Back to Hayton

Chapter 7: Back to Hayton

"When we return home, we actually return to our soul"

— Abhinandan

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Year 1212, 19th day of the 7th month – Altunian and Rorengari Border~

[Lucian]

.

Here I am. So close to my motherland, yet so far.

It hurts, as I realized, the fact that I am not welcome.

I, the former prince of this country, is now a wanted criminal.

My sin was, the murder of my own father. And then fleeing the country. The wanted poster even describes, how hateful I was when I dealt with my father.

It also states, how I was jealous of my brother and wanted to kill him too.

I couldn't help but chuckle as I peered into the poster. It had my painting on it.

The incidents and the descriptions lack severe evidence and the times are mismatched.

I believe even the lowest classes of the citizens would find this a hoax.

And I was proven right when I heard some of the guards conversing on the same matter.

.

"Have you heard any other news, about our prince?" Asked one guard.

"Unfortunately, no. I can't believe the Queen is going after prince Lucian. The prince's nature was known to us all. I can't believe she would use such treacherous tactics for such a kind person." Responded the other guard.

"I know, friend. But these are royal orders. Sigh! But." The guard number one sighed as he expressed his thoughts, "If I find the prince, then I will help him escape. Even if it costs my lif-"

Before he could finish his sentence, the other guard put a hand over his mouth.

He told him with a finger on his lips, "Hush now! Do you want to be put to death? Calm down! Don't worry Frank, most of us have similar views as yours.

But there are still some of the Queen's dogs around the barracks. So we ought to be careful.

And our prince is a smart individual. He wouldn't do anything that can hamper our great country. Nor he would get caught in this conspiracy!

We can't help him directly. But we can pray! And once he is back. We will support him to gain his rightful place. I promise you that!"

.

As I heard their conversation. I was downcast yet happy. I was happy to know that my people still believed in me. That I was yet to be abandoned.

But I was downcast that my step mother, has gone lengths to destroy the Franzer line…

My little brother wasn't safe at her hands.

I know for a fact that she will force Geovan to marry, and produce an heir as fast as he can. Well, it should be more like Geovan's grandfather orchestrating that vile plan.

I need to reach Bullmar, fast! I know Jabbar already has sent aid. But I need to make sure my brother doesn't come to harm.

If this wasn't the worst time for a conflict. I might even have resorted to violence.

The last thing I want for my country… Is to see it covered in the blood of my people…

.

The crossing of the border was easy enough. As our new identities were seamless. And adding my illusion magic into the mix made it easier.

We didn't change our given names on the new identities. Only our last names.

The basis behind the identities were, the heiress of the Purplewing Clan, visiting Eastigar with her friends in her leisure.

And we, were her guards and friends accompanying her.

Our new companions, Ursula Evenwood and Emma hasn't seen our real faces. And she didn't find it weird that we were Bella's entourage.

As the Purplewing name is well-known and well-received in Altunia. But I can see a bit of doubt flash in her eyes. When she looks at me.

It is simply because, everyone refers to me as their lord. And even Bella made that mistake at first.

"Sigh!"

This simple mistake has made her aware of me. She figured that I was a son of higher nobility. She might have other speculations too, but I am glad that she hasn't inquired or tried to pry on the matter.

She is a lady who knows proper etiquette. And knows when not to pry.

I have also noticed that Spike has taken a liking to the young lady.

The thought made me chuckle, yet I am a bit sad, knowing that their union will be extremely difficult.

I can knighten Spike in the future when he has earned enough achievements, but marrying a Viscount's daughter will be a hard ordeal.

I can help him, yes. But I will need all of these conflicts to end.

The prophecy…

The summoning…

The light…

I don't know what to make of this. I am wary. I am afraid. Yet I am excited.

From the moment I heard about the Prophecy, my blood ignited. I could feel the excitement and energy deep in my roots.

That is why, I said, my interpretation of the prophecy was different.

I don't know if this is my narcissism but, I feel like this ordeal is my calling. I could be wrong… But I feel I need to move forward for this. I can't look back.

I oughtn't look back.

And I will not look back.

Now I need to meet my aunt first. Then I will travel straight to The Elven Forest.

If 'he' is still the king then, I know I will receive some help from him.

But right now… The thing I am most afraid of,

Is meeting Lily…

I have known her feelings for such a long time, and yet…

I sighed again.

I shook my head and threw this matter at the very back. I can't think like how I used to.

I am no longer the perfect prince, who needs to live only for his country and people.

This exile was a curse and yet this became a release. I still want to lead my people to prosperity, but for now,

I will live.

I will live my life how I want to.

I will live and the day, the catastrophe occurs, I will fight.

I will move forward.

I will conquer!

I then looked at the direction of Hayton and muttered,

"Lily, I am back!"

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Year 1212, 21st day of the 7th month – Hayton Castle, Hayton~

[Lisbeth]

.

I could feel it. I could sense it.

It was him. I was sure it was him. He is back!

I stood up from my chair and dashed towards my mother's chambers.

Once I reached the chambers and pushed the doors open, the maids inside and even my father who was visiting my mother was startled.

But seeing that it was I. They smiled at me. My father even gestured for me to come near him. As he said, "Lissy! Good to see you, darling. You look happy this morning! Did anything good happen?"

My father seemed very jubilant as he saw me smiling. This in turn made me happier.

I knew that everything became better when he was present. I couldn't wait to see him again.

I said to the room without controlling my volume, "HE IS BACK! LUCIAN IS BACK! I could feel him approaching! Father, please send some people to escort him here."

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[General]

.

Lord Alvarez seemed distressed. He knew how precocious the situation was. And if Lucian truly did return. It would not end well.

He suddenly felt sad as he saw his daughter's happy smile. He knew how much this silly girl loved that lad.

But alas, the whole ordeal, made it so difficult for her young heart to cope.

'She even started seeing the boy now… My poor girl.' He contemplated quietly.

He wanted to calm his daughter down a bit. But didn't have the courage to destroy her good mood. But then his wife spoke,

"Darling, please send some trusted guards on the lookout. If our Lissy says that she feels him. Then it must be true."

Lord Alvarez felt a bit distressed, but he couldn't refute his ill wife. He would fulfill all of her wishes the best he could. As he knew their time together was dwindling.

And so he got up from his seat with a smile and was about to walk out.

When one of his butlers knocked on the door and came in with a news.

"My lord, the director of Yearning Fashion House, wants to have an audience with Lady Oriana." The butler said respectfully.

Lord Alvarez felt a bit impatient and was about to send the man away when his wife shouted, "He really is here!"

""??""

Both Lord Alvarez and Lisbeth were surprised by her exclamation.

Seeing their faces she giggled lightly and said, "The Owner of the Yearning shop is none other than little Luce. He really is here! You were right, Lissy!"

This brought a smile to Lisbeth's face. Her face looked as beautiful as a flower blooming by the break of dawn.

She happily said, "I told you! I knew that he was near me!"

She then looked longingly at the ring on her left hand, which was engraved with the initials of one Prince Lucian.

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[A/N: This is the start of the Volume, so the story is again a bit slow and short. But it will pick up soon as the plot moves forward. Please stay tuned!

And if you want to talk about the story! Here is the link to the new discord: ht tps://discord .gg/DZpzQbdWKg]