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Outis could only cackled at the absurd proclamation. It was rather comedic, in fact, it was the first thing in this life to make him ever laugh. He tried to hold it in, but it kept on coming out through gasps and chocking noises. It was only when he noticed Basil and Sage had come out of hiding did, he noticed the strange looks he was getting. Even the two women in front of him stared at him, mouths agape.
"Was that the first time you've ever laugh. I'm astonished." Lea let out a surprisingly soft chuckle.
Milli placed her hand to her chin, looking rather amused.
Outis returned to his usual aloof state and gathered his voice, "If it's retribution you seek then you are better off jumping off a cliff. Many have tried and died."
His tone contained no sympathy, and his gaze was stern.
"We are more than an expert in jumping off cliffs. Plus, what we're saying isn't child's play. You know far better than us the evils of the Church, that is why we want your help." Milli continued on with the subject.
"I refuse." Outis answer was quick and harsh.
"Yet you still to find a way into the Alexandrite Academy. What happens if you caught and killed. Who would look after those two." Milli jabbed a thumb to the siblings who had now come closer.
"They will find another place for themselves. I never wanted them in the first place, and I wish for them to leave soon." Outis could feel the disappointment emulating off the twins but stood firm in his opinion.
They were better off without him.
"Wow. That is no way to tell someone you love them." Lea interjected ever so calmly.
"Love?!?"
"It's okay to not say it now. Either way, you don't have to answer us today, just think about it." Milli snickered as the twins finally made their way onto his side.
"My answer is still no."
"We can get you into the school and in a way, no one will recognize or notice you for free."
huh-
"Although the school is usually for nobles, there is a spot open for commoners every Rite of Accession. All you have to do is pass the test."
Outis knew about this but even through this way was very strenuous process. It required a hefty fee which most families couldn't afford and even after that he had heard the entrance exam was of great difficulty. Which is why there has never been a commoner in that school for decades.
"Before you think yourself in a ditched here is a limited-edition study guide and soon a letter of invitation would be giving to you with all the fees paid." Milli had turned around for a few seconds and back again to reveal the most coveted thing any nosy spoiled brat and their parents could want.
"The Vargoth's Study Guide, thirteenth edition." Outis read the words on the glossy hard cover.
It looked brand new.
The book was then thrusted into his hands, and it felt heavy with much knowledge.
"This is just a peek of what to come if you partnered with us. The letter will come soon. Think this over. We will be gone for a while so don't worry. Bye!!" The two women were already on their out and the sound of the ringing bells confirming their departure.
Outis was a little distraught at the turn of events.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgT0UAcPwef
Why would he worry about them??
" Are you really going to do it master?" Basil asked with all the innocence of curious child.
Outis could only sigh at being called master again but had no energy to correct him. This had to be the most surreal part of his life. Of course, he wanted to get back at the inhumane Church for all they've done to him and others, but he knew deep inside how weak he was in face of it all.
~
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Jackal was to ponder many things as continued his ongoing investigation. Whoever was behind this was astonishing slick. At least, the true leader behind this new obsession among the commonfolk. There was honestly no trace of communication, no letters, codes, writings, or even simple squabble. The meeting time and place for the so called 'boxing match' were oddly specific at best and completely random at worst. Somehow, they all happened inside the boarders of Einshire. It was like a mockery of the will of the Church and by the gods he was loving it.
"Is that all." Jackal turned his back to the paladin.
"Yes." It was a basic answer, and they usually did not elaborate.
He had never been without one or two of them following him closer than his own shadow. No matter what, no matter where.
"Okay." With that the paladin vanished from his room.
It felt suffocating being inside the castle, or rather the cage that has him trapped. It was so much so that he would look forward to the emperor calling him to go forward on a mission. When he was younger, he thought that it was finally a way to draw closer to his closed off and silent father but when he had tried to talk about it with him all he got was a disgusted and condescending look from who he thought was his father.
After that, he would become reserved and silent himself and when he grew older, he realized what he thought as freedom was actually shackles.
Jackal chose to venture out of his room today since there was no other activities required of him. He thought about the endless dead ends that he encountered during his mission. The thought of never being able to grasp the hands of the one who made him this way felt good. It would be a shame when he would have to kill them.
Maybe they would put up a good fight.
As Jackal continue his mindless wonder he stumbled upon a raging scream. Further ahead a group of servants circled what look to be the emperor.
Jackal saw that in between the bodies of the servants the bloodied face of most powerful man alive. Blood leaked from his eyes, nose, ears and mouth. He looked to be in such agony that could only be convey with a deathening scream.
He almost cracked a smile right then and there but held back.
"FEAR THE PALE FACE! FEAR IT!! FEEAR IT!!!"
Those were the only words he got out before a couple of paladins appeared and whisked him away leaving the servants in confusion.
'It is starting again.'
'What is?'
'The madness that plagues every generation in the royal einshirian bloodline.'
Then there was a harsh shushing from all those around. A curse that could never be utter outside of these walls.
This was the first time Jackal had ever seen the 'Madness Curse'. it was only ever rumored. Now he knew it was true.
Interesting.
~
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Sebastian felt like his life was like a twig caught in a rushing river that would soon flow into a waterfall. The King and Queen had quickly dismissed him after their conversation and with the way the room was getting heated, he was thrilled to get out of there.
Here he was, sighing heavily into the soft silk pillows of his lavish bed.
What a tragedy.
Leaving all of this comfort and beauty for the haughtiness of Einshire did not sit right with him. Also, it meant he would within the hands of those dirty, vulgar priests. How would he be able to avoid them now?
A shudder ran down his body while thinking about it.
His door was suddenly open, and Sebastian braced for impact, turning his body to faced the intruder with a coy smile.
It was one of the maids which was no surprise since that was usually how they would enter. Always trying to get in his bed by rather nefarious ways. Even if he locked the door, they would surprisingly pick it open.
However, Sebastian had figured out a way to curb their attacks ever since he was thirteen and feeble. They loved his faced back then and even more now his face and his body.
"What do I owe this visit?" His hand reached out to unbutton his shirt.
The maid blushed and giggled. Usually, that would be all he had to do to fluster them into confusion before masterfully leaving the situation, but for the bolder ones he would end up pleasing them bit by bit before leaving.
'The prince pleased me greatly the other day'
'Yes, so did he to me.'
Those were the common and most factual rumors inside the castle, and it would cause enough in-fighting for the maids to completely ignore him.
"Your highness, I am here to pack your belongings for your trip." The maid spoke in the most sickening sweet voice that dripped out of her over glossed lips.
Sebastian could sense her disappointment when he noticed how much shorter and tighter her uniform was today.
Quietly he let out a sigh of relief as she turned away from him and headed straight for his underwear drawer and he could already tell a bit of what going on through her head.
With no further need for talking Sebastian lied back down, staring at the grandiose ceiling murals in his room.
Then there was a knock.
The only person that seemed to knock in this place was none other than Frederick. His now questionable personal knight.
From the doorframe Frederick gave him a serious look.
A groan came from him as he wielded himself to leave his bed and go talk to the new rebel.
They walked together in silence before stopping at a deserted location.
"Ugh, what do you want? Can't you see I am in turmoil." Mostly because it is your fault.
"I heard you would be going to Einshire soon, your highness." Frederick let out a remorseful look.
"Why do you care?" Sebastian was not backing down.
"I'm sorry." With all that he could muster, Frederick gave out a truly sympathetic apology.
UUUGGGHH.
"Stop it with that disgusting look on your face..." He really couldn't stay mad, "This was bound to happen later anyways."
Frederick gave him an odd look.
"As of this year all the princes are all either 26 or nearing their 26th birthday. The Rite of Accession is held for the four princes of the empire. So that means I would have to leave for a year to study at Alexandrite Academy."
With that explanation, Sebastain could see the enlightment passed through his knight's eyes. It wasn't shocking to find members of empire ignorance about the Rite of Accession. It only happened every two or so decades. Also, it was partly the King and Queen of Lascivia fault. They had six children but only Sebastain, the youngest had made it to the age of adulthood.
"Do not worry. I will be just fine. You should be worrying about whatever your little party of neigh-sayers are doing. Don't get in trouble because of them." He wasn't sure what those rebels were planning but it wouldn't end well, or silently.
"Am I not going with you?" Frederick was confused.
"No one is. I will be all alone." It was true, he really didn't have any real friends other than Frederick.
And the knight knew. It pained him so that it was the way it is.
"I will always be right here if your highness needs me."
Sebastian could sense no lie from him and was pleased. He quickly gave the knight a bear hug and ruffled his head.
With a dramatical twist, he put on his most grateful damsel in distress act.
"Oh, great honorary knight!! How can I ever repay you~~" The look on Frederick face quickly went sour and Sebastain let out a hard laugh.
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