Parting On Sour Terms.

"Seat yourself down." Indel stated simply, placing the man on the bed. "Indel, where have you gone?" The maid heard the voice call, as she attempted to close the door. She gazed at him, only to notice him groping at the empty air before him. "Ah, my eyes, I believe I have gone blind..." Zephyr complained, but all the knight received in response was a stinging sensation at the back of his hand. "You truly are a fool." The maid stated calmly, her green eyes staring sharply in his direction. Zephyr rubbed at his arm- the maiden surely possessed the strength of ten men. "And you, a vile fiend." Those words tumbled out of Zephyr's lips. "Does the fact that I am about to be permanently blind not appeal to you at all? Where lies your feminine affection?" He asked, in an irritated tone, which made the eyes to become even more tightly shut. Indel rolled her eyes at that. "You speak too much, to the detriment of your own being." Indel stated, as she sat down beside him. "Turn your head in my direction." She uttered, in an much softer tone. "How do you expect me to know the direction you are seated; did you not notice that my eyes are clamped shut?" He asked, his facial muscles twitching. Of course, he felt the sensation on his face, but this was the only time he might ever get away with what he was about to do. "Do you require my help or not?" The infuriated voice came unto his hearing. "And please do not wear such a stupid grin on his highness's face. It doesn't suit his feautures." She stated, before blowing gently on Zephyr's face. "What are you doing?" He asked. "Performing Therapy." She simply stated. "How is that going to be of any help?" Zephyr mumbled with gritted teeth. "Well, the least you could do is open them, so that I can inspect what us wrong." Zephyr exhaled for a moment. "Alright." He mumbled in response. Indel noticed his eyelids flutter for a brief moment, before the man shut them once more. "Oh, goodness, I have gone blind. The pain!" Zephyr exclaimed pitifully, even turning away from Indel's direction. "Would you stop with that melodramatic act?" The maid asked, giving him light slaps on the back. Within the split seconds she was able to look into the pupils, she could tell that their appearance was normal. "Stop whimpering. Do you not realise that you are a man?'" Indel stated, with much vexation in her voice. "If only you knew the pain.." Zephyr's muffled voice came from the pillow wherein he buried his head. "You are such a whelp." Indel stated, clicking her tongue, while gazing at the man in utter disdain. "How did you even qualify as a knight in the first instance?" She asked, but Zephyr recoiled from her touch. "Such an affair is of no concern to you." Zephyr stated simply, as he fidgeted around the bed. "The pain has abated somewhat." He mumbled to himself, seating upright. But still, he could not Help but rub at his eyes. "Do you seek to make the matter worse?" Indel commented, as when she saw this. She attempted to make Zephyr to Desist from the actions, by prying his hands away. "Woman, would you let me alone?!" Zephyr exclaimed, when he noticed the attempt to restraint him. He blinked his eyes slowly. 'Thank goodness, I did not lose my sight.' He muttered slowly to himself. But inwardly, he had already made a resolute decision to never involve himself in a task so dangerous in his lifetime. "Why do you gawk at me as such? Has his highness's face become so attractive to you now?" He asked the maid, who stared at him with widened eyes. 'Damn, woman. You hear me complain about my sight, ought you not be jubilant that I can see that repulsive face of yours, rather than the eternal darkness?' He cussed inwardly, whipping his face from her direction. "It may be best, if you see it in the mirror for yourself." She mumbled, while staring at him In awe. Zephyr would have wished to ignore the maiden; but he found the manner of which she stared to be quite appalling. "Such a problematic vixen." He muttered, before compelling himself to rise from the bed. However, when he looked at the looking glass As he was bid, he could not Help to stare at his own reflection. "Do I dream?" He muttered, his mouth nearly running dry. "You do not." An affirmation came, from a particular corner of the room. Zephyr nearly shrieked when he saw her reflection In the mirror; with those green eyes of hers that stared at him like am overbearing parent. "Enough with your foolery!" He exclaimed, before returning to the bed. "You can mock me all you want; it must please you greatly to see me In such a pitiful situation." Zephyr Said, furrowed his brows earnestly. Now he knew the reason for the burning sensation In his eyes; his right eye had reverted back to their usual blue, while the left went back towards their deep brown. 'Magic is indeed a dangerous thing.' Zephyr thought while gnawing on his thumb nail. 'What if my eyes remain like this even after this event?' "Would you stop being so hysterical?!" Indel yelled at him, even grabbing him in his collar. "I would be focused on more pertinent issues as of now. What if someone summons for his highness once more? You know that I cannot step out looking like this!" He stated, his expression serious for the first time ever. "I do not understand one thing though." Indel began, as she began to analyse. "I am quite certain that his highness had imbued more than enough essence to last for the day, except.." Her hands automatically trailed towards Zephyr's wrist. "What are you?.." The man began, utterly surprised by the maid's course of actions. Indel on the other hand, bit her lip upon her observation; the brown jewel which was on the bracelet had cracked slightly, and, If Indel could actually harness magic, she would have noticed the colorless mist which slowly slipped out of it. "You have damaged it, you fool!" The maiden exclaimed loudly, delivering to the man, a sound blow to the skull. "How is that any of my fault? I have been in places alright?!" Zephyr refuted immediately, a single hand massaging his head. "Do you know how expensive magical artifacts are?! Honestly.." She paused for a brief moment, her green eyes seeking to devour him. "I have also played his highness before, and no such mishap had occurred, but you!" Zephyr flinched at her glare. "Not only did you make things into in unrecoverable mess, but you also attracted the suspicion of the Duke's daughter as well!" She stated, forming her right hand into a fist Aimed at his direction. Zephyr closed his eyes. When he opened them once more, the fist was only a mere metre from his face. The maid has held herself back at the last moment, and for some reason, those green eyes of hers glistened. "Remain indoors, and do not step a foot out for whatsoever reason." She stated, while rubbing her eyes. "I will go and settle the disputes you have caused." Indel added, before closing the door in the crudest of manners. Zephyr blinked in the midst of the silence. "Were those Tears just now?" He pondered to himself, while lying on the bed, he was already as exhausted as it is. Did the maid truly cry, or was it all a mirage?" He muttered to himself, whilst unsuccessfully suppressing a yawn. But he eventually Scoffed at his thoughts. How many things In the world would possibly bring a woman like her to tears? But... Not only was general Lamien strict towards his fellow lieutenants, but he was even more cruel to his own daughter. If Indel had her way, she would have opted to serve in the army, rather than being a mere kitchen maid...

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 "Do you still not realise that it is not safe to be here?" She asked, a slight frown present on her face. 'Please Regaris.. your mere presence in this abode Is only going to stir up a storm... and possibly misconceptions as well.' She processed mentally, while rubbing her arm. She flinched when she felt someone grabbing her arm, causing her to look at him. "Why did you not respond to my messages, Natasha?" The man asked, while staring down at her. "Did you know how worried I was about you?" He inquired, when he received no response. Natasha shrugged her arm out of his grasp. "And how does it concern you as to whether or not some evil may have befallen me?" The maiden asked, while taking a few paces backwards. "You ought to maintain your duty of being a crown prince, rather than coming Here every now and then just to see me." Natasha said, turning away from him. "Do you even know the lengths I took to get here?" She heard the man say, in an irritated tone. "Do you realise what may occur to me of my father were to gain the knowledge that I was here?" He asked. "Why are you here anyways?" Natasha exclaimed, turning back to him as well. "You continue to speak of yourself, but what would happen to me? How will my parents react? And Diego.." She glanced away slightly as she mentioned it. "I had already promised Diego to that I would cease to see you." Natasha stated. "So please Leave why you still have time. Please." 'No Natasha. Please don't beg me. If you persist with your appeal..' Regaris said inwardly in himself. He could not bring himself to say such words aloud, there was a suffocating sort of feeling in his chest. "And the letters which I sent you?" Regaris finally croaked. "What has become of them? Did you even bother to read them?" Regaris asked. If she did at Least, then maybe he would have a vague sense of gratification. "I didn't." Regaris's iris constricted as he heard that. "I burnt them. I did not want anything that would instigate you, or reveal your relationship with me." Natasha said in a Lowered tone. She currently could not bear to gaze at him at the moment. "Those letters comprised of the current progress I had made so far. You know- the decision to call out the traitors. It may have appeared as a simple decision to you, but do you know thanks to that analysis of yours, I have been able to identify the areas in the empire of which corruption has entrenched its roots?" He said, with a small smile on his face. "But it never once weighed on your conscience to find out the subject Matters of those letters. You completely disregarded my efforts, I understand that, at Least." He added. "Maybe I had too much of an expectation of you." Natasha could only stay silent this whole time. It was not like there was anything for her to say, at the moment, apart from hoping that no one would notice. "Regaris I.." Natasha began, but the Man had long turned away from her. As though to serve as a further distraction, she heard a knock on the door. "Natasha." The voice made The damsel to hurriedly glance at Regaris, who had already clambered on to her window will. The purpose of which he came to the Raymond manor had long reached its decline. "Oy, are you alright In there?" The man asked once more, the knocks persisting. "Hold on for a moment, Theodore." Natasha stated, as she hurriedly unlatched the bolts. Her brother barged into the rooms at the instant, glancing around In a hasty manner as though he had accidentally left behind in his sister's room, something valuable. "What is the matter with you? You did not even request for my consent before coming in." Natasha stated, in order to temporarily distract her brother, who was Currently gazing at her window, with furrowed brows. But Regaris was long gone; only the gentle breeze, whipped the curtains back and forth. "I got reports pertaining to the infiltration of the manor." Theodore stated, even opening her closet. "Would you mind?" The lady said, pulling her brother forth and closing it once more. "How accurate are your reports anyway? Are they from a reliable source?" She asked. "They are, very reliable." Thedore emphasized. "As a matter of fact, some of the servants had claimed sighting an unidentified persona, of whom stated of being a new worker- which is rather ludicrous, because this household has not required any such persons, for as much as I can recall." Theodore said, as he sat on the bed. "And I had no other option but to come here, because some of the servants reported overhearing a male voice coming from your room." He elaborated further, seating on the bed. "Whatever Is the matter with your countenance?" Theodore exclaimed, when he noticed Natasha bearing the expression of one who had an unresolvable grudge with an individual. "Those servant know naught of what they speak of." The lady stated in a grave voice, her hands folded. "I had already unveiled the reality of the situation to them, and as for you.." She stated, turning towards her brother. "How many men have you seen me acquainted with?" She asked, redirecting her gaze towards him. "Well.." Theodore could only stutter. Natasha has indeed, not mentioned a male having a slight interest in her, not to speak of being in a Romantic relationship. "But still.. since they reported a masculine voice... that does not rule out the probability of him being here as we speak." He added, obviously proud of his critical thinking. "There is none here. And even if he was, I can handle myself." Natasha stated, pulling Theodore to his feet- she wanted him to leave. "But just in case- Black hair, red eyes- goes by the name Lucas." Theodore said hurriedly, as Natasha began to pull Him towards the door. "Duly noted." The woman said, in a monotone voice. "By the way, is Diego aware about this?" She asked, as Theodore stood upon the threshold. "Goodness, no- It is not everything he ought to..." Natasha closed the door while he was yet speaking. Only then did she have the proper environment to organize her thoughts- in the midst of silence. She glanced towards the window, before heaving a melancholic sigh. "Forgive me, Regaris." She stated, as though the man would miraculously here her. But only the wind howled softly in response.

 "Damn butler.." Regaris cussed, as he walked through the garden. He had not expected everyone in the Household to be on edge, seeking for 'one certain Lucas.' He did not even have to identify the person who spilled the marbles. "If I ever be opportuned to Meet him again, I will cuff him by the ear, I swear.." Regaris stated, before something brought him to a halt. The man sighed to himself; he was fortunate that the path he treaded had less people, so he could easily comcwal himself in the bushes. "My essence is in complete disarray- I do not see any use for this." He grumbled, while taking the ear-ring off. A soft glow enveloped him, causing him to return to his usual appearance. He pulled his hood Lower, while being vigilant of his environs. He glanced for a moment, at the little, white gem in his palm. 'She did ask for the other the previous time, did she not?' He thought, before clenching his fist, nearly crushing the magic stone in his rage. 'She shall have it, since she so desires; What artifacts can I not get my hands on, anyways? I am the prince of this nation, afterall.' He mused, before proceeding to move onwards. His Essence had completely gone wild which was a first for Regaris- was it because of his emotions earlier on?

 The sound of laughter caught his attention. He turned his head, only to behold a spectacle which was Rarely seen. Despite her beautiful looks , and lavish clothes, this maiden still had the audacity to jump around in the garden, barefooted; her shoes lying in one secluded corner. "I caught you!" She exclaimed, grabbing a hold of a brown haired child, who screamed wildly. She glanced up, her blue eyes shimmering. "I am come for you next, Leonia!" She stated, releasing the child from her captivity, and rushing forward for the next. "Diane Raymond." Regaris could not Help but mutter. He had been so pre-occupied with other things, that he had forgotten about that which was truly relevant. The investigation of her genealogy seemed to have struck a brick wall, which was rather an unusual case. He came back to his consciousness, only to discover a pair of red eyes staring at him. "Damn, she has sighted me. Oh well- I am the one to blame for being careless." "I have caught on to you, Leonia!" Diane exclaimed, as she placed a hand on the child's shoulder. Her smile soon faded, however, when she noticed that the behavior of the child had been altered. "What is the matter?" She asked, which made Leonia to turn to her In turn. "It seems like there is someone there, Diane." Leonia whispered softly, that even Diane had difficulty in hearing her. The maiden glanced at the direction she pointed in her index finger, before bursting into slight giggles. "Silly Leonia- there is no one there!" Diane exclaimed, as she gave the child a slight tap on her head. "You were too slow to react, hence it is your turn!" Leonia could only gaze on helplessly, as both Diane and Morris Ran away from her grasp.

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 It was night at the current hour. An entity sat on the railing of the terrace, gazing upwards towards the pale moon. He was not alone for long though, because footsteps suddenly resounded behind him. "You surely call for me at the strangest hours." Diegogroaned, while grabbing the left side of his chest. "You would have ignored me nonetheless; so I had to resort to such measures, child, I hope you understand." Causeatus replied with a slight grin. "What issue bothers your mind this time?" Diego asked, in a groggy tone. "Hurry up and speak- do not just seat there With a stupid grin." He added, when be observed the latter just smiling at him. "You have surely put on some airs; Have you forgotten that can kill you in an instant, if I so wish to?" The man asked. Diego's face turned serious. "You shall gain nothing by killing me, except for an injury to your soul, perhaps." Diego stated. "And I also gain nothing by keeping you alive, either." Causeatus replied, the smile still visible on his face. "Is that so?" Diego asked, with a smirk. "Is it not thanks to my presence that you could come and awaken as you please?" He asked. No sooner than he said that, before an excruciating pain gripped Diego's chest, causing him to fall to his knees. "It seems like a bit of discipline might help, in your cause." Causestus said steadily, ignoring the man who was on his knees, gasping for breath. "Ah, don't mind me- I did not bring you here just so that I could finish you off." He stated, before unclenching his left fist. The man Rose up, his nightwear soaked in perspiration. "Do not forget, I am a thousand years older than you." Causeatus said, staring at his palm. "So mind the way you address me, alright?" He added, before glancing at the moon once more. "Just why exactly did you bring me here?" Diego posed the question to the man once more. "Because I feel lonely, and I need a soul to keep me." The entity simply replied. "By the way, I saw a bird flying about today. It soared beautifully, I would admit." He added. Diego just exhaled- what could he possibly find fascinating about this entire taking interest In a mere animal. "Although it chirped too loudly, for my liking." Causatus contined, with a slight smile. "Casueatus." A voice called out. "It consistently interrupted my slumber.." "Causeatus." A frown came to the entity's face, as he suddenly tilted his head. "Ought I to have killed it?" He asked. But he was suddenly interrupted with the sound of footsteps. "Did I give you the consent to leave, child?" He asked, gazing at the man. "I can't believe you still address me as such- I am twenty three years old! Why can you not take that into consideration?" Diego explained, but the entity beckoned at Diego to approach with his finger. "Never you, walk out on me while I am still taking." He cautioned, placing her hand on Diego's shoulder. "I named that bird, you know." He continued, the smile on his face growing wider every second. "I called it.. Was it Diane I believe?" He asked himself, even unsure of the name he gave to the creature. Diego just gazed at him with a raised eyebrow. "Diego are you listening?" The entity asked, gazing at the moon above him. "Do you feel bad that I did not present some of its golden plumages to you? Then next time, I shall." Diego just stared at him in animosity. "I shall take my leave now." He simply stated, as he proceeded to walk away. He could not belive what his ears just heard. Was he, of all personalities, really talking about a bird? And why in the name of the cosmos did he name it after his wife? And... He turned around gazing at the entity intently. "You. Do not like Diane, do you?" He asked, suddenly. 'It is quite probable that he refers to Diane in the metaphorical sense.' Diane was with the children in the garden today. It was possible that she He thought, walking closer up to the man. He noticed Causeatus opening his mouth. 'He is not going to confirm my suspicions, is he?' Diego thought, his heart palpitations for some seconds. He did not know why, but he felt a strange sense of unease. Afterall, if his speculation turned out to be true, there was nothing he could do about it. What if Diane showed affection towards him as well? "What on earth are you thinking?" Diego mumbled to himself, as he ran his hand through his Hair. "They have only met but once; there is no way they could possibly.." "Raymond, have you finally lost It?" The being inquired, with widened eyes. "Or has the dark matter in you began to corrode your rationality as well?" He asked. Diego felt uncomfortable as he mentioned that- that factor was the very reason he got tied to this being in the first place. "I am not interested in your wife Raymond; what do I possibly have to do with a lowly being such as herself?" Causeatus asked, with a slight smile. "Just so you know, you still owe me for keeping your family safe." The being stated. "I doubt if you had anything to do anyways, apart from loitering around the trees." He stated. Causeatus tilted his head lightly. "Well, you are correct about that; there was no potential threat afterall." He added. "However, I did see a man sneaking out of that your.. female cousin's room." He quipped. Diego's eyes widened momentarily. Was that the cause of the agitation earlier this afternoon? "Did you see what he was like?" He asked. "Well, at the time he snuck in, he possessed black hair and red eyes." He began, with a smile. "But, you know me; all artifacts are pratically useless before my vision. I was still able to see his true appearance." Diego sighed Momentarily. "If I were to deduce- auburn hair and eyes of the lightest shade of brown, is it not?" He asked. "Why yes." Causeatus replied, a bit surprised. "How is it that you are able to foretell? Do you share of my abilliy as well?" He asked. But Diego ignored him. "Oh? Is that description not befitting of the crown prince of this current era?" He asked. Diego simply nodded. "His highness, becomes more unrestrained on a daily basis.' Diego thought with a frown, a he clenched his fist. "Should I find a permanent solution to this matter?" He asked within himself. "By the way, how are your preparations for the hunter's moon?" He asked. "All coming together In due time." Diego replied, before walking away. "You will not bring that little lover of yours along?" He asked once more. The man exhaled. "She Is not my lover." He said, before acknowledging the entity with a frown. "And what good shall her presence yield me?"