"The stars that shine brightly in the sky might as well already be dead, and then what? Will the fools who believe in them give up? Or just find another foolish belief to follow blindly?."
They didn't call me for breakfast today, Nikias thinks as he walks the corridors of the Palace together with his servants and aide. The maids and other servants stare at him awkwardly as he passes them. Seems like everyone already heard the news, with this thought a small smirk grows on his lips, he finds it funny how everyone sees him just the same but their eyes show a hint of fear now, not because of Nikias' power, but because of the King's.
In their faces it's obvious what they're thinking, what a fit, a useless Prince and a Tyrant, and at the same time the realization that if he managed to snag himself a dangerous man, then, the ones who made his life miserable might find themselves in a road leading to nothing but their own doom. Cautious expressions, trying to assess the situation, too scared to mock the Prince yet too prideful to bow to him as they should.
''Your highness, where are we going?'' After walking in silence, Fleuri is the first to speak, adjusting his glasses as he picks up the pace to walk next to him as Lowe and Raphael walk behind. After all, the role of aide is one of more equal standing than those of servants, even if they're all commoners.
''To the training grounds, I need to talk with the administrator and some other people'', he answers simply without giving the aide any opening for more questions, he looks at the new watch on his wrist to check the time. It's almost lunchtime, Raphael said he talked with Scarlet, but I wonder if she'll appear. They walk for a while before reaching the training grounds, the sound of metal clashing and the smell of sweat fill his senses, Nikias is used to being there at night to run, but the atmosphere is different during the day, not only there are more people there staring at him with disdain in their eyes, but most of all, they aren't the ones that saw him train every night, so they're not scared to approach the Prince with ill intent.
After his first night run, he kept the knights in check a couple more times, forcing them to bow and threatening them with disciplinary actions such as execution for disobeying orders from a Royal. Not only that but his constant training and impressive stamina changed his image with more than a few knights. Nikias stamina is way too good for someone who didn't train at all according to rumors… He made a note of such after running for at least an hour and a half every night. Considering his body is in good shape, it makes sense, but I wonder how not even his own servants knew of it.
''Ugh, what a weakling'' one of the knights says, by his uniform he is one of the Royal Knights, and from afar Nikias can see his brother's personal knights training, their uniform is different, white and black with a crow with its wings open at the back of their jacket, while the Royal Knights had golden and white uniforms with a golden Sun and Moon at the back, the symbol of the Royal Knights since the foundation of the Empire.
It must be a nightmare to wash both uniforms, too much white. He observes, feeling bad for the maids who wash the knights uniforms. I should think about making my knights uniform in black and gold, this way I won't be running too much from Morke's colors or Exos' ones. It's a good strategy since his order of knights will migrate to the Morke Kingdom with him, and the colors of the Morke Kingdom are black, white and purple, while the Exos Empire's colors are gold, red and white.
Since the symbol of the Royal Knights is the Sun and Moon and brother's is a Crow, I should use some similar symbol. With those thoughts Nikias eyes stop at the Empire's flag, where the coat of arms of the Imperial Family is, the red phoenix. Hm, a gold phoenix, it is reminiscent of the Empire but still using my own colors, it can also symbolize my own rebirth. A good story for the reporters that's for sure. Soon Nikias will need to start to shift public opinion, and having a story behind his changes is the best course of action to gather public sympathy. If he makes a resilience story about dying and coming back to life a changed man, it might work.
That is if you can consider the small differences between Vahe and the old Nikias, actual changes in the eyes of others. He is smarter, that is for sure, but his prideful personality and lack of social interest, might pose a threat to showcase such differences. After all, just like him, the old Nikias didn't find within himself to bow down to others in order to achieve a goal, he might ask for help, but never at the expense of his own conscious.
''I guess even good-for-nothings can come here now'', another Royal Knight comments with a snicker, Nikias calmly walks past them ignoring all the comments and curses directed at him, some knights stare at him with lust as usual, undressing him with their eyes and making dirty comments between each other, something along the lines that they wish they could get their way with him. Disgusting, the Prince thinks as he enters the building.
The Knights official building is as big as one of the Palace wings, with the dorms and the administration, it's a facility made to support and bloom the talents for not only protection of the Royals but also the possibility of war, that's why within it there are three divisions, the official Royal Knights, that are for personal protection of the family, the Royal Battalion that only trains for the prospect of war and its usually dispatched to the marches for protecting the borders. And then the Princes division, having only the Silver Crows, since Nikias never had one.
Until now that is. I wonder what name I should use, if I will use a golden phoenix as the symbol, maybe something along those lines like Alkaios did?
After knocking at the door of the administration office, a scrawny looking old-man opens it, his glasses are hanging at the tip of his nose and his hands are filled with cuts and trembles slightly as he holds the door open. ''May I be of your assistance, your highness?'' His voice is like nails scratching a black board.
''I'm here to register my order of Knights'' Nikias says after flinching over the awful voice of the elder. He enters the room, sitting at one of the chairs available, his servants standing close to the door and Fleuri sitting next to him.
The old-man sits back at his chair, grabbing a few papers ''His majesty already informed me'', he says, ''Here is the paperwork, you'll need at least six knights to be able to use the training grounds facilities, your knights will be provided housing at the dorms and food, besides being able to train here, their uniform must be provided by you and we won't supervise their training as well.'' He explains as Nikias reads the forms. ''That is if you have the minimum number of knights''.
''And if they're commoners? Are their statuses raised?'' Nikias asks as he grabs a pen and starts filling the necessary information, the old-man stares at the Prince, he met the boy when he was around six, and of course also heard the rumors around the Palace, so why the young man in front of him is so different from not only what he remembers but also what he heard? The aura around that boy is one of a grand magician, but he doesn't have mana, does he? The old-man wonders.
''They will have the same status as a royal servant, since they're only from a division from the Prince, not an official one'', Nikias nods, ''The salary is around twelve thousand gold coins a year'', he can hear his servants flinch. ''It's two times what servants receive since it's a more dangerous position.''
After exchanging a few more pieces of information Nikias finishes the registration by putting down the name of the order. Golden Phoenices. It's not his most creative name, but it rolls well of the tongue and its memorable enough to be spotted by those who see them for the first time, from this moment on, Nikias name will be associated to the Golden Phoenices and vice versa, becoming an infamous division in the politics of the two Continents he will step on, but that's the development that'll happen in the future, right now they might as well be the most hated recently-made division in the history of all three Continents.
''You have a week to register your knights'', the old-man says at last as the Prince leaves the administrative room.
Fleuri sighs ''That man's voice was driving me crazy'', he ruffles his own hair out of frustration, careful not to show his ears as they're still in public, ''How can someone sound like he's ripping my soul apart''.
Raphael laughs in accordance. Nikias smiles softly. ''I couldn't agree more'', he says leaving the building, the amount of knights around has increased with time, the ones that Nikias recognized from his night runs bow as he passes them, but the others just ignore his presence. The Prince sighs. ''I guess I need to put them in their place again''.
The three men accompanying him look at the Prince with confusion in their eyes as he walks towards the middle of the training grounds. Fleuri turns to the twins. ''Is he always like this?''
''Well…'' Raphael says, scratching his head, unsure how to answer. ''I guess?''
''He might look crazy, but he always has a goal in mind'', Lowe answers, his trust laid in every word, his loyalty not only due to the mana pact but also the implanted ideas in his brain about the one who possesses golden mana.
''Hm, he just looks a monster with no leash for me'', Fleuri mumbles, watching as the Prince yells at the knights that didn't greet him, his tone is calm yet firm, his eyes glow with a dangerous glimmer, making every bone of Fleuri's body to shiver. Yup, a crazy bastard of a monster, yet he can't get that monster's words out of his head. Freedom… Can he really provide me that? Words that mean so much yet Fleuri can't help but hope, hope that he'll be able to one day put his long hair up and walk along people without fear of scrutiny or worse.
His life inside the Empire Academy was one of the bottom of the food chain, but he accepted this type of treatment, he was a genius, at the top of scores even if he didn't try much, and his sponsor was one of greed, giving him the chance in exchange of studying his blood. Nothing is free, and right now, Fleuri doesn't understand Nikias' goal in having him as his aide, if his goal is just his abilities or something far darker.
Indeed, he doesn't understand the second Prince, but who could say they do? Only Nikias himself understands how his own mind works and his own goals to achieve, after all how could he say he's getting ready for the war against a god? He can't.
''Hey, how much is your salary?'' Lowe asks as he watches the knights bow to the second Prince, holding back his laughter as he sees their scornful eyes, not able to go against the Prince's open orders.
''Hm?'' Fleuri turns to stare at the twins. ''Twenty thousand'', he answers simply, turning back to watch as the Prince walks back to them. The salary of the aides of the Princes is usually high since it's a position destined to nobility, Nikias being the first to hire a commoner for the spot. Since most Princes who don't get the crown go to become Dukes, Margraves or even Kings of other nations, they maintain the decorum of surrounding themselves with nobility to raise their influence. Making what Nikias is doing an unprecedented event that further will be seen as early shows of his geniality in spotting talent in dirt.
Lowe sighs, ''I wish I could've been an official servant''.
''I'll take you on that'' Nikias says as he gets closer, a satisfied expression from scolding the knights, lately he's been showing a range of expressions beyond the usual pitiful one the servants were used to, and even Vahe himself wouldn't be this expressive, however he doesn't know yet the emotions he's allowing to leak through his eyes and occasional smiles. ''Don't worry so much over money Lowe, don't forget you'll soon be a Queen's servant not a mere Prince's one''. Lowe's cheeks became red as he was caught complaining about his salary. ''Now, I should explain to you my plan for your future'', the Prince says as he walks farther into the training grounds, looking for the red haired girl he's supposed to meet.
''What do you mean by that your highness?'' Raphael asks, his hands trembling slightly, hoping deep down to have a more important role, as he feels useless in comparison to his brother or even the new employee.
''First, Fleuri, I know you're suspicious, but my role for you is exactly what I told you before, you're to become my right hand, not only taking role in administrating my assets but also partaking in meetings in my name, where I go, you go, you'll represent me in my absence and take upon any task I give you'', Nikias' explain, his steps steady as the gears inside his head work to explain everything properly without leaving room for the servants to doubt or question his words. ''Lowe, Raphael, I understand you both don't wish to stand out much, but my promise of revenge can't be accomplished by being only in the shadows, I don't have plans to let you be taken as well as I won't be taking revenge in your stead''.
She's here, Nikias thinks, stopping his words for a moment, he stops walking after seeing the lady sitting under a tree, her curly now short hair messed by the wind and her clothes are those of a squire, not a lady.
''I said I'll give you the blade, how you wield it is up to you'', he continued, looking his servants in the eyes. ''Lowe, I'll have you take upon administrative classes as well as follow my mother's butler around, I'm going to train you to be my eyes, ears and blade inside the Palace'' he says placing a hand on Lowe's shoulder, ''That is only if you plan on following me to Morke, that is''. Lowe's eyes waver, not sure how to reply, he wants to accept the opportunity right away, but how can he? If he does so, will they be really able to get revenge? Will they really leave the clutches of their past? Will they be able to stop surviving and start living? And most of all, will not only him but his brother be really safe?
''Can I… Answer you another time?'' He asks, not able to look his master in the eyes, he wants to jump to the opportunity, yes, but as his careful nature is what made him and Raphael survive until now, he can't help but crack as the thin ice he was hiding underneath starts to break, threatening to expose all of his secrets and fears. Nikias nods, turning to the other twin.
''Raphael, I'll register you as a knight'', that takes both twins by surprise. ''I want to establish three divisions for my knights, one of my official knights, to follow and protect me, one of magicians, for other purposes and another of shadows, to you know… do some dirty work like spying.'' He sighs, ''I plan on making you the Captain of the shadow division, but that is if you would like to, the Captain will do more administrative work, as you will command the other knights and report to me, however, due to your… history… as mercenaries, I understand if you refuse, I'll find another use for your skills'', Nikias says, leaving no moment for an answer, truth be told he didn't want to put the twins in situations like this, as they told him their story and how they hated being mercenaries, but for Raphael skills in curses, being a shadow is the best position Nikias could put him.
And Lowe's position as well is one carefully thought through, after all a butler with poison skills is one able to create a new power dynamic inside the Palace. He isn't inside the political sphere in the Exos Empire, but that won't be the same in the Morke Kingdom, so he needs to nurture his allies well within their skills.
Raphael looks at his brother, he wants to accept, he's even struggling to not smile, but Lowe is looking pale, of course. He always took the worry for both of them, while Raphael was inconsequential and didn't mind the dirty work, Lowe was always busy protecting them and worrying over his brother. It's his choice, in the end, but he couldn't possibly hurt his brother when he's always protecting him. But contrary to expectations, Lowe looks him in the eye, the message clear. I'm against it, but it's your choice.
''It'll be my honor, your highness'', Raphael answers, bowing to the Prince, he just hopes to not disappoint his brother with his choice, because truth be told, he wishes nothing more but to be useful to the man that saved them from despair.
Nikias nods, ''Thank you for your choice, my knight'', he lowers his head to Raphael, symbolizing his thankfulness, one of six, he thinks, turning to the woman, finally walking towards her.
Scarlet's eyes are closed, but she can sense Nikias' steps closing in on her, and when he stops, her eyes open, two gray eyes staring at two golden ones, they don't say anything at first, their gazes aren't those of threat or anger, they're simply analyzing each other. At last the woman gets up, bowing to the Prince. ''I greet the second star of the Empire''. Nikias nods and they stand eye to eye. ''May I ask why your highness requested my presence?'' Scarlet doesn't show, but her presence there already means that she knows what the Prince wants, comfortable clothes and a sword on her hip, at least she hopes she's right. If she isn't, tomorrow she'll be in a carriage to the countryside for a Temple at her mother's request. I had to sneak out, so tell me Prince, what do you wish of me?
''Lady Abel, I won't tell you pretty words. You know very well we're not all that different, your parents gave up on you, five broken engagements, you would be lucky to have a sixth one, and your obsession with Lady Petit is no joke'', Nikias says, his tone is as cold as his eyes, Scarlet scoffs, anger building inside her, she knows all that, but why she needs to stand there listening to that good-for-nothing Prince saying those things to her?
''So what?'' she replies. ''The kettle calling the pot black''.
Nikias snorts. ''Sure, that's true. But Lady Abel, I'm a Prince, you, on the other hand, isn't even the heir of your household'', he takes a step closer to the woman, his face inches from hers, his attempt to irritate her succeeding as she clenches her fist, her knuckles turning white. ''So, will you stay there? In the misery of your brother's shadow? Or will you become a blade for me to wield?''
''Your blade? Don't make me laugh, there isn't honor in serving a useless master'', she retorts, holding back from spitting on Nikias' face, his status is still above hers so she can't exactly act as she pleases. And deep down the Prince is enjoying himself, sure, his servants aren't as cordial as most around the castle, and he treats them as friends and employees, but their difference in status is clear, while Scarlet isn't that far down the ladder.
''What are you saying? Will you serve my brother instead?'' Scarlet blushes with Nikias' words. ''I don't think Evangelia would allow though'', he smirks, leaning back. ''The only girl I even saw around Alkaios is Tove, and that's only because she doesn't see him as a man and she answers more to Evangelia than to him, I wonder if someone that was once considered for his fiancee would be allowed''.
He's right, and she knows it, and the chances of her being selected as a knight for the Emperor or Empress is low, and to any other household they wouldn't go against house Abel to get her, she knows that but the idea of wielding to Nikias bothers her just as much. Stubborn girl, he thinks with amusement. I really like her.
''Lady Abel, I'm not asking for blinded loyalty, become a sword and build your own path from now on, no marriage and no serving god, serve me and become free from your house's grasp'', the final blow, the actuality of what he was going to say, first to show her the despair she's facing, then cornering her by showing she has no choice, and finally giving her the lifeline she desperately seeks. Scarlet can see the poison in Nikias' eyes, and the way he speaks as if he's above her, giving her a choice but not really.
The grace he previously showed his servants nowhere to be seen, after all grace is given after loyalty, not the other way around.
Scarlet laughs, ''You got me'', she pushes her wild curls back, smiling. ''I'll be your blade, your highness, in return, you must take responsibility for recruiting me''. Her eyes shine with a hint of blood red, so fast that Nikias wonders if he imagined.
He extends his hand, ''Don't worry, you can turn the dirt into blood, as long as you don't break any laws'', Scarlet accepts his hand, shaking it as she laughs.
''It'll be a pleasure to soak the floor you walk on with the blood of your enemies, your highness''.
❥
I'm distracted, Rainier thinks as his hands touch his sword's sheath, a frustrated sigh leaving his lips, his eyes watching as his subordinates train, the uniform he's wearing never felt so uncomfortable. He wants to let go of a few buttons and remove the jacket, even if the sun is hidden behind the clouds and the chilly wind is enough to make him shiver from the cold.
''Sir, Lord Abel is missing from training'', one of the knights says, his stature is small and his blue eyes and brown hair are a commonality in the Empire. The hair color is similar, he thinks, memories of earlier that morning flashing in the brain of the future Duke. Rainier shakes his head, unsure of the reason his mind keeps going back to those memories, I should forget about it, it'll never happen again anyway.
''He always does as he pleases'' the Captain says, sighing and dismissing the knight. ''Just let him be, the only one that can control him is the Crown Prince anyway'', his words carry weight, after all Frode Abel only respects those stronger than him be it in power or strength, and Alkaios is both.
''As you wish'', the knight bows and goes back to his training, Rainier watches him from the back. Hm, he's a bit taller than the puppy. He sighs again, frustrated at himself for letting his mind wander off during work, he turns to go to his office, dealing with paperwork will sure distract him enough.
As he turns to enter the building he sights at the second Prince and his entourage talking with Scarlet Abel, her clothes suggests that she isn't there as Lady Abel, and Rainier can't help but be suspicious of the Prince's goal by talking with her, after all, he could have every type of intention and surely none of them would be pure. What is he up to now? He thinks with an angry expression, his eyes twitching as he remembers all of the previous antics of the man. Alkaios mentioned earlier something about him getting knights, but recruiting Lady Abel? Neither of them have good reputations, and considering her brother's personality, he probably wouldn't allow her there.
His stare must be quite noticeable as one of the servants turns to stare back at him, his brown warm eyes meeting Rainier's cold red ones. A warm feeling takes over Rainier's cheeks as he gets embarrassed from being caught on staring at them, and not only that but meeting eyes with someone he was with just a few hours ago sure can mess with one's thoughts. The servant on the other hand just stares at him as if to say that he should stop staring, nothing in his eyes even suggest that there was something between them, embarrassed from feeling that he's the only one bothered by what happened, Rainier wants to turn away or mouth at the man that he wasn't staring on purpose, but he can't move.
Not because he's worried or cares, no, but because he's pulled out of the servant's gaze by another presence.
There wasn't a single ray of sunshine at that moment, but when Evangelia reaches Rainier's line of sight, is as if the clouds dissipate and the sun finally greets them, the sunlight kissing her silky black hair, down because of her training, the sweat in her forehead shining like the most beautiful of filters. And even if that's all inside the man's head, she is, right now, the prettiest person in the Palace. A wave of guilt washes over him, a burning sensation in his stomach doesn't allow him to forget the scene he made that morning, throwing up like a child by the mention of the name of his love, feeling guilty for kissing someone while the promise he made to love her until his death remains unwavering.
''Rai'', the woman smiles as she sees her childhood friend, they were together just that morning, but their conversation was quick and the matter was about Alkaios and her engagement, as to only make him more sick, as if to remind him that the woman was nothing more than his best friend. Evangelia is there to train with the knights and form a bond with them, since soon she'll become their Empress, she always strives to be the perfect ruler, even caring about those in the slums. Her carefree expression and comfortable clothes, make Rainier remember a memory from their adolescence.
''If we had met when I was a commoner, do you think we would still be friends?'' he asked with his heart beating so fast he wondered if Evangelia could hear him, it was the night after their graduation from the Academy, and they were awaiting Alkaios at the Palace gardens.
The girl laughed, as if his question was nothing but an amusing joke, a tone of red similar to his eyes blooming on his face and ears. ''Rai, you ask the most stupid of questions sometimes'', her tone was one of playfulness, but still made his heart sting. ''Of course we would be friends, you know I don't care about such things as titles and social conforms'', her answer made sense, she was not only the perfect future Crown Princess and Empress, but also someone that constantly volunteered in the slums and Temples, helping those in need. Even so, not a single one of her friends are commoners.
''I'm glad'', he whispered back, thinking that he shouldn't think too deeply into it, even if he acted like a noble and mingled with them, sometimes he wondered if his life wasn't changed by a coincidence, than he would never even be able to be close to her like that.
And even if she tells him lies, he's glad he's able to be next to her.
He never asked her that again, and even if such a memory resurfaces every now and then, Rainier tries letting go of the pang in his heart and just enjoys the fact that he isn't a commoner and is Evangelia's best friend.
''Training hard, Evangelia?'' He asks with a smile, the fondness in his eyes clear to those with observant eyes, the woman however, even if she's keen, pretends to not notice such emotions. And Rainier still remains oblivious to the fact that she knows his feelings. If he found out, would that even change anything? If he knew that inside her mind she is actively playing on his emotions just so he'll be of help to her, would he back off? What would he do if those things came to the surface? And what would Evangelia do if his emotions towards her weren't enough to tie him down next to her anymore?
Rainier's presence always was necessary in the war, not only was his loyalty important, but also was his sacrifice.
Because as Nikias', our protagonist, already stated, not a single ally of the protagonists survives at the end. And Rainier's death was the one that catalyzed all, the one sacrifice Evangelia never changed, because if she did, who would die in his place was far more important.
And if Rainier knew that…
Would something inside him break?
From afar Lowe has that feeling as if something isn't right, he can't help but stare at the knight, his eyes, the emotion behind them as he speaks with the Crown Prince's fiance. He looks like that man who looked at Raphael, he thinks, maybe I should ask him about the symptoms… His mind wonders, he said that it would be just once, but he can't help his curiosity, and if he already helped him once, what stops him from helping him a second time?
''Those are dangerous eyes'', Fleuri's voice next to him startled Lowe, who turns to look at the half-elf. ''The Captain of the Silver Crows harbors deadly emotions'', his words aren't wrong, coveting the soon to be wife of a Royal is equal to treason, however there isn't a chance that the Crown Prince doesn't know of those feelings, if keen eyes are enough to sight it, the eyes of a top predator wouldn't miss it.
''Nobles sure have it tough'', Raphael enters the conversation, his eyes also watching the pair of friends, he wonders why would people that have so much yearn for what they can't have, just like the man that insists in bothering him.
''They're shameless, that's what they are, so many people in the world and they coveted those they can't have'', Fleuri clicks his tongue, turning his attention back at the second Prince, who is already back from talking with Lady Abel, the smile on his face makes the servants flinch, seems like he had fun playing with her.
''You should be careful with what you say at the Palace'', the Prince says with a light laugh, and again, such emotions never reach his eyes. ''It would be hard to convince them to not execute my aide, you see, I still don't have that much power''.
''I apologize'', Fleuri says, bowing and turning his gaze away from the treacherous eyes of the second Prince.
''Just do so where the ears don't reach'', Nikias says simply, shrugging. ''I agree with the remarks'', his eyes go to where Rainier and Evangelia are talking. ''Pointless feelings are destructive by itself'', his words might seem out of context, but if you see it closely with the plot of 'Odd Eyes', Rainier's emotions are just pointless, as he was written to die in Alkaios instead and to not even be mentioned again after the marriage of the protagonists, he's nothing but plot device. Of course, if Nikias' had chosen him as his partner instead of Lyor he might have thought of saving him before the marriage, but that would be a futile thing now, he has no interest in saving those blinded by an impossible love, even if he feels a small sympathy towards them. He hates me anyway, ''Even if I know the future, you would still choose to die for love'', he whispers to himself, a remark he makes under his breath, so low that most wouldn't even catch it, but Lowe who's standing next to him does catch it though.
Shock isn't enough to describe what the servant is feeling, no, he feels almost enlightened, if Nikias knows the future, then all of his actions and changes make sense, if he knows what will happen then his words aren't empty promises. Lowe isn't sure exactly what it means, but knowing the future must be a side effect from his special mana, he is sure of it, the crown in his wrist isn't an empty representation of a Prince, but the signal of those destined for greatness.
''Your highness'', he says, his heart pounding from excitement, all that he suffered, all the books he memorized and the torture he went through, were for this, he's sure of it. Serving those with golden mana is not only a duty but an honor. Those words were engraved in his soul. The Prince turns to look at Lowe, his golden eyes just shine even more now in the eyes of the servant. ''I will do it, I will do the butler training''.
Nikias smiles. ''Very well''.
But what was that about dying? Lowe thinks after his heartbeat slows down, his eyes searching for the red hair among the knights, easily spotting Rainier again, who's still talking with the Crown Princess-to-be, soon to be out of sight as they walk away from the training grounds. How can love kill someone?
❥
After skipping lunch, Nikias finds himself hungry, however there's a thing when you have lived long enough on the streets without knowing when your next meal will be. Even if he's hungry, he doesn't find the need to go out of his way to eat, and when he eats he eats a lot in one sitting. A bad habit he should fix, but he isn't aware of that yet.
So instead of eating he's back at his bedroom, looking at documents together with Fleuri, who spent a few hours familiarizing himself with the second Prince's assets. ''Please take note that you won't be able to administrate these assets before you get Duke Sawdon to sign the transfer papers'', Fleuri says with a tired sigh, after they returned from the training grounds, Nikias started discussing with him about selling his assets. Most of them were country states, farmlands and mines, however even if they produce a steady income, the amount it comes to at the end of the month isn't much, therefore either there's something seriously wrong with the lands or he's being ripped-off.
''I see'', he replies, separating the papers Fleuri handed him as he reads their contents. ''What about the purchase of a building at the square?'' He asks without looking at his aide who sighs again. He sure loves working for me, Nikias thinks sarcastically, but Fleuri wasn't sighing because of work or because he dislikes the Prince, but because the whole situation is frustrating.
Not only all of his assets are frozen due the Duke's antics, but everything he asks of is something impossible to accomplish due to his poor reputation. ''I'm still looking for a place, it's been only a few hours you asked, your highness''.
''I'm aware'', the Prince says, rubbing his eyes, exhausted, I should've slept more, he thinks, but with so much to do there isn't time for him to take a nap or rest. He still needs four more knights for his order and at least one of them needs to be an experienced knight, as training of the Princes' divisions isn't overseen by the Royal order.
''Perhaps you could open it to the public to apply'', his aide says, noticing his worried expression, a skill by itself since the only hint of worry in his eyes lasted for a few seconds.
''I don't want to risk it'', he says with a shrug, ''I don't have the time to make them like me, so it needs to be those who need me, like Lady Abel''.
''Can't you just dig up dirt on them and call it a day? You didn't hesitate to threaten me'', Fleuri states, watching the Prince laugh coldly.
''It's a bit different, since you don't carry a sword around me all the time''. He points out, using his pen to point at Fleuri with a humorous tone.
''I could use my blood to melt your flesh''. The halfling retorts.
That statement makes Nikias stop and look at his aide properly, the expression on the half-elf face is serious, but his tone was light, he sure doesn't hold back his tongue, he thinks, but doesn't exactly dislike it, as previous pointed out, Nikias is the type to enjoy being around those who don't hide behind a mask around him, so their cold and sarcastic remarks are welcome.
As a Prince he should be reprimanding his servants, but he doesn't want to. Because the more he allows them to feel comfortable the more they will be loyal to him, and if they cross the line he established then he can just toss them aside using the laws of the Empire as his backing. It's not like he has some groundbreaking document hiding in his office for spying nor does he have the political relevance for retribution from no one in nobility except Evangelia.
For now, that is, and when he becomes threatening enough he'll be moving to another Continent.
Also, two of his servants are bound by a mana pact while the other is bound by a magical contract, even if they crossed the Prince, they were the ones with more to lose, especially Fleuri, since his existence by itself is a crime.
''Save your blood for our enemies'', he states simply.
''And who may those be?''
Nikias blinks with bewilderment, his golden eyes staring at the aide who keeps questioning everything, his curiosity leaking through every question, and funny enough, his questions are always the right ones to ask. Is it because he's a genius? He asks himself before answering Fleuri. ''I'm still figuring that part out''.
The half-elf seems to still be curious about other things but he is stopped from asking as the door from the Prince's room opens.
''Your highness, I brought Madam Hannah as you requested'', Lowe says, his head low in respect as he speaks, his tone calm and formal, proving he is accompanied by the Empress one and only butler.
At the Exos Empire Palace there is a clear distinction between the Emperor's people and the Empress' ones, as they both have their own duties. It was the way they found to have those loyal to them without risking internal and external political feuds. The Empress is in charge of internal duties, such as administering the Palace, its employees salaries and also other businesses regarding its internal affairs, so her butler was responsible for overseeing all the employees and also serving the Empress personally with any request she might have of the Palace, she was her eyes and ears.
Not that she does a good job overseeing the Princes affairs, since Nikias died, he thinks as he nods to Lowe to allow the woman to enter his room.
''I greet the second star of the Empire'', the old woman says, bowing to the Prince, she is over 60 years old, her skin rugged from overwork and her black eyes are sunken from the habit of only sleeping a few hours. Before taking the task of being the Empress Butler she was the Crown Prince's nanny, where she acquired enough influence and proximity with the Empress to get the job.
''Nice to see you Madam, I would like to make a request'', his voice is calm, he attempts to look serious so that the woman won't dismiss his words, as she usually does.
You see, the old Nikias used to bother this woman a lot, asking for a raise of allowance and trying to get her to convince his mom to allow him to oversee duties in her stead, right now he isn't sure why the old Nikias wanted to learn the ropes of the Palace so much, as it was never stated in the novel, but he was quite insistent, to no avail. Madam Hannah didn't appear much in the novel, except a few scenes about Nikias' past antics in the third book where the author went on about Evangelia's previous three lives.
''I apologize, your highness, but the budget of the Princes was already approved by the Empress, I can't change it'', her tone is annoyed and her expression is one of pure disgust, Nikias can feel her distrust of him by her voice alone. Should I just ask for my father's butler? But my duties will be more similar to my mother's than father's… He thinks, unconsciously thinking about them as his own parents, but he doesn't notice his own slip of consciousness.
''I'm not opening another request to increase the budget.'' He says with a sigh, softening his expression, trying to appeal to the older woman with a more pitiful look. ''All I would like to ask is for you to train my servant'', he points to Lowe, who's standing silently in the corner of the room, his stance perfectly reflecting the servants etiquette. Similar to how he acted before Vahe entered Nikias' body, but different from how he is presently. The Prince almost feels the urge to question why the servant doesn't act like that normally, but he knows the answer as their attitude changed with the mana pact. ''As you probably know I'll be marrying the Morke Kingdom's King, so I'll be taking the role of Queen, similar to mother's'' he continues, seeing the woman's expression sour even more. ''I need my servants to be prepared to take on such roles''.
''Your highness, I can't possibly train a commoner to be a butler!'' So her disgust was towards Lowe not my request, he observes. Even if he's now a Prince, he can't shake his own origins, and maybe because of that he feels more comfortable surrounding himself with those similar to Vahe, however, he's not ready for this deep analysis of his own choices, so his annoyance towards her prejudices might feel a little out of place to those watching him from the outside.
''Madam!'', he hits his fist on the table making a loud noise, startling the woman, both his aide and servant only observing quietly. His tone is firm and his eyes go from pitiful innocence to anger. ''I don't think you would appreciate it if I go through with this with my mother.'' he threatens, ''What difference does it make if he is a commoner now? When he becomes the butler of a Queen his status won't be much different from yours.''
His words only anger the woman further, but she bites her lips, trying not to answer the Prince with something that might grant her a scolding from the Empress. As a butler she might be able to talk back to the Princes or influence some of the Empress' decisions, but not even she can get away with insulting a royal.
"I understand, but what will my teachings help when the customs of the Morke Kingdom are different? The duties of a Queen are far less than those of an Empress" She's right, of course, if you don't consider what Nikias knows of the future, as how the Kingdom won't keep being such for long.
"Madam, I understand your worries, but even if the duties are lessen, the knowledge is still useful, as you don't deal with as much confidential duties as father's butler, you are the most qualified to teach him", Nikias says, his tone calmer, but his eyes don't hide his still lingering anger. Commoner this, commoner that, at the face of the royals can someone truly defy my orders by such stupid reasons? He thinks to himself, after all, above him only is his family and when he orders something as long as it isn't conflictant with his family's orders, he is undoubtedly powerful enough to demand anything from anyone.
Even if I told her to teach a child from the slums who doesn't even know how to read, she should bow down her head and do it. His thoughts are quite classist, sure, but what is the monarchy if not classist? And even if he, as Vahe, hated such social constructs, he as Nikias needs and will use it to get what he wants. And even if he's using his power to bring up the status of those abandoned by the Empire, he still, at the end of the day, is doing so for his best interest only.
For loyal blind servants, for his own survival, and for his own future. And only that.
"I understand", she bows, giving in, after she has no real motive to deny the Prince, the only way being to talk to the Empress, but after Nikias' almost death she's been lenient to his antics. Thinking about my mother, I should talk with her about Lyor, she's the only one that didn't say anything, even if she was just as shocked. Nikias thinks as he makes a note for himself to go find the Empress later, after all, she's his mother right now. "If I may, I will need to talk with your servant about the arrangements then".
The Prince nods, allowing for them to leave the room, and before the door closes, he receives another visitor.
"Excuse me, your highness", Sir Peterson knocks on the open door, just as his mother's butler leaves, his father's one gets there. "Lord Gagne, who your father summoned to the Palace to be your teacher, would like to speak with you in the drawing room".
Nikias stares at the butler, just like Madam Hannah, Sir Peterson is around 60 years old, his appearance is tidy and his white hair is perfectly kept back, his glasses are shiny and his rugged skin is proof of his past as a knight. He retired after an injury at war and became butler by the Emperor's generous offer. The old man's blue eyes shine with the secrets he keeps for the sake of the Empire, and those same eyes look at Nikias' with absolute disgust.
And contrary to his own expectations dealing with those gazes, for the first time since he became Nikias, his whole body freezes. Not only he's not able to answer, but he starts to hyperventilate, after that memory of Nikias' childhood resurfaced, he's been acting weird, but now? Vahe would never show so much weakness in front of someone who shouldn't have such power on him.
Luckily for him, he, when in sound judgement, does have perfect decision making, such as hiring Fleuri as his aide. The half-elf not only catches Nikias' shift in emotions and actions, but also the butler's expression of disgust, reacting fast enough to cover for his employer's blunter.
"If possible, his highness would appreciate it if Lord Gagne could come here instead, since his classes would probably be conducted here". His tone is calm and his posture perfect, for a commoner that is, at least that's how the butler sees the aide, and even if he would like to say something about the fact that he was speaking over the Prince, Nikias waves his hand, trying to show he agrees with Fleuri's words, at the same time he attempts to stop his own panic attack.
"Understood", the butler bows, leaving and closing the door behind him. Fleuri lets out a sigh of relief as he turns to the Prince.
Panic attack. A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause. Panic attacks can be very frightening. When panic attacks occur, you might think you're losing control, having a heart attack or even dying. That's the definition written in the medical books Fleuri read in the Academy, and looking at the second Prince right now, he is sure that that is what he's going through.
It becomes hard to imagine that he is the same man who was reprimanding knights stronger than him just hours ago. The man who before was standing straight, with eyes unwavering, worthy of a ruler, now is falling from his chair, his hand clenched on his chest and his breath so unstable he gasps for air.
Everything Nikias' is feeling is foreign to him, his whole body is shivering, sweat starts to soak his clothes as time slows down, at least to him. The pain in his chest is enough for him to groan as he tightens his grip on his clothes, as if he was attempting to grip his heart in itself, his mind too dizzy for him to manage to think about what is going on, his vision blurrying as he falls from the chair he was sitting on.
This feeling isn't Vahe's. This pain, this desperation to escape. This fear.
He can feel hands grabbing his shoulders and a voice attempting to communicate with him from afar, but the pain is too great to pay attention to its words. He only manages to start hearing when the hands grab his face, turning his gaze from the floor to Fleuri's face.
"Breath your highness, deep breaths, in and out", the aide says, attempting to make the Prince copy his own breathing. At first Nikias is unable to even attempt doing so, but as the half-elf keeps repeating those words, he finds himself copying the man's breath, stabilizing his own.
Eventually managing to stop the pain.
"Your highness, I won't ask why this happened, but if such thing happens again I must know how to approach the situation", Fleuri says, his eyes don't show a hint of worry or pity, and his tone is cold. "You're not invincible, and you hired me to be your right hand, not just someone who hands you documents to sign".
Nikias' stares at his aide, his golden eyes shredded in mystery, if someone saw his current composure would never guess he was just having a panic attack. And sure, he would love to be able to tell Fleuri when this could happen again and how to proceed, but he isn't sure himself.
Those emotions he felt, so real, so raw, almost as if someone was ripping his whole being apart, similar to when he had that memory from Nikias' childhood. Could the butler be that mystery man? Or is he guilty of another abuse I'm unaware of? Regardless of the reason, the memories and emotions of the previous Nikias are coming to the surface, and not only will that unravel a whole new pack of traumas but it might as well mean that he will fully become Nikias and Vahe, not someone who possessed his body, not a fake who hides behind a fake amnesia.
His soul is gone, though, so I won't be truly him, I'll only have his memories and emotions. Nikias attempts to rationalize the situation, but it doesn't matter how much he tries, he can't understand what the future brings to the changes he made.
And maybe at one point the future will be so different that his knowledge of the novels will become obsolete.
Regardless, I need to think of a plan and a course of action as things become more and more unpredictable. I chose to make these changes and the consequences are mine to bear.
❥
Chapter curiosities:
Its been a while for the curiosities ehe, remembering y'all that the Index chapter will be constantly updated with the new characters informations! Here I'll talk about the symbology behind the Knights symbols:
The Crow symbolizes transformation, intelligence, mystery and also can symbolize omens and death, its also the animal symbol of the Crown Prince, which also has the same symbolism. The silver here is used to symbolize purity and clarity, a contrast that symbolizes how the Crown Prince is on the outside and inside.
The Phoenix symbolizes rebirth and renewal, being the symbol of the Empire for the same reason as it is a symbolism for Nikias' changes, as both he and the first Emperor were ''anomalies'' as the gods would put them as (they're different, but that'll be put forth way later so no spoilers). And gold is symbolizing here prestige and power, things he's trying to accomplish with his order of knights.
As for the new characters, both butlers have names with ''no symbolism'', as I chose more simple names with no specific meaning, to show how as butlers they lose their own meaning and burry themselves in the prestige of their position. And also because choosing names for extras is hard I'm sorry ehe.
Tove is finally mentioned here, she'll appear more as we delve in politics, her name is of scandinavian origin and it means 'beloved', she is Evangelia's only female ally who is deeply mentioned in the Og!Novel :D