Volume 10 : Chapter 13 – BAD LIARS (1)

It had only been two days when I had to say goodbye to Athena once more. She had to return to the capital to resume her duties, but she promised to visit me every week in Oakhart.

I was content with that. I had no desire to be involved in the politics of the capital or the intrigues of noble circles. The life of a laidback countryside noble suited me much better.

Plus, I had a stack of new books from the Stark and Hart Kingdoms waiting for me, and it’d be a crime to leave them unattended. And I could now also find time to make snacks and sweets for myself in the evenings.

The mansion was being run by a minimal number of staff, and I always preferred staying in the new log house I built in the garden. Athena had arranged for workers who could manage things independently, so I didn’t need to oversee them either.

I spent time with Hana, playing and teaching her, and at other times she would go to the village to play with the children since there were none at the mansion. I even heard that they had taken a fancy to her superhuman strength.

As for Regis, she usually spent her time hunting monsters in the forest, practicing her magic, or simply lazing around with me.

The day after, I got a surprise visit.

“Lady Alicia, a person claiming to be Izek Valoria has come to seek an audience with you. I have already confirmed their identity, and he has also some knights accompanying him.” One of the maids informed me.

She glanced at me, but the moment I met her eyes, she shyly looked away. I wanted to live in this mansion without constantly wearing a mask. I guess they still need some time to get used to me as the master of this place.

Since it’s Izek who had already seen me without my mask on, I decided I would only see him.

“Alright, you can bring him to the garden, but please treat the others accompanying him well in the guest room.”

I realized I should at least make an effort to appear like a noble lady if I wanted to maintain the facade. I conjured a small table with two chairs and set out some tea and delicious snacks.

I sat waiting for him to arrive. Soon, I saw Izek come through the entrance, looking like he was in a hurry to meet me.

“Hello, Lady Alicia.” he said, his eyes briefly lingering on me. “I must say, you are even more beautiful in person than the last time we met on the battlefield. I’m glad to see that you are doing well.”

“Why don’t we talk while having these snacks.” I offered.

“Did you make them yourself?” Izek sat down as he gazed at the cookies.

“Yes, I did.” I wondered if there was a specific reason he asked or if something was wrong with them, since I had only recently made them and Regis had already taken half the batch to the forest.

“So, it must be true that…” Izek looked lost in thought.

“What are you talking about?”

I realized it wasn’t so difficult to talk to him, even though I didn’t know much about him and we were alone. Is it because I followed mother’s advice and fought against him with my full strength?

“Lady Alicia, I am again here with my offer to serve as your knight and help in protecting your domain, there are also a few of my subordinates who volunteered to come with me.”

“No. I have already made myself clear that I do not need a knightage.” I thought so much that he might have come with the same request, but to think he would follow me even here.

“Aren’t you too quick to dismiss us?” Izek looked sad as he was suddenly taken aback by my sudden refusal.

I did not answer him. I needed to be stubborn to refuse him if he was going to be this persistent. He must have a strong reason for following me here.

“Is there a special reason you think we are incapable of being your knights?” Izek at this point failed to hide the hesitation he felt.

“You have got it wrong. It’s because... I don’t think I can take responsibility for someone else. Besides, it's so peaceful here that I doubt you'll find anything to do. And I believe you already knew that, so you must have another reason for wanting to become my knight.” I said, setting down my cup.

“Yes, that's true. And I doubt I can offer you anything in return for it. I don’t think money or any kind of precious gem would change your mind. So, all I can give is my service as a knight. But I’m certain that one day, I will be of use to you.” Izek was sincere with his words.

“…Don’t just go on assuming things.” I could not believe he could blurt out such things about dedicating his life to someone so easily.

“Right now, the knights might have followed me of their own volition because of their loyalty to me. But I’m sure that once they meet you in person, they will feel the same way I do.” I couldn't tell if Izek was simply being humble or if there was more to it.

“Let’s do it this way. Why don’t you exactly tell me why you want to become my knight?”

“I want to learn to use Aural arts and improve my technique. There’s someone I want to defeat no matter what. Even if you don’t directly teach me. I’ll be fine on my own, just by learning from watching you.” Izek didn’t waste any time in telling me what he wanted. But I didn’t think he would so forward with his motives.

“I…I…” I was unable to reply to his prompt response.

“Right, I remember bringing a full cart of magical moon berries. I couldn’t show up empty-handed. The maids are probably unloading the cargo in the kitchen right now.” Izek informed me.

“Alright, you can stay. But if you can’t prove that this domain needs you, you should leave within two weeks. And let me be clear—I won’t be needing a knight, nor will I be teaching you directly.” I laid it out plainly.

“That will be more than enough for me.” Izek sounded so happy with that small chance, eager to prove himself.

Izek placed a hand over his heart giving me a formal salute and left.

Hopefully, he understood that I wouldn't be able to show up so quickly in front of the other knights. They must be quite loyal to him to follow him to this middle-of-nowhere place without any clues about the master they were going to serve.

I can only hope they leave after getting bored with this place.

And I can’t wait to make something with the moonberries. I’m sure that when Regis comes back, we can prepare something even better, and with the help of the maids, we could even put together a feast for the guests.

I can’t wait!

***

That day, I was planning to visit Hart Capital.

According to the correspondence letters I had with Caige, she was supposed to arrive there today.

I was finally going to meet Caige and Maya and learn about the progress of the Sierra Union and the sales of the healing potions.

I was also glad to hear that they had met Nia, Ivy, Mars, and Prowl, the group we rescued from the Belladonna assassination organization and they had become part of the Sierra Clan, with Nia taking the vice clan-master position.

Their job was to protect the shop from people who might jeopardize the business and sales of the healing potion. At the same time complete quests to raise the reputation of the clan and fetch items that will be required by the union.

Thankfully, they didn’t have any criminal records in the adventurer guild. Now, it was my responsibility to ensure they didn’t do anything bad since they had promised me. Otherwise, I might have to…

“Alicia, are you ready?” Regis asked me.

“I can’t wait to meet Caige!” Hana exclaimed.

“Alright, let’s go to the Hart Capital right now.” I answered, looking forward to the meeting as we teleported to the Hart Palace together.

…

Athena joined our meeting because she wanted to meet the people I encountered on my journey and also help with the Sierra Union activities.

“It’s a wonderful arrangement,” Athena continued, her eyes sparkling. “Having the Sierra Union work in the healing potion business while the Sierra Clan manages the frontline to keep the business safe is brilliant!”

Just then, we received word that Caige and Maya had arrived at the gates. “Let’s go welcome them.” I suggested, eager to introduce them to Athena.

As we approached, Caige greeted us. “I am very grateful for being invited to this palace. I’m eager to get down to business.”

True to form, Caige was more interested in discussing business than exchanging pleasantries. Her focus was clear, ever the business-minded type, unwilling to waste a moment.

“Why don’t we at least have food during our talks.” I sighed knowing at least Maya accompanying her would indulge herself in good food.

At table, Athena introduced herself to Caige and Maya.

“I am Alice Hart, the princess of the Hart Kingdom. Nice to meet you Caige and Maya.” Athena said.

“I might have not known about you when I was on the demon continent. But now that I have spent a lot of time here, I have come to hear a lot about you. Especially from the princess of the Stark kingdom. We were more surprised to learn that the person Alicia was looking for was you.” Caige said, still watching Athena closely, like someone in awe of meeting a celebrity.

I guess it was because Athena is a very beautiful and mature princess.

“I have been looking for her for far too long. But she found me first.” Athena laughed.

The talks continued, and I got to know the current state of the Sierra Union and how others were doing.

“The shop we opened in the Stark Kingdom is doing incredibly well. We're completely swamped with work.” Caige despite the workload sounded delighted.

Caige had to hire a lot of new workers. Some were locals and some of them even joined from the demon continent. I had already decided to leave the hiring to her good judgment.

Right now, they were low on the giant stock of blue healing potions I handed to them in the dimensional storage bag I gave them.

As for money, because of the usual auctions to spread the word of this healing potion by selling it as a rare item, we had amassed an astronomical fortune.

The blue healing potions had also gained a lot of popularity and from Athena’s sources, we learned that the word about their existence had reached even faraway lands by word of mouth of people.

Even If the information is not accurate, people will slowly try to come looking for this item from far and wide.

“The demand’s through the roof. I don’t even have the time to count the gold coins. They just keep rolling in the bag.” Caige said as if she was finally living her dream.

“Then I believe it’s time we start opening up new shops.” I proposed.

“Do you already have the next place in mind?” Caige asked me.

“We are going to open the next shop right here in the Hart capital.” I said looking at Athena as we had already discussed about it

“That’s fine by me. But is there a specific criterion to choose the places you are going to open up branches of the Sierra Union?” Caige asked.

I had thought about it a lot. Looking at everyone I said, ”I plan to open shops only in those places where slavery is abolished and not practiced.”

“I see.” Caige did not protest with reasons like it might limit our market or lower our profits or popularity.

In fact, she looked in agreement with my idea.

“It’s not like we are forcing anyone to do something. It’s up to the kingdom whether they would want us or not. Right.” Caige said.

“Yes, that’s how I want it to be.” I firmly said. I too want our products to be used by all. Rather than fighting something like slavery directly, I would willingly make them submit.

I already know what horrors slavery can bring and have seen it even if not all of it, it’s more than enough for me to want to take action.

“Now we also needed to find a way to create these potions without my help. I can’t be the only production house.” I brought the other agenda I especially wanted to focus on.

“So how are we going to create it? Is there a special ingredient?” Caige asked as if she had been waiting to hear this secret all her life.

“I directly condense my healing magic to create these blue healing potions. However, during my research, I discovered a substitute that works just as well—magetite ore.”

“Huh...” Caige and Maya were utterly surprised.

Athena and Regis also had an awkward look.

“Are you sure? But aren’t they too rare?”

“Rare enough that only the central government and royalties of kingdoms manage them. How are we going to make a profit out of them if the raw material is this scarce.”

“Don’t worry, I already have salvaged a mountain of them from my days of fighting monsters. And besides this was one of the reasons I wanted the Sierra Clan to work hand in hand with Sierra Union. We can expand our clan activities to raid big dungeons and labyrinths and bring magetite ores from there.”

“I guess Nia could do it.” Caige leaned back on the soft cushion and pondered.

“Are you alright working with Nia on this? I am sure their team is strong enough to handle dungeons on their own.” I wanted to know whether Nia and Caige could coordinate to work together to lead the company forward.

“Believe me or not I have experience working with people with backgrounds much worse than her. In fact, she is much better because they are so disciplined and efficient in doing things. I couldn’t have asked for a better team to protect the shop and get things around done.”

I guess Nia and her team had formed good bonds with Caige and Maya for her to speak this favorably. So, there was nothing to worry about.

Come to think of it now I have one other good place in mind to open our next branch. The Valoria Kingdom.

Izek is already staying in Oakhart so if he is interested in partnering with us and helping us set up a branch in the Valoria kingdom it will be great.

And this way I can regularly visit the place to try the moon berry tarts. Of course, it’s not all about the moon berries I am aiming for.

***

It’s been almost a week since we arrived in Oakhart Village. I thought if I came here, I could become her knight, and win her trust by doing good things around the village.

But she’s been too stubborn to accept it.

It’s ironic, really. I’ve spent so much time turning down others who wanted me as their knight, and now, for the first time. I want to serve someone—and she won’t let me. I can’t even tell if that’s a good or bad thing.

Even though she’s stronger than me, she’s still a child. She shouldn’t have to bear everything on her own. She should rely on others to protect her, and not try to handle everything herself.

I know where those feelings lead, where the burden of doing everything alone takes you. But this time, I won’t just stand by and watch.

Eighteen knights accompanied me on this journey. At first, they were opposed to my idea of serving someone of unknown origins.

But when I made it clear that I would go alone if I had to, they asked to come along.

While I’m grateful they chose to follow me, I sometimes feel guilty that I can’t even show them the one they came here to serve—or how remarkable she truly is.

“Captain, we’ve finished repairing the houses, and the other team has leveled the ground to start building new ones.” One of my subordinates came looking for me as I washed my hands at the bank of the flowing river.

“Sir Erwin, you should rest now. Once the other team returns, we can head back to the mansion, have something to eat, and rest for the day,” I said asking him to join me as we sat on the dry sand alongside the river.

“Yes, sir.” he replied.

“Erwin if you start feeling you can continue no longer you all should leave without me. You don’t have to be here on my accord.”

“You don’t have to worry about us. We too came with our own volition. And we would do our best to show the master we want to serve just how useful we are no matter who they are.”

“I had once hoped to serve a beautiful lady or a princess when I became a knight.” Sir Erwin said with a chuckle. “But working out here in the boonies has been surprisingly peaceful. It’s a refreshing change, far from the politics and pressure we felt back in the capital.”

“You think so?”

“Yes. The people here have been so welcoming, showing us nothing but gratitude. It’s made this whole experience even more enjoyable. It let us know how much they appreciate our help around here.” Supposedly Sir Erwin was seeing things differently.

I can’t deny that.

In the morning, we train, and after breakfast served by the mansion’s maids. We head out to help with various tasks around the village. The population here is small, mostly the very young or the elderly, so extra hands are always welcome.

A small unit patrols the borders and nearby forests, while the rest of us rotate between village duties. Right now, we’re focused on building new homes for the people here.

Lady Alicia has never stepped outside her mansion while we’re around. She only briefly visits the village when we’re away training, before quickly returning to her home. She is really trying to avoid us.

“She is just like a rabbit.” I sighed, but it was still too early to give up. “Erwin you don’t need to give up on your dream just so soon.”

“What do you mean captain?”

“You will understand when you see. You might not even be able to stand straight or believe yourself when it happens.” I laughed heartily with all my worries gone.

Suddenly another of my men came running towards us.

“Captain, the team that was making a clearing in the forest has suddenly been attacked by a large group of monsters.” The knight said trying to catch his breath as he ran straight to find me.

There must be a lot or strong enough monsters for him to come and request backup like this.

But from what I have heard from the villagers despite monsters lurking in the depths of the forest they had never encroached towards the village.

It could be a dungeon breakout in the forest or a monster stampede in the worst case. Then the people here could be possibly in danger and lady Alicia is also out.

“Alright, you can inform the other team that we are heading towards the forest and go and do the same back in the mansion and request their help to evacuate the people to a safe place and take shelter in the mansion.”

The knight followed my orders, while Erwin and I stood and sprinted toward the forest.

Upon our arrival, the knights were already engaged, fighting off the monsters and preventing them from breaching the frontline and entering the village.

We joined the battle, and with our help, the situation became more manageable. But something felt strange.

As we ventured deeper into the forest, we realized the monsters were running toward us from a specific direction. Curious, we pushed further to investigate the cause.

We had come too deep into the forest when suddenly the ground began to rumble, and the trees rustled.

Instead of more monsters, we found ourselves facing three carts, back to back, being chased by a horde of monsters.

The carts were pulled by eight-foot-tall lizard creatures, not typically used for transportation on the human continent. Also, they seemed completely out of control.

If we do not stop the carts now they might cause further damage and if anyone was inside they could be in danger too.

With no other choice, I signaled my men.

Each of us struck down the lizard monsters while we leaped to the opposite side to get away from the carts’ path.

The carts finally stopped as they crashed into the thick bushes ahead.

“How did these carts suddenly appear in the middle of the forest?” Erwin said.

It was odd enough for carts to travel this far like this in such a dense forest.

And then these carts looked more like prison cells and the fact they had no coachmen but monsters pulling it.

“All the monsters have slave collars on them.” One of the knights who inspected called out.

“Let’s find out what’s in the cart.” I ordered.

As we approached the cart, a strange sensation crawled up my spine, alerting me to a presence behind us.

Instinctively, I turned, just in time to see a figure lunging at me. Without thinking, I drew my sword and deflected the strike.

Clang!

The force of the blow echoed in the air as a man clad in red armor staggered back, knocked off balance.

My eyes widened as several more soldiers, all dressed in the same red, emerged from the cover of the bushes.

I glanced around—some of my knights had also come under the same surprise attack, but they quickly recovered, fending off the sudden assault. It wasn’t long before we realized we were surrounded by the red-clad soldiers from all sides.

“Where did these soldiers come from?” one of my men asked, his voice tense with disbelief.

“Are we really under attack?" another added, "Did these people cause those monsters to run away we saw earlier?”

“Stay focused!” I shouted and signaled to regroup in a circle. "These men aren’t here to talk. We must defend this place, and I don’t want a single enemy slipping past us!”

The red soldiers made no attempt to negotiate. Their movements were precise, and determined, as if they had one clear objective. Their ambush was swift and coordinated.

Whatever was hidden inside those carts, they were hell-bent on retrieving and silencing anyone who stood in their way.

***

Ships anchored once they reached an abandoned port on the human continent which fell under the Lativan Kingdom.

Once a bridge was put up between the ship and the land.

Soldiers lined up in line as they brought out demi-humans chained in energy suppression chains and a slave collar put around each of their necks.

These demi-humans were captured and illegally brought onto the human continent to be sold as slaves.

“What are you going to do with us?”

“Where are you taking us?”

Some of the demi-humans protested but were roughed up by the soldiers and they became quiet after getting a beating until they were knocked unconscious.

“Move fast. Or do you all want to be beaten too.”

The soldiers threatened the demi-humans into submission since they couldn’t even run away anywhere in this foreign land.

“Don’t you know you are just pieces of trash who will now work for us humans till the day you die.”

Other soldiers mocked them and some laughed at their pitiful state.

“My mother is still inside.”

“My sister too.”

“My family, that man took them but they didn’t come back.”

Some of the demi humans looked back at the ship waiting for their family to be taken out as well.

“If the prince took them. Then they are gone for good.”

“You will never see them again.” All the soldiers laughed as the demi humans obliviously looked down with hopeless eyes.

….

In one of the opulent chambers aboard the ship, a knock echoed through the dimly lit space before a servant entered.

“What is it?” A young boy, lounging on a lavish bed, reached for his robe.

He had a well-built physique and a handsome face, further elevated by his status as a prince.

“We’re ready to depart, Your Highness. All the slaves have disembarked, except for…” The servant looked around the room.

“Good.” The boy cut him off, his gaze drifting across the room.

With a cold sneer, he shoved a trembling figure off the bed. The demi-human woman whimpered, her frail body crumpling to the floor.

He delivered a swift kick, sending her sprawling down the bed without a second thought. But while she squealed in pain she laughed and cried at the same time like a mad person.

“Disgusting creatures. I thought her ears and black tail felt furry but she didn’t last long at all.” The boy smoothed his tousled hair.

As he rose from the bed, his foot brushed against another motionless body on the ground. The floor was littered with forms of naked female demi humans, their skin pale in the dim light.

Some were motionless or unconscious, others whimpered quietly, their bodies and spirits shattered. The sweet, cloying scent of incense filled the room, masking the stench of cruelty.

Those who had protested or resisted were left bloodied and broken, while the rest lay with hollow eyes. After being ravaged and raped day and night, each of them had lost the light in their eyes. Torn clothes lay scattered, and the air was thick with despair.

And despite that, they had a pitiful broken smile on their face, as if they had been charmed to laugh throughout their suffering.

“Ready the ones who can still stand or see.” the prince ordered, his tone casual, as though he were speaking of livestock. “The rest… as usual toss them into the ocean. I’ll be outside cleaning myself. Make sure this room is cleaned up.”

“As you command, Your Highness.” the servant replied with a bow.

…

Meanwhile, the demi-humans were being herded into prison-like carriages, their chains clinking with every step.

“Lucia, you remember what I told you, right?” her grandfather murmured softly, leaning down to her ear so no one else could hear.

Lucia nodded, her small voice trembling with fear. “Yes, grandpa. We're all going to be safe, right? And... we’ll get to see big sister Alicia again, just like you said?”

Her grandfather smiled warmly, though a flicker of unease rested behind his eyes. “Yes, everything will be fine.”

Without drawing attention, he straightened, his face hardening as he subtly glanced over his shoulder, meeting the eyes of several other beastmen.

Nodding other beast men, signaling them to be ready.

Once they got close to the carriages, Lucia’s grandfather with a flick of his wrist, discreetly tossed a small object toward the ground between the soldiers and the prisoners.

To the untrained eye, it looked like nothing more than a harmless stone. The soldiers paid it little mind, merely glancing at it. One of them, curious, strode forward to inspect it.

Upon closer inspection, the object revealed itself as a crimson-colored die. The soldier bent down to pick up the foreign object.

Just as his fingers grazed the die, an intense radiant glow erupted, sending a powerful red wave rippling outward.

The soldiers stumbled back, momentarily blinded and disoriented, while the beast men, eyes gleaming with fierce resolve, stood ready.

“Stand back and move to get into the carriages.” The soldiers warned the demi humans to behave.

But something had changed in them. The powerlessness they felt because of those power suppressing chains was no longer working.

Instead without giving themselves a chance to waver all the demi humans pounced on the soldiers to attack.

It soon escalated to a death fight where the forces on each side took out each other. The soldier still had the upper hand with their weapons and shields.

But the demi human’s physical strength was difficult to contain even for them.

“Lucia now.” Lucia’s grandfather and grandmother along with everyone ran towards the carriage to use them to escape.

Just when they had thought they had gotten closer to the carriages.

An alluring voice echoed through the place.

"Charm Magic. Stop where you are."

The voice wasn’t loud, nor was it a command, but it felt calming.

It drifted through the air like a spell itself, silencing both the demi-humans and the soldiers. Everyone froze, as if their wills had been quietly stolen by the calm authority behind the words.

The demi-humans, moments ago filled with desperation and the instinct to fight for their lives, felt their resolve waver. They wanted to fight and run away to save their lives, but the voice stopped them from moving as if controlled by invisible strings.

Out of the crowd, a young boy stepped forward.

“The prince is here.”

“Your Highness.”

The soldiers bowed.

“You demons are really unsightly.” the boy sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "How dare you resist? How dare you stand against me?"

His gaze finally fell upon Lucia's grandfather, who stood protectively in front of her, his face lined with defiance. The boy's lips curled into a cruel smile as he approached.

“I’m curious how a filthy creature like you managed to acquire such a unique anti-magic artifact. But did you think you could escape from here?”

With a swift and callous movement, he yanked Lucia’s grandfather away from her, their hands torn apart.

The prince then dragged him by his arm, throwing him to the ground at the center of the gathering, displaying him as a weak prey for all to see.

“This is what your kind deserves. If you all just die, this world would finally know peace. We wouldn’t have to fight anymore.” The prince’s eyes burned with fury—bloodshot.

For a brief moment, Lucia's grandfather tried to push himself up, his body aching from the rough treatment. But before he could fully rise, a spear impaled through his chest.

The boy's expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as if the life he had just taken meant nothing to him.

“Grandpa.” Lucia yelled.

The world around them as if still at pause, the only sound being Lucia's faint, heartbroken gasp as her grandfather’s body lay motionless.

“Why?” Lucia yelled again.

But this time the prince turned in surprise unable to understand how someone could still move with his charm magic in effect.

But by then it was too late, a black sphere had formed in front of Lucia’s heart, and before he could understand what was happening.

The black sphere hit the prince and threw him backward.

Simultaneously, the demi humans realized they were free again and moved to defend themselves against the soldier.

Lucia’s grandmother and Lucia ran to her grandfather to take a look at him.

“Don’t worry Lucia I am still alive. What happened?” Lucia’s grandfather woke up with a bloodied mouth, his wound still bleeding.

“Take her. And keep your promise.” Lucia’s grandfather beckoned to another demi human who was watching from afar but then proceeded to get hold of Lucia.

He was one of the prison inmates who looked strong.

“I will keep my promise. He picked up the crying Lucia who was still unable to understand what was happening.

As she looked behind her grandpa and grandma smiling at her.

The demi human pushed Lucia into the cart all the while she resisted.

Other demi humans who could avoid the conflict with the soldiers boarded some of the carts too and took the reign of the monsters driving them.

“We are ready.” The demi human signaled.

Lucia’s grandfather this time pulled out another die, possessing a blue hue. With a swift motion, he hurled it in front of the carriages, and instantly, a massive portal erupted into existence.

“Lucia, this will take you to a safe place.”

“We’ll be there soon, so don’t worry.”

Lucia could only watch her grandparents move their lips in reassuring gestures. And despite their smiles, tears streamed down her face, blurring her vision.

“Grandpa. Grandma.” Lucia felt helpless, trapped in a moment where she could do nothing but cry.

As the carriage began to move, the atmosphere shifted.

“All of you demi-humans, kill yourselves where you stand!” the prince bellowed.

The prince’s voice worked like venom itself.

The demi-humans who had been fighting the soldiers froze.

Some, driven by a hopeless instinct, drove their claws into their necks, while others bashed their heads against the ground till their faces became unrecognizable and their skull cracked.

A few wrested swords from the soldier’s hands and plunged them into their own bodies.

“Shhh… they’re out of range.” the prince hissed, as he glared at the fleeing carriages.

“Follow them and bring me back that girl!” the prince barked at his soldiers.

“No, you won’t.” Suddenly finding strength Lucia’s grandparents tried to attack the prince directly face to face.

“You are the one who caused this. So, pay.” The prince stabbed Lucia’s grandfather again and then her grandmother. Their life ended in a brief moment as they lay motionless on the ground, drenched in their own blood.

“Is she the one I need to bring?” the prince mused darkly, eyeing the blue portal. “If you think you can escape, you’re sorely mistaken.”

“Aether Bind. The prince cast another spell, one that granted him control over any magic in the vicinity.

As the carriages passed through the blue portal, the prince’s eyes gleamed. He halted the portal from closing.

One by one, his soldiers leaped into the swirling vortex, to hunt down their fleeing targets.

However, after a minute of the portal opening. The portal began to darken and turned black as if mirroring the rage of an unknown entity.

Suddenly, with a violent tremor, the change collapsed the teleportation circle, causing it to explode and cut off the connection.

***

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