CASTLE GARDEN
Lilith, Cecilia, Mika, and Aven sat inside the gazebo in the middle of the garden. Mika was still shivering after seeing her mother earlier.
"Ugh… Mom was terrifying. I'm worried about Dad… do you think he'll be okay?"
Cecilia shrugged lightly. "Who knows. But Father should be able to handle Mother when she gets like that."
Lilith shivered and nudged Aven. "Don't be surprised. Mother can be… a bit too possessive when it comes to Father, so… please understand."
"Yeah… I'd rather not think too much about it…" Aven gave a flat smile, already imagining what might be happening to Claude right now.
His eyes drifted toward the main gate.
Noa was there, already dressed in a cloak, clearly preparing to leave. Aven wondered where he was heading.
"Wait here for a moment."
Aven disappeared and instantly appeared in front of Noa.
"Where are you going?"
Noa flinched in surprise, placing one hand on his chest. The two vampires behind him did the same.
"Greetings, Lord Aven. I am heading to Eidolan, as per Lord Claude's orders, to bring your sister and your friend here."
Aven raised an eyebrow. "Thanks… but I'm coming with you."
Noa tilted his head. "Are you sure? I can handle it alone. There's no need for you to exhaust yourself, my lord. I promise I will come back as soon as possible."
Aven shook his head and patted Noa's shoulder.
"I'm coming. She's my sister. I want to see her and bring her back myself."
Noa hummed softly before nodding in resignation. "Very well. But you should inform Lord Claude first, so he doesn't worry."
Aven smirked. "No need. He's busy with Lady Alice right now. It wouldn't be good to interrupt them while they're… enjoying their time together."
"Fine."
Lilith, Cecilia, and Mika suddenly appeared behind them.
"Where are you going?"
Mika jumped and hung onto Aven's shoulders. "Take me with you~"
Aven shook his head. "No. We're going to Eidolan."
"Why not? We can help too," Lilith puffed her cheeks.
"It'll be dangerous if you're discovered there."
Mika hopped down. "We can disguise ourselves! We promise we'll help~"
Aven shook his head again. "Still no! I don't want Lord Claude cutting me down later."
He wrapped an arm around Noa and dragged him along.
"Let's go."
He glanced back. "Don't even think about following us. And if Lord Claude asks, just tell him I went with Noa to Eidolan."
Lilith and Mika groaned in frustration at being refused, while Cecilia simply sighed.
Lilith placed her hands on her hips. "What if we just follow them anyway?"
Cecilia immediately shook her head. "Are you crazy? Aven said not to follow them, no matter what."
Mika nudged her shoulder. "And? What if they suddenly need help? Come on, Sis Ceci~"
Cecilia shook her head firmly. "No. I'm not going."
"Come on, Cecilia" Lilith said, pulling her arm.
"Sorry, Lilith, but not this time! I don't want Father getting angry at me."
Mika grabbed her other arm. "Dad won't get mad if we say we went with Aven!"
"You two are impossible! Let go of me! I refuse to be part of your ridiculous plan!"
Lilith and Mika exchanged glances and smiled mischievously.
They spread their wings and lifted Cecilia together, carrying her off.
"Let's go~"
"Nooooo!" Cecilia cried.
EIDOLAN
The busy city center was filled with people passing by and merchants calling out their goods.
Aven and Noa appeared inside a quiet alley.
Aven slowly stepped out, pulling the hood of his cloak lower to cover his face. He let out a soft breath.
"It's been a long time…"
"Eidolan."
Noa appeared behind him, his pointed ears shifting into human-like ones.
"Let's move, my lord."
Aven nodded. "First, my sister's house is near the city center. It's not far from here. Watch over her for now and keep me informed."
"I'm going to meet a friend first. Once I've brought him along, I'll meet you again."
Noa nodded. "Understood."
Aven vanished instantly, disappearing like he had been carried away by the wind.
THE PALACE
Servants moved back and forth, cleaning and attending to their duties. Knights patrolled the halls, while many others trained in the courtyard.
Lucas sat on a bench near the edge of the training grounds. He wiped the sweat from his face and let out a long breath.
"Nia… I wonder how you're doing now that that rotten king is pressuring you more and more…"
"I've been given too many missions lately, so I haven't even been able to visit you… at least Fenrir is with you…"
A sudden tap on his shoulder made him turn quickly.
No one was there.
"What the…"
The other knights were still busy training.
Then who tapped him?
"To the armory. Quickly…"
A faint whisper brushed past his ear.
Lucas touched his ear, tilting his head in confusion.
"Looks like I'm finally losing my mind…"
"To the armory, idiot. Now."
The whisper came again, more insistent.
Lucas picked up his sword and headed toward the armory, making sure no one noticed him.
The door closed.
Lucas drew his sword, pointing it forward.
"Alright… who are you? What do you want? Show yourself!"
Aven revealed himself.
"Hey, it's me. Don't you recognize your best friend's voice?" he said with a grin.
Lucas froze. His sword slipped from his hand and hit the floor with a loud clang.
Aven closed his eyes. "You might want to keep it down–"
He was suddenly pushed slightly backward as Lucas pulled him into a tight embrace.
"Aven! You're alive! Is this a dream?! I can touch you… how did you–"
Lucas pulled back, staring at him with eyes full of disbelief and joy.
"Aven… how are you still alive? I saw how badly you were injured…"
Aven scratched his head awkwardly. "It's a long story, but here's the short version."
"I was saved by the vampire king's daughter. The king himself actually knows me… from something that happened in the past that I never told you about. Right now, I'm repaying that favor."
Lucas stared at him in disbelief. "You're joking… Claude Scarlet knows you? His daughter saved you?"
Aven clicked his tongue. "Seriously? You don't trust me that much?"
"Nope." Lucas looked at him skeptically.
Aven sighed in annoyance.
"Listen. I'm here to take you and my sister out of this kingdom. One of Lord Claude's vampires is already watching over her."
"We need to regroup with them and leave this place immediately."
Lucas fell silent for a moment before exhaling.
"…You're serious?"
Aven placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Your duty is done. You protected my sister well. Thank you. But now that I'm back, you don't have to stay in this rotten kingdom, following orders you know are wrong."
"Come with me. Please… for my sake… for my sister's."
Aven smirked slightly. "I know you like her."
Lucas's cheeks reddened. "You... fine. I'll go."
Aven clapped his hands lightly. "Good. Wait… what about our unit?"
Lucas's expression darkened.
"…Sorry. Zain killed everyone who remained loyal to you… and took control of the rest."
Aven clenched his fist.
"…It's fine. I promise Zain will receive what he deserves."
"Let's go."
Aven grabbed Lucas's shoulder, and in an instant, they disappeared from the armory.
Nia's House
Noa stood quietly in a narrow alley across from the house, observing the surroundings.
"You've arrived, my lord."
Aven and Lucas appeared before him.
"The situation?"
Noa nodded. "Safe. I doubt anyone would dare approach the house."
Aven tilted his head. "Why?"
"I can sense Fenrir's presence guarding the area around your sister."
"Ah… Fenrir…" Aven glanced at Lucas.
"You really love my sister that much, huh? You even left your strongest companion to protect her."
Lucas looked away. "Shut up."
"Oh right. I'm Lucas, Aven's close friend."
He quickly changed the subject and extended his hand.
Noa smiled politely. "I am Noa, one of the vampire commanders. A pleasure to meet you, Lord Lucas."
"Hey, this isn't the time for formal introductions."
Aven knocked on the door.
"Coming~"
A gentle, familiar voice came from inside.
Aven let out a relieved breath.
Click.
The door opened.
"Aven!" Nia immediately pulled him into a tight embrace.
"When did you come back? I missed you so much!"
"Why didn't the kingdom announce your return? Wait… where's your armor? Your sword?"
Her gaze shifted behind him.
"Lucas? You too? Where's your armor? And… who is he?"
She looked at Noa, who simply smiled politely.
Aven exhaled softly. "Sis… let's go inside first. I'll explain everything."
"Alright."
Nia stepped aside, letting them enter.
On the rooftop not far from the house, Lilith, Cecilia, and Mika stood watching.
"Aven's sister is pretty" Mika commented.
"You're right" Cecilia replied shortly.
Lilith simply observed quietly.
"Let's get closer. We need to hear their conversation too~"
"Use your disguises."
They both nodded and leapt down, moving closer carefully.