There was a mountain of corpses.

Some bodies had turned to ashes, and others were convulsing with white electricity coursing and crackling throughout their body. And the rest of the bodies were crushed

Count Reinhardt, who had brought his army with around 30,000 men to assist-...or rather show his support, felt so insignificant...powerless and so small.

Even the Royal army that numbered 80,000 thousand and was more equipped than his own army were on standby.

Only one man stood atop the pile of corpses.

White lightning coursed through his body, his fist was engulfed with a spiky stone gauntlets made solely from magic and a white blaze of fire surrounded his visage.

The arcane king, Veyron Valheart had single handedly dispatched an army of 50,000 thousand men.

Count Reinhardt was aware of the fact that Veyron could single handedly take down an entire army but he never imagined it would simply be a one sided massacre.

"So this is the power of arcane magic..." Muttered Reinhardt with a clenched fist.

It was developed in the past when different races scrambled to find the so-called legendary artifacts.

The first legendary artifact was first found by King Arthur Pendragon and with one strike of the legendary sword Excalibur, a bright blue light engulfed an entire army of demons, including the demon king himself and they got vaporized.

Since then, relics of old have been sought out after and a couple have been unearthed.

But one man didn't seek out these weapons. He believed that using weapons were for the weak, and so he developed arcane magic. He was Veyron Valheart's great grandfather, Gravius Valheart who was once a nobody, rose to power and became King.

Orange flame became white with arcanery. And while it would take an orange flame some minutes to burn down an entire house, the arcane flame would merely take seconds, solely from how hot it was.

The most fearsome part? Both took absolutely the same amount of mana to cast.

Arcane magic was a closely guarded secret by the Valhearts since it was developed. No one but them could cast it.

So this was the extent of its power....

Reinhardt felt goosebumps in his body as the King looked at him and said,

"Time for that rat to pay..." In a deep reverberating voice caused by the thunder reinforcement spell.

In that split second, thunder flashed and roared and the Arcane King's visage had vanished. He was too fast for the eye to see.

Reinhardt simply gulped. He realized he was lucky he wasn't the target of the King's ire...

Still, even though he was somewhat involved in this, it wasn't known yet. So Reinhardt needed to keep it that way.

An explosion reverberated from far away.

There was now a massive hole in Duke Roann's estate and Veyron had opened it with just a punch.

Veyron looked around and entered the hole he made, disappearing from Reinhardt's point of view. Somehow it calmed him down to a degree now that he couldn't see the King's fearsome form.

In any case, Reinhardt closed his eyes.

Emilia should be at the church by now... He hoped from the very bottom of his heart, that Lazarus wasn't truly manaless. That way, at the very least it will only end up that this was merely a malicious rumor concocted by the Duke and nothing more...

But if he was indeed manaless. No doubt Duke Roann's supporters would capitalize on it and spread even more worse rumors in retaliation for today's event...

"Please, Gods above, let this only be a rumor." He silently prayed.

----------------------

Once again she was here.

The white church on a small plot of land, surrounded by a vast and crystal clear lake.

But this time, there was no entourage of Knights, only she was here accompanied by the carriage driver and the son that was so dear to her, Lazarus.

It was already dead at night. And this would usually be a danger for the queen of a kingdom to be by herself. However, it couldn't be helped as the Royal Knights were advancing to Duke Roann's territory together with Veyron.

Emilia knew without a doubt that the neighboring kingdoms and other race's spies all had their attention diverted there.

The cold winds of the night brushed against Emilia's cheek and she held Lazarus, who was draped in thick clothing and was fast asleep, closer to her chest.

The last time she was here with Lazarus, he was but an infant. Now that he was six years old, he was a bit bigger but nothing she couldn't handle with a little bit of a strength reinforcement spell.

Still, it had taken a while to get Lazarus to fall asleep after playing around with him all day.

However, Emilia did this not just as a means to spend time with Lazarus but to tire him out as a sleeping spell somehow didn't work on him.

Now that he was asleep, Elysia could once again see his mana flow to determine if the very first time had in fact been just a mistake.

But what if it wasn't?

Emilia hoped it was... But another part of her was already convinced Lazarus was in fact, manaless.

No use speculating...

Emilia once again created an ice path with her spell, walked to the church on said path and when she'd entered, she saw a winged beauty sitting on top of the altar with her legs tilted sideways, already looking towards her.

"Good evening Elysia."

"A pleasant evening to you as well Lady Emilia." Said the Golden Angel with a monotonic and indifferent voice.

Emilia braced herself and stepped closer. A faint glimmer of hope resided in her heart but was overshadowed by a sense of apprehension.

This time was different. She couldn't hide the results. Lazarus' state had been the catalyst of the ongoing conflict and it made the other nobles uneasy, so she had to tell the truth this time.

But if the results were not what she hoped for... Then Emilia couldn't help but fear for Lazarus' future... No doubt he'd be shunned even more than now...

Emilia felt her chest tighten at the thought and it made her stop just a step away from the Golden Angel's reach, prompting Elysia to ask,

"Is something the matter?"

"It is just that-... I cannot help but think how much hardship my Lazarus would have to endure moving forward if the previdere remains the same... It greatly pains my heart that I can't do anything to help... And that nothing I can do will change his fate..." Said Emilia, turning to look at Lazarus whom she held in her arms.

"It is a blessing that that child is asleep. Otherwise he'd be pained to see the look of anguish and grief his mother would have for him."

Emilia held Lazarus tighter.

"However it is wrong to say that you cannot change his fate." Said Elysia, but Emilia immediately noticed a change in her tone. It wasn't the same monotonic one, instead it contained a hint of seriousness deeply veiled in her monotonic voice. "I feel that this child's fate will be affected heavily by those closest to him... Those such as yourself."

Emilia looked at Elysia again. Carefully considering her words and trying to discern her meaning.

"One thing humans always seem to forget is that there is always something one can do for someone whom you can do nothing for." Said Elysia closing her eyes.

Was there such a thing?

If there was such a thing, Emilia wanted to do it... If she could alleviate some of the burdens Lazarus would face then it was worth it, whatever it may be...

But Emilia couldn't magically give Lazarus mana... She had also thought of giving Lazarus a plot of land somewhere far so he could live an easy life. But then he would be all alone... No matter what Emilia thought, it really couldn't change Lazarus' fate...

Was there really something she could do for Lazarus?

Nothing came to mind... But the question was what could she do for someone whom she could do nothing for?'

If you could do nothing for the person, how could you do something for him?

No matter how Emilia thought about it, she couldn't think of anything.

Desperate for an answer, Emilia pleaded with the Golden Angel in a soft tone, "Please, tell me... "

What could you possibly do for someone whom you can do nothing for?

Elysia slowly opened her eyes and looked Emilia in the eye as she said,

"Be there for him."

For a moment, Emilia just froze in place. Who knew words could contain so much power?

She felt stupid. How could she have missed something so simple?

As if reading her thoughts, Elysia stood up and said,

"It isn't as simple as it seems. Just as how it may seem simple to pull someone up when he's fallen, but if you add the fact that that fallen man was one who murdered your loved ones, then it isn't so simple now is it? Could you properly lend a helping hand to someone like that?"

Emilia frowned, "But Lazarus isn't the same as the man who murd-.."

"Irrelevant. Circumstances always change." Said Elysia harshly, then her tone shifted back to her usual monotonic one as she continued, "In any case, this discussion won't matter if he does have mana. So let us proceed."

Emilia was still puzzled at Elysia's statement however she did agree that the merits of their discussion would depend on the previdere.

Emilia stepped forth, and just like before, gently handed Lazarus over to Elysia.

Elysia received him as gently as she did when he was once a baby and she leaned Lazarus towards her as she placed her fingertips in his forehead.

Emilia gulped as she felt her heart begin to race.

Once again, Elysia's fingertips glowed a soft white light.

There wasn't any change in the Golden angel's face like before, perhaps it could be a good sign? Emilia hoped it was.

As the light slowly died down, Elysia once again looked Emilia in the eye and said,

"He is...still manaless."

----------------------------------------------------

Days had passed since the one sided massacre. Roann's territory was awarded to count Reinhardt and he was promoted to a Duke. It was hasty but necessary considering that someone had to govern his area.

The people didn't like Roann because his taxes were a bit too high so Duke Reinhardt was welcomed with open arms.

The only problem was the families of the deceased Knights who fought for Roann. Some accepted a good sum for their silence while others were given a chance to leave or be silenced.

There were still a few issues but it was currently being handled by the other nobles under Duke Reinhardt as he wanted to show how grateful he was for the promotion and the land.

As for Roann himself, he has passed and was branded a criminal for plotting against the crown. All of the other nobles who supported this claim were all given some lands Roann controlled besides the one under Reinhardt.

—-----------------------------------------

It was already dusk and the sky was already dark, saved for the spots that the sun’s dim orange light was touching.

Emilia heaved a sigh as she got off from a carriage and headed inside the castle. She had just been informed by a squire of the events that unfolded in Duke Roann’s territory during her ride. She was also told how Veyron distributed the land that had once belonged to the late Duke.

Now there was one issue left.

It wouldn't be long before Roann's supporters would spread rumors concerning Lazarus and the events as it was the only way to hurt the Valhearts.

It was only a matter of time before Lazarus would hear of it...

In that case. Emilia would rather let him know than let him find out.

When she arrived, she was greeted by the wide smile of Lazarus and Reisha who were both in his room. Her face twisted.

“Reisha dear, sorry to cut your story telling short, however I must be alone with Lazarus for now. Will you please return to your room?”

Reisha pursed her lips, and while she wanted to protest, she could clearly sense there was something serious going on and simply hung her head and nodded, “Okay…”

Lazarus had been asleep during the previdere so he still didn't know. He thought it was a simple trip outside with Emilia and now she had to reveal the true reason for the trip.

Emilia watched Reisha leaving and once she finally felt that Reisha was far enough, she turned to face the very quiet Lazarus who was looking at her with a perplexed expression.

“May I sit with you?” Said Emilia, to which Lazarus nodded and she proceeded to be as close to him as possible before she continued, “Remember when we went out the other day?”

“Yeah, I remember. It was a lot of fun!” He beamed her a smile.

Emilia felt her heart rip into two as she patted his head and then... revealed the truth.

---------------------------------------------------

With a tired body and a worned-out heart, Lazarus lazily pushed himself up.

How many days has it been since Emilia told him he was manaless? He at first thought it was merely a jest. But as Emilia kept on saying it over and over again, looking as if she was about to cry, he realized it wasn’t.

He remembered whiting out, and just screaming. Everything else was a blur.

Lazarus had worked so hard to learn magic as best as he could. He tried harder than anyone else and yet…

“So I can’t cast… or use magic...” He said, looking down on the bedsheets he gripped with his small hands. He had cried every single day ever since the revelation and still-

It felt unreal, yet-

“Why..? Why am I the only one…*hic*...Why…? ”

Water flowed from the corner of his eyes.

How was it flowing so freely despite trying his best to push down the choking sensation he felt from his throat? He clenched the sheets beneath his hand and tried to suppress the sorrow, but to no avail.

He had tried so hard and yet...

Everyday he practiced magic so he could impress Emilia, Clovis, and Anastasia, and yet..!

Hearing a soft knock on the door, Lazarus rubbed his eyes hurriedly but no matter how hard he wiped, there was just too much. Left with no other choice he hid under the sheets and asked.

“Wha-..*hic..What is it..?” His voice was crumbling.

“It’s Mommy, can I have a word with you?”

Why did it have to be the one person whom Lazarus dreaded the thought of being seen by?

"Not right now mom!"

"Lazarus... Please..."

"No!" He screamed. For a moment he could hear Emilia's soft gasp.

"I understand... Then perhaps a bit later then..." She said from behind the door and left.

.....

*Duk-duk-duk*

Another knocking.

Who was it this time???

"What do you want!?" Screamed Lazarus. The door clicked open and it was a maid with a braided bun haircut, wearing square framed glasses, stomping towards him.

"Lara! why didn-...!"

Lazarus was silenced.

She held him in her chest, tightly enough that he couldn't speak.

"I'm worried for you! You haven't eaten anything since yesterday!" She scolded, her voice trembling.

Lazarus attempted to pry Lara off, but she was stronger.

Lazarus forced his head up so he could complain but the moment he saw Lara's teary eyes, he was silenced once again.

"Please young Prince...please, do not worry me further...I beg of you..."

Lazarus had thought that no one would care. At least not for a manaless child like himself...

But the trembling of Lara's shoulder, the drop of liquid that rolled down her cheeks all told Lazarus otherwise.

Even Emilia had come to check on him daily, but was never as forceful as how Lara is now...

Whenever Lazarus had screamed at Emilia, she would always back off.

"The queen feels guilty for hiding this from you... But she's still very much worried for you! Why can't you understand that!?"

Lara's grip tightened and it somehow gave Lazarus a sense of comfort. As if her warmth permeated to him.

He would've cried but he ran out of tears already.

He was manaless... But perhaps it didn't matter.

Perhaps he could do something different... Something that didn't need mana.

It took a while but Lara eventually calmed down. Lazarus too apologized and finally ate the dinner that Lara had prepared.

That night, Lazarus was alone in his room, quietly staring at the ceiling in his bedroom. He just asked Lara to leave the glowstones on as he wanted to sleep with the lights on this time.

Then his door suddenly clicked, opened and closed just as quickly. He couldn't see properly as his vision was blocked by the semi-transparent curtains but he could see a small silhouette walking on tiptoes approaching his bed, then ducked under.

Then something crawled up to his bed.

Lazarus eventually removed the blanket and there she was..

"Reisha! What're you doing!?"

Reisha had a look of surprise but she pouted her lips defiantly.

"I'm here for my stories!"

"Wha-?"

"They kept me from you for days!" She grumbled. Then she sat upright and crossed her arms. "They said you didn't want any visitors so I had to sneak past Mom and the maids!"

"They didn't tell you?" Said Lazarus a bit shocked, Riesha tilted her head and asked,

"Tell me what?"

Lazarus looked down. If everyone knew, it was just a matter of time before Riesha did too, there was no point in hiding it. He forced a smile and said,

"I'm manaless."

Reisha stared at him. Then she frowned. "But everything has mana."

"Everything but me..."

It slowly dawned on Reisha as her eyes slowly widened.

"Then-..." Reisha looked sadly at him, "You can't use magic?"

Lazarus shook his head.

Reisha just stared at him for a moment. Then her expression twisted.

"*Hic-! Noo! *Hic-.! Uwaaahh!"

Lazarus was taken aback by her reaction as she proceeded to cling to him and ball her eyes out.

"It's unfair! That can't be true! Uwaaah!"

Why? For some reason, Lazarus found comfort in her tears... That she felt for him.

Was this what having a sister truly was like? It was something he had always yearned from Anastasia but instead, Riesha who had only been with him for a few weeks was crying for his sake.

Lazarus felt a sort of strength well-up from his heart.

"It's so unfair!" Said Reisha but her eyes widened as Lazarus placed his palm on her head.

"It's alright... I-.. I don't need mana." He said, as he began stroking little Riesha's head.

"*Hic-! R-..really?"

"Yes, really"

It was a lie of course. Just saying that felt like his stomach was being stabbed by a hot knife.

But more than that he didn't want to see Reisha cry anymore.

" So, please stop crying Reisha...wait, I know! How about I tell you a story!"

Riesha rubbed her eyes, but tears still flowed as she said, "*Sniffle* -Really?"

"Yes! Really. And this story is about a manaless man who fought the demon king with nothing but his fist!"

Reisha's eyes seemed to sparkle.

That reaction alone...just seeing her stop crying gave Lazarus a sense of comfort.

He'd already become good at telling made-up story on the spot. And as he remembered how the Knights trained he said,

"Like the Knights who practiced their sword swings a hundred times a day, this man had practiced with his fist one hundred thousand times a day!"

Reisha's eyes widened as she sat up and leaned closer, asking,

"And?? What did he do!?"

It seems like she forgot she was crying, good.

Lazarus stood up in bed and punched the air. "He kept on practicing for years! He also trained his kicks. Eventually, he could split the ground with a punch and jump sky high with his feet!"

"Wow!"

"But his opponent was a strong demon. He-"

Lazarus continued to tell the story. Reisha made several different expressions but none of them was in sadness and eventually, like before, the two fell asleep.

For the first time since he was told he was manaless, Lazarus finally went to bed without crying himself to sleep.