Requeim of Reverence

JAMES EMPORIO - GENERAL'S MEETING, NATIONAL BARRACKS

The vast hallway never ceases to amaze me, even though I come here every now and then. The white marble tiles almost reminded me of a hospital, except it was pretty clean and wonderful. The place was very lively, and I could tell that I was the idlest one as I waited outside the vast wooden door.

The sign spelled, "General Klieve," I almost murmured.

A hand rested on my shoulder, almost jolting me back to my senses. I looked back and immediately saluted the man standing in front,

"G-General Vincent. C-Congratulations on your promotion." He let out a sigh, "How impassive! Acting as if we didn't totally get wasted at Ubern's last week."

I let out a smile, "Sir, that was done outside of our post and I am not obliged to talk about it," I stated, almost in a mocking tone.

"Good to see you, James." He patted my shoulders and I lowered my hands.

"Let's get a drink soon. For my promotion."

"Looking forwar-" The door behind me opened, cutting me off. The enigmatic figure walked beside and I immediately saluted.

"Vincent. Don't go spoiling our talents like that," The general smirked at me, "Let's head to the meeting, shall we?"

"Yes, General Klieve. Let's not waste any moment."

Following the two generals, I walked alongside another man, who wore the badge of a lieutenant--Same as me. But I have never seen that man before. Must be new. His short black hair reminded me of Audel, but he lacked the ocean-blue eyes.

"Lieutenant Emporio," He whispered and then leaned forward, "I know it's rude to talk behind a general but let me ask you a question. Do you have any idea what this meeting is about?" I shook my head, gesturing in a negative response. He nodded back and we walked silently the whole time.

AUDEL EMPORIO - BOLTAIRE MANSION

As soon as the sun was immersed under the horizon, I stood in front of a fantastic mansion, its greatness was a will for the enormous wealth of the Boltaire family. The descendants of the diviners, each member of the dynasty were blessed, making them invaluable to the empire.

Lost in admiration, I barely noticed Miss Boltaire leading the way through the pearly gates. The garden was breathtaking, but I kept my composure as best as I could. Sensing my lingering gaze, she cleared her throat—a subtle cue as a man in a black suit approached.

The man bowed slightly. "Lady Uriel, your father requests your presence," he announced, then shifted his gaze toward me. "And you, of course, Mr. Vestiron's masterpiece."

I paid little heed to his flattery, still engrossed in the estate's splendor. However, I did take note of Uriel's reaction—her expression darkened at the mention of her father. Whatever was happening behind the scenes was clearly troubling her.

"Take us to Lord Boltaire," I said and offered Butler a smaller bow. It was formal for a common man to show respect for the steward of a great family. "Let's hear what he has to say."

As we walked across the wooden floors of the grand hallway, I caught sight of a maid standing by the corner. The moment she noticed Uriel, she straightened her posture, her gaze sharp and scrutinizing as she looked at me. There was something about her demeanor that made me look away. She couldn't have been more than a couple of years older than us—maybe two or three at most—but I didn't have time to think about it as another figure approached from the other end of the corridor.

"B-Brother, you're back?" Uriel's previously somber expression lit up as she dashed toward him, wrapping him in a warm embrace. He had the same crimson eyes as his sister, but his demeanor was calm, almost analytical.

His intense gaze fixed on me almost immediately. "Lord Vestiron's—ah, student, I see." He let go of his sister and walked toward me, his footsteps unnaturally quiet as if guided by mana. He examined me carefully before inquiring, "Are you part of any platoon?"

I shook my head. "No. I have no intention of throwing my life away on a meaningless scout mission."

He nodded approvingly, "Smart. I like him." Then, with an intrigued smile, he added, "How about joining one without—"

Before he could finish, Uriel grabbed my wrist and pulled me away. "C'mon, the offer can wait. Next time, brother."

Knock, knock.

"Come in."

Both of us stepped inside, though I remained a step behind. The office was dimly lit, the glow from the fireplace casting flickering shadows on the red carpet. The curtains were drawn shut, giving the room an enclosed, secretive air. A man sat at his desk, fingers interlocked as he studied me.

"Audel Emporio," he began. "I have only one message for you from my friend Vestiron. He insists you stay here until you're in the green zone."

"Green zone?" Uriel voiced the question I had yet to ask.

"Vestiron is officially a rebel now," he sighed. "At least until he decides to show himself. The king has placed a hefty bounty on his head, and as a result, nobles are keeping a close watch on anyone associated with him—including you, Audel. While most seek revenge against him, others are after something far bigger."

I narrowed my eyes. "So why would you help Vestiron?"

"The circumstances have forced me to pick a side," he said flatly. "And I'd rather stand with my best friend than those mindless nobles. Does that answer your question?"

"Not quite." I shook my head and met his gaze with a taunting smirk. "What's the real reason? I want to hear it."

He let out a low chuckle. "Good. You saw through me. Uriel, you too—you really managed to convince him to join us."

"Actually, it was hi—"

I cut in. "Why would Master rebel against the king? Why now, in peaceful times? It's not like we're at war."

"And that's where you're wrong." His smirk turned almost devilish. "The king has already sold the nation to the other continent."

"...Huh?" The words caught me off guard. I had never even considered the possibility. I opened my mouth to demand more details, but he stopped me with a question of his own.

"The seal. Did Lady Maria undo it? Or did she reinforce it?" His crimson eyes gleamed in the dim light, reflecting the flickering flames.

My hand instinctively moved to my sternum. "I—I'm not sure. But it's on the verge of collapsing. Lately, I've been having strange dreams—nightmares, every night."

He leaned back in his chair, resting his arms on the armrests. "Think of it as a revelation. After all, what you see is the truth waiting to unfold—so long as fate remains undisrupted."

His words sent a wave of uncertainty through me, even making me question my own existence. But before I could ask anything else, he dismissed me with a wave of his hand.

As I stepped outside to wait for Uriel, I once again found myself face-to-face with a familiar figure.

"Hey," her brother called out. "I heard your brother is a lieutenant too. What's his name?"

"James. James Emporio," I answered nonchalantly.

He mulled over the name before shaking his head. "Sorry, doesn't ring a bell. Anyway, your sister will be here soon. You already knew that, right?"

I hadn't, actually. But knowing spies were after me, it would be smart for Mary to take shelter as well. James, on the other hand, could handle himself—after all, he was a lieutenant.

So I simply nodded. "Yeah, she'll be here."