Sylvania, royal castle

A lone figure stood on the balcony drinking wine. Getting up, he begins to look across the as he reminisces on what transpired a couple of days ago.

“ Two magi knights huh? So, even without the improved demons it's hard to take them on. Just as I suspected, the power of magi is no joke.”- Clarion

As he touches the immortal crest, he can't help but remember the old times he spent as one of them.

( For as long as we're bound by this immortal crest, our fates are tied to Alicia Rand Philistine. I wonder what he plans to do next,)

Clarion was so caught up in his thoughts that he didn't notice that one servants entered his chamber.

“ My Lord?”- servant

“ What is it?”- Clarion

“ The four high priests wish to have a word with you. They are waiting for you in the magic conference hall.”- servant

“ Those 4 priests huh? Very well, I'll be my way.”- Clarion

“ Yes, my lord.”- servant

( Miserable old geezers)- Clarion

Clarion reluctantly made his way down to the conference hall. The hall in question had a very eerie atmosphere. The walls and pillars were covered with statues of beings with human and inhuman parts. In the center of the hall stood an ancient table. Seated there were 4 figures with extravagant, hooded clothes. Clarion entered the chamber, sitting at the end of the table in the tallest chair.

“ Clarion, glad you could join us.”- priest 1

“ 4 high priests, I'd like to know what you called me for.”- Clarion

“ I'm pretty sure you know why you're here.”- priest 1

“ No, I really don't actually.”- Clarion

“ Then allow me to elaborate. Although you are the supreme priest, you need the agreement of all other priests before mobilizing the use of the magical demons. We received word not long ago that you had lost a few of our magical demons in an attack not long ago.”- priest 1

“ Oh, my bad. I guess I really shouldn't have put too much faith in them.”- Clarion

“ You- what did you say?”- priest 1

“ You heard me. I said those creatures were practically useless.”- Clarion

“ Useless! Are you trying to say that it's our fault?”- priest 2

“ Why not? Those creatures were the of all 4 of you priests. The fact that they were beaten so easily shows how pathetic they were.”- Clarion

“ Clarion, the demon project is still in progress. You should've discussed it with us first before you even mobilized them.”- priest 3

“ I apologise for not talking with you all, but right to mobilize those demons lies with me. Instead of worrying about their deaths, shouldn't you be worrying about how they lost and taking steps to correct it?”- Clarion

“ Those demons weren't complete and had side effects! That is why they lost so badly!”- priest 4

“ IT'S PRECISELY BECAUSE THEY HAVE SIDE EFFECTS THAT'S THE PROBLEM! Alicia Rand Philistine is not to be underestimated! She is the most dangerous obstacle between us and our goals! We need gather more power as quickly as possible! The magi knights she gathers are not to be looked down on either! With each one that joins her the more her power grows! Even with these new demons, the chances of us completely winning this fight is not high! So this is no time for Sylvania to fight amongst itself.”- Clarion

“ Then what do you want to do?”- priest 2

“ Continue experimenting with the demons. I'll use the power of clairvoyance to locate Alicia. So far, she should have at least 2 magi knights with her. I'd like to eliminate the others before they can join her. “- Clarion

“ And what of her other associate, Felix Drake.”- priest 4

“ He's still an unknown variable at best. While still a minimal threat, that could change real soon.”- Clarion

Port City, Windrad

While Clarion and his council were planning their next move, Felix and his associates were heading to the port city Windrad. Majin had directed them to another siting of a magi knight near the North Kingdom. So they decided to board a ship and head to the port city. When they got to their, it was already late afternoon.

“ Well this is a nice change of pace, it's pretty lively.”- Felix

“ Aaaah, it's been awhile since I've been to a port.”- Alicia

“ First time for me.”- Felix

“ It's the same for me, Mr Felix.”- Sakura

As Felix looked around he saw Nina standing alone near a dock.

( Nina. She still must be thinking of Thomas. I know for a fact that losing family is never easy. Maybe I can try to lighten some of her pain.)

Nina had a depressed look on her face. The experiences from that time continued to eat at her. As she was reminiscing, Felix drew upon his powers and wrapped himself around her. Nina suddenly felt a wave of warmth and nostalgia. It was like Thomas was right there, telling her that it was okay to move on. She started remembering all the good times she had with Thomas. As she got out of her trance, she started to notice Felix. For a brief moment, it was like she saw Thomas in Felix.

“ F-felix!”- Nina

“ I figured you'd need some emotional support. Are you holding up?”- Felix

“ I…. yes I am.”

“ Just take your time. It doesn't help if you try to hold everything back. Just vent whenever you want to. I'm good listener if that helps.”

Thank you Felix, that means a lot.”

“ Sure thing. Let's catch up with everyone else.”

As they walked, Nina noticed how mature and handsome Felix was for his age. The way he carried himself and wasn't freaked out when the demons attacked made one think he was older.

( That Alicia, she truly is lucky. To have such a by her side. But I wonder if he would be willing to--?)

These thoughts led made a wave of red appear on her cheeks. As they caught up with the others, Alicia noticed this.

“ Hey Nina, what's with that look on your face?”- Alicia

“ It's-it’s nothing.”- Nina

“ Hmm?, Could it be you've gotten seasick? Seriously, I knew you were a weakling, but this is just sad. Should I tell Felix to get you some medicine?”

LAY OFF! weren't you the one that was seasick the entire journey on the ship. You have no idea how much trouble you put Felix and Majin through cleaning up after you.”

( I'd rather not remember those times.)- Felix

“ Excuse me, this body is very noble and delicate! Blame those stupid waves for putting me through that!”

“ Oh please, just what is the point of having the title ‘strongest witch’ if this is all it takes to beat you.”

“ THAT'S IT! I'M GONNA SEAL YOUR MOUTH SHUT!”

“ NOT WHILE YOU HAVE THAT WEAK STOMACH!”

After breaking up their little squabble, Felix and his crew walked through the marketplace, enjoying the sights.

“ The South Kingdom’s king, King Oscar the 3rd, has a good relationship with queen Elena and other kingdoms. Because of this, the trade city thrived and gained immense wealth and power.”- Felix

“ I see, it's incredible how much one man can accomplish in his lifetime. The trade and exchange is on par with the kingdom Alderan.”- Nina

“ As if you'd know.”- Alicia

“ WHAT WAS THAT?”- Nina

“ I SAID IT BECAUSE YOU WERE BOASTING!”- Alicia

“ Knock it off! We're in the middle of a street here!”- Felix

“” HMPH’’”

“ Anyway, following your information Majin, the magi was seen here. So where do we go now.

“ Unfortunately, I don't know any of the specifics concerning the magi that lives here.”- Majin

How are we supposed to find the magi knight in a place like this? Even if they react to my mana, it's still looking for a needle in a haystack. Are you sure the location Majin.” Alicia

“ Y-yes Miss Alicia.”- Majin

“ Who? Which one is it.”- Alicia

I-I don't know.”- Majin

“ Seriously, you call that information? Pathetic you are truly pathetic!’- Alicia

Majin entered a state of depression after that. Felix did his best to try and comfort him.

“ Alright let's do this, since it's getting pretty late and we're all tired from the journey, let's find an inn to stay at so we can rest and eat.”- Felix

“ A place to rest, that sounds good. Then Felix, let's go meet that king in the castle and have him set a room for us.”- Alicia

“ That's not going to happen.”- Felix

“ Why not. Even though it's not our intent, we're going against Sylvania and the demons. This in turn benefits this country as well. So they should at least provide us with lodging.”- Alicia

“ That's our problem Alicia. If we were back home we could do that, but this whole different kingdom. We aren't in an official pact and the war hasn't reached here yet. Forget just getting into the castle, there's no way they'd provide us lodging.”- Felix

“ What, but aren't you the grandson of the great Nathaniel Drake?”- Alicia

“ So what, I'd still have to go through dozens of procedures just to seek an audience with the king. Let's just find another place to stay and stop being stubborn. C'mon Sakura, let's go.”- Felix

“ Yes Mr Felix.”- Sakura

“ RAAHHH! MAJIN, CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHY I, THE GREAT RULER OF ARCADIA THE SKY KINGDOM, HAS TO STAY IN A COMMON CITY?”- Alicia

“ Because, the kingdom of Arcadia has long since been destroyed, hence Alicia doesn't own a country, hence why we need to stay at an inn, hence why we need money to do so.”- majin

“ You didn't have to be so harsh.”- Alicia

With that, they all looked around till they found an inn that suited their taste. The inn had a pub inside so they got a table and relaxed.

“ Hah, inn and a pub rolled in one. Good choice.”- Alicia

“ Yeah Sakura, do you know a lot of pubs?”- Felix

“ This is my first time.”- Sakura

“ What? But weren't you the one who looked for lodging here?”- Alicia

“ I heard pubs are good to gather information.”- Sakura

( Well isn't she quite useful)- Alicia

“ Welcome, may I take your order?”- waiter

“ Right, time to order some food. Give us 5 of your best dishes. And some alcohol, give us 20 glasses of boza.

“ Alcohol! In broad daylight! Don't you think that's a little bold! There's only 5 of us here and I don't drink.”- Felix

“ Then learn to drink now, boza’s not a strong drink.”- Alicia

“ No, it's the kingdom’s strongest drink.”- Majin

“ Just two glasses of water if you please.”- Felix

“ Hey, just what you asking for in a pub? Alcohol is a man's best friend when he's on an adventure! Boza will help relieve us from the fatigue we've built up! Right Nina?”- Alicia

“ Boza, I agree!”- Nina

“ Unbelievable ( I didn't even touch alcohol in my previous life and now…).”- Felix

“ Um, for me, alcohol is…..”- Sakura

The alcohol was brought to their table. Alicia and her crew immediately helped themselves while Felix and Sakura took their time.

“ PHAAAAAAH. Now that's the stuff! That's the taste I haven't had for the past 1000 years! Incredible!”- Alicia

“ You must've really missed the taste of alcohol after being sealed away.”- Nina

“ Of course, I'm a real drinker.”- Alicia

“ More like an addict.”- Nina

“ Do you wanna die here!”- Alicia

“ Never thought you enjoy things like this.”- Felix

“ It's not that surprising. We're tired and bored from sailing. In times like this, you need to drink and enjoy yourself. C'mon Felix! Drink, drink, drink!”- Alicia

“ Lay off, let me drink at my own pace!( I don't care much for drink anyway)”- Felix

“ By the way Felix, just how long do you plan to sit next to that little girl. Why not sit next to me.”- Alicia

“ It think I'm fine right here thanks( and I know better than to go near drunk women).”- Felix

“ So you rather be with a little girl than a real woman? Aren't you man.”- Alicia

“ Back off Alicia! Felix said he wants to sit next to me!!”- Sakura

“ Huh? You dare to turn on me Sakura?”- Alicia

“ Felix is my precious master. Don't treat him like some kind of possession.”- Sakura

( I knew it.)- Felix

Needless to say, it looked like a catfight was about to break out. The tension quickly left though, when Alicia decided to pull Felix to her chest.

“ Your master eh? If he's your master than so am I! Why? Because Felix is mine, hahahaha!- Alicia

“ W-what nonsense!”- Sakura

“ Get off! Let's get something straight here lady! I'm nobody's possession, certainly not yours.”- Felix

“Hoh?”- Alicia

Right after escaping her clutch, Felix immediately found himself back in her embrace with a cup to his face.

“ Is this the house that spews such dribble? C'mon, drink, drink, drink!”

“ Y-y-y-your so immoral, Alicia!”- Sakura

“ If you're going to deny it, then I'll just make you mine later tonight, hahahahah!”- Alicia

“ Quit saying such scandalous things to a minor and get up off me!”- Felix

“ Hey, give those two their own room and give us three another room wouldya.”- Nina

“ Yeeeaah, sure”- bartender

And so Felix spent the day fending off a drunk Alicia while Sakura was reprimanding her and everyone else just kept their distance. When he finally got away, he was directed to his room and immediately went to sleep. During his sleep, he saw a silhouette. It had a bright golden glow so it was hard to make out, but it was female in appearance. Felix went to grab it and felt something soft. Felix opened his eyes and realized that Alicia was nude in his bed. Seeing were he was Felix jumped off the bed.

( Seriously, this again? Good thing nothing happened or I'd never be able to live it down.) Felix

“ UNGH, oh morning Felix, you awake now?”- Alicia

“ Yeah, just woke up.”- Felix

Alicia sat up from the bed. The sheets fell off her, completely exposing her naked figure. Felix immediately looked another way to keep himself under control. Unfortunately, that didn't stop Alicia from looking at his naked figure with her eyes stopping directly below the waist. A knowing smirk completely covered her face.

“ Well, well, well. Looks like your more of a man than I thought. So that's how you seduced those girls.”- Alicia

“ Quit staring and put some clothes on!”- Felix

After getting dressed, Felix checked on Alicia who was staring at a mirror.

“ Uhhh, I don't feel so good. I think I drank too much.”- Alicia

“(You went above and beyond too much) anyway I'm going to see if there's still breakfast. You coming?”- Felix

“ In a minute, just let me do my hair.”- Alicia

“ Huh, nice to see you do something normal like that. I'm surprised.”- Felix

“ What do you mean ‘ something normal’? My hair takes the utmost care! Do you honestly think it looks this good just by leaving it alone?”- Alicia

“ Okay, okay, nevermind. I'll go down first, come on down when ready.”- Felix

“ Be sure to save some food for me.”- Alicia

Felix made his way down the stairs. As he got there, he made his way to the tables to see what was left to eat.

“ Hey Felix, over here.”- Nina

“ Ah Nina, good morning.”- Felix

Nina noticed Felix come down and decided to get his attention. She was the only one left as everyone else had already had their fill.

“ So how was it? Did you enjoy last night?”+ Nina

“ So it was you who put us in the same room?”- Felix

“ Was that a problem?”- Nina

“ It was a gigantic one”- Felix

“ Mr Feeeelixxx!”- Sakura

Sakura took this time to lunge at him in a hug. Though caught off guard, Felix didn't really stumble.

“ I'm so sorry! I caused so much trouble because I was drunk! Did Alicia do anything to you?”- Sakura

“ Don't worry Sakura, I'm perfectly fine.”- Felix

“ Thank goodness. I thought that witch would completely eat you up.”- Sakura

( Why am I not surprised?)- Felix

“ After you retired to your room, Sakura fell asleep on the table and Alicia wound up sprawled on the floor. Majin and I moved her to your room and then took Sakura to our room. So how was it? Alicia was splendid no?”- Nina

“ Don't get any crazy ideas. We didn't do anything to each other. And anyway, why did you even put us in the same room? I could've just stayed with majin.”- Felix.

“ I thought it natural. Aren't you two partners? I didn't want to be disturbed.”

“ Good grief. Let's get something straight here. She and I are associates at best. There's nothing going on between us.”

“ Eh? Nothing's going on?”

“ Not a thing.”

“ Huh, that's weird. To think that Alicia would trust a terran other than us knights. I thought you two had a relationship.”

“ What do you mean trust?”

“ What I'm saying is, Alicia treats you way differently than how she normally treats others. She would normally never touch or even hug another person. What's more, when she drinks, her guard is completely down. She would never drink with someone she doesn't trust. She has a lot of enemies, you know. That's why I took you as partners.”

“ So that's how we look huh?”

“ One thing is certain, Alicia would never drink with anyone she doesn't truly trust. Despite how she acts, she's truly capable of discerning these things.”

( Is that right)

“ HEY, WHERE'S BREAKFAST! YOU BETTER LEFT ME A PORTION!”- Alicia

“ There's only bread and coffee left.”- Nina

“ HAAAAAH? DON'T GIVE ME THAT! IMMEDIATELY CALL THE COOK TO PREPARE SOME FOOD!”- Alicia

“ DON'T SPEW NONSENSE AFTER WAKING UP THIS LATE”- Nina

As the two started fighting Felix was contemplating everything he was told. All he could think about was his brother and what his intentions were when he sealed Alicia. He realized he didn't know enough about Alicia to understand her. If he figured her out maybe the answer would come. Later that day, Felix, Sakura, and Nina went out to the marketplace to restock on supplies.

“ Look how big the market is Mr Felix.”- Sakura

“ It's very incredible Sakura.”- Felix

Sakura ran ahead, checking out the street venders. Felix had tried to convince Alicia to join them, but she insisted that a homunculus could do this so she didn't have to.

“ It would have been nice if Alicia had joined us, right?”- Nina

“ Not really, it's kinda nice to have this time to myself.”- Felix

“ But she is a really shrewd when negotiating the price.”- Nina

“ Well yeah that is true.”- Felix

“ So honest.”

“ Hey Nina?”

“ Mmm?”

“ I'd like you to tell me about Alicia. From the talk at the lobby, I'm curious to know what kind of person she was. Considering your history, you knew her the longest and quite fortunately, you'll probably be more unbiased in your opinion. Do you mind telling me?”

“ I see. Suddenly so curious about her, are we? Well, I don't see why not. Let's see, how she was back then. She was incredibly powerful.”

“ I know that much.”

But she was also a noble and just. Using the her incredible magic, she united all the magical beings in Avalar, establishing the kingdom of Arcadia. She ruled with fairness, boasting incredible power. And we, the 12 magi knights followed her wholeheartedly, are loyalty granting us body that never ages through her magic.”

“ The immortal seal right. How is that?”

“ Ever since she was born, Alicia had a natural talent for mana and a strong understanding of it that was unlike any other. In a few years, she was able to manipulate weather, dictate creatures, and then even manipulate life itself. In the apex of her power, she managed to pop create it, a seal that shackled life to a terran and granted immortality.”

“ Sounds complicated.”

“ It is, but basically, the immortal seal grants us eternal youth. We can still be killed, but time has no effect on us. And it will stay like this for as long as Alicia lives. For as she lives, we live, and when she dies, we die.”

“ You don't sound really depressed about that.”

“ I've lived for a really long time. I've seen this world change, along with the people who live on it. Only so little of it remains that brings forth nostalgia. Thomas was one of the few joys I had in this world. Now the only thing I have is my pact to Alicia. And when she dies, I'll except my fate.”

“ Nina.”

“ Though that may actually be a good thing. Us magi knights wield incredible power which can turn this country upside down. We could literally kill thousands upon thousands of people with a flick of our rist. This power goes against the world, no terran should be able to wield. Yet it comes to Alicia as easy as breathing. The world is better of without us. Yeowch!”

Alicia was taken out of her musings with a flick to the forehead

“ Okay, okay, that's enough negativity. Look, no normal person has the right to dictate who should live and who should die. You have as much right to live just as much as anyone. Don't forget he wanted you to find happiness, so go talking like that. Also don't go acting like nobody will miss you, cus I certainly will.”

Felix words really struck home. Nina was really surprised by the sincerity in his voice. She felt like she was talking to someone old and experienced. Nina was extremely touched and felt she understood how Alicia was close to him.

“ Felix, thank you.”

Before Felix could respond, Nina sealed his lips with hers. This lasted for minute until she finally leaned back. Felix was a little surprised, but he managed to recover.

“ So, is there anything else you want to know?”

“ I......think..... that's enough….. for now.”

“ Right, let's continue our shopping. Sakura's way ahead of us.”

Nina moved ahead while Felix kept his distance. He went over everything in his head that was revealed.

“ Alex, just what happened back then led to your decision. Also, how am I supposed to keep 'that’ hidden.”- Felix