Talking
(Thoughts)
Abilities or Magic
{Message Spell}
[Author Notes]
Actions
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E-Rantel Streets — Hours After the Meeting
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Sesshōmaru's POV
The meeting with King Ramposa was concluded. Now I walked the streets of E-Rantel, taking in the unimpressive architecture, my strides silent and unhurried. Cereza's arm looped elegantly through mine, her heels tapping lightly on the stone as we walked.
Cereza: "Oh, darling... this city has all the charm of a mausoleum. Back home, even the alleyways sparkle." [she twirled a strand of her hair] "And the people—look at them. Fear clings to them like perfume. Not our kind of fear, either."
I glanced at the civilians. Indeed, there was no joy here—only caution and despair.
(She is correct. Their fear is not born from reverence, but oppression. Something festers beneath this city's surface.)
As we walked, murmurs reached my ears—giggling women and whispered awe.
Random Woman 1: "Who is that man? That silver-haired god in armor?"
Random Woman 2: "That's Sesshōmaru, a lord from beyond the sea. I heard he formed an alliance with King Ramposa."
Random Woman 3: "They say he slaughtered an entire Baharuth battalion with a single strike."
Lizzie Bareare: "And not a hair out of place... mm."
That voice. Familiar. I halted. So did Cereza.
(That voice...)
I turned. An elderly woman stood nearby—Lizzie Bareare, grandmother of the famed apothecary Nfirea.
(Curious. She bears a striking resemblance to someone...)
I glanced at Cereza, who gave a knowing smile and released my arm. I stepped forward.
"Are you Lizzie Bareare, the herbalist of E-Rantel?"
She preened slightly, brushing her hair with a practiced motion.
Lizzie: "Indeed I am. Though my grandson's the rising star now."
"I am acquainted with your grandson. Through my ward—Enri Emmot."
Lizzie's composure wavered.
Lizzie: "Enri...? I thought—"
I lifted a hand to halt her words.
"Carne Village was attacked. I arrived too late to save everyone, though the village endures."
Her eyes widened. Hands covered her mouth.
Lizzie: "No... Arthur... Elizabeth..." [she trembled]
I knelt before her, offering brief comfort—an action I rarely afforded anyone.
"You have my condolences. But this news should come from Enri. Spare your grandson the shock—let her speak to him."
She nodded through her tears. I stood.
Cereza approached and wrapped Lizzie in an affectionate hug.
Lizzie: "Oh my. Such affection between you two—are you his wife?"
Cereza:[smirking] "Partner, darling. In more ways than one."
Lizzie: "You both radiate such presence. Come—let's talk inside."
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The Bareare Potion Shop
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The back door opened to a cozy workspace filled with alchemical tools and familiar scents.
Lizzie: "Come. My grandson is—"
Nfirea: "Grandma! Look what I—oh!"
He skidded to a stop.
Lizzie: "Nfirea, manners. We have guests."
Nfirea: "Sorry, but look at this!" [he held up a red potion]
Lizzie: "It's red...!"
Nfirea: "What does it mean?"
Brita: "So that's Lizzie Bareare. She's famous, right?"
Nfirea: "The best there is."
Lizzie: "Let me cast Appraise Magical Item. It'll tell us if it's enchanted."
"That will not be necessary," I said, my voice even. "It is not enchanted. It is real."
Lizzie blinked at me, then chuckled.
Lizzie: "You're confident. But how do you know?"
"An empty vial."
Nfirea handed me one. Without hesitation, I drew my dagger and sliced into my palm.
Lizzie: "Your Lordship—!"
Cereza placed a manicured hand on her shoulder, calm and poised. Lizzie fell silent.
Blood filled the vial. I sealed it and placed it beside the potion.
"Now test them both."
Lizzie complied. Her spell lit up—then sputtered. Her lips trembled.
Lizzie: "Impossible... you're—"
I let my demonic form rise slightly—golden markings flaring, ethereal light cresting from my back in the form of spectral wings. Lizzie and Brita fell to their knees.
"I am no god. Just power made flesh. Do not kneel. Your reverence is unnecessary—your secrecy, however, is required."
They slowly stood, shaken.
"Brita. This potion—you received it from Momon, correct?"
She nodded, cheeks flushed.
"Then Nfirea, I ask that you assist Momon. Consider it repaying a debt."
I turned to Lizzie.
"You understand what I seek?"
Lizzie: "Yes. You wish to replicate the red potion. But... it weakens you to create them."
Nfirea: "A hybrid! You want us to fuse red and blue healing potions!"
I gave him a rare nod of approval.
"Correct. I expected nothing less."
Nfirea: "Thank you... that means a lot, milord."
(Shy. Intelligent. A reflection of my younger self.)
I faced Brita.
"Do you accept this responsibility? If you do, my kingdom awaits you. You will live in comfort and wield power you've never imagined."
Brita:[tearing up] "Yes! I won't let you down!"
I embraced her briefly—enough to acknowledge her loyalty.
"Take this." [a ring with a glowing crest] "Place it on your finger. Think Kingdom of Light. My retainers will receive you."
She vanished the moment she wore the ring. Nfirea and Lizzie gasped.
"There is more work to be done. Cereza?"
Cereza:[looping her arm through mine with a grin] "After you, darling."
3rd POV
As Sesshōmaru vanished, a flicker of light behind him, Lizzie exhaled sharply.
Lizzie: "To think those fools in the Slane Theocracy were actually right."
Nfirea: "I'll find this Momon and help him. We owe Lord Sesshōmaru that much."
She smiled, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Lizzie: "Yes... Let's make him proud."