The mention of Queenie made Alexander speechless. He knew his daughter was smart, and now she found out who the lady was. Alexander just wanted to say this was a big mistake."Annie, you don't understand. I—"He was about to explain, but then a secretary came in. "Mr. Weeks, someone wants to see you."Alexander asked, "Who is it?""A lady by the name of Queenie Sanders."The mention of that name horrified Alexander, but Annie put on a cryptic smile. She thought, 'Speak of the devil.'Alexander felt awkward, but he had no choice. Queenie was his lord's partner. He would never show her any discourtesy. Quickly, he told the secretary, "Bring her in.""Of course," said the secretary.After the secretary was gone, Alexander told Annie, "Annie, it's not what you think. Whatever you're thinking, it's not it. Ms. Sanders is—"Annie interrupted, "It's alright, Dad. I'd love to see who the lady is. It's remarkable that my father would give her a billion-dollar diamond right after he saw
"My family's in the pharmaceutical business.""Is that so? Pharm's not in the best situation recently. How's your business going?""As you've said, pharm's not in the best state. But it's all thanks to Mr. Weeks. If not for him, my family would've gone bankrupt," said Queenie honestly.Annie shot a look at her father. Alexander felt more awkward than ever. He knew his daughter all too well. She had a sharp tongue and an even sharper mind. He could see Annie trying to interrogate Queenie, so he stepped in."Annie, she just came to our company. She's a guest, so stop questioning her." Alexander turned to Queenie. "Have a seat, Ms. Sanders. My secretary will come in with some coffee.""It's alright, Mr. Weeks. I came here today to thank you for all the help you've given me. I'd like to ask you out for a meal to thank you."'A meal?' Alexander thought. This was putting him in a dilemma. He was only nice to Queenie because of Nox. Now that she was asking him out for a meal, he would h
Ever since the Battle of the Ten Nations, the people of Faeast thought Nox was dead, but he was actually alive.Alexander smiled dryly. He mused, 'You've already seen Lord Nox, my dear child. You just didn't realize it.' He wouldn't tell Annie that, of course.Annie winked at her father. "Take me along tomorrow, Dad.""And why should I do that?" Alexander rolled his eyes.Annie held her father's arm and started acting cute. "Aw, please, just this once, Daddy? I promise I'll just stay quiet and have my lunch. Please, Daddy?"Alexander could never resist this, so he said, "Fine, fine.""Thanks, Dad. I'll get back to work now," Annie said happily, and she left her father's office.Alexander saw Annie off, and he shook his head, smiling dryly.Nox was back at home, and Alexander called him. He picked it up. "Yes?""Milord. There is emergency news that I must let you know. Ms. Sanders has met me, and—"Before he could finish, Nox said, "She arranged for a lunch meetup, did she not
But before they could leave, George and Yvette came rushing after them. "Queenie, wait!"Queenie turned around in surprise. Her folks were dressed resplendently, especially her father. He even wore his Armani suit. It had been years since he wore that. Yvette was in a gown as well, and she was wearing a pearl necklace around her neck.Queenie looked at them in surprise. "What are you two doing?""You're going to have lunch with Mr. Weeks, aren't you? Your mother and I had a talk, and we decided to go with you.""What? You guys are coming with me?" Queenie was speechless."Yeah."Queenie quickly said, "Mom, Dad, I'm just going to thank Alexander. Why are you two coming with me?"Yvette smiled. "Don't worry, Queenie. We're just going to watch.""It's just lunch. There's nothing to watch." Queenie did not look happy at all.George pointed at Nox angrily. "We're just watching. Besides, if he can go, why can't we?"Queenie was frustrated. She only set up this lunch to talk things
George kept driving and finally stopped at the hotel's gigantic parking lot. Queenie and Nox then got out of the car. "Mom, Dad, I really can't take you along, so I'm sorry," said Queenie."It's alright," said Yvette. "Just meet up with Mr. Weeks and tell him we're thankful for his help.""Sure." Queenie was about to leave with Nox."Hold it," said George."What is it, Dad?" Queenie turned around."Queenie, why do you bring him along for the meetup?" George pointed at Nox.Queenie wouldn't tell George she was going to clear things up with Alexander. She knew her father all too well. If she let anything slip, George would never let Nox follow her.So, she lied, "He's there to stand guard for me. He's my bodyguard.""Your bodyguard?""Yeah. Dad, don't you remember? Nox can fight. With him by my side, I'll be safe."George looked at Nox with disgust, but it was true he could fight, and his daughter did get kidnapped last time. He said, "Fine. But Mr. Weeks is a big shot. Don't b
And he too managed to make the ten nations give up nearly ten thousand miles of their land. The people of Faeast saw Lord Nox as their god, so Queenie knew of his stories. When she looked at the statue again, she muttered, "So that's Lord Nox."The waiter said, "Yes. The reason our hotel is named so is because the owner worships Lord Nox.""I see. No wonder it's called that," muttered Queenie. She was then reminded of the nation's mourning, and she lamented, "It's a pity he had fallen."Nox frowned. When he first heard of the hotel's name, he wondered why it had his name. And now his question was answered. He then looked at the statue of himself, and he muttered, "Looks hideous.""Come with me, please, Ms. Sanders." The waiter led Queenie and Nox to the parlor. The Great Banquet Hall was a luxurious place. The parlor was huge, and there was a pool, a bar, and various entertainment inside.Queenie stared at the parlor, her eyes wide. "You got it all wrong. I didn't reserve somethin
Alexander turned his attention to Nox and gave him a look of respect, but he said nothing so he wouldn't expose Nox's true identity.When Annie realized Nox was in there with Queenie, she frowned. "This guy again? Dad welcomed this guy himself last time, and he's the son of Dad's old friend? Why is he here?"Nox was calm and collected. Queenie, however, was awkward when she saw Alexander.Alexander smiled at Queenie. "Sorry for the tardiness, Ms. Sanders.""I don't mind, Mr. Weeks. You're too kind. And I'm sorry. I didn't think you'd be the owner of this establishment," said Queenie.Alexander laughed. "Don't mention it, Ms. Sanders. Is this parlor to your liking?""Very much so.""Good to hear. Please, take a seat."And Queenie sat. This was supposed to be her treat, but now it felt like Alexander was the one treating her to lunch. After everyone had taken their seats, Alexander said, "Serve the food."And then great food kept coming in. Once all the food was served, Queenie
Annie, however, was unfazed. She wanted her question answered.Queenie answered calmly, "Ms. Annie, there is a misunderstanding. I am holding this lunch to thank Mr. Weeks, and I need to make things clear with him. I have a boyfriend."Annie asked, "So you're saying everything my father did was a waste?"Queenie said, "I am grateful for what he did, so I'll try my best to repay him.""And how will you do that?" Annie questioned.Queenie explained, "I know I don't have that capability for now, but trust me. Someday, I'll repay all the kindness Mr. Weeks has shown me. And it's my freedom to date and bring my boyfriend to this meetup."Annie was about to say something, but Alexander stepped in. "Annie, shut it. You are not to show any insolence to Ms. Sanders."Annie was flabbergasted. "What is going on, Dad? Why are you so nice to her? She's treating you to lunch, but she brought her boyfriend along. She's trying to embarrass you."Alexander roared in his mind, 'You stupid girl!
"I know. They don't want their family broken up, but death is a release for you, Penelope, especially if living itself is painful." The Master sighed. If Nox heard that, he'd curse him, but Penelope thought it made a lot of sense."You have to live for yourself once. Death is another form of life for people my age. I couldn't do anything for myself while I lived. Death is how I will fulfill the promise I made when I was young."…Back outside, Aphrodite sat on the stairs and lit up a cigarette. She went through three before she said, "I presume you know what happened back then."Nox frowned. 'She knows everything.'Nox's reaction was the answer Aphrodite needed. "You overestimate my power. I don't have any spies in Imperia anymore, and no one can keep an eye on you."Nox almost shouted. Aphrodite had no idea he knew about the truth. That was just a ruse so she could observe him and get her answer."The mission is simple. Save Cassian and retrieve a treasure," said Aphrodite."W
'One of us will die? I need to make a choice again? Will I repeat my father's mistake?'Nox stared daggers at Aphrodite. "That is nonsense! Even if that prediction is right, we'll either get out of it together, or we die together! We will not live if the other dies!"Aphrodite paled. "That hurt my heart. Well, you are the Sovereign, and you won't give in to anyone. Even in death, you will be glorious." She smiled sadly.Nox didn't care about Aphrodite's prediction, but Queenie took it seriously. She knew Aphrodite wasn't talking nonsense."Shut it. Did you come with the Master, or did he invite you?" Nox didn't like Aphrodite at all. He didn't want to see her unless it was something important.Aphrodite knew Nox didn't like her, and she couldn't blame anyone. She did it to herself. "I know you don't like me. I would never come uninvited," she said.Nox narrowed his eyes. So that meant the Master called her here. Then, the drunken Master sobered up. Penelope opened her eyes as wel
"She called you a commoner! A peasant!" Nineve snapped."But is she wrong? I am a commoner." Queenie clicked her tongue. She didn't really care about her background.Nineve felt like crying, and Nox pulled her back. He said coldly, "And why are you here, Aphrodite? Why were you with a Master?"Aphrodite arched an eyebrow and answered slowly, "I can come and go as I please, Lord Nox. Remember, I saved this clan once."Nox's temples throbbed. 'How dare she try to pull another one!'Before he could fly into a rage, Aphrodite added, "If I hadn't escorted a Greenshade back to her home, Cassian couldn't have communicated with you. Though Penelope has lost her powers, she can still cast some spells as long as she has the right tools."Nox's face was twitching. Aphrodite was a sharp woman. Even now she could keep him at bay easily. She did help the family once back when she was younger. No one could compare to her intellect, save for the heavens themselves.She was just like the legenda
Nox had no idea what the High Heavens looked like, but he wasn't answering Nineve. There must be a reason his grandfather tried to communicate with him. Faeast's threat wasn't defused yet. The path of the martial was still after them.Many of the path of the ancient divine's factions were keeping an eye on Faeast all the time as well. "What was he trying to tell me? What did he want me to do? Wait, Sealmaster summoned the founder back then. He must know something."Nox realized he could get some answers from Sealmaster, and he wanted to leave for Magic Mountain right away. Just when he was wondering how to settle the ladies down, one of the Masters and Aphrodite came to the Greenshades' abode.The Master told Aphrodite, "It's Daniel's wedding. I have to send my best regards. I represent Magic Mountain, after all."Aphrodite answered, "You know I can't go in, given my circumstances. Lord Nox must have some questions for me.""Very well. Then I shall leave you for now." The Master l
Neither managed to guess what Nox was thinking. One wanted him to look on the bright side, while the other wanted him to let it go, but Nox had reached the truth. He had ascended. He knew all of this, of course."They eventually ended up together? No, they're already separated by a veil of death. I will never give in to anyone. I will not repeat this tragedy. I will always, always finish the job. Even if I made a mistake, I would see it through!" Nox said. These were his true thoughts.Ironically, Aphrodite knew exactly the kind of man he was, and that was why she betrayed him. She knew no one could change his mind once it was made up. Alas, fate did not smile upon them.Though Queenie and Nineve couldn't guess his mind, they would try their best to keep up with him, especially Queenie. If Nox was going into hell itself, she would follow him."I think we can bring this case to a close for now. Grandma will handle the aftermath. You guys stay out of it as well. My clan's filled with
Daniel flew out of the house. The other Greenshades followed him as well. Queenie and Nineve helped Penelope to the entrance. More than a decade ago, the Greenshades mobilized to fight for their lives. Now, they were going to welcome their hero back home.On the street outside the house, a thousand Forbidden Army soldiers escorted the remains of Nox's mother home. They were all clad in white armor. The royal family members were in red. They were holding a red casket, while Atlas was standing before it, walking toward the Greenshades' abode.The accompanying band was playing a sad yet triumphant tune. Daniel remembered something, and he quickly went back inside to change into a tattered crimson shirt. This was the one he wore during the battle all those years ago. It was the one Nox's mother made for him.Nox's parents never had a wedding, so Daniel wanted to fulfill that wish. Atlas stabbed a banner into the ground and announced, "By the decree of the late emperor, His Majesty Quilo
"Embellishment, but that's not important. Given his adventures, it could make a good novel," Nox said. In modern times, his clan was in its nadir. His grandfather and his brothers were born in times of chaos. Faeast was in disrepair, and its people were suffering. Evil ran rampant across the land.A declining family would have it rough if they wanted to make a name for themselves. Cassian had a rough start. His talent, background, and environment was vastly worse than Nox's, but still he managed to grow into an Emperor. It was a feat, alright.Nox asked, "I have a question, Grand—"Penelope gestured at him to keep quiet. Daniel and the others had arrived. Nox asked telepathically, "You don't want too many people finding out where he is? Because he made too many enemies?"Penelope said nothing, but she smiled."I see." Nox stood up and faced his family. His grudge had disappeared, and he had only affection for them.Daniel and his brothers exchanged a look. They could sense the ch
Nox didn't know that Quilo was the one who took him to Mystia, but now he did. And now he knew that his mentors were good friends with his ancestors. Then Nox woke up.Nineve and Queenie huddled around him. The princess looked at Nox closely. He was sweating and pale as a cadaver. "Did you have a dream? You look terrible. Must've been a nightmare.""Penelope said someone was communicating with you." Queenie wiped the sweat off Nox's forehead with her sleeve."Yes, it was a dream, but it wasn't all a dream. I was in the past and saw the future." Nox nodded and looked at Penelope. The dame was smiling at her grandson. Her silence was the answer for everything."You knew?" Nox asked."Naturally," Penelope answered."I had no idea things were so complicated. Who's trying to tell me all this?" Nox asked."Who do you think wants you to know the truth?" Penelope asked cryptically."It's Grandpa." Nox stood up and looked at the ancestral hall. "When I came back last time, his tablet wa
"She's smart. Now the Mousses are no longer traitors, but the people who took down the enemies. Since they control the military and are a part of the path of the martial, not even the royal family can do anything to her." Nox narrowed his eyes. Even back then, Aphrodite was smart.Griffin's will-of-the-sword lasted until Cassian exhausted his life essence. The founder's avatar stepped into the portal Penelope created and went back to Mystia. Nox had a guess that he was going to use the souls he took hostage to negotiate with the Mystians.After the crisis was over, Cassian returned to Mystia as well. Nox had no idea what happened after that. From what he heard during his time in Mystia, no news about Cassian came out after that."He didn't even get to talk to you, Grandma." Nox looked at Penelope and felt for her. Now he knew how much the dame had sacrificed for the family.Quilo dragged his wounded self and unconscious Nox out of the temple ruins. "Sorry you had to go through this