V2 Chapter 14

“…Farewell to thee, farewell to thee

Thou charming one who dwells in shaded bowers

One fond embrace ere I depart

… Until we meet again.”

As the group quietly feels the wind and sky, suddenly, a quiet but gentle voice rang out, startling the others. It was neither loud nor soft, and the voice was even covered by the wind but for some reason, the words struck their ears as if the voice was just right beside their ears.

Oriel, Sibylla, and Ruka, all simultaneously turned towards Cian who was smiling while facing the sky, his eyes glazed and his expression seemed to be aloof from the world. Arrogance seeped from his every being—but there was also gentleness that can’t be defined by mere words.

His previous licentious and greasy debauchee-like appearance had been swept aside. The individual’s temperament and innate character had been transformed as if it had turned into a new person. He seemed like a hermit who had transcended the earthly characteristics. The others felt a very unfathomable feeling at that time; this man… is not the prince!

This particular feeling was obviously very absurd to their perceptions. However, it still existed.

Melancholy… such detached feeling actually appeared in the Second Prince?

This wasn’t a feeling of loneliness that’s felt by those at the top. Rather… it was one of detachment. Moreover… there was an extremely desolate air to it.

Cian and the others were already far away, that their figures were already barely seen by the naked eye. However, Sitana’s power and abilities were one of the strongest in the entire world. And so, when she turned around after a few minutes of looking at their figure with blurred and moist eyes, suddenly, Cian’s voice fluttered in her ears, making her stand rooted on the spot, as if the voice was carried by the wind, gently brushing her face.

“…Farewell to thee, farewell to thee

Thou charming one who dwells in shaded bowers

One fond embrace ere I depart

… Until we meet again.”

!!? Sitana’s eyes widened and her shoulders trembled. But soon enough, her lips curled into a bright smile. “Until we meet again…my most precious...” she responded with breaking voice.

*** ***

Cian let out a very long breath as he smiled faintly. He then put his hands behind his back and looked up at the heavens. He stared at a white cloud for a long time. Then, the Young Prince smiled bitterly and shook his head. And then, he remained lying in a calm and quiet manner — only to find that the thoughts in his mind had become ordered, clear and bright.

"Aanuel… you… what were you thinking just a moment ago…?" Oriel’s voice seemed cold and clear; just as before. However, Cian could make out that her voice was filled with a lot of concern and care. She could distinctly feel the difference in him. So, she couldn’t help herself and ask.

"Just a moment ago… I was thinking…" Cian still seemed absent-minded. He lay at the back of the winged dragon and leaned the back of his head at Sibylla’s lap. His movement sudden and casual, but Sibylla seemed to have gotten used to it as she even moves her waist just to let Cian feel comfortable lying on her lap.

Cian contemplated for a bit before he said, "... What am I to do in this life? Or perhaps, why did I get this life? What is my goal? What can I do? What am I to achieve?"

"Goal?" Oriel asked hesitantly before she continued, "It isn’t necessary for every living person to have a goal, is it?" However, she asked herself in her thoughts; What about me? Why am I alive? What’s my goal here?

Cian gaze was deep, “Who knows…” he said simply. At least for me, it is…!

Although I don’t like to provoke others, but there will always be such a thing to find himself. It seems that I have to make my own power on this world to make me feel safe. Just like what my family had taught me before, making it engraved deep in our consciousness so it would be never forgotten in our lives. In this world it does not matter whether or not you have an ambition—there will still be people who will not let you go!

That would never be left in peace, especially if you are at a position where people are easy to get riled up or get jealous!

Even if you back yourself to a corner, so long as you are still breathing, there will be people who will go after you!

... Because only the dead are no threat!

This world is full of competition to reach the top. And where there is competition, there is danger. The more famous you get, the more people would have their eye on your spot. Those that smile to your face, could easily stab you in the back.

...And I can’t let them step over me even once!

What should be mine, will be mine; if anyone wants to snatch it from me, I'll kill them!

Cian’s father had instilled that thought inside his head ever since he was a child. Success justifies the means. Even if it was evil or mean, as long as I take a fancy to it, even if it doesn't belong to me, I'll still snatch it. As long as it falls into my hands, then it's mine!

That is the code of the Cahlo family!

... However, I had always been running away from it.

But what about now…?

“… …” Cian turned silent. Looking at him, Oriel could only frown but she shook her head and turned her gaze in front. As for Sibylla, she just smiled faintly and stroke Cian’s hair gently, all while thinking about what Cian had said. Goal… what goal does she have?

She doesn’t know, but for now, all she could do was follow him. That is her goal, probably would never change till she dies.

*** ***

The group reached the Northern Mountain in the evening. The journey from the Demon Capital was uneventful. It took only four hours till they reach their destination. However, that was not what Cian felt annoyed with.

“Ohh, it's cold!”

As soon as Cian and the others arrived at the Northern Mountain, he immediately felt a severe chill.

The terrain and climate on the continent differed enormously depending on the location. [ Okmahun ] in the northern continent, belonged to the cold regions. This is one of the boundaries of the Demon Empire, which was often besieged by the people coming from the Multi-Race Alliance against the Demon Empire.

One was on the south, in which was made up of many human and beastmen barbarians…however, due to the lacking of supplies there and difficult to traverse terrain, it was not as intense as the central and Northern part boundary.

The main problem in the Northern Mountain was the temperature—it was extremely cold. In this zone, all seasons long, it was a perpetual ice zone. Thus, the war there was only mild.

The only problem was the Central region, where Lucifalion was stationed. Every year there, was full of war and bloodshed. All main forces of the different parties were focused in that specific region!

“Never thought it would be so cold…” Cian’s body began to shiver more and more from the cold. His body began to shrink back from the random wind that was blowing into his collar.

Fortunately, Cian possesses [ Vector Body ] and so, snow and the temperature can be repelled from his body if he wanted it. However, he can’t do the same for the others, especially Sibylla and Ruka. Thus, he could only take out a pair of very thick coats from his bracelet and let the two of them wore it. Although, due to their altitude, it would only barely warm them. With Ruka’s race, she was able to counter the cold with her abilities. But Sibylla was different.

She was of nature affinity demon. She was quite vulnerable to cold and fire, unable to warm herself up compared to Oriel and Ruka. Though, she didn’t say anything and silently endured it. However, Cian watching her body slightly trembled from time to time and turning cold, makes him smile helplessly—he let out a long sigh before stretching his hand out of his sleeve and pulling her directly into his bosom. His sleeve followed soon after, draping like a blanket over her, as he exclaimed in mock anger, “Silly girl, now regretting coming here? Hm?”

!? Sibylla felt Cian’s warmth and stared at his face, only to meet a warm smile. Seeing this, Sibylla’s face turned hot for some other reason. “Of course not. This cold is nothing…” However, she didn’t act bashfully and run away and instead smiled sweetly.

“Tsk! That’s why you are stupid. Anyway, come closer, if you get a cold, how should I face Aunt Silvia?!” There was no vulgar connotation to his words, merely the tone of a man chiding his lover, full of love and care.

Sibylla seemed to be intoxicated with such a feeling, pursing her lips and obediently letting out an 'en' sound before she delved into Cian's bosom. She found a comfortable spot and quietened down.

Gently supporting her body, Cian lowly sighed, as he looked out in the vast empty sky, snowflakes falling down as well as the clear and pristine moon, its hazy light shining down and illuminating the vast mountains and rivers, as though purifying them...

It’s warm…

Cian muttered to himself and tighten his embrace...

Oriel and Ruka saw what they are doing and both frowned. But they grit their teeth and averted their eyes, wanting to ignore it. Such manner, they obviously can't do the same... but, why did they not thought of it before?

The night went by in silence…

*** ***

When talking about the magnificence of buildings, Okmahun’s Palace would be placed in the top three among all the buildings that the Demon Empire possesses. All the structures were made by collecting and assembling huge white stones. With the never-ending snowflakes falling, the landscape was dyed in pure white color, giving a vibrant solemn mood at those who look at it.

From the outside view, the palace was like a castle made up of pure crystal, glittering and shining like a marble!

Its beauty dyed by the winter land was extremely beautiful, like a painting made by a grandmaster artist. A work of art—it was really difficult to believe that such a castle was made by a world so backward in terms of technology! One must know that to create such a beautiful and perfect castle, only modern knowledge, as well as machinery, could do such a thing!

This Crystal palace was usually cold and silent. However, tonight, it was completely different. Waves of noisy laughter that were mixed with some melodies were emitted from the hall spread through the gloomy land.

This caused Cian, who liked serenity to frown slightly as he was at the center of this noisy place.

Slowly walking into the hall, Cian lifted his eyes and glanced around. He saw that there were quite a number of people sitting within. They were smiling and conversing with each other as if it was a fun gathering.

Feeling the cold breeze, Cian’s gaze swept through the interior of the hall. How should I say this... How uneasy. I had never been one of these kinds of occasions… I never thought that parties such as this were a common happening in a fantasy world. One can hardly get used to it.

A small thought can immediately birth a grand party—yet one must know, the times are not that peaceful. This is a warring period in this world. But seeing them like this, I just can’t feel it. Cian smiled wryly as he kept a low profile in a corner of the hall and mumbled to himself.

The number of guests in the hall increased gradually, Ruka who was wearing the usual frilly maid uniform stood behind him wherever he goes. “… I had noticed since I first saw you, but I still can’t believe that you are not that fond of this kind of thing. Never thought you are that unsociable despite those reputations that can shake a mountain and scare the world, hanging above your head…”

Sibylla walked over with a bright smile. The current her was wearing a red colored tight dress. A snow white fur coat covered her shoulders, adding a little grace and luxury to her appearance. Her beautiful and enchanting curves caused quite a number of men’s gazes to secretly shoot over to her.

Cian turned at her and raise his golden cup of wine and smiled, “There are still many things you don’t know about me.” he said simply.

“Ho? That’s intriguing~” Sibylla chuckled. “…such as? Can you give me an example, you do know, I do want to know everything about you.”

“You will know and understand them as time passed by. However, I will give you a heads-up, I’m not fond of crowd and noise. I like peace and quiet. Other than that, I don’t want many people eyeing my possession—especially being directed by annoying gazes,” Cian smiled but his eyes narrowed dangerously.

Sibylla was taken aback but she then burst into laughter—her tone was warm and full of undisguised joy and happiness—“…I can’t believe it. I let the infamous second prince, feared by all, taste the flavor of vinegar—I’m honored ~”

Cian smiled faintly and shrugged. He turned his gaze towards the young men that look like beasts with some parts of their bodies having fur. They seemed to be slowly walking towards their direction but upon seeing Cian’s killing gaze, they hurriedly averted their eyes and walked to another direction. Scared stiff...!

Because of Aanuel's smelly reputation that had already spread far and wide, a sense of fear arose in the men and women present in the party hall. Occasionally though, several hot chicks would send coquettish gazes at Cian, but were ignored, and could only give up seducing him. Furthermore, with his fiancée present, who would dare go out of their way to annoy one of the great families of the Imperial Demon Capital?

“No matter which men you look, good or bad, a man will always be uncomfortable if other men look at their lovers with dirty looks.”

"I could say the same way to you though..." Sibylla smiled faintly and then grabbed a chair, sitting beside Cian who was drinking his wine alone. Before Cian could pick it up, she took his wine cup and drank it instead. “If you want to drink, drink, I’ll accompany you.” she then poured another wine on the cup.

Cian’s eyebrows raised and turned at her. But he didn’t say anything and let her do what she wants. Indeed, although he prefers drinking alone but with someone, it’s not really that bad. It’s just that, although she has always been his ‘toy’ and would do anything and everything he asks for, but in these moments, Ruka can’t be his equal to drink with. Not because he didn’t see her as such but instead it is Ruka’s beliefs and attitude. She would never see herself as equal to Cian.

And drinking like a boss with a janitor would never be as carefree as between that of both CEO’s…

Cian smiled faintly as he looks at Sibylla. the one-piece dress wrapped over the beautiful curves, which were like soft and beautiful waves.

After moving closer, Cian could smell an alluring body scent which brought with it a mix of jasmine and alcohol.

"Enchanted by what you are seeing?" Cian raised his gaze, his lips curled upwards at the interruption and look to find a beautiful and alluring girl smirking at him.

"Almost." Cian shrugged and she laughs lightly.

"It's okay. I know I'm irresistible." She winks while declaring shamelessly. Cian chuckled in amusement. "I agree with that. Seeing you have moons on your face."

Sibylla, startled by the sudden words, blink in bewilderment. "Excuse me? What moons? Do I have such things?" She looked confused by the sudden change of subject.

Cian drank a mouthful and then laughed lightly, "I said, you have beautiful moons on your face," He made zeros with his thumbs and index fingers, placing it on his eyes and smiling. "Two pretty moons. They're like, full at normal, but when you laugh, they're like, crescent, captivating..." he placed his elbows back on the table, followed by his chin on his fists.

"They're pretty, you know. They also have a crater. In the very middle. They're beautiful..."

"... ..." Sibylla was shocked and then her lips curled upwards, finally understanding what he was saying. She then laughed in amusement, turning her beautiful eyes into crescents. "Thank you. Though, I had never said this but, I had always liked yours as well. Beautiful colors..."

"That's indeed, the first time I heard of it..." Cian twirled the wine cup on his hand. He then took another heartful sip, ran his hand through his ashy pale-colored hair.

As the two harmoniously chat and drink leisurely like a couple alone in the world, suddenly— "Your highness is amazing, showing no sign of unease." A voice rang out from behind them. “Even though this was one of the borders of the Empire, and we could go to war at any given moment. But as exceed of his highness, not even an ounce of fear and anxiety could be felt for his first time in the frontline, admired, admired…!”

A cheerful voice rang out. However, surprisingly there was no condescending tone on the voice, only pure admiration.