Chapter 18 -- That Dad, Claude (1)

The powerful force of the tempest around him made it hard even to stand. Yet, Claude's eyes had hardened with determination.

"YOUR MAJESTY!"

It had been a leisurely day, just like any other. According to Felix, the Emerald Palace was hosting guests that day. Athanasia had to have been enjoying a tea party at her palace.

"IT'S TOO DANGEROUS TO GET CLOSE! PLEASE STAY BACK!"

He had headed for the powerful wave of magic that he'd felt emanating from the Emerald Palace. But, when he'd arrived, he could not find Athanasia anywhere. Right then and there, he knew that the person he was looking for was inside of that white whirlwind. His daughter was the core of the storm. If he didn't do something soon, she could implode at any time.

"Felix, help people evacuate the Emerald Palace."

Felix was holding Jennette Magrita, whom he'd barely managed to save amid the exploding magic. When the strange phenomenon had begun, she'd been repelled away by an invisible force. The shock of it had caused her to faint.

The knight had to shout to be heard over the chaotic wind. "I UNDERSTAND! BY NOW, THE MAGICIANS HAVE SURELY BEEN CONTACTED. SO, YOUR MAJESTY SHOULD…"

But before Felix had finished his sentence, Claude had already begun to take his first step forward.

"YOUR MAJESTY!"

But Claude did not stop. His golden hair flew along with the wind and sparkled, like broken pieces of the sun.

"YOU CANNOT, YOUR MAJESTY!"

"Don't be so loud and go do what you're told. You're a nuisance."

He heard Felix say something urgently, but the emperor had already entered the vortex without hesitation. A sharp pain was followed by a thin line of blood across his cheek. The magical force was like a well-sharpened knife.

Whatever was happening wasn't good. And Athanasia, caught in the middle of it all, was in danger.

The air rang with the sound of clashing magic.

Trying to block out the intruder, the storm produced powerful waves that scratched at Claude's entire body. It did little to slow his advance.

The only option was to go into the middle of the chaos and force the magical explosion to settle. Neither he nor Athanasia had much time. But there were no other options.

Trying to intervene could put his life and that of his daughter in danger. Naturally, Claude planned on using his magic to funnel all of that danger onto himself.

If they knew what he was planning to do, nine out of ten people would have thought him mad. But, no one would have had the power to stop him.

If I do this, I might die.

Without a moment of hesitation, Claude reached for the center of the magical storm, where the most unstable magic resided.

But I don't care.

Blindingly bright, white light exploded before his eyes.