Caera POV

  I sat in front of a mirror. My illusion pendant sitting around my neck as I stared at myself. My black onyx horns were invisible, but the metaphorical weight they carried was always with me. It was lucky that my blood manifested when I was alone with Lady Seris.

  I could only imagine what would have been done to me if my state was found out. Probably shipped away to one of the High Sovereign’s labs to be experimented on to turn into a living weapon. I probably should have known when Lady Seris didn’t turn me in that she was different.

  She always was I suppose, from what I have seen of the other Scythes or even Retainers they were far more arrogant of their position and waved their authority around. While Lady Seris and Retainer Cylrit were far more reserved. Perhaps she was cautious with me as well, and the reason why she took me under her wing at such a young age, before all that propaganda took hold of my brain.

  She had revealed that had her own motives for recommending my services to the High Sovereign. And deemed my assignment as an undercover plant within Dicathen to be a good chance for her to peer closer into the High Sovereign’s plans. Even all of the Scythes apart from Cadell were blind to Lord Agrona’s machinations.

  Although I would have liked to have known before I was tossed into a continent we were at war with. I understood that Lady Seris thinks highly of me and I am flattered, but still. And she hadn’t fully revealed to me her true intentions, though for her to place so much trust in me as to risk both of lives on it I would believe it had to be some grander plan. For now she had just told me to go on with my mission but to contact only her and that she would be the one to report my findings to the High Sovereign.

  “All done my lady.” One of my house attendants who was doing my makeup said as she turned so we could both see me in the mirror.

  I had told her time and time again to keep it simple and for once it seemed to have worked. Nothing too drastic, such touching up the small imperfection of my face and ruby red tint on my lips that matched my eyes.

  I smiled as I lightly laughed. “Thank you Aria.”

  “It was my pleasure, your lady.” She smiled back as she offered me her hand.

  I took it as she helped me onto my feet. I walked, with some difficulty with the high heels she insisted I wear to the taller full-body mirror as I looked at myself.

  My deep navy blue dress flowed behind me as it had flecks of gold and silver that looked like night sky on the dark almost black background that resembled my hair. It was nothing too extravagant, and some would say the colors were a bit lacking but it was what I wanted.

  During my time at the academy I had spent much of my free time studying Arthur from a distance. From the people he spoke to and interacted with to the friend ground he was a part of.

  He was a good looking man, even at that young age so he was always surrounded by girls who bombarded him with questions to which he always seemed to snake out of. And the two girls he was close with, Tessia and Kathyln were already very beautiful indeed. So I deemed seduction and physical attraction wasn’t the way to go with Arthur.

  But then how would I get close to him? Lady Seris has told me to keep a close on Arthur, saying I could learn from him if I did so. Maybe back during the academy days but now? He was a newly crowned king, which was another thing I’m still confused about, while I am some random noble girl.

  While the small report I had received from Alacryan spies around Dicathen about Arthur wasn't extensive, I don’t think even the High Sovereign would have expected some boy to rise so quickly. It made me wonder if there was some sort of connection with the Vritra or even the asuras that Arthur was hiding. It would make sense with the strange mana arts he used as well as his demeanor and intelligence despite his young age.

  Why else would the tri-union council just give him the throne? But that also brought into question the Djinn forces he utilized. That would mean either that the Djinn were in hiding or they dwelled within the deepest parts of the Relictombs. And that would also mean that Arthur has been to the Relictombs despite them not being a known thing within Dicathen.

  The more I tried to make any sense of Arthur and his background my head spun. There were just too many things to take into consideration, and I was supposed to be tailing him? There were even rumors and reports that he matched Lord Aldir in combat while he still donned his mask as Grey. And why would he still be using that name? An effort to protect his family I presumed, but even so.

  “Lady Caera? Are you feeling alright?” Aria said as she stared back at me with a worried expression.

  Slightly shaking my head, I reassured her. “Just a bit nervous, that’s all.”

  “Ah dear, you look absolutely wonderful. I am sure all the boys will be too dumbfounded to even speak to you.” She joked, but behind that friendly smile I knew there was the face of a cold-blooded killer.

  She hid the runes on her back, as did all Alacryan spies. But from the way she carried herself to the pressure of mana she gave off she had at the very least an Emblem, heck I wouldn’t even be surprised if she possessed something more. It would make sense to send in some agents and spies who could hold their own if it came down to it.

  “Thank you, Aria. You may leave now.” I said as I sat myself in front of the dresser and began fixing my hair. Aria had also wanted to do my hair but I had protested, in truth I didn’t want her somehow finding my invisible horns. She gave up in the end, but I could tell she wasn’t fully convinced of my reasons.

  “As you wish, my lady.” She said with a small bow and walked to the door and opened it. And before she closed the door behind her she turned her head to look back at me.

  “And my lady, do try to enjoy yourself.” She said with an almost sad looking smile on her face as she closed the door.

  Her last expressions stayed with me for a while. She was my caretaker during my time in Dicathen, you could even say she was my second mother. I suppose she was the closest thing to it. I did have fake parents of course, as a noble girl in Dicathen it would have been weird for me to just pop out of nowhere with no family ties.

  In truth it would seem Alacrya was aware of the existence of Dicathen for a while now, at least long enough to have multiple agents acting as families of every social class. I only saw and interacted with my “parents” on official occasions, they even wore contacts to match my eye color. But they were never the ones to take care of me, it was Aria who did.

  And I wondered if she saw me as some kind of daughter figure because of that. That would explain her sorrowful look she gave me. I did happen to overhear one of her conversations with another attendant, complaining that I was far too young for such dangerous work. Nevertheless it did feel comforting that there was at least someone on this continent that cared for me.

  And I do suppose it is time to get going. In a flurry of motions I tied my hair into a braid that fell over my left shoulder. At the very least I was getting close with Tessia for what that is worth. She is the childhood friend of Arthur and a source of most of the personal information I had about Arthur.

  We had been training with each other at the flying castle whenever we had time. I of course could never go full out and use soulfire, but Tessia was improving quickly. Getting used to my swordsmanship she was matching my movements I wouldn’t expect from a girl her age. She seems to be fueled by the need to prove herself and to not be deadweight to those around her. From what I heard she suffered a massive defeat during one of the battles where most of her squad had died.

  While using such negative emotions to fuel yourself was better than letting it eat away at you I sometimes think she is going too hard on herself. Still, there was a feeling of guilt. Tessia was someone who truly viewed me as a friend, while I only see her as a useful source of information or maybe even leverage against Arthur someday.

  It was like a cold slap in the face when I put it like that. The only other real friend was my adoptive older brother, and it had been years since I last saw him. I wondered if he had become a successful ascender as he told me he would.

  But for now I pushed those thoughts to the back of mind as I prepared to leave for the party. I traced my fingers around the pendant that rested around my neck. Feeling its mana signature and finding comfort in it.

  Closing my eyes I eased my breathing as I muttered under my breath. “I place my trust in you, Lady Seris.”

  ***

  I arrived at the flying castle. The usual somber and serious tone that loomed around the reclaimed Djinn structure turned war base was much for lively. Warm lights illuminated the front entranceway in the setting sun. There were many more people arriving as well.

  From some of the well decorated carriages and mana beast rides they were of the higher class of society. But to my surprise there seemed to be far more non-nobles than one would have expected at such an event.

  But it wasn’t that much of a surprise if you take into consideration the current king. Arthur came into office with sweeping reforms to the tax code as well as how the crown dealt with noble houses. He had demanded higher taxation on the nobles as well as refusing any sort of sponsorship or partnership with them. And instead focus his attention on the common people as well as the war effort. Which was the main reason why so many noble families held such hatred for him.

  But from what I knew of Grey, even when he was young he had the mind of an adult. The way he functions it made me question what kind of life he had lived. He was doing this on purpose, or at least knew the backlash he would receive. But he would also know that it would help him garner popularity among the common people.

  Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  And from the reports and news I have been seeing, Grey likes to lead directly from the frontlines, a stupid strategy for anyone else, but he clearly wasn’t a regular human. Which only made him more likable to soldiers and has gained him the respect of fellow mages and adventurers. So much so that there have been whispers of a growing religious following surrounding him.

  My “family” here was already moving in to investigate these cults that have been popping up mostly in larger cities or armies for now. Was Grey perhaps trying to completely restructure the social class system? The nobles so far have only been tolerating his actions due to the war and Grey’s personal power, even then some of them are getting deeply bothered by them and will start to move eventually.

  And if the war was to end Grey would be in one hell of a position dealing with the fallout and damage of the war as well as the angry nobles.

  My head began to hurt, it probably didn’t help that I didn’t eat much today. I was too busy fretting about this party that I hardly bothered. It was then when my servant Aria’s words came back to me.

  What was I so worried about? This was a part first and foremost, I should at least look like I am enjoying it to sell the part. I quickly shook my head of these thoughts as I carefully walked on my high heels to the entrance.

  Even now I could sense the eyes of several other nobles, mostly from the boys but I paid them no mind as I got the entrance.

  “Name?” The guard at the gate asked in a curt and firm voice.

  “Caera Denoir.” I replied as I retrieved a pendant with my supposed family’s crest that labeled me as one of their own.

  The guard looked over my identification and let me through. The interior of the castle was similarly different from its usual facade. Large banners celebrating all three separate kingdoms of Dicathen as well as others of note, like the Adventurer’s Guild hung from the walls and ceiling. The whole entry lobby was turned into a reception area of sorts as people shuffled around. With the long hallways leading to the main gathering area of the castle turned into a great ballroom with an elevated stage at the far end with long tables full of all kinds of food.

  I almost had to slap myself to restrain my hunger as I quickly made my way to the food. My eyes were set on a dish of a red sea crustacean I haven’t seen before. But I could see its shell cracked open to expose the juicy meat inside. I could feel saliva gathering in my mouth as I carefully reached for one.

  “Caera is that you!” A familiar voice called out to me. I quickly turned to see Tessia dragging along another girl with her.

  Tess had a beautiful dress fashioned in old elven style clothing that was grey and black in color. Patterns were sown into her dress in a way that made them look like the branches of ancient trees. But the wonderful dress wasn’t enough to distract from Tessia’s gorgeous face, she had the look and quality of a princess from a fairytale book. Well defined features that were still somehow soft in a way that made her look both beautiful as well as cute.

  We usually saw each other as sweaty messes, Tessia and I had grown a friendly rivalry of sorts. Always training with each other when we had the chance. Well, she said it was a rivalry but I think she placed some different meaning behind those words. But seeing her all refined and dressed up like this made me and my simple outfit a bit embarrassing. Still I smiled, at least with Tess I did consider her as a friend of sorts.

  “Princess Tessia, your dress looks wonderful.” I commented as I bowed while holding up the skirt of my dress slightly.

  Tessia quickly lowered herself to my level. “I thought I told you to not treat me like that!” She said as she forced me to stand up straight.

  “Apologizes, you are making me feel a bit inadequate, you know.” I added.

  “Oh? Is the academy president nervous or even intimidated? I must say though.” She said with a laugh as she circled around me.

  “You aren’t looking too bad yourself.” She said as she returned to stand in front of me.

  “It would seem Tessia sees you as a love rival, Caera.” The girl next to Tessia finally spoke. Her shoulder length red hair was tied behind her head in a small tail, and she herself was wearing a simple grey dress that brought out her natural hourglass figure.

  It took her speaking to make me realize that she was Claire Bladeheart. The last I had seen of her was back during the attack on Xyrus Academy, and after that she had joined her family to help with the war effort. From what I have heard she was a formidable force on the frontline, which makes sense from her blood I suppose.

  “My goodness Claire, it has been far too long.” I extended a hand but instead Claire took it and brought me into a hug which made me flinch a little. I just hoped she didn’t notice it, or took it as shock of her sudden gesture.

  “It has Caera! Far too long.” She exclaimed.

  But still, I didn’t expect her to be here. With her connection to the Adventurer’s Guild as well as involvement in the frontlines I would have expected her to sit this one out. But that Guild banner hanging in the entryway should have been a clue.

  Unlike Alacrya, Dicathen's Adventurer’s Guild operated as a separate entity to the main form of government. In fact, the Dicathens’s Guild seemed to dislike being tangled in any political affairs, so for them to be here and have their banner shown proudly meant something had changed under Grey’s rule.

  “But what are you doing here Claire? Slacking off?” I said in a joking manner in case she didn’t respond well.

  Claire eventually released me as she rejoined Tess’ side. She had grown much in these years, she was well-built before. Focusing mainly on physical combat and it would seem the war has only given her the chance to fully grow. I still wasn’t used to sensing for a person’s mana core level to gauge their strength but it would seem Claire was at least around the middle stage of yellow core, however I would deem to guess she could even best high cored mages if the condition was right.

  “Well, it was actually my uncle who invited me to tag along with him.”

  “Your uncle, Kaspian Bladeheart?” I questioned. So even a prominent representative of the Guild was here.

  “Yep, he told me to go ahead and catch up with some friends as he attended to some business.” Claire spoke, clearly proud of her uncle’s position. I knew Claire had doubts before, of the high expectations of her family but it would seem some of that has mellowed out. I guess war matures everyone.

  “Also what was that thing you said before, about a love rival?” I questioned before Tessia quickly jumped in between us.

  “We don’t need to talk about that!” She shouted, drawing several sets of eyes towards us which only made her turn red.

  Claire only silently gestured to me, telling me that she’d inform me later. It was then when the sound of trumpets blaring drew our attention to the large ascending staircase that was right next to the large stage that was set up.

  Several soldiers dressed in jet-black armor stood in neat formation as two larger armored soldiers with gold decoration stood at both sides of the staircase.

  “Presenting his royal majesty!” A formless voice echoed as from the top of the staircase two figures began to descend.

  Grey was the subject of many girl’s infatuation back at the academy and seeing him now. I had seen him several times before but seeing him all dressed up now. I can understand those girls now.

  His milky white skin almost seemed to glow in the brightly lit ballroom as his blonde hair was tied back to show off the back of his neck, not all of it but enough to send your imagination running. His ethereal golden eyes swept across the room as he walked down the steps and I could feel my heart race as his eyes met mine. It was only for a split second but it felt as though he was peering directly into my soul.

  He was dressed in a simple yet formal set of clothes. It was befitting someone of his stature but it seemed a bit plain, the only thing that really set his outfit apart was the fur pelt he had draped over his shoulders that gave off the airs of true royalty. But his clothes didn’t need to be flashy, his mere presence was enough. I couldn’t tell if I was having hard time breathing because I was holding my breath or if Grey himself was exerting such pressure.

  Next to him was a girl with similar features, the same hair and eyes. With a set of onyx horns that grew out of her head and curved downwards. The horns, they reminded me all too much of Vritra horns. She wore a simple black dress and climbed down the stairs as she and Grey held hands.

  The entire room was silent as Grey and Sylvie walked onto the stage. Looking at them now, Sylvie was a spitting image of Grey. It made sense why so many thought they were blood relatives, although it wouldn’t be a stretch to call her his daughter from the way he treated her.

  “Ladies and Gentleman, thank you all for joining us here today.” He used no sound amplifying artifact but his voice seemed to be carried naturally around the entire room. He didn’t raise his voice, it was more like he was speaking directly into our ears.

  “I usually don’t like to indulge in such fanciful things myself. I believed that ever since given my new position it was my duty to act in the best interest of Dicathen’s citizens.”

  From the corners of my eye I could see the faces of some grumpy nobles as well as the other royal families who were all standing behind Grey. It seemed that only the Glayder’s were the ones unhappy among the royals however, while commander Virion had a proud smile.

  “But I have been reminded that from time to time it is alright, or perhaps even needed to celebrate what deserves to be celebrated.”

  As he spoke, Lance Varay and Kaspian Bladeheart joined him on the stage. Kaspian wore a simple yet clean military outfit befitting his position. While Varay was in her formal Lance outfit consisting of a pure white suit with gold markings denoting her Lance status.

  “Thanks to all of your effort and consideration for this war we have been able to drive away the initial forces of Alacryan invaders.”

  As he said this a loud cheer erupted from the right corner of the room. Turning my head I saw a group of young men and women with large mugs of alcohol in their hands. Judging from their more untamed nature as well as their more casual attire they seemed to be soldiers. They seemed to absolutely adore Grey even more in their drunk state.

  “But I want to highlight two individuals today. Lance Varay.” He said as he gestured towards the female Lance. She took a firm step forward. Then with a flash of purple magic a solid block of ice materialized from Grey’s dimensional storage.

  Even from this distance the presence of the block of ice seemed to drop the entire room temperature as white fog came off of it. But the more shocking thing was what was held inside. A twist creature in the form of a human, I recognized it almost instantly however, Retainer Jagrette. To think she would have fallen to a Lance.

  “It was Lance Varay who single handedly subdued this Alacryan Retainer.” The room clapped, it was widely known that Scythes and Retainers were the apex of Alacrya’s forces in this war. Even their titles carried heavy weight, but seeing one of their very own Lances defeat one would surely boost morale.

  “Now a dead Retainer is worth a celebration, but we didn’t all bring you out here for only one little surprise.” He added with a slight smile as he motioned for Kaspian to join him. Kaspian stepped forward as he bowed his hand on his chest.

  “Mr. Bladeheart here with adventurer’s from his guild assisted me in capturing an even bigger target.” Grey announced as with another flash of purple a large cage appeared right beneath the stage.

  The entire thing was large, comparable to a small carriage in size. With heavy duty bars etched with some kind of runic language I could only presume strengthened it. The figure inside it was hunched over on his knees with his arms chained to the floor. And I could even sense the mana signature of the captive despite his core clearly being sealed, it hung heavy in the air and smelled like death itself.

  I audibly gasped as I figured out who he was. It was only not heard from the mutters and gasps of other people in the room. I could still see the broken stumps where his horns once were, and it made me wonder just what the hell Grey did or even how truly powerful he was to be able to completely overwhelm and capture such a thing.

  “Ladies and gentleman, I present to you one of the five Scythes of Alacrya, Scythe Dragoth of Vechor.”

  Author's Notes

  In this chapter I wanted to explore Caera as a character more. I honestly regret some decisions I have made in this fanfic, mostly in terms of rushing content. I feel like if I had more time and more chapters to further develop characters it would have been better and some parts of the story feel like a waste. But I guess I'll just have to work with what I got for now.

  Also I'd like for you guys to keep in mind that this Caera is a different character from the original. She is younger and has less experience since she left Alacrya at a young age. And her being seperated from Seris means her training has been cut short and is lacking compared to the original.

  I also wanted to show off the changed world from a different perspective, since Arthur could hardly been considered normal. As well as Caera clearly understanding that Seris' motives don't exactly align with the Agrona's but even Seris is cautious to not involve her pupil just yet, at least not directly. So she is conflicted on what to do, on one hand she has made herself some close friends but she knows that she is betraying their trust.

  Just some interesting internal conflict to change up the pace.

  And seeing the world from her eyes just shows how far ahead Arthur is right now. And since Seris is getting more information about Arthur through Caera, it gives her more reason to place her bet on Arthur in this war.

  The next few chapters will be based around this party, and there will a certain unannounced guest who will come with intentions to crash the party soon.

  Anyways, hope you guys liked this chapter. If you have any questions, comments, or critques please feel free to leave them in comments.

  Thank you all for taking time out of your day to read this and have a good day.