"Ever considered the outcome of your actions?" The sound of that voice alone, made Selene to bring a halt to her thoughts. Petrified with fear, she resisted the urge to turn- she had laid with her back facing against the man, and now she was afraid to turn for the perpetual sight she may have to bear witness. "Just so you know, I am not some item that you can utilize in accordance to your disposal." The man persisted, although he received no response. "So, what do you want from me now?" The voice was even closer to her ears this time. "Tell me, Lady Selene- I would really wish to me know- Do you possibly wish to become my mistress?" Selene got up, as soon as that statement was mentioned. She had to compel herself to turn towards the direction of the man, who only stared coolly in her face. His countenance and mannerisms- it was as though he communicated with a friend, and not with one that almost nearly brought his household to ruin. "What makes you believe that I would go through such lengths?" Selene inquired, gazing intently in his direction. The man simply gave her a small smile, not bothering to say anything. "I was beginning to believing that there was no Limits to your shamelessness." Diego simply stated, before rising from whence he was laid. "I know that Half of the things which you uttered earlier was nothing more than falsehood." He stated simply before turning towards her. "Do you intend to lie to my face once More, or should I uncover the truth for myself?" Diego asked. Although there was a blatant smile on his face, his surging essence notified her otherwise. "Your speculation was correct- I actually am not engaged to anyone." Selene stated, as she fiddled with her fingers. "And what made you to approach me, of all people?" He asked. "Because of your influence." She informed him Frankly, while staring at him in the eyes. Diego arched his brow for a moment, before giving a soft exhale. "Do you truly belive that my power is capable of turning the tides of your family?" Diego asked her, his head slightly tilted. "You are a member of the council." Selene replied curtly, a determined look on her face. Diego stared at her for a brief interval. "I would preferably decline your offer, Lady Selene." He stated, before turning towards the direction of the tent. "And what makes you say such?" Selene inquired, as she rose up from her tent, approaching the man who stood at the threshold. "Because either way I view this proposition of yours, I would still receive the short end of the stick." Diego replied. "And you are fully aware, that the council does not constitute of myself alone- There are others more approachable than me." Diego simply stated, turning away from her direction. "But I want you, Lord Diego..." She was not even given the privilege to complete her statement, when Diego harshly gripped her face. "I could kill you at this possible moment, and you are perfectly aware of that, are you not?" Diego asked. This time, those silver eyes glared at her as though she were an adversary. "The only reason I chose to tolerate you this whole time, was due to the initial pity which I felt for you." The man stated, his voice nearly in a growl. "So please, task it upon yourself to leave, before my patience completely wans thin." The man said, before releasing her. Selene held the side of her face lightly- it was still hurting due to the amount of force that Diego had exerted on her earlier. She stared at the persona before her, with a slight smile on her face. 'Now, I begin to doubt If he Is actually wounded or not.' She thought, As she inched ever closer to him. "But I am not quite done with you yet, Lord Diego." Diego arched his brow at her. "Whatever do you mean? Your negotiation has already failed, has it not?" He asked, but he was not expecting the damsel to suddenly envelop herself in his arms, pressing her being unto his. "Lord Diego, I have compassion for you!" The damsel exclaimed, much to Diego's irritation. Although his Hands were clenched into fists at his side, only he knew, how much effort it took for him not to dash the woman's skull against the ground. "What utter nonsense.." The man however failed to fully express himself, for the curtains of the tent suddenly slid backwards, revealing yet another entity before their midst. "Diego.." The human began, unable to withhold themselves from trembling. "What business.. could this woman possibly want with you?"
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The two children could only helplessly stand before the weapon, none of them daring to release a single sound. It was only took a matter of time though, before Stifled sobs began to emanate from Morris's being. "You are too brutal- They are only children, for goodness sake." A voice called out. Somewhere down the corridors, was a man placing on a butler's uniform, but a small smile could be detected on his face, as he laid his back idly against the wall. Leonia squinted her eyes- she could not recognize the feautures of this one earlier. "So much like her brother, is she not?" The man interrogated, walking towards them. "Indeed. Even without that trait, she is surely related to him by blood." The first man said, as she crouched down towards the two children. Morris flinched for a bit, before recoiling behind Leonia's silhouette. "There is no need to worry children; we would most certainly not dare to hurt you. It is rather unfortunate that you got caught up in the strife between us adults." The man explained with a kind smile on his face. "And as for you, place that ghastly item away- you only seek to scare them." The man stated, as he glanced towards the direction of his colleague. The other did as he was told, with a click of his tongue- he was obviously not pleased with the directive. "And as for the others?" The first man inquired, as his comrade rose to his feet. "If I were to give an honest account, these two are the only members of the family that we have stumbled Across." The other man replied, with a slight frown. "But, I am certain that there is a limit of which we would continue to fall for their foolery- there is only so much the servants of this household are capable of doing- regardless of the number of those who risk their lives." The man continued, before glancing at the children once more. "Any reports concerning the discovery of that principal target?" He asked, while fiddling with the weaponry in his possession. The other man shook his head. "As of late, there has been no reports in regards to that affair." His subordinates gave a humble response. "There Is no matter then- I am certain that we shall find that person, soon." The assailant stated In an encouraging tone, as he proceeded to grab Leonia by the hand. A scowl came to his face, however, when he was met by resistance. 'This child...' He thought, in an irritated expression on his face. The next incident that occured was one which Leonia would have never dared to predict- but she did feel the sensation of herself falling to the ground, accompanied by the pain which assaulted her being."A little bit of discipline would do her good, I believe." The man stated, as though attempting to justify his actions. "Listen, child." The persona began, as he glanced into those red eyes of hers. "I am not your brother, who had raised you like some sort of royalty. So it would be in your best interest to comply with our instructions, if you do not wish to get hurt once more." The man stated. Leonia just stared- not at him, but at the said hand which had come into contact with her face earlier on- she had never been a victim of such a treatment, for as long as she could remember- neither by servant, nor by family member. The intruder, on the other hand, had a triumphant smile on his face- he had thought himself successful in frightening her, after observing how silent she became. "You should probably keep an eye on these two first- If the plan falls through, we can always hold them to ransom." The man explained, pulling the girl to her Feet. Amidst the tears which came to the eyes of the eight year-old, one thought could not Help but resurface in her mind time and again. 'Brother, where are you?'
Such events gradually unfolded themselves, unaware of a certain mam who was currently racing against time. If he was aware of such a scenario, who knew his his reaction would be like?
'How very inconveniencing.' Egiel could not Help but think, as he dashed through the abandoned corridors. Along the path which he followed, he bore witness to the bodies of humans, making him to once more realize, that death, by nature, was transient- anyone, and everyone, was capable of escaping the reach of Its claws. The figures which he saw, comprised of both the familiar and unfamiliar. A small smile gradually formed on his face, as he hastened his pace. 'I wonder how the master would react to this interplay once it comes to his knowledge- it is not as though either one of us had prepared ourselves for such an outcome.' That thought ran through his head, as he hurried through the corridors- he was yet to approach his final destination. Fortunately, some of the servants were able to escape from the carnage without so much as a gash on their skins- reducing the propensity of the loss. 'I can only but hope that Lisa would be able to hold on till I am able to return- or render some form of external assistance, at least.' But that was an impossible feat, Egiel knew. Because the only household he could spot out that had neutral ties with that of his master, was the Galatio duchy- of whom currently resided in the western district. He paused in his tracks suddenly, panting for breath. "It seems as though- I am beginning to overexert myself." He muttered in low tone, as a warm trickle slowly made its way out of his nostrils. 'But, there is indeed a limit to which this body can cope. I wish I could unravel myself as I desired, but..' A frown came to his face, as he heard footsteps beginning to approach his direction. He raised his head slightly, and sure enough, there was yet another opponent before him. "Why is it that you and your team seem to appear in every nook and cranny?" The butler asked in an irritated tone, paying no Heed to the blotches of red which dropped to the ground. "I have already lost count of how many of you have fallen by my blade so far, and yet.." He paused, before gripping his sword even more tightly. "You all just keep coming back like an incessant swarm of bees." His opponent smiled for a moment, his posture relaxed. "Well, that is not quite complicated to explain- it Is because we have but one desire, and we shall Halt until we attain out goal, irregardless of the number amongst us which may end up bereaved." The man cared to explain, before a slight smile came to his face. "Even in that case, our numbers we never be lacking, afterall." He pointed towards the direction of which he came from, the one which connected the manor to the outside world. "Your defences have been long terminated, which makes it ever more infiltrate, but you however..." The man paused, before acknowledging the entity which stood before him. "You are a living enigma, I must say. Even the maid and the lady of the household, cannot be compared to your level of expertise. You are able to offer a candid resistance towards us, despite the fact that you do not have powers." Egiel's pupils dilated as he heard that statement. "If the master of this household finds them deformed by any means, he.." "The master is a great distance away, I am afraid." The intruder interrupted, a slight smile on His face. "Hmm, it would be a waste for a talent such as yours to die for naught. Why do you not.." "Join you? I am afraid not." Egiel interrupted, a slight smile coming to his face, since the moment the confrontation began. 'I dare not act reckless, but how can I have an alternative to chose, given this situation?' Egiel could not Help but think to himself. "And why ask, when you already know the answer that would be delivered to you? I would very much prefer to face you." Egiel replied, while his opponent gave a light scoff. "Face Me, in that pitiful state of yours?" It was only at the mention of that statement, that Egiel bothered to wipe the blood, which had long congealed on his upper lip. "Accept my apologies for the now, but I am really pressed for time, at the moment." Egiel simply stated, S he stretched out his right hand, in the direction of the man. A slight chuckle could be heard, in the midst of the two. "What difference could It possibly make? You would not be ever live to see the light of the sun, anyway."
"What causes Lisa to tarry as such?" Diane asked no one In particular, as she continously rapped the tip of her quill against her note. She gave an outward sigh- she was thirsty, and the temperature of the library had soared for some reason. "Ah, I think that I would be done for the day." Diane stated, as she closed the book before her In exasperation, before stretching her arms. She was unsure of how much time she had spent at the library, and something within her had actually yearned for the outside world. She carefully ensures to arrange the library, Placing the books back at their initial location. "Alright then, I believe it is time to see the children.." Diane mused to herself, trying to push the door open. But to her surprise, the door did not give way as she had predicted it to. "That is rather strange" The blonde muttered to herself, a scowl evident on her feautures. "Did Lisa perhaps seal me in?" Diane could not Help but think, but she eventually shook her head at such a thought. 'No, that Is not possible- perhaps the locks are jammed.' The damsel mused to herself, before shaking the door with more ferocity. "Perhaps If I make just the right amount of noise, the servants at the corridor shall come to my aid." The damsel mused to herself. As though in response to her requests, she overheard the sound of voices. "Hello, anyone? Could you kindly open the door, I am currently trapped within." The damsel called out, while slamming against the door. She could hear a distinct form of murmuring amongst the group, which enabled her to know that the servants were more than the single entity she supposed earlier. "Pardon? Are you still there?" Diane could not Help but knock against the door once more, but this time, she was only met by silence. "Where.. could they have possibly gone?" Diane could not Help but mutter to herself. "I was certain that they were going to respond." She could not Help but feel a slight sense of despondency. She slowly slid to the floor at the other end of the door, feeling both neglected and abandoned. "I wonder.. if he were to be present, would they dare to treat me as such?" She could not Help but ponder, as she stared at the item in her hands. She may not have realized it, but her eyes began to become heavy for some reason. The medallion unconsciously slipped from her grasp, all the while releasing a soft glow of light.
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Diego simply frowned lightly, as he beheld the presence of damsel. The both of them were yet to separate themselves, their bodies yet intertwined. "You.." Diego began, as he shot a deadly stare at the direction of the woman, who had yet to release her grip from His waist. The means he used were somewhat unclear, but he forcefully managed to separate his being from hers. "Your highness." Selene, who had come to her senses at last, gave a low courtesy. Lucille however, chose to ignore her; but had rather fixated her gaze on the man who stood before her. "Need I reemphasize?" She asked, a slight frown on her face. "I do not see any reason for you to bother yourself, your highness." Diego simply stated, causing Lucille's brows to sink even further. 'He addresses me with that term once more.' Lucille thought, as she felt something within her break. It was alright if everyone else had used that particular honorific, but certainly not Diego. It caused him.. to appear somewhat estranged from her. Diego glanced at the direction of Selene for a brief moment, before once more turning towards the damsel before him. "She just wanted to relay some information to me, that is all." Diego stated. "And, could the information she relayed probably have her feelings in consideration?" Lucille asked, as her rage began to seethe uncontrollably from her heart. "Is that the reason she came to you?" "Oh dear." Selene cupped her hands to her mouth, gazing at Lucille with surprised a surprised gaze. "So her highness overheard.." She stated, turning towards the man stood on her right hand side. "I believe that there have been a slight misconception Here." Diego stated simply, after clearing his throat. "She came here for the sole purpose of conveying her gratitude towards me, no less." Diego simply stated. "Through the process of an embrace?" Lucille could not help but ask, once more. Diego could not Help but sigh- the incessant questions had exhausted him mentally. "People have various means of conveying their gratitude, your highness." Diego simply stated. "Has your business here been accomplished? I have other pressing matters to attend to." The man stated, as he glanced impatiently towards another direction. Lucille glanced at Diego for some time, but the man was apparently had lost all interest about the subject of discussion. "Alright then, If you insist on my departure so easily." Lucille stated, in a monotonous voice. "Please." The man simply muttered in response, as he frantically searched for something at the corner. Lucille could not Help but feel a slight bout of melancholy- perhaps, it would have been better If she had not gone out of her way to see him. "Lady Selene, do you not wish to depart as well?" Lucille asked, as she glanced towards the direction of the damsel. Selene glanced at her, with a slight smile on her face. "Only if you lead the way, your highness." The lady replied quietly.
Diego on the other instant, had finally drawn out the item, which was nearly buried underneath all the clothing. "This is Rather strange.." Diego thought, as he stared at the medallion in his arms. It was cold, and he paused to clean its surface. "Then, why do I feel as though someone desperately yearns for my presence?" He asked no one In particular. He turned towards the direction of the tent, only to discover that both women were already gone.
"Lady Selene." Lucille could not Help but cause a delay to the one who had gone ahead of her. The damsel could not Help but pause in her steps, patiently waiting for the individual to catch up to her. "Is there anything that you may require of Me, your highness?" Selene said, trying to sound as formal as ever. Lucille glanced at her for a brief moment- for some reason, the smile on the latter's face annoyed her. "What you said in the tent earlier on.. Lucille began, staring intently at her fellow lady. "Was it indeed the truth?" Selene also gave her a plain stare, before smiling once more. "And, if it is?" She questioned, not at all afraid of the repercussions. "You do realize that he is already engaged, don't you?" "Which is exactly why I wonder as to why her highness would bother herself over such trivial affairs." Selene interrupted, while matching her gaze. "It would have made sense if you were his wife, but you are not." Lucille frowned lightly, after that statement had been mentioned. "You only need bother yourself over the affairs of the empire, your highness. There is no need for you to be privy over the personal life of your subjects." And with that, Selene departed from the midst of the maiden- she obviously had other pressing issues to attention to.
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"It was at this very spot the voice was heard -I am certain that she is the one." A man, who had put on a black hood, reported to another who was guised in a like manner as he was. From his demanor and posture, it was easy to tell that he was the head in charge of this attempt. "So?" The superior inquired, his voice slightly incoherent to the hearing, due to the hood which was placed on his nose. His subordinates also followed him in the Same fashion, as though they were trying to protect their bodies. "And? What would I gain by you telling me this?" The man continued, his tone filled with dissatisfaction. "The rest of the family members are already within our custody, she is the only one yet to be apprehended." The man persisted, a scowl hanging above his feautures. 'The fortunate thing, is that the assignment turned out easier than I had anticipated.' The man stated, as he stared at the door. 'The Fang of the empire? He is not the least deserving of such a grand title.' A slight scoff escaped from the man's being, as he thought of this. 'Perhaorps it is because their attention has been solely focused on directing the affairs of their estate, that they have become so weak in magical prowess. At this rate..' A slight smile came to his face. 'It would only take a little shove to ensure the downfall of this family, which is exactly what he desires. I am sure the news will thrill him greatly.' He continued in his thoughts, all the while fantasizing of how great a reward he might receive. When he came to his senses though, he realized that the men were threw him weird looks. "What are you all standing around for? Do as you were told!" The man scolded them harshly. "Remember, she is blonde- lest anyone else be confined alongside her; The methane should have rendered them unconscious by now." He explained, staring at his subordinates with angry eyes. "Well, it is just that.." One of the men began, staring at the door. Varion arched his brow, before reaching out to the aforementioned item. As he did that, there was an electrical surge, which briefly illuminated the hallway for some seconds. "Are you alright, chief?" One of the members called out, obviously feeling a slight bit of worry for him. "I am fine." Virion replied, shaking his hand lightly. It was almost like a tickle for him. 'So, that was what prohibited us this while time.' Virion had managed to catch a glimpse of the item, as his hand made contact with the door. 'An artifact of protection can only be useless in the midst of another. It is a good thing then, that I wore this gauntlet.' Viron stated, glancing at his hand. "I should be able to decipher it." Virion announced loudly, to those who were present with him. "But you should give me some time, in case someone worthy of our time actually shows up." He instructed them, as he turned his attention towards the door. 'Blanche's sudden absence appals my being.' He stated, as he a frown came to his face. 'Ranking a calibre higher than I, this means that he currently facing against such a formidable opponent. Which is the more reason why we should.. Remain vigilant at all times.' The subordinate on the right nodded his head at him. "Duly noted." "If that be the case then, grant me some space so that I may.." Virion halted in his speech suddenly. 'Are those.. the sound of footsteps?' He thought, glancing further down the corridor. That action proved to be unnecessary, for the perpetrator finally revealed himself unto them. "I cannot permit you to do such, I am afraid." The man stated, a smile on his face.