The Legend of Carmine

Ren went to see Emperor Cynax," Your Imperial Highness. I came to congratulate you on the victory of Lapen. I also got the news that you have recruited a new General for Shar."

"Yes, uncle. I think Rulean is still like a child with a short temper. Hence, I decided that keeping him in Inap would be good for him."

"Is it, Now?" Uncle said coldly with an expression of sarcasm.

Cynax sensed it too but did not press on it as he did not wish to disrespect him.

"It seems that the Emperor has decided and I cannot change his mind."

"There is nothing there to change my mind. The new General had taken the post fair and square; she had even defeated Rulean herself when Rulean challenged her."

"Your Imperial Highness, It's fine that you appointed her as General. But you could have appointed Rulean as court official here."

"Uncle, he does not like this court affair. He wishes to be at the battlefront."

Ren thought to himself, As if. You are being too cautious, you fear if he excels you in the court. He may compete with you for your crown. That is why you have not given him an opportunity. And now you are trying to take his military power as well. I will never let you do it.

Ren understood with this discussion that they will not be seeing eye to eye in this agenda.

Hence, he changed the subject," Emperor, I am getting old and I haven't seen Rulean for a long time. I wish to spend some time with him as he has not visited me for a long time."

Cynax granted him leave from the court to visit Rulean.

In reality, Ren wanted to convince him to come back to the capital to work in court.

When Ren arrived at Inap, he entered Rulean's camp. He could hear the sound of a brass tumbler rolling in the ground. The brass tumbler sound stopped as it touched Ren's walking stick. But the brass plate was still spinning with food all splatter on the floor.

Ren signalled the soldier, who had brought the food to leave the room.

"Why are you so angry?"

"We got a report that stated Ouran is attacking Shar. And that woman has sent a letter stating for us to be in stand by in Inap and not to mobilise our forces at the front as she stated that they will be able to defeat them. How dare she send a command to me?

I am the greatest general in the land and she dares to command me ''

As he sat beside Ren, he listened to him patiently and said, " Rulean, if you do not like working here, just come back to court. "

"No, I do not like the court session. I don't want it"

"Why ??? Do you forever want to live a nomadic life, going from place to place and battling and risking your life, while Cynax enjoys being the Emperor?"

"Uncle, I have said it again and again. Do not force me. I believe in my big brother, he will never betray me.

If you came all the way just to say that, then your journey has become futile. Just leave.."

Ren did not want to press much on it. So, he left him for the night.

On the other side, Ouran had sent an army unaware of the political and military change in Lapen. This time Carmine had more soldiers and weapons than last time. And she was sure that they would not be able to use their secret weapon as she had destroyed it last time. Hence, the Ouran army was defeated by Carmine.

As the news of the victory was received by Rulean.

He blazed with anger.

During this entire time, Ren has tried again and again to persuade him to go back to the capital with him but he had refused it and Ren had realised the bitter truth that he would never go back to the capital and compete against Cyanx for the throne.

Ren was frustrated with Rulean's disinterest in the throne. During his stay, he had seen Rulean's clear dislike for Carmine. And with her news of victory Rulean anger had no boundary.

Ren saw this as a golden opportunity to bring down Emperor Cyanx.

Ren made a plan and went to Rulean. His plan included framing Carmie for an attempt of murder for Cyanx. Rulean agreed to it as Ren assured him that Cyanx will not be harmed. However, Ren had a hidden motive for this plan.

He did not share his entire plan with Rulean. In reality, he was plotting to kill Cyanx and blame it on Carmine. So, Rulean would be the Emperor.

As per Ren's plan, Rulean organised a banquet for the victory of Carmine. And invited the Emperor and Carmine for the banquet.

Carmine was reluctant to go but she knew that she could not be so disrespectful. When she got to Inap. She had not been allocated any room to settle at Rulean camp. But her camp was set up in a different location as if she was an outcast. Carmine was pissed but she just did not want to create a fuss about it. So, she stayed near her camp which was set beside a lake near a forest.

After the banquet, Carmine went back to her camp. When the banquet was over in the middle of the night Rulean and Cyanx went out for a walk. They used to go for similar walks when they were younger when they were not burdened by the huge responsibility of the country. As they both were casually walking and drinking. They ran out of alcohol. Rulean went to grab some more alcohol.

No sooner had Rulean left. Cynax sensed an arrow flying towards him. He dodged it and it missed him.

He called for Rulean but he was way out of his reach, Cyanx ran for cover. He did not have any sword in him and he did not have any guards with him as he never thought that he would be ambushed.

As Cyanx ran into the forest to hide.

Cyanx was attacked by numerous arrows. And some of it scraped his skin. Finally, he hid but when he was hiding he came eye to eye with a person in a black dress. Cyanx could feel a sense of familiarity in his eyes. But before he could say a word, an arrow went right into his chest. He fell with agonizing pain.