Chapter 42

Alexis felt uncomfortable in the carriage, different to the one they went in with the princess, but still she found herself gulping all the way there and avoiding Alastair's eyes.

Having already been nervous in the carriage coming to the barracks was extremely shocking to her. It was huge, large enough to be a city, filled with mostly men and if there were any women they were usually carrying pots or hanging clothes up.

She saw young kids walking around around, all of which stopped and stared at them. It was impossible not to.

Alastair in his red cape and white suit with a crown on his head. He was alluring enough on his own and with those extremely attractive features… well, she couldn't blame the blushing cheeks of the women they passed.

The Red headed soldier called Roger was their only guard- Ah, no. Since Alexis was a royal mage she was also a guard, but…

The said girl was looking here and there, often walking way behind the emperor as she stopped and spoke to a random soldier, woman or just enlightened a few kids on who she was, except they never really asked because their eyes were trained on the figure that walked ahead.

They were lead to a stage where so many soldier gathered that Alexis had to stare at her feet. She's done public speaking in college, but that was in front of hundred, not thousands.

Alastair stood before the crowd of silent soldiers fearlessly, much to Alexis' surprise. She couldn't help but shake slightly at the sight of thousands and thousands of soldiers staring right at them.

"His majesty, The Emperor, stands before you", shouted Roger a strange rock before him which made it easy for anyone standing miles off to hear, "and standing next to him is his royal mage".

The soldiers who had roared at Alastair's appearance quieted down at her name, they all stare at her in the same bewildered expression.

'That's the royal mage? Is this a sort of mistake?'

Alexis could only awkwardly wave, throwing a smile at the faces. Alastair threw her an amused smirk and she returned it with a glare.

"Greetings my army, the strength of our Empire. I came here to congratulate you for becoming a part of my army and I know full well it is a commitment many are hesitant to take. For that I thank you, but remember every glory shall be rewarded!" He said and then lifting his arm as a signal, five soldiers came up the stage. All of which where big and burly, except for one who looked to be a mere a child of only twelve. Alexis recognised Roger and that was it.

"Roger Stain, Theodore Reales, Damien Cardonia, Howard Asphalt and George Phollio, All stand here in the highest positions of the royal empires army because of their resilience in the recent war", Alexis looked at him and couldn't help but admire him. She looked at the five and recalled that only five people survived the war alongside the Emperor, which were them. The sole survivors.

She had a hunch they were fully aware of what that war truly was.

"You will all be able to rise ranks with victories and if you shall die in any war, the empire will honour you and provide life long support to your parents".

He stepped back signalling the end of his speech and the soldiers started to scream. Loud and raw, screeching so long Alexis could barely make out the words and when they she managed to catch 'long live the emperor' she smiled in pride.

For Alastair.

And then everything went down hill. Pain erupted in her whole body and she was flying back watching Alastair's look of shock in slow motion, he disappeared and cushioned her fall from behind while wrapping his arms around her.

When they rolled over she realised her stomach hurt like crazy, and looking at it she had a tear in her yellow dress, her exposed stomach was completely bruised.

"Alexis, are you okay?" She heard Alastair worried voice in her ear.

"I-I- Fine, what just happened?" She moved to stand only for her legs to not listen to her.

"Let me", Alastair hoisted her up with his arm wrapping his larger cape around her as he turned to glare at the new figure on the stage.

Alexis also glanced at him and almost gasped at the sight of him, green hair up in every direction with visible static surrounding a thin body. Hatred so evident behind those tired eyes and his lips sneered at them.

His mana was insane… thrashing everywhere.

The five knights, who didn't foresee the attack stood paralysed by the static shock covering the stage, they held up much better than Alexis and actually managed to take a few steps towards him.

It wasn't enough. He strode towards the shaken Alexis who was being supported by Alastair, his arms holding onto her tightly.

"How dare you attack the Emperor of this Empire", Alastair voice despite being spoken in a cold, intimidating tone spoken loudly without shouting travelled to the boy who laughed in return.

"I would never your highness", his voice sounded much mature than his fragile looking body.

"My Mage is as much as me as my arm is".

"That girl is unworthy of that title! She couldn't even protect herself much less you! She unworthy!" He spoke in the same manner an insane person might and charged towards them in full speed.

Alexis who didn't get the chance to take his words to heart because her body started to panic suddenly with a long throbbing headache found herself inside a dusty cabin with Alastair who clutched the ground in pain.

He had teleported both of them. Something so dangerous most people didn't attempt it.

Normally, with a normal amount of mana it was impossible for Alastair to move anyone with his teleportation magic even with his daily use of mana so moving Alexis just then took much more mana he or a normal person should use, resulting in his body reacting negatively.

He didn't notice the look of pure guilt and self-loathing on Alexis' face. Because she realised that with the way she currently was, that man was right.

She was unworthy.