Burn the Body

Ezrael groaned, shaking his head. He glanced at Lucentis and Cindalle, unbothered. Hmpth. This is what happens when you challenge the Izekiah for too long. My father would have scorned you to a pulp, Lucentis. I’ve been too kind to you and your royalty.

Lucentis scoffed, clutching the armchair as he averted his eyes for a second before looking at Valencia.

“Very well. We shall do it tomorrow—”

“Father!”

Lucentis raised his hand to silence Gerald, who tightened his jaw. Gerald shot his glare at Kael. Kael smiled.

“Thank you, Your Majesty…” Kael responded. Just as he turned to Valencia—

“By the way,” Lucentis’ voice started. Kael paused, his eyes twitching. Valencia trembled as she felt Lucentis’ stare. “Have I seen you before, young lady?”

Valencia’s cheek flicked a little. Her vision blurred as she slowly opened her mouth.

“I… I’m not sure, Y-Your Majesty…” she answered, her hands shaking.

Kael stared at Valencia and held her hand. Her grogginess soon cleared as she looked at him.

“Last night, I handled you too roughly,” Kael announced suddenly. Everyone held their breath, except Valencia. Her anxiety began to steady while he placed the back of his hand on her forehead. She quickly blushed. “You’re burning. Let’s go home for now. Can we, Your Majesty?”

Kael’s stern voice shifted as he turned slightly. Lucentis cleared his throat and nodded.

“My apologies for keeping you here if you were not feeling well… you are dismissed,” Lucentis agreed.

Kael bowed and walked away, holding onto Valencia’s arms. Ezrael groaned, bending his back.

“Argh… when did this child become so affectionate?”

Gerald slapped his clothes back as he walked out of the Main Hall, returning to his bedchamber. Lucentis sighed heavily and looked at Ezrael.

“Ez, my apologies for my rude son—”

“Your Majesty, I hope when the outcome comes to light, that you keep your promise…” Ezrael reminded him. Lucentis’s hand clawed the wooden chair. “My son will become the next Duke once he marries anyway. If she is his guide and perfectly suited to my son, you are to refrain from interfering in his life. You don’t want to lose a leader like my son in your kingdom.”

Then Ezrael bowed and walked out of the palace. Cindalle seethed at every word and glared at Lucentis.

“How could you have fallen short-sighted?” Cindalle questioned harshly.

Lucentis turned to her, exhaling.

“Whatever… she couldn’t be a possible match because the only S Rank Guide that would match him would be her daughter if she gave birth to a daughter.”

“Well, she may have, and we don’t know! Why aren’t you questioning the Tower Master? He definitely knows where she is!” Cindalle demanded.

“I can’t just barge into the Tower Master’s office, but I did leave a trace…” Lucentis argued. Cindalle’s eyes widened. “The Void… it appeared in the Tower. Now I’m having the mages search for this Void Esper.”

“What?! Why didn't you tell me such important information?”

“Why? You took Eureon’s body and found out that there was no aura in it… that’s why you burnt it! Why would you burn a hero to the kingdom without speaking with me?!” Lucentis revealed.

Cindalle clenched her fists.

“He wasn’t even dead yet on his way here… the mages said that the Void had a mind of its own by protecting his aura core when the Demon King tried to kill him…”

“What? How can a dead man not be dead—?”

“We sealed the kingdom… so if it ever tries to escape, it can’t. I’ll make sure I get the aura core this time,” Cindalle smirked. She stared at the door. That young lady felt familiar… her presence felt empty. Why?

Meanwhile, Valencia sat in the carriage with Kael. He held her tightly.

“You can let go…”

“No, my Guide almost had a heart attack. I have to make sure she’s safe,” Kael teased.

She groaned and pushed him away.

“I’ll be heading back to the dukedom… where are you going?” she questioned.

He smiled slyly and caressed her cheek.

“I have to go check on something by my parents’ place… while I’m gone, stay indoors. Okay?”

Valencia nodded obediently.

“I want to be left alone… will that be fine?” she wondered.

“Of course. Why wouldn’t you—?”

“Your spy isn’t really a spy when I can see him sometimes…” Valencia admitted.

Kael gulped and laughed.

“I guess he isn’t… maybe I should fire him for failing his job,” he joked.

She chuckled, brightening his moment.

“I’m okay, but for today… I just want to be alone,” she muttered softly.

Kael stared at her and smiled genuinely.

“Very well… I’ll drop you off,” he responded.

Once the carriage arrived at his estate, she hurried to her room and closed the door. She closed every sunray that lit the room.

Before she stepped back—

The void swallowed her in.