Vol. 2 – Chapter 73 – Memories Can Hurt, Right?
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The Christmas event staged in the Night Fay Shop kept on going until night, where the group was shattered with all the participants having to go with their respective activities, such was the case for Red and his party, that left early, followed by Johan who acquired new information from Mathias about a certain someone that could build his musical instruments.
When night came, he accompanied Lady Ann and her granddaughter Joel to a new location beside the Wallmort, at the insistence of the old woman who saw that there weren't so many available spaces in Mathias and Fayrene's house. Yet, the one to offer help at that moment was Jeanne.
"Granny Ann, you can spend the winter with me, since I have available space."
"You didn't live here with the other two?"
"Usually I spend all my time here besides going to the Cathedral, but I can accompany you until things will be sorted out for you."
It was a chain of events that soothed Mathias a bit, knowing the limitations of the house, being built with the intent of housing a small number of people, not turning it into a center of aid for the needy. Apart from this, both Fayrene and Jeanne who were aware of why Lady Ann didn't want to be a hurdle for them, felt a slight discomfort, and while eyeing one another, Fayrene told Mathias in private.
@Fayrene: In the future I want to build a larger residence.
@Mathias: We will, don't worry. We will.
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The night ended with Jeanne spending her night with the old lady and her granddaughter, while Mathias who felt a bit down on how things worked out, was strolling toward Wallmort district coming from the Inner City.
{Why are you so down? It is understandable that you can't always everyone. Even I as Emperor I couldn't help every single soul that asked for my assistance, prayed for me in their nights. I am only a human in the end.}
'I feel weak and exposed.'
{Child, you have a kind heart for those you deem worthy of your attention. Don't think that old lady isn't appreciating your gesture, or that your girls will look down on you. Human nature is to be selfish only thinking about himself only him, what you are doing, trying to protect those kids from the cold, and giving food to others who might come knock on your door, is appreciable, more than those descendants of mine might have done}
'Hah, let's not badmouth them since they also might have tried to alleviate a bit the winter situation. But you are right, I shouldn't feel down. However, here I am sulking a bit.'
{It will pass. Let's stroll a bit more around the inner city, maybe you will refresh your mind.}
Agreeing with Haycien, he didn't go directly home, as he choose to stroll and bask in the night atmosphere of Titan, passing by the shops that still had their lights on, the restaurants and other places, when he approached the Imperial Palace he stopped turning his head up at the grandiose palace dwarfing over the Grand City, the King of Cities.
The surroundings of the palace was heavily guarded by Black Knights, while he guessed that the inside has a regiment of Red Knights stationed to assure the Imperial Family protection, and with most of the palace being like a beckon in the dark, he thought about a certain middle-aged man with long white hair, and ruby eyes just like his.
'Maybe I should give him the book by now. What do you think old Hay, will I get caught?'
{You want to do that plan I suggested you? Sneaking inside the Palace? It will be a cakewalk, lad, trust me.} asked the old man whose curiosity was aroused by what Mathias just implied.
'Huh? What are you talking about, old man? Obviously, no. Have you seen those knights? The chances of getting caught are high, which I would rather not play with my little life.'
{That's a bummer, you got me worked out to what to expect from the Palace. It seems I will have to cook my plan for longer.} remarked Haycien whose excited expression reverted back to his old, wrinkled face.
Hearing Haycien say that Mathias could only shrug a bit, and chuckle as he departed from the zone of the Palace, and moved toward another neighborhood that was familiar to him. The one where old Pliny and his Workshop would be housed, yet this location housed another man who would frequent around.
When Mathias returned here, the old man in his mind made a sound of understanding what's going on, and remained silent as the crimson-headed young man strolled in the night alley toward a small, old house, that was your average. Then, glancing around the windows from an outside perspective, he took a breath of relief knowing that no one was home, as it would make it uncomfortable.
{Go for it, lad. Let's see who this descendant of mine is. If he is competent or not for the job of leading humanity.}
Partially ignoring that remark, he later took out a book that was styled similar to the books of that time, 16-17th century, with a black leather cover, hand sewed down with precise needlework, where on the first page, was a sketch belonging to Fayrene with Justinian sitting in his Purple Throne with Theodora at his side.
'Do you magic Petrus. You helped me out once, it has to work twice, and if he reads it entirely, hopefully, he will reach my letter.'
{You should have placed that letter for that Juander at the beginning not at the end.}
'That in writing terms is called a [Aftewords] where I tell the reader my thoughts about the entire process or whatever, it doesn't have a settled principle.'
{I see, what if he doesn't read your book and simply throws it in the fire?}
'If I learn he did that, I'll break his legs when I am stronger than him.'
{Ohoo, weren't you against violence.}
'That's justified violence. I worked on that book a lot, rewriting and polishing certain parts.'
Mathias kept on bickering with Haycien, about silly things, before searching for a location to place his book and disappear from the neighborhood as one could call, a suspicious person. There were some spots he had in mind, but were impractical, with Juander having a low chance on checking, thus he did something straightforward, and inserted his book using an opening the house framework had at the door, and immediately departed from the neighborhood.
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Meanwhile, inside the same house, a middle-aged man wearing simple clothes with his long white hair tied down was looking at the fireplace that was burning with dim light, seeming to die out. The surroundings around him were completely dark with the exception of the fireplace.
His expression seemed to be somber as if he was contemplating about deep problems, but the moment he heard something at his door, as if something hit the floor, he turned his ruby eyes to that shined with a red light, while he extended his hand that released a red whisp that brought light into the room.
"Kids playing their jokes again? No, that was something that hit the ground."
Walking toward the door before picking the object that made its way inside, he opened the door and glanced around, where he saw the back figure of a crimson-haired man with long hair reaching his back.
"Crimson hair? I never heard of someone belonging to Saharan having that type of color. Maybe orange red, but that deep crimson. Ahh, could it be the one who helped the old stableman? Indeed, it might be him, the news about him reached even the ears of the courtiers and servants."
"Nevertheless, it got nothing to do with me so I'll not be concerned."
Seeing the crimson-haired man casually walk away exiting the neighborhood, Juander also stepped inside his house, and while walking toward the main room, to his chair, he picked up the foreigner object.
"A book?" asked Juander with some interest when he placed his hands on the strange book, that had a pleasant appearance to touch.
As he walked toward the fireplace, he used some of the dym light of the burning wood, to see what the book's content were, stumbling first on the story cover that had a man seated on a throne chair, in a palace room that was rather ancient, while at his side was a gorgeous woman that peered into the eye of the watcher, as the man seated on the throne was.
"Interesting piece of art. I wonder what this book is all about."
Turning the page, he saw the title of the book, [Justinian's Restoration], and started off with a curious mindset to take a glance at what the first chapters of the book contained. It didn't take long for Juander to discover what the story was about, bringing forth a new concept to him, of transmigration.
Nonetheless, with his interest picked, he went to start the fire again, lighting the room with some candles and placing an old blanket on himself that had many stitches to it. Juander began reading the book that strangely made its way inside his home, and with how long the night was, he continued reading, seeming to be captured by Petrus's journey, finding about his hardships from starting as someone with extraordinary knowledge that made even him the reader seem beneath him, the Emperor in his approaches.
From a farmer, becoming his uncle Co-Emperor, and later on, becoming Emperor, his journey was an unique experience for Juander who was born a royalty, never to experience the hardships Petrus or how the narrator would call him Justinian later on. It was the life of someone Juander started feeling respect, and taking note of certain ideas of the peasant boy whose mastery in the political game was hardly challenged by others.
Getting on with the story, he found certain characters that made his hands tremble, almost dropping the book in fire, when Justinian meet Theodora for the first time in the Hippodrome Arena. His trembling was caused by the shock of the similarities himself and his dear wife that unfortunately was called too soon to Rebecca's embrace, had in common with Juander and Theodora.
"Just like when I met Aria. How … Who is the one who managed to paint my life in such a chilling truth?"
Questions kept flooding Juander, but he resumed like someone brought in a trance to continue reading, the journey of Justinian into restoring the Roman Empire, and for that, he also found about the one Justinian considered his soul-brother, Belisarius, the one to lead alongside him his legions into battle.
"Brother Piaro …" commented Juander in his trance, shocked to find out about the brotherhood bound Justinian formed with Belisarius since the adolescence days, where the two would train together in the army, discussing life and other ideals that Juander marked in his head.
When Juander reached the moment where Belisarius was heavily wounded in the battle with the Sassanids, his heart ached him a bit, as if he already considered Belisarius, Piaro, the brother he betrayed by not listening to him.
"You can't die, Piaro. You still have to see the Empire being reborn."
Emotions were building up for Juander who couldn't see a way out from the encirclement Belisarius was placed in, with the Immortals of the Sassanids being like an executioner sword for his army, and yet, the mighty general didn't give up, encouraging his soldiers to resist for a bit more.
[My proud soldiers, stay strong! Our Emperor, the Chosen of God, Justinian, will come to reinforce us! Fight! Don't disappoint His Majesty by losing now, leaving him to fight alone against the enemy.]
Juander didn't know if Justinian would come to the rescue since he too was having a hard challenge of defeating the flanking Sassanids, but with the ticking of time, and with more Romans giving their souls for the Purple Phoenix, with Belisarius almost losing his voice from the orders he was giving his men when things seemed to be sealed for them, a young man wearing chainmail similar to mounted knights made his appearance followed by a large cavalry regiment formed from Heavy to Light Cavalry, that began shocking the enemy troops, known as the Roman Cataphract.
[Don't give up on the fight my sons! I, your Emperor have come to bring justice upon our lost friends and brothers! Charge my Legionnaires this is our win! Khosraw has been slain by me! THEY CAN'T WIN MY PEOPLE!]
"He did what? He wasn't fighting Khosraw since he left with his bodyguards before the war turned to be won by the Sassanids "
Juander was asking that, and pondered on the truth, but once the spirits of the enemy troops dropped when hearing the shocking truth, they began retreating, to which Justinian gave orders to the officers in his command to follow the Sassanids and slay more, making the surrounding lands into a bloodbath.
The part of the story he was reading ended with Justinian returning to Belisarius' side, and checking on his wounds, assuring him that he will still have to deal with his naggings. It was a pure display of manly brotherhood, that the Emperor and General were showing for the soldiers who were sanctifying Justinian in those moments of recollection for the Roman Legions.
That wholesome interaction, made Juander to tremble, remembering about his younger self who could say to had such a soul brother, a confidant, his right hand, Piaro, but because of certain circumstances, he would never serve him as General, or be considered brother.
"All because of me. Why didn't I listen to him and acted like a fool in anger?"
Juander could in those moments lament his past choices, blaming himself for those weaknesses he shown, and trying to find what happened next in the book, his trance ended with the end of the book, but what waited for him was something akin to a letter.
[I hope you enjoyed this story of mine, Lord Juander.
First let me apologize for placing you in a bad spot of remembering all those memories of yours, about Her Majesty Aria, or Duke Welf and maybe other characters you found familiar in my story, but this is life, sometimes we have to face the harsh truth and the consequences of our actions. At the same time, sorry for ending the book with a moment of suspense, but I didn't have much time to continue writing, but if we ever meet and you are curious to find more, I don't mind spoiling you.]
Juander who began reading this letter from what seemed to be the author of this book, it brought shock to him, especially when he mentioned those two names, strangers to him wouldn't even know. The fragments of his life, only him and those in question who experienced them could be allowed to remember. Yet this stranger painted something close to his life, and continuing reading the letter, the author asked him something with a sarcastic tint.
[Besides, now that I take my time to write this letter for you, I wanted to ask you. Don't you think Antonina is similar to your second wife? A vixen? Think about it, what Justinian did with her and what his rain of thoughts were targeting her. It will give you some answers to the problems you face. Your eternal worries, are you alone in this entire debacle?
Poor me, you might question my sanity for I talk with the Emperor in such way, but Lord, when we meet I will respond to your questions, about how I know you and the story. What you need to know is that I am an outlander whose intentions are peaceful, in your case. However, one of my goals is to rescue Piaro for a friend of mine.
Even now I sigh at how you managed that event, and I heard a ghost cursing about how one could be so blind, but again I don't put the blame on you. Don't condemn yourself for what you've done, understanding your mistake and trying to work into fixings them is the first step to redemption.]
Juander Red Energy was oscillating from the emotions this letter brought up, and constantly asked himself questions about the things brought up by this spirited person. Direct and ruthless with his words, but also showing understanding and compassion.
When he ended reading this letter signed with a simple alias, Mathias, he leaned back on his chair while the wood in the fireplace was cracking, and with his eyes closed, he thought to himself.
'The ones who I think might be my closest allies, have a big chance of being my enemy. If I remember right, Antonina was the woman Theodora introduced to Belisarius, who seduced the general, and later on, started planning for getting her hands on power and influence. Blatantly cheating on her husband with men close to Belisarius, even doing their adopted son while the man was fighting for his glory."
"Does this Mathias associate Marie to Antonina? This is outrageous. … Wait, why does my reaction feel familiar? Belisarius reacted the same when Justinian told him the cold truth. It was actually Aria who introduced Marie in the past, how could such similarities exist? Who are you, Mathias? Are you the Avatar of Yatan who descended to corrupt me?"
Juander began reading again the letter, going on multiple times over its content, trying to make sense off all the entire hidden message, and without even sleeping that night while glancing at the fireplace with his ruby eyes that turned dead serious, he remarked to himself, as if he was conditioning his mind.
"I have to find this man to get to the whole truth, but I can't put pressure on him. I can't use Bain or Chesler, because their methods would alert him. I need someone with a delicate approach to draw him out, but who should I place my trust?"
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"The girl who was Piaro's squire, I will send her to find this person, Mathias."
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On another hand, as Juander had a sleepless night, the same could be stated for the crimson-haired young man who was standing in bed beside his beauty who was sleeping so deeply that it spellbound him.
Having his talk with Haycien about random stuff to fill his time until morning, a system notification appeared in front of his eyes that told him about a chain of events that progressed rather too quickly.
[Saharan Emperor Juander has taken note of you and your creation, along with your message. Affinity with Juander has been raised by 15 points]
[The Event 'The search of the Emperor' has been triggered. Beware, The Absolute will try to find out about your whereabouts. The risk of his enemies finding out about you has been increased by 5% which will result in their wrath being transmitted to you.]
'See old Hay, this is what I was worrying about. Can you read what this bugger says for me?'
{It is a survivable rate, so you might escape the executioner's blade. But don't worry son, you've said that you'll be away for two months. They will probably calm down by the time you return.}
'Indeed, it makes sense. But we should be proactive, and stage this meeting with Juander ahead. He seems to have read the book carefully and for once his brain functioned properly connecting the dots I placed for him without thinking with his dick. Wait, doesn't this mean he was at the shack when I passed the book.'
{Maybe. I am too weak to feel the presence of others around you.}
'Still, it doesn't matter, we'll soon start the cat and mouse game. I can't wait too see his punchable face.'
{Haha, you are still weak, you little bully. Be careful so you don't get burnt}
'Obviously.'
'Nonetheless, I shouldn't derail from my plans. When I return back, I will start going for the Red Knights, and join them, regardless of how ruthless the challenge would be for me.'
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The night had many interesting things in store for the outsiders while some schemed on their future others were working tirelessly their bodies to reach the pinnacle left behind by those dear to them, such was the case for a young lady that was 15 years old who was swinging a longsword in the empty training field of the Barracks.
Her appearance while training could smithen the outlooker with her silky blue hair that was dancing along with the flowing snow with each of the girl's swings as if she didn't feel the winter's cold in her steadfast training. Her sword form was balanced, not rushing herself with her drills, while her golden eyes were a mirror to her spirit.
"Captain, I am still weak, but soon I will find you and challenge you. You should have told me the reason you betrayed His Majesty, yet you simply disappeared leaving us all alone."
"Don't worry, I will look after the others in your absence."
It was her only way to destress from the miserable situation the Red Knights have dropped in since the betrayal of their former leader, Duke Piaro Welf, the Sword of the Empire, and captain of the Red Knights. She was just a young girl, not even matured enough and now had to shoulder the pressing weight of leading forward the Red Knights, the backbone of the Empire.
But she wasn't the only one thinking about the past, certainly no, many suffered tragic events and tried to cope with them, such was the case of a middle-aged man residing in an underground cave, belonging to a huge canyon in the north of the continent.
Even at night, this place boosted a grandiose scenic view, with the entrance following the river upwards through the curved walls, on the north cliff at the end of the canyon was the sacred place for the Eternal Kingdom, the Loran's Fall that was the stuff of legends for the common people.
This place was something to be deemed a sacred place that the middle-aged man found his cave seemingly to hide from someone. Nevertheless, the outside was filled with dangerous predators and monsters waiting in the shadows to take your head off and devour you.
You couldn't say that it was the case of the middle-aged man who built himself a fire and was roasting a giant crocodile that could scare anyone from first sight.
"I've finally arrived at Loran's Fall, from here now, I will have to start sorting out my plan for the ones I have to take revenge on. Asmophel, Marie, Juander, don't think I will forget about what you have done to me. My desire for vengeance runs deep, and until I see you dead, I will not rest."
[Piaro, valiant knight. Your waiting will not be long, I assure you]
Vol. 2 – Chapter 73 – Memories Can Hurt, Right?
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The Christmas event staged in the Night Fay Shop kept on going until night, where the group was shattered with all the participants having to go with their respective activities, such was the case for Red and his party, that left early, followed by Johan who acquired new information from Mathias about a certain someone that could build his musical instruments.
When night came, he accompanied Lady Ann and her granddaughter Joel to a new location beside the Wallmort, at the insistence of the old woman who saw that there weren't so many available spaces in Mathias and Fayrene's house. Yet, the one to offer help at that moment was Jeanne.
"Granny Ann, you can spend the winter with me, since I have available space."
"You didn't live here with the other two?"
"Usually I spend all my time here besides going to the Cathedral, but I can accompany you until things will be sorted out for you."
It was a chain of events that soothed Mathias a bit, knowing the limitations of the house, being built with the intent of housing a small number of people, not turning it into a center of aid for the needy. Apart from this, both Fayrene and Jeanne who were aware of why Lady Ann didn't want to be a hurdle for them, felt a slight discomfort, and while eyeing one another, Fayrene told Mathias in private.
@Fayrene: In the future I want to build a larger residence.
@Mathias: We will, don't worry. We will.
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The night ended with Jeanne spending her night with the old lady and her granddaughter, while Mathias who felt a bit down on how things worked out, was strolling toward Wallmort district coming from the Inner City.
{Why are you so down? It is understandable that you can't always everyone. Even I as Emperor I couldn't help every single soul that asked for my assistance, prayed for me in their nights. I am only a human in the end.}
'I feel weak and exposed.'
{Child, you have a kind heart for those you deem worthy of your attention. Don't think that old lady isn't appreciating your gesture, or that your girls will look down on you. Human nature is to be selfish only thinking about himself only him, what you are doing, trying to protect those kids from the cold, and giving food to others who might come knock on your door, is appreciable, more than those descendants of mine might have done}
'Hah, let's not badmouth them since they also might have tried to alleviate a bit the winter situation. But you are right, I shouldn't feel down. However, here I am sulking a bit.'
{It will pass. Let's stroll a bit more around the inner city, maybe you will refresh your mind.}
Agreeing with Haycien, he didn't go directly home, as he choose to stroll and bask in the night atmosphere of Titan, passing by the shops that still had their lights on, the restaurants and other places, when he approached the Imperial Palace he stopped turning his head up at the grandiose palace dwarfing over the Grand City, the King of Cities.
The surroundings of the palace was heavily guarded by Black Knights, while he guessed that the inside has a regiment of Red Knights stationed to assure the Imperial Family protection, and with most of the palace being like a beckon in the dark, he thought about a certain middle-aged man with long white hair, and ruby eyes just like his.
'Maybe I should give him the book by now. What do you think old Hay, will I get caught?'
{You want to do that plan I suggested you? Sneaking inside the Palace? It will be a cakewalk, lad, trust me.} asked the old man whose curiosity was aroused by what Mathias just implied.
'Huh? What are you talking about, old man? Obviously, no. Have you seen those knights? The chances of getting caught are high, which I would rather not play with my little life.'
{That's a bummer, you got me worked out to what to expect from the Palace. It seems I will have to cook my plan for longer.} remarked Haycien whose excited expression reverted back to his old, wrinkled face.
Hearing Haycien say that Mathias could only shrug a bit, and chuckle as he departed from the zone of the Palace, and moved toward another neighborhood that was familiar to him. The one where old Pliny and his Workshop would be housed, yet this location housed another man who would frequent around.
When Mathias returned here, the old man in his mind made a sound of understanding what's going on, and remained silent as the crimson-headed young man strolled in the night alley toward a small, old house, that was your average. Then, glancing around the windows from an outside perspective, he took a breath of relief knowing that no one was home, as it would make it uncomfortable.
{Go for it, lad. Let's see who this descendant of mine is. If he is competent or not for the job of leading humanity.}
Partially ignoring that remark, he later took out a book that was styled similar to the books of that time, 16-17th century, with a black leather cover, hand sewed down with precise needlework, where on the first page, was a sketch belonging to Fayrene with Justinian sitting in his Purple Throne with Theodora at his side.
'Do you magic Petrus. You helped me out once, it has to work twice, and if he reads it entirely, hopefully, he will reach my letter.'
{You should have placed that letter for that Juander at the beginning not at the end.}
'That in writing terms is called a [Aftewords] where I tell the reader my thoughts about the entire process or whatever, it doesn't have a settled principle.'
{I see, what if he doesn't read your book and simply throws it in the fire?}
'If I learn he did that, I'll break his legs when I am stronger than him.'
{Ohoo, weren't you against violence.}
'That's justified violence. I worked on that book a lot, rewriting and polishing certain parts.'
Mathias kept on bickering with Haycien, about silly things, before searching for a location to place his book and disappear from the neighborhood as one could call, a suspicious person. There were some spots he had in mind, but were impractical, with Juander having a low chance on checking, thus he did something straightforward, and inserted his book using an opening the house framework had at the door, and immediately departed from the neighborhood.
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Meanwhile, inside the same house, a middle-aged man wearing simple clothes with his long white hair tied down was looking at the fireplace that was burning with dim light, seeming to die out. The surroundings around him were completely dark with the exception of the fireplace.
His expression seemed to be somber as if he was contemplating about deep problems, but the moment he heard something at his door, as if something hit the floor, he turned his ruby eyes to that shined with a red light, while he extended his hand that released a red whisp that brought light into the room.
"Kids playing their jokes again? No, that was something that hit the ground."
Walking toward the door before picking the object that made its way inside, he opened the door and glanced around, where he saw the back figure of a crimson-haired man with long hair reaching his back.
"Crimson hair? I never heard of someone belonging to Saharan having that type of color. Maybe orange red, but that deep crimson. Ahh, could it be the one who helped the old stableman? Indeed, it might be him, the news about him reached even the ears of the courtiers and servants."
"Nevertheless, it got nothing to do with me so I'll not be concerned."
Seeing the crimson-haired man casually walk away exiting the neighborhood, Juander also stepped inside his house, and while walking toward the main room, to his chair, he picked up the foreigner object.
"A book?" asked Juander with some interest when he placed his hands on the strange book, that had a pleasant appearance to touch.
As he walked toward the fireplace, he used some of the dym light of the burning wood, to see what the book's content were, stumbling first on the story cover that had a man seated on a throne chair, in a palace room that was rather ancient, while at his side was a gorgeous woman that peered into the eye of the watcher, as the man seated on the throne was.
"Interesting piece of art. I wonder what this book is all about."
Turning the page, he saw the title of the book, [Justinian's Restoration], and started off with a curious mindset to take a glance at what the first chapters of the book contained. It didn't take long for Juander to discover what the story was about, bringing forth a new concept to him, of transmigration.
Nonetheless, with his interest picked, he went to start the fire again, lighting the room with some candles and placing an old blanket on himself that had many stitches to it. Juander began reading the book that strangely made its way inside his home, and with how long the night was, he continued reading, seeming to be captured by Petrus's journey, finding about his hardships from starting as someone with extraordinary knowledge that made even him the reader seem beneath him, the Emperor in his approaches.
From a farmer, becoming his uncle Co-Emperor, and later on, becoming Emperor, his journey was an unique experience for Juander who was born a royalty, never to experience the hardships Petrus or how the narrator would call him Justinian later on. It was the life of someone Juander started feeling respect, and taking note of certain ideas of the peasant boy whose mastery in the political game was hardly challenged by others.
Getting on with the story, he found certain characters that made his hands tremble, almost dropping the book in fire, when Justinian meet Theodora for the first time in the Hippodrome Arena. His trembling was caused by the shock of the similarities himself and his dear wife that unfortunately was called too soon to Rebecca's embrace, had in common with Juander and Theodora.
"Just like when I met Aria. How … Who is the one who managed to paint my life in such a chilling truth?"
Questions kept flooding Juander, but he resumed like someone brought in a trance to continue reading, the journey of Justinian into restoring the Roman Empire, and for that, he also found about the one Justinian considered his soul-brother, Belisarius, the one to lead alongside him his legions into battle.
"Brother Piaro …" commented Juander in his trance, shocked to find out about the brotherhood bound Justinian formed with Belisarius since the adolescence days, where the two would train together in the army, discussing life and other ideals that Juander marked in his head.
When Juander reached the moment where Belisarius was heavily wounded in the battle with the Sassanids, his heart ached him a bit, as if he already considered Belisarius, Piaro, the brother he betrayed by not listening to him.
"You can't die, Piaro. You still have to see the Empire being reborn."
Emotions were building up for Juander who couldn't see a way out from the encirclement Belisarius was placed in, with the Immortals of the Sassanids being like an executioner sword for his army, and yet, the mighty general didn't give up, encouraging his soldiers to resist for a bit more.
[My proud soldiers, stay strong! Our Emperor, the Chosen of God, Justinian, will come to reinforce us! Fight! Don't disappoint His Majesty by losing now, leaving him to fight alone against the enemy.]
Juander didn't know if Justinian would come to the rescue since he too was having a hard challenge of defeating the flanking Sassanids, but with the ticking of time, and with more Romans giving their souls for the Purple Phoenix, with Belisarius almost losing his voice from the orders he was giving his men when things seemed to be sealed for them, a young man wearing chainmail similar to mounted knights made his appearance followed by a large cavalry regiment formed from Heavy to Light Cavalry, that began shocking the enemy troops, known as the Roman Cataphract.
[Don't give up on the fight my sons! I, your Emperor have come to bring justice upon our lost friends and brothers! Charge my Legionnaires this is our win! Khosraw has been slain by me! THEY CAN'T WIN MY PEOPLE!]
"He did what? He wasn't fighting Khosraw since he left with his bodyguards before the war turned to be won by the Sassanids "
Juander was asking that, and pondered on the truth, but once the spirits of the enemy troops dropped when hearing the shocking truth, they began retreating, to which Justinian gave orders to the officers in his command to follow the Sassanids and slay more, making the surrounding lands into a bloodbath.
The part of the story he was reading ended with Justinian returning to Belisarius' side, and checking on his wounds, assuring him that he will still have to deal with his naggings. It was a pure display of manly brotherhood, that the Emperor and General were showing for the soldiers who were sanctifying Justinian in those moments of recollection for the Roman Legions.
That wholesome interaction, made Juander to tremble, remembering about his younger self who could say to had such a soul brother, a confidant, his right hand, Piaro, but because of certain circumstances, he would never serve him as General, or be considered brother.
"All because of me. Why didn't I listen to him and acted like a fool in anger?"
Juander could in those moments lament his past choices, blaming himself for those weaknesses he shown, and trying to find what happened next in the book, his trance ended with the end of the book, but what waited for him was something akin to a letter.
[I hope you enjoyed this story of mine, Lord Juander.
First let me apologize for placing you in a bad spot of remembering all those memories of yours, about Her Majesty Aria, or Duke Welf and maybe other characters you found familiar in my story, but this is life, sometimes we have to face the harsh truth and the consequences of our actions. At the same time, sorry for ending the book with a moment of suspense, but I didn't have much time to continue writing, but if we ever meet and you are curious to find more, I don't mind spoiling you.]
Juander who began reading this letter from what seemed to be the author of this book, it brought shock to him, especially when he mentioned those two names, strangers to him wouldn't even know. The fragments of his life, only him and those in question who experienced them could be allowed to remember. Yet this stranger painted something close to his life, and continuing reading the letter, the author asked him something with a sarcastic tint.
[Besides, now that I take my time to write this letter for you, I wanted to ask you. Don't you think Antonina is similar to your second wife? A vixen? Think about it, what Justinian did with her and what his rain of thoughts were targeting her. It will give you some answers to the problems you face. Your eternal worries, are you alone in this entire debacle?
Poor me, you might question my sanity for I talk with the Emperor in such way, but Lord, when we meet I will respond to your questions, about how I know you and the story. What you need to know is that I am an outlander whose intentions are peaceful, in your case. However, one of my goals is to rescue Piaro for a friend of mine.
Even now I sigh at how you managed that event, and I heard a ghost cursing about how one could be so blind, but again I don't put the blame on you. Don't condemn yourself for what you've done, understanding your mistake and trying to work into fixings them is the first step to redemption.]
Juander Red Energy was oscillating from the emotions this letter brought up, and constantly asked himself questions about the things brought up by this spirited person. Direct and ruthless with his words, but also showing understanding and compassion.
When he ended reading this letter signed with a simple alias, Mathias, he leaned back on his chair while the wood in the fireplace was cracking, and with his eyes closed, he thought to himself.
'The ones who I think might be my closest allies, have a big chance of being my enemy. If I remember right, Antonina was the woman Theodora introduced to Belisarius, who seduced the general, and later on, started planning for getting her hands on power and influence. Blatantly cheating on her husband with men close to Belisarius, even doing their adopted son while the man was fighting for his glory."
"Does this Mathias associate Marie to Antonina? This is outrageous. … Wait, why does my reaction feel familiar? Belisarius reacted the same when Justinian told him the cold truth. It was actually Aria who introduced Marie in the past, how could such similarities exist? Who are you, Mathias? Are you the Avatar of Yatan who descended to corrupt me?"
Juander began reading again the letter, going on multiple times over its content, trying to make sense off all the entire hidden message, and without even sleeping that night while glancing at the fireplace with his ruby eyes that turned dead serious, he remarked to himself, as if he was conditioning his mind.
"I have to find this man to get to the whole truth, but I can't put pressure on him. I can't use Bain or Chesler, because their methods would alert him. I need someone with a delicate approach to draw him out, but who should I place my trust?"
…
"The girl who was Piaro's squire, I will send her to find this person, Mathias."
.
.
On another hand, as Juander had a sleepless night, the same could be stated for the crimson-haired young man who was standing in bed beside his beauty who was sleeping so deeply that it spellbound him.
Having his talk with Haycien about random stuff to fill his time until morning, a system notification appeared in front of his eyes that told him about a chain of events that progressed rather too quickly.
[Saharan Emperor Juander has taken note of you and your creation, along with your message. Affinity with Juander has been raised by 15 points]
[The Event 'The search of the Emperor' has been triggered. Beware, The Absolute will try to find out about your whereabouts. The risk of his enemies finding out about you has been increased by 5% which will result in their wrath being transmitted to you.]
'See old Hay, this is what I was worrying about. Can you read what this bugger says for me?'
{It is a survivable rate, so you might escape the executioner's blade. But don't worry son, you've said that you'll be away for two months. They will probably calm down by the time you return.}
'Indeed, it makes sense. But we should be proactive, and stage this meeting with Juander ahead. He seems to have read the book carefully and for once his brain functioned properly connecting the dots I placed for him without thinking with his dick. Wait, doesn't this mean he was at the shack when I passed the book.'
{Maybe. I am too weak to feel the presence of others around you.}
'Still, it doesn't matter, we'll soon start the cat and mouse game. I can't wait too see his punchable face.'
{Haha, you are still weak, you little bully. Be careful so you don't get burnt}
'Obviously.'
'Nonetheless, I shouldn't derail from my plans. When I return back, I will start going for the Red Knights, and join them, regardless of how ruthless the challenge would be for me.'
.
The night had many interesting things in store for the outsiders while some schemed on their future others were working tirelessly their bodies to reach the pinnacle left behind by those dear to them, such was the case for a young lady that was 15 years old who was swinging a longsword in the empty training field of the Barracks.
Her appearance while training could smithen the outlooker with her silky blue hair that was dancing along with the flowing snow with each of the girl's swings as if she didn't feel the winter's cold in her steadfast training. Her sword form was balanced, not rushing herself with her drills, while her golden eyes were a mirror to her spirit.
"Captain, I am still weak, but soon I will find you and challenge you. You should have told me the reason you betrayed His Majesty, yet you simply disappeared leaving us all alone."
"Don't worry, I will look after the others in your absence."
It was her only way to destress from the miserable situation the Red Knights have dropped in since the betrayal of their former leader, Duke Piaro Welf, the Sword of the Empire, and captain of the Red Knights. She was just a young girl, not even matured enough and now had to shoulder the pressing weight of leading forward the Red Knights, the backbone of the Empire.
But she wasn't the only one thinking about the past, certainly no, many suffered tragic events and tried to cope with them, such was the case of a middle-aged man residing in an underground cave, belonging to a huge canyon in the north of the continent.
Even at night, this place boosted a grandiose scenic view, with the entrance following the river upwards through the curved walls, on the north cliff at the end of the canyon was the sacred place for the Eternal Kingdom, the Loran's Fall that was the stuff of legends for the common people.
This place was something to be deemed a sacred place that the middle-aged man found his cave seemingly to hide from someone. Nevertheless, the outside was filled with dangerous predators and monsters waiting in the shadows to take your head off and devour you.
You couldn't say that it was the case of the middle-aged man who built himself a fire and was roasting a giant crocodile that could scare anyone from first sight.
"I've finally arrived at Loran's Fall, from here now, I will have to start sorting out my plan for the ones I have to take revenge on. Asmophel, Marie, Juander, don't think I will forget about what you have done to me. My desire for vengeance runs deep, and until I see you dead, I will not rest."
[Piaro, valiant knight. Your waiting will not be long, I assure you]
