Hierarchy
1965 Words
As battle continued in different parts of Kumoshima, alliances were exposed like fishes dried under the sun—left open for everyone to see and preyed upon.
But those who were still hidden were either calm, believing they wouldn't be inflicted in any way or at their wits’ end, as if there was a sword above their heads.
There was no movement between the two main forces until the third night. The Great Lang’s main force, which was composed of the blacksmiths who infiltrated Kumoshima for years, General Wei’s loyal soldiers and Prime Minister Idjimo’s people, had a sudden internal conflict.
After a month and a half’s secret alliance, the citizens loyal to the Princes of Great Lang separated themselves from the claws of the Prime Minister. The appearance of the enemies on a flank surprised them. The gray ribbon tied around their wrists became a symbol for those loyal to the Ancient Wolf Clan.
Another group of enemies suddenly attacked the main force of Kumoshima. It was supposedly a surprise attack to cut their retreat but with enough people to deal with the enemies upfront, they were free to turn against these fellows, avoiding the trap.
War, in any history, had never been a good thing. Even with some agreements, there would still be people who will suffer. People who lost their families or their home, people who would never see their loved ones anymore. It was never a pretty sight.
Rain fell at the Kawahara City, lowering the visibility, disrupting both forces as if it wanted to punish both sides.
The darkness of the night and the pouring of the rain veiled the movements of a certain person as he passed through the streets on his way to a certain place to meet someone.
He showed a certain wooden pass as he reached the entrance of the manor, quietly glancing at the large eagle and snake insignia carved on the wooden gate. As the guard verified its authenticity, he checked all directions of the street behind him. After the attendant arrived and checked his pass, the former brought him to the study room where his ‘client’ was waiting for him.
“My Lord, a messenger has arrived.”
“Sent him in,” a calm, dignified voice ordered from the inside.
“As you wish my lord.”
The attendant slid open the door, then gestured for the visitor to enter.
The room was eight tatami mats wide. Sitting in the north of the room while writing a calligraphy was the Minister of the Left.
The messenger kneeled two meters away from the table, “My Lord, everything was completed.”
Lord Shun did not replied as the graceful movements of his hand continued to glide over the exquisite scroll, his calligraphy strict and clean. It was only after he put down the brush did he reply, “Very Well.”
An attendant waiting outside announced herself and went in to help the Lord wear his kimono jacket. Another one ran right away to prepare the carriage back to the Palace. Once Lord Shun was done, he gestured for the messenger to follow him.
“Are you afraid of me,” Lord Shun asked but the messenger did not reply, making the lord chuckle. Halfway through the gate, he turned to the guard and said, “There was no need to be scared of me right now.” He smiled as he saw the messenger’s shoulder relaxed.
Lord Shun’s kind smile made everyone around him relax everyday. He was confident this young man will, too.
Just as they reached the gate, Lord Shun greeted the two guards. He smiled at them, “You’ve worked hard for nightwatch.” Both the guards thanked him, he continued, “I heard you both liked beautiful men. Enjoy your reward.”
Before the messenger could react, four arms already grabbed him as he was pulled back inside the manor. The last thing he saw was Lord Shun’s bone-chilling smile as he looked at him, blood red umbrella shielding him in the rain, before the wooden gate closed once again, shutting him from the world.
_______
“My Lord is always very decisive.”
Minister Shun looked up and saw his nephew, “Fei, you really like surprising people,” his voice still sounded kindly. Fools who did not know him always fell for this benevolence trap. Minister Shun was a real deal black hearted white lotus*. He took the seat beside Lord Fei. As the carriage moved, he answered, “Of course, there was nothing wrong protecting one’s self from danger,” he said nonchalantly, as if he did not do anything wrong. “There was no way to prove he wouldn't assassinate me,” he added.
(A/N: black hearted white lotus: kind on the surface, evil on the inside)
“Uncle, I really should learn from you. Anyway, what business do you have in the palace?”
“Why don’t you come with me to see for yourself.?”
Startled, Lord Fei asked, “Uncle… you already? Is that the reason why you’re not telling me not to wander around now?”
“Yes, I have to come personally or those low lives might dip their hands on something that is not for them,” Minister Shun answered as if he was talking about his adorable, silly pets.
Lord Fei shivered internally because of his uncle’s gesture before seriously contemplating if he would go or not. In the, he still declined, “I sent someone to capture and discipline a little friend that can’t be tamed before. I received a letter that he had been captured. I can’t wait to see it.”
After Lord Fei escaped from prison, thanks to his Uncle, he started planning how to get back at Keisuke and his companions. Though he was unsatisfied with Masatomo, he could not lurk around freely unlike before so he had no choice but let the other handle the situation. Fortunately, he was able to hire more reliable people. They captured Keisuke a few days ago.
“This made your Uncle curious about this person. Is he that important?”
“Nothing significant. But I could toy with him in return to what he did to me.”
Minister Shun did not ask further.
Lord Fei left the carriage before they entered the palace.
The Imperial Guards greeted him before letting him inside the palace.
He had replaced most of the Imperial guards from their allies. As for the Shadow Guards, it took him a while to figure out how to poison them.
No one will question him, the Minister of the Left. It was normal for him to be summoned.Even if outsiders saw, no one would dare go against him.
When Luminous returned, the food was already well-prepared. He forked a piece of pork cutlet and shoved it into his mouth. He saw Chraen smiled while looking at him.
“You,” he started, beaming at the other, "You really can cook.”
Chraen chuckled, “Not really. I only knew how to please those two people with this. Let’s eat?”
No one spoke while eating. However, Luminous can feel Chraen’s gazes. Though he was not uncomfortable about it, he also couldn't help but worry.
He looked up from his food and asked, “Are you worried about something?”
“I’ll tell you after we finish the meal.”
This piqued Luminous’ curiosity. However, he did not expect what Chraen did after the meal.
“This should be the right way or I remembered it wrong?”
It was already their second dead end.
Luminous stared at Chraen’s back as the other person struggled to find their way around the maze garden. He believed wholeheartedly that the Chraen who came to him the other day and this one were two different people.
However, he had no plans of telling him what actually happened right away. He needed to be careful when dealing with these things. Careful not to trigger anything that might endanger Chraen’s life.
Just as he was about to follow Chraen, the other person called him, “Luminous, don’t you think this wall was unusually too thick?”
Luminous pressed his left hand on the wall for support but just as his palm touched it, the area they were holding on to suddenly sunk. Startled, they heard a faint rumbling of unknown machineries. But before they could even look at it, a female’s voice suddenly called for Chraen’s name.
Chraen became stiff all of a sudden, eyes blanked.
Luminous looked at him worriedly. “What happened? Are you alright?”
It took him a few seconds before he finally moved. He slowly stood up, his voice seemed gentler and finer than usual. His eyes curved as he smiled at Luminous, “Let’s go. I’m afraid Mother will get angry if she sees us here.”
Without waiting for Luminous’ answer, Chraen pulled him out of the maze easily. Luminous frowned. Something was wrong with the other’s actions.
The elevated, almost shrieking voice of the woman made Luminous’ frown grow deeper.
“Chraen! Chraen, how dare you bring someone in my garden?! Get out as soon as possible!”
“Mother, we’re almost there, wait a bit.”
As they stepped out of the maze, a crisp slap greeted Chraen’s face.
Luminous pulled him back but he was late to see Celeste’s actions.
“Chraen!” Luminous held and observed the other’s face. Chraen’s cheeks started to turn red.
Celeste turned at him in hysteria, “Who are you?! This kid has no friends. Did you trick him to get in here?!”
Chraen turned his head and looked at Celeste without letting go of the person in front of him. “Madam, don’t you recognize me? I am Luminous Zofel Madrozja. We’ve met before,” he said, clenched teeth. He really did not like her. And now, she abused her step son? Does Mr. Visterdja know about it? Did he really just let her hurt Chraen?
Celeste’s eyes widened. She did not recognize Noctis’ nephew. Trying to save her face, she smiled, “A-ah, it is Young Master Zofel. I’m sorry. Did I startle you? I always tell this kid not to bring people in the maze. Because the maze was rarely maintained. There are areas that need repair.”
Luminous just stared at her. Yes, what she said made sense, but there were too many flaws in her reasons. He looked at Chraen. For some reason, the latter’s eyes downcasted, not even saying a single word. He looked worried and scared. “It doesn’t matter. May I have some ice cubes? I'll take care of Chraen.”
Celeste’s eyes narrowed, “You don’t need to worry about this child.” She tried to pull Chraen but Luminous blocked between them.
“Madam, I’ll bring him to his room. We still need to plan for the school festival.”
Luminous put his arms on Chraen’s shoulder, “Let’s go.” He did not wait for the other’s reply. He led the other into the house to look for Damian.
“Madam sent Mr. Damian to bring the documents Master Bazyli left behind.”
“Then could you tell me where Chraen's room is?”
“Please follow me.”
On the way, Luminous saw a huge family portrait with both Celeste and Chraen on it. Both were smiling as if both had a good relationship with each other. He sighed. Luminous did not mean to interfere with their family affair, but how could he ignore what happened earlier?
“Damn, and here I thought you had a good relationship with your mom.”
Luminous brought him to the
- Writer
