Volume 10 : Interlude – SOME BIRDS FLY

Two days had passed since the discovery of the demi-humans in the forest surrounding Oakhart.

When they awoke, each was haunted by nightmarish memories of recent events —their homes burned, their families captured and killed. Ultimately, they were kidnapped and were to be forced into slavery in a foreign land.

The maids in the mansion and even some of the villagers volunteered to look after them and currently, they all stayed together at one place in the annex to heal.

At first, they were wary of us and viewed us with suspicion. However, with Maia’s cooperation, who was also a demi-human, helped alleviate their unfounded concerns.

As time passed they were to some extent ready to believe us.

And it helped to soothe their agony since I had removed their slave collars so they could find their strength back again.

Unfortunately, there was nothing more I could do for them. Either promise them to help them return to their homeland, the Demon Continent.

Or, I could help them stay in my territory Oakhart.

Unsurprisingly, they all opted to return to the Demon Continent, which only left a bad taste in my mouth.

All of them had the same resentful look towards us humans.

Even though, I was a part of the royal demon family now. It made me feel worse that I could not interfere any more than this or make a promise to protect them.

But Lucia’s decision had a different meaning for me.

“I have no place to go back to. Big sister will I be trouble for you if I stay here with you.” Lucia asked, still recovering in her bed.

“Not at all. I would love to have you here.” I replied.

Her eyes were hollow as if she had been crying all night. But her face slightly lit up every time she saw me. She was trying her best not to make me worry about her.

There was a brief pause as Lucia looked down, her hands tightly clutching the bedsheet and her lips pursed.

“Big sister I want to stay with you.” Lucia said slowly, still hesitating.

“That will make me really happy.” I said softly holding Lucia’s hand in mine. Her small body had already become so fragile and weak. I didn’t want her to face any more hardships than this any longer.

“But I don’t want to live here for free. I will work and earn my stay here. So, I want you to hire me as a maid here. You are the lord here so I want to work for you. That’s what my grandparents taught me.” Lucia looked determined as if she didn’t want to back down on this.

I guess she might have understood that, from what the maids here called me.

“Of course, you can do anything you want and I will help you. I would love to have an adorable maid like you. But first I want you to rest and get stronger.” I promised as I fed her the potato soup I made for her.

“Okay. The food you make me is so delicious, I just can’t have enough of it.”

I walked out of the room after making sure Lucia had eaten well and fallen asleep. I put my mask back on and returned to my human form.

I was still afraid of going back to Lucia in my human form as if she might detest me.

So, I had chosen my demi-human form to visit Lucia for now. And every time she would stare at my fox ears, their presence brought her a sense of calm.

So, now, I was determined to find a way to assure her that she would be safe here.

.

In the span of these two days, everything seemed to slowly go back to normal again. The gloominess that was present on the day I came back with the demi-humans was slowly fading with time as they all healed.

Caige and Maya were helping around the mansion and with the rescued demi humans. For the time our business discussions had ceased.

Izek and his knights were restless at first, trying to understand the situation when they learned of the affiliation of the soldiers. They questioned why would the royal soldiers of the Lativan kingdom kidnap demi humans from the demon continent.

Something I was interested in knowing as well. But for now, I need to wait for any information that Athena’s shadows might collect and bring.

Finally, the knights decided to keep quiet maybe on orders from Izek who did not want things to become cumbersome for me.

As for Hana and Regis, I told them about Lucia and how I met her and what happened.

“I can’t believe she had to suffer so much at such a young age. Don’t worry she can count on me too from now on.” Regis said with a smile on her face.

“Do you think… if at that time I would have stayed with her? I could have helped her and so many others.” I felt like I could have asked this question to Regis and confided in her.

“It’s not your fault. At least those demi humans should be grateful that you are helping them without getting anything in return. Because I know not all humans are like that.”

“Master, are you saying you wouldn’t want to meet me? If you had never come then I would have always stayed trapped there. I want to be friends with Lucia too and play with her.” Hana cried.

There's no use dwelling on the past or wondering ―what if. It’s only because of what you’ve done so far that you were able to find and save her again.” Regis said.

I never thought she could think so deeply so I stared at her for a moment.

“Yes, you are right. I am sorry. I shouldn’t have thought like that.” I never expected I would be cheered up by Regis’s words like this.

“Anyone with eyes would be able to see that you are doing everything in your power to help them. So, you should be proud of yourself. On that note why don’t you show me your fox ears, which you only show to her? Hana don’t you want to touch them and feel their softness.” Regis said with a hint of mischief.

“I want to.” Hana said, her eyes suddenly sparkling as Regis fueled her excitement further.

…

Later that night, after returning from Lucia's room, I found myself wandering quietly through the mansion. Lost in thought, I paused by a window and gazed at the full moon shining through it.

There was something about today that I felt I couldn’t miss as if I was waiting for it to happen.

That is when I saw one of the demihuman quietly walking through the garden as she jumped through the wall to the other side.

***

While all the demihuman were sleeping in the annex. One of them suddenly woke up and started walking toward the building exit.

She turned and made sure no one was following suit and everyone was asleep.

Once she had gone through the main door of the annex and reached the backside of the mansion. She bent down slightly and made a powerful leap to reach the ledge of the wall, then scaled it.

Jumping to the other side, she started running at full speed until she thought she was deep in the forest.

“I can’t wait any longer to meet the prince. I have to reach out to him. I know he is the one for me and I don’t think I can live without him any second longer. I want him to hold me and feel his warmth.” The demi human girl muttered as if she was love-sick.

The demi-human clasped her hands together and let out a series of distinct whistles.

Immediately, the forest seemed to hum in response, as if echoing the melody of her calls. Skilled in taming magic, she had the power to command the birds.

At her signal, one of the birds flew down and perched on her shoulder.

She quickly tied a small piece of paper to the bird's leg and gave it a gentle pat.

“The prince trusted me with this task.” The demi human murmured. “I will have to tell him where I am. And I am sure he will definitely come to get me.”

After marking the bird with her magic, she sent it soaring into the sky, guiding it in the direction it needed to go. The magical mark would help the bird find its way to its destination.

“Now I just need to go back and wait for the prince to come here.” The demi human girl uttered in joy.

She turned around only after ensuring the bird had safely flown out of the forest and was beyond her sight.

The moment she began to walk back toward the mansion, she encountered a figure dressed in white just a few meters away under the shade of a tree as if even the bright rays of moonlight wanted to keep a distance from her.

“What… what are you doing here?” For a second the demi human took a step back. But then her instincts quickly regained control.

“You are the lord here, right? I just came out to take a walk I was feeling too suffocated inside.”

Despite the demi human's anxious explanation, the figure in white remained silent, unmoving. As if she quite enjoyed her flustered side.

“Let’s go back. Why don’t you say something?” The demi human grew anxious worrying her plans would be revealed.

“It’s time you should wake up.” The individual finally replied to her in an emotionless tone.

“You are just one measly human. I can’t let you get in his way and what he wants.  I will make you disappear.”

The demi human quickly pounced on the figure in white.

But then a pair of blue lights reflected in the demi-human’s eyes as she stared directly into her opponent’s eyes.

An electrifying shock ran through her body and in an instant, she collapsed from mid-air, unconscious.

***

The very next day, Alicia visited the annex to check on the demi-humans. As she walked through, she came across the same demi-human she had brought in the previous night.

“I am sorry my lord. I must have fainted there last night. I don’t know how I ended up there, but today my head feels much clearer.” The demi human girl said.

“That’s good. Once I have found a ship for you all, I will help you get back to the demon continent. I hope you all can bear to stay here till then.”

…

“I guess it’s time now to give out rewards to the person who deserves it the most. ―Hersa.” I called out.

That was the name of the head maid who looked after the Oakhart mansion. “Can you please summon Izek to my office.”

Back in my office at the mansion, it was nothing fancy—just a small drawing room where I could handle official business.

Izek knocked at the door.

“Come in.”

As he opened the door and came in, from the look in his eyes he looked confused as if unable to understand why he was summoned.

“Lady Alicia. I beg your pardon if it’s about the unrest in the knights with the recent attack.  I will make sure they won’t trouble the residents here by creating unneeded unrest or fear.” Izek bowed lowering his head.

“You don’t need to worry so much about that. In fact, I’m grateful to your knights for protecting the people here in my absence and even aiding in the rescue of the demi-humans. One of them is actually someone I hold dear, so I truly appreciate everything you’ve done. That’s why I have called you to give you your reward for all you have done.” It was only right that as the master of this domain, I show generosity towards those who worked for the welfare of it.

“I see. I’m glad we could be of service to you. But there’s no need to feel indebted to us for this. As knights, it’s our duty to protect the common folk—we were simply doing our job.”

Despite his prowess and being a master of aural arts. Izek was too upright of a man, who would carry out his duties without any ulterior motive.

He really is a knight in golden shining armor.

And I would like to think of the same about the knights who followed him here, without having a clear vison of what they were to do here. And they still did not fail to carry out their duties.

“I think before rejecting you should first listen to what that reward is. Sir, Izek I want you to become my knight. Become my official knight and help me in protecting Oakhart and the people dear to me.”

“I… I will humbly accept.” Izek stuttered as if he could not believe what he was hearing.

“Even I cannot look away from how much hard work you have put in.”

“I’m sure the other knights will be pleased to hear this news as well.” Izek looked pleased more than ever.

“Before you tell them, I want you to know that this place is currently in danger, and there’s a possibility of conflict between two kingdoms. I’m certain those soldiers will come back for the demi-humans. So, before you and your knights make a final decision, you should be aware of the circumstances here. It’s completely understandable if any of you wish to step back—I’d be more than willing to compensate you for all the hard work you’ve put in so far.”

“And yet, you remain unfazed even in these dangerous circumstances. I would be honored to serve a brave lady like you.”

“There’s no need to be overly courteous or to flatter me.”I laughed at his formal way of speaking made me really feel like a princess.

“Not at all—I’m simply stating what I’ve genuinely observed. If possible, could you share this news with the knights yourself? I won’t ask you to reveal your true self if you’d prefer not to, but I’m sure the knights would be thrilled to meet you.”

“Okay. Now let’s talk about your employment contract and pay.”

“I will pay you all double what you were being paid at the Valoria kingdom for your services. And after you have served me for more than a year, I will double your payment each year.” I offered.

Izek gulped.

“But lady Alicia it’s alright. We will be alright with any standard pay. Won't it be too much trouble on the people here.”

Even now Izek was thinking about the people here. I guess he thought that I would raise taxes to give them their pay. How honest and thoughtful of him.

“You have got it wrong Izek. You won’t be affiliating yourself with the Hart Kingdom. The master you will serve will be me alone. So, your wages will come straight away from my pocket. Believe me or not I am quite rich so you can name any price. I can’t let people working under me left unsatisfied.”

***

That same evening, a small stage was set up in the garden to officially announce the allegiance of Izek and his knights as my own.

The people in the mansion were invited to attend, and the knights prepared to look their best. They were happy to know, that Izek and his knights were going to become a part of this place.

Initially, they might have felt intimidated by the news Izek shared with them—that, due to recent events, this region could soon be drawn into conflict with the Latvian Kingdom.

“We can’t leave this mess in the between when we have already seen what a mess it is.”

“It’s one thing to enslave a criminal and force them to work. Anyone can tell who is in the wrong.”

“Kidnapping and enslaving those who cannot even resist can only be the work of a coward.”

The knights agreed with Izek and had no reservations about working for the mysterious lady who had caught the eye of one of the most powerful knights in Valoria.

“There must be something special about her.”

They all agreed on this. And they had already got a small glimpse of her power when she teleported everyone back to the mansion without any chants or magic circle.

“And isn’t she the girl who defeated Izek and the other knights who participated in the Knight selection tournament?”

“And I heard we are going to be paid double what we previously got. This deal can’t get any better.”

“I guess our hard work is finally getting paid off.”

The knights were lined up in front of the center stage in the garden, waiting for their new master to make an appearance. They were small in number, but with their previous exploit, they had proved that they were powerful and honorable knights.

Soon, the master they were to serve appeared before them for the first time.

She seemed as mysterious as ever, dressed in a white suit and wearing a white mask. With straight black hair, red eyes, and a slender frame, she looked delicate. Yet, despite her appearance, their leader Izek had nothing but praise for her remarkable prowess.

For a few moments, Alicia stood silently on the stage, like a stoic statue, too troubled to find the right words to speak.

Izek, quickly recognizing the danger of allowing such silence to linger, stepped forward and took the initiative.

“Now we pledge our allegiance to our new master, Lady Alicia.” he announced.

All the knights dropped to their knees, bowing in front of Alicia with deep respect.

Izek, choosing to skip the formal vows and pledges, felt it would be more comfortable for his new master to get things done swiftly.

He decided that Alicia should speak next and affirm their allegiance.

“We would be grateful if you could kindly say those two words to us.”

Izek was hopeful that he would at least get to hear something along the lines of ‘I accept’, that’s what a noble lady would do.

But Alicia nodded her head, and as if her eyes were glowing, her face was filled with excitement.

Out of the blue, Alicia removed her mask for all the knights to see.

Her hair transformed cascading into a long, silky white wave, reflecting the sun’s rays with an ethereal glow.

And there was no denying the agape mouths of the speechless knights, who stood baffled by their new master’s beauty.

Words could hardly describe her appearance —angelic and undeniably alluring.

“―Don’t die.” Alicia said, her dulcet tone ringing out.

The knights were too stunned by the revelation to respond, while Izek stood frozen, devastated by Alicia’s remark.

He couldn’t make sense of Alicia’s words at all.

But then, as if overcome by a surge of emotions, the knights erupted into cheers and applause.

“I can't believe our new master is so beautiful and kind!” one knight exclaimed.

“She doesn’t even want us to die, even if we face life-threatening danger. She wants us to return to her alive!” another added.

“Hey, Izek, why were you hiding the fact that the master we’re serving is so beautiful? Or did you just want to keep her to yourself?” one of the knights boldly asked, taking his complaint straight to the leader.

“That’s right!” other knights protested as well.

Izek, slightly flustered, shook his head. “I never hid it. I told you all you’d be in for a surprise. Even I didn’t expect her to reveal this here. Our new master might be shy, but this just shows how much trust she’s willing to place in us. So, we should do our best to serve and protect her. Right?” He glanced at Alicia, hoping to save face without denying the knight’s teasing.

“Hmmm….hmmm.” Alicia, in response, vigorously shook her head, signaling that she wanted to meet the other knights as well and that she now trusted them with her life.

With Izek's help, Alicia took the time to introduce herself to each of the knights, one by one, and learn their names. The knights, once unsure, now felt a deeper connection to their new master, seeing the genuine care she took in learning about each of them.

Alicia also introduced her friends, Regis and Hana, to the knights. She also introduced the staff of the mansion to the knights and hoped for their continued cooperation.

“I look forward to working with all of you.” Alicia said, her voice steady and sincere. She continued. “I trust that we’ll be able to protect this place and each other.”

***

At the borders of the Latvian Kingdom, where the prince was rallying his army, a bird flew toward him, its small strip of paper tied to its leg catching his eye.

He smiled in delight.

“I guess my little bird did not die after all and can still fly for me.”

The prince carefully captured the bird in his hand and unrolled the paper to read.

“Hopefully, my prey is still alive. If she's as special as I think, no harm would have come to her. I should thank this woman when I get there and I will just treat her with a little extra care for being this useful.”

As the prince went through the note, he seemed to fall into a daze. Holding his head in his hands, he suddenly burst into a loud, triumphant laugh.

“The Hart Kingdom… so they’ve been this close all along, and I was worried the teleportation gate would take them too far.”

The prince turned to his aide. “Where is Oakhart?”

“It’s a small village, I believe, on the northern border of the Hart Kingdom. It’s surrounded by a forest, making it easy to attack stealthily.” the aide replied.

“They’ve only fled to give me a new hunting ground.” the prince mused.

‘But wait—this Hart Kingdom... Isn’t it where Freya said that useless weak goddess lives? The one who couldn’t even find her reincarnate partner?

And isn’t that partner that pitiful girl who’s been missing since day one, with no one knowing where she is? I’m sure if I threaten her enough, she’ll gladly hand over those demi-humans.

Someone like her won’t be able to stand against my absolute divine powers and unique skill.’ The prince thought to himself.

The prince’s lips curled into a wicked smile. “I suppose I’ll just enjoy the pleasure of this new hunting ground. And once I’ve caught my bird, I’ll finally get my goddess back.”

***

One day ago.

Cassa reached with new intel at the Hart palace to report her new findings to princess Alice.

“What? There has been an attack on Oakhart and demi humans were found as slaves. No one was harmed, that’s good.” Alice took a sigh of relief. She asked, “Did you identify who were the attackers?”

“They wore red uniforms, similar to those worn by the soldiers who directly serve the First Prince of the Latvian Kingdom.” Cassa answered after she had also confirmed with her sources.

“Why is his name coming up here?” The concern in Alice’s voice grew. “His recent actions have been suspicious. But what could be his reason for kidnapping and enslaving them? He’s one of the reincarnates, just like Alicia, but I’m certain Freya would never stoop to something so vile.”

“But what if...” Alice hesitated, the weight of the possibility sinking in.

“What if this is all connected to that mysterious individual I’ve been trying to track down? Over the past two years, all the reincarnates have shown unusual behavior, as if they’ve all started drifting away from their paths.”

“I can’t let Alicia meet him. I don’t know what she would think if she learns that one of her classmates did something like this. I don’t want her to feel burdened by having to confront one of her classmates. The consequences would be too dire… I must make sure nothing goes wrong and keep Alicia safe.”

“Prepare the carriage now. We’re heading to Oakhart.”

***

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