II. Forest Encounters: The Thelesmata Sisters

“I don’t remember having an advanced appointment with the Maou himself. I was told by your father that I would be meeting you at the castle.”

“I’m really surprised that the supposed appointment will be happening a few days from now. The appointment didn’t had a schedule so I presumed it will be a few months from now. What’s more surprising is that father agreed on my journey towards the Barren Canyons, knowing the schedule of the visit.”

I was perplexed. It is just as how it goes on the statement above. First of all, I’ve had appointments and meetups with other races, but these visitors took months of travelling just to reach the demon capital, so notices should be sent a year before the actual visit. Even though it was on a very short notice, I didn’t really expect I would be meeting them soon here.

Second…

Shit, I’ve been had…

Father knew of the appointment, of course he knew the date the visitors should be arriving. He also knew the route they will be taking, how much time they will spend travelling, and most importantly, the route we will be taking. This whole thing had been setup by him. He could have told me to meet them up but he didn’t. He could’ve disagreed on my journey due to this appointment but he agreed anyways. He knew incidents like this would happen.

“That old sly fox.”

“I get the gist of the situation, but first things first, I’m Irish Dux Thelesmata, this is my twin sister, Mae Militum Thelesmata, and that boy you are talking to right now is the current Patron of the demi-humans, Elrufus Dax” –the girl who was talking named herself as Irish.

“I know, I’ve seen him transform a while ago, though it was just a faint. I’m certain it’s a Transcendence*.” –I’ve responded.

“Ah, please to meet you Irish, Mae, also Elrufus.”

“Dax, call me Dax. It should be fine.”

“Okay Dax, for starters, I think we should tend to the wounded. How many casualties?”

“Five, including an elite warrior.”

“Okay, Morgianna, I’ll filter medicine make sure the wounded gets treated immediately.”

“Yes, master…”

“I apologize It’s only the two of us. We don’t have any magic casters that could heal immediately.”

“Don’t be, this is still a huge help for us, we won’t be picky.”

As I tried to talk to Morgianna again, I can’t help but to look at them.

“Uuuu—Dax… I was so afraid… I’m sorry I wasn’t much of help, rather I’ve been a heavy baggage right from the start… I’m sorry.”

The girl named Mae was crying as she held Dax with her arms. Being held hostage was sure a frightening experience, moreover, experienced by a young woman like her. It seemed like she’s not used to upfront battles too. I give her my praise for standing up to protect Dax when he lost consciousness.

As Dax patted her head, Mae’s worried expression gradually decreased and it is now calmer than worried. Sweet moves.

After being on a situation like that, of course everyone will be tired, stressed and anxious. Seeing the both the Patron and the hostage safe after a life-and-death situation calmed the whole group. One could only ask himself if they like each other. The only one who had a different expression amongst the group was Irish. She had a bitter painful expression.

Ah, I get it…

It was a love triangle. That was the very first time I’ve witnessed something that I have only read on literary works. These are usually fictitious stories where one of the opposing parties usually meet a bitter end, sometimes tragedy. I’ve seen love triangles on stage plays featuring popular leading actors and actresses in which their acting was too real that the resemblance to the scene currently happening in front of me is nearly identical.

I could only try to assume, but that’s what the scene really looked like.

I was too focused on Irish’s expression and assessing the situation that I failed noticed she’s glaring at me already.

Ah… I’m caught.

“Dear Sister, Dax, I’ll be the one to entertain the Maou. You two should take a rest, you look pretty exhausted already, especially you, Dax. You have entered Transcendence* a while ago. Forcing an ability unconsciously and without any mastery consumes the entirety of your mana. It might take a toll on your wellbeing later on so make sure to rest well.”

Having realized what Irish told him, Dax just nodded his head. Mae and Morgianna escorted him towards the available carriage.

Irish then approached me.

“The rest of the convoy rests about three pans behind the trail. With our group here, the group of mixed guards and elite fighters lured the mandragoras away from those who could not fight to avoid more casualties. Let’s go back there and introduce you to the others.”

---

SLAM!

“YOU DID SEE!!” –Irish ranted as she tried to push my back on a tree.

After the exhausting battle with the mandragoras, to clear the confusion among the remaining members of the convoy, Irish took the role and explained the situation among the guards and the elites. She also took the role of accommodating me, now that my identity finally revealed. It seemed that the name Irish Dux Thelesmata have a huge say on the decision making of this convoy. That rule should apply with Mae Militum Thelesmata too since they’re twins. It is safe to assume they’re from a high-standing family.

I’ve kept that mind-set, so I agreed on Irish’s offer. Besides, I’ve seen her, I’ve seen her deep and madly in love face. At that time I thought peeking should be fine as long as you don’t get caught. Getting caught spells for serious trouble. Besides, It was an expression she subconsciously shown out of the public. Anyone who notices could’ve seen. Perhaps spectators already knew, they just don’t tell her due to her position. It didn’t feel like I’m the one in the wrong. Still, she caught me.

After being introduced to everyone and having the confusion cleared, I was brought to an isolated are away from most of the people on the convoy. I’ve told Morgianna she could stay back and continue tending the wounded.

So why am I being pushed to this tree? I feel more like being a captive than being a guest.

“Uhm… Lady Irish… I really think you’re just misunderstanding things.”

“What part of you seeing me in that expression is a misunderstanding? This should be fine. I’m going to end you now and Dax will be the one to rule Mytherion.”

Say what?

This girl, she’s a kid inside! She skipped all necessary steps and immediately head towards ruling over Mytherion?! She’s a high-shot yet she have a childish mind set?! Also how could you even reveal your faction’s real plan to the leader of your enemy? Does being caught in an embarrassing situation really took a toll on your thought process?

“I-In any case. I’m not sure what you’re talking about…” –I averted my eyes as I tried to lead the discussion astray. Her derailed thought process is contagious. Or it was only me being embarrassed being pushed back on a wall by a girl.

“I’ve been trying to hide it, yet… Of all the people who would see, it has to be you!”

“Look, It’s not like I wanted to look. It’s as visible as a single object standing in the middle of the desert on broad daylight!”

So that’s what this is all about.

Of course anyone would be embarrassed about it, having your greatest secret exposed. It is not like I’m one to go burst out something I’ve seen to everyone. Sometimes you should apply breaks too. But this doesn’t change the fact that she caught me looking at her at that state. Her mind set left her with two options: to convince me to keep what I saw for myself and, of course, to eliminate the threat: me. The latter seemed to be the better option to her.

As if I could allow that.

“I really think you are not in the position right now to say something about eliminating me. I’m not trying to boast or something but—”

“Oh yes I can, try me.”

“Sigh…”

“You didn’t just ‘sighed’ on me, didn’t you?”

The situation got me irritated. I quickly grabbed her shoulders and reversed our positions in an instant. Now she’s the one being backed on the tree. Talking seemed to not work on a thought-derailed Irish so I needed to show her my capabilities. This also helped her get herself back to think straight. She went silent so I supposed my method worked.

“I…”

“…?”

“I… I won’t get swayed. I will and only will look at Dax… Only him…”

Oh god…

It backfired. She’s even more embarrassed than before. How defunct did her thought process became? Her face went too bright red, like one with a fever, compared to before. Ah, my fatigue caught up with my wellbeing in an instant. I felt like asking someone from the convoy to come save me from the current situation. And my prayers we’re answered.

“AWAWA!!— S-S-Step away from my sister!”

But what supposed to be rescue, seemed to be fuel on fire.

“You beast! Womanizer! The rumours about you is true! Don’t seduce my sister!”

Came from the back is Mae Militum Thelesmata and Morgianna. Their tending to the wounded guards were complete so they have to search for the acting leader: which was, at that point, being pinned by the tree, by no other than: me!

“My master… I never knew you were ‘that’ type.”

Oh please Morgianna… Spare yourself from this misunderstanding train and help me get out of this situation now.

I’ve made eye contact with Morgianna, trying to pass my thoughts to her. But it didn’t have any effect. She looked at me innocently—no, she looked at me in a teasing manner with the “Save yourself, hmp!” look on her. Is she angry? She could act childish but at a wrong timing.

“Look, this is a misunderstanding…” –I tried to escape from the predicament I’m currently in using the most generic excuse ever existed.

“Good grief, my sister, this is not what you think it is. I just startled Maou a little by having some information slip.”

“T-That’s not good!!”

Wow that was a quick reversal.

The first that stepped up to clear the situation was the one who, at the very first, initiated it. Seemed like having her sister enter the scene must have cleared her mind a bit. But that day I came to a conclusion: Thelesmata Sisters are, but a big ball of misunderstanding and confusion.

“I’ll get back at you later. Don’t you ever try telling anyone about what you have just witnessed.”

Irish stopped beside me and whispered.

“That’s what I have been trying to tell you right from the beginning.”

“Sigh, I’m tired too. Mae, Order your men to prepare the camp. We will be staying in this area for the night. ”

As she went and towards her sister I followed her and stood beside Morgianna. She’s pouting.

Sigh

---

There were a total of four campfires, scattered on the open area where the fight with the mandragoras went. The whole circular burnt land which I had used my spell with hadn’t been used, but it doesn’t really occupy much of the space on that lot so there should be enough space for the group to lay mats around.

The feeling of anxiety still lingers within the convoy so it was not exactly a happy camping trip. The convoy lost 5 of its guards including an elite soldier on the last creature attack. Who knew when they will strike back?

Travelling on the woods is really dangerous. Aggressive creatures have been swarming places of outside the realms of different races. An uninhabited forest was no exception. Creatures always roam especially at night, where most predators hunt their preys, may it be a small hare, or a wandering human.

The remaining guards were scattered, divided evenly among the three other campfire in groups of elitists, guards and elite fighters. Irish balanced out the labor distribution so there will be watchers in each group during the night. As I’ve thought: Irish is a capable leader, even more capable that this so-called Patron Dax. Even with a mixed group of elite fighters, magicians, and warriors, functioning well as a party won’t happen without a commanding officer. An in this convoy, Irish was the only one I saw who had the courage to take the role and actually managed.

And now, due to a hard day’s work, she’s now sound asleep beside Mae.

The fourth campfire was occupied by our group: Me, Morgianna, Dax, Mae and Irish. I have appointed Morgianna as my personal guard. She could stay awake for days without affecting her health due to the unique trait of her race.

“You really can take a rest and have me do my part on being a lookout for this group Morgianna, don’t push yourself too much.”

“It is my duty to keep master healthy during this journey too.”

I’m glad that she’s answering unlike before. It seemed like she have matured again from our last battle. Did she learnt something?

“Uhm… Lord Maou…” –Mae suddenly spoke.

“No need for formalities, we are of the same age.”

“…”

What’s with the demureness?

“Fine, you can take your time until you can address me casually.”

“O-Okay… Lord Maou… Uhm… I’m sorry for the misunderstanding earlier. My sister fully explained the situation to me a while ago.”

“Don’t be, I’m partly to blame for the misunderstanding anyways.”

I was suddenly hit by something on the left side of my waist. Well it was Morgianna, she punched my gut. By that time I started to wonder what’s happening with her, but I had a pending conversation so I didn’t mind it at first. I tried to hide my painful expression. Of course it hurt. But the highly respected Maou could not show that in front of his guests so I masked myself with a painful smile instead.

“Your name was Mae Militum, right? Your appearance compared to Irish is nearly identical. One could only distinguish you by the way you speak.”

Dax was staring at the fire. I wonder what he’s thinking. Does he even pay attention to our conversation? He had been silent for a while. He must have been thinking about the ability that he just activated during the last battle. I wondered if he’s on the same age as me when I received my calling.

Lost within my thoughts, Mae began talking again, this time it’s all about her sister.

“Irish is a complete opposite of me. She have always excelled on most of the field that I couldn’t.”

“Then that does mean that there are fields she could not beat you on.”

“It’s not the case. She just choose not to. If she’s to excel in everything, I would be treated as a nobody within our family. Besides, It’s not like she could do everything by herself. She’s a strong person, but strength isn’t always being weighed by one’s strength alone.”

“Of course. Even I didn’t went on this journey alone. I have Morgianna here with me.”

“Tche—you’re against it at first.” –Rebutted Morgianna as she clicked her tongue

“With my nature and intelligence, I was assigned with the calling of The Diplomat*, someone who is always being assigned on talks and negotiations with other countries and races. While my sister, assigned with The Supremacy*, was one who excelled in battle, tactics, and leading groups of people towards victory.”

Diplomats are often being sent towards a foreign country for negotiation purposes. Trading, establishing embassies, politics and peace talks. Diplomats are experts of negotiation that should have wide range of wisdom and open-mindedness.

I could not imagine Mae being a diplomat the way she is right now. I think there are still things which I haven’t seen. But if she received the calling of The Diplomat* it should be natural with her. For me which have received the calling of the Maou, I didn’t had difficulties with my studies and profession mastery. I’d rather not call myself a genius or a prodigy. I think the talent came from the calling itself. Same goes for Mae. She, either might not be confident of those yet, or is unaware of these passive talents that she had. If push comes to shove, it will just pop out of her.

“I can see now why the both of you we’re sent for this mission.”

“Yes. But as you see, even before we reached our destination, we’re attacked already.”

“I don’t think the attack any meaning with you being here.”

“Might be, might be not.”

Mae had a gentle expression, probably the most relaxed face I saw that night within their group. She gently slid her hard through Irish’s hair as she tried to snore her deep sleep. Laying herself down beside Mae, she had stressed expression that really just wanted to take a rest. She must have taken care of the entire group during their entire trip. Leading and guiding people was never an easy task, more so if tasked within a long period of time. Also, it seemed like she could only lay rest without any care on the world beside Mae.

She trusts her twin sibling too much. Same went for Mae. It’s like two opposing sides of the coin, but you can’t count them as separate. Same principle applied with the Thelesmata sisters.

“You should take a rest too, Mae. You too Fredericus. Meeting you here is a real shocker, but let’s leave the discussions for tomorrow. I’ll take turns with Morgianna on scouting.”

“Right. Don’t push yourself too much too, Dax.”

I needed to take a rest too. I’ve used half of my current mana pool with the spell I casted that battle and I haven’t recovered enough yet. Besides, I don’t want to take the risk of a sudden encounter with creatures again without enough mana. That would be suicide.

As I lay myself down, I looked towards the three. I could only think of myself that time:

Their situation really is complicated.