"I've tried killing you so many times, myself. So I decided to try something different..." Difar said.
I looked on in terror as Valtheim stepped forward.
Her horrifying gaze looked into my very soul. I was frozen by it...and I couldn't move at all.
"Y-you can't be serious..." I said fearfully.
"Oh, I'm deadly serious. I want you to stop making trouble for me. If you didn't exist, my conquest would be simple! So, you simply have to stop existing. Valtheim, devour him for me," Difar said.
"I...obey..." Valtheim said.
She lunged forward and before I could even scream, her hand changed into a gaping maw of sharp teeth and it closed around me...
Just like it had for Gavin...moments ago...
Suddenly, I found myself in a place of complete darkness and silence.
I couldn't breathe. I couldn't see or feel anything.
And then...I felt my body falling apart.
Oddly enough, I could still see my hands... They were disintegrating before my very eyes.
I tried to scream for help, but I heard nothing.
Eventually my consciousness faded as my existence was erased in the Void.
[You will have to be reconstructed, but the Source is a fool is he believes throwing you into the Void would work. Although, I wonder how he accomplished such a feat... Now forget everything and return to the place where it begins. Open your eyes, Mizik Iratus... This is becoming infuriating...]
* * *
I awoke from my horrifying dream with a mild start.
Cassandra was still sleeping soundly in my arms.
I guess I didn't scream...
In most of my dreams, I couldn't remember every detail.
But that one was really hard to forget...
I slowly let go of Cassandra and sat up.
"Valtheim?" I said quietly.
Suddenly, she appeared next to the bed with her mask on.
"Yes...? Is there...a threat...?"
"No...but did you kill me before?" I asked.
"Multiple times..."
"Why?" I asked.
"Ordered to..."
"Do you ever think for yourself?" I asked.
"Unnecessary..."
"Maybe having desires wouldn't be unnecessary. Thinking is good," I said.
"Irrelevant..."
"Umm... How are you today?" I asked as I suddenly felt awkward.
"How...am I? How am I...what?"
"No. I'm asking if you're doing okay today," I said.
"I am not...doing anything... Not even...okay..." She said.
She really has no idea what I'm talking about?
"Are you having a good day?" I asked.
She took off her mask and looked down. I could see the confused look on her face.
"I have...nothing. I am...nothing... I am the Void..."
"I'm asking about you Valtheim."
"Irrelevant..."
"You're not irrelevant," I said.
"Your words...irrelevant... I exist...to serve... Yet...I do not exist...at all... If you are not in danger...I will go..."
After that, she put her mask on and disappeared again.
What a strange woman... Although, I can't help but be scared of her...
Having her so close felt like standing at the cliff of a canyon. Or on a tower.
It was like feeling the urge to jump off of such a thing and fall to your death.
Almost like she was drawing me in unintentionally.
Moments later, Cassandra opened her eyes and sat up. She looked over at me and frowned.
"You should probably try not to get to know Valtheim... She doesn't understand casual speech. Only when orders are given," Cassandra said.
"How do you know that? She called you Kyriel for some reason..." I said.
"I suppose I could tell you this. I used to serve under her...before things went back. Valtheim is incapable of holding a conversation. She only understands questions about things she knows and taking orders. She's not able to talk about herself."
"Why? That seems sad..."
"Valtheim doesn't have emotions or a personality. She doesn't really think... And she comes from the Void. Actually, it's more like she is the Void."
"I dont know what that is...but it sounds kind of scary..." I said.
"It's one of the most terrifying things to ever exist. Anyway, I woke up because I felt her presence. But good morning, Mizik," Cassandra said with a smile.
Her smile just put me at ease.
"Good morning, Cassandra."
* * *
We took the time to change our clothes and...
It got pretty awkward...
Cassandra had absolutely no qualms about simply stripping right in front of me. She liked how flustered I got, apparently.
But ultimately, she changed in her personal bathroom and then I put some casual clothes on.
She was wearing another one of her elegant dresses while I wore a simple shirt and pants.
She noted that she would have to make more outfits for me.
Regardless, before we left her room, I heard Vengeance speak to me.
[The false wielder of Intelligence has ceased to exist. Intelligence requires someone to use it.]
I guess it should pick one, then.
[No. There is no time for that. You will order it to select someone. Someone you believe can understand its philosophy and use it effectively.]
Umm...what is its philosophy?
[Battle is a game of wits. The goal is to outsmart your opponent. A large blade is pointless when a small one can get the job done more quickly. Either with itself, or as a tool for using magic. The field must be analyzed as well as the enemy. Step forward and command the battlefield. Acting as my General. My tactician and Adjutant. He that analyzes thine enemy, is the Intelligent one.]
Without thinking, I looked at Cassandra.
"Hey...let me see that dagger," I said.
She didn't hesitate to hand it to me.
I looked at it and handed it back.
"I'm ordering Intelligence to select Cassandra as its wielder."
She looked at me in confusion as I handed it back to her. She accepted it and then her eyes went wide.
"Wh-what!? I can use Intelligence!?" She said.
"Yeah. Just make sure that you follow its philosophy... Whatever that means..." I said.
She unsheathed it and held it in front of her.
The blade of it was simple gray with dark blue runes on it.
It was the most simplistic blade I had ever seen for a dagger.
Then the runes shifted slightly as Cassandra read them.
"She that analyzes thine enemy is the Intelligent one," she said.
Cassandra began to radiate a huge amount of magic and then put the dagger in her inventory.
"I unlocked its second form. Multiply."
"Second...form?"
"Ah, sorry! They all have at least three forms, I think. Vengeance has dual wield and shapeshifting weapon. Intelligence has multiply and magnify. Additionally, I should be able to...aha!" She said.
She showed me her stats again and I saw that she had gone from an Illusion Master to an Arcane Assassin. Her abilities also increased greatly and she now had a few new skills.
"Wow... Cassandra, you're really amazing!"
"Haaaaah...Mizik called me amazing! I'm so happy..." She said while fidgeting.
I love you, but you can be kind of weird, sometimes... Especially for a Princess...
"Well, you are pretty amazing. Seriously, thank you for everything you've done for me so far," I said with a smile.
She stopped and clutched her chest as she looked at me.
"Th-that smile... I want to protect it... No matter what, I promise that I'll help you get rid of those dreams! I'll bring peace to my darling Mizik!" She said.
"Are you okay?" I asked.
"I'm fine! I'm just feeling...overloaded..." She said.
It's just a smile, but I guess I can understand the feeling.
"So, what are we doing, today?" I asked.
"Well, I wasn't sure, but now I think we should train together. Since I have Intelligence, of course, it would probably be a good idea," she said.
"Alright. Is there a place was can go to do that?" I asked.
She nodded.
"We have a training grounds located towards the west end of the castle. Let me get changed into something more suitable and I'll take you there!"
* * *
Cassandra got changed into a normal shirt and pants like I was wearing. Then we left for the training yard.
Once we entered the training grounds, we began practicing together.
While we sparred, we talked about many things. Cassandra seemed pretty skillful with her weapon and honestly, she was super strong.
Despite protests and warnings from Warmage, I was very happy spending time with Cassandra. I felt like I had truly fallen in love with her.
She was a bit obsessive over me and kind of strange at times, but I didn't mind it.
She was always kind to me, she was loving, protective, and promised to always be by my side.
It was kind of funny... I never wanted to search for love. I had always thought that I would seek it out when I was ready.
But then Cassandra appeared.
Oddly enough, when I spent time in the training yard with Cassandra, it felt nostalgic.
She also seemed very happy.
Eventually however, people recognized her dagger...
* * *
We now stood in the throne room in front of the King and Queen again.
"Cassandra, where did you get that dagger?" Ronald asked.
"That isn't an easy question to answer, father... It was given to me," Cassandra said.
"Very well. Who gave it to you?" He asked.
"A...woman named Valtheim. She came to my room and handed it to me. After that, Mizik used Vengeance to order it to select me as it's wielder."
"E-excuse me!? He did what!?" Evryss said.
She looked at me with wide eyes.
"Mother, Vengeance is the Overseer sword. It has power over the other blades. This is part of the reason I believe Mizik will be a valuable addition to our country," Cassandra said.
"And who is Valtheim?" Ronald asked.
"I...do not know... She only gave her name. Nothing more," Cassandra lied.
"I see. If this Valtheim is responsible for killing Lord Harak, wielder of Intelligence, then she must be captured. She will be thrown in jail and executed as an apology to Falkos," Ronald said firmly.
{Ha...Good LUck wiTh tHat...}
What is that supposed to mean?
{THe vOId cANNOt be conTAineD by ANythinG oTHEr tHAn ITSelF. pEriOD.}
"Furthermore, you must keep your possession of that dagger a secret. We are honored that one of our beloved daughters holds such a mighty weapon...but we must take the necessary precautions," Ronald said.
[Harak was a false wielder. He deserved his fate. There are two more false wielders you must execute.]
What is a false wielder?
[Someone who forsakes the philosophy of their sword and seeks only to use their weapon for personal gain. Someone opposed to me and my will. All wielders who dare to defy Vengeance are false welders. The legendary blades are tools to safeguard Avernia and all worlds. They must be wielded with care. You must understand my philosophy in this body if you are to unlock my full power.]
What is your philosophy?
[I already told you. You will wait until your memories return and then I will see how much you've grown.]
Okay...
"Baron Mizik? Are you listening?" Ronald said.
"Ah, sorry! I heard you, your Majesty. I was talking to Vengeance. He was telling me that this Lord Harak guy was a false wielder," I said.
"False...wielder?" Ronald said.
I quickly explained what a false wielder was and Ronald seemed to understand.
"So Vengeance did not view him as worthy to continue using Intelligence... Then could Valtheim be an agent of Vengeance...?" Ronald asked.
{YEaH...I wISh...}
"I...don't think so..." I said.
"Valtheim is probably not an ally..." Cassandra said uneasily.
I briefly considered calling Valtheim to explain herself, but... I had a feeling that wouldn't be a good idea at all.
"Hm...very well. The two of you should probably rehearse for the wedding. Rather than using the training yard, it would be better for you to learn proper etiquette, Baron Mizik. Cassandra can teach you," Ronald said.
"Yes, your Majesty. I will do everything I can to be the person Cassandra deserves," I said.
"You are quite respectable, Baron. I appreciate it. Now, you are dismissed," Ronald said.
After that, we left the throne room and began walking down the hall.
Soon, I saw something that caused a large stir in Warmage...
There was a man with short, well-groomed, blonde hair and dark blue eyes talking to Princess Isabella.
He wore a fine suit and there was a beautiful silver sword with pink gems on it attached to his side.
[False wielder.]
I made a mental note that this guy was probably fairly strong. But I would deal with him later.
Unfortunately, when we got close...
"Please, my dear. It is your destiny to become my bride! You need only say yes and I will give you pleasure beyond your wildest dreams!" The man said.
"How many times must I tell you, Arvild? I have no interest in being with such a horrible man. I am not even looking for a husband right now!" Princess Isabella said.
"Isabella...you are a beautiful flower in need of great love and care. I will be your caretaker!" Arvild said.
{ShithEad...BASTaRD!!!}
I was starting to get the feeling that this Arvild guy wasn't a friend of Warmage...
Then, Princess Isabella looked at me and smiled.
"Oh! Hello again, Mizik! Or should I say...Baron Mizik?" Princess Isabella said.
"Ah...y-yeah..." I said.
"Who the hell are you? Some random brat?" Arvild said.
Then Cassandra stepped in front of me.
"You will not speak to my fiance like that! And he is not a brat! That is Baron Mizik Iratus you speak to! Also, it would be better for you to vacate the castle immediately, Arvild. My sister isn't interested in you and you're far too annoying!" Cassandra said.
"Sweet Cassandra... How sad that you've chosen this boy instead of a man like me. Would you reconsider?" Arvild said.
Is this guy just desperate?
"I won't be nice about it like Isabella. You disgust me in every way, Arvild. Even saying your name feels revolting... You're a maggot that needs to be stomped on," Cassandra said angrily.
Arvild gritted his teeth and then allowed a smile to cross his lips.
"I see... Don't let me stop you from having fun with your latest victim, then. Besides, who would want to marry the Second Princess, anyway? Seems like a waste of time if you ask me!" He said.
Before Cassandra could respond, I saw Princess Isabella glare at Arvild.
"GET OUT OF OUR CASTLE! HOW DARE YOU SPEAK TO MY SISTER IN SUCH A WAY!!!!" She shouted.
Arvild was taken back by this and stepped away.
"Very well... I'll come back once you've calmed down...my beautiful flower. I-"
"GET LOST AND DON'T COME BACK!!" Princess Isabella shouted again.
Arvild turned and walked away.
I think I know why he's a false wielder...
Then Princess Isabella sighed.
"I'm so sorry you had to see that, Baron. I don't normally lose my temper with people, but that man is an exception. He has been harassing me for my hand in marriage since before I became a woman. He's part of the reason we receive schooling at the castle instead of Albatross Academy..." Princess Isabella said.
"It's fine... And you can call me Mizik. I'm not used to the title of Baron and it feels weird," I said.
Isabella was really easy to talk to. It felt so normal for us to speak.
"Oh my... It's rare to see someone in nobility so unbothered by these things. Where did you find him again, Cassandra?" Princess Isabella asked.
"In Lorelei. He's the son of Ulysses Iratus, but he was raised outside of their household. Also...I don't think there are any more like him," Cassandra said.
"A shame... He's quite handsome and seems very kind. If you two weren't engaged, I might pursue him, myself," Princess Isabella said playfully.
I felt my face heat up.
{PlEAse pURsuE Me...}
"But you were...! Ugh...forget it!" Cassandra said.
"Hm? Well Mizik, please feel welcome in our castle. I would like us to be friends if you're going to marry my sister. It would make me very happy!" Isabella said.
"I...uh...y-yeah... Okay, Isabella," I said.
I could feel Cassandra looking at me.
I turned to her and smiled.
"Mizik...let's go. We should start teaching you about etiquette," Cassandra said.
"Goodbye for now. And please treat my sister well!" Isabella said as she waved.
We began walking away and I waved back at her.
It was truly the strangest thing...
Why did I feel so uneasy around Cassandra sometimes?
And why did Isabella bring me such peace? I couldn't figure it out...
I wondered if it were possible that the Isabella mentioned in my dreams really was the first Princess. It would certainly explain the messages.
But...I couldn't wrap my head around it. It seemed impossible.
How the hell would a man like me manage to charm not one, but two Princesses? Utterly ridiculous.
I wanted to believe it because all of the evidence pointed to it being the truth.
Still, that was irrelevant now. I had Cassandra and that was that.
Soon, we entered Cassandra's room and she shut the door.
Then she hugged me tightly.
"Cassandra?" I said.
"You're mine... I get to be first this time...please..." She said.
"Don't worry, Cassandra. I'm not going anywhere," I said.
She smiled at me.
"I know... You're really loyal, Mizik... That's how it's always been," Cassandra said.
We spent the night in her room after that practicing etiquette.