Chapter- 25 The sorrowful farewell

While the vibrant atmosphere filled the ballroom, a notably tall young man stood at its entrance. This of course was Edward— a monster indistinguishable from a human. This was because of the vast amount of mental trauma that burdened him, lacking in innate talent but rich in experience. 

"… a mistaken prodigy who lived countless years"

Before stepping inside, Edward paused to compose himself, bracing for the unfolding evening. As he finally pushed open the grand doors, he was instantly enveloped by the enchanting melodies of classical music, and in view were elegantly dressed individuals with striking golden eyes and ashen gray hair engaged in lively conversation around a long, ornate table. 

Though his appearance was far from aristocratic, the majority of the guests seemed unbothered, with only a few glancing his way. Honestly, what did it matter to him? 

However, as a requirement within the prestigious circles of the collateral branches, Edward had donned golden pupil contacts to mingle with others comfortably.

He made his way to his assigned seat as indicated by the place cards, realizing he was to sit next to the family Patriarch. 

Upon reaching his spot, Edward leaned Azphel against his chair before taking his seat. 

Once everyone had gathered, Gilead stood and announced

 "Now that we're all here, let us begin with heartfelt congratulations to the participants of the Bloodline Continuation Ceremony. Eugene Lionheart, I commend you for achieving the highest rank in the Ceremony. In recognition of your valor, I am pleased to announce your adoption into the main family."

Instantly everyone seated at the table offered congratulatory words to Eugene while the food was being prepared.

While Edward observed the joy radiating around him, his gaze remained fixed on his lap, grappling with a tumultuous knot of emotions that echoed in his mind. He was acutely aware that this marked his final day with his family… the intensity of his anguish reached a fever pitch, and if he didn't make his departure soon, the abyss of his madness would envelop him, potentially leading to the destruction of everything he held dear.

For the past fifteen years, Edward had managed to cope with his inner turmoil through physically demanding training, but now his body was adapting too swiftly. The pace at which he descended into madness grew alarmingly rapid each day.

Each moment he lingered in the estate became a promenade risk for his family.

The irony is, that on the day he's leaving, another would take his place.

Eugene Lionheart.

Edward felt neither vindication nor animosity toward him. The indifference Edward's or Aj's lost care for anything Eons ago. But this didn't mean he was edgy, no, no he already experienced that arc in his existence. He just wanted to act lively again to re-experience what it meant to be human. All he now felt was an unsettling emptiness. His apathy for everything drove him to cling desperately to find anything to drown this emotion. His vision was bland black and white this was his colorless world. The family he was born into had enveloped him in support and affection. Yet, the question haunted him — how could he, how could he! How could he! DO this. this

With all he had done...

His existence was a mere shadow, a replacement soul contrasting the space of the original host.

He no longer lingered in the shadow of death.

A parasitic existence.

That evening, Edward resolved to gather only the essentials and depart. He believed he had fulfilled his role as a son and would return in four years to reunite with his family once he had calmed his crazed emotions.

He had come to terms with his existence and the unfathomable horrors intertwined in it, he was prompted to live rather than dwell in self-pity.

But why ponder the future when the present unfolded before him?

He managed to cloud those troubling thoughts, forcing a gentle smile that belied the somber glint in his eyes. Lifting his head, he addressed the gathering before him.

"To the days ahead! We shall live fiercely and valiantly, for we are the descendants of the Great Lionheart!" Edward exclaimed as he stood with a chalice of wine

His words were met with jubilant cheers from those around him.

The moon was full that night. 

****

After the banquet concluded, Edward made his way towards his siblings.

"Good night, you two," he said warmly.

"See you tomorrow, Elder Brother," replied Ciel.

"Good night, Edward," added Cyan.

Following a brief exchange of farewells, Edward wrapped both of them in a heartfelt embrace before presenting them with parting gifts.

Cyan received a book filled with training regimens and sword techniques, while Ciel was given the same.

With that done, Edward approached Eugene to extend his congratulations.

Heading over to the nearest attendant Edward requested the retrieval of 100 gold coins. 

Upon receiving the coins, he expressed his thanks before departing back to his room. 

Entering his dark room illuminated with the moonlight

 Edward walked to his wardrobe. 

And began packing a chanerie with several sets of clothes and the pouch of coins.

As I gazed at the bag the prospect of leaving was becoming more evident by the second 

Looking through stuffed belongings I grabbed a one-strap bag I could easily fasten to my back. Carefully, I placed my sword 'Azphel' inside along with a roll of bandages and potions.

Looking towards the ceiling I recalled that only 2 hours prior, Cyan had awakened him from his slumber. 

Finally satisfied with what he stashed, Edward headed for his room's window.

Remembering something, he walked over to his desk and left a piece of parchment with his departure messaged.

Exiting his room through the window Edward crept onto the rooftop of the mansion where he performed his movement art. 

Inhaling a large gale of breath Edward's focus increased exponentially. 

Jumping off with a large leap Edward rotated his stars around his heart at a volatile speed, forcibly creating five magic circles which were necessary to perform a spell.

"Haste," he chanted.

As the spell wove through his movements, he felt a surge of power coursing through him. The world around him blurred as he launched into a sprint across the estate's forest with remarkable speed & agility. 

Neering the estate's wall Edward performed one last.

With one final leap, Edward decimated the ground beneath him as he scaled the estate's wall. 

Soaring into the air, he reached a height of 20 feet and shifted his last gaze towards the mansion. 

Whoosh! 

Soosh!

Extending my arm I commanded the Ice essence within my body to seep into my finders and released a small surge of mana creating a thin ramp of ice

Reaching the ground I continued my journey to the nearest town 

****

As the sun set for the second time in my 2 day expedition, I found myself before a rural settlement. 

Walking through the town's streets I observed that most of the resident acted oblivious to my presence and continued with the task they had on hand, or just blatantly evaded my gaze 

Continuing with my journey of the town I searched for an inn or any place of residence I would be able to take refuge in during the night. 

Normally I would just rest in the forest, but I was already here so why not make the most of it 

Finding a tavern at a cross section between streets. I recognized that they may have room which I could check out

***

As I entered the tavern, the chime of bells rang out. 

Taking note of the sound, I scanned my surroundings and observed an assortment of people. 

Some wore oddly colored robes, while others were large, muscular individuals, and some were mercenaries. 

Groups of mercenaries and hunters crowded together in small booths, conversing and laughing, with many speaking in what seemed like gibberish, likely due to intoxication. 

I made my way to the bar and asked the bartender if there were any rooms available. The bartender, who had been cleaning a glass with an old towel, nodded and responded in a southern accent.

"Ah ya right ladde, de ya want one for the night" the bartender asked 

"Correct, how much does it cost?" I inquired

"Not much a talker huh, well if it's only for a night I would suppose … four bronze coins"

Nodding my head at the sum I retrieved 4 bronze

"Ya room is in the second floor to the left and in da third room" spoke the bartender 

"Thank you" I replied

Walking to the stairs I was stopped by a large muscular man with dirty garments and a large grat sword brandished on his back 

Assuming the individual was going to attack me for no apparent reason, I prepped my leg for a swift kick 

But fortunately I was wrong 

"Youngin want to join us for a drink" said the man in a drunken state 

"I'm good"

The man who was blocking my entrance nodded his head and staggered back to his group 

****

Entering my room I dropped all of my stuff by the bedside and crept into the bed with my garments on 

Laying on the bed I felt of course sheets but they did not bother me. Taking a look around my temporary sanctuary I enjoyed the constant noise that would constantly erupted from the first floor. 

Turning and tossing in the bed I finally found a position and fell asleep 

'ZZzzzzZZZz'

As the morning crept closer,l the noise in the first floor dimmed as patrons staggered home 

Fortunately Edward did not dream of anything that night 

Dawn arrived 

And Edward awoke 

Exiting the village, he paid for a carriage to bring him north 

Edward's goal was to reach the city of 'Ziach Rack' within the next few weeks 

________________

'I was getting fed up with him not being insane' a quote from someone 

"???" 

My narrative begins :} 🗿