At the main palace of the Serolf Empire, Emperor Matias carefully studied the blueprint of the artillery once used by Targaryen against the Montclairs.
"This type of weapon is incredibly useful," Matias said. "With it, we'll be able to strike the enemy from a distance."
Arash smiled faintly. "We're going to win against the Montclairs. Thanks to my reckless brother, he left behind something valuable."
"Speaking of which..." Matias set the blueprint down. "Any news about them?"
"Arthur still hasn't made contact," Beatrice replied. "Those kids are exceptionally good at hiding."
"I still can't believe they left and betrayed us," Arash muttered bitterly.
"They have the book—and we're running out of time," Beatrice added. "My men reported sightings of Montclair troops setting up camp near Barakuda Forest. It seems they're preparing for another attack."
"We barely survived the last one," Matias said. "If not for Varian's help, we would've been overrun. Even so, we lost many soldiers, and several are still in the infirmary, recovering from their wounds."
"Don't worry," Arash reassured. "My troops are already on their way to reinforce you. Froilan's forces are also preparing to join the front."
"Thank you," Matias said. "But don't leave your own kingdom defenseless. They need your protection too."
Arash nodded solemnly. Before they could continue, a knock sounded at the door.
"Your Majesty, King Iskandar requests an audience," a knight announced from outside.
Matias signaled to the knight stationed by the door. The knight opened it and bowed as King Iskandar entered.
"Forgive my sudden appearance, Emperor Matias," Iskandar said, taking a seat in the vacant chair.
"Is there something you need?" Matias asked politely.
"I've come with a proposal," Iskandar began.
"A proposal for what?"
"We all know our armies are at a disadvantage. Too many troops were lost or wounded in the last battle with the Montclairs. And it's clear they're planning another attack. So, I came to offer a strategic alliance—through marriage."
"Marriage?" Matias raised an eyebrow.
"Yes," Iskandar continued. "I'd like to propose my cousin—the Princess of the Oravelle Kingdom."
"Oravelle?" Matias echoed.
"A kingdom far to the east, beyond the borders of Varia," Iskandar explained. "We're related by blood. The princess is young, intelligent, modest, and beautiful. She's still unmarried. If you marry her, it would be a great advantage for your empire. Oravelle has well-trained troops and advanced weaponry we can use against the Montclairs."
Matias fell into deep thought. His siblings remained silent.
The proposal made sense. An alliance with Oravelle could shift the tide of war. But one name lingered in Matias' mind—Jinny.
She was carrying his child.
Would the Oravelleans accept that? He was an emperor, and it wasn't unusual for rulers to have multiple consorts and children. Still, if he chose to marry the Oravelle princess, she would have to be named Empress, and her child the heir. Otherwise, the children might someday fight for the throne.
But what of Jinny?
Her status would invite rumors and scorn. Despite carrying royal blood, her child was still the offspring of a former servant. People wouldn't let that go unspoken.
Matias clenched his jaw. He would need to ensure the child's safety and Jinny's security. Especially now that the curse on him was worsening—and his time was running short.
He would have to issue a decree, making Jinny his official concubine. That way, both mother and child would remain protected in the palace, even after his death.
Letting out a slow exhale, Matias looked at Iskandar.
"Very well. Send a letter to the King of Oravelle—along with appropriate gifts. I want to meet the princess you've spoken of."
Iskandar smiled. "I'll see to it immediately."
Beatrice studied Matias from across the room, noticing the shadow of hesitation in his eyes. She understood—he was thinking about Jinny and their unborn child.
If she were him, she would choose the Oravelle Princess. Her noble status was fitting for an empress. But even Beatrice was concerned…
Matias' body was now covered in dark, ominous markings. What if the princess was frightened by his condition?
She clenched her fists. They had to find the book—and soon. Matias was still the most powerful among the continent's rulers, but if his condition worsened, others would begin to doubt him. And doubt was a dangerous thing in a time of war.
.
.
.
When Arthur finally arrived at Apomon Village, the siblings quickly vacated the inn. Now, they were on the move, riding their carriages toward the village boundary.
Inside one of the carriages, Jinny remained silent, her hands resting tightly on her lap. The tension was palpable. No one spoke, but everyone was thinking the same thing—Arthur might find them. And none of them were foolish enough to underestimate him.
Their fears only deepened when the carriages came to an abrupt halt in the middle of the village plaza.
"What's going on?" TJ asked, pulling back the curtain to peer outside.
Imman, who was driving the lead carriage, glanced back at him. "There's a parade."
"A parade?" TJ frowned, confused.
"What do you mean, a parade? Why all of a sudden?" Hajee added, leaning over to take a look as well.
In the other carriage, Kiko stepped down and approached a man who was watching the crowd pass by with delight.
"What's the occasion?" Kiko asked.
"It's the Feast of Harvest," the man replied cheerfully.
"A feast?" Kiko echoed.
"I suppose you're travelers," the man said with a smile. "Every year, we celebrate the blessings of a bountiful harvest. It's our way of giving thanks to our Patron Deity for prosperity and good fortune."
"So, it just happens to be celebrated today…" Tohru muttered, having overheard the explanation.
"What awful timing," Harusheen groaned.
Rin let out a sigh. "We have no choice but to wait."
"Let's just hope Arthur doesn't realize we're stuck here," Ineah said quietly.
The group remained seated inside the carriages, anxiety thick in the air as they waited for the parade to end.
Meanwhile, Arthur was combing through the village. He entered the inn where the siblings had previously stayed and approached the owner, presenting a set of wanted posters.
"Good day," Arthur greeted with a disarming smile. "I'm searching for fugitives from our kingdom. I heard they arrived in this village. Have you seen them by any chance?"
The innkeeper furrowed his brows and adjusted his glasses, studying the faces on the posters.
"Oh…"
"You recognize them?" Arthur pressed.
"Yes, they stayed here for a few days," the owner confirmed. "I had no idea they were fugitives. Unfortunately, they left about an hour ago."
"Do you know which direction they went?" Arthur asked urgently.
"I'm not sure, but I saw them take the left road—maybe toward the village boundary."
"Thank you for the information," Arthur said, placing a small pouch of gold on the counter before turning on his heel and hurrying out.
The innkeeper's eyes widened with joy when he saw the gold.
Arthur sprinted down the road. He had to catch them—no matter what. The bounty was enormous, and he could already taste the reward.
He pulled a small crystal ball from his pocket. Enchanted with magic, it allowed communication with others who possessed a linked crystal.
"Hikari!" he called.
A voice echoed through the crystal. "What's going on? You're out of breath—are you running?"
"I found them! I need your fucking help!" Arthur snapped.
"Where are you?" Hikari asked quickly.
"Apomon!"
"We're nearby. We'll be there soon."
Arthur smirked and slipped the crystal ball back into his pocket, then continued running. But as he reached the plaza, he came to a halt, surprised by the colorful parade filling the square.
"Damn it… Where the hell are they?" he muttered, scanning the area with sharp eyes.
Several carriages were parked off to the side, held up by the procession. Then he spotted a cloaked figure among the crowd.
That cloak…
Arthur's lips curled into a grin.