Conquering The Novel



The sun rose, casting its warm glow upon the ruins of the castle. Debris and bloodshed littered the grounds, a grim testament to the fierce battle that had unfolded. Ares, having dealt with Artin and Aretrus, now made his way to the Imperial Infirmary where King Aretemur was being treated.

As they walked together, Elaine couldn't help but voice her thoughts, her voice filled with curiosity and a hint of concern. "...What if Aretrus was telling the truth? What if he truly was innocent and had no hand in your mother's death or your assassination?" she questioned, her eyes searching Ares's face for a glimpse of doubt or reconsideration.

Ares's steps faltered for a moment, his gaze fixed on the path ahead. The weight of Elaine's words lingered in the air, causing a brief pause in their steady stride.

Finally, he spoke, his voice carrying a mix of determination and indifference. "It doesn't really matter if he was innocent or not," he replied, his tone unwavering. "I had already made up my mind to deal with every one of them, to ensure they can't cause any more problems for me in the future."

Elaine observed Ares closely, his words echoing in her mind. She understood his perspective, having read countless novels and experienced the consequences of leaving loose ends. Ares's decision reflected his strategic mindset, the desire to eliminate potential threats and ensure his own safety and power.

It resonated with Elaine, a mirror of her own thoughts and actions. Reminding her of the battles she had fought with her own sisters.

A mixture of amusement and understanding welled up within Elaine, her smile widening to an almost maniacal extent. She found a kindred spirit in Ares, a soulmate who shared her uncompromising nature and unyielding determination. The realization filled her with a twisted joy, for she had feared that her own strength and personality would drive away potential partners, just as it had in the past.

But with Ares, she saw a different path. The similarities in their personalities gave her a sense of relief, knowing that she wouldn't have to hide or be judged for her true self.

Ares's merciless approach to opponents and his unwavering loyalty to those he loved mirrored Elaine's character. It was a connection that transcended conventional understanding, a bond that embraced their shared darkness.

As Elaine walked by Ares's side, her heart felt lighter, as if a burden had been lifted. The knowledge that she had found someone who would accept her for who she truly was brought her a sense of solace and a newfound determination to stand by his side, no matter the cost.

"We...are so alike," Elaine muttered with a chuckle, her amusement evident in her voice.

Her constellation's message appeared before her, affirming the uncanny similarity between their personalities. [Yeah, it's almost scary how similar your personalities are!]

Ares, overhearing her comment, shook his head in disbelief. "I have to admit, it's true," he replied, a hint of amusement tugging at the corners of his lips.

Elaine couldn't help but tease him further, her mischievous nature coming to the forefront. "So, do I have a chance to become a Queen when you ascend the throne?" she asked playfully, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Ares's response came swiftly and without hesitation. "No, you can't," he stated firmly, his voice leaving no room for negotiation. "You would lay the entire kingdom in ruins if you were to become the Queen."

"....."

Elaine blinked, momentarily taken aback by his blunt rejection. She couldn't deny the truth in his words, knowing deep down that she wasn't suited for the burdensome responsibilities of ruling.

Yet, a spark of determination flickered in her eyes. "I indeed dislike unnecessary work like overseeing a kingdom," she admitted. "But if it's for my husband, I am willing to sacrifice my enjoyment and take up this bothersome task!"

"...There's no need for you to sacrifice anything. I already have a candidate who can take care of the kingdom while I am away," Ares replied with a knowing smile.

!?

Elaine's curiosity was piqued as she pressed for more information. "Hmm? And who might that woman be?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"You will know when the time comes," Ares responded cryptically, leaving Elaine intrigued. Their conversation came to an end as they arrived at the heavily guarded hospital where King Aretemur was being treated.

!!

The sight of Ares, alive and bloodstained, caused shock and disbelief to ripple through the guards. Their expressions mirrored their astonishment as they witnessed what they believed to be an impossible sight.

Several guards, their hands trembling, instinctively took up fighting stances, as if facing a ghost from the past. The aura of power that emanated from Ares sent chills down their spines, making them question their resolve.

Ares wasted no time asserting his authority, his voice cutting through the tense atmosphere. "If anyone tries to stop me, expect no mercy from me," he declared with an icy determination, his words resonating in the air.

Gulp—

Just as tension reached its peak, an old woman with a walking stick appeared, calling out to Ares.

"Prince Ares!"

Ares turned his attention toward her, and as the guards noticed her presence, they lowered their weapons, their fear replaced by respect, following her silent command.

"The King has been expecting you," the old woman announced, her voice carrying a weight of authority.

!?

The knights, recognizing her as a figure of importance, didn't question her words. They lowered their weapons and bowed slightly, acknowledging their previous rudeness. "Please forgive us for our rudeness, Prince Ares!" they spoke in unison. 

The old woman's address to Ares as "Prince" caught the guards off guard, as they were aware of his disownment and loss of the prince title. Their minds raced, contemplating the implications of the old woman's presence and her connection to the King. They dared not question her or risk the wrath of their potential new king.

Ares, however, paid little attention to the guards' reactions, his focus fixated on the old woman before him. Amusement danced in his eyes as he spoke, "I am surprised that you are still alive and kicking old hag."

"....."

The old woman shook her head with a tired smile. "What can I do? You stupid brats won't let me retire. I can only rest in my grave now," she muttered, gesturing for Ares to follow her. "This way!"

Ares silently fell in line behind the old woman, accompanied by Elaine. As they walked, the old woman guided them through the corridors toward King Artemur's room.

The old woman was known as the keeper of the Kingdom, a figure entrusted with caring for generations of princes and princesses since the kingdom's founding. Her age remained a mystery, shrouded in the depths of time.

As they walked, the woman spoke, her voice carrying a somber tone. "It seems you have just unleashed a storm of bloodshed upon your own blood," the old woman remarked, her words weighed down with a mix of resignation and deep familiarity. "...History has an uncanny way of repeating itself," she added, shaking her head in disappointment, and the echoes of her walking stick hitting the ground resonated in the corridor.

Tick— Tick— Tick

Ares wasn't surprised that she had deduced the recent massacre of his brothers and the Queen from the stains of blood on his clothes. Having lived for centuries, she had witnessed countless power struggles and held knowledge of secrets unknown to others in the kingdom.

Lost in his thoughts, Ares silently followed the old woman until they reached the room where King Artemur was.

Click—

The door creaked open under the old woman's touch, granting access to the room. She turned to Ares and spoke, her voice filled with a mix of authority and wisdom. "I will be waiting outside. You can have a talk with him," she said, before glancing at Elaine. "You can accompany him if you want."

Ares remained silent, his expression was serious and cold. There was no room for hesitation or second thoughts in his mind. He had come here with a singular purpose—to confront the man who had claimed to be his father, the one who had orchestrated so much pain and deceit in his previous self.

Elaine's grin widened, her amusement growing. She didn't receive a response from Ares, but she knew his intentions. Stepping closer to him, she whispered softly, "I'll be right here, supporting you."

However, Ares didn't acknowledge her comment. With a resolute stride, he stepped into the room, leaving no room for doubt about his intentions.

Inside, the atmosphere was heavy with tension. King Artemur lay on the bed, his once-strong figure now weakened by the poison. His eyes widened as they met Ares's gaze, a mix of surprise and concern flickering within them. The weight of their shared history hung in the air, palpable and suffocating.

Ares locked eyes with King Artemur, his voice cold and controlled. "It's time we had a talk, ...father." 

The stage was set for a confrontation that would shape the destiny of both Ares and the kingdom. As the door closed behind him, Ares prepared to face the man who had played a pivotal role in his previous self, ready to confront the truth and seek his own justice.

To be continued...