones that refuses to be made, has tons of revisions and shit, doesn't want to come out quite right, and is just generally a pain in the ass, and that is not even including the numerous IRL issues that hit me during the process of writing it. Like writers block, a lack of inspiration, a lack of motivation, and a few reviews that kinda poured salt on already painful wounds.
I know this story has problems, and for what it is worth if I could go back and tell myself how to fix them while they could be fixed I would, but as it sits there is not much I can do to change them without altering the fundamentals of this fanfic. While a third chance from Zero seems appealing, I am committed to trying to continue to improve with this version.
Thank you to all the readers who have stuck with me through, I know it can't have been easy but still I thank you. I am trying to improve in what ways I can, and your continued support is a rock in an otherwise unbearable storm.
Now… onto what I want to talk about with this chapter.
I am going to try and refrain from apologizing for it per say, but… Its one of those things where in hindsight it would have worked better if the lead up had been different, but I felt that I had lingered on the whole "Feoh" part of this story for too long, and sort of rushed the ending. Beardsley got his comeuppance, but at the same time… I feel like I had wasted the potential of it… Beardsley as many of you will know is a bastard among bastards, but he felt like barely a villain at all. Like he wasn't really there, you know?
Alicia…. I'm not gonna lie, her character so far feels a bit rushed to me. And that is 100 percent my own fault, since I decided to introduce her DURING the siege and not before. Maybe if she and James had some actual time prior to being forced into a fight for their lives their friendship might have seemed a bit more natural, but as of the moment it feels kinda rushed and I am not sure how to fix it.
I guess my biggest issue with this was that I didn't want Feoh to drag itself out, and as a result made a blind rush to the ending of this section rather than have it end naturally.
But you live and you learn, Next chapter starts a little in-between segment between Feoh and Ur, and I hope y'all enjoy it.
That being said though I am contemplating doing a… sort of Dovah Vs Dogs Redux-Redux, now armed with more experience and knowledge of the source material I could potentially create something even greater, but I don't want to leave this one especially with everyone who is reading this version and invested in it.
Also, since I missed, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas,
Happy late Halloween, Happy late Thanksgiving, and Merry late Christmas. And hopefully a Happy New Year!