Evilness, the all-consuming power that holds sway over life and death.

 "According to the information passed down from my mother and grandparents, they resided in the village of Avalon, about 10 hours away by horse from where we are now. The village no longer exists, but I’ve always imagined it vividly—almost like I had lived there myself. My mother, when she was about 10, just on the verge of entering puberty, hadn’t yet chosen a partner despite many suitors, some her age, others much older."

The memories of Avalon that my mother had shared with me always felt strangely vivid, as though I had been there in those moments. Even now, I can see it clearly in my mind—a quaint village, simple yet beautiful, a place untouched by the chaos that haunts most of the empire. It was nestled in the heart of the countryside, home to about 1,200 souls, all under the leadership a noble who lived among the people as if he were one of them and his family, his wife and my childhood friend Ninaies Hernandez .

I could almost feel the joy and laughter my mother described, despite the occasional threats that lurked in the shadows. Avalon wasn’t protected by the towering walls of the capital or a fortress, yet they felt safe. The natural beauty of the surrounding landscape—a babbling water canyon, lush forests, and hidden groves—was enough to make them feel secure. To my mother and her peers, it was a world of adventure, a paradise.

Aido: "One day, while my mother was tending to the family’s animals—horses, sheep, cows, and chickens—she began to feel unwell. At first, she thought it was just fatigue from a long day, but she collapsed soon after. My grandparents rushed to her side, only to find her in the midst of giving birth. They couldn’t explain it—she hadn’t been pregnant. Yet there she was, with strange circles of light surrounding her and an ancient language whispering in the air."

The room around me stilled as I spoke, the weight of the story sinking into everyone present. Luyira leaned in closer, her eyes wide with awe, hanging onto every word. Even Saint Mary, with her infinite knowledge, listened with rapt attention.

Aido: "Despite still being fully clothed, the outline of an infant’s head—my head—began to emerge within the circle of light. With every push, I came further into the world. My grandparents were terrified, but their instincts guided them, and they helped my mother. It took only minutes before I was fully born, though the situation was far from normal. My umbilical cord still attached to my mother began to glow. But then, something even more bizarre happened."

I could feel the tension rising in the room, the anticipation of the next part gripping everyone.

Aido: "A creature appeared. It looked like a mechanical beast, a fusion of metal and flesh, and it called itself ‘Destroyer.’ Fear gripped my grandparents as they faced this strange figure in the stable. My grandfather, holding a shovel, was ready to fight it off, but before he could strike, the creature spoke."

The room fell silent as I recounted the strange events that followed.

Destroyer: "Please remain calm. I have not come with malicious intent. I am here to explain what is happening and to protect your family."

My mother nodded as I spoke, her expression thoughtful as she remembered that day. The audience around us seemed captivated—both shocked and intrigued by this revelation. Even Jose and Febronia, my grandparents, had been stunned by the creature’s words at the time.

Jose: "That… creature spoke?"

Febronia: "Yes, it did."

I continued, my voice calm but filled with the weight of the moment.

Destroyer: "The child you are holding is your grandson. He is ensuring his mother’s well-being, preparing her for the trials to come."

Jose, still bewildered, asked, "Trials?"

Destroyer: "The ancient concept of immaculate conception has been misunderstood over the centuries. I, too, have been dormant for many generations, awaiting this moment. Upon sensing the energy of my master—your grandson—I came here immediately. I am his guardian, his shield, and his guide. My purpose is to safeguard him and your family."

The room seemed to breathe with me as I recounted the Destroyer’s words. Everyone was listening, their disbelief slowly being replaced by a sense of reverence.

Aido: "The creature explained that I was chosen by fate and that danger would always follow me, but that there would also be great joys. It said that I was giving my mother the ability to survive, to grow stronger. Her body would gain energy and her skin would become impervious to harm from ordinary beings."

I glanced around, noting the shocked expressions, especially from Luyira, who was now practically hanging off her seat, her eyes wide with wonder.

Aido: "Then, Destroyer made a proclamation. 'The name of your grandson shall be Aido!'"

A strange sense of pride filled my chest as I continued. My grandparents had shifted from fear to astonishment to joy in the span of minutes. There had been no prophecy about my coming, no legend that foretold the rebirth of a redeemer, yet the mere mention of my name had filled them with peace. They had known, in that moment, that this was a blessing.

The room was silent now, every ear tuned to my story. Saint Mary leaned forward slightly, her serene expression unchanged but her eyes gleaming with interest.

Aido: "In that moment, despite the fear and confusion, my grandparents knew that they were witnessing something divine. And though I didn’t understand it at the time, I was aware of something greater calling me. My mother survived the ordeal, stronger and healthier than ever before, just as Destroyer had promised."

My voice grew softer as I finished, the memory of that tale settling over the room like a heavy blanket.

Aido: "That is how I came into the world—surrounded by light, guided by forces I still don’t fully understand. And ever since that day, my path has been tied to this destiny."

I let the silence linger for a moment, the weight of the story still heavy in the air. My mother smiled at me, a knowing look in her eyes, while Luyira remained captivated by every detail. Saint Mary nodded, as though understanding something deeper.

Finally, King Arthur spoke, his voice steady and filled with respect. "Your birth, Aido, was not just an event—it was a sign. A sign that the forces that protect this empire are still alive and powerful. And you, young Redeemer, are proof of that."

I nodded slowly, feeling the truth of his words. My story was no longer just mine—it was tied to the fate of the empire, to the fight against the Titanic Beasts, and to the legacy of warriors like Frenia and Saint Mary.

And as I stood there, surrounded by the most powerful figures in the land, I knew that my story was just beginning.

Aido: "Upon hearing my name, my mother stirred from her slumber and immediately requested to hold me in her arms. It was miraculous—my umbilical cord vanished without a trace. Even though her body hadn’t fully developed to nurture a child, she began to produce milk at that very moment, providing sustenance as I, like any newborn, needed to feed every few hours. As Destroyer spoke my name to my grandparents, they were instructed to keep the circumstances of my birth a closely guarded secret until the time was right."

I watched as King Arthur pondered my story, his expression thoughtful. The idea of a virgin birth, accompanied by mysterious lights and an intelligent mechanical beast, seemed like something plucked from ancient legends, yet here we were, discussing it as reality.

King Arthur: "A virgin birth, lights, and a beast with intelligence… guided by divine forces. And your mother, Alidia, transformed from a simple maiden into a prominent figure through these events—it’s truly remarkable."

Just then, Saint Mary interjected, her voice laced with curiosity. "My God, what a strange and incredible story… but wait, your mother's hymen...?"

Before I could respond, Luyira proudly exclaimed, "He broke it!" Her declaration was met with a sharp reprimand from Alidia, whose exasperation echoed through the room.

Alidia: "LUY!" Her tone was filled with anger, the kind that only a mother could wield. Conversations about intimacy weren’t necessarily taboo in our society, but such personal knowledge still carried an air of propriety. Alidia refrained from physically punishing Luyira, though I could sense that Luy might not escape punishment later.

Still, Saint Mary’s question lingered in the air, and she quickly shifted the conversation. "I was unaware that Destroyer’s true form resembles a mechanical mutant beast. I’ve only seen him in his humanoid form, similar to the androids still operating in the industrial zones."

I chuckled softly, sensing her hesitation. "It seems you haven’t encountered his alternate form, perhaps to avoid alarm. When at home, he mainly assumes his animal form and seeks affection from me, much like a loyal pet. He only takes his humanoid form for educational purposes."

King Arthur, intrigued by our conversation, leaned forward slightly, his curiosity evident. "It piques my interest to witness such a transformation. I would like to distinguish him from the mechanical mutant beasts we’ve encountered in the past. Those creatures have proven too dangerous to transport to the capital, much like the demi-humans, posing significant threats to both students and citizens alike."

Prince Lasui, who had remained quiet up until now, spoke up. "It seems Aido’s narrative confirms his role as the Redeemer."

I shook my head slightly, unsure how to respond to the prince’s assertion. "I’m not so certain about that. Destroyer claims I am his incarnate lord, and I’ve had strange dreams… but I don’t see myself as anything more than a man. Without Destroyer, my strength is no greater than any other citizen. The only distinguishing feature I have is my white hair, and… well… I suppose I possess an unusual amount of sexual prowess and endurance."

At that, Saint Mary smiled softly, her voice steady and patient. "It is believed that your abilities are dormant, perhaps sealed like those of the Retter Messiah. We may have lived for centuries, but we are still uncertain about the full extent of our powers. The white hair you speak of is common in many individuals—why do you believe it holds special meaning?"

I pondered her question for a moment before responding. "Could this be why Destroyer accompanies me? To protect me until I am capable of defending myself? After all, historical texts depict Aido with black hair, not white."

Luyira, ever loyal, chimed in confidently, "Rest assured, I will always stand by your side, along with Mother."

Alidia, her voice filled with pride, added, "They call me the impenetrable wall for a reason."

I smiled softly, feeling the warmth of their support. "Despite my doubts, my mother remains unchanged in appearance. For decades, she has displayed superhuman strength, unparalleled defensive skills, and unmatched prowess with a spear." I glanced at Alidia, watching as her cheeks flushed with pride.

King Arthur nodded solemnly, acknowledging the weight of my words. "Indeed, this meeting is to support and prepare you for the weeks to come. Your strength and the abilities you’ve yet to uncover will be vital."

Saint Mary shifted the conversation once more, her voice now tinged with concern. "Everything was peaceful until the village was attacked?"

I nodded. "Correct. My early years were relatively ordinary, aside from Destroyer’s presence, which I kept hidden from most. When we ventured outside, Destroyer would often transform into a protective cloak. Meanwhile, my mother and grandparents worked in the fields, preparing for harvest. I spent much of my time with Nina, the noble’s only child."

At the mention of Nina, Luyira smirked playfully, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Ah, the mysterious cat thief I have yet to meet."

Her comment seemed to confuse Saint Mary, who tilted her head slightly. "Pardon my confusion—could you elaborate on that?"

I chuckled softly at Luyira’s teasing before continuing. "Nina and I were inseparable. People in the village often joked that we were destined to end up together. We were close—so close, in fact, that I spent many nights at her family’s mansion, and she stayed at my home as well. We shared everything—our secrets, our fears… even witnessed the intimacy of our parents, their love and passion for each other."

There was a subtle gasp from Saint Mary, though she remained composed, her expression thoughtful.

I continued. "Nina made it clear that she wanted to be my partner for life. She had already pledged herself to me, and the village believed we would marry one day. It felt… inevitable, like our fates were intertwined from birth."

For a moment, the room was filled with the weight of those words—of a childhood friendship that had bloomed into something more, something that had once seemed destined for the future. But as I recounted the story of Nina, I felt a bittersweet pang in my chest, for I knew that those days of innocence were long gone.

The room remained silent, as if everyone was holding their breath, waiting for the inevitable revelation about what had happened next—the attack that had shattered my world, and the truth of why Nina was no longer by my side.

But before I could speak of that, Saint Mary interrupted, her voice soft but firm. "This bond you shared with Nina… was it broken by the events that followed?"

I hesitated, feeling the weight of her question. The memories of Nina, and what had happened to her, were still painful to recall.

Aido: "Yes," I finally said, my voice low. "Our bond was broken the day the village was attacked. Everything changed after that."

The atmosphere in the room shifted, becoming heavy with the weight of the past as I recounted the events of that fateful day. There was a deep, almost tangible sadness in the air, as if the sorrow of that time had seeped into the present. The women in the room—Saint Mary, Princess Sasari, Luyira, and even my mother Alidia—seemed deeply moved by the tragic, romantic nature of my tale. Their expressions mirrored the emotions I had tried so hard to keep locked away for so long.

Aido: "Life carried on as normal until I was just barely ten years old. That’s when the mutant beasts descended—unexpectedly, violently. It was like the sky itself was tearing apart, revealing the creatures within. Some resembled wolves, others were grotesque lizards with humanoid forms, but the largest monstrosity was a Stone Giant. It… snatched away my beloved Nina."

Princess Sasari’s eyes widened, filled with sympathy as she softly asked, “Snatched away your love?”

Her voice was echoed by the sorrow of the room, especially from the other couples present. It was as though my tale had triggered memories of loss and love for everyone.

Aido: "Amidst the chaos, I was with my grandparents. Fear spread like wildfire, and in the panic, I ran towards Nina’s family estate, desperate to find her, to keep her safe. But when I arrived… all I found was ruin. Her home had been reduced to rubble, crushed beneath the beast’s weight. And there, amidst the debris, were the lifeless bodies of her parents. They had no chance. I—I didn’t find Nina."

The silence in the room felt suffocating, heavy with the pain of my memory. Princess Sasari’s lips parted as if she were searching for words, but only a soft "Forgive me…" escaped. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.

I nodded, my voice steady. "It’s alright. It’s a story that must be told."

Luyira, beside me, was visibly shaken. "I had no idea…"

The weight of my words hit her hard. Luy had never known about the tragic loss of Nina’s parents, and she had always assumed they were still alive somewhere. Perhaps, in her mind, Nina had been a distant memory, a childhood friend. But now, I could see the dawning realization on her face—she had unknowingly been jealous of a ghost, of memories long past.

Alidia, noticing Luyira’s distress, reached out tenderly to comfort her. Even though we hadn’t spoken of Nina often, the echoes of those days lingered between us.

Saint Mary leaned in slightly, her curiosity piqued. "And what unfolded thereafter?"

I took a deep breath, the memory still vivid despite the years that had passed. "The Stone Giant sensed my presence. I stood there, frozen in fear, knowing that Destroyer was nearby, but before I could move, my mother appeared out of nowhere. She leapt into the air, far higher than any human should be able to, landing directly on the giant with a force so powerful it shook the very ground beneath us. At first, she tried to use her strength to uproot a nearby tree as a weapon."

I paused, remembering the moment vividly, the confusion I had felt as a child watching her struggle.  "But the tree remained anchored in the earth, unmoved. I didn't understand it at the time, but now I realize that my mother, despite her incredible strength, hadn’t yet learned how to reinforce the structural integrity of the objects she touched. She had brute force, yes, but without the knowledge of how to distribute that force effectively, it was like watching a hydraulic claw crush wood—she ripped off pieces of the tree, splintering it, but couldn’t uproot the entire thing."

The room seemed to hang on my every word. Even Saint Mary, who had lived for centuries, leaned forward, curious to hear how it had played out. "Frustrated but quick-thinking, she changed tactics. Instead of trying to use the whole tree, she tore off one of the larger branches—a tough, thick one that could be pulled from the trunk without shattering—and wielded it like a Club. Armed with the sturdy branch, she engaged the Stone Giant in fierce combat. I had never seen anything like it. Her movements were precise, and she fought with an intensity that caught even the giant off guard.What makes it even more impressive is that, while she had the raw strength, she hadn’t yet unlocked her full potential to manipulate matter or reinforce objects with her energy. That’s why, when she grabbed the tree, her sheer force alone wasn’t enough to lift it whole. It took finesse, something she would later master. But at that moment, brute strength had to suffice."

I continue with the tale of my past with everyone listening, "I watched as she fought, realizing that she had been trained by Destroyer all along. Her movements were precise, brutal. Amidst the wreckage, she found Nina’s father’s spear and used it against the giant, striking with deadly precision. She fought like a warrior possessed, but even then, it was clear the battle was far from easy. Many families didn’t survive that day, but ours did. We were among the lucky ones. Still, the loss was unimaginable."

The room fell quiet once more, the magnitude of the battle sinking in.

King Arthur broke the silence, his voice filled with respect. "It was an intense battle. We received the news and were preparing to come to your rescue, but by the time we arrived, it was too late to intervene. We only managed to save the survivors. It was then that we learned of your mother’s extraordinary combat abilities. She had earned the title of SS Hunter—an unparalleled warrior."

I  paused, perhaps lost in the memory of hearing those reports for the first time."During the chaos, the mutant beasts also attacked me. But that’s when Destroyer arrived. He changed form, covering me with his humanoid body, and began destroying the beasts without hesitation. I was small, but I remember feeling his protection surround me like armor. As my mother battled the Stone Giant, Destroyer tore through the beasts without mercy."

King Arthur raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Destroyer tore apart the beasts? I always assumed he had the same code as the Retter Messiah—to avoid taking lives."

I nodded. "That’s true. Since that day, Destroyer hasn’t taken another life. But at that moment, he fought. He told me later that he cannot enter combat mode by himself, but when he’s protecting my body—when I’m inside him—I can control him and kill the beasts."

Alidia interjected softly, her voice filled with the wisdom of someone who had lived through it all. "I believe it wasn’t Destroyer who killed the beasts that day. Aido was angry, consumed with rage and fear. He may not remember it clearly, but he was shouting, crying out as the beasts attacked. I think… I think it was him."

I blinked, trying to process her words. "Me? But I was just a child…"

Luyira, ever curious, raised her hand with a mischievous grin. "Then when do we meet?"

The question caught me off guard, and I couldn’t help but laugh softly, shaking my head at her lightheartedness.

Saint Mary, still eager for more, leaned forward. "I would like to hear the rest of the journey to the capital."

I nodded, my thoughts returning to those final moments in Avalon, the devastation left in the wake of the attack, and the journey that would lead us to the capital.  "After the battle, my mother finished the Stone Giant—breaking it into pieces with her spear. Meanwhile, Destroyer reverted to his passive form, no longer in combat mode. We gathered what remained of the survivors and made our way to the capital. The journey was long, and though the pain of loss lingered, we were comforted by the knowledge that we had survived. By the time we reached the capital, I was accompanied by Luyira, my mother, and Destroyer. But the scars of that day remain, and the weight of my role—as the Redeemer, as a protector—grew heavier with each passing day."

The room was silent once more, each person reflecting on the story. I could feel the shift in the atmosphere. This was no longer just my story—it had become part of something much larger. The battle against the Titanic Beasts, the role of the Retter Messiah, and the question of what my future held… all of it hung in the air, waiting for the next chapter to unfold.

As I continued recounting the story, the atmosphere shifted once again. The romantic undertones from earlier gave way to a palpable tension, especially as I approached the part of my past that tied me to Luyira. "In the aftermath of the attack, the hunter teams from the capital arrived. They confirmed the safety of my grandparents, but my pleas to search for survivors on the outskirts of the village were ignored. I still clung to the hope that Nina was out there somewhere, alive, since her body wasn’t among the rubble. But the priority of the rescue mission was on the injured and those who could still be saved, a harsh truth I had to face."

King Arthur, his tone steady but filled with a royal pragmatism, said, "When disaster strikes, the fallen will be honored in due time. Our priority always lies with those we can still reach."

I nodded, though the memory of that time still stung. "Yes, but as a child, all I could think of was finding Nina. Rejected by the hunters, I took matters into my own hands. While my family received aid from the survivors, I slipped away, sneaking off to search for her myself."

I could feel Luyira's gaze on me, her emotions swirling. She wasn’t lost in melancholy or confusion anymore; instead, her face now radiated pride and excitement.

Luyira, with a mischievous grin, said, "It is now the moment for the protagonist to make her entrance in the story."

I smiled, acknowledging her. "Indeed, it was a moment shrouded in mystery and wonder. I made my way to the caverns, a place where Nina and I had often hidden during our adventures. I called out her name, desperately hoping to find her there. But what I found instead was… something extraordinary."

The room held its breath as I continued. "The earth had shifted—perhaps due to the descent of the mutant beasts—unveiling something I had never seen before. There, deep in the cavern, was a radiant glow, unlike anything I had encountered. It was then that I laid eyes on Luyira for the first time, encased in a capsule, as if she had been waiting for that very moment to be found. Her fiery red hair seemed to glow like embers behind the glass, and her delicate form was so ethereal that, for a moment, I thought she was a doll. A living doll."

Luyira, proud of the moment, urged me on. "I love it when you share these intricate details."

I chuckled softly at her enthusiasm, her pride evident. "With trembling hands, I reached out, unsure of what would happen. My fingers brushed the cold surface of the capsule, and to my surprise, her eyes fluttered open. Fear gripped me, but then she smiled—a gentle, warm smile that melted away all my hesitation."

Luyira chimed in, "Like a porcelain figurine brought to life, I was disoriented, unsure of where I was. But then I saw a boy standing before me, with silvery hair and a look of wonder in his eyes. He seemed both unfamiliar and yet… like someone I was meant to meet."

I continued, "At first, I was overwhelmed by the sight of her. She wasn’t just any girl—she had ears and a tail, features that took my breath away. It was my first encounter with someone who looked so… unearthly. But instead of fear or confusion, Luyira was calm. Determined to free her, I moved closer, and as if by magic, the capsule opened, releasing her into the world."

Luy smiled, reminiscing. "The moment they locked me in that capsule is still a blur, but when I saw Aido, I knew it was fate. 'Thank you,' I said to him, 'My name is Luyira. What’s yours?'"

 

"There was something in your eyes, Luyira—a gentleness that captivated me. I brought her home, without a second thought. I knew I had to protect her." I tell myself because I could not protect my loved one.

"And like a beacon in the night, I followed him. Though my past was shrouded in mystery, I felt a deep connection to Aido, as if our destinies had always been intertwined."

The room seemed to relax as the story became more personal, intimate. Saint Mary smiled knowingly."When we arrived home, my family was in shock. Luyira, with her childlike innocence, was welcomed into our lives, though none of us understood at the time just how significant her presence would be. She was not merely a girl lost in time; she carried the weight of the Retter Messiah, though none of us knew it then."

Saint Mary spoke softly, her voice filled with wonder. "The discovery of another like us—it brought such joy. A sense of connection to something larger."

I nodded. "Unaware of what Luyira truly was, I welcomed her into my home. And in the days that followed, she became a part of our family. Wherever I went, Luyira was there, her presence constant and comforting."

Luyira, with a grin, added, "And I never left his side. From the moment we met, I knew we were bound together."

Saint Mary, with a teasing smile, interjected. "Aha, she popped your cherry when she could!"

Luyira laughed. "Ah, you truly are a woman of culture, Saint Mary."

Aido, with a mock glare, replied, "Look who’s talking!"

Princess Sasari, giggling, said, "I’m not surprised. When we’re young, sometimes a woman needs to take the first step!"

Javier, looking perplexed, asked, "Why do women talk so easily about these topics, but it’s so hard to make them tell you what they really want?"

Surprisingly, all the men in the room, myself included, nodded in agreement.

The lightheartedness in the room didn’t last long, though, as Saint Mary brought us back to the serious matter at hand. "When did you decide to move to the capital?"

The mood shifted once again as I explained, the weight of the past returning. "After the attack, after Nina went missing, there was no longer a reason for us to stay in the village. The toll was devastating—326 casualties, and 31 people were still unaccounted for. The destruction unfolded in just 20 minutes, but the losses felt immeasurable."

The room fell silent as I continued. "With Luyira now under my care, the rescuers advised us to relocate to the capital, where they believed Nina could still be found. So, my family and I packed what little we had left and made the journey to the capital. We settled in the refugee quarters, unsure of what the future held, but determined to survive."

There was a collective understanding in the room now. The journey I had taken—the tragedies, the discoveries, and the bonds that had formed along the way—had all led me to this moment, surrounded by those who would shape the next chapter of my life.

And as I looked at Luyira, Saint Mary, and the others, I knew that my story was far from over.

As Saint Mary reflected on the intricacies of our paths crossing, she spoke with a mix of nostalgia and admiration. "It's fascinating how our paths crossed. I had longed to meet you in person, but I understood the importance of giving Luyira the necessary space to adjust to her new reality. It took time, but I was fortunate that she ended up with someone compassionate, trustworthy, and dependable."

I nodded, thinking back to how chaotic those early days had been. "Destroyer might have struck some deal with the monarchy behind the scenes," I mused. "At the time, none of us knew the royal family. It wasn't until King Arthur and Queen Jessica paid us a visit that things began to make sense. I remember daring to ask about Nina, and the expressions on their faces told me everything I needed to know. Despite their efforts, they said the deceased had been buried, but those still missing… well, they remained unaccounted for."

Luyira glanced at me tenderly, sensing the pain behind my words. "His eyes glistened with unshed tears," she added, her voice soft, "as he spoke of the bittersweet moment when his grandparents bid him farewell. Their words of encouragement still echo in his heart, pushing him towards the future he was meant to claim."

I could almost feel their presence in that moment—the wisdom, the strength they had imparted to me. "The prospect of moving to the nobles' district was daunting, but my grandparents' unwavering support gave me the resolve I needed. As they left to rebuild the village, their parting words stuck with me: a reminder that I was destined for something greater."

Saint Mary nodded thoughtfully, as if feeling the weight of their departure. "The wisdom and love of your grandparents illuminated your path, Aido. Their departure left a void that only their cherished memories could fill, yet their faith in you continues to guide your steps."

I reflected on the village itself. "The original village wasn’t entirely rebuilt," I explained. "A new one was constructed nearby, but many of the residents still carry the scars of the past. Emotionally, the trauma lingers. Still, they’ve remained in the area, and fortunately, there have been no further attacks."

King Arthur added, "Your grandparents’ departure marked a turning point in your life, Aido. It was a testament to their belief in your abilities. And as you settled into the grandeur of the noble district, with Alidia embarking on her military service, their words remained a beacon of strength."

Saint Mary smiled softly as she recounted her first encounter with my mother. "When I met Alidia, I mistakenly thought she was a reincarnation of the Retter Messiah. Her strength is unparalleled, and in many ways, she rivals even Frenia the Warrior."

I couldn’t help but smile as I thought of my mother. "Witnessing my mother’s strength in battle was incredible. She’s not just fierce; she has a heart of gold, overflowing with love and compassion. She’s beautiful in more ways than I can describe."

Alidia, seated nearby, smiled warmly. "Darling, your affection warms my heart. I hold you in the highest regard as well."

King Arthur spoke with reverence as he recounted Alidia’s feats. "She ascended like swirling foam, proving her valor in the arid lands. She vanquished foes, thwarted demi-humans singlehandedly, and led her hunters unscathed. At one point, we thought she might be the savior sent by God, only to realize He had sent us three."

The mention of our destinies sent ripples of realization through the room. Queen Jessica spoke softly, "The hour grows late, and today has revealed the extraordinary nature of Aido, Luyira, and Alidia. It seems as if their fates have been ordained by the divine to shield us from the calamities encroaching on the empire."

Princess Sasari beamed, clearly enamored with the tales of heroism. "Indeed! Their stories remind me of the intrepid hunters who venture into desert realms, uncovering ancient relics and forgotten Edens."

Javier, perhaps feeling inspired, added, "Maybe one day, I’ll emulate their feats."

Princess Sasari shot him a playful glance. "Your place is by my side, without question."

Javier grimaced good-naturedly. "Ouch."

Luyira grinned at their banter. "Such a peculiar way of professing affection."

Princess Sasari laughed lightly. "Physical contact is a way to express love, sometimes you need a carrot, sometimes something a little more rude."

Javier smirked. "It’s true you’re pretty physical, and I like that."

King Arthur, sensing the need to refocus, raised his hand. "Let us cease this discord. The time has come to press on with our agenda."

As the king spoke, the others began to rise, making their way towards the exit. I exchanged a puzzled glance with Luyira, wondering what exactly the "agenda" entailed.

But then Saint Mary smiled mischievously, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Well, now it’s our turn." She reached for my hand, gently urging me toward the door. Luyira moved to follow, but Alidia intercepted her, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

"Remember," my mother said softly, "the importance of sharing."

Luyira blinked, momentarily confused. "I thought I had no problem with sharing."

Alidia chuckled, a soft sound filled with amusement. "Maybe you're creating one."

Realization dawned on Luyira’s face, her expression softening. She nodded slowly, acknowledging the truth in my mother’s words. "Perhaps I am."

And with that, I followed Saint Mary, her grip firm yet gentle. Whatever scheme was unfolding, I had a feeling this was just the beginning of something new.

As we moved forward through the royal halls, I could still hear the faint voice of King Arthur in the distance. His command echoed through the corridor: "Go with the security." Despite the seriousness in his voice, Princess Sasari replied with confidence, "Don’t worry, Daddy. I’ll be fine." I, on the other hand, was uncertain about what lay ahead. "I don’t know what we’re up to," I admitted, glancing over at Saint Mary.

Her lips curled into a reassuring smile. "Don’t worry," she said softly. "Tonight, you’ll be my everything. Your mother already gave her permission." The way she teased me sent a ripple of unease through me, yet I followed her, knowing that this night would unravel secrets I might not be prepared to face.

The walk felt long, even though we hadn’t moved that far. Eventually, she led me to her chambers. A soft glow of candlelight filled the room, the flicker of shadows casting a serene, almost sacred atmosphere. Yet, the weight of unspoken truths lingered."Is it soundproof?"

"Not completely," Saint Mary said with a hint of mischief. "If there were a team observing us, they might hear something." Her tone grew more serious as she glanced at me, the rumors clearly on both of our minds. "You’ve heard the rumors, haven’t you? About the attempted rape?"

I nodded, remembering the whispers. "Yes. Long ago, wasn’t it?"

She lowered her gaze briefly before meeting mine again. "Since that incident, there’s always been someone guarding me. Some developed feelings for me, but I never reciprocated. Most of them were already involved with others, and their love for me remained platonic. Nothing more."

I sensed there was something deeper in her words, something personal she had kept hidden for a long time. "Why me?" I finally asked, the question hanging between us.

Saint Mary smiled, a look of fondness softening her features. "I can’t fully explain it. Ever since we met, I’ve felt a peace I haven’t known before. You bring a calmness, a sense of serenity to my life that no other man ever has." Her voice was quiet, contemplative. "Do you believe in love at first sight? Perhaps I’m acting on instinct, as some women do. But the more I observed you, the more I realized I cherish you in ways I haven’t cherished anyone else."

Her confession caught me off guard. My mind was racing with thoughts of what this all meant. "Is it really acceptable?" I asked cautiously, though I felt no objection to what she was offering.  "Let’s talk first," she replied, gesturing for me to sit beside her. "Do you remember the third commandment?"

I paused, recalling the teachings. "Only express love with someone you genuinely love, because offspring born of love should also be loved."

She nodded. "Precisely. I wouldn't be with you if I didn’t believe in that commandment."

Even though I wasn’t entirely sure of my place as the foretold Redeemer, her certainty reassured me."Even if I’m not the prophesied savior?"

Saint Mary answer with confidence,"Even so." Her voice was unwavering, full of certainty. "Whether or not you are the Redeemer, you are still you. That is enough."

I had been in relationships before, but this was different. This was Saint Mary—a woman revered as a saint, a symbol of hope for the empire. Statues of her stood tall in every major city, depicting her as a goddess-like figure who had saved countless lives.

"Come closer," she whispered, pulling me toward the sofa. I sat beside her, my heart racing as I thought about my role in all this. Since arriving at the palace, the idea that I might be something more than just Aido had been swirling in my mind, and now, sitting with Saint Mary, that weight felt even heavier.

My thoughts shifted to my mother and Luyira—the two people who had been by my side through everything. I hesitated, then spoke up.  "May I ask you something?"

Saint Mary looking to my eyes, "Of course. You can ask me anything."

I looked her in the eyes, feeling the vulnerability of the moment. "What plans do you have in store for us?" I asked, my voice quieter now. "Is it possible… that you intend for my mother and Luy to be with someone else? To have children with others? I know it might seem selfish, but I can’t bear the thought of them with anyone else." The mere idea stirred something deep within me. As I ventured into this intimate space with Saint Mary, my mind wandered to the fate of those I loved most.

She listened carefully, her expression soft but serious. "Your concerns are valid," she said gently. "The king has indeed entertained such thoughts. However, I voiced my objections, and I stand firm. If you do not wish for such things to happen, they will not. Your mother, Luyira, and I are united in this."

Her words brought a sense of relief I hadn’t expected. "Thank you."

Saint Mary taking my hand whisper to me,"Ultimately, the choice is yours. The world will honor whatever decision you make—whether you choose to embrace this role fully or not."

Her wisdom, her ability to speak plainly yet with such gravity, left me in awe. She was more than just a figure of legend—she was a woman of unparalleled strength and grace. "You are the embodiment of a goddess, Saint Mary. You hold more authority in this realm than even the king."

Saint Mary smiling to me, almost laughing but with a serious tone, "Indeed, but I believe in equality. Though opportunities have been scarce since the fall, we remain steadfast."

She cut me off gently. "Let’s set aside politics for now. I didn’t bring you here to discuss such matters. I brought you here to find solace, to find peace in each other’s company."

I looked around the room, noticing its elegant simplicity. "This room is exquisite," I said, my voice soft.

"Do you like it?"

"Absolutely."

Her next words struck a chord in me. "No matter how much you romanticize someone, Aido, no matter what pedestal you place them on, you must remember that we are all complex beings. We all have impulses, dreams, desires, and imperfections."

I knew what she meant. Beneath the sainthood, the reverence, and the legend, she was a woman. A woman with feelings, struggles, and the same needs as anyone else. And at that moment, I realized she wasn’t just looking for someone to share a future with—she was looking for someone who understood her, who saw her beyond the symbol she had become.

And I, sitting beside her, felt the gravity of that connection.