Baldwin, ????, Kingdom of Eins, 610

A gray, wrinkled man looked over the trees surrounding the dead forest at night. He sat in wait while leaning on a huge tree, its trunk thick and coal-like in texture. There were no signs of life, and the meager illumination the moon could provide was blocked above by the covers of the leaves. The trees swayed along with the push of the wind, and it might be so cold if not for the thin layer of blue mana that shone around his body and protected him from the elements.

He's been here for a few hours, but until he's met the woman he's sworn his newly-found allegiance to, he chose to remain patient. He's decided long ago that he'll sell his freedom to her, just so she could provide some momentary satisfaction for him.

His butler clothes weren't always something that he used to deceive. Quite frankly, he used to believe in something as fickle as self-freedom. He still does want to believe that, but he knew that as long as he followed this woman, he's not going to be able to do anything outside of her expectations. It was a necessary sacrifice.

So why did he follow Julien? It was Baldwin's choice. A choice that he felt regretful as years passed by. Julien wasn't exactly an evil person, and he had high hopes and dreams for his country and even the continent; but he didn't know self-restraint. The man would do anything, even if it was just outright criminal or wasn't even necessary, as long as he believed it furthered his ambitions. It was fortunate that Baldwin was always at his side, and the old aide somehow managed to reel him in from what could have been unfortunate disasters.

Small footsteps crunched the meager grass just behind him. He didn't stand up or turn his head towards the sound, but the feeling of goosebumps traveling all over his back assured him of his visitor.

"Baldwin, you could have contacted me through your telepathy. Do you mind telling me why I had to meet you here?" It was a sweet and calm feminine voice that snaked its way to Baldwin's ears. Rather than judge him, the voice felt as if its owner was curious.

"You were making your way here anyway, Master. I just wanted to deliver the good news personally.", he reasoned. This time, he stood up as he pushed his weight towards the trunk.

"Your chosen Prince has taken the throne." A gush of air swept over the surroundings, hugging Baldwin. He grinned.

"Then we're one step closer. Take care of yourself so you live to see the day of your dreams.", she replied, before moving close to him and standing beside him. Baldwin kept looking forward as he recalled why he finally betrayed Julien.

What Baldwin loved is life. It was simple. The older he got, the more he realized that people had their own lives, choices, and forked paths. Sometimes these paths intertwine and lead to rewards or consequences, and that people were free to choose which road they'd travel. Society improved only when a large number of people work towards furthering themselves and helping others. However, the people are naive. They'd always choose the selfish rewards, and those choices always lead to consequences for anyone other than them.

But then Baldwin met Maeonia Reele, the leader of Madea. She promised that as long as he sold his liberty to her, she'll be able to show him a world where freedom is balanced. People who do evil will be punished without fail, and people who do good will be rewarded.

"Balance is the most fickle thing, Baldwin. Though Madea lives to uphold that balance, there is never any shadow where there is no light.", Maeonia reminded him. He nodded slightly, taking a gulp of air to strengthen his motivations.

The reason he felt so attached and grateful towards the woman was that she's a purveyor of balance. If he recalls correctly, prior to that, like him, she also believed in freedom. But her perception of it was a bit different.

It was unrestricted freedom, to be exact. People may choose to give or take, and she would not bat an eye whatever happens. That was her essence of being free.

Due to the times though, she realized that too much liberty only creates much pain and suffering. How she came to that conclusion, Baldwin did not know. But one thing for sure was that Madea's goal is to let the people enjoy the privileges of freedom, but to step in and make sure that there was balance.

"We're kicking things up a notch. It's time for us to finally take the stage.", he felt an implosion of mana beside him that disappeared a few moments after. He finally looked to his side, only to find no one sign of anyone near him. He relaxed his posture and started walking back towards the castle.

"Things are going to get busier.", he grinned as he decided to make his way to the Royal Castle's wine cellar. It's the easiest way for Maeonia Reele to sneak in.