[March 7th, 2012 - 12:20 AM]
Location: Imperial Palace, Grand Ballroom
Perspective: Rose Valentine
The deafening roar of applause from the entire ballroom snapped me back to reality.
The Imperial Domain was completely gone. The blood, the shattered marble, the frozen faces—it was all gone. Time had seamlessly stitched itself back together the very millisecond our dance ended, erasing the brutal assassination attempt from the timeline itself.
I looked at Kaiser. He was standing right next to me, staring down at his own hand.
It was the exact same hand that had just been cut to the bone by Asylym's silver blade. Now, it was perfectly healed. The Imperial Domain's reversal had healed him entirely, though a faint, phantom sensation seemed to linger in his icy blue eyes as he slowly flexed his fingers.
I approached him, my heart fluttering with a profound, overwhelming warmth.
I knew the past now.
"You were staring at your hand." I whispered softly, leaning in close so only he could hear. A bright, enthusiastic smile plastered itself onto my face.
"Did you hurt it during that dance?"
"No," Kaiser replied, his cold eyes glancing at me. Slightly caught off guard by my sudden change in demeanor.
"I'm just processing the entire experience of how I did..."
"Well, you did amazing!" I giggled happily, playfully bumping my shoulder against his. "You were perfect! The dance was amazing, Kaiser. Thank you."
"You didn't step on my toes, so I'll call it a win." Kaiser noted. "Though you're suddenly acting a lot more happier. Did the applause go to your head?"
"Maybe I'm just happy." I beamed, my blue eyes practically sparkling as I looked at him. "Is it a crime to be happy dancing with my favorite partner?"
"It's a little weird." He deadpanned, adjusting his outfit. "But if it keeps you from tripping over your own dress in the future, I guess I'll allow it."
I let out a joyful laugh.
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the Asura Empire!"
Papa's booming, charismatic voice echoed across the grand ballroom, instantly silencing the thunderous applause.
He stood at from his throne overlooking the dance floor, his blue eyes sweeping over the nobility. Beside him stood Mama, her regal posture flawless, though I could see the faint, lingering traces of emotional redness around her beautiful eyes.
"Tonight, we celebrate the foundation of our magnificent empire!" Noctis declared, his voice carrying the absolute authority of a sovereign. "We celebrate the strength, the unity, and the unparalleled magical prowess that has kept Asura at the pinnacle of this world! The future of this empire rests on the shoulders of the brilliant youth standing in this very room!"
He raised his golden goblet. "And tonight, we have witnessed sheer excellence! A spectacular display of grace and power by my daughter, Princess Rose Valentine, and her partner!"
The crowd erupted into cheers.
"Furthermore, we must acknowledge the spectacular musical talent of young Axel Wiezner, whose voice carried the soul of this evening!" Noctis added smoothly.
I glanced across the room. Standing near the VIP tables, Iris looked like she was about to spontaneously combust. Her face was twisted into a rage of pure hatred and frustration as she watched Papa shower me with praise. Her grand assassination plot... her intricate frame-up... none of it had ever happened. It had been completely erased from existence, rendering her entire scheme an absolute failure.
"May the Asura Empire reign for a thousand years!" Noctis roared.
"FOR THE EMPIRE!" the nobles chanted back.
"That was a wonderful speech." I smiled, turning back to Kaiser. "Now, we can finally—"
"One moment." Kaiser interrupted, his eyes locking onto a specific target across the room. "I have something important to attend to."
Before I could even ask what it was, he turned and briskly walked away. I followed his gaze.
He was heading straight for the extravagant, multi-tiered royal buffet. It was loaded with roasted chicken, crystal-sugar pastries, towering chocolate fountains, and exquisite delicacies from across the continent.
I giggled, shaking my head. He hasn't eaten properly all day.
Just as Kaiser reached the buffet, a blur of wolf intercepted him.
"BRO!" Axel cheered, sliding in front of the chocolate fountain. "Did you see that?! Did you hear that?! The Emperor just name-dropped me! I'm officially Mr. Popular!"
"Move, Axel. You're blocking dinner." Kaiser said flatly, trying to step around him.
"Hold on, hold on!" Axel laughed, doing a quick spin to block him again, giving him a repeat telecast of the dance with his hands. "Mind. Blown! Since when can you dance like that?! And when did you learn how to sing like an actual angel?! You sounded like a choir boy who swallowed a siren!"
"I just listened to you singing in the showers this afternoon." Kaiser explained quickly, eyeing a plate of roasted meat. "As for the dance, I'm just flexible. I watched a few people on the floor and copied their moves."
"Man, you are built different!" Axel grinned.
"Move," Kaiser repeated, his tone sharpening. "I'm literally starving to death right now."
"Man, quickness is the wisdom of the devil," Axel commented smoothly, wagging his finger like a wise old sage. "We all must be patient. Good food comes to those who wait."
"If you do not move in exactly three seconds, I will dunk your head in the chocolate fountain." Kaiser threatened darkly.
Axel wisely stepped aside, raising his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright! Sheesh, don't get between a man and his dinner!"
Kaiser finally picked up a plate, but before he could even grab a pair of tongs, he was surrounded.
"Oh, Axel~" a sultry voice purred.
Violetta Van Altena, wearing her stunning dark dress, glided over to him, followed closely by Bianca, Catherine Orion, Evika Lunarstar, Judith Quentis, and Maria Zariel. The older noblewomen had completely encircled him, their eyes practically glowing with admiration.
"That performance was absolutely spectacular." Catherine breathed, fanning herself lightly. "Even the professional Imperial dancers don't move with such flawless precision."
"And your singing!" Evika added, batting her eyelashes. "It was completely dreamy. I felt like I was floating!"
Kaiser froze, plate in hand. But his genius intellect instantly adapted to the social situation.
"I assure you, Lady Evika, the true dream is simply being in the presence of such breathtaking company." Kaiser said smoothly, meeting her eyes. "The music was merely an excuse to earn your attention."
The girls collectively swooned.
"You are too smooth, Axel." Maria smirked, stepping closer and lightly tracing a finger down his lapel. "You really know how to keep a lady on her toes. Are you always full of such delightful surprises?"
"Only for those who are observant enough to notice, Lady Maria." Kaiser replied wittily, flashing them a faint, handsome smile. "A magician never reveals all his tricks on the first date."
Standing a few feet away, I couldn't help but giggle softly.
He is so incredibly smart, but he uses his genius to flirt with older women. I thought, shaking my head.
But as I watched them, my amusement slowly began to fade. Maria was standing very close to him. Catherine was practically hanging onto his every word. Evika was blushing furiously.
Wait... my 12-year-old brother already has a harem?!
My eyes narrowed. He was the most wanted boy in the entire ballroom right now. And he had literally pushed me and Axel aside—claiming he had a 'critical problem'—just so he could go over here and effortlessly charm a group of noblewomen?
Really?
He left me... his twin sister... just to flirt with them?!
I puffed my cheeks out, my newly restored memories fueling my childish, absolute devotion to him. I marched straight toward the group.
"Excuse me, ladies." I interrupted politely, flashing them a brilliant, yet incredibly sharp smile as I slipped right into the middle of their circle, stepping directly in front of Kaiser.
"Princess Rose!" Bianca gasped, quickly dipping into a curtsy.
"I couldn't help but notice you hogging my guest." I said, my voice dripping with sweet, I linked my arm tightly through Kaiser's.
"I hope he wasn't boring you too much?"
"Oh, not at all, Your Highness," Violetta smiled smoothly, though her eyes glinted with competitive amusement. "Kaiser is quite the conversationalist."
"Is he?" I smiled back, squeezing his arm tighter. "Well, I'm afraid I have to steal him away for a moment. Royal matters, you know?"
Before Violetta could reply, a gentle hush fell over the surrounding crowd.
Empress Rosaline Valentine walked gracefully toward the buffet, her aura commanding absolute respect. She spotted me and Kaiser instantly, a gentle, incredibly warm smile gracing her lips—a smile that only I understood the true depth of.
She walked straight toward our little group, the noblewomen immediately bowing their heads in deep reverence.
"Hello, my dears." Mama said softly, her beautiful eyes looking between me and Kaiser.
"Whatever is happening over here to cause such a gathering?"
"Nothing at all, Your Imperial Majesty." Violetta smiled, dipping into a deep, flawless curtsy. "We were merely congratulating Sir Axel on his breathtaking performance."
"It truly was." Rosaline agreed, her gaze shifting to Kaiser. "If you ladies wouldn't mind, I would like a moment alone with the young man."
"Of course, Your Grace." Bianca said quickly, bowing her head.
The noblewomen all curtsied in unison and slowly dispersed back into the crowd, leaving just the three of us standing by the chocolate fountain.
Kaiser didn't miss a beat. He placed his right hand over his chest and executed a flawless, deeply respectful bow that would have put a royal duke to shame.
"To what do I owe the absolute pleasure of your attention, Your Imperial Grace?" Kaiser asked smoothly, flashing her a charismatic, devastatingly handsome smile. "I must admit, your beauty rivals the very stars in the night sky. The legends of the Empress's elegance were severely understated."
I practically choked on the air, my eyes widening in absolute shock.
He is flirting with her... he is literally flirting with his own mother! I screamed internally, biting the inside of my cheek to keep from bursting into laughter. He has absolutely no idea who she is to him!
Rosaline blinked, clearly caught off guard by the sheer charm of her son. A genuine, amused smile broke across her face.
"You have quite the silver tongue, Sir Axel." Rosaline chuckled softly. "I came to personally thank you. Your performance tonight alongside my daughter was nothing short of a masterpiece."
"The honor was entirely mine, Your Grace." Kaiser replied, his voice smooth and confident. "Princess Rose is a star. I merely provided the night sky for her to shine in."
My heart fluttered. Even when he was playing a character, he always put me first.
"Well spoken." Rosaline smiled, her eyes softening as she looked at him. "The Imperial Family rewards those who bring glory to the Empire. Name your reward, Sir Axel. Whatever it is you desire, it shall be granted."
Kaiser raised an eyebrow, his analytical mind clearly working in overdrive.
"Your Grace is far too generous," Kaiser politely declined, bowing his head slightly. "But I require no reward. The experience itself was sufficient."
"I insist." Rosaline said, her tone carrying the gentle but absolute authority of an Empress. "You saved the highlight of the Founder's Day Gala. It would reflect poorly on the Crown if we did not compensate our most talented guest."
I tugged on Kaiser's sleeve, giving him a bright, encouraging smile.
"You should accept it, Axel," I told him, using his alias so I wouldn't blow his cover. "My mother is very kind! She'll give you whatever you wish for!"
What is he going to ask for? I wondered excitedly. A 1,000 gold coins? A legendary magical artifact? A noble title? With his genius, he could ask for anything in the world!
Kaiser sighed, realizing he couldn't refuse an absolute command from the Empress without drawing unnecessary suspicion.
"Very well, Your Grace." Kaiser said, crossing his arms and tapping his chin thoughtfully. "If you insist on a reward... I want a home under a bridge."
Rosaline stared at him. "Excuse me?"
I blinked, completely baffled. "Under a bridge?"
"Yes," Kaiser nodded, his tone completely serious. "I want a small, cozy home built directly under a sturdy bridge. It must be situated exactly next to a street lamp so I can siphon the city's electricity for free. I also require a free water connection."
Rosaline's elegant facade cracked as a look of sheer bewilderment crossed her face. "You... you want to live like a beggar?"
"No, I want to live like a genius." Kaiser corrected her smoothly. "Furthermore, on the street level above the bridge, there must be a tavern that delivers breakfast, lunch, and dinner exactly on time. To the right of the tavern, I require a Dwarven engineering store for my projects. And to the right of that, a massive, fully-stocked library and bookstore."
Rosaline stared at him for a long, silent moment. And then, completely unable to hold it in, the Empress of Asura threw her head back and laughed.
It was a beautiful, ringing laugh that turned the heads of several nearby nobles, all of them shocked to see the typically composed "Blood Empress" laughing so freely.
"Oh, you are a strange one, Sir Axel!" Rosaline laughed, wiping a tear from her eye. "Why on earth would a boy with your talents ask for a home under a bridge? Why not a grand palace? Why not a royal estate in the capital?"
Kaiser looked at her, his cold blue eyes softening into something remarkably profound and genuine.
"Because, Your Grace..." Kaiser said quietly, his voice losing its usual sarcastic edge. "At the end of the day, it is just me and my silly little life. I don't want a massive, empty palace. I want to enjoy my life. I want to look out my window and see the bustling city. I want to tinker in my underground lab, read my books, and eat warm food. A small, simple home is all I need."
Rosaline's smile softened, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears as she looked at her son.
He didn't want power. He didn't want wealth. After everything he had been through, he just wanted a quiet, simple life where he could be happy.
"I see," Rosaline whispered softly, her voice thick with emotion. "I will... I will certainly think about building you a home under a bridge, Sir Axel."
"Thank you, Your Grace." Kaiser bowed deeply.
"It is a pity you are taking your leave now," Rosaline added, looking toward the main doors where Axel was frantically waving at Kaiser. "The gala is officially coming to a close."
"Indeed. The King calls." Kaiser sighed, gesturing toward the hyperactive black-haired boy. "Thank you for your hospitality, Your Grace."
He turned to leave, but I immediately grabbed his hand.
"I'm coming with you!" I insisted, looking up at him.
"Rose," Mama interjected gently, placing a hand on my shoulder. "You need to stay here. Your father and I have very important family matters to discuss with you."
I knew what she meant. We needed to talk about the domain, about my memories, about the last 8 years of my life.
"Sir Axel and his friend can proceed on their way," Rosaline smiled warmly at Kaiser. "I am sure the two of you will meet again very soon."
I looked back at Kaiser. He gently pulled his hand out of my grasp, though he gave me a small, reassuring nod.
"Goodbye, Princess," Kaiser said, giving me a faint, handsome smile. "I'll see you around."
My heart felt heavy, an inexplicable sense of deja vu washing over me. "Why does it have to be goodbye?"
"It's just for tonight, Cilla," he murmured so only I could hear.
I watched him turn around and walk away, his coat swishing behind him as he rejoined Axel. The two of them bickered for a moment before disappearing through the grand double doors of the ballroom, stepping out into the cold night air.
I stood there, staring at the empty doorway.
Why does this feel so familiar? I thought, my chest aching with a strange, distant sorrow.
It felt like a moment from a distant past I had already lived. Watching him walk away... wanting to run after him, but being unable to. I didn't know why, but the sight of his back disappearing into the dark made me want to cry.
I didn't want to discuss politics. I didn't want to be a Princess.
I just wanted to spend more time with my brother and enjoy our silly banter.
*
An hour after the Gala.
Perspective: Omniscient / Noctis Valentine
The grand festivities had officially ended. The royal carriages were departing, and the academy grounds were returning to their usual, heavily guarded state.
Inside the Emperor's private receiving chamber, the atmosphere was incredibly tense.
Emperor Noctis Valentine sat behind a massive oak desk, his imposing figure casting a long shadow across the room. Standing before him were three of his children: Princess Seraphina, Prince Zeus, and Princess Iris.
"I called you three here tonight to issue a singular, absolute directive."
Noctis began, his deep voice leaving no room for argument or negotiation. "From this day forward, none of you are to make an enemy out of your sister, Rose. You are not to antagonize her, scheme against her, or attempt to hurt her in any capacity."
The three siblings exchanged bewildered glances. Their father was rarely this direct about their interpersonal relationships. In the Imperial Family, political maneuvering and infighting were practically encouraged as a means to sharpen their skills.
"Hurt Rose? We would never do such a thing, Papa!" Zeus exclaimed, playing the role of the innocent, protective older brother perfectly.
"Of course not," Iris chimed in, her voice equally sweet, though a flicker of annoyance danced behind her eyes. "She is our precious little sister."
Seraphina, however, saw right through the Emperor's words. Her sharp, calculating gaze narrowed.
"Why so suddenly, Papa?" Seraphina asked, cutting through the pleasantries. "Does this sudden protective decree have something to do with that 'Axel' person she danced with tonight?"
Noctis didn't flinch. He didn't confirm or deny her suspicion.
"It has to do with your own survival." Noctis stated coldly, his blue eyes locking onto Seraphina. "This is not a suggestion. It is a warning. If you overstep this boundary, if you attempt to cross your sister... even I will not be able to protect you from the consequences."
A heavy silence fell over the room.
To hear the Emperor of Asura—the strongest man in the world—admit that he couldn't protect them from something was genuinely terrifying.
Seraphina swallowed hard. "I understand, Papa."
Zeus opened his mouth, clearly wanting to argue that he didn't need protection from anyone, but the suffocating pressure in the room made him hesitate. He clamped his mouth shut and bowed his head.
"You are dismissed." Noctis commanded.
Seraphina and Zeus quickly turned and exited the chamber. But Iris didn't move. She stood perfectly still, her hands clenched tightly in front of her dress.
"Is there something you wish to say, Iris?" Noctis asked, his tone dropping an octave.
"Why today?" Iris asked, her voice trembling slightly, though not from fear. It was from anger.
"Do you have malicious intentions toward your sister, Iris?" Noctis asked directly, his gaze piercing right through her carefully constructed facade.
Iris's sweet mask completely shattered.
"I don't see her as a sister. I never did." Iris spat, her eyes burning with a decade of suppressed hatred. "She killed Lumi! She murdered her in cold blood right in front of me, and you did absolutely nothing about it! You just let her get away with it! But now that we're older, you're suddenly defending her? You're taking her side over mine?!"
Noctis remained completely quiet for a moment. He didn't raise his voice. He didn't stand up. He simply leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk, and unleashed a fraction of his imperial aura.
The air in the room instantly grew heavy, thick, and suffocating. Iris gasped, falling to her knees as her body instinctively reacted to the terrifying, primal dominance of her father.
"Listen to me very carefully, Iris." Noctis whispered, his voice cold enough to freeze the blood in her veins.
"You are my daughter, and I love you. But if you let your petty vengeance cloud your judgment... if you try to go against Rose... you will be destroyed completely."
Iris trembled, tears of pain and terror pricking her eyes as she struggled to breathe.
"I am not defending Rose." Noctis continued, his blue eyes glowing with a haunting, absolute certainty.
"I am trying to save your life. Because the entity standing behind your sister is someone that nobody on this continent can contain. If you provoke him, he will kill you, and there is absolutely nothing I will be able to do to stop him."
The sheer terror in Noctis's voice was something Iris had never heard before.
The Emperor wasn't just warning her; he was actively afraid of what would happen to her.
"I... I understand." Iris gasped, tears finally spilling down her cheeks. "I'm sorry, Papa."
Noctis instantly pulled his aura back, the suffocating pressure vanishing from the room.
"It is for your own best interest, Iris," Noctis said softly. "Go back to your room. Rest."
Iris scrambled to her feet, wiping her tears, and practically ran out of the room.
As the heavy wooden doors clicked shut behind her, a hidden side door to the chamber slowly creaked open.
Irena Seraphil, Noctis's royal consort and Iris's mother, stepped out from the shadows. She had been listening from the adjoining room, her beautiful face pale and stricken with grief.
"You are being incredibly unfair to her, Noctis." Irena said quietly, her voice trembling with emotion.
"I am keeping her alive, Irena." Noctis replied, leaning back in his chair and rubbing his temples.
"Is it like that again?" Irena asked, stepping closer to the desk, her eyes brimming with tears.
"Is it just like the past? Duty and utility over love?"
Noctis stopped rubbing his temples. He slowly lowered his hands and looked directly into Irena's eyes. They stared at each other, the heavy weight of a broken, decades-old promise hanging between them.
"We promised to be together." Irena cried, her voice cracking as the memories flooded back.
"We promised we would be married when we grew up! I spent my entire childhood studying, training, and preparing to be your Empress! We were engaged since we were children!"
"Irena..."
"And you left me!" Irena yelled, slamming her hands down on his desk. "You left me for her! You left me for Rosaline!"
"I did what was necessary for the Empire." Noctis defended calmly, though the guilt was evident in his eyes. "Valerion's rapid globalization and growth was a threat to Asura. I needed the political alliance with Rosaline's family to secure our borders and stabilize the continent."
"You promised you would make me the Empress!" Irena sobbed, her heart breaking all over again.
"But you chose Rosaline over me. You broke our engagement so you could marry her! And yes, you kept your promise to marry me... but as a consort! A second wife!"
She wiped her tears aggressively, glaring at the man she had loved her entire life.
"And now, you are being unfair to our daughter." Irena accused bitterly.
"You are warning her, threatening her, and forgetting your responsibilities as a father! Why can't you protect Iris? Why are you stopping her dreams to reach the throne? Why are you always choosing Rosaline and her children over us?!"
Noctis let out a long, heavy sigh.
"What is the point of bringing up the past now, Irena?" Noctis asked quietly.
"Because it hurts!" Irena cried. "It hurts that you always choose them!"
Noctis stood up from his desk. He walked around it, standing tall in front of the woman he had broken a promise to so many years ago.
"I confess." Noctis said, his blue eyes meeting hers with brutal honesty. "I betrayed your trust in the past. I chose the Decaying Foundation project, I chose the stability of the Empire, and I chose Rosaline over you. I own that sin, Irena. But this... this is different."
He reached out, gently placing his hands on her trembling shoulders.
"I am not choosing Rose over Iris." Noctis stated, laying out the cold, terrifying truth.
"I am warning you. Rose has someone now. Someone who will not hesitate to hurt Iris if she gets in his way. He will not hesitate to wage war, to murder, to slaughter anything and anyone that threatens her."
Irena froze, the absolute seriousness in Noctis's voice finally cutting through her grief.
"If Iris steps out of line, she will die." Noctis warned quietly.
"And if I try to avenge her... the entire Asura Empire will fall. Do you understand me, Irena? I am not playing favorites. I am trying to prevent a massacre."
Irena stared at him, the gravity of his words sinking in. The Emperor of Asura was essentially admitting that there was a power out there that could annihilate them all, and it belonged to Rose.
She took a shaky breath, stepping back and pulling out of his grip.
"Are you happy, Noctis?" Irena asked, her voice hollow and defeated. "Choosing Rosaline and the Empire over love... over me... are you truly happy?"
Noctis didn't answer immediately. He turned away from her, walking toward the massive arched window of his office. He looked out over the sprawling academy grounds, bathed in the moonlight.
In the distance, he spotted a tiny figure in a beautiful dress running out of the main gates. Rose. She was running out on her own, her blonde hair catching the wind, a bright, genuine smile on her face that he hadn't seen in ten years.
A soft, profoundly gentle smile graced the Emperor's scarred face.
"I've moved on from the past, Irena." Noctis said softly, not looking back. "You should too. I am happy with my marriage, and I am happy with my children."
That settled it. The absolute finality in his voice left no room for debate.
Irena closed her eyes, a single tear falling down her cheek. Without another word, she turned and quietly left the chamber, leaving the Emperor alone with his thoughts.
Noctis stood by the window for a long time.
What I did was for a brighter future for everyone. Noctis thought to himself, watching his daughter disappear into the night. Sometimes you have to make sacrifices to reach peace, even if it comes at the cost of love. Even if it makes you the villain in someone else's story.
He placed a hand against the cold glass.
Even so... I don't regret choosing this life with Rosaline.
He thought of Rose's beautiful smile tonight, the happiness that had finally returned to her eyes.
He thought of the terrifying, unparalleled genius of the boy who had brought it out of her.
Seeing my daughter's smile... and knowing my son's capabilities...
Noctis chuckled softly, a sense of immense pride swelling in his chest.
I feel like I can finally call myself a proud father.
He'd do anything to protect her.
No matter the enemy or war.
*
1:25 AM, Capital City Streets
Perspective: Kaiser Everhart
The streets of the Imperial Capital were completely dead. The grand festivities had worn everyone out, leaving the massive cobblestone roads completely empty, save for the faint, warm glow of the magical street lamps lining the pathways.
"Go faster, monkey." I ordered, leaning back lazily.
"I'm... I'm literally going... as fast as I can!" Axel wheezed, his legs pumping furiously as the stolen bicycle wobbled violently to the left and right.
We were currently riding a bicycle that Axel had 'borrowed' from a sleeping guard near the palace gates. Considering the academy dorms were exactly 32 kilometers away from the royal estate, walking was torture.
"Your speed is pathetic," I criticized, analyzing the speed of the tires. "If a street dog decides to chase us, we will be its victim."
"I just... carried you... for an hour!" Axel gasped, completely exhausted as he kept peddling. "Why didn't you just steal a horse?!"
"I am a kid. My legs do not reach the stirrups," I replied logically. "Now pedal, lil bro. You're losing momentum."
Axel groaned, forcing himself to push harder. The bike stabilized slightly as we cruised down the quiet, moonlit street.
"By the way," Axel panted, looking over his shoulder. "Why did you use MY name in there? You literally introduced yourself to the Emperor and Empress of Asura as Axel Wiezner!"
"For dramatic effect," I deadpanned. "They now think you, the great Axel Wiezner, caused all the commotion. You are a legend."
"Wait... won't they get confused when classes start?!" Axel asked, his eyes widening. "They're gonna look for a charming and handsome guy who dances like a god and sings like a siren, and they're gonna find ME!"
"That sounds like a 'you' problem," I stated calmly. "You will find out on the first day of class."
"Bro!" Axel whined. But then, a tired grin spread across his face. "Still... you really saved the day tonight, huh? Took care of your sister. Flipped off the entire elite class."
He elbowed me playfully, nearly sending us crashing into a streetlamp.
"And man, I saw even the older ladies swooning for you!" Axel teased, laughing. "You've got that dangerous charm! You gotta teach me your ways, Master Kaiser!"
I didn't respond.
POP!
"Whoa!"
The front tire of the stolen bicycle violently exploded. Axel lost complete control, and the two of us went flying off the bike, tumbling into the grassy sidewalk.
"Ugh..." Axel groaned, sitting up and rubbing his head. "Well... so much for the ride."
I sat up, dusting the dirt off my expensive outfit. I looked at the ruined bicycle, then looked down the long, endless stretch of the dark street. We still had 20 kilometers to go.
We had to walk.
We left the broken bike behind and started walking in silence.
As we walked, the sheer physical and mental exhaustion of the day finally caught up to me. The calculations. The fight with Iris. The dancing. The acting. It was all too much.
A heavy, suffocating weight settled into my chest.
Axel, walking a few steps ahead, suddenly stopped and turned around.
"Hey, man, are you—"
Axel froze, his jaw practically dropping to the floor.
I wiped my eyes with my sleeve, looking up at the moon, but the tears wouldn't stop. They were streaming down my face in a silent, pathetic cascade.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Axel panicked, rushing over to me. "Are you... are you crying?! What's wrong?!"
I sniffled, furiously wiping my eyes again.
"I've never thought I'd ever see you cry!" Axel gasped, making wild guesses. "Is it your sister?! Did something happen with the Empress?! Did you pull a muscle during the dance?!"
"No..." I sobbed quietly, my voice cracking.
"Then what is it, man?! Tell me!"
I looked at him, my cold, calculating demeanor completely broken down by the sheer tragedy of my current existence.
"I didn't eat lunch..." I cried, my shoulders shaking.
Axel blinked. "What?"
"Because I wanted to eat at the gala," I wept, wiping a tear from my chin. "I wanted to eat until my stomach was full. I went there for the free food..."
"Okay...?"
"But... all I had was a mango juice..." I sniffled loudly.
"Nothing else."
Axel stared at me, his eyes wide with utter disbelief.
"I'm so hungry..." I cried, fresh tears spilling over.
Axel slowly raised his eyebrows, the absurdity of the situation finally registering in his brain.
"Wait... you are literally having a mental breakdown right now... because you missed dinner?" Axel asked, trying very hard not to laugh.
"Do you find this amusing?! You ate for an hour straight!" I snapped, my voice trembling with hunger and sorrow. "I skipped two meals! Two! Do you know what that does to my mind?! My genius brain is currently running on the fumes of a single, half-empty glass of mango juice!"
"Bro, look at the bright side!" Axel argued, gesturing wildly. "You have the reputation! The attention of the whole gala! You were the star of the night!"
"That's what poor people have!" I cried, burying my face in my hands. "Fame! Not food! I can't eat fame, Axel! I wanted roasted chicken! I wanted chocolate! I am starving to death!"
Axel finally lost it, bursting into a fit of hysterical laughter at the sight of the most terrifying, calculating genius in the academy crying his eyes out over free food.
"Axel Wiezner."
A cold, incredibly threatening voice echoed from the shadows behind us.
Axel instantly stopped laughing. We both turned around.
A stranger wearing a dark, hooded cloak stepped out from the alleyway. The figure reached up and pulled the hood back, taking off her disguise.
It was Princess Rose Valentine.
She was still wearing her stunning gala dress underneath the cloak, though she was carrying a large, insulated tiffin bag in her hands.
"Princess Rose!" Axel gasped, quickly bowing. "What are you doing out here?! It's past midnight!"
Rose didn't answer him. Her brilliant blue eyes immediately locked onto me. She saw my red, tear-stained face and the wet marks on my sleeves.
Her expression instantly darkened into a mask of pure, terrifying imperial wrath.
She slowly turned her head to look at Axel.
"What did you do to him?" Rose whispered, her voice dripping with murderous intent.
"N-Nothing!" Axel panicked, taking a massive step back as Rose slowly approached him.
"If you hurt my brother..." Rose threatened, her eyes glowing with magical energy. "I will have you stripped of your rights. I will have you chained to the walls of the Imperial Dungeon, and I will personally ensure that every single one of your fingers is broken slowly."
"I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING!" Axel shrieked, practically falling to his knees and begging.
"I SWEAR! HE'S JUST HUNGRY!"
Rose paused, her magical aura dissipating. She blinked, looking back at me.
"Hungry?" she asked.
"I only had a mango juice..." I sniffled, looking away in embarrassment. "Even that was just half. I'm so hungry. I can't even go eat anywhere because everything is closed. I wanted free food, but I left with none."
Rose stared at me for a second, absolutely stunned.
And then, a massive, incredibly warm smile broke across her face.
The genius of all geniuses... the boy who had outsmarted assassins and manipulated the entire Imperial court... was crying on the side of the road over a missed dinner.
"I knew it." Rose giggled softly, walking over to me.
She set the large tiffin bag down on the grass and quickly unzipped it.
"I requested an early leave from Mama right after you left," Rose explained, pulling out a set of large, steaming hot containers. "I know you haven't eaten all day. And seeing as you were busy saving my life and dancing with me, I figured you didn't have time to hit the buffet."
She opened the containers, and the heavenly, overwhelmingly delicious aroma of gourmet food filled the alleyway.
Inside was a massive portion of creamy garlic parmesan pasta, topped with perfectly roasted, buttery shrimp. In the next container were five large, sticky honey-garlic lamb chops, glazed to absolute perfection. And in the final container, a side of fresh, grilled asparagus lightly dusted with sea salt.
My stomach let out a thunderous, violent roar.
I fell to my knees in front of the food, my eyes widening with absolute devotion.
"My dear sister..." I whispered, grabbing a fork and practically inhaling a shrimp.
"I always knew you loved me so much that you would bring me free dinner."
"LET'S GO!" Axel cheered, throwing his hands in the air. "We can finally have dinner together now!"
I slowly turned my head, glaring at him with freezing blue eyes.
"We?"
Rose looked up at Axel, blinking innocently.
"Who is 'we'? It's just us."
I narrowed my eyes at her. "Us? Who is 'us'?"
"We are going to share it together!" Rose smiled brightly, sitting down on the grass next to me.
"Betrayal!" Axel gasped, clutching his chest dramatically. "You two can't do this to me! I carried you for an hour, Kaiser! I deserve some of that lamb!"
"You consumed food at the gala," I stated ruthlessly, shielding the containers with my arms. "I saw you eating no less than four plates of roasted chicken. You're already getting fat."
"But I have a fast metabolism!" Axel argued. "And Princess Rose, how can you deny a loyal subject a taste of that glorious pasta?!"
"Easily," Rose smiled, her voice sickeningly sweet. "You have a fast metabolism, but my brother has a fragile, malnourished body. He needs the nutrients more than you do. Plus, you let him ride a bicycle. That's practically a crime against the crown."
"You monsters!" Axel cried, pointing an accusing finger at us. "You heartless, evil siblings! I hope a street dog steals your dinner! I hope it rains exclusively on your food! I hope the meat is slightly undercooked!"
Just as Axel finished his dramatic curse, a low growl echoed from the dark alleyway.
A large, scruffy street dog with glowing red eyes stepped out from the shadows, its nose twitching as it smelled the roasted meat. It locked eyes with us, bearing its teeth.
I quickly grabbed a lamb chop, took a massive bite, and then stood up. I walked over to Axel and gave him a surprisingly warm, brotherly hug.
"What are you doing?" Axel asked, confused.
I didn't answer. I just slipped the rest of the lamb chop into the front pocket of his jacket and quickly stepped back.
The street dog's red eyes instantly locked onto Axel's pocket. It let out a vicious bark and lunged forward.
"MOMMY!" Axel shrieked, turning around and sprinting down the street at breakneck speeds, the massive dog violently chasing right after him.
"See ya at the academy, bro," I called out lazily, sitting back down on the grass.
Rose covered her mouth, giggling uncontrollably as Axel's distant screams faded into the night.
"Thank you for the dinner, Rose," I said, picking up the containers and closing the lids. "I'll be taking my leave with this now."
Rose quickly grabbed my sleeve.
"No!" she protested, pouting playfully. "I'm hungry too! I didn't get to eat anything at the gala either! I want to eat with you!"
I looked at her, then looked at the massive amount of food. I let out a long sigh.
"Fine. Let's eat together, then."
We packed up the food and walked a few blocks until we found a quiet, secluded park near the edge of the capital. The midnight atmosphere was incredibly peaceful. The moonlight filtered through the lush canopy of trees, casting a soft, silver glow over the wooden benches.
"We should eat quickly," I noted, opening the containers on the bench. "The academy dorms are still quite far. If we do not make it back before dawn, we will face disciplinary action."
"Don't worry about that," Rose smiled, pulling out a pair of silver forks. "I can use a teleportation scroll to take us straight back to our rooms. I just... I wanted to enjoy this moment with you."
I took a bite of the garlic parmesan pasta, letting the rich, creamy flavor melt on my tongue. It was mathematically perfect.
As I devoured the food like a starved animal, Rose chuckled softly. She reached over with a napkin, gently wiping a smudge of sauce from the corner of my mouth.
"You should eat slower, Kaiser," Rose chided gently, acting like a mother hen. "You're going to choke if you swallow it whole."
"I am enjoying my life," I mumbled through a mouthful of meat.
I reached over and pinched her soft cheek with my free hand. "And you are being far too protective. Eat your own food."
"I can't help it," Rose giggled, swatting my hand away playfully. "Here, open your mouth. Say 'aah'."
She scooped up a perfectly roasted shrimp on her fork and held it up to my face.
I stared at it. "I am capable of feeding myself."
"Say 'aah', Kaiser!" she insisted, her blue eyes sparkling with stubborn affection.
I sighed in defeat, opening my mouth and letting her feed me the shrimp.
"Good boy!" Rose beamed happily.
"I am not a good boy." I deadpanned, chewing the shrimp. "Though I suppose the free food makes this acceptable."
We spent the next half hour sitting on the park bench under the moonlight, eating and sharing quiet, witty banter. It was the most peaceful I had felt since I woke up in this strange, terrifying world. For a brief moment, I wasn't Kaiser Everhart, the calculating genius hiding from the empire. I was just a boy having a late-night dinner with his sister.
As we finished the last of the food, a comfortable silence settled between us.
Rose looked down at her hands, her smile fading into a nervous, hesitant expression.
"Kaiser..." she started quietly. "I... I want to apologize."
I looked at her, raising an eyebrow.
"For what happened in the forest a few weeks ago," Rose explained, her voice trembling slightly. "For telling you that you shouldn't act like my brother. I was... I was so afraid that you were going to abandon me. That you hated me. But you still came today. You saved me."
She looked up at me, her blue eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"I thought you would never speak to me again," she whispered.
I leaned back against the bench, looking up at the stars.
"I knew you didn't mean it," I replied calmly, my voice soft. "You were exhausted, mentally and physically. Your emotional wellbeing was completely unstable. I deduced that you were just lashing out from fear."
I looked back at her, giving her a faint, reassuring smile.
"I forgive you, Rose."
A massive wave of relief washed over her face, and a tear slipped down her cheek. She quickly wiped it away, giving me a watery smile.
"Then... we're still siblings?" she asked hopefully.
I smirked, deciding to tease her a little. "Maybe? You are the Crown Princess of the Asura Empire, and I am a commoner orphan. By the absolute rules of society, how can we possibly be siblings?"
Rose's eyes instantly narrowed.
"We are siblings because I say we are," Rose declared. "I am offering you a highly beneficial position as the Princess's favorite brother! You will receive unlimited protection, premium access to the royal treasury, and free gourmet dinners!"
She crossed her arms, looking at me with absolute authority. "It is an incredibly lucrative deal, Kaiser. You would be a fool to reject it."
I couldn't help but chuckle at her flawless negotiation tactics.
"I understand," I teased, standing up from the bench. "Your terms are acceptable, Your Highness."
Rose beamed, standing up next to me.
"Today was... really intense," Rose sighed, pulling out a golden teleportation scroll from her pocket. "But I'm really glad we got to spend it together."
Before she activated the scroll, she looked at me.
"Turn around," she ordered softly.
I raised an eyebrow but complied, turning around to face her.
Without warning, Rose stepped forward and wrapped her arms tightly around my waist, burying her face into my chest. It wasn't a desperate, clinging hug like before. It was warm, secure, and full of absolute trust.
Under the gentle glow of the moonlight, I slowly wrapped my arms around her, returning the embrace.
The cold, rotting world outside didn't matter. The assassins, the empires, the lies—none of it mattered right now.
Because for the first time in a very long time, I actually felt like I had a family.
I know you're hiding something, Rose, I thought, my chin resting gently on the top of her head as I stared into the dark park.
After the assassination event, everyone at the gala acted as if it never occurred. Someone manipulated their minds using high-tier magic, and somehow, you were left out of it.
Even so, I didn't press her. I had already deduced enough variables to figure out the rest of the truth myself. I shouldn't bother her with revealing that I knew about the incident.
I hugged her warmly before she slowly let go, stepping back.
But as she looked up at me, her bright smile had faded. Her blue eyes were clouded with a deep, profound sadness.
"What's wrong?" I asked, tilting my head.
"I just..." Rose whispered. "I feel like we won't be able to see each other again."
I blinked, genuinely surprised.
"That makes no sense," I reasoned. "We attend the same academy. Our classes are in the same building. We will see each other on a daily basis."
"I know that," Rose sniffled, her voice trembling. "But it feels like a familiar feeling. It feels like you're leaving forever, and I can't stop you. I don't understand it."
She looked up at me.
"Are you going to become a memory?" Rose asked, her voice cracking. "Are you... leaving forever?"
A strange, inexplicable jolt of electricity ran down my spine.
I felt weird. An overwhelming sense of deja vu washed over me, as if I had lived this exact moment before.
As if I had already walked away from her once, leaving her crying in the dark.
Without thinking, I reached out, grabbed her hand, and pulled her right back into my chest.
I hugged her much tighter this time, wrapping both of my arms securely around her small frame, burying my face into her blonde hair.
"I'm not going anywhere." I reassured her softly, the absolute certainty in my voice silencing her fears.
"We will see each other tomorrow. And the day after that."
Rose buried her face in my coat, nodding against my chest. She slowly pulled back, gripping my hand tightly.
"Promise?" she asked, her blue eyes looking up at me.
"I promise," I vowed.
Rose gave me a tearful, beautiful smile. She squeezed my hand, channeling her mana into the golden scroll.
A blinding flash of light enveloped us, warping the space around us.
*
1:45 AM, Class C Dormitories
The teleportation magic deposited us right in front of the academy dorms. We parted ways, and I walked through the quiet, familiar halls of the Class C building.
As I walked, I placed a hand over my chest. My heart was beating slightly faster than usual.
Why did I want to hug her back so badly? I wondered, my analytical mind failing to compute the emotional variable. It felt strange.
I stopped in front of my dorm room. I glanced at the door next to mine—Elfie's room. The lights were off, and there was no sound coming from inside.
She must have been asleep for hours. I shouldn't bother her.
I unlocked my door and stepped inside my dark, quiet room.
I immediately stripped off my expensive outfit, tossing it over a chair, and walked into the washroom to prepare for sleep.
I turned on the sink, splashing cold water on my face. I looked up at my reflection in the mirror, my cold blue eyes staring back at me.
I reached up, placing two fingers into the back of my mouth, and firmly pulled on one of my molars.
With a slight click, the tooth popped out.
I held it under the light. It wasn't a real tooth. It was completely grayish, carved perfectly into the shape of a molar, made entirely out of Aldermite—a rare magical mineral that completely absorbed mana.
And right now, the Aldermite tooth was practically humming with dark, residual magical energy.
It had absorbed the false mind manipulation magic that was cast over the entire gala. Someone had tried to erase my mind of the assassination framing Rose and me.
It was undoubtedly the Emperor or the Empress.
But why? I pondered, carefully washing the Aldermite tooth under the tap.
Do they think I still suffer from amnesia? Or do they simply believe I am a commoner who shouldn't retain memories of royal assassination plots?
Either way, it didn't matter. The Aldermite had guarded my mind against the psychological manipulation, absorbing the mana before it could affect my brain.
I already knew the truth.
I knew Rose was my real sister.
How else did she find me in the Decaying Foundation? When my memories had returned, I had read my own journal entries.
On my birthdate, it was written clearly in my own handwriting:
"Sister: Rose came to visit me with chocolate on my birthday."
After digging around I found out her and I shared a birthday, 18th June.
Even through the vicious cycle of my amnesia, I had written it down. And once I was back, I had read it. Only someone of absolute royal prestige could visit that hellish facility and call herself my sister.
And I wouldn't lie to myself in my own journal.
Even by fate, we were made-up siblings at first... while being real siblings all along.
I suppose fate has a cruel way of toying with people, I thought, a bitter smirk crossing my face.
I dropped the Aldermite tooth into a small glass of salt water on the counter, allowing the magical mana to dry out and neutralize overnight so I could put it back in tomorrow.
I turned off the bathroom light, walked over to my bed, and collapsed onto the mattress.
I stared up at the dark ceiling, the silence of the room creeping in. But my mind wasn't on the Emperor, the assassins, or the empire.
My mind was stuck on the park bench.
Why did I want to hug her back at that moment?