A man and a woman silently presented themselves before him. Both carried an aura brimming with sternness and aloofness. However, it wasn't these that caught his attention. It was the familiarity of their person that made his heart pound and his mind thrum.
Beautiful hair as dark as midnight fell over her shoulders, reaching the middle of her waist. Moulin rembered it to be quite shorter before. Her amber eyes, almost a fiery orange, looked as though they were glowing like sunset beams, glittering on the sea surface. The Vernalian bloodline showed heavily in her features. Tessley Vernallia t Moulin's gaze with a strange calmness.
But Moulin could discern the bit of pride that began to leak within her cold gaze. She looked well, better than how she fared in their previous encounter during the raid in the Orcan underground palace.
On the other hand, the man who stood beside her, once known for being the grandest Guild Lord of Aurona, wore a passive smile. His deep red hair was neatly combed back and scarlet eyes glistened under the light. They were a vibrant red, full of vigor just like the last ti Moulin t him. Moulin had an unforgettable impression of Lord Ordan Cillius.
His undying loyalty to Lord Hercullio was unmatched.
The corner of the youth's lips rose. It didn't look as though they were his eldest brother's selection.
It seed a certain High Lord forcibly took the reigns instead.
As though, he read the youth's thought, Varick calmly gestured. "His Excellency personally chose these two to temporarily accompany the young master just until a formal decision has been granted."
Silver eyes deepened. "Does that an I am finally allowed to step out of this god-forsaken room?"
Helplessly, Varick sighed. "Well, it seems a strict order is yet to be imposed. I believe the young master may leave the room whenever he pleases. However, the condition is that you must always be accompanied by Sir Ordan and Lady Tessley."
Moulin straightened. The feeling of being relieved after a few days of confinent seeped into his bones. The little white furbaby who had curled itself into a ball on the side of the couch perked his ears. His large ears twitched and his beady silver while his tail began to wag steadily.
Varick excused himself after conveying the significant news, leaving Moulin with his new guards.
"It's been a while," Tessley sighed, rolling her shoulders to ease away the stiffness. Abandoning her elegant and strict appearance, she walked towards the chaise and sat with a loud groan, all before Moulin's surprised expression.
Sir Ordan only sighed.
"Indeed. It's good to see you." Moulin chuckled. Sohow, there was sothing different about her. His smile beca brighter.
Tessley raised a brow and crossed her legs, "We haven't had a proper reunion ever since we last saw each other. I'm glad you're doing well. Although, I wonder why we're being tasked to watch over you. What cri did you commit."
This ti Sir Ordan interrupted. He remained where he was, standing tall and unattainable. The man deeply voiced, "There was no cri, Tessley. Lord Moulin is a valuable asset to the city. Although he is formidable, he is a pri target for our enemies. It's only natural for the High Lord to ensure his safety."
Tessley rolled her eyes, "The Moulin I know didn't need anyone to look after himself."
Ordan raised a brow, "Indeed. But we are all made with vulnerabilities. A modicum of safeguarding would prove beneficial. It is for his well-being. His Excellency knows it better than any amongst us."
Moulin shook his head. He expressed a weary sigh. "As much as I want to hear you two bicker, I am dying to leave this room."
Before Moulin could stand up, Ordan stopped him. "Forgive us, young master. But it is best to stay until Lady Klaria has finished with your examination. She is making her way towards your quarters at this very mont."
Confusion filled the youth's eyes. "An examination? What for? I wasn't told about this."
"The lady will be asuring your mana's strength and capabilities. Regarding the remaining details, her ladyship shall reveal them to your audience. Please stay patient."
"Ao!"
Ordan flinched and whipped his gaze towards the little snow-white fox who was fully awakened. Snow stretched his upper body, raising his little butt in the air and wagging his fluffy tail. Ordan felt startled when those little silver eyes stared at him for a couple of seconds. With a tiny huff, the winter fox then turned away and jumped into Moulin's lap with a soft thump.
Tessley's brows furrowed as she stared at Snow snuggling against the youth's slender thighs. 'Is it a cat?'
.....
High Lord Klaria arrived longer than Moulin thought. When she arrived, she asked for Tessley and Ordan's absence before she would begin the examination. With reluctance, the two stepped out. Moulin watched as the woman with stunning blue hair whispered an enchantnt, tightly sealing the room.
Once more, he witnessed the High Lord Ralor's powerful barrier-manipulation ability. The tranquility exuded from her movents brought a sort of peace. The atmosphere thrumd with vigorous mana but it flowed steadily around them like a gentle breeze.
"Comfortable?" Her deep and dark blue eyes shined and reflected Moulin's srized expression.
Nodding, the youth blinked. A red flush crept up his cheeks, and he felt a bit embarrassed.
Klaria found it adorable. "May I?"
A slender hand was placed on her palm. A scene flashed inside his mind. He rembered Lady Klaria's brutal examination of Gaile. How the man struggled to restrain his cries from spilling from his mouth. He looked as though sothing was drilling into his innards. The agony looked quite unbearable.
Thus, Moulin couldn't help but flinch when Klaria began to summon her mana.
However, unlike what happened with Gaile, a comforting energy flowed into him, radiating from his hands and coursing through his entire body. The woman was gentle with him. Rubbing his fingers on the back of his hand as though in comfort.
In the silence, Moulin couldn't help but ask. "My Lady, if I may ask, for what purpose is this examination?"
A small smile graced the woman's face but her eyes remained closed while she manipulated her mana within Moulin's inner soul. "This serves as our preliminary step towards accommodating the terms you have put forth. If the restriction of your mana is not permissible, then we shall devise a formidable alternative to conceal it."
A crease appeared within the youth's pale brows, "An alternative? You an..."
"Setting up a stronghold or a concealed space. It will require a substantial amount of resources, but we are determined to do what is necessary."
Then... like a cage?
Moulin's eyes turned downcast. Actually, he had already expected nothing good would co out of that eting. This outco was sothing he had pushed by himself. However, it was better than losing his abilities and facing confinent simultaneously.
Deep inside, he wondered... Would he still be able to see his friends and family?
Moulin revealed a bitter smile.
Klaria had already opened her eyes to observe the youth's reactions. When she saw his expression, she could not help but sigh. Her thumb began to caress Moulin's knuckles.
"Your choice was a wise one." She began, "If you had chosen to flee, then you would have dood the city and the people within. People like us are inclined to assert control, particularly over matters that impact the delicate equilibrium of things. In our circumstances, you are our biggest weakness. However, you're also a formidable asset."
Moulin was srized by the softness of her voice while he listened intently.
"Moreover, you understand the extent of influence the alliance is prepared to exert upon you. If you had been resistant, your opposition would not have only influenced not only your family and companions but also His Excellency, Lord Hadrian Hercullio. This would have posed significant challenges, potentially leading to a rebellion against him.
Thankfully, you are well aware of your own importance and the weight you have on tipping the scale. For that, I am grateful."
Moulin furrowed his brows, feeling perplexed. "You do not hate ? After everything that had been said?"
A soft giggle tickled his hearing.
"No. It isn't your fault that you were gifted a soul so powerful it could feed a dark god." She sighed, "But you do not need to pay attention to others who would think otherwise. And there are significantly many of them."
Moulin exhaled softly, "I wouldn't fault them. But I would not let them walk all over ."
"Charming" She smiled.
...
The doors of the ornate office opened for the departing leaders who had finished their business with the esteed Lord of Helios. They wore grave and weary expressions but the determination in their eyes hadn't diminished. The only people who remained in audience with High Lord Hercullio were lord Hyantor and his excellency, Prince Vascilicus.
The prince stood before the large desk with his hands behind his back. The green splendor of his eyes would make one wish to hide despite the man's harmless stance. Dressed simply in a white suit, he looked untouchable.
"If I may speak, Lord Hercullio."
Lord Hadrian, seated at his desk with a sizable pile of docunts, wore an irritable expression and possessed a gaze that could instill fear in anyone. The previous session had already been concluded. However, it appears that these two still have unresolved matters to discuss with him.
"Hurry and be done with it." He snapped. Then he turned to the lazy old man sitting on the couch not far from his desk. "And as for you, leave if your matters here are finished."
Hyantor cleared his throat but did not even move an inch.
Vascilicus flinched. He quickly composed himself before starting, "My Lord, while we await responses from the other bases regarding the situation, I express concern about the prolonged delay. We should also consider the risk of ssage interception during their journey to us."
Lord Hadrian stared at him silently urging him to continue with the violent gleam in his eyes. Casually sitting on the couch, Lord Hyantor gave him a lazy look.
The prince straightened his back and continued, "However, I have disclosed the matter to my eldest brother and have received a quick response. The ssage just arrived this morning."
When the last of his words were spoken, Fridal Hyantor nodded in agreent. It seems he had already been inford about the matter.
The High Lord's golden eyes deepened significantly. "Speak."
Vascilicus lowered his head and placed the communicator stone on the desk. His actions are swift.
"He is ready to welco your return." He surmised hesitantly, "Lord Moulin Fraunces will be attended to, and the chosen location provides a significant advantage. Naturally, you are already aware of this, My Lord."
When Hadrian continued his silence, Prince Vascilicus continued to persuade. "My Lord, my eldest brother will attend to every conceivable requirent. Preparations have already comnced, and resources have been assembled. And the matter with the other bases will be solved quickly."
"You sound quite certain, your highness." The golden lord spoke unhurriedly. His gaze seed to burn right through him.
"Certain. My Lord. I will do what is necessary." Vascilicus admitted, refusing defeat.
This ti the Grekellian rchant Lord straightened himself, hoping to appear as composed as the young prince. He faced Hadrian with uncertainty. "We will need all the help we can get. Possibly, this may also align with your plans, which is a favorable developnt. His majesty will prove to be a reliable ally."
"I have no conflict with the crown prince's intentions." Lord Hadrian glanced at both n. "But I have not forgotten his greed and foolishness."
"Perhaps he harbors guilt for his past actions." Hyantor shrugged."It's already been five years."
The High Lord shook his head. His eyes glead like the edge of a newly sharpened knife. "Then I will ensure he experiences the weight of guilt and make him suffer for it."
The black-haired prince shuddered and relentlessly added, "Please take ti to consider it, My Lord. It is for Lord Moulin's safety after all."
Fridal cringed. Not that the lad was wrong, but he was going to the extent of employing the young master's na to sway Lord Hercullio. A bold move for a feeble prince. But Fridal was not one to miss an intriguing scene, especially if it involved the golden lord.
He observed the man behind the desk carefully.
Let's see what his reaction would be...
...
The silence that descended within the room turned suffocating and Prince Vasculicus was beginning to regret his words.
Finally, lord Hadrian t his gaze. He broke the silence.
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