"What is this? Edward requested an urgent meeting with the elders council?"
As the elders walk to the meeting chamber, each putting on their robe, wondering what is the agenda for this meeting. Theories are tossed around, but all of them know the sole reason why Edward himself comes to the Emberlynn manor at night like this.
"He must be begging to see his son now, that henpecked, good-for-nothing bastard." one of them laughs mockingly "Ah…Never in my life had I thought that this day would come, the bright star of House Emberlynn is on his knees, begging for his son."
Some join in with the laugh, it is not every day that they can see this humble side of Edward Emberlynn. Others show concern for his sudden appearance, knowing that he is not someone they should take lightly.
"Heh, if he accepted his duty as Head of House Emberlynn years ago instead of running to that woman, none of this would happened."
"Shh, don't speak like that! Do you want to end up in the hospital like Don Lothario?"
One tries to hush the middle-aged elder, fearing that such provocative words can fall into the ears of the older blond.
The story of Edward Emberlynn refusing to take on the mantle of leadership to be with his wife has gone down in the history of House Emberlynn as one of the most scandalous acts. Back then, the elders opposed their relationship, believing that Rosalina Emberlynn, formerly known as Nobara Minamoto, was bewitching him into a relationship with her. Despite the desperate attempts to separate them, Edward chose to be with Rosalina and passed his inheritance right to his older brother, Alfred Emberlynn.
Despite almost three decades passing by, the elders are still sour by the event, believing that Edward is being selfish for putting himself above the whole family. While Alfred proves to be a noble leader, they can't help but wonder how the future of House Emberlynn could be brighter under the leadership of Edward.
The chamber once again is lighted up with warm and whimsical yellow light, with each elder sitting on their designated seat, looking at Edward and Rosalina who are standing in the center of the podium, a bright white light shining above them, signifying their arrival.
"Let us commence this meeting," Alfred says, his voice carrying the weight of authority "My brother, Edward Emberlynn, has requested an urgent audience with this council to address a matter of great importance."
The council members exchange glances and nod in acknowledgment.
"Thank you for having me today, my lord. My apologies for my unreasonable timing." Edward first shows his respect by formally addressing his thanks and regrets for the urgent meeting "It has come to my awareness that Nathaniel Emberlynn's punishment for his crime is to have his magic energy permanently removed from him."
He continues on how extreme the verdict is and questions whether or not the elders have listened to his side of the story. The council listens to him attentively, some try to bark in with mockeries, and others stay silent and observe how this situation is unfolding. Alfred, sitting in the highest chair, pays attention to each word that comes out of his brother's mouth. He notices the tone, firm yet suggestive, a hidden message that only he can see.
Tapping his finger frustratedly on the armrest, he continues to listen, knowing that Edward is planning something that he wishes to let Alfred know. Rosalina's attention still falls on her husband, nodding at his every sentence. There is no place for her in this manor, the elders are still bitter at the idea that the blond chose her instead of his duty, even when many years have gone by, but she chooses to come with him and becomes his moral support.
"Do you understand what nonsense you are sprouting out, Edward Emberlynn?" one of the elders slams his hand on the armrest, leaning forward with a loud and irritated voice "Your son, Nathaniel Emberlynn, has committed a crime against a civilian. He may be your son, but he is also a member of our family. We as the elders of House Emberlynn have to follow the rules and traditions when it comes to punishing a crime."
"I understand your devotion to preserve the laws and orders of House Emberlynn, however, reducing Nathaniel into a human would not prove anything but an abuse of power. The history of our house only uses that method of punishment for the traitors of our family, not a young talent who made a mistake." Edward points out the fact "And in many generations of House Emberlynn, only two members were punished like this, and they both were the traitors whose crimes were more severe than what Nathaniel did."
Words slowly spread around the chamber, either evaluating the older blond's words or questioning their own rashed decision. Edward's words have lit the fire of division among the elders.
"And what if the punishment is only reserved for the atrocious traitors of the family? A crime is a crime, no more no less. Unless you are trying to take your son's action lightly…?" one of them speaks up suggestively, a smirk spread across his face, mocking Edward's effort to shine a light on the matter "You should know your place, Edward Emberlynn. You are not a prominent member of House Emberlynn for years now."
You should have chosen your family instead of that wicked woman…
That is the underlying tone of the elder's words.
He turns to the elder who just spoke and stares at him. His blue eyes are crystal clear, as bright as the morning sky, yet the depth of them threatens to swallow that man whole.
"I could apply the same logic on you, honorable one. Are you trying to use my son against me just because I chose to remove myself from the inheritance line years ago?"
"Nonsense spouting as always, Edward Emberlynn." he scoffs at Edward, sitting back on the chair and straightening his posture, his eyes are anywhere but at the older blond's piercing stare "This is our final decision, none of your words will change our mind!"
Edward turns his attention to Alfred, who is sighing as he acknowledges the hidden message. Up to this point, his fingers have sent signals to him, tapping against the armrest of his chair with a cryptic message.
Are you sure about this?
"I'm not here to change your mind, I'm simply pointing out how you are abusing your power." maintaining a strong stand, he continues "After all, your son did the same thing years ago yet you chose to give him one year of community service and writing line of House Emberlynn's Book of Laws and Orders."
"W-what are you talking about?" he glares at the couple, appalled at the audacity "Are you threatening me, young one?"
"I'm simply stating a fact. Your son chose to use violence on a civilian because of a love quarrel, just like Nathaniel did days ago." tapping on the wooden handle of the podium, he turns to Alfred again "But it's okay because he is your son and Nathaniel is mine, there is a big different, isn't that right, honorable one?"
I'm sure, but I need you to prolong this meeting so she can do it.
Alfred, still watching everything with his own blue eyes. His brother's request, while proves to be difficult to do, but he accepts it with a nod. Prolonging the meeting is the only way they can give her time.
Whispers fill the ominous air as the elders are glancing at each other, acknowledging what Edward said is true. The middle-aged man grits his teeth angrily, accusing the older blond of being disrespectful of his elders and underestimating House Emberlynn's laws and orders.
"Incompetent fool! If you speak so highly about your son like that, maybe you should at least put some work in and raise him better."
Rosalina stands by his side, holding his hand tightly as she is worried that the claims might push her husband to his breaking point. But Edward turns to her with a warm smile on his face, a reassurance that it takes more than a mere insult to anger him.
"My brother has a point, honorable one. If you choose to give Nathaniel such harsh punishment, we should reconsider your son's punishment as well." Alfred looks at the elder.
"My lord, t-this is… You can't be serious, their situations are different…" he opposes strongly "We need to set a good example for the young ones in our family, especially with Nathaniel as he is your nephew. We don't want the next generation to think that we're being soft on him just because he is related to you and Edward."
Rosalina raises an eyebrow, his reason makes no sense. Nathaniel's relationship with Alfred is nothing relevant to the situation they are speaking of. They can give the same argument based on the elder's logic as it was his son who made the same mistake and still got a lighter penalty. She looks at Edward, silently asking if she should bring in the Minamoto name but he shakes his head lightly, he doesn't want her side of the family to get into this mess.
The elders continue to belittle him and how he raises Nathaniel, taunting the older blond with provocative words and even jabbing at Rosalina here and there. Ultimately, his reasons boil down to the fact that Edward refused the mantle of leadership, which in turn, insults Alfred and his reign as House Emberlynn's leader.
Edward, still wearing a calm expression, glances at his brother. This man dwells too much in the past and refuses to see that Alfred has done a good job carrying the legacy of their family.
Gullible fool…
One who refuses to adapt to change will never be able to see beyond their own egotistic mind.
"Honorable one, are you suggesting that my brother, Alfred Emberlynn, is not a great leader?"
The weight of his question hangs in the air, catching the elder by surprise as he stumbles on his own words, trying to justify his words as nothing more than a mere anger outburst. But Edward continues, not with the nonsense debate but with his firm conviction about the heritage matter.
"No matter what everyone said, Alfred has proven himself as a leader of House Emberlynn after all these years."
While Alfred gladly accepts the praise, he understands the meaning behind those words. He can hear running footsteps underground, a chase of sorts. Glancing at Edward one more time, he silently asks his brother if this is what he truly wants. Without a second of a doubt, the older blond nods his head.
"We will carry out Nathaniel's punishment like how it has been originally planned, whether you li-?!"
"INTRUDER ALERT!"
The door to the chamber slams open, the lower rank members of House Emberlynn run it, reporting shocking news.
"My lord! Honorable ones! Nathaniel has escaped!"
"What did you say?"
Rosalina raises her head, looking at her husband. It seems like Primrose's mission is a success.
"E-Edward Emberlynn, is this your doing? Making us come here so you can secretly get your son out of here?" the elder points a finger at him "Who helped him escape? Who is it?"
"Honorable one, surveillance camera shows it was Primrose Emberlynn."
The chamber is sent into chaos as everyone is now talking about how and why Primrose did what she did. Some accused Edward of leading the rescue mission, others suggest that she did it on her own, and there are talks about how Nathaniel has planned this and got his sister involved. But none of that matters to Edward and Rosalina exchange a knowing smile.
"Enough! It's not the time for all of you to conspire and gossip about this. Send people to find both of them!"
Alfred orders firmly and sighs. Despite the success, he still needs to continue this act because it is Edward and Rosalina's turn to face the wrath of the elders' council. At least they can buy Primrose enough time for her to infiltrate the cells below House Emberlynn's manor to rescue Nathaniel.
"Throw them in jail, now!" the elder points at Edward and Rosalina, screaming frantically "Until Nathaniel and Primrose return, they will not leave this manor!"
"Let go of me, Prims!" Nathaniel yanks his locked arm off Primrose, furrowing his brows annoyingly at his sister "What in the world are you doing?"
"I'm getting you out of here." she replies firmly "We don't have much time, let's go!"
"No! I'm not going anywhere!"
The raven head turns to him, in awe at what he just said. Nathaniel is supposed to be happy that she is here to bring him out of his captive, but all she gets is an annoyed expression.
"Nathaniel, this is not the time to joke around. We need to get out of here, or else, they're going to find us!"
But he sits down on the grassy field, ignoring her words. Primrose looks at her brother, his bright blue eyes no longer shine that brilliant light, they are dimmed and surrendered.
"You go, I'll stay here. There's no point for me to run away if they're going to find me anyway…"
"Are you out of your mind? Do you even know what punishment they will give you tomorrow?" she is taken aback at his words and exclaims harshly "Nat, they will lock away your magic energy forever. You will no longer be able to wield magic!"
But he doesn't care. The moment he chose to pursue Don Lothario, he has given up on everything. His life, Ember, his future, and so much more. Nathaniel curses himself for being useless, for not being able to shield Ember from harm. He is the reason why she is pushed into an arranged marriage, if her life is going to be a living hell, then he has no right to have a happier life than she has.
"Nathaniel, I'm not joking! Stand up now, we need to go!"
Primrose's patience wears thin as she can hear screaming from afar, potentially the people of House Emberlynn trying to get them. But her younger brother continues to mop the floor with his pain and sorrow, completely ignoring her pleas. He is too caught up in the idea that Ember can no longer find and live the happy life she deserves and blames himself for it. But the raven head doesn't need him to continue on this self-blaming act. If time is on her side, she will tell him everything that she and their parents have planned to help him and Ember. But they need to go…
"Nat, please! You have to get up! Mom and Dad sacrifice themselves for you, you can not give up like this!"
"Mom and Dad?"
"Yes, they are in the Emberlynn manor, buying us time to get out of here" she pulls his arm, cursing at how heavy her brother is "We have to go!"
"They're what? I can not go! Why are they doing this?" he snatches her shoulders, the tight grip causes Primrose to hiss in pain "They don't have to do this! It's useless, it's over! I don't care what this family will do to me! But Mom and Dad can't be there."
She grabs him as he turns his heels, planning to return to his captive place. She can not let him do that and holds tightly on his arm, refusing to let him go even when the blond is thrashing in her grasp. Nathaniel yells at her, trying to yank his arm out of her hand, and Primrose is too stubborn to let him go.
Despite her disadvantage in height and physical prowess, she possesses an unwavering resolve to bring Nathaniel out of there. Edward and Rosalina are still at the manor, she can not let their sacrifice go in vain. The raven head doesn't care if her brother has given up on everything and is willing to accept whatever punishment the elders give him, she refuses to admit defeat.
"Let go of me, Prims!"
He yells at her, now using brute force to pull himself out of her grasp, and accidentally causing her to fall on the dirt ground. Nathaniel flinches at the sight, hands visibly shaken. He doesn't mean to…
"There they are! Get back here!"
Blocking the flashlight with his arm, he curses at how bright the light is. He may be a criminal, but Primrose has done nothing wrong. If they get their hands on her, then…
Shaking his head, Nathaniel can not allow that to happen. If House Emberlynn manages to capture all of them, then it is game over for his family. Turning to his sister, he firmly tells her to run and never look back. She needs to escape, he can not let these people touch her, let alone capture her.
Primrose grips the grassy floor tightly, digging her nails into the ground. She is angry and extremely upset at her brother's pessimistic outlook. It doesn't matter if he has committed a crime, because the guy he beat is nothing more than the worst scumbag on this planet. It doesn't matter if Ember is stuck in her parents' vile plan, they will do everything to bring her out of that marriage. Primrose and her parents have come up with plans, ones that promise the best outcome for Nathaniel, but they need his cooperation in order to make them work.
The more she is upset, the more she wants to see Caleb.
Caleb…
If he is here, none of this will happen. He will clean this mess so easily, and if Nathaniel refuses to go with them, Caleb will just knock him unconscious and drag him back to Forgotten Hollow.
Forgotten Hollow…
"There is nowhere to run now. You both come back with us!"
The men try to grab onto them but Primrose is one step faster. With one swipe of her hand, water torrents appear to block the hands that are trying to grab them. Hooking the blond's arm with her own, she pulls out the amulet that Edward gave her earlier. They need to go, they need to escape, and there is nowhere safer than his place…
"Hold on tight, Nat! We're getting out here!"
Rubbing the accessory with one hand, she whispers the name of the destination, and within seconds, a cloud of smoke erupts in the air, wrapping around the young Emberlynns and transferring them to the designated stop…
The Vatore estate…