What she did to pass the time was knit her unfinished scarf.
Under a small mana-powered lamp, Aeriel made progress in knitting the scarf, bitter about the fact that Invictus still chose not to tell her his story.
"And what's the rice wine for?! If you're going to buy liquor, drink it!"
Sadness turned into annoyance. Aeriel wanted to lash out her
frustration but couldn't, remembering that Invictus was already sleeping.
"All I wanted is to know more about Lord Invictus. I've cooked different varieties of food for him, and he would always say that he likes it. But I never know what his favorite food is. Should I just choke him with a pillow since he does not want to tell me anything?"
Frustratedly, Aeriel decided to continue finishing the scarf later and threw herself on the bed, letting out a deep sigh before closing her eyes.
---
Another morning came...
It was Invictus who was the first to wake up. He left the room to cle
"So, you're telling me that you want to buy a large number of magic crystals to concoct fireworks?" Confirmed the guys, actually amazed at how Invictus was putting effort into his lies."That is correct. It's my daughter's 7th birthday today, and I want to make it special for her."Everyone understands Invictus and his desire to give his daughter a memorable birthday present. They were delighted, even the miners, about his plan for a grand fireworks display."Will we be seeing the fireworks display happen even if we are in the mountain?" asked a dirty miner, wearing only a raggedy tank top and pants.From where Invictus was standing, peering over their shoulders, he could see the opening of the cave, its pathway lit with the same source of light, Ruddy Fireflies."For you to buy a large number of raw magic crystals just to producehandmade fireworks, you're a great father.""Thank you. So, uh, how much would a cart of raw magic crysta
"It's the perfect temperature. I like it. It's not too cold, and it's not too lukewarm."Bathing in the incredibly soothing water, chest-deep, and buck naked underneath, Invictus scrubbed and scrub his whole body using his hands, getting rid of those dead skin cells."I'm mentally unstable... When I thought I was fully committed to taking revenge, seeking justice by bringing it into my hands and destroying the kingdom, people who are just so kind pop in one after another. And then at some point, I would realize that my daughter was innocent too. My wife, even if she was really the mastermind in the massacre of many lives, I don't think she deserves that. They could have at least made her die apainless death and left me and my daughter out of it! So, eventually, I'll be back to being vengeful and despising everyone in sight for being happy."A rustling of leaves and bushes suddenly resounded, making Invictus instantly turn his head in the direction where
Invictus had already pulverized ten raw magic crystals, but he still has a long way to go, considering the amount of the remaining raw magic crystals.In the middle of the forest, where most birds and insects could be found, Invictus was seated on a pile of dry leaves. He was hammering the raw magic crystals with the mortar and pestle, then transferring the powdered magic crystals to the coconut shell he gathered.It looks like a tropical forest where edible fruits were abundant and animals have plenty of food to survive the day. However, some feed on each other, keeping the food chain going. As the cycle of life and death should be.---Such an aromatic smell seeps through the gaps in the door, entering the room where Aeriel and Invictus were occupying.Aeriel woke up to someone knocking on the door. Her eyes were still puffy, and her hair was a mess, but she did not care.While still half-asleep, she climbed down from the bed, put on her f
By the time Invictus got back to their room, it was almost lunchtime. The breakfast the innkeeper gave him was cold already, and Aeriel was nowhere to be found.Invictus did not pay that much attention to it and just dug in the cold servings. Despite its cold state after being left for a while, the food was still incredibly delicious.As a common courtesy for receiving food from the innkeepers, Invictus picked up the tray and used kitchenware and brought it down to wash. He wanted to at least do the dishes for having a free meal from the innkeeper because it was a huge help, considering their financial status at the moment."Hello," Invictus called, but no one answered. "Uh, lady innkeeper? I've come to bring the dishes."No answer was given to him. He then noticed the silence of his surroundings. It was inexplicably quiet to the point that Invictus could hear his own heart beating.Strange as it may seem, instances like this often occur from time
The scene gives joy to Rahel. She felt like being their mother, taking care of her grown-up children and cooking food for them. Rahel and her husband always dreamed of having a happy family, but unfortunately, it was never given to her. Instead, fate itself took her only source of happiness. Still, Rahel has the strength to smile and be happy even if itwas not that great like before.---Invictus went out for a walk–resting after he finished eating a whole bunch of food–and coincidentally came across the liquor store's owner in a carriage.He thought that the old man was just going away to buy more alcohol and products he would use outside of the town. But he noticed how well-groomed Zeb was, wearing all black clothes.The thumping hooves stopped, and Zeb slightly looked down on Invictus. And the latter raised his gaze, meeting Zeb's eyes."Introducing yourself as Meliora, going around in circles, and buying a bottle of rice win
"Are they letting crazy people in the town now? He might be dangerous."When Invictus was done wallowing, he decided to talk to Aeriel after he got back about Rahel. The tiniest drop of conscience wanted Invictus to let the old lady go and live her life where she could be happy."Spending some time with people really has the heart interfering with your mind. It hinders your decisions and gives you the exact amount ofconduct to think twice about your wicked decisions."Aeriel does not seem to understand what Invictus said."Um, can't Lord Invictus just cut to the chase?""Innkeeper Rahel is a kind soul. I don't want her to perish along with the poor souls residing in this town, but I can't think of an excuse to pull her out of the misery she'll be put in."His words brought a smile to Aeriel's face because deep down, humanity in Invictus' heart still hasn't faded completely. It's just there, imprisoned in a blockade of corrupting ill
What matters most for Invictus is his strong desire for vengeance. No one in this world will be able to stop him from slowly destroying the kingdom all by himself. He does not need anyone's help.And Rahel realized that passively convincing Invictus of his utmost desire for revenge would not be possible. Rahel saw the determination in his eyes, filled with dark emotions."I'm done packing my things."Everything valuable for Rahel fitted inside one luggage. The innkeeper does not keep her money with her.Across the kingdom and even from the neighboring nations, Rahel was investing her money, saving it up in banks and real estate. If it was not for her husband Rahel would not be brimming with money. She has enough for a lifetime and can even support Aeriel's expenses in achieving her goals.When her husband died, Rahel continued their strategic plan to expand her wealth and gain more real estate. Although some of her lands had been sold in the past y
"What a set of ambiance. The annoying sound of crickets, the audible flow of water falling from above, and the howling of wolves from afar. This really is the perfect spot to see the mountain going off in a blazing fire."About five meters away from the falls lies a carriage with a man sitting on his seat, his hat covering his face, and his snore could be faintly heard."I have everything ready. The table and our seats, even our ride for our departure are ready."Invictus' money was close to zero. His pouch was at its limit, but he is sure that Rahel would give him some money when they part ways. He will refuse to take the money she'll gives, but Rahel will definitely insist onInvictus takes what she will give him. So, he just brushed off the thought of rejecting the money and will give in."All we have to do is patiently wait for the rain to come, and the plan shall unfold."They all sat down, sitting under the faint light coming from the