Against the World II: Transgression
Chapter 24: And Then.
“Emeralna Province does not yet have its independent forces. Currently the security of the province is in the hands of the 8th Division that Commander Zenith leads. Miss Artemys is reluctant to form an independent army now. Although the condition of Emeralna has been completely stable from a few months ago, Miss Artemys will delay the formation of that army until the new city is completed.”
“The independent forces are hugging the fire of rebellion. I understand why His Majesty decided to delay the formation of that army. So what about the new city? When is it finished?”
“The city is planned to start construction later this year, and is expected to be completed in one and a half years. However, the war that had appeared at the end of the horizon made Miss Artemys change that decision. Miss Artemys wants to focus on keeping the city intact and trying to avoid the effects of war. When is the city finished? I don't have an answer for that.”
“That means there will be no independent forces for a considerable period of time,” concludes Alice, following Jenny up the steps to the second floor of the palace. “Removing the squad that Commander Zenith assigned to keep the palace safe, meaning that only me and you will keep His Majesty safe?”
“No.” Jenny shook her head. “I've recruited three local girls to be the palace's extra security. They are all talented, aged 14, 15 and 16 respectively. They will arrive at the palace in four days. Their abilities are still lacking, but I plan on teaching them the art of assassin, and I also want you to teach them what you can teach them. They will be your team, and they will also stay in the palace.”
“I have no problem with that. Having a team will be better for palace security.”
“I'm glad to hear it. Please check all the rooms here. If you have, choose one you like. I'll wait here, after we go back to Miss Artemys' room to talk about your payment.”
...* * *...
In the secret library of the palace that has now been conjured up in such a way that it seems more like a library-themed living room, Xavier sits on one of the sofas that surround a high-quality low-glass table. His eyes looked intensely at the eyes of Artemys who decided to sit on his thighs.
“1 August,” says Artemys with both hands wrapped around Xavier's neck. “Our wedding will be done just when the sun is as high as a spear on that day. That's why you'll spend the night here at the end of July. I'm telling you now because you have to make sure you don't miss both days. If Kanna/Emperor sends you somewhere else on that day, I want you to turn it down.”
“You still haven't told me the details of your conversation with Monica, and I can't bring myself to ask her. But clearly, Monica seemed to be putting up an invisible wall between us. He did not want to talk other than things related to Division 12 and the Imperial Army in general.”
“You can't tell him about our marriage, much less about our son. Maybe it was just my feeling, but Monica seemed to have been curbing her negative emotions for too long. If he finds out, I'm afraid those emotions will spill over and he'll end up doing things we don't want. When with him, don't even talk about me. Try to make him happy, slowly erode the accumulated negative emotions.”
Xavier's forehead frowned, but then nodded. “I'll try to talk to him again. I don't like this much, but there's no other choice. I don't want you guys to be hostile.”
“If you want to have more than one woman, you have to understand that you can't make everyone happy. If you keep your ego growing, you'll lose something else. But take it easy, no matter what happens, I'm always there for you. Even if you decide to become an enemy of the world, living in hiding is not bad either.”
“You sure of what you said? What if I become your parents' killer, your sister? Are you going to stay with me, hm?”
“Hm. If it's Emperor Nueva who was killed, I'll stay with you. She's powerful. He can protect himself. If he gets killed in your arms, that means he wants to die. Emperor Nueva was strong enough to save himself. Nothing will change between us if he dies. However,” pauses Artemys while carrying his hand touching Xavier's lips. “If you kill your mother and sister, I'll seal your mana and chain your hands and feet together.
“You'll treat me like the boy I love. You'll be the property in my room. I'm not giving you clothes. You sleep with cold. I'll hurt and torture you every day, and then I'll treat. I bathed you in cold water. Sometimes I will be kind enough to feed you, sometimes I will make you eat like a farm animal. The only time you will feel warmth is when I need you on my bed. The point is, I'll stay with you. I'll never leave you.”
If Xavier said he didn't feel his bones ache in horror, it was a lie. What Artemys' words described was too terrifying for him to imagine. That's too sadistic. Words are normal if it was Nizivia who said them, but Artemys? Xavier gulped, his heart racing a little.
“Of course I was just kidding,” Artemys said as he landed his lips on Xavier's cheek. “I'm sure Nizivia will give you an answer like that when you give her the question you just gave me. I'm not Nizivia. I didn't do anything like that. You kill someone you can't kill, you have a good reason. I can't believe my Xavier will be the original killer to kill.” A charming smile blossomed on Artemys lips. “If something is troubling you, talk to me. In this world, I'm your only best place to lean. In this world, only I am a woman who will accept you whole. Never forget this, Xavier.”
Xavier did not give a word in return. His hands moved around Artemys, his face set on the princess' right neck. Hugging Artemys always gives off a soothing, peaceful scent. Even if they lived forever, Xavier knew he would never get bored. He will always feel addicted. Artemys was the opium of his life. This woman was so perfect in Xavier's eyes.
“So, why do you want to kill Emperor Nueva?” Artemys' melodious voice once again infiltrated Xavier's ears, his hand caress feeling perfect behind xavier's head. “It will hurt when our son asks where his grandfather is. However, you certainly have a reason why you hate him, don't you? It's okay, say.”