The others became alert as soon as they heard that. They peered further into the distance, only to behold an oxen, coming into their direction. Although it was not that huge; rather it was quite average in size, it was still able to pose a potential threat though- given the ferocity at which it stomped on the ground. "How..." Theodore began, as he rose to his feet, obviously speechless. He was surprised to see just a beast turn out at the middle of nowhere, charging recklessly into all manner of things. "Now would be a good opportunity to slay it down, I believe." Garren stated, wielding his sword, as he gazed further into the distance. Diego glanced at him for a moment. "I would not be so certain, If I were you." He stated, before giving a sigh. "Why not? It is already at a weakened state." Garren argued, clenching his sword. True to what the man had said earlier on, blood tricked ceaselessly from the beast's side; but what made the issue to be even more complicated were the innumerable arrows protruding from its backside. "It is already in an agitated state." Diego explained, to those who knew no wiser. "A perpetual attack would only worsen the state of things, at the risk of our lives." He further elaborated. "But that is rather ridiculous, I might say." Selene added, with a pondering gaze. "Being able to stage an ambush of a beast of such magnitude, yet still being unable to slay it?" She asked. Diego glanced for a moment at the woman at his side. "We should consider ourselves rather fortunate, If not.." A frown came to Diego's face momentarily, when he felt the verocity of the breeze which went past his ears. A deafening bellow came to the ears of all who were present, and the oxen finally locked its eyes to their location; finally made aware of their presence. "Darren!" Selene exclaimed, after observing the man who had shot the arrow, his arms outstretched. "What do you intend to imply by these insidious behavior of yours? Can you not simply adhere to simple instructions?" Selene asked, glancing at the man angrily. "Now is not the time for you to sow discord, my lady." Diego simply stated, as he glanced further into the distance, before glancing at the rest of the men who were present. "If you wish to live, then I best advice for you to leave the way." Diego stated, immediately running out of the arena in haste, assuming that the others would do the same. He need not worry about Theodore and Douen, though- they dashed out at the same moment he did. The angry thumping of hooves could be heard smacking against the ground- but when the man peered out, a soft sigh escaped his Lips. "It appears to me- that I sigh ever so often these days." He stated, before recoiling back to where he sought shelter. He glanced at his open palm, before clenching them once more. "I know you can hear me, and you can behold the situation which I am currently in, at the moment." He muttered, with his eyes shut. "It displeases me to ask, but I would need to borrow your ability, just this once."
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The splash of red became much more clearly highlighted, as the sun crept below the horizon. It was only but a single splash, how could anyone have possibly noticed? In the hallways however, a man had just finished placing on his butler's uniform. "I believe this feature suits me better." He stated, a smile on his face, turning his head this way and that. While he was falling head over heels at his own reflection; a group of butlers walked past him. The man frowned for some time, as he watched them move in a hastened manner. "I do not have a reason to be suspicious, but.." He paused for some time, a slight smirk comings to his face. "That aura, I know it quite well." He added, before secretly trailing them from behind. "It would be the best If I were to watch for the meantime, the situation may just turn the tides to be in my favor."
Crumbs of food fell upon the pages of a book, being ever visible, since the pages were white. "How clumsy I am." A voice muttered, while a delicate hand brushed away the pieces which displaced themselves on her cover. Her hand however, Paused at her occupations for a moment, before raising her head. "Lisa, did you perhaps here something?" She asked, her blue eyes darting into the corner of the one who stood at the far end of the room. She had her hair packed into a pony tail at the moment, her complexion returning to its usual hue after her little refreshment. Dorothy on the other hand, was nowhere to be seen- She had to leave in order to tend to the children. Lisa glanced at her with exhausted eyes. "Such as what, my lady?" She inquired, hobbling towards her. Diane placed a hand on her chest- Why did it seem as though something went out of her? "I am not sure- maybe a whisper, perhaps." The damsel stated, while her eyes blankly stared In the direction of her book. When she came about, though- she discovered that the book had been shut, and was currently in Lisa's arms. "I am not done with reading that, yet." Diane explained, while stretching her hands forth, towards the maiden. "My lady, are you certain?" Lisa asked, as she handed the book over to the latter, who accepted it with a beam on her face. "Are the auditory hallucinations not due to exhaustion?" She asked, a worried look on her face. "Such Is not the case." Diane simply stated, unable to give an appropriate response to the phenomena, which occurred earlier. "If my lady so insists- Just remember not to stress yourself too much." The maid stated, before feeling a tingling sensation on her wrist. She glanced downwards at the bracelet in her hand, immediately placing one hand before the other, so that Diane may not take notice the soft light, which emanated from it. "Anyway my lady, you should remember to call whenever you so desire my presence." Lisa replied curtly, as she picked up the plates on the table. But Diane's eyes was fixated on her wrist- which caused The maid to ponder if the damsel had observed anything. "That is a rather beautiful bracelet, Lisa." Diane complimented, as she gazed up at the latter. "Thank you for the kind words, my lady- someone whom I hold dear to my heart, gifted this to me." Lisa explained, Although she was aware that there was no cause for such. Diane tilted her head slightly- This was the first she heard Lisa speak In such a format. She could not Help but wonder, who this beloved was. "I must have exhausted you, Lisa." Diane stated with a small smile, as she glanced towards the direction of the latter. "Not at all, my lady- my life is dedicated to serve the members of these family, in the first instance." She admitted, before picking up the cup and the saucer. "I shall clear these dishes now, and return to your side as quickly as possible." Lisa stated, walking out of the library without looking backwards. "I wonder what this is that brought this up." Lisa stated, as she closed the door of the library behind her, before inserting a small artifact in between, which had a red gem at the middle. "Forgive me my lady, but the affairs is in my palm no longer." Lisa muttered to herself, as she once again placed up the cutleries which she placed on the center table. "But such an incident barely ever occurs at this place, so I can only hope that there be a probable explanation for this." She added, before walking down the corridors in her haste.
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"Never expected her to give consent." Diego stated lightly, as Time began to move slowly in his eyes. So amazing was it, that he could even witness the direction the winds went. And once again, the dismayed faces came into view, as well as the man, who had the damsel In his embrace, his back turned towards the beast. "Is he honestly a fool?" Diego asked none in particular, as he rose to his feet. "He would be trampled to the soil before he even realizes it." He added, as he slowly made his way towards the beast. He was the only one of whom locomotion was rendered possible, in this domain. "The only possible way is.." Diego stated, as he glanced at the beast once more. "The only way is up." A voice completed the statement, causing the man to click his tongue. "Feel free to be pleased by this- the event shall not last for so long anyway" Diego stated, as he climbed to the back of the beast. "Ah, we have developed an attitude, haven't we?" The voice stated, with a slight chuckle. Without a moment's warning, time suddenly returned to its usual course, causing Diego to grab hard to the horns of the bull, in order to prevent the two figures from getting stomped to their deaths. "She could have given me a warning, at Least!" Diego stated while gritting his teeth. "Diego!" "Lord Diego!" Diego could not Help but turn his head as he heard that, only to behold Theodore and Douen turning to him with anxious looks. "Is there not something we could do?" Serene called out from the background, having been released from the grasp of her knight. "You sure have the audacity to speak- it is due to your cause that we find ourselves within this context in the first place!" Theodore scolded her, his eyes showing much animosity towards the latter. "Can we not use magic or something?" Doeun called out, In haste. "No." Diego stated, thoroughly gritted teeth, attempting his utmost to not losen his grip on the horn. "That would be rather inappropriate..." The whole moment he spoke, he had ben attempting to get the bull to turn around- and at the crucial moment, he finally succeeded In getting the beast to turn- if it didn't, it's neck would be snapped in half. It turned around reluctantly, away from the group, all the while trying to offset the man which sat on its back. "We have to attempt something, at least.." Douen stated, an impatient look on his face. "No, there are too many risks involved; and we would end up placing Diego in an even more disadvantageous position..." "Lord Diego!" Selene could not Help but exclaim, when she observed the man being thrown across the area like a broken doll. Diego gave a violent cough As his back landed against the tree; he was definitely certain that the impact caused his ribs to get broken in the process. "Still alive, now, are you?" Diego asked himself with a slight smile, while a warm trail of red slowly trailed down his lips. "Well, if ever I were to die here; I would not go down alone." He added, as he tried to rise to his feet; Although he knew the effort would yield no result. "And who permitted for you to die so easily?" A voice came to Diego's hearing. Diego's eyes widened momentarily- he had not predicted such an outcome In the slightest. As the bull came into Close proximity with him, he could feel a surge of dark matter surrounding his heart. "Just what do you.." Diego began, but the entity could not bother itself to deliver an appropriate response. "Such an imprudent beast." The voice continued to mutter, the intonation stating that it was willing to make a move, but the sound of the hide being pierced made it to consider otherwise. "Are you alright?" Theodore, who still had the arrow in his hand, came running over. Diego glanced up at his cousin, before his eyes darted towards the direction of the fallen creature. "What does it appear to be?" He inquired, a slight smile coming to his face. Theodore could only exhale, a displeased experience on his face. "Enough with your sarcasm, Diego." Theodore stated, as he caused the man to rise to his feet. "It is nothing short of a miracle that you are still able to run your mouth." Diego would have preferred to scoff at that, but his aching ribs did not permit for such an action. Both men hobbled over to where the rest of the gang was, who had looks of anticipation on their faces. "Lord Diego, I.." Selene stated, wanting to assist, but Theodore crudely slapped her hands away. "The Household of Turrain would surely be in ruins, if someone as you so happens to be the leader." Theodore stated, as he glared at the maiden with much anger. "Theodore." The man stated, causing his cousin to turn towards his direction. "If your family fails to unveil the truth; then a stranger most certainly will." The man simply stated, as he re-directed his gaze towards Selene. "If she can barely even control the behavior of those that follow her; how could she be possibly expected to govern the affairs of an entire district?" He added, before turning towards the man- the sole cause of such a calamity.
.....
The crimson haired damsel could not Help but gape as she witnessed the scene that slowly unfolded itself before Her. She immediate rose to her Feet, unsure of whether or not to render assistance or not. "But will they not be astonished as to the reason I am here?" She muttered to herself, as she paced in great haste before the blue tent. "What am I to do.." "Lucille." The familiar voice called out to her, catching the damsel by surprise. Her green eyes stared into his silver ones, as her eyes widened momentarily in shock. "How did.." "Theodore, you can place me down now. I only got hurt slightly- I am not an invalid." Diego stated, as he brought himself to seat on the floor. "Slightly?" Theodore scoffed, as he gazed at his cousin. "I am even amazed that you had the audacity to let them go, after all they have done to you!" Theodore exclaimed, while the overly confused Lucille helplessly glanced from one man to the other. "Who is it that agitated you so much, Theodore?" Lucille could not Help but ask. She had never borne witness of the latter becoming irritated for whatsoever reason. "It is a few from the house of Turrain, they.." "That Is enough." Diego suddenly interrupted, not giving him a chance to speak further. "You were so concerned about my well-being just now, why is it that you have Placed me upon the face of the earth?" Diego inquired, In am obviously annoyed tone. "But you are the one.." Theodore was speechless, before giving a helpless sigh. "Alright then, my lord." He quipped, not bothering himself in the slightest to raise the invalid up with care. "I shall lead you into the tent now." He added, before leading the man into the tent. Lucille hesitated for a while, before ushering herself inside as well.
"You are not even her husband, for goodness sake." She heard Theodore say, when she initially stepped her foot In. "She claimed to have a husband, did she not? Then, he should fulfill his role of keeping her safe..." Theodore paused for a while- Diego was not in the mood to listen to his ceaseless bantering, but the latter had fixated his eyes into a particular area of the tent instead. He Nearly flinched when he noticed the persona staring at him with a calm gaze- only then had he been made aware of her presence. "Play the role of a husband?" Lucille Muttered, as she stared at the man who was seated on his sleeping bag. 'A husband? To whom?' Lucille thought, while biting her lower lip. 'They could possibly speak of Diane, could they? Could it be..' She resisted about thinking of such am matter. 'Do they wish to make it formal now?' "Ah- we were just talking about the daughter of the Turrain household." Theodore explained, after glancing at Diego for a moment. "It is due to her cause, that Diego is currently in the situation you behold him, as." "Would you stop blaming the damsel?" Diego asked, turning to him. "No one had ever anticipated a strange turn of events, and.." "The daughter of the Turrain family i.s wedded now?" Lucille cocked her head- of course, she would be aware of the existence of such a family- she was of royal blood, not to mention that family was.. poorly versed In the aspect of magic. "How come I have never heard of such?" She added, causing Diego to sigh, for reasons which were best known to him. Theodore frowned for a slight moment, before glancing out of the tent for a slight moment. "Pardon, I will be back in a moment." He declared, before stepping out of the tent. Diego glanced at Lucille from the corner of his eyes. "If anyone had beheld you stepping into this tent, then they would surely have misconceptions." Diego stated, before turning his head away from her direction. "Such as?" Lucille asked, before noticing that the man was struggling to take off his shirt. "Let me be of assistance." Lucille stated. "There Is no need.." Diego stated, but the damsel had already done the deed. "Is the pain, excruciating in any way?" She asked, after seeing the bluish- black bruise on his back. "So, is she indeed here?" A voice called out, causing Lucille to Halt in her occupations. "What is he doing here?" Lucille gritted her teeth, turning towards the tent. "Diego, his highness." A voice called out, but Diego interrupted. "I am aware, you may let him in." No sooner than he said that, than the auburn Haired man stepped into his abode, with none other than Zephyr by his side. His eyes Landed at Lucille's for some time, before it withdrew immediately. "It would be cruel for me to permit for such formalities, given your state." Regaris simply stated, as his eyes wandered towards the man, prompting Diego to Halt in his actions. "So, have you made your decision concerning all this matter?" Regaris asked. "Do you intend to withdraw?" Diego scoffed at the thought, although his ribs hurt in the process. "There Is still Thedore, is there not?" Diego asked. "Have you finally lost it?" Theodore asked, turning towards him. "You must be insane if you truly think that.." "I still have some men who are still currently in the game, unaware of my current predicament." Diego interrupted, without any mercy. "So it would be very much probable if you continue without me." He added, not giving Theodore a chance to redeem himself. "But.." "The hunting session will soon be over. You should be able to Last without me, will you not?" Diego asked, turning towards his younger cousin. "Alright." Theodore finally responded, In a low tone. "I believe that matter is settled, then." Regaris simply stated, while clapping his hands. "Lucille, what business did you even have here?" The man asked, turning towards the damsel once more. "There.. was an issue I initially wanted to convey to him." Lucille admitted, avoiding the gaze of the latter. "But, given how injured he was- you could not possibly expect me to leave him, could you? He is my friend, afterall." She defended herself instantly, gazing to her cousin's eyes. "Alright then. It may be best to let you be, for the now. Zephyr." "Yes, your highness?" His aide quickly responded, with a low bow. "You may begin the investigation." He added. "What investigation?" Theodore inquired, obviously confused. "You possibly do not wish for me to turn a blind eye to the oxen that ran amok, do you?"
...
"Are you still thinking of the incident, my lady?" A man stated, as he offered some water to the damsel, who was seated in front of the tent. The damsel did only gazed at him, but refused to accept the offering. "You dare to speak to me, after what you have done?" She asked, staring at the knight with hate filed eyes. "That man could have very well died today, due to that insidious attitude of yours." Selene continued to reprimand him. The knight just sat before the tent, his head lowered. "Forgive me, my lady." The man said, in a low voice. But Selene could care less about his apology: a storm was constantly going on within her Being, at the moment. "Just so you know, that man has the power to motivate the imperial knights, so if there be a next time for you to cross paths with him, kindly avoid him." The damsel stated. "Of course, My lady." The knight assured her. "But, if this persists at this rate.." Serene muttered to herself. "My lady?" The knight asked, surprised. Serene turned towards his direction, before shaking her head. "I need to see him; lest my conscience begins to weigh down on him." She muttered to herself. "You stay here and keep watch; I will return soon." Serene assured the man, before moving away from her location. "But to whence are you headed, my lady?" Garren could not Help but ask, and in reply, received a malicious glare. "You dare to ask?"
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In the midst of several colorful tents, a certain young woman attempted to navigate her way. "I saw them going past this route; or did they not?" Selene asked herself, as she gazed around her in confusion. "I redesign myself to my fate..." She muttered to herself, before catching a glimpse of the blue tent, with an overly familiar logo. Her eyes lit up for a brief moment, before moving towards it. "Ah, Lord Diego?" She called out, but the tent remained silent for a moment. 'I do hope he is alright; or is it possible that he is not within this place?' She pondered for a moment, after receiving no response. 'Perharps I should have brought a presentable gift?' She thought, after glancing for a moment at her bare hands. "Lord Die.." She was about to call out once more, before changing her mind in an instant. As though possessed by determining itself, she proceeded to walk in boldly through the curtains. "There is no one else here." She stated softly, while glancing around. 'Should I use this for my own benefit?' She thought, as she glanced at the man, who apparently slumbered away at the corner; completely oblivious of her presence. She crouched down at the side of the man, gently passing her hand over his face, as though to ascertain that he was truly asleep. 'What I do is immoral, but..' The damsel hesitated, before Laying herself next to him. 'It is for a good cause.' She comforted herself with that one thought, unaware of the silver eyes that gazed piercingly at her silhouette.
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"Do you have any recognition of him, my lord?" Egiel stated, as he proceeded to step on the head of the one which laid beneath him. "Tenacious as a Roach." Egiel said, with a slight smile, when he noticed that the man was still alive. Besides having a bloodied sword in hand for a companion, Regis and Lisa had gracefully bestowed to him, their presence. "Nay, I would not like to believe such." Regis stated, as he slightly tilted his head a bit. "But It is rather unfortunate that such a mishap had to occur while Master was away." Lisa quipped in, suddenly. Even the formerly neat maid had a splash of red on her dress. "For them to have been able to subdue the gatekeepers without the slightest of hesitation, that proves to show how talented they are." She added, while managing to wipe the bloody sword clean. "But I find it rather strange that they were perfectly warriors aware of the opportunity to strike.. I wonder who It was that linked out the Intel." Lisa stated, with a pondering look on her face. Egiel frowned for a brief moment, the maid was indeed right. The event of the hunter's moon was gradually unfolding itself, that was a given; but such did not explain as to how the intruders were able to determine if the iron was hot enough. But the iron was not just hot at the moment- It was close to melting point. Afterall, the only one who ought to know if a noble was bound to show or not, ought to be know other than the imperial crown. And as for the Household of Raymond - well, they were not in close affinity with the other households anyway, so the thought of a potential betrayal was already out of the motion. "And Lady Diane?" Lisa turned to the one who had asked that question, a face devoid of colors. "I was told that the both of you were In the same location, Lisa.. Did you dare to leave her alone?" Egiel asked, narrowed eyes, causing her to feel a chill down her spine. "She is in the library- but no need to bother, I ensured to seal the door- so it would take them some time to get in, if they are aware of her location, that is." She stated, in a fashion of haste. Egiel sighed for a while- they would probably be able to decrypt the artifact within a span of seconds, if they discovered who was within its boundaries. " I shall hasten to meet her, If that is the case." Egiel stated, as he drew his sword out once more. "You ensure that you bid your presence with Lord Regis, and do attempt to find lady Natasha she should be keeping her mother." Egiel stated, as he was about to bound off once more. But before he could? A certain maiden ran straight towards them, quite out of Breath. "The children.." She began, without any sort of concern for formularity. "I cannot find the children anywhere!"
Leonia could not Help but glance at the man who seized her by the hand, pulling her along the deserted corridors. Morris was on the other side; the smaller child having a frightened expression on his face, and why wouldn't he, given how the butler had spoken to them earlier on? "What is it this time?" The butler asked, with a slight frown- as he turned to the child, who apparently desisted from following him, those red eyes staring at him in suspicion. "Is that how I ought to be addressed?" She asked, a slight frown on her face. For some reason, all the familiar faces she knew of had vanished into the thin air, leaving behind entities such as themselves in their place. "Ah, yes, forgive me, little miss." The butler said with an obvious grimace, as he knelt himself before her. "The only reason I had agreed to go with you, is because you claimed to lead me to my brother." Leonia added, folding her little arms. "But now, I begin to wonder- why have I not seen my brother as of late? And why..." She began, with an obvious frown. "Why Is it that I have not seen Natasha, or aunt or uncle?" The butler stood to his face, before explaining to her softly. "You shall meet with them soon enough, little miss; so long as you remain compliant." The man stated, with as he reaches out for her, but Leonia avoided all manner of contact with him. "I do not have a cause to go with you; You only lead me on and on." Leonia explained, glaring angrily at the direction of the adult. The butler smiled, placing his hands behind him. "Little miss, you ought to know.." He revealed his hands, displaying an item that Leonia was all too familiar with. "That I am not as patient as the rest."