Chapter 9: War

The rally from the king was heard by Amantuile and he prepared all of his troops for the upcoming war. LeAestas joined him. However, the king didn’t go to Aelaranthae town. Instead, he went for Lucianne, where Amantuile resides.

Amantuile knew the Aelaranthae couldn’t help. Ae Zir needed to be at Ae Nae’s side until she recovered. Lucianne was not a military city. It was a cultural and artistic city, even with all the new and strong knights and mages from Aelaranthae Academy, Lucianne was not defensible. Amantuile refrained from asking Lotharine for help. If LeAestas helped Lucianne, this conflict would turn into a full blown out war. All because the king wanted Aelaranthae’s blood.

And so, the siege began. King’s army began looting Lucianne’s province and outskirts. The king avoided all direct confrontation and chose to play dirty. This was a ploy to back The Aelaranthae into a corner. If the food price skyrocketed, The Aelaranthae would be troubled. Many refugees moved out from Lucianne to Aelaranthae town due to the siege. And, according to the King's wishes, the food price rose. Amantuile did his best, but even with better knights, Amantuile couldn’t beat the king and his guerrilla tactics. The king was a war hero in his early years. His skill has not waned even in peace. The fact was made clear. Amantuile had lost the war two months later due to the supplies and the siege by the king.

“Well, is this all you can do? Without the Aelaranthae, I guess you are nothing but lowly knights.” The king smirked as Amantuile was brought to him before the burning Lucianne. He had the chance to evacuate to Aelaranthae town but he refused to evacuate until the last of the citizens evacuated. That honest thinking was the reason Amantuile lost.

“You are no king. Even if you got your hands on Aelaranthae’s blood and lived forever, this act of treachery will be remembered.” Amantuile spat.

“Young cubs these days. You see, this tactic has earned me a war hero medal. Everyone acknowledge me for this tactics”

“What kind of scum used such cowardly tactics?”

“The cultists of the north used it against me first. I remembered it clearly now. They stole every grain they could find. Razed every farmhouse they see. Kill every cattle and sheep. All those farmers fled to the fortress of Tigris. Then, as the winter comes, we hunger. As the brave soldiers succumbed to illness, the bloodletters of chaos gods assaulted the fortress. Many brave souls, including Lucoria’s father perished and were sacrificed to their vile god. I ran. Flee like a dog. Then, I came back with a vengeance. Using their own tactics, I surrounded them, scorched every land they owned. Poisoned the well and the river. Even when they used human shields, I didn’t care, we let loose our arrows. We finally succeeded.”

Amantuile looked at the king. He thought he was merely a greedy king. He didn’t know he had such an experience. Amantuile spat, “You have become the very thing you swore to destroy, King Luferia of Antheria! You have become demons!”

“This treachery will soon be forgotten. In a mere century, people will forget you and the Aelaranthae Town even exist. See, you all think I am just a greedy king now. In less than 50 years, people didn’t even remember my achievement. My merit. Your grudge now means nothing.” The king smiled as he looked toward Amantuile’s wife and son. “Kill them all!”

“Wait! At the very least, spare the women and children! I begged you!” Amantuile pleaded. The king stopped. He then turned toward Amantuile with relish. Everything was according to his plan.

“Hm… you know, I too was like you once. I applaud your bravery and honor. You are certainly a model knight. Even my soldiers looked up to you. I shall offer you something better. Duel me. If you win, that means you can kill and stop me. However, if I win, You shall tell me whatever you know about the Aelaranthae. What disease do they have, what food do they need, everything.” The king drew out his sword, The Golden Lion.

“...Very well, I accept your offer.” Amantuile drew his blade, the Flame Drake. He was the champion of the knight’s tournament. He had confidence in his skills. What the Aelaranthae had taught him hadn’t faded.

The Flame Drake was burned brightly, mirroring the fire in Amantuile’s heart. For the justice in his heart, he must win. As he holds his sword and takes posture, the king does the same. His Golden Lion glowed a golden light. The divine color mirrored his opulent golden breastplate. Yet, despite the opulence, the king was fierce, Like a lion.

The duel began. Amantuile swung his sword and a wave of fire engulfed the king. However, with a swing of the golden sword, the flame receded. The Golden Lion, paired with his armor, Golden Mane, were resistant to magic.

Having no choice, Amantuile then lunged forward. The battle turned into close combat. The king parried his strike effortlessly. Amantuile was taken aback. To think his strikes were parried so effortlessly. Amantuile had confidence in his swordsmanship. He had won a championship before and he never missed his morning practice. Yet, the king didn’t even break a sweat when fighting him.

“Hahaha! I remembered you were faster than that during the championship, Amantuile!” Laughed the king. He could feel the dread within Amantuile. With that swift exchange of blows, he knew he would lose. Despair started to cloud his vision.

“I will not lose to your false leadership!” Amantuile fought back his despair. After he recomposed himself, he began another bout with the king.

This chronicle was not about a hero that slain the evil king. Fate will not smile upon Amantuile.

The goddess never wanted to create a hero. What is a hero? A hero was born because of villains. Then, what is a villain? A hero and villain are two sides of the same coin. What was once a hero is merely a villain from the other side. If only they could understand each other, the world would be a much better place. A world without greed or envy. Without greed or envy, there would be no malice. That’s why the goddess created The Aelaranthae.

Amantuile fought for his justice. That in itself was beautiful. Nevertheless, fate decreed he lost. Even if he were to win, He would become like the current king sooner or later. He will grow old, and in his fear of death, he too will seek the chalice of life. Shall Amantuile win this duel, it would merely swap the villain in the grand scale of things.

The king made a diagonal slash with all of his power and Amantuile failed to parry it. His sword flew away from his grasp, marking his defeat. The king then put his sword to his neck. Amantuile had lost.

“Relax. As I promised, I will spare all women and children. You too shall keep your words. So, what happened to the Aelaranthae?”

“…There are two Aelaranthae. One of them was sick. A lump on her chest like a tumor grew. The other had to buy her food, The sick Aelaranthae had to eat like a normal person twice a day that’s all…” Amantuile gritted his teeth. He lost. If he lies now, His son, wife, and the remnants of his soldiers will be slain.

“Hmm… that doesn’t make sense. Why do they make fortifications around their house like cornered beast? Are you sure that’s all there is? You see, I have received a report from Lucoria and my spies. Aelaranthae were supposed to be invincible, are they not? Are you still lying, or do you really don't know? Was your relationship with The Aelaranthae more fickle than we thought?” Image when a bird scratched Ae Nae resurfaced on Amantuile’s mind. He then told the king.

“The Aelaranthae who were sick…. She was vulnerable. A mere bird could scratch her now….” Amantuile told the king. He honored his promise as the king honored his.

“I see. So she is as vulnerable as a human now. Hahaha! That explained the defenses on her house. These Aelaranthae were more naive and direct than I thought. Hahaha!”

“It's futile, King. The other Aelaranth will protect her. You can’t beat them.” Amantuile said.

“We shall see. Now, die!” The king stabbed Amantuile in the chest. Amantuile could only look at him bewildered. “Don’t look at me like that. As promised, I will send all of Lucianne’s residents to Aelaranthae town alive. But the loser in a duel must die, understand?”

“I see…” Amantuile breathed a sigh. Even as his life left him, he didn’t curse the king. Like Lucoria, he let his last wish and prayer to what mattered him the most, “Aelaranthae, I am sorry. Alan, Zir and Nae… Please… stay safe.”

And so, Amantuile’s life ended. He didn’t curse the tyrant king. Instead, he blessed the Aelaranthae, praying for their safety. Such words were heard by all, but everyone ignored it. The king shrugged such vain blessing and focused on the task at hand. With the information about The Aelaranthae confirmed, he knew what to do.

Unlike Lucianne which were placed in an open field, Aelaranthae town had forest on their back. The king studied the map and found out that it would be next to impossible to surround it. Moreover, LeAestas’s army was guarding it. The empire’s army was stronger, but if LeAestas intervene, the other members of the alliance such as Petrae, Silvaris, and Celestialine will interfere. Even if they did not intervene and only LeAestas did, it would be difficult to face Aelaranthae town head on.

However, the king smirked. Now that he knew Aelaranthae’s weakness, he began sending refugees to Aelaranthae town. He planned to kill Lucianne’s residence knowing he couldn’t surround or starve the city because the city could get its supplies through LeAestas forest path, however he decided to honor his promise. He then set up a camp on the Palaie Green, where his army was defeated before. He looked at the refugees who walked in an orderly line toward Aelaranthae Town with a smile.

[Nae, can you move? We should run.] Ae Zir questioned her companion. In the worst case scenario, he could strap Ae Nae to her back and run with a horse or something but Ae Nae refused. Moving her now would harm her.

[I am sorry, but I don’t think I can move. It hurts when I move. The child said it was hurting. Hm… this is bad, but if we run, where would we even go? You need sleep too. It’s better if we worked together with Lotharine. ] Ae Nae replied. She had gained her previous figure in the virtual room, but there was another sound. At first, it was mere unintelligent sounds, but it became clearer. Now, it can voice out simple expressions, like happy, or sad, or hurt.

[Maybe we should move to LeAestas.] Ae Zir said. But she dismissed the idea. Ae Nae should not be moved. If she had to move her, she would need a stretcher. The stretcher shouldn’t shake either. That would be impossible to do in this jungle. Besides, she couldn’t trust LeAestas either. After what had happened, she couldn’t trust humans anymore.

[Close down the walls and help Lotharine on the front wall.] Ae Nae said. The bumps on her chest have grown and now it extended to her stomach. From within, a voice came to the Virtual world.

[Soryy…]

[No need to say sorry my dear… it’s not your fault.] Ae Nae hugged a white round ball connected with some sort of cable to her. She named her child Ae Nae’Ire. Ae Nae’Ire could only do simple expressions for she is not mature yet. She would need a few more years before she is fully mature and leaves Ae Nae’s body. During this time, it was imperative for Ae Nae not to be moved. Ae Zir sighed.

[Yes. You are right. I guess that’s the only choice we have.] Ae Zir sighed. She then closed the door to her house with her magic and went to the gate. Lotharine was receiving refugees there.

“Lotharine, need any help?”

“Esteemed Aelaranthae! Greetings. We are currently processing the refugees from Lucianne.”

“Lucianne? I didn’t see Amantuile here. Was he captured by the king’s army?”

“Amantuile… He fell in a duel against the king.” Lotharine replied. The atmosphere shook as sadness permeated the refugee camp.

“It’s all because of you! Lord Amantuile had sacrificed everything for you! Yet when Lucianne was attacked, you didn’t even come to help!” one of the refugees cursed Ae Zir. Seeing the hatred directed to her burned her heart. Filled with confusion, she asked.

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“Amantuile was killed by the king. Why are you angry at me? I couldn’t help him because my companion is sick.” Ae Zir answered. Such a cold answer enraged the villagers and they tried to lunge at Ae Zir.

Of course, the assault was in vain. Aelaranthae were powerful. She merely slapped them with the back of her hand and the villagers flew away and landed on the dirt. Ae Zir looked at the villagers. Now that she has grown older, she now understands a bit of their behavior, their expectations. They wanted her to lead them, to serve them.

However, why? Why should the Aelaranthae serve them while they need nothing from them? The Aelaranthae never look at them as subjects. They never imposed taxes on them. All the arbitration they did was akin to advice, not order. If there was something The Aelaranthae did not like, she threw them away. This forest is their home, according to human rules, they should have the right to send someone away from their home if they so desire.

[They need something. Something precious was taken from them. Moreover, they are not strong enough to take it back. That’s why they lashed out.] Ae Nae said through telepathy. Her ability was still sealed. Only her telepathy ability was recovering, She was still weak, and she was fully incapacitated on her bed. Ae Zir wondered whether she had to go through such a torturous process when it was her turn to spawn new Aelaranthae. The goddess put one heck of a curse in exchange for their remarkable ability.

[we should kill them. If they run rampant inside the city, we would all be in trouble. The food situation is precarious.] Ae Zir muttered in her mind.

[I don’t think the other humans will take that lightly. Can you suggest it privately to Lotharine and inspect his emotions?] Ae Nae answered. Ae Zir asked Lotharine and as expected, he refused.

“Esteemed Aelaranthae, I understand your concern. Taking all these refugees will certainly burden Aelaranthae town. However, such drastic measures are not necessary. I have words from LeAestas that we will get our supply. Moreover, I have also prepared several carriages to take these refugees to LeAestas. These refugees were a temporary burden, Esteemed Aelaranthae. We need not do such vile acts.”

“I see. Good then.” Ae Zir could feel the disgust from Lotharine at the suggestions. Ae Zir sighed. Humans were really fickle in their emotions.

{Are we not similar?] Ae Nae whispered.

[I understand if they loved each other and didn’t want to sacrifice them. But their behaviors contradict each other. If they wanted to save lives, why are they killing each other?] Ae Zir whined at the Virtual room. She decided to leave the politics to Lotharine and patrolled the area.

The emotions The Aelaranth got from the people around her were the worst. Curses, hatred, despair filled the scenery. It smelled like sewer water and tasted like viscous slimy mold in rotten fruit. Ae zir could only brave through the disgusting atmosphere.

“No! I don’t want to get into the carriage! They will kill us all!” the citizens screamed. News has been spreading in the town that the carriage to LeAestas was often ambushed by the empire's knights. Ae Zir didn’t understand how human’s minds and warfare worked, so she merely patrolled there. The King was an expert at warfare. He hit the town where it hurts.

The king knew Aelaranthae were powerful. So, unlike before, he dared not confront them directly. However, he also knew Aelaranthae town had minimal logistics and governance. Laws were flexible and people may choose to disobey them. By sowing discord inside Aelaranthae’s settlement, they will soon turn their resentment to The Aelaranthae.

However, the question remains. Why? Was it worth it? Even if the entire city turned up against the Aelaranthae, so what? Aelaranthae has no needs. If worse comes to worst, they could expel everyone and live by themselves. That was his previous thought.

But chance soon arrived. One of the Aelaranthae was sick. They now have needs. Aelaranthae depended on food and groceries now like normal people. So, the king hit them when they were the most vulnerable. It would be a perfect plan if Aelaranthae town could be sieged. But LeAestas was determined to help the Aelaranthae. So, the only way the king could attack is their reputation.

“Just give them some blood, and we can end this suffering.” Another citizen shouted.

“Why not give yours? What’s mine is mine to give.” Ae Zir answered. She grew tired of these hurtful feelings of jealousy and despair. “Lotharine, are the carriage ready?”

“No! I don’t want to get into the carriage! Imperial knights will kill us if we leave!”

“This is our land. You are not welcome here.” Ae Zir answered.

“What! I never thought you to be such a heartless scum! This is the empire's land to begin with” The villager raged and tried to assault the Aelaranthae. However, another man with a calmer head restrained him.

“We inhabited this forest first. You have no right to claim it.” Ae Zir answered. Her disgust with the man’s feeling of despair and entitlement made her release her pent up emotions.

“Calm down. She is right. The evil one is the king. Our house is in Lucianne and he drove us out of it.”

“I spent my whole life in Lucianne! Then this creature showed up and all of my hard work was destroyed just because she didn’t want to give her blood to the king!”

“Esteemed Aelaranthae , if you please.” Lotharine guided Ae Zir away from the refugees. He understood the refugees were not stable at the moment and The Aelaranthae wouldn’t understand it. Moreover, he had a more important matter he would like to discuss with the Aelaranthae. After borrowing a house in Aelaranthae town, several high ranking LeAestas Knights turned it into some sort of headquarters. When Ae Zir entered the meeting room, she saw those knights were waiting for her in some sort of a meeting.

“Esteemed Aelaranthae , we have a message from the king.” They said, “Hand over Aelaranthae blood and Aelaranthae town may be transferred to LeAestas.”

“No.” Ae Zir answered. Losing blood means losing power. Moreover, this time, Ae Zir was sure the king would ask for more than a drop. If the king had his way, these guys in LeAestas will surely ask the same of her sooner or later. However, such sentiment could only be understood by The Aelaranthae. None of the people before her now sympathized with her. The taste of their disappointment and disdain were clear to her.

“At first, he asked for a bottle. However, we understood that might be fatal for you. We have negotiated for a pint.”

“No.”

“Then, what amount would be agreeable for you, esteemed Aelaranthae?” The generals were frustrated. If they fought for Aelaranthae Academy, they would fight until the end. But right now, they were fighting for a mere pint of blood from the Aelaranthae. Moreover they got what they wanted. The king agreed to transfer Aelaranthae town to them. It was an unbelievable proposition. LeAestas began to side with the king.

“Why should I surrender my blood to whom I dislike?”

“they promised to free Aelaranthae town.”

“This forest is ours. There was no one who lived in it before we arrived. It was merely a reclusive forest on the border of your nations.”

“If you don’t give your blood, they will kill all of your citizens!”

“We will sacrifice everything for knowledge. But why should we fight for a mere pint of blood? People are dying! You are Noble Aelaranthae! You should look out for your subjects!” One of the generals shouted. Ae Zir glared at them for their hypocrisy.

However, she understood that she had lost. The great Aelaranthae, those who were created unequal in strength by the goddess, had lost to humans.

“... You all certainly pick a bad time to threaten us. Very well. Invite the king here so he may receive his blood.” Ae Zir finally surrendered to human whims. Humans had lived longer than the Aelaranthae as a species, they had suffered and learned how to manipulate others ever since they met each other. Each one of them tried to gain benefit over others in a never ending cycle of needs and greed. Aelaranthae have no needs, so they did not understand the greed humans was so… powerful.

Aelaranthae…They were powerful, no one could rob them or force them to do anything before.

However, they now had needs. Ae Nae conceived another Aelaranth. She now needed nutrients and is now vulnerable. She was weakened in such a state that she couldn’t move. A stray arrow or magic could kill her.

[B, why are you doing it? It’s dangerous!] Ae Nae called him through telepathy.

[Auntie..?] Ae Nae’Ire was starting to become coherent in her speech, but she was far from sapient. She needed more time to grow.

[It's fine. Humans shouldn’t be able to take that much blood in such a short time. We could overpower him.]

[but there is no guarantee that he will keep his promise. Moreover what if he didn’t take all the blood but sell it to his subjects?]

[That's why we welcomed him here. This is the best choice. Risk must be taken. We can no longer sit on our laurels.]

[... I —] Ae Nae was about to say something, but it was stopped

[No. It will seriously hamper your strength. You can’t take that much blood loss right now]

[*sobs. Alright. Stay safe, okay.] Ae Nae hugged Ae Zir in the virtual world.

A few days later, The king arrived with over a hundred of his retinue. All dressed with the highest tier of armor. The King smirked at the Aelaranthae, contempt shown on his face. Ae Zir could kill him right now. However, she understood that wouldn’t resolve the issue. His retinue, minister, and other nobles would replace him. They all wanted eternal life. The only way for Aelaranthae to survive from these greedy wolves is if they lowered the value of her blood.

“Kneel! Scum!” The retinue spat on Aelaranthae’s face. They had a grudge against Aelaranthae because of their popularity. Typical of nobility. When The Aelaranthae were regarded highly, they acted obsequiously toward them. However, now that The Aelaranthae have lost, they acted all high and mighty.

The king then came down on the town hall with his retinue. Golden cup in his left hand and fleams in the other. He then gave them to the Aelaranthae , hoping for her to fill it. He cared not for honor or pride. Such things were for the lowborn. All that was in his mind was the immortality the Aelaranthae could provide him.

The Aelaranthae took the fleams and slit her wrist. A rivulet of fuchsia liquid flowed into the cup. The emotions that flowed through her was disgustingly sweet. The greed and excitement that overflowed from the king and her retinue tasted sweet. Ae Zir would normally like it. However, the price she had to pay for It was too steep. She merely sighed in resignation.

As the cup was full, she returned it back to the king. She grasped her hands, through magic, the wound closed, her magic was a lot weaker than before as she felt anemic for the first time in her life. Her mana had gone down drastically she felt it would be hard for her to assault the king anymore. However, her plan was in motion. If her plan succeeded, nobody would want her blood anymore.

“Hahaha! Now, the Glory of Antheria will be secured!” The king roused his subjects.

“Is that why you seek immortality so much?” Ae Zir tilted her head.

“You are not humans. You do not understand, monster. Humans have to work for everything. In your idyllic life, we honed our fangs. We watched you. We desire power. We worked for it. Everyday is a toil for a greater future. Everyday, we must progress. We will steal, we will rob, we will enslave. That’s what it takes for society to grow. That’s why we were able to overcome adversaries such as you. Now that I have immortality, you are no use to me.”

Ae Zir felt her hand tremble. Aelaranthae were powerful. However, she felt another power inside the king. The king was merely a human, weak in his own accord. However, she has lost to him. Was it because the king had more men? Or was it something else. How was he able to achieve this feat?

This immaterial power the Aelaranthae could not perceive. The Aelaranthae could no longer ignore it. She had to study it and use it to protect themselves. The Aelaranthae promised to themselves. They should no longer be ignorant. The king had belief. The king had conviction. And that conviction somehow overpowered Aelaranthae’s raw strength which was provided by the goddess herself. Men had defeated goddess’ power.

“Thank you for your lesson. Now that you have your cup, will you leave?” Ae Zir said coldly.

“Watch your tongue! We should kill you and drain all of your blood! Monster!” one of the king’s retinue came forward and punched her in the face. Ae Zir felt immense pain in her face. She instinctively held her cheek which was bruised by the man’s action. The king’s retinue drew his sword.

“You gave us your word!” Lotharine replied. He also drew his sword in retaliation.

The king drank the cup in a big gulp. As he finished, he threw the golden cup away. Gold and silver no longer interest him for he is now immortal. He felt power never before felt. His hair darkened as his face smoothed. After a few minutes, the king looked youthful. Barely like a youth in his twenties. His handsome face was captivating. His armor grew too big for him, so he cast it out. HIs toned body were then came into full view.

“We fulfilled your wish! Now begone!” One of LeAestas soldiers cursed the king. However, the king smiled as he reached out his hand. A shockwave erupted from his hand and blew the soldier to nearby building, killing him.

“Kill Him! Kill the Traitorous King!” Lotharine charged him. However, his sword was thrown back with a single swing. Lotharine could not believe how powerful the swing was.

“Well, I am certainly traitorous. But it doesn’t matter. History will be written by the winner. And no one will complain if all of you are dead.” He smirked as he strolled toward Lotharine.

“You think you will be forgiven for this?” Lotharine cursed.

“Yes. In a century or so, people will forget.” The king mocked. Lotharine looked at him bewildered. He couldn’t believe something so corrupt was the king. As the king drew his sword a sound from the Ae Zir stopped him.

“Stop!” Ae Zir spoke. The king stopped. He smirked at her before drawing his sword.

“Let us duel. I want to see the power of The fabled Aelaranthae .”

“Kneel!” Ae Zir commanded.

“Hmf! I am the king of Antheria! Why would…” The king spat at the Aelaranthae but stopped midway when he saw his own legs betrayed him. Ae Zir was greatly weakened, she didn’t think she would win if they dueled, so she chose this somewhat cowardly tactic. Just like the king, who chose to imprison them in their city to force them to give their own blood. Aelaranthae were wise and intelligent. They learned.

“You have drunk too much. Chalice of life is given only to those that ails.” Ae Zir answered. Aelaranthae were made with magic. Her blood was also condensed with magic and Aelaranthae were proficient with magic. So, Ae Zir cursed her blood so anyone who drank it would obey her. The king and nobles who desired power and control above all else, would never want her blood ever again once they learned this fact.

Aelaranthae were sensitive to emotions. She tasted the king’s emotion turned from sweet to spicy fear. As Ae Zir walked slowly toward him, The king turned to his retinue

“What Are you doing! K— “Stop” Stop!” The king’s command was cut short and he repeated Ae Zir’s command like a doll. Ae Zir watched the retinue. If they didn’t obey their king, their lives would be forfeit. They will be known as traitors. Humans are certainly unique beings. Aelaranthae did not understand that deep down, in their psyche, human needs hierarchy. They needed someone in control. Unlike Aelaranthae who lived in freedom. So, they couldn’t disobey the king. If they did, the other retinue and their henchmen will disobey them and chaos will ensue. This thinking was embedded deep down in their psyche. Ae Zir didn’t think the king’s retinue would obey the king’s words so faithfully. She was thinking of ordering the king to kill his own retinue, but apparently, that was not necessary.

Despair flooded The King’s mind. It was bitter to Ae Zir’s taste buds but she continued with the plan. It was for her survival. She held out her hand unto his shoulder and commanded. “Go home, pick an heir and kill yourself. Your life is meaningless.”

Ae Zir then removed her hand and returned to her treehouse without looking back. Fatigue flooded her entire body. The king, whose eyes were hollow, turned toward his soldiers.

“Princess Altressia shall be the new queen of the kingdom…” he then left Aelaranthae town with his horse.

Back in his castle, the king summoned his granddaughter to the throne room. The granddaughter aspired to be a knight and had no intention of becoming a queen. That’s why she was spared from the purge by the king.

It certainly was an irony for she who never desired to become a queen was suddenly appointed by the king to become a queen. Moreover, the king committed suicide by stabbing himself with his sword mere moments after he appointed her. The king died. However, even though it was clear that he died because of the Aelaranthae , few wanted to go to war with them. The queen included.

History was written by the winner. Instead of picturing The Aelaranthae as a demon who manipulated the king and slaughtered him, The Aelaranthae were viewed as the one who freed the Antheria Empire from the grasp of Mad King Luferia.

The king was disliked by the nobles for he sold everything for the chalice of life. The king was also loathed by the citizens for what he did in Lucianne. And so, The king was heralded as The Mad King. Nobody will view him as the brave lion he once was.

And so, Antheria Empire had entered a new era. However, changes did not merely affect the Antheria Empire. The Aelaranthae, too, had changed. The Mad King's attempt on their life has left an everlasting scar on them.