Chapter 1.21 — The Battle of Wills

  My eyes widened—a cold sweat ran down my spine.

  Why… Why’s she here?

  Where’s—Ann?

  Martha walked toward me. Her maid followed behind her.

  I felt my stomach twisting.

  Suddenly another maid stepped out from the carriage. She had black hair and a scar across her face—her eyes locked onto me.

  Huh? Black hair?—could she be?

  I gritted my teeth, trying to keep myself composed.

  Martha stood towering over me—her gaze went sharp.

  The two maids walked up and stood on either side of Martha.

  —I froze.

  “Mr. Nacham, can you please explain what you think you're doing?” She asked coldly.

  My eyes shot wide and I immediately forced my body to move—bowing deeply.

  “I have come as commanded—my lady!” I declared firmly.

  “Huh? Commanded?” Martha’s eyes narrowed.

  I bowed even deeper. “The Noble house of Drachj?ger—my lady!”

  Martha exchanged glances with her maids.

  “For what purpose? Please explain in detail!” Martha furrowed her brows.

  I straightened my posture. “At once my lady.”

  I cleared my throat. “I received a personal letter with a request—to come to this location.”

  “Ohh?” Martha tilted her head.

  “I obeyed and came as fast as I could!” I smiled and placed a hand over my heart.

  Martha quickly glanced at the black-haired maid. They paused for a moment.

  Hmm, why are they looking at each other like that?

  —Are they communicating telepathically?

  The black-haired maid nodded—then stepped closer to me. “Who sent you this letter?”

  “The letter did not include that information.” I spoke with confidence.

  “Hmm… please show us this letter—so we can confirm its authenticity.” The black-haired maid reached out her hand.

  Huh? The maid is speaking for Martha?

  Now I’m sure—she’s no ordinary maid!

  A bead of sweat rolled down my forehead. My mind began to race.

  There's no way I'm gonna show them that letter—its way too risky!

  “I cannot, I dispatched the letter due to what I deemed to be—sensitive information.” I replied with confidence but my voice cracked slightly.

  The black-haired maid looked toward her mistress… Martha’s lips slowly curled into a smile.

  “Ohh… that seems quite convenient. What do you think Rin?” Martha chuckled.

  Rin hunched down and looked me straight in the eyes.

  “If I shook you a bit—would the letter magically appear?" Rin said in a cold monotone voice.

  I felt a lump in my throat—my heart pounded faster.

  I don’t know why, but the way she said that casually—she’s just scary!

  “There’s no need for that… I can prove it.” I gritted my teeth.

  Rin tilted her head. “Ohh really?” She stood up straight.

  “Of course, this is how I knew the letter was authentic.” I smiled and pulled out a round necklace. A spear-and-dragon symbol was engraved into it.

  Martha’s eyes widened as she stepped closer, reaching out toward my necklace.

  “That’s our family’s crest. Why do you have it?” Martha asked, confused.

  “As I said, my lady… the crest came with the letter—and it’s why I acted the way I did.” My voice trembled.

  Rin sighed. “Indeed… It seems like you're telling the truth. My apology.”

  Ehh! She already calmed down—that was surprisingly reasonable of her.

  My eyes drifted to Martha, I was expecting her to be angry but to my surprise she seemed somehow pleased?

  “This crest guarantees your safety… hehe, Anja was really gonna do it.” Martha chuckled.

  I gulped down the lump in my throat.

  “As I said, my lady… there was no name written in the letter as to who sent it.” My voice trembled as I tried to compose myself.

  I cannot allow them to suspect Ann!

  Martha sighed and let go of the crest. “It’s alright… I know everything.”

  She opened her fan and covered the lower part of her face.

  I blinked. “But my lady—”

  Martha raised her hand, silencing me. “Whether you knew or not—Anja was going to run away with you.”

  A cold sweat ran down my spine. I stood frozen, not sure what I should do?

  “Luckily, Anja came to her senses and realized the importance of her duty.” Martha's voice softened.

  Wait what? Why would Ann suddenly change her mind?

  I couldn't for the life of me figure out why Ann would suddenly turn on me. It was after all her idea to run away.

  I lowered my head for a moment. My eyes drifted to my sword—suddenly it hit me.

  Wait, could it be!

  “Does this mean Lady Anja is going to inherit her father’s sword?” My eyes widened.

  The same sword that Beatrix retrieved and returned to Ann in the game?

  Martha closed her fan. “Ohh… I didn't expect you to know that much!”

  “But I can’t say… that's up to my husband… what’s important is that Anja has finally accepted who she is.” Martha sighed in relief.

  “I see… so what happens now?” I gulped.

  I know Jen had been careful, but knowing Martha—she would want to find those who helped Ann and punish them.

  Martha paused, seemingly in deep thought.

  My heart raced—expecting the worst.

  “Hmm… seems like our time is up. I have guests arriving, so I don't really have the leisure to indulge this matter any further.” Martha replied with a shrug.

  She turned and walked back toward the carriage, her maids following her on either side.

  “You pass boy.” Martha whispered to herself.

  My eyes went wide and I gaped in disbelief.

  Huh! She’s not going to investigate any further?

  —is she really letting this go?

  Martha stopped and looked over her shoulder.

  “That crest is a gift from Anja… for her sake, I'll respect her wishes and allow you to keep it. Make sure you treasure it.”

  I felt a slight pain in my chest, almost like something pricked my heart.

  That is when I realized—Ann had become someone truly important to me.

  I began to reminisce about all the time I had spent in the mansion with this family and a sudden realization hit me.

  Martha was about to step into the carriage, but—

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  “My lady!” I shouted.

  Martha stopped and turned her head toward me. “What now boy? I don’t really have more time to spare!”

  “I’m sorry my lady… but I just really…” I paused for a moment, then cleared my throat.

  A smile curled on my lips.

  “You’re truly a good mother.”

  Martha’s expression remained unchanged, she closed her eyes and walked into the carriage.

  I sighed deeply. “To think I somehow survived this… I guess, I better head home.”

  I turned and walked back.

  Inside the carriage Rin furrowed her brows. “Are you sure my lady, to not further investigate who helped arrange this for Miss Anja?”

  Martha looked out the window and let out a small chuckle.

  “It doesn't matter. My only concern is my daughter’s future.”

  The two maids exchanged glances for a moment, the turned their eyes back to Martha. “As you wish, mistress.”

  Suddenly, Rin widened her eyes. “Mistress… are you alright?”

  Martha looked at Rin, confused. “Huh? Well of course, why do you ask—”

  A bead of tears rolled down Martha’s face, she pressed her hand on her cheeks—not realizing it sooner.

  Martha looked down on her hand… her face turned surprised.

  “A good mother? Huh?” Martha chuckled.

  ***

  “What do you mean that Leo has left the country?” Grey shouted in disbelief.

  Jen sighed. “Yes… he and Ann chose to run away.”

  “What do you mean? Is he mad! The Marquess will hunt them down!” Grey pulled his hair.

  “Calm down Grey, I took the necessary precautions and made sure they'll be safe.” Jen reassured him.

  Grey’s eyes almost popped out of his head. “JEN!! Why did you do this? The nobles will have our heads if they ever—”

  Jen pressed her hand on Grey’s mouth. “I told you not to worry—I know what I’m doing… and besides, don't you want Leo and Ann to be happy?”

  Grey’s eyes widened. He tried to say something but Jen kept his mouth shut with her hand.

  “If I let go… you're not gonna freak out?” Jen raised a brow.

  Grey looked around for a moment, then he slowly nodded.

  Jen removed her hand.

  “Alright fine… of course I want them to be happy… but not like this! Wasn't there a better way?” Grey lowered his head.

  “I don’t know… but as things are now, they won’t be able to live their lives to the fullest if they stay here.” Jen folded her arms.

  Grey rubbed his neck.

  “Honestly, given our history I do understand… but at the same time I disagree with what you did, Jen!”

  “I did it because we love those two. But I understand how you feel—and I'm ready to pay the consequences.” Jen nodded.

  “Jen… I…” Grey leaned in closer.

  —Suddenly.

  A loud bang echoed through the house—the front door flew past them.

  “WHERE IS HE!!” A voice screamed.

  Jen and Grey turned their heads toward the noise in shock.

  Grey’s face immediately turned into an awkward smile.

  —Jen sighed and rested her palm on her forehead.

  A tall slender, long braided silver haired woman in a simple white cloth embroidered with faint silver sigils.

  It was the Holy Sage—Tessaria Mari Dorfmund, standing where the door used to be—her eyes burning with rage.

  Tess scanned the room—then she marched straight toward Jen and Grey.

  “WHERE IS LEO!!” Tess coldly demanded.

  “Umm… well… you see…” Grey stammered, trying to calm her down.

  She ignored Grey and turned her head toward Jen.

  “Where is he?” Tess’s eyes narrowed.

  Jen scratched her head. “I guess you read the letter? Well, he should be long gone by now—so I’m afraid we can’t do much.”

  Tess leaned in closer to Jen. “Huh! Wait! Did you know what he was doing? Did you… allow this?”

  Grey lifted his hand as if he was answering a question. “Uhm… I was against it!—just so you know.”

  Tess glared at Grey, her eyes screaming for him to shut up.

  “Ahh, I’m… so sorry—” Grey swallowed his words.

  “Stop bullying him Tess! I'm the one who allowed Leo to do this.” Jen folded her arms.

  “What? You're the one who let him do this? WHY? ” Tess's eyes widened.

  Jen lowered her gaze. “Because this was his choice… and as his mother I wanted to support him—support them!”

  Tess took a step back, supporting her forehead with her hand—almost like she had an unbearable headache.

  “I can't believe this! It's pure madness!” Tess lowered her gaze as she pressed her palm into her forehead.

  Jen and Grey glanced at each other with unsure expressions.

  Tess raised her head. “We need to get him back! Tell me where he is!”

  “I’m sorry but I can’t… even I don't know where they’re heading.” Jen shook her head.

  “They! Who is he going with?” Tess leaned in with a shocked expression.

  Jen looked away—and pressed her lips shut.

  Tess glanced at Grey—His eyes immediately drifted upwards.

  Tess gritted her teeth. “Ohh… so you're gonna play that game… huh!”

  But before Tess could do more—a voice suddenly called out to them.

  “Hey! Did the door explode?” I scratched my head.

  “Leo—you’re back!” Grey shouted in excitement.

  Jen gaped in disbelief. “What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be on that carriage?”

  Tess slowly turned her head, her gaze met mine.

  Ohh boy—Tess seems pretty mad!—yikes!

  But she didn't say anything. They all stood and looked at me—almost like they had seen a ghost.

  I sighed for a moment.

  “Sorry… but things didn't go well… she… apparently changed her mind at the very last minute.” I rubbed my neck and forced an awkward smile.

  “Ohh Leo… I'm sorry.” Jen said in a soft tone while placing a hand on her chest.

  I shook my head and looked at Tess.

  Damn it. I’m not looking forward to this—

  BUT, I have to make it right with her.

  Tess stared at me. She stood frozen like a statue.

  Her anger was clear on her face.

  Huh? Why isn’t she saying anything?

  I kept staring at her but Tess did not move a muscle… she didn't even blink.

  I shook my head and closed the distance between me and Tess.

  “I’m gonna explain everything in a moment—But I think me and Tess need to have a moment.” I looked at Jen and Grey.

  “I see… well don't worry me and Grey can give you some space… right Grey?” Jen raised a brow towards Grey.

  “Yeah… right… well just go outside for a moment.” Grey's voice trembled slightly.

  Grey and Jen left the room, leaving me and Tess alone.

  Tess pulled out a piece of paper. “Tell me what’s the meaning of this?”

  “Umm… well I didn't have time to speak with you… so I thought it was best to leave a note.” I grinned awkwardly.

  Tess sighed. “Am I really that unreliable?”

  “Ahh… no, I don't mean it like that, it's just…” My voice trembled.

  Tess turned away. “I really thought we were much closer… I guess I was wrong.”

  “Leaving this nation you say? Not keeping your promise to me!” Her grip tightened around the paper.

  “Am I really just a stranger to you!!” Tess’s voice cracked.

  “Of course not Tess! I’m sorry but I had to do this—I had to protect her!” I said in a sharp tone.

  Tess turned her head toward me. “What do you mean?”

  I sighed. “Ann… she asked me to run away with her… but—she never came.”

  Tess lowered her gaze and for a moment… as if she was in deep though.

  “Tell me!” She said in a serious tone.

  I explained what had happened and a moment later.

  Tess facepalmed herself. “You… What were you even thinking? Do you understand how dangerous that was?”

  “I'm really sorry Tess!! ” I bowed my head in rapid succession.

  Tess took a deep breath. “But to think you were able to handle it… you got lucky this time.”

  “Yeah I know… I don’t know if I can go through that again.” I lowered my gaze.

  Tess placed her hands on my shoulders. “I understand and I’m sorry I reacted this way… I should have known you wouldn't just leave me like this, not without a purpose.”

  “But what Ann did to you… I'm sorry you had to go through that.” Tess’s voice softened.

  “I’m just not sure why… But I guess… maybe—it’s for the better?” I tried to compose myself—but my voice cracked.

  I just wanted to protect Ann.

  To somehow stop that future from ever happening.

  My head spun as I began to feel uneasy.

  “Had you consulted me before… I would have been against it—I’m still against it!” Tess said, her voice firm, yet softened.

  “But, you did what you believed was right. I can't really fault you for that—but it was still stupid of you to take such a big risk!” She sighed in relief.

  I scratched my chin while grinning awkwardly.

  Tess suddenly leaned in closer.

  “But how do you feel, Leo?”

  I looked away. “Uhm… I’m fine… I guess, don’t worry.”

  Tess shook her head. “You just had your heart broken by the girl you like… so you can’t be fine!”

  “Ehh? What are you talking about? We're just friends and nothing more than that!” I insisted.

  “You fool… you don't need to be in love to have your heart broken!” Tess bellowed.

  “You two practically grew up together, so don't tell me this doesn't hurt you!” Tess folded her arms.

  “Of course it hurts… but we're just friends, or at least… we used to be…” I furrowed my brows.

  Tess sighed. “Listen Leo, no matter how you twist this—you can't run away from your feelings.”

  She then gently pressed her finger on my chest. “It doesn't have to be romantic love, for someone to break your heart… Face it—don't bury it under false pretenses.”

  I stared at Tess, completely unsure as to why she was so insistent… of course Ann was important, but she had made her choice.

  I was ready to leave this place with her. But Ann’s the one who changed her mind—she’s the one who took that choice away from me!

  I tightened my grip—my body shivered…

  Then, I took a deep breath—composing myself.

  “Yes I understand master… I’ll keep that in mind.” I looked up at her.

  Tess sighed and shook her head. “Very well, but please take my words to heart.”

  I raised a brow, then nodded slowly.

  “Well I guess there's nothing more to say, let's go back to the others.” Tess turned away.

  Suddenly I saw something familiar on her hand and reached out—grabbing her palm.

  Tess's face turned into shock. I pulled her hand close to me and examined the ring on her finger.

  It had what looked like Runix symbols, carved into it.

  Wait, this Runix sequence looks weird!—could it be?

  Suddenly—Tess pulled her hand back.

  “He.. hey… what are you thinking?” Tess stepped back—her voice trembled.

  “Tess? That sequence… it's doing something now, right?” I leaned in closer and pressed her on the issue.

  Tess averted my gaze. “I’m not sure I understand what you mean… it’s just a ring… we… we need to get the others—now!” Tess walked away—her body shivered.

  I tilted my head in confusion.

  Huh? What was that all about?