The Two Empresses
Another Monster

"Huh? Now then? What do you want?" ask Dark annoyed. The figure approached Dark and whispered, making Saciel frown as Dark looked increasingly upset but resigned. "Damn."

"What are you talking about behind my back?" ask Saciel. The figure turned around and let out a deadly aura, making Saciel goosebumps and fall down as her legs went limp.

"It's none of your business, boy. You're lucky you didn't die today. But, I can't let you just leave either. At least an eyeball as a gift is enough, too," he said with a terrible grin. The Hellhound immediately bit down on his shirt and pulled him out of the spot, running as far away as possible until disappearing from sight. "Heh, it's run away."

"Damn. I was just about to enjoy it" Dark lamented.

"There's still time for that, but we don't have much time for more important things. Let's go and destroy this place" the hooded man said as he turned around and disappeared. Dark dropped the candle and set the place on fire, then disappeared behind the flames.

The Hellhound still continued to run until it reached the river and threw Saciel away.

"Hey!"

"You're lucky he didn't kill you. He is no ordinary creature" Hellhound said.

"What is he..god?" ask Saciel carefully. Hellhound shook her head, making Saciel slightly relieved.

"What are you gonna do now? Your mana is up and I've only got less than 10 minutes left."

"I.don't know. My body.still stiff.because.poison," Saciel replied. He fell down before the Hellhound with a pale face and cold sweat dripping down his face.

"There's no other way. I had to take you by passing the summoning line," Hellhound said a little annoyed. "Thank you I still want to help, you little rancid boy."

"I'll.give you..gift," Saciel replied. The Hellhound lifted back up by biting his shirt and disappeared behind a puff of smoke.

...****************...

"Saciel isn't with you?" ask Cerlina to panic. Lao shook his head and sighed.

"Dark took her away, but I don't know where. Sorry, I should've taken care of her."

"...you still have other dependents, don't you?" cerlina was disappointed. "The nobles are unreliable."

"Cerlina, relax. We will definitely find Saciel," said Vristhi soothingly. Cerlina shook her head and started sobbing, making Nero sad.

"He was always missing. Why?" isak Cerlina's. Lao was speechless, afraid of making things worse. Phillip slowly grabbed Cerlina and stroked her head carefully.

"He's definitely back, believe me," Phillip entertained. Nero was about to make a sound, but suddenly he stopped and remained silent for a moment. "What's wrong with you."

"Umm.it looks like a guest," Nero said as he flicked his fingers and suddenly Hellhound stood behind him holding an exhausted Saciel. Lao was startled and immediately set up a barricade so that no one would see the huge and creepy figure.

"Saciel!" cerlina screamed while running and holding it. "I'm right here! Saciel!"

"Ih, no...need to scream...can you?" saciel asked annoyedly, yet he could not say that smoothly. "Dark..kabur..by..orang...lain."

"Who?" ask Lao. Saciel shook his head, making Lao give up asking questions and turned his face to stare at the hellhound. "Thank you for bringing her home."

"Thank you not enough to pay me. Give me a dirty and stained human soul" Hellhound said. Lao gave a cynical smile and raised his hand.

"How much did you ask? I'll give you anything."

"Need death to be near you. The devil, "the hellhound quipped with a grin. Lao only grinned and stroked the hellhound with a cold gaze.

"It's good I didn't kill you. Go, your job is done."

The Hellhound immediately devoured all those souls in one mouthful and disappeared behind a thick puff of smoke. Lao immediately removed the barricades and was surprised to get the soldiers surrounding them with spearheads pointed at them.

"What the fuck?" ask Vristhi. An elder advanced at a pace as fast as he could and his entire body trembled like an ordinary old man.

"You've made the toughest mistake in Careol by bringing in a fugitive and making him a future ruler."

"Did? Really true?" ask Lao. "Then what about Erika and Yorktown who just ran away after this problem? Didn't they have more serious and fatal mistakes than we did?"

"They did it for the good of Careol," replied the elder. Lao frowned and gave a thin smile.

"What kind of Careol?"

"They have taken the plunge to regain the true heir to the throne."

"Hmm, are you crazy? Hand over the throne to Dominic who killed the Crown Prince, but also the entire royal family?" reply Lao. The elder bit his lower lip, making the soldiers hesitate and started glancing in all directions.

"Duke Requiem, I lost track of Elder Erika and Elder Yorktown" Steven said, bowing. "But I found a black magic portal on Loreta Beach."

"Well the soldiers I'm proud of, make your choice now. You want to protect the people or destroy?" ask Lao kalem. The soldiers were silent, confused and stressed. Vristhi came forward and patted Lao on the shoulder.

"Let's go" said Vristhi.

"Cerlina, you go home with Saciel and Phillip. Do not leave the house, even if only to go to the market. Call Ilmol to come. Julian, stay here and monitor in all directions. As Istvan tepar, leave him at home as well" Lao said firmly.

"Can't I help?" ask Cerlina.

"Sorry Cerlina, you're a very crucial High Priest here. Stay here, I don't want to be cursed by Oorun" Lao replied half-jokingly. Cerlina nodded and hugged Saciel. Phillip immediately grabbed her and carried her into the carriage. "And you, return immediately to your country before you're executed."

"Just son, I'm here for Cerlina," Nero refused.

"Hey mutt, you've been rejected here. Go before I expel you," Lao replied.

"The gigolo magician is silent. You're nobody."

"Nero, I think you should go home" Cerlina said, clasping her hand. "I'll be fine."

"Uhh, I'm still thinking. But yes, what can be done," said Nero resigned. He held Cerlina's hand and took her in a kiss. "If only I could be here, I'd take care of you."

"Hey, I don't want to see any drama here. There you go," drive Lao. Nero frowned and hugged Cerlina in a masculine style, sending Cerlina crashing. "Hey!"

"Iri said, damn it. I'll go first, sweetie. See you next time" said Nero. He disappeared behind a puff of smoke, making Cerlina put on a sad face.

"What is Cerlina? He's just gone, not dead" Lao lamented. Cerlina nodded and gave a smile. "Go home and rest, my guard will be tightened here."

After Cerlina leaves, Lao approaches Vristhi and puts on the face as flat as possible. He knew his current feelings would only prevent him from making a decision. "Let's go, Vristhi."