20th December 1190
(A few hours after Alicent woke up)
The carrige should be arriving soon... Alicent thought as he sat at the bench in the porch.
The dream he had that morning had left him mentally winded for the rest of the day. He was constantly making theories and assumptions.
If these visions and dreams persist, I have no way of avoiding the supernatural; perhaps it will find me and I will be consumed like the figure in the dream, fated to wander around the endless void for eternity.
If the New Lord really has been born, then I will not receive salvation this time...
Meanwhile, Anastasia, with her hair neatly combed and braided, had a bright look to her.
She stole a look at the teen sitting beside her. She was fond of Alicent, She found the boy sophisticated, kind, and caring.
She found him pretty, with his medium, luscious raven black hair and pretty ocean blue eyes, he had soft androgynous features and a small nose.
His name was girlish, too.
He could have been mistaken for a girl if it weren't for his height and wide jaw.
She smiled slightly as she looked at his face from the side.
He often liked to engage in conversation, yet he was quiet today. She wondered why that was the case.
He had offered to travel to Snofel with her, just to make her feel safe.
Perhaps he is saddened to leave his home? Or is he saddened because it's our last day together?
No! He wouldn't be! Stop!
She turned to the side.
Her ear tips were getting hot.
"Ah, looks like the carrige is here."
She raised her head and glanced at the road far away in the plains, near the forest. The small carrige pulled by two brown horses was approaching the house.
"Finally heading home now, Eh?" Antony said as he leaned on the door frame. "Feel free to come visit if you pass by again, the doors open."
Anastasia hummed in affirmation.
"Of course, and… um, thank you. For letting me stay," she murmured, eyes lowering to the floor. "And, also, thank you for your kindness. I really appreciate it."
Antony chuckled lightly.
"Just tried to help where I could. I'm glad you felt safe here, even for a little while."
He offered her a small, earnest smile.
"Travel safe, then." He paused. "Please look out for Alicent as well. "
"I will."
Antony turned to his son.
"And you!" He said sternly. "Mind your manners, respect the lady."
"Of course," Alicent said, turning his head to look at his father.
"Alright." He nodded. "Just making sure we understand each other."
The carrige came near them, and soon they boarded the carrige after bidding farewell to Antony.
...
A man stood before a tall window overlooking the city of Grunard. He wore robes of deep crimson and white, marking him clearly as a high dignitary of the Church.
His chestnut hair was slicked back, every strand in place, and his handsome, angular features were reflected dimly in the glass before him.
This was Lucian Brunsa, the current priest overseeing the Red Order in Grunard.
He turned a brass cross in his hands—its surface cold and engraved with a serpent winding tightly around the sacred symbol. His thumb traced the grooves, lost in deep thought.
Knock. Knock.
He turned.
"You may enter," he said, his voice deep, composed.
The door opened with a soft creak.
A young woman stepped in. Her coat was slightly disheveled, her dark hair tied hastily in a half-bun with several strands escaping. She wore a finely tailored suit—practical, though not strictly formal.
"Mi'lord."
Lucian turned, greeting her with a gentle smile. "Light be with us, Miss Reina."
"Light be with us," she replied, making the symbol of the cross on her chest. She approached his desk.
"You have news about the boy?" Lucian asked as he sat in his seat, folding his hands neatly atop the table.
"Yes, Alicent Gregris," Reina confirmed, her tone precise. "He's left for Snófel. Temporarily, we believe."
Lucian nodded slowly, eyes thoughtful. "The girl he rescued, she's from Snófel, yes?"
"She is."
"What a gentleman," he murmured.
Reina didn't respond.
Lucian looked up at her again. "Then I want you to travel there as well. I'll send a letter ahead to the deacon, he'll receive you."
The rankings of the Red Order are Deacon, Priest, Bishop, Arch Bishop, Cardinal, and the Pope. With Pope being the highest position and Deacons being the lowest.
She gave a nod. "Understood, Mi'lord."
Lucian's gaze lingered on her for a moment longer. "Observe, but do not interfere unless necessary."
"Of course."
"May the light guide you, Miss Reina."
She bowed. "And you, Mi'lord."
Reina turned and walked towards the door.
"And make your Subordinate submit a report when you return." He told her.
"I will."
She exited the room, closing the door behind her lightly.
"Kukuku..."
A low-pitched laugh with cracking vocals echoed from the opposite side of the room. Lucian turned his head towards its direction.
It was from a mirror.
A figure rapidly materialized from the shadow. Its skin was pale, almost sickly, and its hair was jet black with a few loose strands dropping. He moved his shaky hand and slicked them back.
"Have you investigated the matter, Adrik?" He asked the figure in the mirror.
The room resounded with his chuckles.
"Kukuku...His mirror version is Unique." He emphasized the last word. The priest lifted an eyebrow.
"In what way," Lucian asked, and the figure grinned and paused for a moment.
"It doesn't exist."
"What? How could it not exist?" Lucian was surprised, he stood up from his seat.
A moment of silence followed.
"Like I said." Adrik's figure broke the silence with its cracking voice. A moment later, his visage started fading.
"It simply doesn't exist."
The figure fully faded out of the mirror, and it became normal.
Lucian banged his hand on the table in frustration.