"Mono/Dialogue"

  'Inner thoughts'

  Narration

  [Message/communication apparatus]

  Date: Data not found

  Location: Data not found

  POV: Narrator

  The air is thick with the smell of blood and ashes, one of the many tragedies that are occurring all across Terra. Be it spearheaded by the vision of a better world, or when everything was done due to nothing more than a simple statement of undeterred, wanton, sense of power and control.

  Ironically, the one clear thing, hell had been raised by both forces of good and evil. Their yearnings for a better world and or desires to reach the annals of history respectively and then to be remembered, as perhaps the herald of change or new order made manifest, echoed loudly atop the throne of blood and bones they had crafted so reluctantly or wholeheartedly.

  History has taught the world of Terra time and time again, without fail, about the consequences of their chosen path, positives or negatives are irrelevant. Regardless of what, who, and where you are, the sands of time will always be undeniably cruel. Take a brief look at the following, a pin fact about the instability and fragility of peace in this godforsaken world.

  In a bid to strengthen and unify the nation, the old Tzar decred another war despite his empire being stretched too thin and invaded the isotionist Higashi. They are amidst their own civil war, a brutal one no less. Instead of fighting one side, Ursus fought both under the banner of a truce and the desire to protect their home from foreign influence.

  The invasion didn't end well, and their nation was scarred and damaged for decades to come. The defeat gave way to a more progressive monarch with the commons' concern as their primary agenda. The new Tzar had pushed forward reforms after reforms, all for the people and the nation.

  And yet, Ursus' machines of war had been growing ever more rabid and uncontrolled, the current Ursus ruler is still too powerless to enact a significant change and guide his nation for the better. Vain Old Guard and the Foolish New Blood had been fighting with causes they stubbornly saw as the "right" things to do, furthering the general suffering as a whole.

  Beneath them, the Old and New Money are growing desperate to maintain the monopoly upon their respective venture. All reached the boiling point with a noble family, with royal blood in their veins, being swept aside and burnt down by greedy machinations and political intrigue just a touch away from treachery against the nation.

  Their st heiress was nowhere to be found, presumably died a dog's death if not worse. The poor dy would perhaps be better off dead, fallen noble born, especially those who ck the means for protection, are a prime candidate of having their dignity stripped and dragged into the mud.

  Then we moved onto the nd that Ursus failed to conquer, surely the invasion had managed to rouse a strong fervor of patriotism and aly their differences in this unforgiving world? Higashi is a fierce country, against those from the outside and the inside.

  Ursine's invasion did unite them, but only for a mere moment. Thus such peace was not meant to be achieved in the foreseeable future, for war had been engraved and sted too long for any swift reconciliation.

  The civil war between the growing merchant capitalism and the desire for progress came ahead with the daimyos' desire for tranquility and tradition, and everything caught in between, something neither can truly compromise. Higashi is torn asunder by their civil war that feeds upon their ever more festering wounds and the decaying of the nd they called home and birthright.

  Then we look upon a distant nd, the nd of desert and jungle, the nd of hardy warriors and a fractured nation, Sargon. Their adversary is none other than the fabled Minoan and their pacifism comes hand in hand with reputable craftsmanship meant for war.

  And once again, we take a page with a contemporary example, an actual and factual occurrence between the two nations.

  Namely, the swift and deadly Sargonian raids, which chanced upon a weekly or monthly basis on a regur interval, towards the Minoan nd and outlying hamlets or vilges, of which the Sargonian sought to pay unto them the humiliation of losing their grip upon Minos after their expulsion of the Minoan homend by the Twelve Heroes and the subsequent war.

  Those are the recorded and known conflicts between national entities upon one another, then what about the uncharted and wless nds that spread across Terra akin to a collection of natural buffer zones? Circumstances vary, but grim tides have become daily tidings and events for those who choose to be free.

  These wless, or more accurately being left alone, regions become the primary battlefields. Amongst all of the Terran regions, they perhaps suffered the most. Limited protection, limited choices, and yet limitless potential for worst-case scenarios and misfortunes that are too big or too complicated for them to handle rapidly and accurately.

  Needless to say, it is even more challenging to find a long-term solution without compromise.

  These independent states, regions, encves, and whatever denomination they prefer, only have themselves to rely on, but some managed to strike a deal for security and the like. This type had grown just as common as a Competition Knights who once only dreamt of personal glory and freedom before reality struck.

  Just a matter of time before complete annexation began, if their patron deemed it lucrative or strategic enough to do so. Realpolitik is a messy affair, especially if the subject in mind is left to their own device, which is what most people would prefer.

  Outsiders would be surprised to know that not a whole lot of Terran had such a mindset, despite the ever-changing climate that spanned the world in its entirety, being bound is always safer than whatever full-fledged freedom offered. Such is the way of the world...

  So what about those who value their freedom above safety? Those who would rather have the world burn them or vice versa? Men and women who engaged and dabbled with the surety of fate itself?

  Well, we have our proof through the existence of a certain Pythian Lady who, although even barely managed to, scrapped by the crevices of intrigues by being reasonably useful and not asking too many questions for a given contract unless it goes against her already scant amount of tenets. Which would have been too te if her contract was fwed fundamentally, something she avoided with all her being.

  There are several of those contracts that didn't pan out like what was promised, thus she asked for hazard pay to undo the breach or sever her ties slowly with the culprit. Her mercenary conduct is admirably useful and influential to shift and keep the opinion around being a useful dog, and not a walking man-made catastrophe.

  But, her case is still along the line of opportunistic decision-making as a rule, thus putting her true freedom in question. From a much more critical point of view, she is a sve to opinion and convenience, ever compromising to achieve what she wants without ruffling too many feathers.

  Then do we have any who truly are who they are without caring about the consequences? Yes, there are such people. They can be the cruelest and deadliest of vilins, the brightest and kindest of heroes ever, or just entities that have grown tired of limitation.

  One such personage is a Kazimierzian Pegasi, The Tenebrous Hero, the general masses dub Kiril’s youngest to be with such an ostentatious title, much to his exasperation. All without asking for even a sliver of reward or repayment, this is his glory and by extension his family. The man cared little for materialistic gain, living on in the wilderness and brushing with catastrophe every now and then had tempered him beyond what was expected of a mortal.

  Along with his merry band of adventuring folks who fought for the downtrodden in a companionship of oath-bound brotherhood. They brought justice to those who deserve it and helped the weak to their utmost ability, undeterred and unrelenting without compromise, injustice be damned and forever vanquished.

  In a twist of cruel yet hopeful macabre, heroes prospered because chaos is found and surged all over aplenty in a cycle of endless ensemble for violence. The Grey Menace, Nyx's epithet for those who feared her, brought stability and safety which was paid in blood wherever she goes.

  Which in turn created an opportunity for the heroes and vilins to cast their net wider... more than what were they supposed to...

  Date: 31st December 1081

  Location: County of Toron, Victoria

  POV: Narrator

  The festive mood had reached its zenith, a yearly tradition at this point. Nobles, Merchants, Workers, and even the unfortunate are being wrapped by the New Year fervor, allowing most people to cast aside prejudice and the like momentarily to savor this moment of peace and serenity passing through all the hardship.

  Modern and industrialized cities had means to keep themselves warm amidst the snowy air that blew forth a cold wind. This also complemented the city to be as vibrant as it can be, serving up numerous attractions and entertainments. With all of these around, the cold weather suddenly felt lukewarm at worst.

  Yet beneath all of this merrymaking, there are still, or precisely because of the festive mood, those unscrupulous lot who wagered their fortune on the more unpleasant venture. Criminals and robbers would try to break into houses, making a run for it with their ill-gotten gains.

  Outws would lurk on the highways, roads, and even the outskirts of some people who had gone beyond the boundary of safety. These wbreakers are the primary concern over the generally speaking joyous occasion.

  Even intruders from rival factions would try to shake the foundation of their rivals, so when spring comes they would have an edge to exploit. A noble must always put up either a strong posture or resolve the problem before it even turns into one.

  Vincent is the tter type of person, his mansion has always been the nexus for those who have ties with him or wish to form one, the usual noble gathering and social affair. Vincent's Faction, if it can even be called one, is made up mostly of well-to-do merchants, his direct vassals, and several influential commoners.

  The Count is now entertaining his guest. Noble's battlefield is fought in the ballroom, dining hall, and even the cathedral. Vincent is no stranger to it, and by weaving facts and fiction, he managed to hold a tight grip on his domain.

  "...and then I aimed at the wicked beast in the eye with but an arrow, felling the beast not long after. I must say that the game was quite a fruitful one, even taking into account the uncooperative weather that ever so close to ruining it."

  "Goodness me Lord Count, were you under the tutege of master hunter perhaps? Surely a shot in the eye would be worth more in prestige than even the sharpest of a painting."

  "I was not in fact under anyone's tutege, my dear Father had always said that my build and stance were a solid one, despite my nky muscles, much like the Aelthelred' Stone Column within the Aufleck Viscounty."

  "What a feat of arms, I suppose the news of such a galntry would garner attention from neighboring lords and dies, isn't it Count?"

  "Indeed it has my dear Gilligan, Marquis Essex had even invited me for his upcoming annual hunt within his region, and the beast for his game is far fiercer from what knowledge I myself had been privy to."

  A ripple of awe was directed to Vincent, to be invited by a higher-ranking nobility on a hunting activity is an achievement worth more than gold. A noble connection is such a valuable commodity for those who truly covet it.

  "Oh my! What a galnt and prestigious man you're my lord. Lady Enricata has such a wonderful husband, a true man amongst men."

  "You ftter me, Lady Millie, I for one am beyond delighted to be given praise from such a noble personage as your noble self."

  "Hear! Hear! Toast to the Lord Count, may his reign and life be as glorious and prosperous as ever!"

  The nobles are clinking their choice of beverage in a jovial revelry. This is the battlefield for the fancy people, a pce where one's own tongue is both a weapon and shield to sway the masses of liars.

  Vincent knows his allies and their respective aspiration and machinations acutely and his enemies? Even more so than his allies, failure of it would spell uncertainty upon them. A little py here and there works to his advantage in this sort of battlefield.

  Then comes the clincher, a certain piece of rumor that has been going around all over the nation. A rumor about a certain personage of interest and how that ever since she has been here, she allegedly, grew even more approachable from a business point of view.

  It is but a matter of how to break the ice, redirect conversation promptly without sufficient reason can be perceived very poorly. The attendees thus have to rein in their curiosity, but Vincent sees it as an opportunity.

  A poor conversational observation ability would hamper the very conversation itself after all, and seeing that the air had grown stale, can fare very uncomfortable. It might cause further complications if handled without proper regard and caution.

  This is why he takes the lull in conversation and pys the ball in his own court with his own set of rules. Vincent has a general understanding of what she likes and dislikes, thus it would be fair to make use of it, the person in question never cared how others, except for perhaps a limited selection, see her, all things considered.

  "Indeed, I had done immensely for the good of this region. However, I would be remiss to dismiss a certain personage whom, regrettably, unable to attend this most joyous occasion."

  "Hoh? To have you praise someone with such a high regard... perchance is it who I think it is?"

  "Indeed, Baroness Nyx had been of an immense boon for this region."

  His immediate vicinity immediately grew quieter with rapt attention, some continued on with their deliberations but maintained a much more comfortable volume for hearing. The count had been gracious enough to share his wisdom after all, and that worth in on itself by the spades.

  "Lady Baroness has been nothing sort of a blessing, I was truly delighted to see how her skills extend to a much more lucrative sector."

  "My goodness, truly, you’re not jesting? I hadn't dared to imagine such an imagery. Was she truly unlike what the rumors regaled?"

  "Positive. While it is true that she is rather succinct in her selection of methods, the person herself was more than capable of going above and beyond."

  Vincent then recounts every deed he can think of that she had accomplished. From the evacuation and rescue from bandits and wbreakers, the partnership and field colboration with NGO, and very interesting and amusing bits about her working as a stand-in teacher for refugees.

  The attendees are awed and bewildered, the rumors pertained to her always painting Nyx as some unhinged, remorseless, and hazardous beast. Thus her notoriety of non-violent actions had been sidelined or treated as hogwash, but a noble' own admission was worth a lot.

  Not only did Vincent practically swear in his honor, but he readily shared what he could. This might sound foolish to bb about such a piece of information, but there are always times and occasions where pying the card against the norm would net the best possible result, such as this one.

  "Hmm... I have lingering interest in her conduct, but I refrained from further contact due to her reputation."

  "That was an astute decision in my opinion, and I am fairly certain Lady Baroness herself would have a simir train of thoughts if she were in your shoes. But you might wish to form a connection, early birds take the worms they said."

  'With this, I can help her gain the Neutrals attention better. Well, Nyx, I hope that we can stay as a lucrative partner with our business, and here I finally fulfilled my end of the bargain.' Vincent quietly said in his mind while answering the attendees' curiosity. He is selling out favors to them, one of which they deem worth the cost.

  What it means in the future will remain unseen, but one thing is certain... Nyx's notoriety rose on both ends of the spectrum, and that signifies deviations... and corrections.

  POV: Nyx

  '... Must be nice...' Seeing all this merriment once again, it is just like st year, I even helped out like usual... so why did I feel a burning jealousy and envy eating me up from the inside? I'm a petty and, without a shred of doubt, spiteful woman, but it was always reserved to those who deserved it...

  Wdirosa was usually enough to remind me what it feels like to have a pce where I belong, Nelka and the vilgers there always warmly received me after the war of 72. Unlike my life in Kawalerielki. Full of false splendor and annoyance, not to mention the corporate negotiations and ignorant and insensitive civilians who kept bothering me...

  Toron isn't bad, but the lingering cautions of this region's inhabitants that were shown to me were terribly exhausting all the same. All on top of nobles, merchants, bounty hunters, and all manner of foes who wanted a piece of me, some don't even regard me as a human being... am I even one?

  And now?

  I dragged my unbelievably heavy and lethargic gaze to look all towards the pza in front of me. Children pying around with their friends, their merriment should have melted my heart and filled me with genuine and unblemished joy.

  A man and woman, a couple most likely, locked their hands so intimately, something to usually only made me give a passing gnce. Not this feeling of longing ced with irrational hate...

  Elders who are entertaining their young. Family... who are spending their time with sheer bliss and joy...

  But what about me? Why can't I have those? I want those too...

  Seeing everyone so happy, with all the familial warmth and blessings, just fills me with an unending torrent of negative emotions. Was it also the after-effect of that failed arts training I tried to sing a year ago? Perhaps I had finally reached crity from a long slumber of mine I never knew I ever had.

  Mayhap this is a just and fair punishment for a monster like me? Why do I have a heart only to feel the pain of longing? Why can't I just turn into an unfeeling monster, if the price of a human' heart is agony I can do nothing about?

  Suddenly a voice intruded in my mind... it felt so familiar yet so foreign... so warm... yet so dreadful... so caring... yet so merciless...

  '?W?h?a?t?'?s? ?w?r?o?n?g??? ?Y?o?u? ?c?a?n? ?m?a?k?e? ?y?o?u?r? ?o?w?n? ?d?e?c?i?s?i?o?n? ?r?i?g?h?t??? ?O?r?d?e?r? ?i?s? ?t?o? ?b?e? ?f?o?l?l?o?w?e?d?,? ?b?u?t? ?y?o?u? ?m?u?s?t?n?'?t? ?d?i?s?c?a?r?d? ?y?o?u?r? ?h?u?m?a?n?i?t?y?.?'? ?

  W??????h????e??????r??????e??????? ??????w????a???s?????? ???t????h?????e??? ?????m?????a????c????h??????i??????n?????e????? ????m????e??????????? ?????S?????h????o???u????l????d?????n?????'???????t??? ?????t????h????e???y????? ???s?????t?????a??????r???????t??? ????u????s??????i?????n????g?????? ?????t??????h?????e??????i????r???? ??????c?????o????l??????d?????-??????c?????a??????l????c????u?????l?????a????t???i???????n????g????? ?????p???????r?????o?????c???e??????s????s?????o??????r?????? ????t?????o?????? ?????r?????e???????a?????f????f???????i???????r?????m???? ?????m????y?????? ???????c????o?????n????v???i?????c????t?????i?????o?????n??????? ?????w????i?????t???h?????? ?????a?????l??????g???????o???????r?????i??????t???????h??????m???? ?????o??????f????? ???p???????u???????r??????e??? ?????l?????o??????g?????i??????c???????????

  W??????h?????e??????r????e?????? ?????w?????a????s??????? ?????t?????h???????e????? ???h????o?????m???u??????n???????c???????u?????l????u???????s???? ??????m????e???????????? ???????C?????o??????u???????l????d??????n?????'????t???? ????t????h???????e????y?????? ???b??????e????? ??????o????n??????e????? ???????t??????h??????a????t????? ???????c?????a????n???? ????e???????m???u??????l????a?????t??????e??????? ????h???????u?????m????a?????n????? ??????b??????u?????t????? ??????s????t???i???l???????l???? ????h????a??????v?????e???? ??????t????h?????e???????i?????r???? ???p??????e???r???????f???????e??????c?????t???l????y??? ?????u?????n?????b??????l????e????m????i?????s??????h??????e???????d??????? ????s???????e??????r????e???n?????i?????t?????y??? ?????n???o???? ?????d??????i?????f??????f?????e???r????e?????n????t??????? ?????t???????o?????? ??????t?????h??????a????t????? ??????o????f????? ????a?????? ??????l????i?????v???i????n?????g????? ???????d?????o?????l????l???????????

  W???h??????e???r????e???? ??????w??????a???s?????? ??????t????h???????e??????? ??????t????h?????a?????u???m?????a???????t??????u???r????g???i??????c????a?????l???? ?????m??????e??????????? ???W?????o????u?????l??????d?????n????'?????t?????? ??????t????h???e?????y???? ?????h??????a????v?????e?????? ????b?????e???????e????n????? ?????m???????o??????r???????e????? ????t???h?????a?????n???? ??????w??????i??????l?????l??????i????n???g??? ????o???????f????? ???b?????e?????n?????d???i??????n????g?????? ?????t???????h???e??? ???r???????u??????l?????e???s?????? ??????w?????i?????t??????h????? ??????t???h?????e????i?????r????? ????p??????o??????w?????e?????r???s????? ?????f????o???????r?????? ??????m??????e????????????

  W???????h???????y???? ??????i?????s????? ?????t????h?????e????? ?????h?????u????m?????a?????n?????? ??????m????e?????? ????d?????o?????m????i????n???a??????t??????e???????????? ??????W?????e?????r????e?????n???????'?????t????? ????h?????u??????m??????a?????n????? ????s????o???? ?????f??????l???a?????w?????e???d????????? ???????I???s?????n????'???t??? ????t???????h??????a?????t???? ???????c??????o???????n????t??????r????a?????d??????i?????c???t????i?????v??????e????? ?????w???????i?????t?????h??? ???m??????y????? ??????r?????o??????l???e???s????? ????a???s??? ?????n????o????t????h?????i????n???????g??????? ?????m?????o??????r???????e????? ???t???????h????a?????n??????...?????? ?????n????o???????t???????h?????i????n????g??????? ?????m???o???????r????e???? ????t?????h???????a??????n??????...???????

  n???????????o??????????????????t???????????????h??????????????????i??????????????n???????g???????????? ???????????????????m???????????????o??????????????????????r???????????????????e?????????????????? ??????????????t??????????????????????h????????a?????????????????????n?????????????????????????...?????????????????? ??????????????????????????n??????????????o??????????????????????????t????????????????????????????h?????????????????i?????????????n??????????g???????????????????????? ?????????????????m????????????????????o???????????????????r???????????????e???????? ??????????????????????t?????????????????h?????????????????????????a????????????????????????????n?????????????????????...??????????????????????

  '???Y???o???u???'???r???e??? ???n???o???t??? ???j???u???s???t??? ???a??? ???w???e???a???p???o???n???,??? ???y???o???u??? ???h???a???v???e??? ???f???r???e???e??? ???w???i???l???l???.??? ???T???h???a???t??? ???i???s??? ???n???o???t??? ???y???o???u???r??? ???o???n???l???y??? ???r???o???l???e???,??? ???t???h???e??? ???o???n???l???y??? ???w???a???y??? ???f???o???r??? ???y???o???u??? ???t???o??? ???b???e??? ???u???s???e???f???u???l???.???'???

  "Ngh!" I winced in pain... Why? I warily looked around and thankfully no one paid attention to me, except those guys of course, they must have been puzzled seeing me wince all of a sudden, good thing I was lost in thoughts in this... cold... dark... lonely alleyway...

  What's wrong with me? I never felt like this, not even in multitudes of my previous life... Why can't my memories show anything else other than blood, smoke, and iron? Life here has proven that there is still so much more in how a human ought to live...

  Was it because it was non-essential to my survival or perhaps because it needed to be erased to safeguard what little sanity I had? If that's true, then why are death, suffering, and cruelty essential but not about the more mundane memories? Were those so insignificant or perhaps because of their mundanity it would have spelled my doom?

  This isn't me... but if I'm not me, then who am I?

  I don't know, when I don't like something I can spit it out or at least vent it somewhere. I can't jeopardize my work retionship, but I can get my point across...

  I don't know, when I felt lost I could just busy myself with my inventories' usual maintenance. It was fulfilling and useful you know...

  I don't know when I wanted someone dead, I can just pluck their head' off... if I'm truly mad, I can just prolong their agony until I'm satisfied...

  I don't know, Kawalerielki was bearable because of the sheer artificiality, detachment, trendsetter mentality, and corporatist feels that allowed me to coast away, uncaring and distracted, with my loneliness... also supported by the fact that I can still visit Wdirosa from time to time.

  I don't know, this warmth just left me with a really distasteful feeling...

  I don-

  "Nyx? Hello?"

  "Oh... Uh... Arkell?"

  "You're spacing out. In an alleyway no less, are you stalking someone?"

  "Sorry, and no... I don't..."

  "Well, no matter. I have this letter for you. Your eyes only." Arkell just left with his left arm stretching up, I fail to register what he is doing, and my gaze is too preoccupied with the letter.

  I cut the letter and opened it, there was a piece of paper in it. I proceed to grab and read it...

  ... It is empty... there is nary an alphabet in it... why? Did someone send it just to fuck with me?

  Before I could explode in rage and furious indignation... the paper felt coarse... it felt like... arts conduit... wait conduit?

  I quickly try to strain my already negligible amount of Arts through my voice... and it activates the same way I got my Arts tested the first time, my tongue and throat were momentarily strained but nothing too serious like st year's debacle, and most importantly it's worth it... the letter finally shown its content... a voice I only dared to dream while working here...

  [Miss me?]

  "...Dad?" a voice of mine, so weak it barely registers as a whisper. My legs are already running, completely disregarding how desperate I look to the few scant people around me... I must return to my hideout, on the city' outskirts...

  POV: Narrator

  A Pythian Lady can be seen running through the alleyway with such velocity that her usual monitors and spies are both bewildered and lost track of her. They had trained, trained, and trained some more to keep better tabs on her... and they failed, again with minimal improvement if any...

  Despite her mind being in utter chaos, her body remembered instinctually to choose the safer and quieter path while yanking herself off from her potential pursuers. She is paradoxically emotional and cautious regarding her own and by extension those who have ties with her, safety and secrecy.

  It doesn't help that Arkell's sudden Arts cast just muddled their observation all the more, they must track her because of potential information that might be gleaned from her personal life.

  But that's that, unreted to the matter at hand.

  Nyx is running, her vision is focused only upon the road and shortcuts she has taken, her mind is patching out the most optimum path to traverse, and her legs are moving like gliding upon the most pristine of marble.

  Her heart is beating louder than when she was surrounded by bloodthirsty foes and beasts.

  Her breathing is rough not from exhaustion, but from the nervousness and hope that is overflowing.

  Her instinct had gone erratic, both from dread and anticipation.

  But she keeps on moving, and moving... and moving...

  What felt like an eternity was in fact merely minutes, less than a quarter of an hour, but it was the longest Nyx had ever felt in this new world. She is running towards the quieter corner of the city, the pce where newcomers or less-than-affluent households reside.

  The pce she has is quiet because everyone is too busy merrymaking at the main pza. The patrols around had also been cleared beforehand by Arkell, just a little readjustment...

  Then she arrived at her house, which was only known by either Arkell or Vincent, a humble 2 story building with unremarkable design. The pce was rarely used since she usually spent most of her time within her numerous hideouts and safe houses all around Victoria, The County of Toron itself has at least 5 such locations.

  In front of the door to her house... 3 people are seen standing with their backs to her... but she can make out one of them with whitening hair, a dimming halo, and 4 pairs of grayish wings of light... Nyx then stopped running and just walked... She disregarded the other 2 and focused only on the winged man...

  She is afraid that what she sees is a dream.

  She is afraid that what is in front of her is merely an illusion.

  She is afraid that what actually happened was nothing more than her delirious mind trying to fill in her loneliness.

  But she has to make sure...

  "Dad..."

  The other 2 immediately looked back, but the winged man was taking his time and gazing for some more at this humble abode of hers.

  Then the winged man just turned around and said nothing. He smiled seeing her, his joy could be seen manifesting in his eyes. Nyx just stood there petrified, too afraid of breaking this moment that might be her own delusion. The man just shook his head a little but his smile never waned, he then stretched both of his arms... and the home-stricken girl crashed head-first into it...

  "Dad!"

  "Goodness me, look at you!"

  "It is really You! *sniff* Dad! *sniff* I-I-I thought that... I thought that! *sobs*"

  Nyx crumbled and her knees gave out, her Father just let his daughter cling to him, their ck of blood retion meant little for either. Everything doesn't matter at the moment... gone was the merciless mercenary who struck fear, awe, and respect... gone was the world trespasser, the adrift invader of this dimension... gone was her mask of stoicism, a face she used to wedge herself into society...

  All that's left is but a girl who is starving for familial love...

  The other pair is looking with a mixed form of amusement and disquiet puzzlement, this is not what they expected to see first and foremost when coming here.

  "Man, look at her! Sis really is a daddy's girl eh?"

  "... Can't you not ruin it for once, Tond?"

  "What? It is a true thought! Also, we're here for vacation M?ynar!"

  "Hah... We're not..."

  "Oh yeah sure, you're here for her right?"

  "That's very presumptuous of you."

  While the pair of Guildmaster and Tenebrous Hero bickered with one another, Nyx is crying her eyes and heart out. Immanuel just let her cry all she wanted to, this visit is a long-time pnned one after all. After having her fill for tears, she finally registered the other two... and her face practically exploded with embarrassment.

  "W-w-w-what are you guys doing here!?"

  "Oh wow, the princess has sobered up."

  "Long time no see, Nyx."

  "D-d-dad? Why ar-"

  "They accompanied me, can't expect to travel around alone after all."

  Nyx suddenly turns quiet... her face shows nothing but guilt...

  "Sorry... for you to come all the way here..."

  If Nyx was a Perro, Feline, and or Lupo, her ears would have fallen ft on her head. Her Pythian tail already dangled lifelessly behind her in fact.

  Immanuel just patted his stubborn and oddly adorable daughter's head. He is 14 centimeters or 5 inches taller than her, so it was quite an easy thing to achieve.

  She would have pulled her head back from such a show of affection in public, but she is too emotional to care. Her tail unconsciously waves from and fro behind her... Nyx, what are you again?

  "It is I who should have apologized, dear."

  "Huh?"

  "You see... I was pnning to come a year ago, but travel restrictions and the like took time for further processing after all."

  "Travel restriction? Further processing?"

  "How about we discuss it inside? That way we can have a comfortable family talk."

  "O-oh! Sorry, I uh... the house is... r-r-really... messy..."

  "It's alright and of no problem, we can clean it up together then. A good family bonding experience right? Hahahaha!"

  Nyx said nothing, but her cheeks were red once more. The other 2 just watched their exchange and clearly had differing thoughts about one another...

  'Holy shit. This woman, the equivalent to that of rampaging tuskbeast of a juggernaut, can be cute too!?'

  '... Nyx is too emotional, her stance is rigid, her guard is all over the pce, and her mind is painfully disturbed... what happened to her?'

  [END OF CHAPTER]

  Author's Note:

  Hello there, this is me, myself, and I, the author who was lost... somehow...

  Can you believe it? M?ynar used to be more optimistic than Margaret Nearl. His leitmotif even stated verbatim that he used to fight with the same ideal his niece has taken with clear conviction and determination in the future.

  His profile' document also stated that his Arts is gentle, kind, and filled with bottomless fury. Most likely because of the shit he has to put up with, or else his family house would grow even emptier from its resident.

  M?ynar had been fighting for justice and knightly virtue according to the Nearl Family's Creed, "Fear Neither Hardship nor Darkness." But years of tragedy just turned him cynical.

  As for why they are here, the next chapter will expin it and some more like usual.

  And as for the E????l???????d?????r??????i???????t?????c?????h???? passages? ...

  :)

  Update, as usual, i.e. somewhere in the future.

  Ciao