Emperor's Reckoning

The cold wind was getting warmer with the time continuously flowing. As the ray of supernal light beginning to fill a glade, the leaves were fluttering as if welcoming a new hope. The luminal glow slowly erased the looming shadows and expose the lush greensward. The sound of grass hitting each other gave the hues to the spring-like forest and proved its living breath of life.

Butterflies could be seen pirouetted in pairs as they approached a batch of wildflowers. Despite the riffling sound of the grass, the fluty piping of birds still filled the serene calmness.

Nature's beautiful phenomenon was focusing on one individual. The silhouette was sitting on top of the greensward in a meditate state seemingly derived from worldly desires. A warm ray of shimmering gold light slowly uncovered his charismatic feature and the complexion of a young man. If the angels were to be sent down, they would think that he was a seraph.

A little bird dared itself and sat on top of his head while the others quickly followed suit. Like a statue, the figure didn't disturb by the sudden event. If cultivators were to watch this they would die from envy. What the figure did was the ultimate skill of 'clear mind', this allowed the user to gain a depth understanding of things in the world, enhancing their mental state to further development.

"Man I need to take a piss," said the young man under his breath.

*flutter

All the birds immediately flew in a different direction, scattering the heavenly image. Even the riffling grass stopped producing sound while the gold shimmering light from the sun dimmed for a second.

The young man lazily stood up and go to a nearby tree to do his business while whistling. The young man was of course none other than Lyon himself.

"Lyon, Biane has woken up," A distance voice was calling him.

"Oh I'll be right there!" said Lyon as he hurriedly fixed his clothes.

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In the carriage, Biane was resting peacefully by the side while her eyes slowly fluttered.

"Biane, Biane..." She heard a soft voice repeatedly calling her name. She definitely felt the warmth from the tone her ears caught. She could tell whose voice it belonged to and she playfully closes her eyes as to tease him.

"Biane wake up, Biane!" Lyon kept calling her name but she still didn't open her eyes. However, Lyon caught her taking a peek through her right eyes for a split quarter a second.

Lyon smiled as he understood the situation. Since inside the carriage only host the two of them, there was nothing that could hold Lyon back.

"Biane... I'm sorry if only I came earlier," said Lyon with a sigh while slowly rustling her hair.

Biane who was only pretending to sleep, had her heart floating in the sky. (Hehehe) she couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. She was really enjoying this single conversation from Lyon.

Lyon's thumb gently touched her bottom lip as he said, "If only..."

*thump

Biane's cheek gradually became red as she had no way to stop this natural reaction from her body. (If only what?!) her heartbeat was getting stronger.

Lyon took a deep breath before continuing, "If only... You let me squeeze your boobs right now."

.

.

.

*silence

.

.

.

"Ehh!" Biane suddenly risen up from her slumber with her eyes opened wide.

"Ah!" Lyon was taken by surprise as his reflex propelled his head up.

*bang

A loud bump was heard as the roof of the carriage had a visible dent on it.

The sound of rapid footsteps was getting closer before the carriage door opened revealing a frantic beautiful woman. Her face had a hint of Biane but not too close.

"Lyon, what happened to your head?" asked Clemora as she saw a lump.

"Nothing, I just felt like stretching and accidentally hit the roof hahaha," said Lyon as he got out from the carriage leaving the two women.

Clemora looked at the ceiling where Lyon hit his head. (His head is clearly the harder material here) thought Clemora.

The two women looked at each other as the sad expression was evident on their faces. They recall the night before where their lives were hanging on a thread and felt the cold shiver once again.

"I guess, this is how politic is huh," said Biane softly. The betrayal and the death from the two guards still shock both of them. They were one among the loyal guards to them, yet in the end, those years of loyalty could be flipped easily.

Then again, they couldn't blame them considering the situation they were in. Being threatened by the royal family means not only one individual will be inflicted, but their loved ones too. Luderia's power and sovereignty were too powerful that petty feelings were just scrapping to the people that seek its throne.

"Why did they have to die too I wonder?" asked Biane to her cool little sister.

In terms of political view, Clemora was definitely the superior one and Biane will not hesitate to ask either.

"My guess is that they will be the scapegoat," said Clemora before explaining. "Since our status had value in the politic war, our death must be explained thoroughly. They could have easily made up a story such as we were killed by our own guards and the zither being stolen by them, luckily the royal guards managed to track them down and retrieve the zither, or something along the line."

Biane sighed, "Do you have a feeling which royalty did it?"

Clemora shook her head, "I can't say yet, I need more clues, but one thing for sure is that we need to get to Luderia quickly. I'll be in the driver seat with Lyon, you can rest here and recuperate with Fenrir," said Clemora before leaving.

*neigh

The horses were up and running as Lyon held the reign with Clemora beside him who was directing the way from the map she was holding. "Why don't you rest up inside Clemora?" asked Lyon.

"She needs a full rest, I don't want to disturb her," answered Clemora without looking at him and busies herself with the map.

Lyon chuckled, (You really care for her that much huh, others might fail to see, but I can see it. You are really tired right now)

"Alright after this is just a straight line to Luderia's front gate."

"Oh great, then you can rest too, leave the rest up to me," said Lyon as he forcefully put her head on his right shoulder.

"W-what are you.."

"Shhh... just relax."

Clemora was trying to get up but her fatigue clearly overcome her. Her face was bright red, "F-fine, just don't do anything funny!" said Clemora as she bashfully closed her eyes.

"Don't worry I won't," chuckled Lyon as he set his target toward Luderia.