Chapter 5 Twins lost in the capital

As the days passed, Aayam honed his hunting skills while Lilith's magical prowess grew significantly. They both discovered the stark contrasts between their worlds. Meanwhile, Lilith's parents eagerly waited for the day to journey to the capital with their merchant friends. The group set off in two carriages, with Michal and Matte driving. Alongside them were the three 16-year-olds and Lilith's mother. Mr. Elira and his hunter guild companions walked alongside, ensuring the group's safety.

The Seekers, a group of six, also accompanied them out of gratitude towards Lilith's father. Despite the smooth journey on the first day, rain hindered their progress. Forced to eat cold food and endure the relentless downpour, they pressed on towards Nessus. With supplies dwindling, some hunters ventured into the forest for sustenance while the Seekers scoured for fruits and nuts.

With no protection from the rain, except for the carriages, the group faced a race against time to reach the capital before their provisions ran out.

As the skies cleared, the group finally arrived at the bustling capital of Nennung Wails. Upon reaching the gates, they were met by guards who scrutinized their belongings and collected the entry tax before allowing them entry.

Aayam marveled at the city's architecture, which recalled the 1600s era. People bustled about the streets, which lacked sidewalks. The city was abuzz with preparations for an upcoming holiday.

After bidding farewell to the hunters who had escorted them, Aayam, Lilith, and the others settled at an inn owned by Lessly's parents, Anton and Candy. The inn boasted a stable for merchants' horses and belongings and stood three stories tall.

Warmly welcomed by Candy, Michal and Matta confirmed their intent to sell their merchandise again. They requested three rooms for their stay, prompting Candy to arrange their accommodations.

While waiting for their rooms to be prepared, Lessly took Lilith and Aayam on a tour of the capital, showing them famous landmarks and the bustling marketplace. Aayam couldn't help but draw parallels between this city and his childhood home, noting the cleanliness differences.

As Lessly led them to the capital square, they encountered a grand fountain adorned with statues of three figures holding staffs. Aayam, puzzled by the locals' fascination, whispered to Lilith about the "legendary seven." Lilith's surprised reaction prompted Aayam to hush her, realizing their conversation might attract unwanted attention.

In a secluded alleyway, Lilith explained the significance of the "legendary Sannin," realizing Aayam's unfamiliarity with the local lore. Aayam's actions drew curious looks, prompting Lilith to remember his otherworldly origins.

Unaware of Aayam's confusion, Lilith tried to explain the significance of the "legendary Sannin" to him. Lessly, unable to engage in their conversation, expressed disbelief upon learning of Aayam's unfamiliarity with the local legends. Lilith then revealed to Lessly that Aayam hailed from a distant land, unable to sense certain things due to circumstances beyond his control.

Realizing Aayam's unique background, Lessly suggested discussing the matter further over dinner. After agreeing to delve into the topic later, the trio continued sightseeing in the capital under Lessly's guidance. They explored the town square and vibrant marketplace, observing a variety of goods being traded. Aayam spotted familiar items among the offerings, some of which were new to him.

Amidst the bustling market, Aayam was drawn to a peculiar fruit resembling an apple but with a different hue – a Kiapp. After learning about the fruit from Lessly, Aayam engaged with a salesman to inquire about the price of a Kiapp. The salesman hesitated before quoting a price for copper coins, prompting Aayam to purchase them.

With newfound purchases, the trio ventured to nearby shops, passing by establishments selling various goods, from furniture to weapons. They even encountered a pharmacy emitting a pungent odor from the drying and grinding herbs for medicines. Though sympathetic to the workers, they hastened their pace to escape the unpleasant scent.

Reflecting on the pharmacy's atmosphere, the trio couldn't help but empathize with those who endured such conditions.

************

"Welcome back, dear customers," the innkeeper greeted the trio of friends as they entered. "Dinner will be ready shortly."

"Okay, we'll wait in the dining room then," replied one of the friends.

"That's fine. Your parents are already there," the innkeeper added, referring to Lessly's parents.

As they entered the dining hall, they spotted Lessly's parents at a table, patiently waiting. They joined them, and soon after, Lilith's parents arrived as well.

"How was your first time in the capital?" asked Ms. Emma to her children. "Weren't you excited?" Matte inquired with a smile.

"Yes, Lessly was an excellent guide," Lilith responded to her mother. "We had a great time exploring the town and seeing the sights," added the other teen. Lessly blushed as her friends praised her. The group continued to chat about their day until their food arrived.

A bowl of soup arrived, its unique purple color and strong scent catching everyone's attention. Aayam, taken aback, thought it might be a prank. Looking around, he noticed everyone else was eating the same soup, which surprised him.

Lilith observed Aayam's expression and asked, "What's wrong? Have you ever tried Lizzer soup before?"

Aayam hesitated, then replied, "No, it's not that, it's just..."

"Just what?" Lilith inquired.

"Um, nothing," Aayam mumbled, returning his gaze to his food. He cautiously sipped the purple soup, but its intense blend of bitter, salty, sour, and spicy flavors overwhelmed him. Aayam collapsed, unconscious.

Concerned voices filled the room. "Oh no, Aayam!"

"Is he okay?"

"We need a doctor!"

Panic ensued as the inn's patrons reacted to the unexpected turn of events, witnessing Aayam's sudden collapse.

************

In a luxurious chamber befitting a royal princess, a young girl in her teens sat by a charming nightstand, brushing her hair. A knock interrupted her solitude.

"Come in," she called out, inviting the visitor inside. A French maid entered, followed by a middle-aged butler in a formal uniform.

"Good morning, Princess Nina. We trust you are well today," they greeted her, their presence familiar as part of a routine.

"It was quite good, Smith. What's on my agenda for today?" Princess Nina inquired.

"Today, you will have breakfast with your younger siblings, meet with your private tutor for your studies, and then practice the song you will perform at the kingdom's founding day celebration with your mother," Smith replied.

The song Nina was learning had been passed down through generations of the royal family, reflecting a legend about the world of demons. The meaning behind the song's symbolism remained a mystery. Sung annually on the kingdom's founding day kept the legend alive within the Nina family.

As the door creaked open, a small figure dashed towards Nina, the impact causing her to emit a surprised sound.

"Come now, you two. Can't you see your sister is still getting dressed?" scolded Teya, the maid. Nina's younger brothers' mischievous behavior was a recurring issue that Teya found frustrating.

"We're sorry, Teya. We just wanted to spend time with Onēsan," the young princes apologized. Teya, having been with Nina since childhood, was more than a maid to them; she was a trusted companion.

"You can't just barge into someone else's room without knocking first," Tiya scolded gently.

"Don't be so angry, Tiya," Nina interjected.

"But... Your Highness," Tiya hesitated.

"Listen to me, Max, Ethen. Try to follow Tiya's instructions, and she will be less strict with you, alright?" Nina advised.

"Okay," the young princes agreed.

After Tiya finished helping Nina get ready, the princess walked with her younger siblings to the dining room.

************

It took the entire night for Aayam to regain consciousness. As he opened his eyes, a voice greeted him.

"Oh, you're awake!" exclaimed a young man he did not recognize but whose features seemed feminine to Aayam.

"I'll inform everyone that you're awake," the stranger said before leaving the room swiftly.

Shortly after, familiar faces and strangers alike gathered around Aayam's bedside. Among them, Aayam found solace in the presence of Lilith and her parents, who exuded warmth and kindness.

"Aayam, are you alright?" Lilith's voice was the first to break the concerned silence.

"What happened last night? You suddenly passed out," she continued, worried evident in her tone. Aayam's unexpected collapse had left them all puzzled and anxious to uncover the cause.

Hesitant and embarrassed, Aayam finally mustered the courage to confess, "It... was... the... soup."

The revelation baffled everyone present. Lizard soup, a renowned delicacy enjoyed by nobles and royalty, had never caused such a reaction. The boy who had watched over Aayam earlier sought confirmation, his disbelief palpable.

Aayam affirmed solemnly, confirming that the soup was the culprit.

They were too old to believe. As everyone processed, Aayam asked the three in the room a question.

"May I ask you something? Who are you?" Aayam asked the three next to the Elira family.

"Did you forget us when you passed out?" one exclaimed.

"Have we met before?" The family of three looked shocked.

"Lessly, Michal and Matte," Lilith said, explaining why Aayam didn't recognize them.

"What do you mean, Lilith? These three are different," Aayam interjected.

"Well, Ayam, they're Exley succubus. They can change their genders at will," Lilith clarified.

Aayam gasped, unable to believe that demons could change their genders.

"That's right," they confirmed.

After 15 minutes, Aayam finished his thoughts, and everyone exited the room. Today marked the founding of the country, making the capital livelier than ever. Aayam still struggled to grasp the idea of gender change in this world. However, he looked forward to experiencing the festival with his companions for the first time.

Stepping out of the inn, they joined a bustling crowd heading towards the castle. Aayam knew he had to stick close to avoid losing them.

Arriving at the castle, they found a crowd of people gathered. Puzzled by the scene, Aayam whispered to Lessly, "What's happening here?"

Lessly, with a boyish appearance, explained, "The Nessus kingdom boasts the oldest history. The royal family sings a sacred song passed down through generations since the first king."

Suddenly, bells rang in the distance. A girl emerged on the balcony – Princess Nina, the third princess of Nessus, as Lessly revealed.

As the bells quieted, a grand orchestra from the castle filled the air. Princess Nina awaited her cue to sing, briefly pausing before her melodious voice filled the air.

Her enchanting voice captivated the audience, evoking emotions and tears from those hearing it for the first time, including Aayam. The princess's song brought a sense of freedom, akin to a bird soaring unrestrained in the sky. As the princess concluded her performance, the orchestra played until dusk fell.

Applause filled the air as the crowd appreciated the princess and the orchestra. As the event concluded, people dispersed throughout the city, preparing for the grand festival.

The day passed swiftly with numerous activities and attractions, including food stands, games, and competitions. Amid the festivities, one of Lessly's mothers overindulged, prompting Lilith's father to escort them back to the inn. Meanwhile, the others continued to the bustling Capitol Square.

The square teemed with people: men and women dancing, children playing in the fountain, and painters capturing the lively scene on canvas. Lilith and Lessly headed off to have their portraits painted while Miss Elira whisked Aayam towards the dancers.

"Do you know how to dance, Aayam?" Miss Elira inquired.

"I'm sorry, I do not," Aayam replied.

"That's alright. I'll show you how," she said, leading him onto the dance floor.

Miss Emma stood 6 feet away from Aayam. "Now, Aayam, mirror my movements like a reflection, but in the opposite direction," she instructed. Aayam nodded in agreement.

Miss Emma led the dance by raising her right leg and extending her arms to the right, with Aayam following her every move. They twirled, hopped, and twisted in harmony, moving around in a circle. As they reached the climax, Miss Elira extended her hand towards Aayam, mirroring his gesture before they finally stopped.

Exhausted, Aayam struggled to catch his breath after the intense dance. He stumbled a few times, trying to keep up with Elira's agile movements.

As Aayam rested on a nearby bench, Lilith and Lessly returned after having their portraits done.

"Are you alright, Aayam?" Lilith asked, concerned.

"It's my first time dancing, so I'm not used to it," Aayam replied, catching his breath.

"I understand. Do you need more time before we continue?" Lilith inquired.

"I'll be ready once I catch my breath," Aayam assured them.

"That's good to hear. While you rest, Lilith and I heard about a play depicting the kingdom's founding. How about we go watch it together?" Lessly suggested.

Lessly's suggestion to attend the theater was well-received by the others, including Aayam. They arrived at an open theater without needing tickets, settling in the middle section just as the play was about to commence.

The performance unfolded with a tale of nine siblings—five boys and four girls—bound not only by blood but also by a deep friendship that transcended their diverse backgrounds and races.

The siblings' avatars journeyed through a lawless world where trust was a rare commodity. When their world faced a dire threat as lights in the sky dimmed and shape-shifting invaders wreaked havoc, including the death of the ruling deity, the siblings banded together to survive the chaos.

"We have lost much - friends, families, homes, even our lives. But we shall not yield. We will endure," they vowed, rallying the remnants of their shattered world to fight against the invaders for years.

One day, the eldest brother confronted a new group of beings. "Who are you? Are you demons or foes?" he demanded, brandishing his blade.

"Fear not, people of demons. We are not your enemies. We are here to aid you in the battle against your foes," the strangers reassured, extending a hand in assistance.

"Why should I trust you?" the first emperor questioned, wary of the new alliance. Eventually, the empire agreed to accept their aid.

The envoys presented the first king with the kingdom's sacred song, which he shared with his eight siblings, greatly enhancing their combat prowess.

After five years of battle, the enemies were vanquished, and the invaders were driven from their world. The nine siblings then united to establish the first kingdom, each founding a new country to govern—however, the discrepancy between the play's account of nine countries and the current eight puzzled Aayam.

"Lilith, I have a question," Aayam began after the play concluded.

"What is it?" Lilith responded.

Aayam inquired about the missing ninth country, Avernus, as portrayed in the play. Lilith explained that Avernus had been destroyed over a century ago. Intrigued, Aayam pressed for more details, but their conversation was abruptly interrupted as a crowd began to separate Aayam from his friends, prompting him to call out for them.

************

"Separate from the crowd, Aayam was dragged off," Lilith said once they were safely away. Miss Elisa and Lessly hadn't planned for this. "Let's head back to the theater to find him," Lilith suggested calmly.

"What if he's not there?" Lessly asked.

"We can't wait until the final event," Lilith replied. They nodded and hurried back to the theater to search for Aayam.

************

Lost and unsure of where to go, Aayam found himself in a residential area of the capital, deserted as everyone was at the country's founding festival.

Hearing the children crying, Aayam approached. "Are you lost?" he asked, but they remained silent. Offering candy, the children eventually opened up.

"Where are your parents?" Aayam asked gently.

"We don't know," they replied. Realizing they were from a noble or wealthy family, Aayam decided to help them find their way home. The children nodded, trusting Aayam to lead them.

"Nice to meet you, Max and Ethen. I'm Ajax Aayam," he introduced himself.

Aayam noticed the twins' resemblance as he held their hands, their different eye colors standing out.

************

In the kingdom of Florian, Aayam's former classmates were gathering in a grand chamber known only to the royal family and the church. Torches illuminated the room, casting flickering light on a sword embedded in a stone with several chains wrapped around it, showing signs of age and rust.

Henry Florian, the crown prince, stood before the students. He believed one of them was ready to pull out the legendary sword, said to hold the power of the hero who saved humanity from the demons. Prince Henry explained that when humanity was close to extinction, it was the hero who once wielded this holy sword who managed to push back the demon's army, giving them enough time for the servers to create the barriers that kept them safe.

Addressing Ajax, the prince declared, "It is time for the holy sword to be awakened." With determination, Ajax attempted to pull the sword from the stone, but it did not budge.

As Ajax struggled, his friend Botan came forward to offer assistance. Just as Botan approached, one of the chains wrapped around the sword broke off; this drawing astonished gasps from everyone present.

"What... How... What did you do?" Prince Henry questioned Botan, baffled by the sword's movement.

Botan explained his simple strategy to the prince, who then asked Botan to try pulling the sword himself. However, the sword remained unmoved.

Perplexed, the prince and his attendants couldn't fathom why the sword didn't respond to Ajax, the supposed hero. Meanwhile, student Kaito stepped forward with an idea unnoticed by the others.

As Kaito approached, another chain wrapped around the sword snapped off. Shocked and confused, the group stared in disbelief. When questioned, Kaito mentioned drawing inspiration from an RPG game in which a character seeks a magic stone to break a seal on armor and defeat a dragon.

Kaito explained that the seal around the sword needed to be broken for Ajax to wield it. Understanding his words, the students realized they were all key to breaking the seal.

Together, they removed the chains binding the sword. With the last chain gone, Ajax grasped the hilt, and the blade began to glow. With a steady pull, Ajax successfully extracted the sword from the stone, fulfilling the prophecy of his destined role in this world. The priest and his advisers rejoiced when Ajax claimed the holy sword.

************

In the capital of Nessus, Aayam continued his search for Max and Ethen's parents, refusing to give up despite the lack of leads. Seeing the children's worry, he bought them cotton candy-like sweets to lift their spirits.

The children's faces lit up as they enjoyed the treats. Spotting a game stand, they eagerly dragged Aayam over to play ring toss. Ethen won a wooden sword, much to Max's disappointment. Undeterred, Max suggested trying a strength-testing game nearby.

As the day went on, Aayam accompanied the boys, playing games and keeping them entertained while still searching for their missing parents.

"Where to next?" Aayam asked as they pondered their next activity.

Since Ethan won the ring toss game, Max had tried to beat him at various stalls. Aayam asked for two small fishing rods for the kids, but the stall owner mentioned they were closing up for the day. Aayam observed the stalls closing and people returning to the royal capital for the final event.

Curious about the event, Aayam learned it involved the princess singing to the people. Realizing this could be a chance to find Max and Ethen's parents and the Elira family, they headed toward the closing ceremony.

At the gate, Aayam asked the children to describe their parents. With vague descriptions from the young, Aayam lifted them onto his shoulders to search for their horned parents in robes from a higher vantage point.

Both nodded in understanding, a slightly comical sight. Max glanced right, standing for his family. Ethen looked left, mirroring the gesture. As the crowd settled, the third princess emerged, her demeanor gloomier than before.

Aayam found Ethen and Max, causing great worry to their family. Due to the bustling capital, the king had men search discreetly for the missing children. Nina, one of the princesses, sought permission to aid in the search, but her father refused, fearing it could worsen the situation.

Nina, unaware of the full extent of the situation, obediently waited, hearing faint rumors that her brothers were safe. A servant interrupted her thoughts, informing her of the closing hour. Nina inquired about her siblings, but the servant sadly had no news to share.

 "I see," Nina said as she rose, preparing for the ceremony's conclusion. Acknowledging that she couldn't search for her brothers without knowing their whereabouts, she resigned herself to waiting for news. Unbeknownst to her, her troubled expression didn't go unnoticed by her subjects.

As midnight approached and the crowd gathered, the ceremony's closing began. The orchestra played, and Nina sang beautifully despite her inner turmoil, captivating all who listened. Her voice was sorrowful, like a bird lost in a storm.

Lost in her thoughts about her missing brothers, Nina stumbled momentarily in her song but quickly regained her composure. The audience, sensing something amiss, praised her performance nonetheless.

Suddenly, Nina spotted her brothers in the crowd, being held by a stranger. Concerned about their safety, she fought to maintain her composure and continue the ceremony without alerting the audience to the situation. Unknowingly, she hastened her pace, causing the orchestra to struggle to keep up.

"Did you see your parents in the crowd?" Aayam asked Ethan and Max, who shook their heads, looking worried. As darkness fell and people dispersed, Aayam fretted about finding their way back home and their family's concerns.

"Aayam, there you are," a voice called out. It was Mr. Elira, Lilith's father. Aayam apologized for getting separated, the two children hiding behind him.

Soon, the rest of the group appeared, including Lilith, Lessly, Mr. and Mrs. Elira, and Lessly's parents. Relieved, Aayam expressed his gratitude and mentioned a task he needed to complete.

Lilith noticed the two children and playfully accused Aayam of kidnapping. A lighthearted exchange followed, with the children revealing their and their parents' names, putting everyone at ease.

"My name's Ethan."

"I'm Max."

"Ethan and Max, do you know your parents' names?" Unfortunately, they shook their heads, making the search more challenging.

"What should we do now?" a voice suggested just as a soldier approached. The ten knights, elite members of the royal guard tasked with protecting the castle and the crown, included the leader, who pointed his blade at Aayam.

"Identify yourself," he ordered.

Aayam complied, explaining that he was assisting the lost children, Ethan and Max, in finding their parents after they separated.

The commander, questioning the situation, asked the children if Aayam's account was accurate, to which they nodded in agreement.

Satisfied, the commander sheathed his sword and decided to take the children to their parents. However, Aayam refused, expressing concerns about the strangers' intentions and the children's unfamiliarity with the guards.

An argument ensued, with tensions rising as Aayam stood his ground against the commander's authority.

"You're not taking Ethan and Max alone if you're not their parents," Aayam declared firmly, refusing to back down despite the tension rising among the soldiers.

The commander intervened, calming his men and acknowledging Aayam's valid concern. He then invited Aayam to accompany them, which Aayam accepted with a nod.

Before they could proceed, Lilith spoke up, scolding Aayam for his audacity in addressing the elite crown knights in such a manner. Aayam felt a chill run down his spine at her words, realizing the gravity of his actions.

Despite the pressure, Aayam stood his ground, supported by Ethan and Max, who gave him the strength to uphold his decision. He agreed to go with the knights to ensure they kept their promise, much to the relief of the children and the mixed reactions of those present.

************

The guards escorted Aayam, the two children, and Elira's family to a nearby noble residence, wary of Aayam finding his way back to their inn. They arrived at a grand mansion that exuded wealth and luxury, making Aayam and Elira uneasy.

"Right this way," the knight commander gestured, leading them inside. The opulent interior was adorned with expensive items and paintings, resembling a lavish estate from a catalog.

Despite feeling out of place, Aayam observed Ethan and Max's relaxed smiles, realizing they must belong to a significant family. Their hope of reuniting with their parents was evident. The group was guided to a large door where a butler named Sabashen awaited.

"Ethan and Max, it's you!" the children exclaimed, embracing the familiar butler.

"Ah, young masters, I'm relieved to see you safe," Sabashen greeted them warmly before acknowledging Aayam and Elira. Good evening, sirs and madams. I am Sabashen, their parents' personal butler. Thank you for finding Master Max and Ethan." 

Sabashen humbly bowed to Ayam and Elira.

"It was nothing," he said.

The butler smiled and said, "You are truly kind. Lord and Lady Liberty are in the next room. After briefing them on Sir Ethan and Max, I'll take you to them."

After Sabeshen and the knight commander left to report, Ayam checked what the children got from the festival. He noticed others looking nervous but didn't inquire.

After thirty minutes, Sabeshen returned to escort Ayam and the children to the audience room. The Eliras waited nervously in the room.

The butler stopped at the door, signaling their arrival. The door opened, revealing the royal family. Ayam was shocked to see them adorned in luxurious attire.

It felt like an hour had passed, but only thirty seconds had. With joy, Ethan and Max ran to their parents.

Ayam entered the room and sat before the royal family.

"Sir Aayam Ajax, it's a pleasure to meet you. I heard you found and cared for my children all day. Is that true?" the queen graciously asked.

"Yes, it is," replied Aayam.

The queen said, "We are truly thankful you looked after our sons today. With the kingdom's founding day celebrations, our resources were stretched thin, and only a few Crow Knights could search for Ethan and Max."

Aayam reassured them, "There's no need for such formality. I did what anyone would do in that situation. I couldn't bear to see children in distress."

Moving by his words, Ethan and Max held his hands, calming him.

"Thank you both," Aayam said, patting their heads. The children smiled at his gesture.

Unbeknownst to Aayam, a particular attendant watched him intently, his gaze inscrutable.

The queen continued, "We are grateful for your care of Ethan and Max. Please, ask for any reward you desire."

Aayam declined, "I don't require any reward."

The king insisted, "Nonsense. Name your desire."

"Very well," Aayam began as the royal family awaited his request, anticipating the impact it might have come from a common knight like him.

"I wish for both of you to spend more time with your children as parents, not as royalty," Aayam stated.

The king and queen were taken aback by his request. "Could you repeat that?" they asked.

"I want you to be more present in Ethan and Max's lives, not just as rulers of Nessus," Aayam clarified. He had noticed the joy the princes experienced that day, a happiness he recognized all too well from his own past.

"Very well. Is there anything else you desire?" the queen inquired.

Aayam declined, "No, thank you."

As dawn broke, it was time to return to the village. After the audience with the royal family, Aayam and Elira went back to their inn. Before leaving, Ethan and Max clung to Aayam at the door. Aayam knelt, promising to see them again next year and share more joyful moments.

Little did Aayam know that he would be separated from the two princes for many years to come.