True Identity

A profound silence draped over the reunion hall within the grand Alasmira mansion, the weight of it very present in the air.

Inside the hall, only five figures occupied the space, each bearing their own thoughts and concerns.

Seated upon the main throne with an air of regal composure was Vanessa Alasmira, her presence commanding attention and fear.

Beside her, nestled close, was Celastrina, finding solace in her mother's embrace, her head resting gently upon Vanessa's lap as she received the tender caress of her mother's touch.

Leaning casually against one of the ornate pillars that adorned the hall, Cornelius stood with arms crossed coldly.

And before them, standing tall yet visibly fatigued, was Alfred, accompanied by Night, whose left arm was now securely bandaged. His arm had been reattached but it needed time to recover entirely.

"They sought after Milady Celastrina, Lady Marchioness. It was evident from their ruthless assault upon us." Alfred, his voice weighted with both weariness and determination, broke the silence, addressing Vanessa directly. 

A flicker of anger danced in Vanessa's magenta eyes as she processed this information, her grip tightening ever so slightly upon Celastrina's hair as she muttered through clenched teeth, "They dared to lay a hand on my daughter."

Her demeanor darkened, mirroring the intensity of her gaze.

"Who are they?" Cornelius asked, barely containing his wrath. 

After their sudden disappearance, Cornelius had fervently attempted to track their elusive trail, his keen senses honed to detect even the faintest traces of mana left in their wake. Yet, to his astonishment and frustration, they seemed to have slipped away into the ether, as if vanishing into an alternate dimension. For someone of Cornelius's power, such a feat was undeniably impressive.

"Their names are Jacob and Sigric, though it's possible these are mere aliases," Alfred explained, his gaze briefly flickering towards Night who seemed to know them just like they knew him.

Each member of the hall fixated their attention on Night, awaiting his insight. Even Celastrina, her curiosity piqued, regarded him with heightened interest, her gaze lingering upon him with a mixture of curiosity and familiarity. She had always sensed there was more to Night than met the eye, his demeanor and bearing far too refined for that of a commoner, a fact that had not escaped the notice of those around him.

Until now, such inquiries into Night's origins had remained unspoken, deemed inconsequential in the face of more pressing matters. But with the emergence of Jacob and Sigric, the need for answers took on new urgency now.

Night's silence stretched momentarily, a pregnant pause laden with unspoken tension before he relented, his voice subdued yet resolute. "I know little beyond the name Jacob," he confessed, his words measured and tinged with a hint of resignation. "He sought my life in the past, though the motive eludes me, Milady."

Hastening to deflect further inquiry, Night attempted to draw the conversation to a close, yet his companions remained steadfast, unwilling to let him evade their probing questions so easily.

"Why would someone target you for assassination if you are not of common birth?" Vanessa's inquiry cut through the air like a blade, her gaze sharp and inquisitive as she sought further in Night's identity.

Night's response came with a weighty sigh, his features betraying a mixture of reluctance and vulnerability. "I hail from Lushandra," he revealed.

"Lushandra..." Alfred echoed, his voice tinged with incredulity. The very mention of the name evoked images of opulence and power, the capital of a vast empire ruled by the illustrious Methuselah Dynasty, known colloquially as the Skyrulers.

Night hesitated, his expression clouded with a sense of bitterness. "My father..." he began, the words catching in his throat as he struggled to articulate the truth he had long sought to conceal. "The Emperor and Ruler of Lushandra is my father."

A heavy silence descended upon the assembly, each member grappling with the gravity of Night's revelation. Alfred and Celastrina regarded him with wide-eyed astonishment, while Cornelius and Vanessa remained outwardly composed, though their thoughts churned with a myriad of unspoken questions.

Celastrina's astonishment was visible, her voice trembling with disbelief. "You... you are of royal blood?!" she exclaimed, her eyes widening in incredulity.

Night offered a somber nod, acknowledging the truth of her words. "You could say that, Milady. However, I relinquished my titles and identity when I departed from my homeland," he explained, his tone tinged with a hint of melancholy.

"How is it, then, that you found yourself wandering the streets far from the opulence of Lushandra?" Cornelius asked, his gaze penetrating as he sought to uncover the truth behind Night's sudden departure.

"As I mentioned, it was a matter of personal choice. My relationship with the Emperor has been strained, to say the least," Night said.

Alfred, grappling with the implications of Night's revelation, hesitated before speaking. "Even so, as a member of the royal family... Night, was it?" he faltered, unsure of how to address him. "Could it be that you are a... a bastard?" he ventured cautiously, his tone laced with a faint glimmer of hope.

Night shook his head, a fleeting smile touching his lips at Alfred's hopeful inquiry. "No, I am not a bastard. My mother is the rightful Empress, and I am her second son," he clarified, his voice softening with a hint of warmth as he spoke of his mother.

"So, you are the second Prince of the Skyruler Empire," Vanessa mused thoughtfully.

"I was," Night affirmed, his gaze distant as he dismissed any notion of reclaiming his former title. His sole desire was maybe to see his mother again otherwise he had no reason to go back in Lushandra.

"And what of your future plans?" Vanessa pressed.

"Nothing has changed, Milady," Night replied with a faint smile. "My loyalty remains with Milady Celastrina and yourself, Lady Marchioness," he added.

Vanessa's gaze bore into him. "Is that truly what you desire?" she questioned pointedly, her eyes searching for any hint of hesitation.

Without hesitation, Night nodded in affirmation. "My place is by Milady Celastrina's side," he stated firmly again.

Celastrina, taken aback by his words, buried her face in Vanessa's embrace.

"But Celastrina is betrothed to Arthur of Britannia," Vanessa reminded him, gesturing towards the impending union between Celastrina and Arthur.

"Until that time, at least," Night replied. For now, his path was clear: to stand by Celastrina's side and safeguard her well-being until the time came for him to pursue his own quest—to find Seraphina.

"You may leave. Alfred as well," Vanessa said after a moment.

Both Night and Alfred left, leaving the family alone.

"I had to admit, daughter. You caught quite the big fish this time," Cornelius chuckled.

"I-I can't believe he is a Prince…" Celastrina said, shocked.

"Celastrina. You are engaged to Arthur, don't forget that," Vanessa reminded her. She had to be blind to not notice how in the last years Celastrina's feelings had changed but unfortunately it was too late.

"I know, mother…" Celastrina nodded awkwardly. Then engagement wasn't only because of her precious desire but to seek peace between them.