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

Changing Perspective --- Pristin Venolia

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

*Bang*

A loud slam was heard in the quite room of the Baron’s study room. Paricel Venolia, the newly appointed Baron that governed the Venolia city tightened his fist and gritting his teeth in anger while looking at the official letters delivered this morning.

Standing beside the door, I timidly refrain myself from making any sound.

“Damn! That Bastard Mali. How dare he request another troop? Haven’t I sent my troop last month already?! Why is he asking more??!! Anymore, this city will be empty!”

*Bang*

He slammed the desk again following with a long sigh. Startled with the bang earlier, I almost dropped the tea that I was holding. I looked at the tea that I was going to serve him, but after thinking, I decided not to bother him.

“Pristin!”

“H-H-Hai!”

Suddenly, he called my name. Startled, I almost dropped the tea again. It spilled a bit, but it was safe.

“Pristin. Come in! Don’t just stand there”

“H-H-Hai!”

Since he called me, I walked inside. Our eyes met and then he turned away as if he just wanted to confirm it was me. There was a slight smile on his face when he saw me, though I think it was my imagination.

“Excuse me”

I said while putting the tea on the desk. I noticed the official letter on the desk –

“What’s wrong?”

He asked me noticing my gaze.

“It’s nothing. Sorry.”

I stepped back while looking down. He took the tea and sipped it lightly. Glancing at him, I was once again get a closer look at him. A face with mischievous smile and a strong-willed eyes, Paricel-sama has a strong charisma that attract people to him. However, what really made him different is his hair – light blue hair with a tiny bit of silver.

The silver bit was really bright. Though it wasn’t pure white, it was the genuine proof that he was blessed with Pure Ice Mana. It is believed that only those who are related to the royal blood line should be able to possess this blessing. Queen Linia also has this blessing and at the end of her hair are tint of pure white. Her highness is said to be able to control pure ice and talk with the ice spirit.

Anyone with silver or white hair are highly regarded as Royal bloodline, that’s why Paricel-Onii-sama was able to become a baron in such a young age. Even though, we are sibling, we are clearly different. I touched and looked at my blue hair feeling a bit envious.

“What’s wrong? Pristin, you look happy.”

“Hmm? I look happy?”

“Yeah, you’re grinning happily when you were staring at me. So have you developed feeling for me yet?”

“Haven’t you given up on that yet?! Paricel-sama. Mou~ I can’t believe you still can joke at the time like this.”

“What are you talking about? Nothing is more important than my beloved sister, if I can’t make time for you. Then what’s the point of my existence?”

“Don’t think that I fall for that again! And stop joking around, Paricel-sama. Don’t you have more important matter at hand? What are you going to do with the Earl’s letter?”

“Pristin, It’s not good to eavesdrop, you know.”

Suddenly, the joking atmosphere was gone. Paricel-sama has a serious look on his face.

“Sorry, I –”

“Oh no, I wasn’t mad at you. I was mad at my own incompetent. I know that I can’t refuse the order from Queen Linia to aid Topel with our military strength. And I have been fulfilling the quota every 6 months, yet that bastard kept asking for more even though the war has come to a stalemate already. If I stop sending more, he captured our knight’s family forcing them to go to the front line. Everyone is protesting and crying, yet I can’t do anything–”

Paricel-sama look really angry, but his eyes were filled with madness. I know what happened to our city, and I know what he had been through. To stand up for our city and our people, he went through such hardship. To be pressured by surrounding city, and to be hated by our people, Paricel-sama endured to the point that normal people would have been broken already.

I quickly went to his side and hugged him from behind. I was startled by my own abrupt behavior, but I didn’t let go of him.

“Pristin? Sorry, I went too far. You don’t have to worry anymore, I’m alright-”

“Stop lying. There’s no way you are alright, Paricel-sama. I can’t understand how much you have been through, but for you to stop smiling at all. It must be really hard for you. Mom always say that when a man is in trouble like this, woman are to standby his side, taking care of him, and cheering him up. So it’s alright to cry.”

I said while hugging him, and I know that I must be blushing red right now. Mom did tell me that, but it was between husband and wife. I hope he wouldn’t know that.

“I see. You always learn weird thing from mom.”

“It’s fine. Isn’t it?”

“Yeah, It’s fine. Thank you, Pristin.”

He said while grabbing my hand.

“If I did something selfish, would you forgive me?”

I was going to lash out at him again since I thought he was joking, but I felt that he was serious and his words carry hesitation and sadness.

“Hmm~ No matter what you do, I’ll forgive you.”

When I whispered that to him, I felt that his shoulder were no longer tense. And then I felt that he calmed down while relaxing and leaning toward me.

He closed his eyes, is he sleeping? He’s smiling though, he must be enjoying this. However, I guess once in a while, I should reward him. I caressed his head and patted them softly.

*knock* *knock*

I removed my arm and stepped away immediately when I heard someone knocked on the door.

“Baron-sama. The carriage is ready”

Suddenly, I heard Sir Orlando’s voice from the door. Seeing how Paricel-sama sleeping soundly, I didn’t want to wake him up, so I went to the door and answered for him.

I opened the door and I found Sir Orlando in his knight armor waiting sternly outside the door. He was in his 30s and he is the strongest knight in our city. Having 8 stars recognition, Sir Orlando chose to serve Paricel-sama instead of going to the capital.

“Oh, Pristin-sama. How nice to find you here. The carriage is ready”

“Heh? Am I supposed to go somewhere?”

“Sorry, Pristin~”

Suddenly I heard Paricel-sama’s voice behind me. I was going to turn to him, but then I was hit with extreme drowsiness. And then I fell asleep.

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

Changing Perspective --- Paricel Venolia

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

After confirming that she was asleep, I quickly took her to the carriage I prepared beforehand. I have resolved myself to this, and I’ll carry on this mission till the end. For both Venolia and Pristin, I’ll protect both of them through any means.

Taking every steps down the stair, I began to wonder just how mad she will be when she woke up. I knew that I asked her for forgiveness, but knowing her, she will probably forget it and got mad at me. That’s just so like her.

“Forgive me this time. Pristin. I hope that you understand and be safe.”

I kissed her forehead for the last time, and then I ordered the carriage to move on.

“Orlando, have you prepared what I asked?”

“Yes, sir. Everything is ready. I have also prepared a dummy carriage to go to Sycron in the middle of the night and another dummy carriage to go to Garm. I have also relayed that message to many sources as well.”

“Good, if there’s really a spy in this city, they will go after the dummy carriage. If no one go after the dummy carriage –”

“You mean that if they’re after the real one?”

“Then, the mole is really close to me. And I already have idea who that is.”

“Paricel-sama, I know that you’re trying to find the spy within the city, but is it really necessary to make Pristin-sama and my daughter going through the Vortex Belly? Moreover, you didn’t leave any guard with her side at all. I think that it is too dangerous.”

“That’s wrong, my old friend. The most dangerous place is actually the safest place to hide. Most of the monsters in Vortex are actually safer than human. They roared when they saw us and attacked on sight. However, you never know when a human stab you from behind.”

I said it sternly and I was reminded of my own past. I gritted my teeth and felt a bit disgust, but I managed to control myself. Because of my own experience, I knew how to read people intention. And so I knew who to trust and not.

However, despite this, information within the city was leaked to outside. When I knew about this, I was really mad. Therefore, I decided to find that spy through various means, but I still couldn’t find him at all. I could only caught the hand and feet of that spy. The real one was nowhere to be found.

And then I came to a conclusion. The spy is the closest one to me. Pristin, and Orlando are the closest one to me, but they aren’t the spy. I have already verified it myself. And another one is the Counsellor which has been working since the time my father was still controlling Venolia.

At first, I didn’t dare to doubt him, but there’re too many strange thing about him which I don’t know. And so, I started to suspect him. Of course, I tried various method to test him, but there wasn’t any result from it. However, I still felt strange about it. My every single plan was countered perfectly and naturally as if he can read my mind.

Just like this time, I bet that someone will go after Pristin’s real carriage. Thinking of it normally, it’s too unnatural. Normal people wouldn’t risk travelling Vortex Belly without any guard, and I have real carriage prepared like the one which transported slave. The carriage traveled to Garm has guards guarding it, and the one travel to Sycron has hidden guards and disguise guards. And the fact that it was going to Sycron, anyone would know that that carriage was trying to cross over to the middle Crescent. I have also ordered some guard to spread the rumor of it as well. So people would believe that the carriage going through Sycron is the real one.

However, I still believe that Pristin’s real carriage will be targeted. No matter how unreasonable it may seem, but I do believe that someone will see through this plan. And if this plan is really seen through, then I’ll have the spy cornered once and for all.

Orlando is a bit afraid and worry since his daughter also traveled in that carriage. At first, he was reluctant, but he finally agreed to help me in one condition which after we killed the spy, he’ll bring guards to escort the carriage toward Gleamia. What a over-protective father, though I’m not any different than him.

“Paricel-sama”

Suddenly, I heard a maid called me from behind.

“What’s wrong?”

“Counsel-sama has arrived. And he request your presence.”

So you have finally arrived.

“I got it. Report back to the head maid and started to prepare the dinner. We’ll welcome counsel-san with the best hospitality”

“Yes, Paricel-sama. Please excuse me.”

Bowing, the maid returned back. I exchanged glance with Orlando, and without saying anything, he understood my intention.

“Very well, Paricel-sama. I’ll have it ready before dinner time.”

“I’m counting on you.”

I said to him, and then we parted way. He went off to prepare the gift, and then I’ll welcome our guess to stall time.

Walking through corridor, I came to the guest room in no time. I opened the door, and went in.

“Pericel-sama. You have arrived.”

“Rodi Counsel. It’s good to see you in great health.”

I exchanged handshake with an old man with neat blue hair. He dressed in neat white cloth expressing his elegant. His eyes showed deep profound knowledge and most of all this old man is always composed no matter what happened.

His smile showed a gentle feeling which show that he would never hurt an ant. If I hadn’t done the investigation, I would have believed if someone said that he’s a saint.

“Thank you, Paricel-sama. I’m happy that you asked me of my health. However, it seems that my age has tormented me quite awhile. Maybe, soon it’s time for me to meet with your father, Baron-sama”

“Oh no, don’t say that. Rodi Counsel are still fine. You can’t say something that ominous. What if people heard it, it’ll cause a big commotion. Beside, you still haven’t had family yourself, do you intent to go off like that?”

“Hahahaha, Paricel-sama sure know how to joke. This old bone is happy when you care so much about me. However, if you are worry about who will hold the position of counsel if I’m gone, then you don’t have to worry about it. Since it’s a good occasion, I shall introduce my disciple. Come Tilan-chan. Come and greet Paricel-sama”

“Hai. Master!”

Suddenly, a girl with short blue hair came in front. She looked about my age. With white dress which scholar use to wear, she bowed to me elegantly. Raising her head, I met with her eyes. Deep blue eyes just like Rodi, it has a little depth of profound knowledge. However, the impression that she carry is exactly like Rodi. It was hard to believe.

“Greeting Paricel-sama. I’m Tilan Dedra. It’s nice to meet you. I’ll be learning more from you and master. So please take care of me.”

“Hohoho. Isn’t it great? What do you think Paricel-sama? People are often mistake us as father and daughter. Even if I’m unmarried. Having such a lady as a daughter. Isn’t it good in a way itself?”

Good? Damn old fox. Just where the hell did this Tilan popped out?! I have done thorough investigation on you, and there’s no record regarding her or anyone. I didn’t even hear that you had a disciple, not to mention she looked exactly just like you. Just what’s the hell are you planning?!

“Likewise, Tilan Dedra. Is it ok to call you Tilan? I will be in your care from now on. So please take care of me as well.”

I said that and shaking her hand. She blushed while hanging her head down.

“Hohoho~ Tilan is already in that age after all. I see. Isn’t it good that you get to serve Paricel-sama in the future?”

Don’t go decide that yourself, old man! I don’t accept this at all. The only one who will serve is my beloved Pristin!

“Mou! Master, please don’t tease me like this. No matter how you look it, I’m already an adult. I don’t want to be treated like a child”

“Hohoho~ no matter what, you’ll still a child to me.”

I looked at those two exchanged conversation while having a suspicion over both of them. Are they sure that they aren’t father and child? Even if she’s not his daughter. She’s still a person with unknown background. I can’t trust her at all. I need to proceed with this carefully.

“Since Tilan-san is such a fine lady. Of course Rodi Counsel is worry about you.”

“Ufufu~ Paricel-sama has such flattery word. It seems that the rumor is true after all.”

“Rumor? I wondered what kind of rumor you has heard about me.”

“Don’t worry. It’s just harmless rumor.”

“I do hope that it’s really harmless rumor.”

“Eh~ It’s just a harmless rumor of Paricel-sama”

Maybe I was too cautious of her, since I noticed that her eyes means something else entirely even though she was smiling. It was just a fraction of second that I stare into her eyes, but I felt shivered down to my spine. Gathered up my guts, I decided to break the stare and changed the topic.

“Well then, can I trouble you two for dinner? Rodi Counsel might be busy, but since it is such a rare occasion. I want you two to stay for dinner.”

Saying, I opened the door and led them to the dining room.

“Of course, I would never reject such request. Since I also planned for Tilan to take my post after I retired. Getting to know her lord as soon as possible is also a good idea.”

“Since it is your recommendation, Tilan-san must be a very capable person. I’m looking forward to work with you.”

“Your flattery word is too much for me. Paricel-sama. Knowing that you has such a sweet tongue, surely Pristin-sama will get jealous.”

I almost exploded at that moment, but I retained my composure. To think that she also know about Pristin.

“Rodi Counsel sure can never shut his mouth tight, isn’t he?”

“Ufufu~ Paricel-sama is right. Master has never been good at keeping secret. He even has the habit of listening into people affair.”

“Tilan-chan, how could you betray your master like this?”

“Master, it’s wrong to listen to people affair and spread it like fire. It’s my duty to correct the wrong, so I’m not at fault. Isn’t that what you have been teaching me?”

“Rodi Counsel, to think that someone as high and noble like you could have some habit like this. That might explain why you couldn’t get married at this age.”

“Paricel-sama. You are mistaking something. It’s not that I’m not able to marry until this age, it’s just that I like to be free without being caged by anything.”

“Freedom, huh? It’s a good thing. I think that Venolia really need something similar, don’t you think so? Rodi Counsel.”

When I said that, the atmosphere suddenly got heavier. Rodi Counsel looked at me sternly in the eyes.

“Regarding that matter, I –”

“Well, let’s the troublesome thing be discussed later. Right now let’s enjoy the dinner.”

I said while opening the door of the dining room. Maid bowed and greeted me when I opened the door. The Head maid walked and came to me.

“Paricel-sama. Everything is ready.”

“Good, Serve our guest right away.”

“Yes, Paricel-sama.”

The head maid signaled and then two maid came and guided Rodi and Tilan to their seat. I went to my own seat as well. The dinner was served right away as food being made beforehand, but it still retained its warmth.

The dinner went well since we only talked about trivial stuff. And to the outsider, it seemed like a very close relationship. However, I was amazed how careful Tilan is. I couldn’t get any information out of her at all, and most of all while speaking, I felt that I was being led around by her.

“These days are indeed strange. Even an old bone like me had ominous feeling. It was as if something bad is going to happen. However, there’s nothing to worry about. Queen Linia will do something about it when time come. Her wisdom and guidance has led people in this kingdom to prosperity. Her majesty even led the war with the wolf clan to a stalemate.”

“That’s true. By chance, problem arise in the kingdom. Soon or later Queen Linia will solve it. And by the way, Rodi Counsel. Have you heard anything about the recent incident?”

“Recent incident? What incident could that be?”

“Master, Paricel-sama meant the disappearance of the hail storm in the Vortex Belly.”

“Hohoho~ Tilan-chan sure is wise. Isn’t that right? Paricel-sama. To be able to guess your meaning immediately. Her future sure is bright.”

“I couldn’t agree more. Rodi Counsel.”

“Ahem~ So what did Paricel-sama want to know regarding this incident?”

Tilan asked us while we were laughing.

“I want to know whether Rodi Counsel and Tilan-san have information regarding this matter. I think that this matter is really important to all of us”

“That’s right. As I believe, Venolia has its border the closest to the Vortex Belly. The Hail storm that happened every years was seem as calamity since no one could travel through it. Let alone travel near it, the storm is so strong, people freeze up immediately. However –”

“It is also the protection of Venolia as well. Because of it, high level monster wouldn’t come close to us. And after that storm vanished, we were able to harvest dead monster as well. Since this year, it suddenly disappeared –”

I cut in Rodi Counsel and answered them.

“Are you afraid of Venolia’s income for this year?”

“No, that’s not necessarily true. What I’m fear is that, high level monster from the Vortex Belly came to attack Venolia.”

“That’s possible. Without the storm to hold them in check. Monster from the Vortex Belly might come to attack Venolia. Their strength is by far too strong for even 9th star knight to kill it.”

Rodi Counsel said it while assessing the record of which someone had tried challenging monster from the Vortex Belly before. It was true at that time, the one who challenge it was a 9th star knight, but he couldn’t kill it, and he returned with few missing limps as well. I also studied about that record, and had people to spy on some monster that come close to the border.

The newest report had come with a proof that a single monster from the Vortex Belly can stand up to 30 other monsters from the Vortex Blood alone and win through it. Considering that 9th star knight could only stand up 3 monsters of the Vortex Blood. I raised an opinion.

“Rodi Counsel, if a single 9th star knight couldn’t do anything about it, how about 10 of them surrounding it?”

Rodi Counsel and Tilan are deep in thought, and then Tilan was first to answer my question.

“It’s is possible. However, considering the how long the battle would last. The monster might win in stamina. And the fact that monster roar can attract other monster. It’s not wise to attack them even if there’s only one of them.”

“So it’s impossible?”

I asked her, but she didn’t give me answer.

“Though, if the monster’s alone and it was heavily wounded, then 9th star knight might be able to take it down.”

“Master is right. If these condition are presence, then defeating it wouldn’t be impossible.”

“But how are we supposed to make it wounded enough to fall in 9th star knight?”

The sudden question hit everyone silent.

“Monster from the Vortex Blood.”

Suddenly, Tilan came up with an answer.

“What do you mean by that?”

“It’s simple. Monster of different specie attack each other. So if we lead them into each other, they will fight each other to dead. With this, we’ll borrow their hand to kill the monster. And after the battle, the knight will move and kill other monster as well. It will result in low casualty and even with low ranking knights we get to have loot from both the monster from the Vortex Belly and Vortex Blood.”

“Ho~ as expected of my disciple. You are quick and smart. What do you think, Paricel-sama?”

Rodi Counsel asked me while praising Tilan. I was already deep in thought considering her answer. In fact, it was the correct answer to it. Even if number of monster from the Vortex Belly came, it will fight those monster from Vortex Blood to death. Monster from the Vortex Belly might be proud of its strength, but monster from the Vortex Blood are proud of its endless number. However, there’s a slight problem in that plan.

“Sorry, but this plan is no good.”

“Why? Paricel-sama. I think that this plan is good enough.”

“Tilan, calm down. Paricel-sama wouldn’t say it that it’s no good without a reason. He might not look it, but he’s still a baron. And he’s earned it through his own effort without any tie or connection. Even without studying under me, his wisdom and I are on par.”

“That’s very kind of you, Rodi Counsel. I may not be able to receive it. My wisdom are yet to reach your level. Being able to play chess with you was the best I could do.”

As I said that, Tilan began to calm down and asked me again.

“So, Paricel-sama, What do you think of my answer?”

“Well. I think that it is really great. Borrow their number and strength, causing conflict between them, and finally we’ll reap the profit. However, if all the monster in the Vortex Blood were destroyed suddenly, then we’ll face a big problem.”

“Big problem?”

Tilan asked me while tilting her head.

“If the plan make a single mistake, then the Blood Calamity will reoccur.”

When I said that, the whole place seemed to freeze in time.

“Blood Calamity?”

Tilan was the first to speak, but there was slight fear and hesitation in her word.

“By stating so, do you have any basis on it, Paricel-sama?”

Rodi counsel asked with his serious tone. Of course, Blood Calamity was in fact one of the historical event in this kingdom. And most of all, it hasn’t been 5 years since it happened.

That calamity happened in Middle Crescent, and it almost annihilate the whole Middle Crescent. It began with a mission to subjugate monsters in the Vortex Blood. Several groups of High Star Knight eliminate monsters of the Vortex Blood, and they returned home with victory. However, few days later, a single monster rose from the Vortex Blood, and then it rampage through Vortex Skin and later to the city. No one was able to defeat it at all. 200 knights or so died from it. Through many fierce battle and finally, an 11th star knight was able to defeat it. And then she became the legendary knight in the history. That monster later was known as a calamity class monster.

(Note : Yuichi is basically a calamity class monster. Shu tame it in one go~)

So saying that a calamity class monster might appear suddenly will shock both of them.

“Well, I do have my own hypothesis. I believe that once you killed a certain number of monster. That calamity monster will come out. Think it as a wrath manifestation of those dead monster”

“That’s absurd. How could you possibly said –”

“I was there.”

I said that while looking at her right in her eyes. She was stunned by that Of course, I didn’t lie. 5 years ago, I took part in that monster subjugation since it was my duty as Ice Saint.

“Ah~ As I believe Paricel-sama also joined in that battle 5 years ago.”

“Really? Paricel-sama really joined in that battle? I heard that everyone joined in that battle receive a hero title”

I only receive ‘Calamity Survivor’ as a title though, it’s ok if she doesn’t know. It’s ok as long as no one tell her.

“Actually, he only got ‘Calamity Survivor’.”

“Eh~?”

“OI! Why did you go blurting that out?!”

I’m convinced now. You’re the spy that has been leaking my information to other City!

“Hohoho~ there’s nothing wrong with that title. Paricel-sama.”

“YOU JUST SHUT UP! I’M A BARON, YOU KNOW!!”

“Hohoho~ it seems that you’re still a child.”

“Well said, you old bone. I wondered when you will retired. Why don’t you just retired and live off your remaining life in comfort!”

“I’m sorry to inform you, but I’m not intending to retire any time soon. Hohoho~”

Damn, you old bone.

“Ahem~ you two. Please behave. Head Maid-san is going to serve the dessert”

Tilan said while sipping her wine elegantly. I quickly composed myself and took a sip as well.

“Sorry, I lost control of myself.”

“It’s nothing to be shame about. People got one or two secret that he want to hide –”

“Hohohoho~”

Don’t laugh at me, old geezer.

“ – just like my master.”

Tilan dealt the last blow, I ended up smirking. How’s that? Damn geezer.

“Anyway, Paricel-sama. I’m quite interesting in what you were saying a while ago. After thinking for a while, I also think that your thesis might be true after all.”

“Likewise, I’m much more amazed at the fact that you can come up with this theory. Scholars have been debating about this matter long, and they couldn’t even come up with anything.”

“And yet, Paricel-sama was able to conclude it. Paricel-sama is truly a capable person. Tilan Dedra is amazed. To serve someone like you might not be a bad idea after all. Master, hurry up and retire.”

“Hohoho~ Paricel-sama sure is popular with woman. To think that my disciple would abandon me for you. This old bone is quite hurt”

“You don’t have to praise me so much. Well, since we have already finished our dinner already. I would like to hear your comment on today dinner. Oh, you can’t decline since it is a custom in this house. Our chef insist on this”

I said that, and surprisingly, the chef is already standing behind me.

“It’s surprisingly delicious as always.”

“Thank you, Rodi-sama”

Rodi Counsel stated his comment. After that, we turned to Tilan who’s sipping her wine for the last time. She seemed to think hard on her answer. Suddenly, she turned to Rodi Counsel.

“Master, I’ll be frank. Please retire this immediately, so that I can take over this position”

“How should I treat this?”

The chef asked with a startled expression. I tapped on his shoulder.

“It’s a compliment. Your food is good as always.”

“Thank you, Paricel-sama, Tilan-sama, Rodi-sama. I’ll continue to work harder.”

“Thank you for your hard work. Dinner is finished, and it’s getting dark. I do suggest that you two stay the night.”

“That would be too much troublesome for Paricel-sama. Beside I –”

“No, I don’t mind at all. This mansion is quite big, so please keep me company. Rodi Counsel, with this occasion, I would like another bout with you”

“Chess, is it? Good. I haven’t played with Paricel-sama for such a long time.”

“Then, that mean you decided to stay here.”

“Yes, I believe so.”

“Good. Then I’ll have the maid to prepare for your room. Tilan-san, I hope that my hospitality is enough for you.”

“It’s more than enough, Paricel-sama.”

“Good, then maid will take you to your room. Rest well, Tilan-san.”

“Eh? Then what about master?”

“Hohoho~ Go on, child. I have a little unfinished business with Paricel-sama after all.”

“Very well. I hope you two well. And good night.”

Tilan bowed to us and then she followed the maid who guide her to her room. I on the other hand guided Rodi Counsel to my study room. I took the chess box and prepare the table.

Before long, we started to sit in our respectively place. I took white piece which I’m familiar with it, and Rodi Counsel loves playing with black piece.

“It seems that you yet again choose the black. Is there any particular reason for it?”

“Hohoho~ there’s no reason particularly. It’s just that black piece suit me better. You see. During the time when your father was still alive. I admired him and I chose to follow him. With his ideal and wisdom, he was able to guide Venolia to its prosperity. And your father at that time shine real bright amongst other noble.”

“And yet, you could only be his shadow. Following him and helping him when he’s in trouble.”

“Yes, anything that shine sure will cast its shadow. I was proud and happy being your father’s shadow. The hardship that we have been through is something I could never forget. Paricel-sama, I also hoped that I can be your shadow as well. However, my times is running out already. 3 years has passed since you was appointed as noble. I have clearly seen your capability, and so I believe that you will grow even bigger. And so, I have a favor to ask you.”

“How odd for you to ask a favor from me. It’s ok, if it’s something I can do.”

“Please appointed Tilan Dedra as your new counsellor.”

I stopped moving my hand for a while since I was shocked, and then I continue placing my chess piece in place.

“Then, that’s mean that you’re quitting? But for what reason? You said that you got less time, but it doesn’t mean you’re going to die any time soon either. Why so abruptly?”

“Paricel-sama, do you know about the strange purple light that appeared randomly in the sky?”

“Strange purple light?”

“Yes, these purple light happened strangely in the sky, and no one knew why. And the fact that hail storm of the Vortex Belly suddenly disappear like this made people wondered if these light and the disappearance of the hail storm are connected somehow.”

“So how much have you heard about it?”

“First of all, we believe that it’s a grand magic. Probably, a magic with 15 diagrams or above.”

“That’s the rank of Ancient art. Who could have made that magic?”

“We don’t know for sure yet. However, people are currently studying about it.”

“I see. It’s sad that we didn’t have much information about it. Let’s hope that it’s not something bad.”

“Right, strange thing are happening lately. I wondered if something is going to happen.”

“So, since this incident happen, and many other thing as well. The capital decided to call you over?”

“Yes, it is as you said. The Capital Didyris has summoned me. It was done so by her majesty herself.”

“I see, since you don’t know how long this will take. Tilan will take over your position. Am I right?”

“You are right. So I want your agreement on this”

“Hmm. That’s hard to decide. That’s right. Why don’t we let this round of the chess to decide it? If you win, I’ll comply. However, if I win, then you have to comply with me. OK?”

“Hmm, like father like son. I guess Venolia blood does run into both of you. Your indecisive attitude toward important matter has stayed the same. Fine. Let this game decide this. Finally for once in a while, this old bone will go all out. So, Paricel-sama. What exactly is your condition?”

“Help me to liberate Venolia”

I said as I took the first move on the chess board.

“Which mean?”

“I’m going to free Venolia. From this dispute, form this kingdom.”

When I said that, Rodi Counsel stared at me deeply. And then he moved his own chess piece onto the battlefield.

“Paricel-sama, you do know that what you said earlier could be seen a treason, right?”

“I’m ready for it. No matter what happened, it’s all the same. I’m intending to create a rebellion from this city. What I want is freedom for Venolia. I wouldn’t stop until I have it.”

“Rash decision could only lead to your defeat and loss.”

He said that while killed off my pawn.

“I’m fully aware of that, but I’m unable to endure the fact that Topel and Sycron is treating Venolia like nothing. We was once a superior city than them, having both prosperity and strong military power. However, look at us now. This city felt like a ghost city now. Our economy is dropping and people are migrating into other city. Tell me, what’s the reason can I hold my anger till now? I have resolved myself and I’ll fight whatever is thrown at me.”

I moved my horse to kill off his bishop. And then he moved his chess trying to check me. I read his move ahead, and move my chess to counter him. This has continues for quite a while.

“I understand your wrath. Your father would have done the same, but can you win this war? You don’t have army and your economy is getting bad. Do you think you can fight a war with empty stomach?”

“I know that I don’t have enough people. So, in the worst case, I’ll use the last resort.”

“Last resort?”

“I’ll get a little help”

“Help? From whom?”

“For example, Calamity class monster.”

I said that, and Rodi was really shock. While he was shock, I moved my horse to check him.

“Check.”

Rodi looked at the board with his brow slightly wrinkled.

“Right, you’re the only one who know how Calamity class monster are born. And the topic that we were discussing earlier in the dining room. Hahaha~ to think that you have grown so much. What you asked Tilan wasn’t how you supposed to deal with monster from the Vortex Belly, but instead, how you are supposed to summon forth a calamity class monster without losing too many knight from it. Your theory was that, to summon forth the wrath of the calamity monster, you need to kill off many Vortex Blood monster. Strength of the Monster of Vortex Belly would suffice. You’re truly became formidable these years.”

“Then, you accept defeat?”

“No, I accept that you are strong. However, it’s not enough to lead this city to success.”

He said while move his king into the battlefield. I was surprised at his move because this wasn’t how he usually play. I tried to read his move, but I couldn’t guess his intention at all.

After a few more turn –

“Checkmate”

I lost. It was unbelievable. With few more turn, he turned the whole situation around, and with only 3 pieces left. He finished me off.

“Well then, according to what we promise. Tilan Dedra will be appointed as the next Counsellor of Baron Paricel Venolia. And I would not help in your plan as well. It’s my advice, Paricel-sama, please don’t do anything rashly.”

He said that, and then he left me behind. I sat there staring at the board with disbelief. I thought I could have him cornered for good. However, it seems that Rodi really got serious in this game. He changed his style immediately and played the most dangerous steps. And then I lost.

I sighed deeply and got up. I walked to the window and opened it. I took a deep breath and looked at the moon. Considering what he said earlier, I felt anger raising inside of me. However, he was right at one thing. It is a suicide mission. This rebellion will start. With the strength and number of Topel and Sycron, Venolia wouldn’t last long with it at all.

I was rash? Maybe I am. However, to protect Pristin and Venolia’s future, I have to bet on this move.

I looked up toward the dark sky, and then suddenly I saw a strange purple light began to emerge and shone brightly. It was just like what Rodi Counsel said. It was strange, and most of all it’s beautiful. 5 seconds later, it vanished like there was nothing happened. Before I knew it, I actually pray to that light to bring a chance for myself, Pristin, Venolia and this entire Kingdom.

(Note: That light is actually the portal opened and the 3 assassin sisters came XD)