CHAPTER 652: CHAPTER 652

"Watch your tongue-"

"No. The Emperor seems to forget that Fenrir’s the strongest within me. I have no compromise with you besides being your heir. Killing you would make it all much easier for me to have my way."

"... Are you truly saying this now, brat?"

"My cooperation until now has only been possible because of the kindness my beloved temporarily infected me with... but I have not seen her. I have not breathed her for too long... I will start killing the men you have watching me, kill that prince you’re trying to please for peace and leave this palace to get what I need if you don’t give it to me when I’m still nicely demanding it, Emperor."

"... You cannot be so reckless." — Francois, uncomfortable at the simplicity such threats were poured, said with severe expression. Witnessing how Zeleskiaz’s gloom darkened further while losing interest in continuing a civilised discussion and resorting to the artefact that would bring to his hand the deathly weapon, Høyrød Poena, known by its sure impact on the necks of Zeleskiaz’s victims.

"I tried being reasonable."

"!? Don’t be a madman! Send it back-"

*Fwoosh! Tack!* — At the sound of the Emperor’s yell men came in while Zeleskiaz played with his weapon. — "Protect the Emperor! Stop the Crown Prince!!"

"Stop!" — Francois ordered the men going for Zeleskiaz, aware of the result.

"Gukh!!" — "Ah...ck... crown prince!"

"Idiots are the ones who die faster." — He said, throwing Høyrød Poena to land between the open legs of his father.

"!!! ZELESKIAZ DONT MAKE ANOTHER MOVE, YOU F*CKING LUNATIC!! ARE YOU ACTUALLY TRYING TO KILL ME?!! AND MY MEN!?!!"

"... Think wisely. It’s not the time for you to try to negotiate with me. This is your last chance." — The fast launch of a robust two-bladed weapon had landed perfectly between the Emperor’s legs. The quick but still weak guards that always protected the ruler from the dark had come to his side while others brazenly attacked the dangerous hero and heir to the Empire, two losing consciousness by Zeleskiaz’s hand and a third one about to lose his life as the grip of the prince’s hand crushed his head into the ground while taking out the poniard that could begin a massacre. — "I am sure you knew by heart that I could one day kill you if I wanted to... don’t act surprised now."

"... hff... Cursed child..." — Francois said between his teeth, watching how Zeleskiaz picked one of the defeated’s weapons with a smile.

"That’s correct."

"AAAAAAAGH!!!"

"!?! ZELESKIAZ!!"

"Decide." — Stabbing the blade through the shoulder of the tackled guard, moving it so his cries would resound stronger, Zeleskiaz’s composed red glared at the now frightened Emperor, ready to take the risks if his patience was not properly rewarded. — "Have my love invited back into the palace... or lose your crown along your head. Say goodbye to the Empire as well."

"Tsk... bloody monster."

"It’s decided then. I expect the invitation to be sent by today."

*******

— I told him you would stay with me. That was the deal... Frois, he’s abusing his power this time with this order. —

— Nevertheless, Dad, it suits us just fine... the spreading outbreak will soon arrive here. Being at the palace will be best. Also... I now have matters to settle with those residing there. —

"... are you alright sister?" — Theressa asked me while I recalled what took us to this moment a few days ago.

"... yes. I believe we should be arriving soon, right?"

"Yes, we can already see Dahlka. Snow has fallen early this year."

"... fuhh... finally. At least there is only a little bit of snow that fell... Once we arrive we will be able to warm ourselves better." — Relieved, for the travels have been exhausting because of the weather, I sighed while feeling a tad sluggish. The view of the Capital had changed according to the season’s shades and fewer people could be seen as we came into the city as the cold suggested.

’Nine days... I was home only nine days...’ — I thought while aware that the partial ease I was able to conquer was soon to end for good once I set foot in the Royal Palace.

Such ease was not true in its whole nonetheless... it had been somehow forced by myself. Telling myself not to think much... leaving it all for later... trying to distract myself while doing nothing but feel the cold and stare outside the window at how the once green lands dried up and died into gloomy winter shades.

I tricked myself into losing time while doing nothing but feel the void of not caring. Enjoying a luxurious but free-of-tasks life... while deep inside I knew it was an escape I would not be able to keep for much longer.

’It only took nine days after the ball.’ — I laughed at the consciousness of the number as I had perceived it much longer in my bones.

Three days ago, Theressa and I were summoned for the first time to Father’s bureau to learn about the health problems affecting the population... and the day after we were summoned again to learn that I was being invited without place for excuses to the royal palace by the crown prince and the Emperor.

It promised trouble and yet... I believe things promised to get messier much longer ago. Although now, unlike back then, I will no longer exercise caution with some of these people.

I did make up my mind about this while doing nothing but observe and listen to the rain falling back at home.

’Even if I am not the same as before, I will need to act a tad crazy like I used to... My life is what they are looking for, so why not risk it a bit? I can also spice things up a tad.’

"Sister, we are here."

"That was fast... Oh. The palace looks pretty with snow covering it."

"I can see the Crown Prince over there-...?"

"What is it?" — Closing the small curtain to my side of the carriage, I asked Theressa. Finding an uncomfortable frown as she delivered whether to tell or not her conflict to me.

I laughed inside... thinking how cute it was for her to worry about such little things. Asking instead what she was troubled to inform.

"Is Lady Karina with him too? Let me guess... she is also wearing red."

"... sister..."

"It does not matter what it is. Change your expression... as cynical as she is, we may as well teach her how it’s truly done."

"!? Wait, sister, what will you do about the crown prince? If he has been with her all this time..."

"That is an issue I will deal with once it’s the right time." — I sighed resolved to act consequently to whatever I was to find. Placing my hand on Theressa’s whose character should also toughen up to properly survive this war to come. — "Do not worry and just be careful. What we come here for is not a game... Do not let them become suspicious of you."

"Yes... I am aware."

Theressa’s grin almost appeared excited. Probably for this meant revenge in her dictionary. It also did in mine... yet as older I am... I believe I must be calm to truly appreciate the karma I am to bring.