The heavy gates swung open, revealing two figures who moved with an aura of undeniable authority. Their white hair and piercing white eyes, identical features that spoke of their twinship.
They wore pristine white taoist robes, adorned with the golden sun emblem of Neville, a symbol of their unwavering loyalty to the kingdom. The very air around them crackled with power, a testament to their formidable abilities. They stopped directly in front of Harold, their expressions stern.
"Imperial Mage, Mike. Imperial Priest, Stellar... What brings you out from the palace?" Harold asked, forcing a flattering smile.
He knew better than to underestimate these two. Both were Rank 55 Mage and Priest, forces to be reckoned with, and they answered only to his father, the Emperor. If he harbored any ambitions of ascending the throne, securing their favor was paramount.
"If we were in the palace, who would have stopped you from creating such a mistake before the capital?!" Mike retorted, his voice sharp and accusatory.
"Mistake? What mistake?" Harold feigned confusion, though a knot of unease tightened in his stomach.
"By killing traitors at the gate of the Capital is against the rule your father placed..." Stellar stated, her voice calm but firm.
With a swift, decisive gesture, Stellar waved her hand. "Take her to the dungeon... She'll be beheaded tomorrow morning!"
At her command, two guards, their faces grim, stepped forward and seized Juliet, who remained limp and lifeless, her spirit crushed by the day's events.
They dragged her away, disappearing into the depths of the capital.
The twins turned their attention to the guardians, their gazes sweeping over them with a cold, assessing scrutiny. Then, they addressed the crowd, their voices resonating with authority.
"Everything the prince said is the truth... And it's a good thing Kyle was killed," Stellar announced, her words cutting through the lingering uncertainty.
"Yes, housing such a snake might have not only resulted in our doom, but to the fall of Neville... Don't worry, live your life peacefully, Kyle is dead," Mike added, his voice reassuring yet firm.
With a final, piercing glance at Harold, the twins turned and walked back through the gates, disappearing into the city.
"Let's go," Harold commanded, mounting his horse. He rode into the capital, the cheers of the crowd ringing in his ears.
Kelly, glancing to the side, and noticed Andrew standing at the edge of the crowd, his head bowed, body trembling.
"Coward," she muttered under her breath, before following Harold into the city.
Some miles from the capital, a solitary figure stood, her green eyes fixed on the gate. Her coat billowed in the wind, a silent testament to the vastness of the open space. She cast one last look towards the distant city, then turned and walked away.
"That's not my business," she muttered, her voice carried away by the wind.
___
[Palace.]
Harold entered the grand throne hall, its opulence a reflection of the kingdom's wealth. Priceless gemstones and intricate decorations adorned every surface, creating an atmosphere of regal splendor.
On the elevated throne, two meters above the ground, sat his parents, the Emperor and Empress, and his younger sister, all dressed in royal finery. Their faces were wreathed in smiles as they welcomed him.
Behind his father, the twins, Imperial Mage Mike and Imperial Priest Stellar, stood silently.
"Father!"
Harold knelt, bowing his head in deference. The five guardians, following his lead, knelt in unison. "Greetings to the Emperor!" they proclaimed.
"How did it go?" the Emperor asked, his voice heavy with authority.
"Went smoothly, and the agreement with the Demons and Elves were also sorted," Harold replied, his head still bowed.
"Good... I know it's bad losing such a soldier, but he threatened the empire's ownership," the Emperor sighed. "You did a good job, but is that lady worth the trouble?"
"She is related to Kyle, and might be a future threat. Taking care of her now is the best solution to any future dangers," Harold explained. He paused, then added, "Father... Kyle isn't dead... Yet."
"What??"
The Emperor exclaimed, his voice filled with surprise. Even the twins behind him were taken aback.
"Yes, but I used the Nullifier, and he's now powerless. With the injuries on him, he won't survive without his life force, so he's technically dead," Harold explained, looking up at his father. "There is a 1% chance I might be wrong, so I createdplan B... That's, if he survives, he should be killed on the spot when spotted... Anyone who kills him will receive 1,000,000 gold."
"What happened exactly?" the Emperor asked, his curiosity piqued.
Harold recounted the events of last night, detailing his confrontation with Kyle and the subsequent events.
"Such a powerful guy... It's a good thing you removed him from Neville," the Empress, a woman with radiant blue hair and eyes, remarked.
"Yes, good job, elder brother," the princess, a young beauty with long blue hair, added. 'Kyle, if you had accepted me, I would have protected you... Well, you're useless now,' she thought.
"Ok... You guys can go," the Emperor waved his hand, dismissing the guardians. They rose, bowed, and left the hall.
"Now son... I hope you're ready to take the isles in a week, and also take back Oakhavan," the Emperor asked.
"Yes, Father... By taking back Oakhavan, the people's respect for me will increase."
"Good," the Emperor nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "The Isles of Paradise is filled with so many resources and treasures. Staying away for a week is kind of upsetting..." He turned to Harold. "Send some high-ranking assassins to the isles, they should follow those long-eared fools... If they discover any high-stage herbs or treasures... Kill, and bring the treasures back to us."
"How many should I send?" Harold asked, a grin spreading across his face.
"As many as needed... Just make sure they conceal themselves."
Harold nodded and left the hall, eager to carry out his father's orders.
___
[Same Day.... Night time.]
Juliet sat huddled in the darkness of the dungeon, her legs drawn up to her chest, her head resting on her knees. Tears streamed down her face, a silent testament to her grief and despair.
"Why, Kyle? Sob... You told me you'd be fine," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.
The moonlight filtered through the small window, casting a pale glow over her surroundings, illuminating the rats that scurried across the damp floor. The room was devoid of any comfort, filled only with the pungent smell of decay and a pile of leaves that served as a makeshift bed.
For hours, Juliet had remained motionless, lost in her sorrow.
"What are you doing here? This isn't a place for a common---" a gruff voice began, only to be interrupted by a resounding:
BANG!
"HEY!!"
Another voice yelled, followed by a loud:
BAM!!!
Juliet slowly raised her head, her eyes fixed on the door.
BAM!
The door burst open, and Andrew rushed into the cell.
"Come on, we need to move," he urged, his voice urgent.
"What are you doing here?!" Juliet asked, her voice laced with suspicion.
Andrew sighed.
"Can't you see I'm here to get you out!! They're really going to kill you, and I can't stand and watch that!!" he yelled, his voice a hushed whisper.
"But this morning you did!" Juliet retorted, her voice filled with bitterness.
"You!! If I stupidly walked out like you, we both would be in here, and who will save us then!?" he countered.
Juliet studied him for a moment, her expression unreadable.
"Ok, are you going to remain here or find out what happened to your young uncle Kyle?!" Andrew asked, his voice filled with determination.
"My uncle isn't a traitor!" Juliet declared, her voice filled with conviction.
"Then get your butt up, and let's get out of here!!" he yelled in a whisper.
Juliet slowly rose to her feet and walked towards him. "Here, I know you're a mage, but you'll need it," Andrew said, handing her a short sword.
Juliet took the sword, her fingers closing around the hilt. With a deep breath, they slipped out of the cell, passing the unconscious guards who lay sprawled on the floor.
"Dead?" Juliet asked.
"No, I just knocked them out." Andrew replied.
"But, you'll be a traitor--"
"--I know... How can I suppress Kyle if he's dead? Come on, I know he's alive, and he'll either find us, or we'll find him," Andrew said, leading the way.
Juliet watched his back for a moment, then a small smile touched her lips.
"Thank you," she whispered.