V2 Chapter 13

After a persistent squally shower, Ruka, exhausted softly cuddled up in Cian’s arms quite smartly and gently, just like the waterfall in general. And her long luxurious hair was spread on the pillow as if a light fine gauge was exhibiting unique aroma of this young girl.

“Sleep.”

While on the other side, Cian, cuddling her snow-white shoulders close to him, lightly kissed her forehead.

“…Ok.” Simultaneously, she also gently rubbed her body against his and comfortably sank herself into his arms. However, after a few minutes, she raised her head and stared Cian, hesitating before biting her lips and asked, “Master… the North, it's dangerous…” A worried expression appeared on her face.

Cian saw it and his lips curled into a gentle smile, “…you don’t need to worry about it. I’m not worried about the war, with my abilities, I would be able to come and go on any battles. The only problem left is, the one after that…” Cian’s brows furrowed. He frowned as his hand kept on brushing on Ruka’s head which was lying on his shoulder, using it as a pillow. “If I do great, everyone will know about my powers and transformation. But if I do little, I would be seen as useless and hopeless again… such a thing would be a problem in gathering up people secretly…”

“…then, can’t Master just appeal to her Majesty to avoid this task…?”

The problem is, that mother of mine is eager to send me away…! Cian smiled bitterly. Should I confess to Oriel? But, was she trustworthy…? Cian felt a headache coming. He turned towards the window and couldn’t help but let out a sigh…

If only things in the North wouldn’t be as chaotic as I thought it would be…

Cian noticed Ruka suddenly turning silent and looked at her. She seemed to be really tired, it seems like he really did overdo it. In the aspect of lust, sometimes he really can’t control his body and mind anymore, especially if he was provoked. He would never stop until he was satiated!

It seems like this boy’s previous thoughts are still inside my mind and are still influencing me so strongly……just how great is his lust…? And how did my self-control turned so weak…?

Such a feeling truly had made him feel helpless.

Oh… The scumbag’s mind is hard to repel…! Even his original character is slowly being eroded...

Cian couldn’t help but cursed inwardly. He then turned around and stared at his adorable servant, stroking her beautiful rounded buttocks with one hand, and holding her soft and slender waist with another hand, letting her whole body into his arms.

Ruka consciously shrank into his arms, her delicate appearance made Cian feel more affectionate, she finally fell asleep after a few minutes.

*** ***

In the early morning, a small group of people gathered at the palace courtyard. Amongst this group were the Demon Empress; Sitana, her two attendants including the one Cian found extremely familiar; Somelia Lush. Aside from then, Silvia Vandlehouse and her daughter Sibylla Vandlehouse, Cian’s official fiancée were also present. There was also a bird-type dragon-like monster—a lesser Wyvern, magical beast about 5 meters large that calmly sat on the ground, not too far from the crowd of people.

Today was the day that Cian would leave for the North with his sister Oriel and loyal personal servant; Ruka. Cian was actually quite reluctant to go, and that could easily be seen on his expression. But what could he do…? Seriously… even if he didn’t want to go, Cian was certain that Oriel would drag him away! Thus, he relented; in any case, this would also come sooner or later…!”

Sitana smiled warmly as she looked at Cian. With a loving gaze, she said, “I had already verified it—the North is indeed safe and doesn’t have any problem.

“Even if it was really chaotic there, do you think I want to go?” Cian smiled bitterly. Seeing this, Sitana couldn’t help but chuckle in amusement. She then stepped forward and pulled him to her bosom, hugging him closely while stroking the back of his head gently. “…I can’t help it,” she started. “Given by your intelligence, you should have understood what I had done and why. And I can tell you, you’re right—you push my hand, Aanuel, if you want to leave the capital wandering anywhere, I won’t agree to it. The races are at war, although not as intense for now but who knows when it would once again erupt. It’s dangerous…”

“A boat can’t move without the wind that pushes the sail, danger, and opportunity always come together. Why would I bother worrying about it?”

“…you won’t worry but I will…” Sitana slowly separated herself from Cian. Then she placed a kiss on his forehead, “I know you’re strong and brave, but even the hardest steel will still melt in front of a strong flame. There’s nothing absolute in this world, much less safety…”

“… …”

“Go to the North, and feel the wind for now. Try and test the waters, what this world was all about.”

“… …” Cian stared at Sitana’s smiling expression and couldn’t help but smile wryly. Then, his gaze turned towards Sibylla, who seemed to be showing a determined expression. What is she thinking? Cian wondered. However, he immediately understood what it was when Sibylla walked towards Cian and hug him, “I’m coming with you,” she said simply.

“Eh?” Cian stared at Sibylla, confused. But Sibylla just smiled impishly and pinched his cheek, “If I don’t watch you, I fear how many girls you’re going to harm in my absence…I’ll be watching you, closely,” she teased with a mischievous smile. Sibylla’s intimate action garnered displeasure from every side but Sibylla didn’t care, more like, she probably didn’t notice it.

“It’s going to be dangerous…” Cian said simply.

“No matter…where you are, I will be there as well…”

“…be my guest,” Cian shook his head helplessly then nodded.

“Son-in-law, you can’t let my daughter have any grievance, okay? I’ll leave her to you…” Silvia said affectionately as she also came over and hugs Cian affectionately, startling the latter. This woman…

Bur Cian still obediently nodded, and said, “Don’t worry, Mother-in-law, I know what I should do.”

“…son, I don’t care what you do out there, and I will allow you to do anything you wanted. Just one thing, be more careful and don’t be careless. I know that you are skillful but there are still things in this world that are hard to go against, sometimes…you still need to compromise." Seeing that Cian and the others are about to leave, Sitana walked up to Cian and spoke with a tone filled with deep concern.

Compromise...? Easier said than done...!

Sitana seemed to have read Cian's expression and couldn't help but smile wryly; "Well, in any case, try to stay out of trouble as much as possible, understand?” Then, she hands out a golden-crimson colored bracelet and placed it on Cian’s wrist, “Love, this Space Bracelet is something Mother prepared especially for you. Although it isn’t anything priceless, and the amount of space inside isn’t very large, it can still store some small things. I have prepared several things as well, I stored it inside. I hope it can help you in your time of need.”

“…Hmm, thanks mom,” Cian smiled warmly as he touched the bracelet.

Sitana patted Cian’s head like a mother to her child, “You don’t need to worry about me here and the Empire. I’m still not old yet to be defeated by schemes of children that have not grown their hair down there yet. Experience the real world, I will be waiting for you—”

Seeing the Demonic Empress that was feared by every people in the entire world, be so concerned about Cian, Sibylla, her mother Silvia and Oriel, who were standing nearby, couldn’t help but show a trace of deep jealousy and dissatisfaction. However, currently, everyone’s gazes were gathered on Cian, and nobody had noticed them.

Cian nodded his head and traced the bracelet with his thumb, and said with a strong self-confidence, “Mom, I will definitely come back…when I did, you will be free from whatever curse you are suffering from…”

“… …”

“…I will break it, even if it was the Gods who had done it!”

Sitana expressed a trace of a smile, and he looked at Cian with a gaze full of gratification and love. Though Sitana was hiding it, but within her eyes, emotions that shouldn’t belong to a mother towards her child were present. However, it was only momentary as it disappeared immediately—not now, she said in her heart. She wanted to kiss him good-bye, one that is done between lovers but couldn’t.

Although she didn’t care about people’s opinions, she was scared actually to affect Cian’s plans because of her own lust and desire. Cian has so many plans that were yet unknown to her, and no matter what it is she doesn’t need to know, but she would support it and help him with all she can.

Even without recognition by others, as long as she can get Cian’s love, what is there for other’s recognition…?

“…Aanuel, it’s getting late. We should go on our way.” At that moment, Oriel that was standing on the side spoke up. Her voice cold and a sting on it. On the surface, she seems cold and distant from the two family members in front of her, but the sour smell that she emitted could even be smelled five kilometers away. As for the object of envy—who knows…

Cian gave one final glance at his mother, feeling somewhat reluctant. He had already prepared himself for this parting before as he also wanted to leave but now that it was happening, his heart for some reason felt restless and unsettled. Like a bird, reluctant to part from the nest—it was the first even for him…

He could only sigh and repress the ache and sorrow within his heart as he walked over to Oriel without once turning his back, and said, “Elder Sister, let’s leave.” his voice was a bit trembling and he seemed to be about to turn around, but he steeled his heart and continued walking away.

Everyone could see Cian’s gloomy back and figure, much less Sitana. But she only smiled and didn’t say anything, but her hand was clenched tightly into a fist. Sending her son away from his wings was actually this hard and painful—she had never thought about it before, after all, she has no intention of sending him far away… but now…

At this moment, she had the urge to yell and take back her word, even if it means her shame but… seeing Cian’s courage to never look back, even though his shoulders are obviously trembling, she suddenly felt ashamed. Look, your son was grown up now. He was enduring it, you know! You can’t go and break his resolve just because of your own little desire…

Let it be… let him go…and watch him fly…

At least, this isn’t the end…

“... Oriel, I don’t care whatever you want to think and worry… I know you and your siblings don’t think highly of me and despise me for my playing favorite…”

“…!!?” Oriel who was watching Cian walking towards her, full of bitterness and envy, suddenly heard a voice within her head, startling her. Her attention was violently turned towards the source—her mother, Sitana was looking at her with bloodshot eyes, full of pain and reluctance, that she can see!

What is she doing?

“…but I only ask you one thing…” Sitana continued. Oriel’s face distorted and in her usual expressionless face, her face appeared a shock she couldn’t conceal. Just like always, she would not exchange words with her mother, this always happens. There’s no familial affection, just like a boss sending away her subordinate to someplace.

However, this time… Oriel’s reaction and feelings didn’t matter for Sitana as she continued, with voice pleading and begging, “Take care of him. Don’t let any harm happen to him. And support him no matter what happens… and if the worst really comes and something does happen to him, forget me being your mother, I will kill you first… please remember that…”

“… …” Oriel stared at Sitana, full of complicated emotions and feelings. Her mother never said it to her before, nor to her other siblings. Never thought, she would be so emotionally attached to her brother. What is this?

Or was it love… or just mere emotion attachment…?

…I hope it’s the latter… Oriel frowned. She didn’t say anything as she turned around and walked side by side with Cian as they climb up and rode the flying dragon. As for Cian, he didn’t once turned his head and look at Sitana, closed his eyes and only sigh. Sibylla and Ruka saw him and felt sad and bitter—the Empress place in the prince's heart was as clear as day. They felt envious—especially Sibylla.

She bit her lips and held Cian’s hand. She expected Cian to turn his head at her and smile like always, but she was disappointed. Cian didn’t and just stare at the sky, his eyes glaze, seemingly tearful, seemingly not. However, Cian’s hands clenched his hold on her hand, squeezing it softly. “Let me be for a while…” he said. “I will return to usual soon…”

“Hmm…” Sibylla nodded, smiling faintly.

Although her expression was still the same, Oriel turned her head at Cian, her voice a bit softer than usual as she said, “Aanuel, sit tight.”

Afterward, Oriel pats the magical beast’s back. In an instant, the flying magical beast seemed to have received a command and stretched out its 10 meter long wings to fly up. It directly rose up into the air and began to quickly fly off into the distance.

After flying for a while, only when the figures of Sitana and the others can only be seen as black dots did Cian turned around. He smiled faintly, but it was a bitter and painful in the view of others who saw it.

At this point, there was an unknown feeling in his heart, the different flavors of sweetness, sourness, and bitterness flooded in, and he felt a sour feeling on his nose...

“…Farewell to thee, farewell to thee

Thou charming one who dwells in shaded bowers

One fond embrace ere I depart

… Until we meet again.”