He didn't know how much time had passed.
If anyone could tell how much time had passed in that dark, danke room that reeked of mildew and bodily wastes, they would have an extremely sturdy sense of time, or a method of telling time even when isolated from all light.
But he didn't know.
All Katachi could do, was come up with as many strategies as he could possibly think of. To worm his way out? To reason with the guards? To reunite with Roberia once more?
He didn't know where he was at. He didn't have any tools or the like with him, to cast spells that may aid him. The area around him was far too dark for him to use substitutes like his own blood to make anything constructive.
To put it quite simply, he had nothing left to do but wait.
He could only wait for the one golden moment, where he may operate quickly with as much precision as possible, and cast a quick spell on the cuffs before the guards could do anything else.
But... Something felt a bit off.
K : (... What's pulling me?)
Was someone or something tugging at his chains?
Katachi felt a strange force pulling him backwards, toward a wall. He couldn't even put up a fight - How could a child who had yet experience adolescence possibly have the strength to defy those powerful chains?
"Looks like you got's the meal time before's any of us, eh."
The quote from the stranger next to him caused him to shiver.
K : (... Meal time? What... What are they feeding me to?)
He had anticipated a guard escorting him out to an isolated area to have his meal, he expected the guard to torment him by placing the food right out of his reach in this maddening darkness, and he figured the guards would have him eating the food off the floor.
Yet not even in his wildest dreams had he imagined he would not receive dinner, but become dinner himself.
K : (... My god. Okay, okay, don't panic. Relax. Both the First Magus and Tinkell have slain many beasts in their days of prime. Qin Tsung Yao himself was known as a hunter before he decided to venture into Western Anik for more formidable foes and transformed. There are plenty of spells to choose from, I just need to properly identify the beast I'm fighting-)
The wall rumbled against his back, and Katachi was snapped out of his impromptu plan.
"If I's was you, I's keep my head in's place. It's sad if you's head got's squashed against the walls."
He could see nothing at all. Absolutely nothing. Katachi had thought that with time, his eyes would have become accustomed to the dark, but it never happened. He could only feel with his skin, and hear with his ears. He had suspected it to be some magic at work for a while now, but nothing remotely familiar showed up in his memory.
Katachi could only play along obediently, keeping his body close to the wall.
After a while, the rumbling stopped, and light seemed to flood in from the corners of his vision.
Gradually... His sight was restored. Strangely enough, it was not a piercing sensation as the sight greeted him.
A beautiful, grand-looking corridor illuminated by a soothing orange light, with other prisoners chained up against the wall, eating their meals under the supervision of the guards about.
K : (... Meal time... I see. I guess keeping us starved to death is bad.)
He had frightened himself with the thought that he would be slain, or that he would have had to battle against a tough beast. To think that the 'meal time' referred to the time of day he would be offered a meal... It made Katachi feel embarrassed inside to think bad of their hospitality.
The chains binding his arms slackened, and he was allowed to sit and enjoy his meal.
Before him was an extremely simple meal - Oat gruel that seemed uncooked on the top and burnt on the bottom of the bowl, a small ring slice of a pineapple and a foul-smelling sauce, to dip the pineapple into.
He didn't know what the sauce before him was, but it smelled of fish that had been left in salt for months, enough to smell horrible but not enough to rot. It was awful enough for Katachi to think that he wouldn't have wanted to eat that, even if he weren't a follower of Segus.
*Cozy's Notes : It's Surstromming. Look it up, but don't go to your local store for one unless you're determined to eat it, okay? I'm not advertising foods or anything, no siree.*
He quickly stuffed the gruel and pineapple into his stomach. There could be the chance the guards may force the sauce into his bowl, so he made sure they never had the opportunity to do so. It wasn't very tasty, but it filled his stomach a good bit. Compared to the brown syrup back at the Magus Academy, this was at least edible.
From the distance, the sound of rain could be heard. The combination of the food and relaxing sounds outside eased his mind a bit, and he let his gaze swim about the room.
He could see other prisoners eating their meals in silence as well. The mood was enjoyable, quite an irony to their current status as prisoners, but it was one the guards themselves seemed to enjoy. They weren't as fierce as he had envisioned them to be.
Some of the prisoners were pretty well built on their upper torsos, and seemed to have been forced through tough labor. Others seemed more lean, and looked like they had plenty of running. And there were some that looked absolutely feeble, with their arms an unhealthy thin and their constitutions so weak that it looked like one gentle tap would shatter them. They were eating the same gruel, but the stronger men had larger helpings while the weaker were given significantly lesser servings.
K : (... Prisoners classed according to their physical capabilities... ?)
Katachi looked back at his bowl - It was but slightly more than what the bony-looking bald man had for his meal... Or was that a woman? It wasn't possible to tell - The hair had all but fallen out, and they looked so unhealthy. His... Her? The poor sap's hands, so dried up and skinny... Those prisoners looked like the sort they assigned to wash the dishes.
And the guards... They watched over the prisoners, as if regulating their meals and ensuring they were taking the right portions. Some looked like enforcers, warriors wielding a cudgel to hit uncooperative prisoners with, perhaps. The others dressed in more formal clothing appear to be the magi responsible for the darkness he could not see through.
K : (... They drive the slaves willing to work, and they starve the ones who won't?... Or do they starve the ones who can't keep up?)
He couldn't quite work it out. But he probably didn't need to - The atmosphere was soothing, and relaxing. He could simply sit idly and relax for the moment, before his meal time ended and he was sent back to the dark room.
Maybe, just for a while, he could close his eyes for a bit to enjoy the mood a bit more.
... Why would he do that? Was the dark room not dark enough? Had his eyes not rested more than enough in that darkness? It would be weird for him to want sleep now, when his eyes were already resting in that darkness.
But his eyelids felt so heavy, and he felt so... Dull. As if someone had stuffed bundles and bundles of cotton into his head, it felt light and yet he couldn't keep his eyes open.
Katachi struggled to keep himself awake, but the guards were staring right at him, watching him faint.
Was that their real purpose for staying on watch? To ensure that their prisoners ate their meals, whether it be poisoned or drugged? At least, he wasn't feeling anything particular or weird with his body, so perhaps it was a herb like Machomile.
He didn't have the energy to think any further.
Katachi simply collapsed backwards against the wall, still in his sitting position.
*** ***
The mighty steed had its reins tugged at to reduce its speed.
But before it could stop in place or had its reins properly secured to a pillar, someone had kicked off its back and filled its sight with a figure of red.
She was in that much of a rush.
Roberia rushed ahead, with graceful and athletic movements, passing the guards whom defended the entrance of the walls.
"Empress Roberia... !?"
She did not stop to greet the guards. Though it may be rude of her to speed past them without so much as a greeting, there simply wasn't enough time to spare.
She raced towards the winding stairs, and ran off against the walls, kicking and shuffling to move herself up faster. Just as the warriors of Ohde who were renowned for their pursuit of agility and finesse, she mimicked their ability to traverse enclosed spaces without using the steps they would usually fill with caltrops.
Faster. Go even faster. Roberia leapt up at the railings at the top of the winding stairs, and skipped half a revolution. Time was for people who could afford it - He may be trialled at any time, and she must move to ensure he does not fall.
Vaulting over the maids by their shoulders, sliding and grinding her back plate against the concrete floor as she went under a table carried by two servants, Roberia proved her knowledge of her enemies by using the very techniques they employed to filter through the many people in the castle.
In the distance, the sound of wood clashing and the shuffling of greaves and boots could be heard from her left.
R : (They're using the new wing for training today? That saves me trouble.)
It seemed a magnificent feat for one such as herself to reach the throne room in under 10 minutes, from the castle gates. When she bustled through the grand door, she was already panting and gasping for air, in the empty hall.
Nobody had assembled there except for the façade of a familiar knight on the red carpet, who seemed to have returned from his journey recently as well.
I : "... My liege... You have returned?"
R : (Ian Bloodcrust...) "So have you."
The knight in the center, donning a dull, grey armor tainted with blood, mounting a heavy-looking broadsword on his back, greeted his empress with sad eyes.
I : "... I bear horrid news, my liege. Sir Tact... Sir Tact has fallen in battle."
R : (Sir Tact!?) "..."
Sir Tact. A man whom she learnt much from, a skilful warrior who was her predecessor. A man who promised her a chance at the Succession Ceremony had fallen... A man who, though a little forgetful and gullible, was a bona fide warrior like herself - A slightly distant and aloof person she despised for his unmotivated lessons, yet greatly admired for his pursuit of swordplay proficiency.
R : "... Send word to Lady Patricia - She'll handle the proceedings. Make arrangements for a Funeral of Dandelions."
I : "Yes, my liege."
Swift and decisive, even in sorrow - But was that trait of Roberia a strength, or a weakness?
R : "... Ian. I know you're tired, having just returned from Auser, but I must ask of you a favor."
I : "Worry naught. I am your right hand, my liege - I shall move at thy behest."
*** ***
"Warden? Warden Warner?"
A man wearing light armor presented a letter to the man in the chair.
"By order of Empress Roberia, all prisoners detained on the 19th day of the Axe are to gather at the throne room."
W : "And why would that be?"
"I've heard rumors that one of her benefactors has been mixed in... Perhaps he is of great importance for her to submit such a decree."
W : "... That may be. I'll tell the cooks to drug them, so inform the guards to take them during lunch."
"Yes, Warden Warner."
*** ***
Roberia and Ian entered the throne room once more, to find three familiar figures awaiting within.
R : (Is that...)
An axe, a stave and a rapier. Their weapons were carried by their sides and boldly displayed as a symbol of their nobility, and their standing postures professed their identities as dignified knights. Though, the lacklustre coats on their armor seem to suggest more than their weapons do.
H : "... Empress Roberia... !"
They appeared to be awaiting the arrival of the king as well, merrily making idle chatter during the king's absence.
R : "Good day, Duke Harlot, Duke Marcyn and Marquis Charles."
C : "It brings me great joy to know of your return, Empress Roberia."
The axe-wielding knight stepped forth and knelt before her, with a grin on his face.
R : "Arise, Marquis Charles. There is no need for such formalities."
It irked her. Even when repeated the umpteenth time, they would not stop greeting her with that vile, revolting smile.
C : "Of course."
That feeling of disgust welled up at the back of her throat. She couldn't even start on how pretentious that sounded to her. That alone would have been more humorous instead of horrendous, if one did not consider that at least eight of ten men would converse with her in such a manner. Amongst the nobility, Roberia could trust only the ones whom were already married and had sworn oaths to their broads, their ceremonial swords a beautiful silver.
*** ***
*Cozy's Notes : If you still remember the sword ceremony in Rugnud, think about this - The 'beauty of black steel' is given a daffodil crest. But have you ever wondered about the possible color combinations available? Like, a red-yellow sword meaning a pretty-face playboy with a 'cougar' lady, or a silver-blue sword that shows a marriage with a non-believer of Ilpoh.
... Oh... I never did say what blue meant, did I? A full-yellow sword may be quite sad because the couple can't really trust their mate. (The yellow doesn't change into red when they're cheating on their spouse, which means the distrust between them can be really strong. The yellow basically means 'They've deceived others before, don't say I didn't warn you. Marry him/her at your own risk.' Kinda sucks if you're flirtatious, but Ilpoh has my respect. He'z got all ma respekt yo, considering Ilpoh is actually Piloh, which sounds like Pillow, which is actually Cozy. AHH PLOT TWIST- Nah, just kidding.)
But a full-blue sword is the most contradictory joke in this story's world, because the sword taints blue when the wielder isn't a follower of Ilpoh. If Roberia and Katachi were to marry under Ilpoh, it would turn red-blue because Katachi isn't a follower of Ilpoh, and Roberia has a sweetheart already - Jullan Gracer.
Why marry under Ilpoh's blessing if you're not going to follow him, right? Rather, because Segus is one of the few Legends who doesn't identify the groom/bride, two complete strangers or people who seek to elope would usually marry under Segus. He's not very popular in most parts of the world, though. Segus' influence is greater in Aiecol and Auser, but significantly weaker in Findel and Rugnud.
Which, if you'd look at it in another angle, is the reason why Segus is the Revenant of Chaos - Segus does not forbid incestuous marriages. Ilpoh forbids it because if the couple quarrels, they should not drag family ties into the problem if their fight ever comes down to that - Their own battles, their own responsibility. Food for thought, as you read along.*
*** ***
To Roberia, she was a warrior before she was to be addressed a maiden. She did not attend to kindly these fanciful words used by the many aristocrats of the palace. She would prefer to be enlightened or reprimanded by the General, or the Chief Strategist than to be praised or criticized by the Ministers' relatives like Pierre and the market leaders who knew little of battle, much less be exalted by Charles or Ian as their queen.
To her, men who could speak with her as equals, like Duke Harlot and Jullan and even Katachi, gave her great security and comfort.
H : "Roberia. We need to talk in regard to your sudden disappearance."
R : "... Yes, Duke Harlot..."
The aged man wielding a rapier shifted himself to a corner, far away from the other knights. As a knight who had served alongside the King of Rugnud in his youth, he was one of the few respectable men who had earned the title of Duke.
H : "... King Fastiel could be here any minute, so I'll make this short. You're aware of the consequences of your actions, right?"
R : "Yes, Duke Harlot."
H : "Good then. See to it that you amend your wrongs properly."
R : "Thank you, Duke Harlot."
In terms of nobility, he was one rank lower than Roberia, and merely a single rank. And yet, his seniority and kindness was undoubtedly a source of respite for her. Roberia felt assured with Duke Harlot taking control, and though he wasn't the most able-bodied fighter, his knowledge of the economy was, if unequalled, at its pinnacle.
H : "... I am sorry for you, Roberia. Sir Tact's fall... It must have been hard on you."
R : "Think nothing of it, please."
H : "All right. It is a great pity that the switchblade was not recovered, however."
R : "... Yes. It is a pity."
H : "I know that you'd have liked the weapon very much for yourself. I still remember how he would complain about you scolding him for being a horrible teacher."
R : "He's not so much a teacher as he is a role model - One of the very best, if I may."
The Duke tapped his rapier gently, and smiled at her.
H : "... Roberia, if it's to your liking... You may participate in the Succession Ceremony for my rapier."
R : "Thank you for-"
The sound of trumpets echoed from outside the throne room, and the doors swung open with grandeur. An aged man with crimson hair, clad in a rather fanciful armor and donning a red mantle, led the crowd behind him into the throne room.
H : "We can talk later. Be seeing you, Roberia."
The Duke stepped forward, and joined the others in a kneel to greet the king.
C H I M : "Your Majesty."
F : "Arise and assemble."
They quickly got into formation, and stood at the sides of the red carpet, as the king ascended the steps and took his seat. Roberia quickly shuffled to Duke Marcyn's side, and stood in attention, waiting for the court to begin. The mumbles and murmurs buzzing about were probably the knights' astonishment at Roberia's return, but that quickly died with his ascension unto the throne.
F : "This court is now in session."
K : (The echoes... It sounds like a court-room of sorts.)
His Majesty's voice was charismatic, and strong - A captivating display of his authority.
Since Matalpalhallafaelladrapahamo Michael was not around, the blank space before her meant that it was already Roberia's turn to go. She walked forward, and bowed before her father.
R : "I have returned from my journey, Father."
K : (... Is that... Roberia?!)
The king released a rather unpleasant frown upon seeing his daughter once more.
F : "Roberia. Your sudden and unannounced disappearance has caused much trouble."
R : "Yes, Father. However. I felt that declaring my departure would defeat the purpose of my journey."
K : (Why would she be in this place? And to address this man as her father... Is her father a magistrate or something? Did I guess wrongly by believing her to be a farmer's daughter? But he just called her Roberia...)
F : "Is that so? Explain yourself."
She took a deep breath, and steeled herself.
R : (Here goes nothing...) "I had foreseen a horrible fate, one that I could not escape from, Father. In that vision, I attempted to escape but I was killed in the end. I must garner more strength, and hone my skills to the absolute pinnacle. And the first step in my journey would be to leave this place undetected - After all, if I can't evade my friends, what hope had I to escape the eyes of my foes?"
K : (... That does sound very grand. I can't believe I mistook her for a farmer's daughter...)
It felt like a sound argument, at least.
The king closed his eyes and leaned his head against the backrest of the throne. As a father, he loved his daughter endearingly, but as a king, he ought to punish her accordingly. It was a horrible, sour feeling that would make most feel troubled.
F : "... If that is what you believe, then I will not blame you for leaving without notice. But actions have consequences, Roberia."
K : (This is starting to sound less and less like a joke... Is this an illusion, then? But... I've never read or heard of illusions that blind the eyes and deceive the ears...)
R : "I am aware of that, Father. I will take responsibility for it."
F : "In that case, I will have you..."
The king, too, was human. No one person was born in this world with answers to everything.
F : "... Have you decide on your own punishment."
R : "Yes, Father."
K : (... How lenient.)
Roberia silently returned to her place at the bottom of the steps. The next to step forth was one of the ministers, dressed in a formal garb.
"Your Majesty, the roads in Bilkenstury and Hermeal have been congested as of late. I would like to request the aid of some knights to help with the management of traffic."
K : (... Did he just say 'Your Majesty'?! Isn't that a term you use only when you refer to the king? The deep voiced man's a king!?)
F : "Of course. Is there any whom would offer their squires or retainers to assist Lord Doyle?"
K : (A 'Lord'! What has this become?! A Lord was addressing the King just now! What place is this?!)
A couple of hands were raised, and they looked at the minister with helpful intent.
F : "Settle this after the court is dismissed. Return, Lord Doyle."
D : "Thank you, Your Majesty."
K : (I get the feeling that I've been left out of the big picture... How did this escalate so quickly?)
The next to stand before the king was Warden Warner.
W : "Your Majesty. By request of Matalpalhallafaelladrapahamo Roberia, I have brought the prisoners apprehended three days ago, on the 19th day of the Axe."
K : (Matal-something... Why does that sound so familiar... Matal-something... Roberia... ?)
F : "... Roberia, what is the meaning of this?"
K : (!? Wait... So Roberia brought me here?)
R : "Father, my benefactor was wrongfully arrested when he was entering Rugnud's border with me. I will not sit back and have him suffer when he has done nothing wrong."
K : (Benefactor? I'm her benefactor? How so?)
W : "A 'he', you say? Well, that simplifies things, Your Highness."
With a nod, the warden's retainer seemed to move by instinct, bringing in the blindfolded boy from outside.
R : (Katachi!) "!"
K : (He just called her 'Your Highness'. Your Highness... A princess?!!)
His all-too-familiar guise, without his usual worn-down attire and donning those metal cuffs, it was a relief to see that he had not been physically hurt in any way. But it was quite the irony - She could have sworn that the coarse-looking prisoner's rags he wore were in a better condition than his previous ragged apparel.
R : "... Yes. That's him. Carry him to my quarters later."
K : (That's her voice! That's definitely her! She's somewhere to my right?!)
"Yes, Your Highness!"
W : "I am glad to see that you have reunited with your benefactor once more. But if I may ask, Your Highness, for a child like him to be your benefactor... It must be quite the tale."
F : "I agree. Your return is sudden, but since everyone is gathered here, would you care to share with us the experiences of your journey, Roberia?"
W : "Hold on, Your Majesty. I wish to hear from the boy himself."
K : (He's referring to me, isn't he?)
The king was slightly taken aback, as the warden continued his explanation.
W : "It would be nice to hear the story from his perspective, and perhaps we can also enlighten Her Highness Roberia on things she may not have heard from him. If he truly is the benefactor Her Highness claims him to be, he would surely have no problem elucidating the details, no?"
*Cozy's Notes : A-ha! Elucidate was coined in 1568 A.D. One year before the start of Chapter 1! Take this, history! It's 1570 A.D. now, and I have free reign to use 'elucidate' as I please! Mwa-hah-hah!*
R : (... I don't think I've ever told Katachi what he means to me, though...) "Father?"
K : (By benefactor... Does she refer to 'that'? But... What... What do I do?)
F : "You have my consent, warden. Bring him before us."
The boy was unchained, and pushed onto the carpet.
*** ***
Three solutions were laid barren before him, in clear view. But either would lead towards dire consequences.
The first solution was perhaps the simplest - Pretend that he was still unconscious. If he were unable to speak, then they cannot judge him. Even if it buys a little more time, he would be able to escape, or at least come up with something convincing. But it was temporary, and should he fail, it merely delays the inevitable.
The second would be to lie, but for whose sake would he lie for?
It was easy to make something believable, like helping Roberia when she was about to fall off a cliff. But he would then be lying to save his own life, and all of the time he spent repenting to Segus would be undermined. Chasing after the shadow of the figure he admired since young, only to fall short when he had yet reached the starting line... That was the worst. Not to mention, there was a chance that Roberia might be expecting him to tell the truth, and that she would refuse to follow up on the lie.
The last would be to tell the truth straight away as she had wanted him to, for example, the time he rescued her and many prostitutes from that fat man's brothel business in Anik. But the idea that their princess was slaved and almost sold for her body would probably send an extremely unpleasant message that could rally Rugnud's forces to war.
He recalled once more. Roberia's family wasn't actually a farmer's family, the deep-voiced dude called Your Majesty was addressed as Father, and that man next to him called her Your Highness. In that aspect, it's safe to say that she held one of the greatest powers in terms of nobility. To upset the economy and bring them into war would be horrid, but could he afford to betray his vows of atonement to save the many lives whom would be taken should that ever transpire?
He felt it. The extremely thin glass line before him, easily broken by saying those few words. No one person truly wins in a war - Not even the blacksmiths and suppliers who fuel it. As the deep-voiced man had said just now, actions have consequences. Would he give his life, to save the many before him? Or would he betray the very reason that had kept him alive and struggling onward, even now?
... Were there no other solutions?
Think. Think harder. Turn the odds into evens and balance the problems. Rather than look for a way out from the path they have presented, make your own path. That was the methodology of Lotz, the genius magus who pursued the shadow of the First Magus and saw the world in a view as distorted as none have ever laid their eyes upon.
Roberia had concealed the fact that she was a princess, hadn't she? Here he was, in the middle of a grand court room, blindfolded and restrained for some odd reason. Before his imprisonment, they were crossing the borter at the edge of Rugnud. Would this have happened if she had been honest and told him that she was a princess?
If she really is the princess, then the act of calling her 'wife' must have incurred the guard's wrath.
... It made sense. It finally made all the sense in the world. An Ohdean as the spouse of royalty must be a severe shock to their people.
K : (I see. I can exploit that.)
A path that would not lead to crossroads of destruction. A path that turns the shock of the people against each other. A path that could potentially save everyone, even if he were to die, even if they were to part and never meet again.
But, if it is for the greater good...
K : (... Then let it be so.)
There was already no time left. The blindfold on his head was unravelling, and the ropes untied.
The scene before him was quite a sight to behold.
A beautiful court-like area, with pillars around to support the roof and no walls to the side, letting the golden light flood in. With this much exposure to the outside, he was a little surprised that there was no gale that would extinguish the scones and candles around at night, but then again, he didn't know if anyone would even be here at night, in the cold.
W : "Pay your respects to the king, child."
He quickly found the sources of red in the room - One seated upon the throne, and the other to his right, standing next to a man holding a long stick, was Roberia.
He took no liberties at all.
With a swift, agile movement, he pushed his feet against the ground and under the warden, and anchored himself onto the man's calves. A 定 formed underneath his rags for just a short moment and allowed Katachi to swing his body upwards with the greaves as a pivot, while grounding the warden face-first.
With the momentum, he let go of the greaves, and sent himself flying towards one of his retainers, who was about his size. The upthrust gave him more than enough room to fall and position himself favorably. Katachi clasped the arms of the retainer between his kneepits, and grabbed at the face violently.
K : (What's mine is yours, and-) "-what's yours is mine."
They swapped their clothing and equipment immediately - Though, it may have been far better if Katachi had simply taken her weapon.
He quickly got up and turned to face the countless of knights and warriors whom have drawn their weapons and staring at him, while donned in the retainer's armor. He discarded the sword attached on his back, and withdrew the steel dirk on the side he felt more comfortable with.
But there was one singular flaw in his plan - The retainer he swapped equipment with was female.
*Cozy's Notes : Just when you thought I couldn't make it any more awkward. #crossdress #protag #trannyK #thugLyfe*
He could feel slightly uncomfortable prints pressing against his ribs. But, armor was armor, even if uncomfortable - It could help, even if minimal.
"Protect the King!"
"Defend the throne!"
I : "Protect the Empress!"
"Back up! He's a magus!"
"Take no chances!"
C : "Don't rush in!"
"Do not engage!"
He could hear many of the knights warning those around them not to approach him carelessly. From that simple display of Yung Tai's magic, he had successfully established the fact that he was a Magus.
The woman in the rags he wore seconds ago silently got up and glared at him in fury.
"Rid your filthy Ohdean blood from my sight, watermonger!!"
*Cozy's Notes : Whoa, damn girl, tone it back. That's some foul language there... Eh, we all learn it eventually.*
She roared in anguish, charging headfirst at him without so much as a warning.
W : "!! Ingrid! No!-"
Another variable occurs. It wasn't outside of his plans, because he had foreseen this problem later on after they have calmed down a bit and begun to negotiate. But resentment that renders even the sweetest of honey and the most caustic of vinegar bland existed, so surely one that makes this female retainer called Ingrid charge with neglect shouldn't be surprising.
K : (Let nothing befoul the path of the faithful.)
Holding his arms out wide, he received a hook on his stomach from Ingrid, without a shred of pain. With a quick bend of his left knee, he smashed the retainer on her chin with her own poleyns, and knocked her out cold with a knee jab.
He dragged her to a corner of the room, away from combat to rest while the knights slowly inched in on him.
K : "... I have some questions for the one you call Roberia."
The knights gave each other brief, furtive glances before giving way to the red-haired girl.
R : (God, I knew this would happen. I really wish Michael were here...) "... Katachi."
K : "You told me nothing."
Katachi pulled the slightly-loose armor by the neckhole, and reached for it.
C : "I- I won't let you harm Her Highness!"
As if he were valiantly protecting his queen, a knight wielding an axe stepped forward to defend her. That would have been a gallant display if not for the shock that accompanied his face upon seeing the ring Katachi withdrew.
F : "A ring... !? Roberia, what is the meaning of this?!"
K : "... You never told me that you were the princess of Rugnud, nor your name, and... Only the gods know what else you've kept from me. You left me in the dark, all this time..."
He wore the ring on his middle finger, and prepared himself to punch the nearby wall in an attempt to crush the white gem.
K : "By the sacred contracts, let the deceived and aggrieved judge and decide its future. I hereby shatter this oath-"
R : "Stop!"
The desperation in her eyes, the way she pushed aside the knight before her, and the way she rushed forward only to be held back by others...
K : (Wha- Why did she stop me? If I had just shattered the ring here, then the knights shouldn't have a reason to fight and I only need to escape! Unless... The marriage meant something important to her... ?)
R : "I believe that there are more refined ways to settle this problem!"
K : "..."
This was turning sour very, very quickly.
He had not planned for this.
He had not planned for the fact that Roberia would actually support the marriage that she seemed reluctant toward, and dissuade him from destroying the ring.
His head was a complete blank at this point.
K : (I'm so confused... Confused...? That's it! Confusion!) "... What trust is there left of a person who would conceal her lineage from me?"
R : "... Then... Is there no way for us to reconci-"
K : "SPARE THE DRAMA!!!"
In that court, a painful cry of a lost child could be heard.
*Cozy's Notes : Wow. What an actor, Katachi. Then again, people who are good at acting can do so because they can 'image' the scenario in their heads. It makes sense for all magi to be good actors.*
K : "I don't know where I am, or what this place is. I don't know who you really are. I don't even know if all of this had been one big lie, a high-tier illusion to make me say something involuntarily, and charge me for the Trial of Sin. I see no reason to trust anyone here."
I : "In that case, have a duel with me."
From the back of the crowd stepped forth a knight with ash-gray armor tainted with blood, and a broadsword.
M : "Ian Bloodcrust..."
K : "Why should I? Is this not one of your malicious ways to disguise my impending doom as a natural occurrence? Your men could be binding my arms and legs, and preparing your ritual dagger to carve my body as you please, for all I know!"
But Katachi knew that the confusion act wasn't going to hold much longer.
I : "Because I am well aware that the Trial of Sin cannot show you something you have never seen before."
If this knight chose to step forward to prove him otherwise, it must mean that Ian Bloodcrust was capable of using magic he did not recognize.
I : "Should you lose or die, you may resent all you want. Your weakness, your incompetence, your lack of astuteness at seeing my shortcomings. I do not mind if you spend your last moments cussing the entire world in agony, for Otemiygnan is with me. Don't worry about me holding back - I don't like you, and I won't accept you as my liege's spouse until you prove your worth."
And what better way to prove so, than magic derived from a country's true history?
I : "Should you win, well, that should be proof enough that you aren't taking the Trial of Sin, so man up and face it, kid - It's reality. Not that I have any faith in your strength, since my liege has been the only one capable of taking me down..."
His sword by his side, his stance determined and composed, Ian Bloodcrust prepares to receive his opponent.
I : "... But should that happen, we have much to talk about. The relationship between you and Her Highness, the events that led to that abominable ring on your finger, to name a few."
K : (So even this is unavoidable...) "... I understand."
He could only pray that neither of them dies in this clash.
*** ***
*Cozy's Notes : This would be Katachi's first match against someone who is using magic he doesn't know about. Well, Ian's magic is pretty straightforward, you'll get to see it soon. He's called Bloodcrust for a reason, yeah? It's not because it sounds like Bloodlust.
... Or is it? Mwe-he-he-he-he-he. In any case, the next chapter! Lots of dodging from Katachi's side, lots of figuring out he needs to do without any knowledge at all, and I'll throw in a little special something.
If you've been paying attention to the story thus far, you should be able to tell what magic Katachi uses against Ian during the fight. You should also be able to tell which story it comes from. If anyone manages to guess all of them right, hey, I'll throw in extra content about the runes in this world. Trust me, you'll love it - It's funny.*
*Cozy's P from the S! Oh! PEE-ASS~! I'm just joking, Post Script : If you look at it another way, the runes' origins are actually pretty dark and gruesome.*
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