An announcement came through the intercoms earlier, dismissing the whole school for the day. With what had occurred today, there was no way to continue with the day as usual. Some of the students had to mentally recover from what they witnessed.
Arnold was currently in a carriage riding up a well-maintained road, the carriage pulled by strong steeds. Next to him was Luke, who was sitting oddly close even though there's so much room in this carriage.
Is that the scent of flowers he smells from Luke's hair? What kind of shampoo are the maids making him use? He smells like a girl. At his age, Arnold was already using cologne.
Across Arnold and Luke sat Olivia and Lauran. Unfortunately for Ceru, she had to follow behind the carriage since she isn't the type to keep quiet. Arnold could still hear her cute groaning outside.
Elizabeth and Myrena complained that they couldn't come. But Arnold said he had other places to be and couldn't spend time with them right now. Since the academy is already open, they can go to their dorms and rest there. Myrena was more understanding of that but Elizabeth… Well, he had to promise that he'll cuddle with her tonight.
It seems that even though she's still shy around others besides Grace, she became bold enough to ask him for things. As a wife should, of course.
Concerning Wistorina, Arnold had Luxtivin stay behind at the academy since he didn't need it right now. It couldn't walk the halls so he told it to stay in a position where he had eyes on Wistorina's dorm room.
No one said a word.
Their destination is the Berkley's second manor in one of the noble districts. The streets were quite empty, people probably hiding in their houses and thinking there was danger with what happened earlier.
The fight was definitely devastating and scarred a good chunk of the commoner districts. Due to Marcus' martial art, many people died from the flying debris, collapsing buildings and stray energy blasts. Fortunately, Elizabeth revived everyone without Arnold telling her to.
Marcus said he'll take responsibility for what he did and Arnold knew he is a man of his word. Feldina couldn't exactly restore the destroyed roads and infrastructure using her spirits so the capital will have to pay to restore those. But Jurnick was probably prepared for this.
Still, what a mess this has become.
Would it have been better if he never voiced his desires to kill Arthur? Now all kinds of troublesome things will come his way. Can't they just use their energy to prepare the event where the two of them will fight honorably? Arnold was giving Arthur time to prepare himself as well.
In the meantime, Arnold will just enjoy his free time. First up is giving Jack his present.
From what Luke said, Judith and Jack are at the mansion. They've been there since Claudia's funeral.
He didn't really care that woman died but why did it have to happen while Luke was still growing? She lived until the end in the game, of course so Luke always had her by his side. Hopefully he doesn't diverge from his intended path due to this—well, from what he said at the auditorium, he probably won't.
"—Shouldn't the two of you be going to the palace to check up on my father?" Arnold broke the silence, addressing Luke and Olivia.
"…We need to tell Madam Judith what happened first." Said Olivia, her gaze lingering outside.
"And you just agreed to take me with when I asked for a ride?"
"You could have always teleported there with that ring of yours."
"It's still malfunctioning from Feldina's magic so I doubt it."
He didn't want to fly there either and be mistaken for an enemy and shot with arrows by city guards.
"…"
"Still, you saw what I did and still let me in here. You're putting your own life in danger." He leaned back in his seat.
"No one thinks their lives are in danger."
"…Why is that?"
"She's saying you're a kind person!" Luke interjected.
Lauran clicked her tongue quietly, as if to say "bullshit".
Olivia responded flustered, "T-That's not what I'm saying! I-It's just that he would never hurt the person he has been obsessed with for years! That person being me!"
"Then why isn't he hurting me or Lauran then?" Luke shot back.
"…"
"See!? You think he's kind! He never wanted to hurt Father or take his life but when given the option, he took the lesser evil route!"
"…How are you so unfazed with what he did back there?" Olivia asked incredulously.
"B-Because they were… uhm… i-in his way… kinda…"
Olivia looked at him with slightly widened eyes.
"How can you say something like that…?"
"But it's true, right!?" he looked up at Arnold, his big blue eyes sparkling and cheeks puffed slightly.
"…Their goal was to capture me until the Inquisition arrived. The Theocracy uncovered many spells unknown to the rest of the world so they might even have something that can seal a demon away—which they assumed I was."
"Eh? But I don't sense any demonic energy from you…" Luke suddenly sniffed Arnold, "And I don't smell anything weird. Rather, Big Brother smells really nice." He took a longer sniff.
"I suppose since Sir Luke doesn't sense anything demonic in nature, we should assume there isn't a demon in your body. The Great Nobles should have confirmed this first before attacking you."
"Well…" Arthur definitely sensed Oriel inside him back in the dungeon. Since he hasn't met Arnold again since, he could only go off that. But Olivia is right—they could've verified it with Luke first, who should be naturally disgusted by the presence of a demon. Or any experienced priest would do.
"?"
"Nothing… Arthur must've been lying because he's scared." He shrugged.
'Why is Luke still sniffing me…'
"I'll try to speak with my father about this and make him understand your intentions. While threatening the Hero is the worst offense one could make, they must have thought you would kill others as well." Olivia leaned forward, staring him straight in the eye, "Do you want to hurt others, Arnold?"
"No."
He doesn't like or need to hurt others. It doesn't benefit him in any way. Nuaria city was in the past but it's just how far he would go if there is no other choice. He would do it again if necessary.
"I see."
"What, do you believe me?"
"Like Sir Luke said—you had many chances to kill your father and the other three but you held back and focused on immobilizing them. I'm sure they will convey this same information to my father. But you are still a wanted man. The only reason I could see no one moving immediately is fearing your power. But the Inquisition and Testaments aren't just anyone. The emperor may even send Freya York after you."
Freya would be a big issue…
Strongest human or not, you don't win against a magician who can cast 15 ranks of magic, easily. There are a lot of spells Arnold knew that could injure him greatly. He wouldn't be able to tank those hits forever since his magic defense isn't that high.
And his eye will be useless since Freya would be prepared for something like that.
"You should tell your father I'm willing to meet him face to face. I won't try anything—I just want to settle things."
"…Fine. I will let him know. In the meantime, do not cause trouble in the city."
"Yeah, I know."
"…" Olivia stared at him silently as if she didn't believe him.
Hm?" he noticed that there were multiple signatures in front of the gate at the mansion. Sticking his head out, he confirmed that there were countless knights outside.
There was some blockade in the road so the coach couldn't go any further. One of the horses of the carriage neighed, catching the attention of the knights.
One of them approached the carriage on foot, his weapon drawn.
"Your Highness, are you unhurt!?" the knight opened the carriage door, screaming at the top of his lungs when he saw Arnold's cold eyes, "T-The Dragon Killer! He's here!" the man fell on his butt and scurried away.
"Why are all these people here, Olivia?" Arnold asked as he got out. Luke jumped out after him.
"They must have heard I was planning to come here after school and wanted to ensure my safety." Olivia and Lauran hopped out next, "All of you can return to the palace. I am fine."
"B-But we can't leave you with this man who wants to kill Hero Arthur!"
'What the… The news spread this quickly?'
"What do all of you think you can do against the man who defeated all four Great Nobles and killed an Ancient Dragon several times?" Olivia's sharp remark made them go silent and look at each other awkwardly, several remarking if that truly happened, "If he wanted to, he could kidnap me and lock me in a basement, deprive me of sunlight and play with my body until he's satisfied. Then hit me as hard as he wants until I whimper for him to stop just for him to continue degrading the princess of this empi—"
"Stop with your fantasies and let's go inside." Arnold cut her off.
"Eh? Those weren't fantasies!" flustered, she yelled.
The dumbfounded knights hurriedly stepped aside to give Arnold space to walk. He could literally hear their armor clanking as they shook uncontrollably.
He laughed inwardly. Being feared really is amusing sometimes.
"Welcome, Young Master." A boy's voice came from beside Arnold, following him closely.
"You always appear like a shadow when everyone blinks. It's a bit creepy, Rudolph." He addressed the young butler.
"Such is the way of an assassin," Rudolph replied, walking beside him like a quiet breeze. "I must be able to eliminate a threat the moment it crosses this estate's threshold."
"Are you still practicing that on Sebastian?"
"…Yes but unfortunately, I still cannot catch him off guard."
"You have a long way to go until you become as strong as him."
"Yes…" Rudolph glanced back, "Apologies for my lapse in manners. Good day, Senior Lauran, Master Luke, Your Highness."
He offered a flawless bow then his amber gaze slid right back to Arnold.
"You look particularly dashing today, Young Master."
"Hit on someone else," Arnold muttered, walking faster.
"Ah, my apologies. I forget how shy you are," Rudy said with a playful smile, easily keeping pace. "I simply appreciate the pinnacle of masculine elegance when I see it. As an apology, would you permit me the honor of assisting with your bath?"
Arnold sighed as he pushed open the door. It wasn't that he was flustered by the attention or put off by guys hitting on him. It was just that Rudy… always found the most shameless ways to do it.
He now remembered why he rarely came back to this mansion.
"The family is currently having lunch in the dining room," Rudolph reported, suddenly shifting back to his crisp butler tone. "Shall I have a meal prepared for you as well?"
"I'm not staying long. No need," Arnold replied.
Rudolph's pleasant expression dimmed slightly.
"Understood. I'll have a carriage brought around for your departure." Then, as if just recalling something, he added lightly, "Oh, I nearly forgot—I do have errands in town today. We can share the ride. Convenient, no?"
'Of course you do...'
"…Thanks."
"If there is nothing else, I'll return to my duties." With a final nod, Rudolph turned and vanished down the hallway.
Luke leaned in. "Big Brother… Is that really the same cold Rudolph who's training to become a master assassin…?"
"…That's him alright."
◊◊
The sound of cutlery scraping on porcelain stopped when they entered the dining room. Silent stares were directed at Arnold specifically.
Gathered inside was Judith, Jack and Norn. Arnold could sense Nait nearby but he wasn't in the house. Come to think of it, he wasn't aware that the brat was here.
"It's been a while, Miss Judith." He pulled back a chair and sat down. Olivia, Lauran and Luke did the same after greeting Judith.
Normally Norn would jump to Luke and hug him after being away from him for so long but she just had a vacant stare, not even acknowledging their presence. Luke looked worriedly at her but he chose to gave her space.
"Where is Melina? I heard she was staying here."
"She went back home after the funeral. The only reason she came here was to be with you but she became quite bored." Judith replied as she continued eating.
'How did she become bored when Nait is right here? Does she not like playing with children her age?'
"…I did not receive word of your arrival, Arnold." Judith had a sharp glint in her eye but her tone wasn't as harsh as it usually is, "We assumed you would stay at the academy dorms."
"I'm not here to stay. I'm just here to give Jack something then I'll be on my way."
"?" The little boy in question blinked silently.
Arnold rummaged in his magic bag and pulled out a small metallic rod.
After standing up, he walked over to Jack who was pale for some reason.
"Iyah!?" the little boy screamed when the metallic rod turned into a magnificent spear with a red handle, adorned with ancient runic patterns that glowed as it sapped his Aether to sustain its form, "Eh?"
Jack looked in confusion when Arnold held it out to him.
"I found this in a dungeon while I was exploring. You want to be just like Father, right? Then you should have a weapon that even he would use."
And by that, he didn't mean a spear in general but a type of spear that Marcus would consider using given its abilities and power.
While not a Semi-Star weapon like Flora's sword, it's still the kind of high-class weapon you can't find anywhere else.
Jack held out his small trembling hands. There was no way he could use the spear at this age since he was both physically weak and unable to use aura.
"I-It changed again!?" Jack got startled again when Arnold stopped infusing his Aether into it. It turned into a rod again that was the size of his forearm.
"You need to train your body first before you can use it." He placed it in his little brother's hands, "Since it's a magic weapon, it won't activate unless you infuse aura into it. Until then, it's just a harmless stick. Even if you can't use aura, which I doubt, you can learn how to control Inner Essence like Flora, Luke's instructor."
"What do you say, Jack?" Judith said.
"T-Thank you, Elder Brother…" he stood up and bowed, "Fueh!?" then jumped when Arnold placed a hand on his head.
It was probably the first time Arnold had done this so he could understand the boy's surprise.
"This is my first and final gift to you as my little brother. It was only unofficial before, but I'm leaving the family."
"What?" Judith frowned.
"You must have heard the news, about how I threatened to kill the Promethius' successor."
"…"
"Then my father attempted to capture me but I ended up crippling him. Even if he understands my actions, he won't stand for such humiliation. His pride won't allow that." He shrugged, "Vance might also cancel my engagement with Celeste. None of this would've needed to happen if they just stayed out of my way."
"…" Judith had a troubled expression on her face as if she didn't know what to say.
How could she? For all these years, the two of them had been exchanging sharp remarks with each other since they hated each other's guts. None of their conversations were ever normal, just arguments and one-upping each other.
It's fine even if she has nothing to say since Arnold wasn't really expecting her to. To this whole family, he should be an enemy. He crippled the duke, after all. Even if Marcus will heal, under normal circumstances, Arnold would be executed for attempting to murder a noble.
He turned around with a sigh, "I need some fresh air while I wait for Rudolph—"
"Arnold."
"?"
Judith stood up from her chair and called out, "I…I never treated you fairly throughout these years. Even though Adrianna saw your little brother as her own son, I never thought of you the same way."
"I don't really care. It's not like we were scheming to kill each other so it's fine."
"…That is a relief."
"Are you only saying this because I'm leaving or are you scared of me for what I did to Father?"
"I'm saying this because I regret never being there for you as you grew up, like Adrianna was there for Jack when I could not. I feel like I have failed as a mother."
"If you and Marcus agree on you visiting the castle again, I would like to cook for you, if you would let me." She said it with a serious face but Arnold could sense the sincerity and tenderness in her voice.
"You can cook?"
Judith huffed indignantly.
"Just because I let the chefs handle dinner doesn't mean I'm incapable of fulfilling a mother's duties!"
He chuckled, "Alright. Next time, I'll come as the head of my own household and bring all my wives along with me."
The two smiled at each other for the first time.
**
"Haah!" The warrior cry of a young boy caught his ears when he exited the backdoor and stood on the back porch.
The boy's moves were incredibly sluggish and even from an outside perspective, lacked any meaningful power behind them. Even if he had the sharpest sword in the world, he wouldn't be able to cut through a tree.
The backdoor opened again and out came Luke. He walked up to Arnold and leaned on the railing next to him. Nait was oblivious to them.
"…Are you leaving the empire to go rule your city?"
"I still need an education to be considered a city lord, otherwise all kind of troublesome things will come my way. So, no. I'll stay at Ardark Academy until I graduate."
"Won't that… be difficult? With what you did, you can never return to having a normal life…" Luke spoke with a small voice, not showing his face.
"You're right. I won't have a normal life anymore."
"W-When I said I'll help you, I really meant it! So, don't worry about facing anything alone!"
"Focus on getting stronger, Luke." He flicked Luke's forehead, making him whimper, "The entire world is counting on you since no one else can defeat Arsnoria."
"…Big Brother, will you fight with me if we were to go to war with the demons?" his hands caught Arnold's. Luke's hands were a little rough but still small and delicate in comparison to his.
"You need people who have the passion to defeat the demons. Strong allies who would be there for anyone regardless if they are strangers. Me? I care only about certain people, not some commoner rat on the street whose life or death wouldn't impact or benefit me."
"But… I don't know the first thing about gathering allies…"
"They're already around you. With some just waiting to be found."
"R-Really? How do you know?"
'Hm, would it be better to let things happen naturally or should I steer fate in the right direction?'
"Let's see… Freya is looking for people who want to join her Hero Party—a band of people with the sole task of defeating the demons. If she asks you to join, do it. If she asks you to be the leader, take the mantle." He then suddenly remembered something, "Let's hope Flora achieved her goal by then."
"Eh?"
"What? Did you think your master wouldn't follow you into the battles to come? How else will she see your progress and gloat to me?"
"Ah haha…" Luke laughed awkwardly as if he knew Flora is that kind of person, "Uhm, will you really not join the Hero Party…?"
"I will consider joining your resistance if it will benefit me. Until then, I will only fight to protect my city, my family and my wives."
"…Oh…"
"You don't need to think about the demons right now. Just enjoy being a kid."
Though he said that, he knew the chaotic life this kid will live in the coming days. The School Arc is one of those disastrous periods in his life that will really test his resolve as a hero.
Will he go down the right route like how the game intended him to go or will he stray so far down that he turns into a second endgame Arnold? Hopefully the former.
"Corrupt Hero" sounds cool on the surface but many players hated it for what they had to endure as Luke who died an early death, a consequence for embracing evil.
But looking at this pure innocent boy who looked up at him with sparkling eyes, Arnold found it impossible for this boy to become a "corrupt hero".