Lazarus opened his bleary eyes. It was still cold, yet there was a strange warmth that he felt in his chest. He looked down and there was a bulge in the right side of blanket. He frowned.

He felt some weight in his right arm. Somewhat confused, he opened the blanket to find a cute young girl with lustrous black hair, in a blue transparent negligee above a one piece sleeveless blue dress, snuggled comfortably in his chest, hugging him but sound asleep.

What was she doing here?

Oh right, last night he was telling Reisha a story and now he awoke to this. Did they end up asleep somewhere in the middle?

Waking up to someone snuggled to him somehow felt… strange, yet warm. It wasn't a bad feeling.

“Hmm… huu~”

Reisha blinked a few times, looked up and when she’d notice Lazarus, she smiled.

“Morning big brother~”

Lazarus felt another strange feeling. What was it? It was hard to describe.

“Morning.” Lazarus finally replied and pushed himself up. Then he heard a knock on the door, and the person behind it didn’t wait for his approval and pushed the door open.

It was Emilia.

“Morning you two."

"Good morning Mother~"

"Morning Mom."

"And Reisha,”

"Hmm~?”

“You’re supposed to sleep in your own room.”

Reisha furrowed her brows slightly before protesting, “But I have read that it's alright for siblings to sleep in each other’s room, is it not?”

“That may be true, however your attendants might have been very worried, and perhaps your father might come to check-up on you from time to time. So it is best that you stay there from now on, okay?”

Reisha pouted her lips in protest, but it didn't do anything other than make Lazarus and Emilia think she looked cute pouting.

In the end, Reisha nodded in understanding.

Reisha made her way through the door with sagged shoulders before Emilia stopped her with a pat on the head.

“Do understand that this simply means that you cannot sleep in his room, but you may come to hear the stories your brother wants to tell.”

Reisha perked up then smiled, “I love you mommy!” before hugging her leg then running off. But as she was half way through the door, she looked back to her dear older brother Lazarus and asked,

"Is it alright if I'll come visit you again tonight big brother?"

Lazarus nodded, in fact, he was glad that she wanted to hear more.

Then, Reisha left.

Her head popped back-in, she extended her hand and waved,

"Bye, see you tonight big brother"

"Ohh yeah, bye." Said Lazarus awkwardly waiving back.

Satisfied, Reisha beamed him a smile and left.

Lazarus turned his gaze to Emilia who was giving him a soft smile.

"Get ready, let's head to the palace gardens before we have breakfast."

So their usual routine. A routine Lazarus loved to do so much with Emilia.

"Alright! But why does Reisha have lessons before breakfast?"

"It's just the duty of being the crowned princess. Okay?"

"Okay!"

The crowned princess...

Lazarus was well aware of the fact that the crown would never be his. But still... He couldn't help but yearn for it. He thought that maybe if he tried hard enough, he might be considered for it.

Well, it doesn't matter...

It was just some dumb crown anyway.

"Let's go?"

Lazarus gave Emilia a nod but the moment they went out of the room, the two noticed a maid looking at them.

"Ah! A pleasure to be in the presence of her Majesty, Queen Emilia Valheart." Said Lara with a slight shakiness in her voice, giving the queen a full ninety degree bow.

"If you're here, you must be the new maid assigned to my dearest Lazarus?"

"It is as you say your majesty."

"Her name is Lara!" Said Lazarus chiming in, before adding, "She's helped me a lot and it's fun to be with her!"

Emilia looked slightly shocked, but instantly regained her composure with her usual calm and mature smile.

"It seems Lazarus has taken quite a liking to you. Please, raise your head."

"I am grateful your majesty," Said Lara, straightening herself and returning Emilia's gaze. "But in all honesty, I too am very fond of the young prince."

Emilia was taken aback but did not show it. The way Lara's gaze softened as she said those words made it feel like it held a deeper meaning.

Not many would've been fond of Lazarus, especially since most knew he wouldn't gain any sort of influence.

Something must've happened.

In any case, Emilia was going to find out. But not right now. The matters last night weighed heavily on her, but she was careful not to show it.

Emilia needed to have a discussion with Veyron before giving an answer. He should be back by tonight.

Emilia put on a smile before she spoke,

"Well, let us have a chat at a later date. I would very much like to know what my little Lazarus is up to whenever I'm not around."

Lazarus who had been quietly observing their exchange, protested, "You don't have to know that mom!"

"Understood, your highness."

"Noooo!"

Emilia left chuckling at Lazarus who ended up clinging to Lara's skirt in an attempt to persuade her not to tell about his magic practice. But the maid simply refused as she was in Emilia's presence and it ended up in a battle of wills.

Lazarus lost.

-------------------------------------------------

Veyron stared idly outside the window of the carriage that was rattling as it goes. The scenery of the vast grasslands and the cool wind brought about a brief respite to his busy day.

He couldn't believe he needed to head out as soon as he got back.

"Your majesty." Called out a voice.

Veyron turned his head to the man seated across him.

The man had long purple hair that reached down to his waste, his eyes were also of a purple color but his pupils were slitted. His ears were the size of human ears but were pointy in the edges.

He wore a simple white vest and white leather pants, but even then his wiry muscles was still apparent beneath his clothes despite his slim build.

The man adjusted his glasses and the moment it hid his eyes, the once slitted pupils now became rounded and he covered his pointy ears beneath his hair.

"What is it Falon?" Said Veyron turning to look at him.

"I've just received word from lady Emilia. There's some sort of issue with a particular noble and she wishes to divulge the details in person when you return." Said Falon with a calm and even tone.

"Did she mention who the noble is?"

"I'm afraid not. However-.. she did mention that this matter is of utmost urgency."

"I see. Tell the men we're heading back now. We can deal with the beastkin and the adventurer's guild later."

"Understood, your highness." Said Falon, giving Veyron a deep bow before pulling a rope. The carriage halted immediately and he headed out.

Veyron could hear Falon barking orders at the Knights and a few other people. They did have questions but Falon answered each one of them.

Veyron couldn't careless about their concerns as his orders were absolute. Only Falon needed to iron out the details for him.

That said,

"It must be that rat of a duke again." He cursed, clenching his fist.

Whenever it was a trouble with the nobles, it could be anyone from the anti-royal faction. But if his dear wife mentioned it was of utmost urgency then it could only be Duke Roann. The rat would always come up with something to try and gain more influence so what was his antique this time?

No matter.

Veyron was confident he could deal with it swiftly. After all, even his mother, his brothers and sisters failed to take his life. Instead, they died by his hands.

Since then Veyron preferred to deal with any matters as soon as possible because a solution is always simple.

Do they want something? If so, then the next question is if its reasonable. If yes, is the benefits worth it? If not, then don't give it to them.

They protest? Make them submit. Whether it be by economic or military might.

There was only one thing that made Veyron feel as if it was hard to wrap his head around.

The matter of Lazarus.

"Manaless... How can something be manaless?" Muttered Veyron, putting his fingers to his chin, thinking.

It was impossible to be manaless when even rocks could have it. Albeit there was a difference in nature mana and internal mana and Lazarus had no internal mana.

Still, that boy gave off a weird feeling.

Veyron usually expands his mana and his senses too extend along with it. That way he could sense enemies or allies even when his eyes were closed.

But that boy. He felt eery.

When he'd extend his mana, he would feel a sort of void where Lazarus walked. It was like a dark hole where you couldn't see.

Veyron wanted to get rid of Lazarus but Emilia had protested this idea. Saying things like 'He's our child' or 'He's kind and gentle. He doesnt deserve this.'

Veyron could only scoff at this idea. How could she think of that thing as their child? Does she not feel him? Or could it be just her motherly instincts? Apparently a mother could still love a child despite it being an abomination. But his mother tried to kill him, so maybe Emilia was simply just delusional?

He couldn't get a grasp on her thoughts. Fact of the matter is, that boy was a problem.

Veyron remembered the fact that the nobles joked how he was so lucky to have Anastasia and Clovis so it was too much to ask Lazarus to have the same blessing.

They laughed jokingly. But whose to say they didn't mean it?

At that time, Veyron could remember the heat he felt in his head. The one thing he hated the most was weakness.

When he'd show weakness, he was almost killed for it. Especially when he hesitated to strike down his mother.

Never again.

Lazarus was the embodiment of weakness, and it did a number on his reputation.

But Veyron could laugh in the noble's faces now.

When he presented Reisha and when she'd display her magic. The very nobles who laughed at him had their mouths wide open. Just remembering their faces brought a sense of elation in his chest.

Reisha was his true child. The one who'd one day inherit the title of the strongest of humanity after him.

If Reisha would do whatever he commanded, then she'd be perfect.

As long as Reisha was focused on her goal, then all was well, even that inept Lazarus could be forgiven so long as he didn't continue to pose a problem.

Other countries possessed legendary artifacts, relics of the past that greatly enhanced speed, strength and magic.

He had no need for them. The same could be said for Reisha.

He wasn't anything like the Kings and Queens who needed legendary artifacts to level an army. He only needed his arcanery.

He was Veyron Valheart the Arcane King.

================

That night Veyron finally arrived back and as soon as he did, he went to the meeting room in the castle.

He was sure Emilia would be there since even before he'd arrived. After all, she'd be notified of his arrival the moment he entered the outskirts of the castle.

A knight who was by the door bowed deeply to his reverence before opening the door for him.

Their, illuminated beneath the moonlight from the window was a beauty beyond words, her lustrous black hair, her meloncholic expression, just

... Everything about her was beautiful. Just the sight of her stilled Veyron's heart and he felt the feeling of comfort spread around his chest.

"Ah! Dear, you have arrived." Said Emilia, giving him a smile. "Welcome back."

Dear... Those words were proof that she was his and he replied,

"I'm back Emilia." Said Veyron. It went without saying that he too belonged to her but he just got used to using her name that he went with throughout their lives together.

After having his fill with Emilia's beauty, he exhaled deeply to bleed out the blossoming feelings in him and he felt himself become stoic.

On to the matter at hand.

"The matter you've communicated to Falon. Is it that rat of a noble again?"

"Yes, it is Duke Roann."

"What does he want now?"

"The escrow land that was given to Baron Valentine..."

Veyron scoffed, "He has no claims to that land. Why in heaven's name does he think we'd give it to him after we've handed it to Baron Valentine for his achievements? That's utterly preposterous!"

"About that..." Said Emilia in a soft tone, looking away and clasping her fingers together.

Damnit...

Veyron knew whenever Emilia did this, it meant something bad. He was becoming impatient.

"Do not delay. And speak."

"Y-yes... Well, he knows of Lazarus' previdere."

For a moment Veyron just stood still.

That thing again??

He felt his head become hotter. Not only was that child creepy but now he was being used against him like some sort of 'weakness' of his?

"Dear?" Said Emilia, approaching him and somewhat worried by his silence.

Veyron raised his hand and it stopped Emilia.

"So he wants to use Lazarus' previdere of him being manaless as a bargaining chip to the land from Baron Valentine?" Said Veyron in an irritated tone.

Emilia looked down, confirming his suspiciouns.

"He's threatening to spread it around if we don't hand over the land." She said in a lowered tone.

While this doesn't seem like a big issue to most. It entirely was.

The Valhearts would be branded as liars. It could also be seen as an attempt to cover up their misgivings. And if they'd cover that up, who knows what else they covered up?

It opened the possibilities for more rumours and faults, tarnishing their reputation.

It would even reach the other kingdoms.

But that was just the least of it. A manaless person was the equivalent of a five legged monstrosity if not worse. No one was born manaless. It could be said the child is cursed... No-... He was indeed cursed. He already brought Veyron so much misfortune.

That was precisely why they just said he had little mana which wasn't uncommon. But he could simply say that Lazarus' case was a very uncommon occurrence that they made a mistake.

Still, if his secret was going to be used to threaten him then he simply needed to air it out in the open so NO ONE was going to threaten him with it again.

"That rat thinks he can blackmail me!? I, The King of Twilight Kingdom. I, the Arcane King!?" Screamed Veyron making Emilia step back a bit in freight.

From Veyron's tone, Emilia was a bit distraught as she had originally planned to just hand the land over and give Valentine another plot of land but he clearly had a different idea.

"Dear, please, calm down." Said Emilia, "We can simply give it to him and then-"

"NO." Cut in Veyron, clenching his fist as he spoke, "Will you give him another land when he demands it yet again?! Will you just come like a dog whenever he becons!?"

"I-..." Emilia looked away.

"You know he will hold it over our heads for the rest of our lives if we don't deal with it, do you not?"

"But perhaps we can deal with him properly... Perhaps silence him while we buy time."

Veyron scoffed, "That rat is cunning. When we eliminate him, he would already have people spreading the rumours if they haven't heard from him. You should know that by now."

Emilia once again looked away from him. But this time Veyron noticed that her concern probably wasn't just for Roann.

"You-... Are you concerned for that boy??"

Emilia quickly looked back to him with widen eyes.

So he was right. Perhaps she was afraid that that boy would be shunned even more. Or perhaps it was the fact that his dreams would be crushed. Or both.

"You've become weak." Said Veyron in a soft and disappointed tone.

Emilia Valencia was once very feisty. When she was younger she'd charge head on to battle with her sword. She even raided a bandit hideout by herself because they had assaulted some merchants connected to the Valencia's.

They even met at a magic tournament held in the Twilight Kingdom for all to enter. And the finalist was Veyron Valheart himself and Emilia Valencia.

Her strikes were swift and deadly. Her magic was simple but devastating. While she only had the mana pool of an average human. She casted magic to a near perfection that not a single mana was wasted.

She was a genius.

Well, she still is but she's mellowed out over the years. Especially after she gave birth and began taking care of Clovis, Anastasia and especially Lazarus.

"Dear... Please..." Emilia pleased snd held his hand.

But Veyron pulled away and said,

"The Valentines lost their son fighting the magic beast awakened in Ambria, and in doing so he protected an entire city. Yet you want to take away that meager reward that they wished for simply because you don't want to tell that child that he is manaless and crush his dreams?"

Emilia once again looked away.

How could she put her selfish desires before the honorable?? She wasn't like this.

Then Emilia looked at him with resolute in her eyes.

"As a mother, there are some things I must do."

"You are a queen before you are a mother!"

"That's... but I-..." Emilia once again looked away.

"Enough." Veyron couldn't stand her anymore and left, leaving the words, "I will deal with that rat."

----------------------------

The room was silent.

There was a large table and several people with lavish outfits all filled up the seats.

In the center was Veyron Valheart, King of the Twilight Kingdom.

Count Reinhardt had wondered why there was a meeting that was suddenly called for all of the nobles in the twilight kingdom.

First, Veyron had made his trip shorter, next two days after he called a meeting.

Could it be?

Count Reinhardt looked at Duke Roann who was seated across him and grinning. Then he turned his gaze on the knights that surrounded the table.

They all wore full plated golden armor and besides the King who stood at attention was Gareth, head of the Knights.

The last time the Royal Knights were invited in for a meeting was when they discussed peace between the elves that resided in the forest of Grianna. It had been a heated discussion so the Knights had to break out the fights.

But something felt off.

Reinhardt had tipped off Roann about Lazarus via rumours and 'trusted' sources to keep himself anonymous. But Roann couldn't have used that immediately without investigating further right?

Reinhardt had wanted the anti-royal noble faction to put pressure on the pro-royal faction but seeing that the King was already involved, maybe it could be something else?

"There's a reason I've gathered you all today." Said the King in a loud voice for everyone to here.

Everyone became silent and turned their attention to Veyron.

"You see, there was a mistake. The escrow land we've given to Baron Valentine wasn't intended for him."

"Wha-?" A man in red vest with a brown hair stood up, his face full of shock, but the moment Veyron raised his hand the man immediately but reluctantly sat back down. It was Baron Crutz Valentine.

At this point Reinhardt noticed that Duke Roann was already grinning from ear to ear.

Reinhardt clenched his fist as he felt his head grew hotter.

-'This blundering buffoon!'-

So he used it to threaten the King!?

What in blue blazes could be in the escrow land to be worth threatening the King over!? No way would Veyron normally relinquish a land he awarded to someone just cause of a mere 'mistake'. There must be something there that Duke Roann wanted. But what??

It was then that Veyron turned calmly to look at Duke Roann and said,

"Is that what you wanted me to say after trying to blackmail me?"

"What sort of accusation is that!?" Duke Roann's eyes bulged and he slammed the table with his chubby hands. It didn't do much.

The nobles began to murmer, and some seemed to become restless.

The atmosphere became heavier as Veyron stood up slowly and eyed Duke Roann with eyes filled with seething fury.

"Is that what you wanted!?" Veyron shouted, slamming the table with both of his arms and this time it formed cracks and shook the floor.

At this point Roann trembled and fell back on his chair as the rest of the anti-royal nobles tried to calm Veyron.

"This must be some sort of misunderstanding!"

"Even for a King, to accuse the a duke of blackmail is a bit..."

"Silence." Veyron demanded and the nobles all shut their mouth. They realized that not only was he exerting his authority as a King but also of that of the strongest of humanity. He could easily end all of them if he so wished.

Even Count Reinhardt who was usually calm felt cold and apprehensive. He realized that his life was, at this very moment, endangered.

He could only curse under his breath at the sheer idiocity of Duke Roann to go as far as to blackmail a powerful man.

But Reinhardt never expected for Veyron to go this far to punish Roann for it. In front of the entire noble faction?? That was such an embarrasment that surely the Duke wouldn't take lying down.

Roann had a sizeable army so he could deal damage if he so wanted and it could become a blood bath.

Reinhardt could practically hear how fast his heart was beating from the sheer terror of the situation.

After regaining a bit of composure Roann had veins popping on his forehead as he shouted,

"How dare you! This is a ludicrous claim! Such an embarrasment-.."

"Arrest him!" Cut in Veyron pointing at Roann.

"Wha-... Surely this is taking things too far!" Said Reinhardt, standing up finally being able to squeeze out the words.

But his words fell on deaf ears as the Knights slammed their weapons twice on the ground and shouted in unison, "Yes sire!" Before advancing towards Roann.

The rest of the nobles stood up, even those of the pro-royal faction were rattled as this had gone out of hand.

If Veyron did this, he'd essentially be left with very few allies as they would fear the possibility that he would get them arrested for nothing more than a mere accusation.

Even if it were true, arresting a noble of the Duke or Counts status was almost unheard of, barring very few situations where there offenses were blatant.

"Stop this my King!" Pleaded a noble and waved his hand about.

But Veyron let his mana surged and everyone felt a murderous aura. They all became silent from the sheer terror, even Roann who had resisted the arrest was sweating bullets and froze.

Veyron calmly seated himself and said, "Let this be a lesson to all of you. If you DARE to blackmail me, I, Arcane King, then be sure you are ready to face the consequences of my wrath! I will crush you like the worms that you are!"

"Hiee!!" Roann shrieked. Never in his life had he been threatened like this. "My-..my King, please forgive me, I did not mean for this to come out this way!!"

The nobles all turned their heads to Roann giving him an incredulous look.

"So you admit to it..." Said Veyron in a soft tone. But Roann who realized he made quite a blunder hurriedly replied,

"Wa-wasn't this merely a misunderstanding on your part?"

Veyron sighed,

"Let him go so he can prepare his army. I will personally meet you in the battlefield."

The Knights released Roann and he plopped back to his chair.

At that moment, Reinhardt felt his spine quiver. And the other nobles all became quiet and was simply staring at Veyron in fear.

Usually armies were made to fight each other but for the King himself to see this through...

Roann's faced was paled.

"You thought you were untouchable because of your territory, military and influence?"

Roann simply stared like a cornered mouse as Veyron continued,

"I will show you the might of my arcanery."

Reinhardt realized that at this point, it was hopeless, Veyron wanted to set an example and was willing to go this far.

It was a bold move and with this, no noble would publicly oppose him any longer, but it did come at a cost.

Still,

Even if it weakened the Kingdom, even if it might cause a civil war, Veyron didn't care.

He was sure of his might and he made his message loud and clear.

Even with Duke Roann's army, they were no match for the Arcane King. And Veyron had already decided to crush them.

There was only one choice left.

"I see this transgression to the crown as blasphemous and have therefore decided to back the King!" Said Reinhardt loudly.

At this point, most of the nobles, even those of the anti-royal faction quickly sided with Veyron. The very few who didn't, simply remained silent but never showed support for Roann.

Cornered, the Duke lashed out with a scream,

"You think I will accept this!? You-..! That accursed prince was manaless! He is a cursed child and you lied to our faces to try and hide it!!"

Reinhardt's eyes widened. He never released the rumours that they were true, just the fact that it was a possibility. How-..?

"If he lied about that! What else is he guilty off!!" Screamed the Duke as he pointed at Veyron vehemently.

The nobles all turned to look at the King who scoffed and said,

"It isn't a lie. Because the Golden angel Elysia had said that there was a possibility of it being mistake. That Lazarus could still have mana but was too feint to tell. But we could have the previdere again soon now that he has turned six. We did not want to spread false information so we only gave the minimum of details as this was of a very special case."

"Thats..." Roann muttered in defeat. If he invoked the Golden angel's name then nothing further could be said. They simply need to ask her and get this over with since Angel's couldn't lie.

But everyone was quiet. Never had they heard of a manaless child being born before. And some of those who could be very religious might see this as a bad omen.

"Regardless of that fact, your fate is sealed. I will meet you in three days time, ready your army and consider this the crowns formal declaration of war to you."

After saying that, Veyron got up and left. The Knights who surrounded Roann also released him and left.

Roann simply slammed down in his chair with a pale expression.

Never did Reinhardt think that things would go out of hand this fast... But-... He now realized it was a dumb and foolish mistake to plot against Veyron who had no qualms of using force.

He was simply glad that he wasn't the one paying the price for it.

Reinhardt apologized to Roann in his mind and headed for the door. He needed to solidify his position now that things spiraled out of control.

He looked one last time to Roann who was scrambling in his chair and pleading with the others to lend him their army.

But none gave him heed and muttered excuses before leaving.

Roann threatened with deep hidden secrets of the other nobles, and even went as far as to say that they owed him for how he helped them.

In fact he did help some of them to get to where they are so he could use them, but no one yielded. Now that everyone was aware how far Veyron would go, no one wanted to sleight him anymore.

Reinhardt let out a sigh as he left.

There was going to be so many bodies to burn...

-------------------