As Erik and Shikuro exchanged their heartwarming yet playful banter, Shikihime stood by, her lips curling into a smile at their familiar camaraderie. Shikuro, ever the leader, quickly shifted the conversation to more pressing matters. "What's the situation?" he inquired, his tone laced with urgency.

  Erik's expression sobered as he relayed the grim news. "The Stardust Kingdom is gearing up for war. It's likely they've already attacked the fleet you left with. Moreover, Aldrik has sparked a rebellion in an attempt to crown himself the first Archduke of the Stardust Kingdom. And Archduke Arvid... he's been assassinated. The realm teeters on the edge of a full-blown conflict."

  Shikuro's face hardened in disbelief. "They wouldn't dare," he muttered, but Erik's grave nod confirmed the worst. "Unfortunately, they have. The Realm's stability is hanging by a thread."

  Understanding the gravity of the situation, Shikuro turned to Erik with a decisive request. "Erik, I need you to lead our forces. Will you accept the position of Marshal of our Duchy?" he asked, his voice firm with resolve.

  Erik's response was immediate and confident. "You know it. That's exactly the kind of responsibility I thrive on," he declared, ready to step into the role that demanded his expertise.

  Meanwhile, Shikihime, observing the gathered men, noted the size of Erik's contingent. "Where's the rest of the crew?" she inquired, scanning the area.

  Erik directed his gaze towards Shikihime, answering with a mixture of solemnity and reassurance. "The rest are aboard our ship, positioned a short distance from here. We have boats prepared and can depart at a moment's notice."

  Shikuro nodded in approval, ready to move forward with their plans. "You won't believe the trials we've faced on our journey here," he began, hinting at the extraordinary tale that awaited Erik's ears.

  Erik's expression grew more serious as he addressed Shikuro's concerns. "Won't I?" he mused thoughtfully. "I'm actually more curious about how you managed to overcome those bastards they sent after you," Erik continued, his voice carrying a note of genuine interest.

  Shikuro, caught off guard by Erik's awareness of their plight, sought clarification. "How do you know about that?" he inquired, his brow furrowed in puzzlement.

  With a casual shrug, Erik revealed his sources. "I've been keeping tabs through reports. Once I noticed Divinity's involvement, the pieces started to fall into place."

  Shikuro, though somewhat reassured, probed further with a tinge of skepticism in his voice. "But why didn't you try to intervene? You knew they sent a hunters after us. What was your strategy in all this?"

  Erik paused, his demeanor shifting to something more somber, almost regretful. "It's not as straightforward as you might think, Shikuro," he said, a trace of reluctance in his voice.

  Before Shikuro could press for more information, Erik's tone took on a darker edge. "I see I can't make this easy for you, as always," he stated, his gaze steady on Shikuro.

  Shikuro, bewildered, demanded an explanation. "What do you mean by that?" he asked, his confusion evident.

  Shikihime, sensing the tension, instinctively reached for her weapon, only to be halted by Erik's cautioning words. "I wouldn't do that if I were you. Ten against twenty-five is a suicide mission," he warned, his voice low but firm.

  Shikuro's frown deepened, his mind racing to comprehend Erik's insinuations. "Erik, what are you saying?" he asked, a mix of disbelief and anger in his voice.

  Erik, with a cold, calculating look, revealed his true intentions. "What I mean, Shikuro, is exactly what I said. My plan was to get you aboard my ship and eliminate you quietly in your sleep. It seemed the most efficient way to handle this situation without unnecessary confrontation."

  Shikihime's mind worked furiously, analyzing the implications of Erik's words. The realization that they were outnumbered and outmatched by Erik's limitless soldiers dawned on her. A confrontation would be a dire mismatch.

  Shikuro, still grappling with Erik's betrayal, sought answers to his burning questions. "But why, Erik? Since when have you harbored such intentions?" His voice was a blend of hurt and incredulity, struggling to reconcile the friend he knew with the traitor before him.

  Erik's disdainful gaze fell on Shikuro, his eyes filled with scorn. With a spit directed towards Shikihime, he revealed his true colors, "From the very beginning," he sneered, an unhinged smile spreading across his face. "You can't imagine the thrill of it... Acting behind the scenes, manipulating outcomes."

  His crazed smile widened as he recounted his betrayals, each word stabbing at Shikihime and Shikuro's hearts like a knife. "Remember the fight with Mai? I was the one who shot her from behind, ensuring her death. And that wounded Kingdom soldier? I made sure he couldn't lead anyone back to us."

  Shikihime's fists clenched tightly, her nails digging into her palms. Fury and disbelief battled within her as Erik's monologue continued, unveiling the depths of his depravity. Shikihime's rage coursing through her. 'He will pay for this,' she vowed silently.

  Erik relished in the horror and anger that his confession stirred. "Oh, the thrill of playing the savior while ensuring her death. Nobody suspected a thing. To be so close to death, to hold life in my hands and then snuff it out... it's exhilarating."

  Shikuro's eyes seethed with a mix of shock, anger, and hatred. Each revelation from Erik was like a fresh wound, deepening the sense of betrayal.

  Erik, feeding off Shikuro's torment, boasted further. "And who do you think manipulated the kingdom's response, kept our forces limited? Who orchestrated the ambush at sea? If only you had died as planned, my life would have been so much simpler."

  He then turned his scornful gaze back to Shikihime. "But you, you just refused to perish. I even plotted with the Kingdom to infiltrate the Dynasty, assassinate your sister. A tragic error that they killed Tomoe instead of you. Then came Nightblack's plan – a perfect solution to a persistent problem."

  Erik's twisted enjoyment was evident as he observed Shikuro's dawning realization. "Yes, Shikuro, it was I who advised against sending a large force, and I who orchestrated the ship's approach. If only she had died as planned, my life would've been so much simpler."

  Erik's tirade was a chilling testament to his madness. As he reveled in recounting his heinous deeds, the air grew thick with tension. "Can you even fathom the ecstasy I felt slicing through Torsten's throat? He struggled valiantly, but in vain," Erik boasted, his eyes gleaming with a disturbing glee. "There's nothing quite like it, not even the pleasures of the flesh can compare," he laughed maniacally, savoring the memory of his brutality.

  Shikuro stood there, quivering with barely contained fury, while Shikihime recognized the depth of Erik's psychopathy. He had ensnared them in his web of deceit and violence.

  Regaining composure, Erik continued, "Oh, but there's more. I was the one who dispatched Sagar, shifting the blame onto him. Deceiving Ingrid and Leif right under their noses. And when I descended into his cellar, to carve him up while he yet lived, his pleas of 'Why?' were music to my ears. Such delicious despair!" His laughter echoed eerily in the cavernous room.

  "And then, there's Astrid," Erik said, his tone shifting to one of mock sentimentality. "Did you know, Shikuro, she harbored feelings for you? Confessed to me once, drunk, that she'd offer herself to you if you remained unwed. In her honor, I preserved her head in alcohol in my office. Perhaps I'll do the same with yours. A fitting reunion for unrequited lovers."

  As Erik's twisted fantasy unraveled, Bjorn, unable to contain his disbelief, asked, "Erik, after everything we've been through, did none of it mean anything to you?"

  Erik's gaze shifted to Bjorn. "It meant something, alright. I almost let it all slide, but he... HE..." Erik's rant was abruptly cut off as a volley of bolts whizzed through the air, striking his soldiers. An ambush had been laid, turning the tables on Erik's plan.

  The chaos erupted violently as Erik's soldiers, caught between Shikuro's group and the ambushers, engaged in a fierce melee. Amidst the clashing of steel and cries of battle, Shikihime's ears picked up a familiar voice cutting through the din. It was Sora, commanding her troops with clear, decisive orders. "Focus on those without heavy armor. Secure the princess' safety above all! To arms, brothers, let's rescue Shikihime!"

  Shikuro, fueled by a mix of rage and determination, unsheathed his blacksteel sword and lunged towards Erik. Their swords clashed in a whirlwind of steel, each strike carrying the weight of betrayal and vengeance.

  Shikihime, torn between her desire for revenge and the necessity of strategy, made a swift decision. She left Erik to Shikuro, turning back to assist their group against the remaining Limitless soldiers.

  Goliath, the mysterious giant who had joined them, questioned Shikihime with a simple, "They no friends?" Shikihime shook her head firmly. "They are our enemies. We need to help our group. Can you fight with us?"

  Without hesitation, Goliath drew his sword and, with surprising agility for his size, charged into the fray. His shield ready in his other hand, he barreled into the enemy lines, sending soldiers tumbling with the sheer force of his impact.

  Bjorn, driven by a fury that seemed to enhance his strength, battled ferociously. He pushed an enemy soldier to the edge of the cave and delivered a powerful kick, sending him plummeting into the abyss below.

  Shikihime, finding herself quickly fatigued by the intense combat, adapted her approach. Yoru, understanding her intent, maneuvered their opponents closer together. Shikihime then unleashed a potent poison, instantly debilitating the enemy soldiers who soon collapsed, gasping for air.

  Akalune, despite her valiant efforts, struggled in combat due to her recent injuries. But Bjorn, ever the loyal warrior, swiftly came to her aid, ensuring she wasn't overwhelmed.

  In the midst of the intense battle, Shikihime realized their group was faring better than she had anticipated. She turned her attention to Shikuro, noticing he was in trouble. Rushing to his aid, she slipped on the cave's wet ground, a momentary setback that didn't deter her determination. Quickly regaining her footing, she was horrified to see Erik slash across Shikuro's face, leaving a deep cut from his ear across his cheek to his chin. Blood poured from the wound, but Shikuro fought on undeterred.

  Shikihime charged at Erik, attacking from his flank. Erik was remarkably adept, simultaneously parrying her strikes while engaging Shikuro in his frenzied state. He taunted them, his words laced with venom. "Your rage is nothing compared to my hatred. Perhaps you'd fight harder if I struck her down before you!"

  Shikuro's roar echoed through the cave, his attacks intensifying with each passing second. Suddenly, an enemy soldier called out to Erik, urging a strategic retreat. Erik momentarily considered the suggestion, ordering the preparation of an escape boat. But Shikuro, fueled by pain and anger, declared defiantly, "You're not going anywhere, Erik!" He launched a ferocious attack, his sword cutting through the air with incredible speed. Erik dodged and counterattacked, but Shikuro's injured arm faltered under the strain, allowing Erik's blade to slice through his left shoulder.

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  Seizing the moment, Shikihime lashed out with her shortsword. Erik, anticipating her move, pivoted away. She followed up with a swift sidestep and a dagger strike, slicing through Erik's hair and grazing his scalp. Startled but not subdued, Erik retaliated with a powerful kick that sent Shikihime sprawling to the ground, struggling for air as pain radiated from her likely fractured ribs.

  As Erik made his escape, leaping onto a sailing boat, Shikihime and Shikuro were left incapacitated on the cave floor.

  Crumpled on the ground, struggling for each breath, Shikihime's condition immediately drew Akalune's concern. "Sora! We need you here quickly – Shikihime and Shikuro are injured!" she cried out in desperation.

  Sora, smeared with the grime of battle, quickly assessed the dire situation. Yoru approached, reinforcing the urgency. "We need to prioritize their safety and get back to Frostgard," she insisted firmly.

  Without hesitation, Sora sprang into action, commanding her crew with authority. They carefully moved Shikihime and Shikuro to the boat, ensuring their safe transportation. The vessel, swiftly cutting through the water, made its way to their flagship, the Kraken. Amidst the chaos, Shikihime succumbed to unconsciousness, her body unable to endure the stress any longer.

  Shikuro, still conscious despite his injuries, urgently inquired about the presence of nearby fleet support. "Do we have a fleet nearby? I intend to pursue that traitor's ship," he demanded. Sora, maintaining her composure despite the circumstances, informed him, "We have only the Kraken in the vicinity."

  Sora's gaze momentarily softened as she looked at Akalune, her expression betraying a flicker of sorrow before swiftly returning to her usual commanding presence. She turned her focus to Minato, her tone unyielding. "You will report to me everything that occurred after you left the Stardust Kingdom. No rest until then, understood?" Minato nodded, acknowledging her directive.

  Surveying the new faces aboard, Sora's confusion was evident. "And who exactly are these people? Why are we taking them with us?" she questioned, her eyes scrutinizing Goliath, Elena, and Mathias. Yoru, understanding the gravity of the situation, explained their significance as reinforcements from the city. Sora, grasping the implications, nodded in understanding.

  The question of their return to Frostgard was raised, and Minato, ever pragmatic, explained the necessity due to the established alliance contract following Shikihime's marriage to Shikuro. Sora, visibly frustrated, demanded immediate action. "We need a full report, and Yoru, you're to accompany me for this briefing," she declared.

  Goliath's simple statement of hunger momentarily disrupted the tense atmosphere. Sora's patience was wearing thin, and she was about to retort when Shikuro intervened, reminding her of Goliath's uniqueness and the importance of courtesy. Sora's retort was cut short by Minato's stern reminder of her place in the presence of the Archduke and the royal princess's husband.

  Shikuro's gaze lingered on the Realm ship, likely in the process of intercepting Erik's vessel. The sight of the Kraken swiftly preparing to set sail stirred a resolve within him. He turned to Bjorn, his voice firm with determination. "Bjorn, my friend, I can't let Erik get away with this. He's going to pay for what he's done. I plan to personally end him. Is that clear?" Bjorn gave a solemn nod, his disappointment palpable. "I can hardly process it all, Shikuro. It's just too much to take in at once," he admitted.

  Shikuro silently vowed to avenge Sagar and Torsten, whose deaths now lay heavy on his conscience. It was then that Shikihime, weak but conscious, chimed in with a faint smile, "See, I told you Bjorn would make a good godfather." Sora, overhearing this and missing the context of their earlier conversation, bombarded them with questions until Yoru clarified the situation.

  Sora, slightly irritated, admonished Shikihime. "You shouldn't joke at times like these." Shikihime, coughing up blood, weakly retorted, "I'm going to kill that bastard, Erik. Mark my words..." Shikuro, gently holding her hand, joined in her resolve. "We'll do it together, for everything he's done," he declared.

  As Sora began to express her concerns about their injuries, Shikihime reassured her with a frail smile, "I've been through worse, Sora. I'll be alright." Sora, still processing the information, looked over the group once more. "Come again?" she asked, incredulously.

  Shikihime, with a faint smile, responded, "I missed you, Sora. But now, I'm looking forward to returning home. To Frostgard." Sora, recognizing the sincerity in her words, nodded in understanding, accepting her duty as Shikihime's attendant.

  Turning her attention to Shikuro, Sora insisted, "And you're next, after Shikihime. You need proper medical attention, especially for that wound on your face." Shikuro dismissively responded, "I don't need a healer." But Bjorn quickly cut in, "Oh, you do. And you're not getting a say in this. They're really alike, aren't they?" he said, half-jokingly, half in exasperation.

  The Kraken loomed large as they approached, its ropes tossed down to assist them in boarding. The group, carrying their wounded, made their way onto the massive ship. Colonel Aoi, standing tall and resolute, saluted Sora before seeking her commands.

  "Set course for Frostgard, and make it quick," Sora instructed firmly. "We'll be moving around the clock. I need a secure room for the wounded, particularly for Shikihime and Shikuro, with a guard on duty at all times. Is that clear?"

  Colonel Aoi responded with a crisp salute and immediately set about relaying orders to his crew. He briefly paused to inform Sora that suitable accommodations were available on the second floor, including a guest room for high-profile individuals such as the princess and the archduke. Sora acknowledged with a nod, and Colonel Aoi returned to his duties, his voice echoing commands across the deck.

  Turning to the rest of the group, Sora announced, "You all need to rest immediately. I'll start with Shikihime, then Shikuro, followed by Akalune, Yoru, and the others." But before she could continue, Goliath's voice boomed, "Me hungry." Sora, slightly irked by his interruption, ordered, "Get this giant some food, will you? Keep him quiet!"

  With that settled, Sora retreated to her quarters to gather medical supplies. Despite the dire circumstances, a sense of joy bubbled within her. Shikihime was alive, Shikuro was alive – these facts alone were enough to bring a smile to her face, though she kept her emotions in check given the situation.

  As she meticulously prepared her medical kit, Minato entered unannounced. Sora, usually strict about such formalities, let it pass this time. She concentrated on his narrative, absorbing the details of their harrowing journey as she packed bandages and herbs.

  With everything she needed packed in a large box, Sora made her way to tend to Shikihime, Minato accompanying her. He continued to recount the ordeal, filling in the gaps with every step they took towards the princess's quarters.

  Sora stepped into the room where Shikihime and Shikuro were, with guards standing vigil outside. The scene inside was quiet and somber. Shikuro was seated at the edge of Shikihime's bed, his hands gently holding hers. Sora's lips curled into a brief smile at the tender sight, but her professional demeanor quickly resurfaced.

  "Shikuro, get into bed now," Sora commanded with a no-nonsense tone. "Here, you're not the archduke; you're a patient. And I don't take kindly to unruly patients. Do you understand?" Her words, though stern, carried a hint of care beneath them.

  Shikuro, understanding the gravity of her words, complied and moved to his assigned bed. Sora then turned her attention to Shikihime, noticing Minato still in the room. "Minato, please step outside. I need to examine Shikihime, and you shouldn't be here for that," she instructed firmly. Minato nodded and exited, leaving Sora alone with the wounded royals.

  As she sat next to Shikihime, Sora turned to Shikuro, her expression serious. "I'm only going to say this once. If you don't appreciate Shikihime's sacrifices and treat her well, I will personally ensure you regret it. Do we have an understanding?"

  Shikuro's reply was solemn and sincere. "If I ever change, if I become unjust or tyrannical, then yes, you have my permission to act."

  Sora nodded, accepting his response, and began her work. She carefully removed Shikihime's armor, revealing the extent of her injuries. Her chest bore the imprint of a soldier's boot, a clear indication of broken ribs. Sora gently applied a medicinal cream to the bruise and administered a pain-relief potion.

  Inspecting Shikihime's hands, Sora noted the bruises and abrasions, likely from the relentless combat. When she removed her boots, she discovered a broken nail on one foot, surrounded by pus – a painful injury that Shikihime had endured in silence. Sora applied another ointment to the infected area and made a mental note to clean and dress the wound properly later.

  Shikuro, witnessing the extent of Shikihime's injuries, looked away in distress. "If she had only said something, we could have helped her," he murmured, his voice laced with regret.

  Sora responded, her voice soft yet firm. "Shikihime has always been like this. She won't show weakness to her enemies. In safety, among those she trusts, she might open up about her struggles. But in the field, she's always guarded, never revealing her vulnerabilities."

  Sora's medical examination of Shikuro was thorough and professional. After treating his head wound, she turned her attention to his overall condition. "You've lost a lot of blood," she noted with a clinical eye. "I'll prepare a special concoction to help you replenish it. But you'll need to rest and stay in bed for at least the next 24 hours. Understand?"

  Shikuro, though initially hesitant to agree to such a lengthy rest, found himself reluctantly nodding in acceptance. Sora's expertise in healing was not something he could easily argue against.

  Next, she addressed his shoulder wound, applying a soothing ointment with gentle precision. "Now, remove your top; I need to check the extent of the damage to your arm," she instructed.

  Shikihime, despite her own injuries, couldn't resist a jest from her bed. "Shikuro, she's not asking for threesome you know, she's a healer. Just do as she says."

  Shikuro, somewhat relieved by Shikihime's lighthearted comment, complied. Sora carefully examined his left arm, asking him to describe the pain and its intensity. "It seems you have multiple fractures in your arm. It could take a week or two to heal properly. You mustn't use it for anything until then. I'll secure it properly once I've tended to the others."

  She then directed him to remove his boots, checking his feet for any injuries. Finding none, she half-jokingly commanded, "Pants off now." Shikuro, now accustomed to her no-nonsense approach, obeyed. After a quick glance, Sora remarked, "Not so bad," and moved on to check the other injured members of their party.

  Left standing there, Shikuro blushed, feeling exposed and slightly confused by the abrupt end of the examination. He was unsure what to make of Sora's remark but knew better than to question the methods of a seasoned healer.

  Interlude: Nightblack appointment

  In the dimly lit barracks, Nightblack sat absorbed in reports of consecutive failures. His mind was occupied with the complexities of the political game at play, especially the suspected involvement of the Abyss fleet in the recent disappearances of merchant ships. He was aware of the looming critical juncture; the events unfolding were years in the making. With the final day fast approaching, he tried to anticipate and mitigate any potential obstacles.

  A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. "Enter," Nightblack called out. Erik strode into the room, his demeanor betraying his frustration. Shortly thereafter, two more men joined them. The atmosphere in the room grew tense as King Giovani entered and took a seat, signaling the others to do the same.

  Nightblack began his report, outlining the recent setbacks and the current status of their operations. Erik interjected with crucial information: "Shikuro escaped. He'll likely be back in Frostgard within four to five days. The real question now is how the Dynasty will respond."

  The fourth man in the room, clearly troubled, added his own disconcerting news. "There's something else," he began, drawing everyone's attention. "My father has received intelligence that the Dynasty is recognizing the defensive alliance with the Realm. This implies the activation of their contract."

  Nightblack, visibly surprised, interjected, "That's impossible. The contract I saw required a marriage between Shikihime and Shikuro for it to take effect."

  Erik, musing over his recent encounter, speculated, "They might actually be married. I've seen how close she was to him, clinging to him like a lifeline."

  The king pondered this possibility. "Could they have married in secret before arriving here?" he queried, trying to make sense of the unfolding events.

  Erik, half in jest, replied, "Not possible. If they had, I would've been Shikuro's best man."

  Turning the conversation to a more strategic discussion, the king asked another crucial question. "Odor, how well can Aldrik hold Eirtaoir?"

  Odor, with confidence in his father's abilities, responded, "My father is a skilled tactician. As long as he has the necessary resources, he'll hold his ground."

  King Giovani, assessing the situation, laid out a strategic plan. "We'll have to engage on three fronts: the north against the Dynasty, Eirtaoir, and Frostgard." Erik, however, voiced his reservations, "Attacking Frostgard, especially with Shikuro there, is risky. The Dynasty's fleet could easily cut off our retreat and choke our supply lines."

  Nightblack, deep in thought, added his perspective. "Focusing on naval battles and ensuring Eirtaoir remains supplied seems the most prudent course. We can engage in minor skirmishes near Frostgard to prevent them from reallocating too many troops to support Ivar."

  The king nodded thoughtfully, "That might indeed be the wiser approach. Two main fronts could also sow division within their alliance, as each side will inevitably prioritize its own interests."

  Odor chimed in, highlighting another pressing issue, "We must break the Dynasty's blockade. It's severely hampering our movements. Admiral Yamato's fleet is proving to be a formidable barrier."

  Nightblack, with his eyes closed, seemed to be running through various scenarios in his mind. After a moment of contemplation, he proposed a bold strategy, "We should wait for their forces to engage in Eirtaoir and then strike hard through their fleet, decimating their army completely."

  Erik, analyzing the map, realized the potential of Nightblack's plan. "They won't focus on just one front; they'll likely open multiple ones through the port cities. But not all are strongly fortified."

  A sly smile spread across Nightblack's face. "Exactly. And do you know how many of those cities are vulnerable?"

  Erik's realization turned into a grin as he studied the map. "This could actually work."

  Odor and King Giovani, seeing the potential in the plan, voiced their agreement. The room buzzed with a newfound sense of purpose as they began to fine-tune their strategy, ready to exploit the weaknesses of their enemies and turn the tide of the impending conflict.