Against the World II: Transgression
Chapter 20: The Unexpected Result, Part 3
The last time Xavier set foot in the palace of Artemys, his lifeless body lay in various places.
However, this palace was now back filled with workers. As soon as they realized Artemys' presence in the middle of the room, the new workers immediately flocked to utter words of joy. Whether they were just imaging or were truly sincere, it was not something to think about.
A few minutes later, Xavier and Artemys were already sitting side by side on a bench in the palace's backyard. And, just as Artemys was about to open his mouth, his intention was immediately delayed when Xavier suddenly hugged the princess tightly. Artemys himself was surprised, but he quickly comforted himself in Xavier's warm embrace.
“...Have you been hurt while being held captive there?” xavier asked with a volume that was half whispered. “Did they yell at you? Did they do bad things to you?”
Xavier has failed to eradicate Shiva. However, he now knew what he could expect from the young emperor. He also understood why his Grand Order could be broken. Like Nizivia, the man could use life energy very well. Xavier did not see the deadly techniques of Shiva, but the emperor's speed, reflexes, and physical strength increased greatly.
Hence, if Artemys nodded at the question, he would not think twice about returning to Veria. Whoever it is is not exempt. Exterminating the current Shiva may be difficult for him to execute, but it is not impossible. Play dirty play dirty there. No one can be free after hurting his woman; Xavier can't live a quiet life if he doesn't.
“You worried?” artemys asked with her eyes turned up, her expression was impeccably calm and difficult for Xavier to guess what the princess was thinking.
“Of course. I wouldn't go straight to Veria after dealing with Etharna if I wasn't worried. What kind of question is that?” Xavier's forehead frowned. “How can you think that I won't worry?”
“...You still haven't said that you love me,” Artemys flat response. “It's normal for me to think so. In our relationship, I was the one who seduced you. I forced you to fulfill my wish. Wouldn't you feel free from me if I didn't come back? It's perfectly normal if I hesitate, right?”
Xavier let out a long sigh hearing Artemys sayings. Both of his hands moved releasing the princess' body from his embrace. Xavier's eyes looked intensely at the pair of beautiful eyes of the green-haired woman, intending to peer deep into the soul, but what power could not.
“I am neither a child nor a spineless man, Artemys,” Xavier said as he framed the princess' face. “I won't let you pull me into your game if I don't like it. I never said that because you never did either. Besides, I'm not a good man; you're not the only woman who fills my heart. I don't want to make the word love cheap.”
“However,” continued Xavier while attaching his forehead to Artemys' forehead. “If you want me to say it, I'll say it right now: I love you, Artemys; you don't know how angry I was when I lost you.” Xavier caught the pair of lips gently, saying he meant it. The initial dozen seconds had no response from the princess, but the warmth simply radiated into Xavier's heart as the women paraded like the goddesses exerting energy at the meeting of their lips.
Loves. Unloved. Both of these things are opium in life. When one gains both, losing one of them will be painful. Xavier can't say he fully understands what love means. Clearly, he did not want to feel it a second time again. Xavier has to admit this is bigger than he has for Nizivia.
Perhaps it was because he was responsible for the life that began to form in the womb of Artemys. But who knows what the truth is? The matter of the heart is a mystery; one cannot claim he fully understands it.
“But, Artemys,” continued Xavier as the sweet lips of Artemys left his lips. “I would probably say that word to another woman at another time. I'm that kind of person. Greedy, not knowing yourself, you may think so. But what can I do? I don't love just one. When one receives love, another heart is wounded. I don't want it.”
“...If I were older than you, you wouldn't be interested, would you?”
“Eh, that's an irrelevant question. If there are many parallel worlds, there may be one in which you are older. However, we live in this world.”
Xavier's curled lips comforted at the response; artemys did not deny the question. However, Xavier could not comment. They live in this world. No need to think “what if”. Indeed, it irritates Xavier to think there is a parallel world where it is not his beloved self Artemy. However, Xavier quickly threw away the thought and released an Artemys hug himself.
“You still haven't answered my question,” said Xavier with a serious back expression, returning them to a topic that had been delayed.
Artemys shook his head slowly. “Nobody raised my voice, let alone hurt me. It seems that Shiva has given his people an affirmation that they treat me as I am. However, Xavier, it seems that Shiva's target is you, not me. Shiva just made me bait for you to get there.”
Xavier frowned at the last two sentences of Artemys. He must admit that he did not consider it. At least he doesn't think he's a target.
Perhaps it was because he was confident in his strength. Perhaps it was because he was too focused on saving Artemys to think about it.
“Asumsiku he wants your black fire, but maybe it's for another reason. The man was quite good at hiding his intentions. However, clearly, I can make sure he doesn't need me to fill his soul into that body.”
Xavier opened his mouth to respond, but he suddenly remembered that he had said he would be back in fifteen minutes at most to Monica. Xavier spontaneously canceled his intention to reply to Artemys. He did not want to disappoint; after all he had to return to the inn immediately.
“We continue this conversation tonight, Artemys,” Xavier said at last. “I went to Veria with a woman named Monica. He is currently in Cestapola. I have to get there right now.”
“Ah, I don't know that. Then come back; you shouldn't have kept him waiting. Oh, why don't you bring her here tonight? If he's important to you, I think we need to talk. I'm sure after we talk we can sit down and enjoy dinner together.”
Xavier's forehead frowned. He could imagine that Monica would be angry. However, Xavier could not imagine himself explaining to Monica directly. Considering Artemys can smooth the way with Nizivia, maybe he can do it on Monica.
In the end Xavier nodded at Artemys suggestion and disappeared with teleportation magic.
“...Perfect,” murmured Artemys slowly a few dozen seconds after Xavier disappeared. “Everything is as planned, and more. Not in vain did I survive to take advantage of the troublesome emperor's game.”