Tales of Revenants

Chapter 35 – Ducal Highness of Ravina

They somehow managed to escape in the creepy dungeon they were imprisoned.

Thanks to Luna's Frost Enchant, the enemies' sleeping vial infused needles they threw at them were rendered useless. They fled without any injury or anything serious.

When they got out of sewer from the east street, which luckily for them there were not many people around so they went behind the brambles that were planted around the fence of a big mansion.

“These blackberries are tasty, but I still prefer lava apples,” Lena was munching the fruits of the shrubs.

“Those are ghost berries you fool, and you might get a stomachache later,” Laken told her.

She immediately spits what she had in her mouth and threw those what she harvested, “Why didn't you said earlier?!” Lena retorted while she sobs.

“More importantly, drink this,” Laken opened the mouth of the guy who was supposed to be a prisoner on the underground dungeon and let him drink a few mana potions and health potions as first aid.

“Don't die yet...! Light Blessing, Light Blessing...!” Luciella showered healing spells to mend his bruises and wounds all over his body. You can tell just by looking at his pitiable condition the horror he's been through.

The mark of t*****e and pain he felt gradually diminished as Luciella continually heals his injured figure.

They were relieved when he coughs blood. At least they knew he was still alive somehow. He slowly opened his eyes and saw Laken's face, “You okay now?”

“Ahh!” he shrieks like a woman. He curled himself up towards the brambles as he shivers in fear.

Luciella couldn't believe his mind was also scarred to the point he can no longer trust anyone he sees. Good thing there's no one around so no one heard him except them.

“Don't be afraid. We are no longer in prison. You asked for our help when we were escaping earlier,” Luciella speaks most kindly.

Though he is still doubtful, he realizes he's no longer in the cell where they confined him. He can't be blamed if he got frightened after seeing Laken's serious glare right after waking up.

He slowly came out of the bushes like some random animal. His handsome face is a waste if he stays to be that pathetic, which is what Lena thinks of him.

“Ahh... I was freed... finally...” He uttered while he's not holding back his teardrops.

He remembered he was in the presence of those who saved him. He wiped his tears away and sat on the grasses.

“I thank you all for saving my life... I will promise to repay your kindness...” He knelt to prove how grateful he was. Laken tapped his back as if saying there's no need to.

“We don't need gratitude, we need information,” Laken stated, “Now, based on your noble garment. I assume you're an important person that is confined in the underground prison. Tell us who you are and anything you know,” he continued making sure it was worth saving him.

“Sorry for introducing myself in such condition,” he stood in front of them. Though his garments are dirty and soiled, the way he stands and bows down in such an elegant way was surely what a nobility could act as social grace, very humble and dignified no matter the circumstances.

“I'm Duke Deriar Warlace, the Ducal Highness of the Ravina City,” he introduced himself with the highest respect.

They were quite surprised to know he was the duke of the frontline city of Dethrim Kingdom. He was confined in the underground dungeon for a reason.

Laken thought that the fact he was captured and no one else noticed the change. It means he had a doppelganger that is pulling the string from behind.

He also remembered that the irritating leader who wanted to capture Eirisse had the same voice of Duke Deriar, which pertains to only one thing; the leader of the culprits is pretending as the duke of Ravina City.

“Are these must be Lena and Luna? You've grown up so fast I couldn't recognize you two,” Deriar showed them a warm smile.

The sisters pointed themselves not sure if they identify him, “I don't remember you, uncle. You must be mistaken; we are Heavenly Heroes!” Lena proudly proclaimed.

“I know, you were still toddlers when your family visited my mansion,” Deriar reminisces his memories.

“Your father is a friend of mine, and the previous fourth and fifth Heavenly Heroes predicted you two will succeed in the position. And look at you now, strong and wise, time sure flies fast,” the two sisters couldn't believe he knew of their parents.

“Before we continue such a reunion, mind telling us why you were confined?” Laken cut to the point. There's not much time as they still don't know if Eirisse and Xenon are really fine.

“There are so many important things I want to tell you, but it seems this isn't the place for that,” Deriar suggested.

They considered they are literally discussing it behind bushes which is unethical for the duke himself.

Duke Deriar ushered them on the gate of the mansion, “This is your mansion uncle?” Lena asked.

“Sort of, we can discuss things here,” he replied.

“Are you sure they will recognize you as the master of the house?” Laken is concerned.

“Don't worry. My servants knew what they serve is a faker, but they just never could oppose that imposter,” Deriar answered.

The backyard of the mansion is quite spacious. They had lots of ghost berries brambles and roses along the trails of the track. The lamps emit mild light if you step past through it which you can find its eccentrics appeal when walking on the tiled pathway.

It was maintained with care but his mansion is still spooky considering the day looks night.

Duke Deriar opened the door of his mansion. The butlers and maids who are busy taking care of things lines up vertically when he signaled his hand.

“These guests saved me from months of being confined, show them the greatest courtesy, understood?!” Duke Deriar commanded his servants, “As you wish Ducal Highness and welcome home,” all of the servants have shown their respect.

The man who was pathetically frightened earlier is now back to his feet. His grace in considering his master-servant relationship shows how kind of a person he is.

The servants quickly replaced his garments into an appropriate one right after exiting the changing room. Deriar escorted Laken and the rest to the guest room.

They sat on a rather comfy sofa where the maids serve wine and cookies on the rounded table.

Humbly, the butlers offered the sisters and Luciella a glass of hot milk, which comes with a spoon and a sugar-serving canister.

“Make sure no one disturbs this room,” Deriar ordered his servants, “As you wish Ducal Highness,” the servants replied before leaving and locking the guest room.

“Why your servants didn't save you instead?” Laken asked while he takes a glass of wine.

“As I told you, they can't impose even if their master is an imposter. That's just how things work in the Dethrim Kingdom,” Deriar savored the wine he had not tasted for too long.

The sisters and Luciella took a sip of the milk and they seemed to like it pretty much. Though Luciella herself is pouting because they think of her as a child which gets to her nerves.

Laken doesn't want to fathom the small details about the law and rules of their monarchy. He simply wanted to cut through the important parts, “Tell me what is happening in this kingdom.”

“I know you came here for a purpose as I am well aware of who you are, but after hearing my story, will you help me save my people?” Duke Deriar asked with grace.

“Depends if it's somehow connected to our goal, then we will definitely help,” Laken answered.

Duke Deriar beamed with comfort as they have agreed. Later his face became serious. They carefully hear out what he has to say about the fishy things going on which might connect the piece of the puzzle they just needed.