Chapter 28

There are more soldiers patrolling every day. This is something that all the citizens notice at a glance and tensions are rising. War, some whisper, is on the horizon.

Some nobles start asking about it, or maybe some is not a good word. Some, meaning all of them who do not know and though the now deceased king is a horrible father and husband, he was a decent enough king for the people to like him.

This is why his death came as a shock.

That man's funeral day was a somber day, the citizens of Aqua grieving and hoping that the crown prince will not be a bad king. Prince Christian took a vow in front of a crowd that he would take care of the Kingdom of Aqua as best as he can and that they had nothing to fear. He, Cymbeline, snorted at the thought.

Bullsh*t.

The girl beside him, the one who had introduced herself as Lily Lovell and claimed and proved that she had light magic gave him an odd look. Heh.

This game will be fun.

Prince Cymbeline and Prince Christian locked eyes for a moment. He gives the soon-to-be king a smirk and turns away.

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Back in the world that Lily had come from, the game known as "A High School Love Story" is actually the first of a trilogy of games. The first game, "A High School Love Story" was exactly what it sounded like; a love story that happens during school and is mostly to introduce the world. The second game, "Together, to the Battlefield" takes place after the first game's ending where the protagonist chose not to pursue a romantic relationship with everyone and is more story-driven.

The third game, "Queen of Light, Queen of Darkness" shows the player the more gritty, realistic side of everything. The consequences of war, how it changes so many things and dals with the aftermath. It is also story-driven.

However, the second two games were largely ignored in favor of the first game. This is because the first game is catered towards females, but the second and third games had far more fighting than they did romance.

And thus only the hardcore players knew what truly happens. Lily just happened to be one of them.

But the plot has deviated too much for her to be able to rely on her knowledge.

So she then chose the route that everyone decided to title, "The Angst Route". In other words, the protagonist chooses to go to Ignis' side for reasons unknown.

In any case, the side that the protagonist chooses will always win.

(If they will not treat her with the love and respect she deserves then she will not let them see victory.

The protagonist will always be the Queen of Light, after all.)

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When the presence of King Wyndham in Aqua was made known, Terra finally stopped trying to be neutral and their crown princess, Antheia, and their prince, Espen was sent for negotiations. Chris sighed as he put away the papers he had just read and signed an approval for.

He had never been as grateful for the fact that his mother and brother wanted to help.

It's been a week since his father's funeral and two since he's last seen Rey. Aiden is currently following Astara around like a lost puppy, which is good. Also bad. Because he knows that Astara meets Rey a lot.

In any case, Aiden suddenly manifesting magic is way too big a shock

Wyndham has been godsent in helping him sort the papers and in the back of Chris' mind, he thought he probably should not be making a king help him with paperwork. He did. Not. Care.

But... even if he went to see Rey and be irresponsible, would Rey hate him?

Chris hadn't been lying when he said he would tell the other everything. Patricide is a very bad thing to do, after all, especially when the one being killed is the king. Then there is also the fact that if they continue their relationship then it will either forever remain a secret or be known to everyone.

(His hands shake a little too much sometimes.)

Chris doesn't want to be a coward though.

He's going to be king soon.

He can't afford to.

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What is it that you want?

I don't know.

Why are you here?

I don't know...

Then why do your tears fall? Why does your heart hurt?

I. Don't. Know.

You don't know? Or do you not want to know?

...

Are you scared?

...yes.

Why are you scared, child?

I don't know!

Then, let me ask again, are you scared of him or for him?

For him!

And so your heart hurts. But why are you here, seeking me out?

I am?

Yes, why do you seek me?

I... need your help.

And so, what is it that you want?

I want to help him.

Not protect him?

No, we will protect and help each other. I will not stand above or below him.

You want to be equals with him.

Yes.

Very well. You have my blessings.

[Congratulations! You have unlocked the Destiny god's blessing, "Child of Fate"!]

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"You aren't scared of him?" Astara asks. Rey looks down and ponders, "It is impossible not to be scared of him after hearing that."

"I hear a 'but' in there," she retorts smilingly. "Do continue."

Rey smiles back at her. "I... I'm more scared for him than of him. Does that make sense?"

Astara nods, "It makes perfect sense."

Aiden who has been silent the entire time looks between the two of them. He fidgets, "If you want to know how everything goes then... I'm sure that persuading pronce Christian is easy if its you, Rey."

"Persuade him to do what?" Rey asks, having a bad feeling when Astara starts picking at her nails. He recognizes that habit. Aiden blinks at Rey, "To bring you along to fight, of course!"

"Fight?!" The gears in his head suddenly halt to a screeching stop.

"I can train you." Astara looks suddenly far too enthusiastic and no. He recognizes that expression even though it is on another's face. "Your magic will be up to standard in a snap."

Hearing the word "standard", Aiden visibly winces.

Let it be known that Astara's standard was being able to go against the crown prince on equal grounds. Rey did not excercise this life, at most he helped his parents bake...

"No." He will not fight. That is a line he was unwilling to cross.

Astara mock-pouts.

"I just..." he is interrupted by an oddly timed notification that should not be a notification.

[Congratulations! You have received the War god's blessing, the ability to learn any martial art with a glance!]

...what the actual—

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Hello! Here is another chapter I'm going to drop off...

So, this went in a way I did not expect it to. The last part, actually, and no Rey still won't fight.

I have also discovered that writing on my laptop for some reason makes me feel more motivated to, well, write.

But this story has now more than 1K votes... I know, I know, it had that much a long time ago but

I honestly had no idea to do with that information and left it be.

So, as a late 1K votes celebration, there will be a QnA, directed towards anyone! Any and all characters, including the ones who have not appeared or have died.

Please comment your question on this line.

The question box will be closed on May 11 and the answers will be up on 12 May.

Thank you!

Words: 1270