It was past one when they left the Austere riding on a private plane. Ashriel’s unexpected visit together with the First Rank Nobles caused an uproar in the Tethoris Kingdom. Who would have thought that the Ruler of the Two Greatest Empire would visit the Tethoris Kingdom with only short notice? Like literally, they have only a few hours to prepare. But despite the short time, Coleb, the Ruler of Tethoris, managed to make everything presentable. After Ashriel and her Cadre went out of her private plane, Coleb prepared a royal helicopter to fetch them.
“We are very honored to be visited by Her Highness, the Ruler of the Two Greatest Empires.” Coleb bowed, and so did everyone who was behind him. Natsuki scanned everyone and saw Mix behind Coleb. He flashed a smile when their eyes met, causing Mix’s face to turn blush pink.
“I’m
After Coleb fainted, the two nobles fainted as well. Thanks to this, the chairs flipped over, and the Meeting Hall became a mess. The Hall soon became chaotic with all the butlers who came to clean it up. Mr. Dufin’s body was also taken care of by the authority together with Leon and Oriana. Olive, Xieaniel, Kate, and Raith went out to investigate further. The only calm people at this point were Ashriel and Nathan. Natsuki consoled Mix, who seemed to be traumatized by what happened. She flinched when Ashriel spoke. “Go to your father’s room now, Lady. Wait for him to regain consciousness. Afterwards, we’ll meet at the balcony of my room.” Mix nodded reluctantly and hurriedly left the room with Natsuki. Ashriel saw that the servants were trembling in her presence, so she left the Hall, which made everyone’s body slumped, and they let out a deep breath. &
“Come this way.” Mix walked ahead of Natsuki, leading the way through the forest. They brought three squads with them and decided to separate ways to guard the whole forest securely. But Natsuki, being Natsuki, demanded to see the most beautiful scenery in the forest. So here they are, walking for fifteen minutes now. What’s worst is, it’s raining heavily. “Are you sure you know the way, Princess?” He asked. Mix gulped before responding. “Of course.” “I swear this was the way!”She said to herself, biting her tongue.“Where on earth is it?” “By the way, are you sure the Ruler is your sister?” She asked sheepishly. “Why? Does she look like my daughter?” &nbs
The third bomb exploded in the capital. As expected, it happened in the public market where many people gathered because of the festival's last day. Fortunately, Kate and Raith went to the bar first, so they were not harmed. “Carsillion, what’s the situation there?” Ashriel asked as she looked at the overview of the city at the pent of the palace. Coleb was shuddering behind her, pacing back and forth. His secretary was also panicking. “The bomb exploded just before we can secure the place, Ash,” Nathan answered. Ashriel can hear the shouts and panics of the people on the other line. “We lost some soldiers. There are many casualties and injured people. Both civilian and uniformed men.” He added. “Do what you think is the be
Ashriel laughed and held her head. “Aahh, we really can’t be too complacent, can’t we? We don’t know our enemy’s hidden tricks.” She whined and clicked her earpiece. “Kill me, and these freaking bombs will explode! Ha!” The man retorted. “Stupid bitches.” He riposted, making Siel enraged. “Your Highness, the two is coming. I contacted First General; he’ll be there in five minutes. Please hold the situation.”Xieaniel reported anxiously. He is a calm person. But putting Ashriel in danger destroys his composure. Ashriel signaled Siel, who heard everything through her earpiece, and she nodded in response. “Did Edom send you?” Ashriel asked boldly. The man, who is looking at Siel now, turned to Ashriel, giving way for Siel to
"Your Highness!" Xieaniel shouted as he dashed inside Ashriel's room. Her wound was now covered with bandages which she really hates. "Please, for goodness' sake! Don't ever do that again!" He sobbed and knelt in front of her, checking her condition. "Oh com'on, Xieaniel. You're the fourth person who did that and said the same thing for Pete's sake." Ashriel rolled her eyes and pushed Xieaniel's face away. He was about to argue when the door banged open again. Ashriel sighed in distress. "Boss!" Olive shouted and cried as well. She pushed Xieaniel aside and knelt in front of her. "Please-" "Don't ever do that again. Arrgh! I know!" Ashriel cut her and stood up. "Seriously, guys? I'm alive and well, okay?" She held her head that throb while everyone looked at her with teary eyes and pouted lips.
“What’s the status?” Ashriel calmly took a sip of her black tea and faced Venice, who closed the heavy curtain. They both went to the balcony for some privacy while the party continued outside. As to avoid eavesdropping, John guarded behind the curtains. Nathan and Olive talked with the nobles on behalf of Ashriel. “You’ll not come here and leave your post at Aparctias if it’s not a graveyard situation.” “You really are quick-witted, aren’t you?” She chuckled and sat opposite to Ashriel, who just shrugged her shoulders. Suddenly, the atmosphere became serious. “Chaster informed me via secret codes that Donovan started to move. He told me to warn you not to be distracted. His father probably knows he still has some lingering attachment to us… to you, to be exact, so he doesn’t give him his plan.” Her voice was stern but anxious. “Aside from Xieaniel, I don’t trust anyone in the security system team to send you this important mess
Ashriel stripped off her Queen Uniform and changed into a simple yet elegant white suit and black high stilettos heels. Her wig was also changed from black to dark blond. Of course, though Venice grumbled, Ashriel is Ashriel, so knives and daggers were hiding somewhere in her outfit. The rest did the same. They stepped into normal clothes to blend in with the crowds and avoid drawing attention. That’s what they thought. “Who are they? From what place are they from?” “Gosh, look! The brawny man looks hot!” “Are you blind? The man with golden-brown hair was the hottest!” “Heavens, am I going to die today?! I think I just made eye contact with an angel! I want to see the beauty behind her mask!” &
After buying some antiseptics and bandages, Leon put Oriana down on a bench far from the scene and rechecked her palm. It was still bleeding so much. Olive was still busy talking with Xieaniel on her phone. Xieaniel told them about the ruckus in the restaurant, so the three waited in the park for the rest to come and pick them up. "The cut was deep but not deep enough to need some stitches. Tsk." Leon spat and started cleaning her cut. Oriana sighed in relief. "What are you so relieved about? If you don't want some stitches, then don't be too reckless." He nagged. Is he really a nagger? "Colonel, please stop nag-" "Lady Atherton? Is that you?" Oriana and Leon stopped and looked at the man who
Leon took Oriana to the Noble’s Cemetery where Aparctias nobles were buried and her eyes widened upon seeing her mother and father’s name carved to two of the gravestones. So that’s why she couldn’t find her parent’s corpses in the Atherton grave because they were buried in the Noble’s Cemetery. “Mom… Dad…” Oriana whispered, holding back her tears. “I missed you… so much.” Leon knelt in front of them and placed two bouquets of white lilies. He smiled and put another bouquet to his father’s grave beside them. “Dad, look. She’s my beautiful girlfriend and the future mistress of House Norton.” He said proudly, making Oriana flushed. She quickly wiped her tears away and Leon then looked at the Athertons. “I’m sorry for putting your precious daughter in harm's way.” He said and brushed their names with his palm. “C-Colonel, you don’t have to apologize. It’s my job after all.” She stuttered. “I’m not talking to you.” “Sorry.” Leon cleared his throat. “But I just want to thank you
They won and the Quislings were completely eradicated. Ashriel stood in front of every soldier who fought and behind her were the fallen. “Behind me were the people who lost their time. In front of me are the people who still have time.” She started. “Throughout the whole war I learned a lot. One of those is to value every moment you have with the person you love.” She glanced at Valor and Emmette who were smiling proudly. “And to follow your dreams. But following your dreams requires sacrifices.” “From now on, the whole Two Great Empires will have new rules and systems. People will have a new life. New chances. Everyone who died gave their lives for all of us to live. Therefore let us fulfill that and starting today, let us value life.” It was a mass burial and the whole Austere was showered with white flowers. Even the graves of the fallen were filled with white roses and lilies, and varieties of white flowers. After the mass burial, the first Rank Nobles and the Elders liv
Ashriel glanced at the small child sleeping comfortably under the baby’s incubator. He was so small and so lovely and so… fragile. She clenched Amber’s locket and another tear escaped her eyes. She just lost her twin. She held her tummy while looking at Jasper. “I promise… all of you will live comfortably and safely. I promise…” She whispered and bit her lower lip. She sighed deeply.On the other hand, Donovan found Oriana in the airbase, giving orders to her troops. His eyes dimmed.“Attack the base.” With his cue, hundreds of his men attacked the air base. Oriana was alarmed with the sudden attack.“How the hell did they entered?!” She grinned her teeth and took her gun. She turned back and was about to command her men to attack when she felt something warm covered her. She completely knew who it was. “Don’t worry about that fool and focus on your part.” Leon whispered, tightening his hug to her shoulders. Oriana flushed but then shook her head. It’s not the right time and place
Everyone gathered as Ashriel gave her words. “I might have no chance of telling this soon therefore I want all of you to know how thankful I am, as your Leader, with everything you contributed. It’s my honor to lead all of you.” Her eyes looked at the countless armies filling the whole Austere. She smiled. “Let’s win this battle.” “Long live the Ruler!” “Long live the Ruler!” “May light be upon Theupholis and La Elora family!” The armies roared and cheered, strengthening each other. Ashriel turned to her Cadre behind her and smiled. “Let’s see each other again.” They nodded and with one final hug, everyone departed to their positions. But before Nathan left, Ashriel grabbed his hand and kissed him dearly to which Nathan quickly responded. They broke the kiss and Nathan kissed her forehead. “Promise me you’ll come back alive.” Ashriel whispered and Nathan pecked her lips. “I will. Let’s see each other after this.” Ashriel nodded and they went on their way. After armi
The dripping blood from Xieaniel’s back keeps on repeating in her mind. Olive was still lost in her thoughts when she felt something cold touched her shoulder making her jump from her seat. “S-Sorry, Lady. I didn’t mean to frighten you.” Said Oriana who drew her hand back. Olive sighed and held her head before shaking it. “No, I’m not frightened at all.” She reasoned out. “And stop addressing me ‘Lady’ since we’re sisters.” Oriana stopped for a moment before letting out a faint chuckle. “Yeah. Sisters.” They stopped and Olive pulled Oriana behind her when the door opened, revealing the three bastards. Olive never lowered her guard ever since she worked with them since a snake will always be a snake. “You didn’t kill her but that’s okay since I knew we would sooner or later.” Edom greeted and pushed the things from Olive’s table, shattering some glasses to pieces. Olive rolled her eyes. Oriana observed Edom carefully. She heard a lot of rumors and stories about him but she ne
Elias woke up with the sound of his phone beside him. He quickly picked it up and saw one of his men's names. He stood up and glanced at Siel who was still lying on her bed. It was four in the morning. “What?” “Sir, you’re brother planning on ambushing and killing nobles.” Elias’s eyes widened. “WHAT?!” Siel flinched and her body quickly stood up without any delay. She just came back from Ashriel’s wedding and was tired from all the swaps she made with Ashriel. “I think you must call Siel back, Sir. Or else she’ll be in danger.” Elias eyebrows frown. “What? What do you mean?” “I saw her entering Austere a moment ago, Sir. But since I couldn’t enter the city, I was not able to warn her.” Elias froze for a moment and glanced at Siel who was alarmed. “Are you sure?” “A hundred percent, Sir.” “Very well. I’ll fetch her myself then.” Elias ended the call and before Siel could ever move, Elias pointed his gun at her. “Who are you?” He asked with his crisp voice. Siel tossed h
“YOUR HIGHNESS!” “BOSS!” Everyone exclaimed and tears flooded the whole Meeting Hall aside from the La Elora family. As soon as the wedding ceremony and celebration ended, The First Rank Nobles gathered in the Meeting Hall. It was 3 a.m. in the morning yet sleepiness had no inch to them at all. “Boss, I-I thought you’re already-” Leon stopped when Ashriel embraced him and Oriana, patting their backs. She looked at her remaining Cadre and with her cue, everyone ran to embrace her. “Y-Your Highness, please, don’t ever do that again. EVER.” Kate pleaded followed by Raith and the rest. “It’s part of Granny’s plan.” “But why?” “For everyone’s growth, sometimes the Leader must disappear.” “I don’t like that word.” Tory blurted out. “You knew everything, Bud?” Nathan asked Natsuki while the others coped up with Ashriel. Natsuki laughed. “Only yesterday, Bud. All of us were bemused you know.” “Now I understand why Gil and Bri like her so much. She was their aunt after all.” V
It’s been two months since Siel showed up and since then, they were all staying at Thrascias Empire. Olive was in total turmoil and the whole First Rank suddenly hyped and motivated since they now have a clear path to take and actions to make. No more walking in darkness and critical investigations. “Tell us about Seiron.” Venice commanded and Siel nodded. “It was totally different compared to the past. Its glory all faded.”“I see. The last time I went there was almost a decade ago.” Siel gave Xieaniel a flash drive which he quickly scanned and presented. The Hall dimmed and they all focused on the huge screen.“Taking pictures there was quite hard.” Siel mumbled and glanced at Olive who was grinding her teeth. The Elders who used to go there also have faces no one can paint. “This was the place they now called, “The Small Village of Fear.” Siel said and hearing the name, Kate’s face soured. “It was the only way through the main city and going to the base. This village is proof
Her body felt warmer and the coldness from the bathtub she experienced finally felt unknown, as if nothing happened. But she knew something happened. Something unexpected. She opened her eyes with the sound of the door that slid open and footsteps getting closer to her. She saw a man’s broad shoulder and firm back. It was Leon. Suddenly, Luis’ words suddenly crept into her mind. “And our parents died… Because of his father.”Oriana’s heart suddenly ached. Her beloved parents died and she hasn't even seen their bodies since the Great Bloodshed, their house fell, their reputation was destroyed and she was treated like a pest. Everything was because of two persons; Ashriel and Leon’s father. Anger started to cover her heart.“You’re awake? Thank God!” Her creased brow ironed when her eyes met Leon’s worried eyes. He quickly dashed towards her and cupped her hand and face.“Are you alright? Feeling any hurt? Are you hungry? What do you need? Tell me, please.” He bombarded her, full of