A/N: Thank you for your reviews, Guest, kuroshiragami0, HRHCatherine (I'm not that busy these following weeks, so maybe I can update frequently; I am delighted with the support I am receiving while writing this one. Thank you for your kind words. Regarding my other fanfic, Suddenly, I Became the Villain's Wife. No worries. I may update that this week. It has been a while since I was able to update that, as my draft years ago was accidentally deleted. The file was saved on my other phone, and I was locked out, prompting me to reset it months ago. I promise I'll update that. That is my favorite Jerza fanfic I've ever written. T~T), and LadyHilariexxx (I love reading your reviews. Thank you for your constant support. I love your observations. Irene did vehemently deny their relationship before, but I guess something's changing. WAHAHA, that's for you to find out. By the way, I love reading theories about the plot. HAHAHA. Maybe you can drop some! /)
To all readers: Thank you for following and fav-ing this story. Happy reading! I hope you enjoy this update!
Irene hastily exited the courtroom. Fuck this bullshit! She cursed to herself, hearing that the trial would be extended for one more day. Her steps clicked feathery against the floor. The archmage followed closely behind her, his expression unreadable as he tried to reach her.
"Irene," he said as he reached out and grabbed her hand.
Irene instinctively turned to glare at him, but before she could protest, she found herself standing in his library in the magic tower. The sudden teleportation left her momentarily disoriented and even more irritated.
"We need to talk," he said.
She pulled her hand free from his grasp, her eyes flashing with annoyance.
"Teleporting us to your tower for a simple chat? That was quite inappropriate, even for the archmage himself," she snapped, moving to sit on a nearby chair.
"Speak your mind. I have no patience for games," she commented as she crossed her legs and fixed her steely gaze on the silver-haired man.
"Just what exactly is your relationship to that child?"
Irene's blood ran cold. How dare he question my relationship with Erza in times like this instead of focusing on taking action against Jiemma? Irene hadn't slept all night, her mind consumed with the thoughts of Erza's delicate condition and the child's desperate longing for her mother. The question snapped the last piece of Irene's patience.
"How can you ask that question when the child's life is in danger because of Jiemma's cruelty? Are you really that detached from reality?" she scoffed, clicking her tongue.
"Or are you perhaps questioning my rights over the child's care?" Irene's brows arched in disbelief as she confronted the archmage.
"No, it's not like that my-"
"No," she interrupted, stepping forward, her eyes blazing.
"You listen to me. Erza is just a seven-year-old child who has suffered immensely because of Jiemma. Instead of wasting time, you should take decisive action to ensure he faces justice. Her condition is deteriorating in the corner while you stand here, asking me such stupid questions."
"I know, but I need you to understand—"
"Understand what?" Irene snapped, her voice rising.
The archmage lost his cool, snapping at Irene, deviating from his usual calm and stoic figure. "The reason why the trial was extended is because of your actions!" he shouted.
"Your assault on Jiemma circumvented the legal process. It had created more problems than necessary. Jiemma can be punished for what he did to Erza, but you can never justify your actions of assaulting him in response."
Irene chuckled in disbelief; her frustration and disdain for the archmage's bureaucratic mindset is palpable. He had always been the thorn in her side, placing an infuriating emphasis on laws rather than common sense.
"Is it then legal to tolerate abuse and do nothing for the child?" she asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm and anger.
"NO, but what you've done was unnecessary. Unless you had witnessed the abuse firsthand, you could have acted that way to protect Erza and then reported it. But your actions of assaulting Jiemma after the fact are problematic. This might result in your prosecution and could damage your reputation if he sues you over that."
Irene's eyes blazed with fury, the whole tower trembling before them. "So, you're saying I should have just waited and watched as Erza suffered, then calmly reported it afterward? Do you hear how absurd that sounds?"
"What is absurd here is you and your rash methods!" he clicked his tongue as he grabbed her hand as she tried to leave again.
"Having such an overwhelming desire to protect the child that is NOT even yours is ABSURD. If Erza was your daughter, you could have justified that it was in the name of protecting the honor of your family. But since the child is not even your relative, in the eyes of the law, your actions are retaliatory and unjustifiable." He said, fuming with frustration as Irene seemed not to see his point.
Irene's patience finally snapped. She pushed the archmage back, her magic flaring as she pinned him against the wall, holding him at a distance. Her eyes, filled with anger, bore into his.
"I have never been fond of your diplomatic ideas. If you think I'll play with this endless bureaucratic nonsense you're spewing, you are wrong. Erza is my priority, and I will do whatever it takes to protect her, even if it means breaking all the laws of this kingdom. I will kill anyone who dares to hurt her, even if it's you," she warned.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, Belserion," she spat, using his last name with a contemptuous edge.
She released her hold on him, and he fell to the ground, catching his breath. Irene turned on her heel, her black cloak billowing behind her as she stormed towards the exit. Each magic torch flickered before plunging the corridor into darkness as she stormed outside.
"If Erza was your daughter, you could have justified that it was in the name of protecting the honor of your family." His words echoed along with her footsteps. She tightened her jaw as she thought of it. You mean to tell me if she's my daughter, I'm allowed to act like that? Unable to grasp the words he had uttered.
Erza found herself walking incessantly in a beautiful yet bewildering garden. Tall hedges formed a maze as she wandered through it. Fear began to creep into her heart. She remembered crying about disappointing Irene for not learning magic. She was extremely distressed and confused about her current situation. She had no idea when she got there. The garden felt cold and isolating without Irene by her side.
"Lady Irene!" Erza shouted, hoping to call her attention.
Her small voice wavered with desperation as she wandered further into the maze, calling out for Irene repeatedly. The flowers and greenery offered no comfort; she longed to see Irene's familiar, warm smile. She wanted to hold her hand, to feel the reassuring warmth that only Irene could provide.
"Lady Irene! Where are you?" she cried as the feeling of being lost grew stronger with each step she took.
"L-Lady Irene," she cried.
Her small body trembled, and she hugged herself tightly. Everything's gonna be fine. Lady Irene will find me. She thought as she tried to console herself. If the ugly duckling's Mama Duck looked for him, then my mama would come and find me. Lady Irene promised not to abandon me again. She will surely find me here.
"Mommy, please. I-I'm scared."
Later at night
Irene sat quietly by Erza's bedside, watching Juliet tend to the child with a gentle touch as she checked her temperature. The room was filled with a tense silence before Irene broke the silence and asked her.
"Juliet, how would you feel if your parents turned out to be alive after the war and then suddenly showed up?" she asked, her gaze fixed on Erza's peaceful face.
"I suppose I'd be happy to see them," she replied, her tone contemplative as she paused.
"But to be honest, it will not change anything in my current situation. I'm 21 now, and I've already made a life here in the kingdom. Meeting my parents wouldn't change much for me." She said as she resumed changing Erza's clothes.
Irene nodded, her thoughts drifting back to the day she found Juliet and Heine after discovering them in a burning village in the aftermath of war. Noticing Irene's gaze drifting back to the child she was tending, Juliet cleared her throat, understanding who the question was directed at.
"But it might have been a different story if I was at her age," Juliet added softly, glancing at Erza. "If I were as young as Erza, the presence of a parent would mean the world to me."
Irene sighed, and her thoughts were finally cleared as she resolved her hesitations. But I can't help but think about what would happen if her real parents ever showed up. Would she still need me? She asked herself, afraid that Erza would come running to her parents' arms instead of hers. She dismissed Juliet and heaved deeply as the door closed. I don't care. I will kill them if they take Erza away from me. She thought as she clasped her hands once more, trying to ease the child's contorting, pained face. The thought had been gnawing at her ever since Belserion made her realize their ABSURD relationship. This time, she wanted to make it clear to everyone. She knew it was selfish. It was a dark, selfish thought, and she hated herself for it, but the mere idea of losing Erza again was unbearable.
"I don't care if you'll hate me for it, Erza. This time, I'll make my intentions clear to everyone."
The following day
Irene stood at a distance, her eyes narrowing as she watched Belserion attending to Erza. The sight of him near the child infuriated her. However, it was necessary to confirm the pieces of evidence she had presented to the court. She watched him check Erza's pulse and examine her for any traces of the magic whip marks that Jiemma had inflicted. His expression darkened, and he spoke.
"The traces of magic in her body are evident to that of a magic whip,"
Rufus noted the findings on a parchment. Irene's hands clenched into fists at her sides, her anger simmering just beneath the surface. She took a deep breath, trying to maintain her composure.
"Are you satisfied now?" Irene asked
"We will make haste and bring justice over the cruelty that Jiemma had inflicted on the child, Irene. I will make sure it is done, and you don't have to attend the trial. All the pieces of evidence you have offered were already verified and authenticated." He said before excusing himself and his assistant.
Somewhere in the snowy woods
A group of hunters huddled around a crackling fire, their breaths visible in the frigid air. They spoke in hushed tones as they shared the meat they had caught.
"Have you heard about the ruckus in the imperial capital?" one of them asked, adjusting his fur-lined hood. "It's been almost two months since the Scarlet Sage returned, and she's already causing quite a stir over a child."
"I heard the rumors. They say it's her illegitimate daughter. Makes you wonder what really happened when she disappeared from the kingdom." Another hunter said, poking at the fire with a stick.
"I don't buy it. Someone told me the child is just an acquaintance, not her daughter. But it's hard to tell what's true anymore."
"Who in their right mind would create such a scene if that child was just a nobody?" the first hunter retorted. "Even the Archmage got embroiled in the conflict. There must be something more to it."
Unbeknownst to them, an owl with dark blue fur perched on a nearby branch, cocking its head as it listened intently to their conversation. The owl's keen eyes glinted as it heard their discussion.
Later in Irene's quarters
Belserion quietly entered Irene's quarters. The room was dimly lit by the soft glow of candles, casting flickering shadows on the walls. Irene looked up from her place by Erza's bedside, her eyes narrowing as she saw him approach.
"The Queen has decided to exile Jiemma and his family instead of beheading him. Execution is no longer an easy route, given the complexities involved."
Irene's eyes narrowed, and asked. "And what complexities justify sparing his life after what he did to Erza?"
"The charges against you were dropped in exchange for showing leniency. The Queen did not want to tarnish your name. It compelled Her Majesty to accede."
"So, does Erza need to die for Jiemma to face the justice he deserves?" Irene asked, rising from her seat.
"I understand your worries; however, the kingdom cannot afford to incite war with Tartaros, a distant kingdom associated with Jiemma. A direct execution could incite war between kingdoms given the situation."
"So political convenience outweighs justice. Typical." Irene's lips tightened into a thin line, her eyes filled with fury.
"No, I assure you he will not escape his punishment." He said as he stared into her brown orbs. "There's one more thing, Irene. Despite their exile, Jiemma's child, Minerva, has been given enough provisions to ensure her survival."
Irene rolled her eyes, clearly uninterested. "Why are you telling me this? Do you think I have time to care about his child after what he did to my child?"
Belserion's face turned sour upon hearing her words, claiming the child to be her child. He composed himself and told her before disappearing. "I know you are logical when it comes to sparing children."
"Logical or not, my concern is Erza. Minerva's well-being is none of my worries." Irene scoffed, her anger unabated.
Next morning
Irene awoke to the gentle sensation of Erza's small hands clasping hers. The touch was soft but firm. She rose from her sleep, her eyes adjusting to the morning light filtering through the windows. As she focused on the child beside her, she saw Erza stirring, her eyes slowly opening. Erza's fever was miraculously gone, and her face lit up with a bright, relieved smile as she saw Irene watching over her.
"Lady Irene," she whispered as she wrapped her arms around hers, finally finding the warmth she had longed to feel.
Irene's heart swelled with relief and joy. She couldn't hold back her tears as Erza reached out and hugged her tightly. The feeling of the child's arms around her, the warmth of her body, and the sound of her voice calling her name again—it was overwhelming.
"Erza," Irene whispered, her voice breaking as she held the child close. "You're awake. I'm worried."
The same dark blue-furred owl perched silently on the windowsill, its keen eyes observing the tender moment between Irene and Erza. It cocked its head as if seeing something suspicious in the tender moment. In a flash, the owl took flight, disappearing into the sky after sensing Irene's gaze directed at it.
The owl flew swiftly through the cold morning air, heading towards a secluded cave hidden deep within the forest. As it landed at the cave's entrance, its form shimmered and shifted, transforming into a tall, long, blue-haired man.
"I was beginning to wonder where you had gone, but it seems that you two had finally met," he said as his voice echoed in the empty walls of the cave, remembering the scene that greeted him.
The archmage stared blankly as he stepped over Jiemma's lifeless body, which now lay motionless with his blood seeping into the snow. His breath came in heavy clouds in the frigid air before he breathed his last, watching the archmage's cold and stoic gaze before he passed away. The cold silence of the snowy woods was only broken by the rustling movements of his robes. Rufus hastily hid Minerva behind his back, not wanting the child to see this part of his master.
"Do not leave any traces," Belserion commanded.
The seemingly diplomatic archmage was far worse than most could imagine. His calm demeanor was masked by a ruthless side, one that only emerged when someone dared to threaten Irene. He killed Jiemma without a second thought, ensuring that no trace of the incident would taint Irene's reputation or put her in further jeopardy. Belserion then turned his attention to Minerva, her eyes wide as she looked up at him, filled with confusion and terror. He knelt down to her level, his expression softening just enough not to scare her further.
"I'm sorry, child," he murmured, placing a gentle hand on her forehead. "You must forget what you've seen here."
A/N: Welp, we've got a two-faced Belserion, don't we? He's an OC, actually; I'm sorry, but giving Belserion a human form is something that fascinates me. You can see my profile in FF. I imagined him to be as hot as that. Though with black eyes, SIMPING AUTHOR HERE. LOL, this PLOT does not follow any canon thing in Fairy Tail, so don't expect something given their context in the series. My STORY, my RULES. Irene is Irene Scarlet here, and Belserion, being a human, doesn't necessarily follow the canon logic explanation either. That will be all for now; kindly leave some reviews! I loved reading them. Wink!