Chapter 61

Our happiness can only be decided by our own hands.

Kushieda Minori

The next morning…

It was a lovely morning. The birds are chirping, the air is fresh and the sun shines brightly in the greenest forest on Midgard. A perfect day to enjoy your life, but Sagramore will go to Geffen and have a war. What a (forced) waste of such a beautiful day.

Felicia could be seen humming while feeding Salvador with worms. "Eat a lot, Sal. I like you better if you're a bit fatter, you'll look cuter that way" The paladin brushes the wings of her peco, who returns the deed by saying "pok, pok", means 'thank you' in human language. The paladin smiles as she sees Fiorentin comes out from the tent, with such a big smile on her face. Never before the yellow haired girl witnesses the light pink haired girl put such a smile on her face ever since her parents died.

"Good day, Sister. Are you ready for a collision today? Let me take a bath before I join you for breakfast, OK? Ta,ta!" The lord knight cheerfully greeted the paladin; who was raising her eyebrows as Fiorentin takes her leave. "Hm, something good must have happened. Whether she dreamt a beautiful dream or her beautiful dream came true. Well, whatever. She looks better when she is smiling and cheerful anyway" The mother like paladin said to herself.

She turns her view on Frea who was helping Elraven preparing their breakfast. "Why is something inside me telling me that this has something to do with Elraven, hm? I need to know more about this" Felicia continues as she approaches the gunslinger. "El" The girl said as the mentioned man turns his head, "Yes? If this is about the breakfast, the wolf steak will be prepared any minute".

"No, that's not about it. Can I talk to you for a second?"

"Uh, can we talk later? I'm afraid the wolf steak would be roasted too much if I leave it now"

"Don't worry, sweetie" Frea speaks softly to her man, "Go speak with Felicia; I'll watch the steak for you".

Felicia and Elraven knew Frea didn't mean bad, but they can't help not raising their eyebrows when they heard her. Although Felicia didn't feel like she needs to state an obvious reason, a different case with the most insensitive man on Midgard. "Honey" Elraven slowly said, "I will never want to disappoint you in any lifetime, but…you can't…cook…the wolf doesn't have a presence anymore since he's dead, right?". The insensitive statement would make any normal girl went wild and shoot Elraven (for example, Felicia is rolling her eyes at the moment), but Frea is full of patient (you'll need a lot of patient whenever you meet someone like Elraven, this is a fact) so she understood Elraven's insensitivity and replies, "No worries, El my dear. I can still feel the heat, remember?". Elraven makes a face that said "Oh, right. Sorry for what I said earlier" and then goes with Felicia.

"So, what do you want to talk about?" The gunslinger repositions his purple glasses while asking. "Hmm" Felicia shrugs, "Just be honest with me, alright? Did something happen between you and Fio last night?". "No" The gunslinger answered with an innocent face (of course he's face isn't that innocent), "What would possibly happen between Alexandria and me? Why did you ask anyway?".

"Nothing, it's just Fio seems so lively today. And something inside me told me it has something to do with you" Felicia explains clearly as Elraven gave a surprised look on his face, "Damn, she's great at reasoning!! Is that because she is very sensitive? I bet she got her brain from her mother!!! Whenever something happens, she is always the first to come up with her great reasoning!!! Anyway, I don't want to tell her about last night. I need to come up with something!!! Think, Elraven!! Think!! Hmmmm.......oh, yeah!!".

"Nonsense, Fel" Elraven defends himself, "Perhaps she's just in a good mood today!! We're just four miles from Geffen, right? Maybe she only tried to cheer the atmosphere up!!! You know, a kind of leader needs to do thing…". "Elraven, you may be extremely strong in combat, but you're the worst liar I've ever seen. Tell me the truth!" Felicia raised her tone and literally stabs Elraven right into his heart for uncovering his lies in less than a second. And with Felicia keeps staring at him, Elraven feels nothing but defeated, "I…I read her a poem. That's all".

Felicia raises her eyebrows, "Poem? Poem like poetry, you mean?". Elraven quickly nods, although Felicia is still suspicious, "Is that all, Elraven? Nothing more, nothing less?". "Uh, yes", Elraven shrugs "And I don't see why you should make a big deal out of this. I think she really needs to smile more, Felicia. Shouldn't you be happy seeing her happy?". Elraven's words hit a bull's eye on Felicia, who could not even respond. "See? Am I right?" Elraven continues as Felicia slowly shakes her head, "Sorry, I apologize for forcing you. I was just…concerned about her".

"Concerned? Concerned by what?" Elraven does not seem to understand (just like he always does). Felicia silences for a moment before telling the gunslinger, "Well, I don't mean to offend you, alright? But I noticed that for the last one week Fiorentin and you didn't have anymore uppercuts whenever you two meet. And that's strange, I wonder why?".

"What?!! You want me to get beaten?!! That's sooooooo cruel!!!" Elraven shouted in protest. But Felicia quickly straighten the misunderstanding, "No, no. Don't take it seriously, alright? I was just wondering". Elraven grunted listening the answer, but Felicia wishes to continue her explanation because she thinks this is important, "Well, anyway. Hear me out first. While you and Fiorentin being friendly is a good thing, it's not entirely means good. It's not that I have something against you being friendly with her, but can you act not too friendly with her?".

"Huh? What is wrong with acting friendly with your comrades? Shouldn't you always be friendly with your comrades" The gunslinger insensitively asked back. Felicia sighs but understood his insensitivity, "Well, that's pretty much right. But please note that Fiorentin has already got a fiancé. And what you do might…bring some troubles not only for her, but also for the whole Sagramore. And actually, this not only concerns me, but also my parents and George's father as well". Elraven suddenly remembers how Alphard was mad at him when he found out that he danced with Fiorentin. Not sure on himself, Elraven asks, "By trouble you mean…Sir Alphard?".

"Exactly" Felicia responds, "You got it right, El. Sir Alphard is the 'problem' I mentioned before. Not that he is the real 'problem', but his reaction would be a problem". Elraven pauses before asks again, "Well, I understand your concern. But, one thing I still don't understand. What is this big deal about Sir Alphard? Even Alexandria seems a little concerned about this". Felicia is an honest person, but this issue is a bit personal, nonetheless, she decides to tell Elraven.

"Well, this issue is a quite confidential, so I would really appreciate it if you don't leak it to anybody, although of course the people like me, George, Felicia, our parents knew about this since we have known the royalties for so long" Felicia demanded, which Elraven agreed by slowly nodding his head. "When the royalties of Prontera were still alive around five years ago, before Valdomir start attacking, the royalties of Prontera were in the middle of a…heated debate, if I may say it in a polite manner. Now, you see, ever since the kingdom of Prontera was founded around 350 years ago, there were always a problem for the successor of the throne. The royalties were always torn between two sides, the Adlers and the Pendragons. It is said that the royalties were divided into two sides because of their differences of doing things in Midgard. Adlers are the 'softer' side, usually trying to settle things in peaceful ways, where the Pendragons are usually more ruthless. And the two never ceases to fight over the throne of Prontera Kingdom. And so, a 'contest' would be held whenever the throne is about to be succeeded, a duel between the head of both sides. During the last days of Prontera Kingdom, the Adlers were 'led' by King Tristan, where the Pendragons were led by Sir Malvern, Sir Alphard's father. Of course since King Tristan was the last King of Prontera, you pretty much knew the winner, right? You got me until now?

"OK, carry on".

"Good. Back to the story, King Tristan felt the need to settle the ongoing disputes despite his victory over Sir Malvern, so he offered a…deal, political deal. By 'offering' her daughter as Sir Malvern son's bride" Felicia stops for awhile. "A political wedding? Now, we're talking" Elraven said to himself, finding the story interesting. "So" Felicia continues, "Ever since their childhood, they were paired. And of course this 'offer' worked. The two families feuded no more. But, the effect on both Fiorentin and Alphard were not really…good. Knowing their future lives have already been decided in one way or another, they became quite rebellious whenever their parents were not around".

"Come to think of it, Olivia mentioned about Alexandria being a brat during her childhood" Elraven recalls.

"Fio was quite a…brat, when Alphard developed some kind of…psychological issue. He became quite…sadistic. Whenever he meets someone he regards as his enemy, he would not let them…lives" Felicia continues by lowering her voice, trying not to sound as loud as possible. Elraven stood silence, not knowing what to comment. "And" Felicia continues, "He also became very obsessive. He would not let anything he regards as his to be taken by other people". Elraven slowly nods; pretty much know what Felicia wants to warn him about. "The two managed to maintain their 'good faces' in front of their parents, but so is with their other faces. Although the loss of Prontera Kingdom pretty much changed them almost completely, old trait hardly ever dies, especially with Sir Alphard. His mother died when she gave birth to him, so ever since his childhood days, he has been burdened with the need, the feeling to win, and always win", Felicia finishes her story.

"So, you are trying to say, I should back myself off so I won't interfere in their relationship and caused us more problems? Is that what you're trying to say, Fel?" Elraven tries to ensure the paladin's point. "Exactly" A quick respond for the black haired man. "Alright, I pretty much understand your concern, and trust me, I have no ill intention to ruin their relationship or whatsoever. But, one thing cross my mind, if you don't mind listening" The gunslinger gives a signal that he would like to state a certain opinion. "Go ahead" The paladin gives the sign. "Are you sure that is what Alexandria wants?" A very sharp question for the stunned paladin. "Are you sure this 'marriage' thing is what she wants? I know I'm not the one to say this but, both Alexandria and Sir Alphard, they are like…birds in a golden cage. They look happy, but they aren't free" Elraven continues boldly.

"That's…" Felicia tries to reply as Elraven stares at her, "I…pretty much understand your concern, Elraven. But, this is not something to be decided that easy. I knew Fiorentin ever since she was a toddler, and as her friend, I wish nothing more than her happiness. Although I didn't like the idea pitched by King Tristan, I'm also aware that…perhaps this is the only chance for The Adlers and The Pendragons to unite and if Sagramore win this war and Prontera Kingdom could rise as the ruler again, the efforts of winning this war would become vain if the supposed leaders of Sagramore wouldn't want to untie as one, and rule Rune Midgard together, right? So, even if they have to sacrifice their own happiness…in order to create their people's happiness, I believe they would…do whatever it takes, because they are our leaders".

Felicia is a good debater, no one can argue with that, but Elraven is a good combatant, no one can argue with that. "Giving your own happiness to give other people their happiness, I wonder if that kind of happiness would be enough as their reason to be happily live their lives" A very sharp words from the supposedly insensitive man, literally slaps Felicia in her face. "Have you ever seen Alexandria right inside her eyes, Felicia?" Elraven continues asking the stunned Felicia. "If the answer is no, I suggest you better see her eyes. Take a good look on her beautiful eyes, and you will see loneliness. You will see sadness. At first, I wonder why, although she is surrounded by the people she loved, the people who loved her, her comrades, her friends, she could have such eyes? I think now, I know why".

"W…why?" Felicia weakly responds, not knowing some other ways to respond. "Because" Elraven sighs, "No one has ever touches her heart. No one". For a moment, time seems stopping for they yellow haired lady. It is not often that someone would literally 'own' her in conversation. And to think that, the certain someone who 'owned' her was the most insensitive man on Midgard, Felicia could not help but fell into a deep, long silence. "She is surrounded by many people, guarded, loved, but no one has ever touches her heart. No one ever asked her what she truly wants, what she truly feels, how deep her burden is, how deep her scar is. Sure, it's undeniable that you, George, Olivia, and the others were always there for her, to help her live through her rough life. But have you ever seen her cry before?" Elraven continues, still with no answer, "Have you ever seen her hoping for something other than her friends and her people's happiness before? Have you ever heard what she truly wants? Wasn't it you who told me that we should be her cornerstone on living, her supporters? What are the uses of us, if we could not even touch her heart? And see what is hidden deep inside it. Does that mean you want your happiness by abandoning her happiness? Don't you want to understand her?".

For Felicia, Elraven words, one by one, feels like a knife stabbing slowly into her heart. Elraven seems to realize this, but there's no stopping him for now, not when he could state his mind. "Perhaps the loneliness and the sadness carved in her eyes were caused not only by the loss of her parents, but also the lack of love she longed from the people around her. From you, Olivia, George, and so many others. Perhaps the loneliness and the sadness carved in her eyes were caused by the fact knowing that, although she may win this war, she will still not get her happiness, because she have to sacrifice it. Sure, sacrifice is inevitable, but why sacrifice something we could still have? Now, why would you live without your happiness? Don't you think she deserves her happiness, Felicia?". Felicia start looking down to the ground, never before in her life she feels so low.

"I knew what it feels to be lonely, to be covered in sadness. But the people around me, Ropera Squad, they touched my heart. And they saved me, not only my life, but also my soul, my happiness. They were always there for me, as my comrades and as my friends. They treasure my happiness just like I treasure theirs. That's why, if I can help it, I don't want anyone I know, live without someone to touch their hearts and fell into a deep bottom of loneliness. That's why, I will never stop being friendly to her, no matter what. Because I want to understand her happiness. Because I know she deserves to have someone touching her heart and make her happy. If her friends can't do that for her, then I will do that for her. Because she is my comrade, and comrades are not supposed to left each other to suffer alone, right? " Elraven slowly states much to Felicia's dismay.

"He is right" Felicia said to herself, "He is so right, I can't argue single words. How pathetic I am, I've known her for her whole life but not even a single time I truly realized, that she…always feels alone. How come I never realize it? Maybe because I'm too afraid that I will not understand her? When I thought I understand every person I cared for? I am…such a bad friend, huh?" The paladin finished, not knowing what she should say. Heck, she couldn't even think about saying anything anymore. As Felicia still stood in silence, Elraven approaches her and slowly pat her shoulder. "Don't worry" Elraven said, "It's not too late to understand her, and you're sensitive unlike me. You should know her better too, right? Starting from now, just try to understand her a little deeper and you will touch her heart by knowing and understanding her happiness. Alright, Felicia?".

After some moment of silence, Felicia chuckles, "Heh, to think that I would be defeated by Elraven the Insensitive in terms of understanding someone. Guess I'm not that ready to become a mother figure, huh? I need to learn more!" the paladin continues with a little smile on her lips, as Elraven returns the smile, with a big smile of course.

But the smile soon fades and turns into a big jaw drop when Felicia cheerfully said, "Smile while you still can, Elraven. I will do my best to touch her heart, too. I will not lose to you, alright?".

Felicia is 6'2, quite tall for a woman (maybe due to her imposing father's DNA), that's why she can pretty much stare into Elraven's shocked eyes. "Lose? Why would you want to best me? Shouldn't we cooperate to understand her better?" Elraven shouted with a funny face. But before Felicia had any chance on replying,

"Understand who better?"

Pretty much shocked the two young adults. They turned their heads to spot Fiorentin staring defiantly at them both. "Your conversation seems fun, mind if I join?" The former princess straightly asked Felicia and Elraven. But luckily (or should I say unluckily?), a smokes could be seen ascending near their tents, making the three raises their eyebrows. "Let's go back for breakfast, shall we? Honestly, I don't want to eat a darker food than we will have" Elraven quickly suggests much to Fiorentin and Felicia's agreement.

Too bad, by the time they arrive, Frea is seen bowing and continuously apologizes about the breakfast. That day, the four eat the most notorious breakfast they have ever had in their lifetime.

Meanwhile, at Geffen…

Geffen Tower is the geographical landmark for Geffen, known for its creature live inside the tower. Two of the most notorious creatures of Geffen Tower are Count Dracula and Doppleganger. Ever since Valdomir taken the control of Midgard, Lord Dracula has been chosen as The Elysion Guild leader. Elysion Guild has built its power by making Glast Heim and Orc Village as their territory as well as their respective source of warriors. Although they need to fight their way on claiming the orc village. Nonetheless, among the five guilds they stand as the third strongest.

Count Dracula is seen standing in the top of Geffen Tower, with Assasin Cross Eremes and High Wizard Kathryn talking to him. "As Lord Beelzephir has pitched the plan yesterday, Kathryn will assist the Elysion Guild on stopping Alexandria and her companions. I will take Dark Lord and Doppleganger with me in Glast Heim" Eremes politely reminds the count.

"Rest assured, Eremes. I have ordered Orc Lord and Orc Hero to prepare the entire orc soldiers for the upcoming attack by surrounding the outer walls of this city. Sagramore would have to fight their way in" Dracula assures the member of The Quarter Kings. "Outstanding" High Wizard Kathryn comments, "However, we're here also to assist you in solving our one other problem, The Prophecy of Eisenheim".

"As you may know" Eremes points out his comrade notice, "We have been trying to find the prophecy ever since we conquered this city five years ago, but until this very second, the location of where the prophecy is hidden is still unknown. It seems that even with Lord Beelzephir's knowledge about this place and its hidden areas, it's still impossible for us to locate the prophecy. And if we do battle inside this town without knowing where the prophecy is, we might endanger the existence of the prophecy and of course our chance of getting it into our hands. So, today's morning, Lord Beelzephir has come up with a conclusion".

"And what is that conclusion could be?" Dracula responds by asking the two members of The Quarter Kings quickly. "If we can't get the prophecy, no one ever should. In short, feel free to destroy Geffen if it's necessary to ensure our victory against Alexandria and her allies here. If the prophecy were to be destroyed during the battle, than so is it" Kathryn answers with a smirk.

"Very well, then" Dracula ensures politely, "Rest assured, I will bring all my might on defending this town without hesitating. Thank you for the cooperation". Eremes nods and politely replies, "Alright, then I shall take my leave". The assassin cross walked downstairs and meet a female assassin cross, a brown short haired young girl with a blue eyes. "Master Eremes, the preparation in Glast Heim is completed. We predict the Sagramore soldiers will arrive at Glast Heim field in two days from now" The female assassin cross informed. "Thank you, Vanessa" Eremes thanked the girl named Vanessa. "Oh, by the way" He continues, "Have you also located 'her'? Remember, I want her alive". Vanessa points out, "Oh, you mean the girl you want? I have. And rest assured, Master Eremes. I will abduct her out from the battlefield alive, safe and sound".

Eremes smiles after he heard his subordinate, "Good job, Vanessa. I believe Miss Olivia Hammond would be perfect for the newest member of our family. I can't wait to see her in person".

After having quite a burned breakfast, the four continues their journey to Geffen and arrived when the sun is about set…

"Oh, the Geffen Tower is already visible!!! That's Geffen!" Fiorentin cheerfully told her companions when they arrived safely at Geffen's field. "And that's the orcs guarding the city" Elraven, using a binocular, stating some bad news. The orcs have surrounded the entire city. Around five hundred orcs soldiers have prepared themselves against…four people. Inside the city, Dracula and High Wizard Kathryn have been waiting for the literally invited guests.

In order to ensure their victory, the four gathered to discuss some plan on breaking through the city. "OK, here is the plan" Fiorentin starts as the others listen, "I, along with Felicia, will fend off the orcs. I believe the orcs, who are currently led by Orc Lord and Orc Hero, are not the real deal. Perhaps Dracula and some other warrior we don't know, maybe one of The Quarter Kings, have been waiting inside the city, the place where the Prophecy of Eisenheim probably lies. Dealing the orcs will be quite a rumble, so let's keep them outside the town. Meanwhile, Elraven and Frea would barge inside the city and dispose of any threats spotted. It would be great if you two could take Valdomir's warriors inside the city down. Once we conquer Geffen, we will have all the time we need to find The Prophecy of Eisenheim. Are we clear, ladies and gentleman?" The lord knight concludes as the other three nods.

"Well, let's get ourselves prepared then" With that, the four warriors prepare themselves to attack Geffen. Felicia pulls out a wrapped staff like weapon and put it on Salvador. Frea prepares her mighty staff. Elraven prepares his HAVOX and his purple glasses. And the last but not least, Fiorentin is preparing her Claymore and some more tactics.

Fifteen minutes later, in the fields of Geffen…

Orcs are the creature known for their brute strength and gigantic sizes. Orc Lord and Orc Hero are the strongest of the orcs. Leading approximately four hundred orc soldiers, the two stood quietly among their soldiers. "Are you sure Sagramore will attack us anytime soon, Chief? It seems to me that, after waiting all day long in here, we're only wasting our time" Orc Hero comments on the current condition. After waiting all day long they didn't meet any of the informed oppositions. The orcs soldiers are looking really tired.

"No other choice, boy" Orc Lord replies, "This is the only thing we can do, to avoid further extinction to our race in the hands of Valdomir, just like they did several years ago". Just when the gigantic Orc finishes, something glowing could be seen flying in the sky. "What is that?!! An angel?" The orcs surprised to see the glowing creature landed right between them. "Not quite an angel" Elraven said as he pulls out his HAVOX, "You should add, from darkness".

Elraven pulls the trigger, spins, and starts the massacre, as thousands and thousands of merciless bullets start running wild and pierced through anything they touch. The orcs didn't even have the slightest chance to defend themselves.

'PYAASSHH!!!' . 'CRAAAASH!!!'. 'DRUAASSSH!!!'. 'CREAAAKK!!!'.

Bloods and fleshes scattered, splattered everywhere throughout the Geffen field. Bones are broken, and skins are tore.

"HUAAAAAAAAKKKH!!!". "GYAAAAHHH!!!". "AAAAAAAGGHH!!!".

Screams, cursed, and roars could be heard echoing as the darkness of night start covering the land. Before the mighty HAVOX, even the strongest the orcs could offer stood no single chance. Elraven keeps shooting with determined eyes, the very eyes he always puts whenever he's in the midst of a battle. Those eyes never shown any mercy for his adversaries, showed them nothing but their untimely deaths. Orc Lord and Orc Hero could not help but watch as their soldiers got destroyed, dozen by dozen, bits by bits.

But Elraven realizes that this is only part of Fiorentin's plan to ease their way inside the city, as he slowly stops pulling the trigger and forming a light sphere from his left hand. The gunslinger quickly hits the light sphere to the ground, as a bright light shined as blinded the orcs. "Now!!" Elraven gives a sign when Felicia, Frea, and Fiorentin runs through the field and quickly placed themselves among the orcs.

"Quick, get inside the town!!! We will defeat the orcs in here!!!" Fiorentin told Elraven and Frea as Elraven grabs the soul linker and flies in the air, speed directly towards Geffen. Fiorentin and Felicia wastes no time to slay their still blinded enemies. Felicia, with Saber on her right and mirror shield on her left, dashed between bunches of orc soldiers and slashes her respective sword, killing one of the orcs. As another orcs regain his sight and tries to attack her from behind, she dodges the attack by lowering herself near the ground and strikes back right on the orc's head. Three other orcs dash toward her, as she quickly charged a shield guard to greet their axes, and blowing them off the air. "Not bad for a human" Felicia turns her head and witnesses Orc Hero is standing not far from her. "Here comes the big fish" Felicia mutters as she readies a stance.

Fiorentin was not really different. Even when the orcs have gained their sight back, she showed no slowing on her pace. With one single slash, she cuts five orcs at the same time. A dozen of orcs tried to gang up on her, but she quickly bested their speed and hit the magnum break, killing the group. She heard loud roars from her behind, without even seeing she knew it's just another group of orcs. The former princess not wasting any of her time as she hits the magnum break on the ground and shook the group off, clearing her path.

"As expected from Alexandria. I bet the angel attack earlier was also your plan, right?" A high toned voice could be heard in Fiorentin's ears, as she sees Orc Lord is approaching her with an attacking stance. "Orc Lord himself comes out this fast, this will be a challenge alright" The lord knight smiles and readies a stance

Meanwhile, inside Geffen…

Elraven and Frea arrive inside Geffen, to find the town is quite calm. No noises or signs of people living inside it. But their opponents aren't completely unaware of their comings.

"Greetings, Angel of Darkness and Leader of Palamedes. My name is High Wizard Kathryn one of The Quarter Kings serving for Valdomir Kingdom. Nice to meet you both" Kathryn, standing in one of the building rooftop's, greets the two couple. "I see you two make quite a nice breakthrough inside this town. But, I'm afraid this is as far as you can go" The high wizard continues as at the very least, fifty other high wizards suddenly appeared in the town and surround them. Dracula steps in beside Kathryn, "Ah, and such a joy to watch. I hope their bloods will give me an enjoyable taste", the count slowly said.

"There are at least fifty soul presences. If you count Dracula and that Kathryn girl, it's fifty two" Frea whispers to Elraven as the two couple readied their stances. "Only fifty two? Big deal!" Elraven slowly replies the whisper, giving both Frea and himself smiles on their faces.

****

Well, the next chapters will be filled with battle and battle. Don't worry; I'll do my best to illustrate the battles with words.

I'll update if I have time, see u next chapter!!! (^^)