Gizelis rubs his neck. He looks embarrassed about something. Such appearance confused Zeliker more. He thought he would see the realm of death where other dead people gathered. Gizelis had a chance to do it. So why?
"Why didn’t you kill me?" He asked again with a deep stare.
"Erm... Because you saved my life a few years back..."
"You're joking. Save you? Heh, I didn't save you. I just have enough playing with you." Zeliker's eyes went to the left when he said it.
Gizelis stared at his reaction.
What an obvious lie.
He thought with a smirk on his lips.
"Oh, really then? Well, whatever. Now that you're awake I have to bring you to our king. Oh yeah. I need to remind you that you can't use your power, breach the collar or hurt anyone," he told Zeliker about the collar order.
Does that mean I can run away?
Zeliker's eyes lit up.
"No running away either..." Gizelis laughed at Zeliker's hopeful look.
Zeliker rolled his eyes. He already knows that.
How can life be so simple? He sighed.
There's no way he can get away from here if he wears the collar in the first place. Plus, he didn't know how to get back to Flink without finding information around here.
Meeting the king... Which king was it? This place doesn't seem to have clues where he was at.
"Sorry, it had to be done. If not, you'll hurt us. We're taking caution on you right now."
Gizelis raised his hand up as he went into his house for a few minutes. The deer's meat was brought along to be kept in the freezer. He returned after washing his body off all the deer's blood and changing his cloth to silver armour.
He also shows off his shiny armour towards Zeliker. Zeliker rolled his eyes again.
Well, at least Gizelis finally got his wish to meet him again by becoming a soldier. But inside his hidden mind, he hopes Gizelis didn't do that. It was dangerous and he thought Gizelis was also an idiot for coming after him.
What a waste of energy for saving this stupid kid.
He sighs heavily. Can't he just lay low and stay away?
To not make Gizelis notice anything, he spoke, "You feel like you won a medal for being able to capture me, don't you?"
Gizelis shrugged before he grins. "Now, follow me, Zeliker."
Zeliker found Gizelis's anger with him was gone. He felt weird about why Gizelis had a change of attitude toward him.
Didn't Gizelis hate him?
He won't ask though. He was too lazy right now. Probably because of the calm surroundings.
They walk out of the house area and into a ready carriage. The carriage looked kind of noble to him. He faced Gizelis who readied the horse.
When did he prepare this? Won't everyone notice and get curious about someone inside?
"Don't worry. The carriage will start to be invisible the moment we start our journey."
Zeliker went inside without saying anything. Just like the outside, the inside also looks grand. The seat was made of a soft red cushion and the window curtain was made of high-quality silk. Zeliker chooses to close the curtains. It still has some light showing his surroundings.
He can feel the carriage starting its movement and slowly close his eyes. His body still feels exhausted from just walking a little.
I must recover my body faster and leave here at once.
He thought quietly because he was worried about something. Also, he would find a way to destroy his slave device.
Two hours later, they arrive at a gate to the main city of Eskimos Kingdom, Ladoss. The palace was located in the middle of the city.
Gizelis told Zeliker from the small opening in front of the carriage.
"Look, Zeliker. This would be your first time arriving in our royal city. Hope you like it." Gizelis winked at him.
Zeliker opened his eyes and looked over. He was curious after all. His eyes widened when he saw the enormous city.
Eskimos?! I'm in the Eskimos Kingdom?!
He was shocked by the majestic city.
No demon soldiers were able to get close to Eskimos' main royal city before. They were killed before they reached it. But the living can still bring news back so they manage to capture the scene of the royal city of Eskimos Kingdom. He gawked at it. To see this city once in his entire life makes him very bewildered.
The scenery was the opposite of his homeland. The royal city was beautiful with a blue aurora sky. In the demon kingdom, the sky was always twilight, moody or raining but here, light shines everywhere.
Gizelis stops the horse when he reaches the palace gate. The carriage lost its invisibility there so he just shows his access card which was being checked by the palace guards. The guards mixed with demons and humans.
Knowing who was inside, they were watching nervously. They whispered to each other while pointing their chin and eyes at the carriage.
Zeliker doesn't need to see since he has a powerful hearing. Everything they said can be heard by him. Moving again, he was mesmerized by the aurora reflection on the palace buildings.
"Here we are."
Gizelis hopped down from the carriage front and went to the door. He opens it and Zeliker slowly gets out.
Some palace guards were already waiting. One person with silver armour walked to them. The person was 1.9 meters in height with long silver hair to his waist and blue vertical eyes. He had a huge and strong body like Gizelis.
His armour has an Eskimos symbol on the front of his left chest. Now that Zeliker sees him, he also notices Gizelis was wearing the same colour armour after Gizelis came out of his house but no symbol of Eskimos was on it.
No wonder he didn't know where he was. Gizelis probably deliberately hid it from him.
The person gazes at Zeliker softly before he bows respectfully.
"We meet again, your highness."
"Hm...? Riseptos?!"
Now that he looks clearly, isn't this person from his kingdom?! A formal general of Flink, Riseptos Algaia.
He thought Riseptos was dead in the war seven years ago. They even commemorate his death for sacrificing himself to let his uncle, Prudenian Asterostes, from getting killed by the general demon from the human side.
That year, the loss of Riseptos who they record as heroes has saddened the entire Flink. Now, he was speechless seeing this general in front of him.
Did he fake his death? Was it all a lie back then?!
Zeliker's eyes turned glowing red but it was stopped by the pain from his neck. The collar shocks him with an electrical current. It was not painful but it was a reminder.
A reminder that he was not in Flink but the enemy kingdom. He closed his eyes tightly and calm down. After all, those men behind Riseptos were ready to strike him if he even makes a move to attack. Their weapons, a sharp blade gun have aimed toward him the moment they see his eyes change.
Gizelis by his side was nervous. Would Zeliker hurt them? But he trusts Zeliker won't do such a thing.
"Sir Riseptos, the king is still waiting for him." He told Riseptos.
"Yes, we shall escort your highness. Please come this way." Riseptos still shows his respect towards Zeliker.
Zeliker felt his chest tightening. He was suffocated at Riseptos' words and respect for him as a prince. It doesn't make any sense when those little things of bowing hit him so hard.
No one had ever bowed to him genuinely before. Well, unwillingly and only Silvert did. And this person was once a general in his kingdom, a fierce and brutal demon that killed thousands of humans that met his eye.
He couldn't believe Riseptos had turned to be like this, a slave to humans. No, not a slave but a friend to humans. He saw the change in Riseptos and was happy for him. He didn't know how to respond to Riseptos though. He was in deep shit himself and didn't know what to do anymore.
Zeliker gives a slight nod and follows after him. All his sides were surrounded by the soldiers, but five meters away. They don't like to stay too close to him.
As they walked through a path towards the king's throne palace, the human guards or maids who saw Zeliker were in a terrible horror state. It was because he wore the collar and also because they knew what the royal demon's appearance looked like.
Royal demons, they've always had the black colour of hair and eyes except their eyes colour turn different colours individually when they use their power. It was the symbol of a ruler to the demon race.
Means, other demons don't have black hair. Why would a human wear them? So, if they saw one with it, they definitely guess he or she comes from the royal demon bloodline. And so, respect and fear were normally seen in the demon kingdoms.
The gun blade was gripped tightly. If Zeliker ever attacks them, they were already ready to end his life. But that seems impossible. Defeating a royal demon with such a weapon was laughable.
They were on the top of the food chain. How can mere mortals defeat them?
Zeliker felt like he was an animal in the zoo, watched by tourists. Gizelis notices his gloomy state and comes closer. Everyone let out a silent gasp.
You're kidding!
Stay away from him!
You're going to be killed!
Their silent warning wasn't seen by Gizelis.
"We're almost there, Zeliker. Don't worry. There's only the king and some people in it." Gizelis whispered.
Zeliker went rigid because Gizelis was too close to him. He let out a sigh.
This human is too careless and fearless! He scolded internally.
He pushes Gizelis away about one arm's length. His movement almost makes the people around him take action against him. But they halt it because they saw Zeliker doesn't seem to want to hurt Gizelis.
The way he pushes Gizelis was actually gentle in Riseptos sight. His eyes lit up with happiness.
"His highness, he is still the same. I hated his attitude before but now... It seems he has never changed no matter how many years it has been. He may look hard outside but he is very kind and soft inside. I was wrong about him before. I'm glad he can finally be here, away from the evil in Flink. I need to take better care of him from now on." He vows silently.
When they reached the front of a huge door, Zeliker, Gizelis and Riseptos were the only ones who went in while the rest guarded outside the building. Inside, the king, his two sons and his eleven high officers, either a high general, commander or a king's trusted men, were already on standby after they were given news of Zeliker coming to them.
His majesty, Sektar Mirima was sitting on his throne and looked very excited to meet Zeliker finally. His two princes, Xcerox Mirima and Miulwess Mirima eyed Zeliker with a hungry gaze to kill. Both stood side by side with their father with a long blade on their waist.
Zeliker's presence already intimidates them. As for Zeliker, he never took his eyes off Sektar the moment he entered. He mostly wants to focus on the ones who have ruled this kingdom. The human king who rules over both demons and humans and lets their lives in harmony.
I wonder what this human king wants with me?
Zeliker refuses to bow down or kneel in front of Sektar and his sons. He has his pride as a demon prince and he intends to keep it that way. He peeks around before staring at Sektar.Gizelis and Riseptos who in front of Sektar already kneel to their king."We have brought Flink's prince, Zeliker Asterostes, to meet you, Your Majesty," informed Gizelis.Sektar nodded. "Rise."Silvert and Gizelis stood up and went to stand on the side. They watch Zeliker who ignores everyone and the supposed etiquette.Will he be fine...?Gizelis didn't doubt it. After all, Zeliker doesn't seem to care about everyone watching him.Sektar stood up and went to Zeliker but not too close. He knows that even a collar can break loose if he wasn't careful. He wondered why this demon prince looks so calm and acceptable to be taken away from his home.What has made this demon prince look like this?There's no anger, violence or pressure released by
Zeliker curled his lips when Gizelis cleaned his wound with alcohol. It stings him hard like a poison. His body shook with sweat as he panted heavily. He has long forgotten the pain since the last time. And, he would have never thought after two years of living in Flink without doing anything would weaken his pain resistance. He. Really. Needs. More. Exercise!I can't believe he restrains himself from fainting.Gizelis felt admiration towards Zeliker without knowing Zeliker's internal complicated feelings."Enough Zeliker, let your body rest," Gizelis told Zeliker.Zeliker had to agree. He needs to rest and his body begs him too. He already felt some dizziness and was unwell. His sight also seems to turn darker and darker. At least Gizelis won't hurt him during his sleep since Gizelis didn't hurt him after he fainted either.In his own home, if he was only taking a few minutes of nap, some demon would ambush or assault him. It was a training lesson
"Your Highness, your order," Riseptos asked Xcerox who put down his hood away. They never thought such an incident would happen near their royal city.Xcerox was watching Zeliker before he turned to Enta."Rescued the people first. Then, we can continue our journey. Ashla, Frix, you go with Riseptos. Me, Gizelis and Nish will wait for you at Gizelis's home." He ordered them."Yes, Your Highness!"Riseptos and Frix along with Ashla, the only lady in the team, move out with their horses."Gizelis, tied this person and interrogated him later.""Yes, Your Highness."Gizelis went to grab Enta but suddenly Enta moved to throw something on the ground. A gas bomb explodes but does not harm anyone. Zeliker frowned and looked in the direction of Enta's flees.Ah... He escapes... Whatever. It's not my responsibility to capture him anyway.So, he just does nothing."Damn, he ran away." Nish's brown eyes glared at the pl
Who's bombing them?! Xcerox landed smoothly after the throw. Same for Gizelis and Nish. They were quite startled by Zeliker's quick action in saving them."Why did he save us?" Nish was still doubting it.Royal demons as he knows throughout history had never given compassion to anyone. They were selfish, arrogant, wick and so evil. They were nightmares to humans."Nish, on your right!" Xcerox yelled at him.Instantly, Nish pulled out his sword and clashed with a sharp polearm that was aimed at his head.The enemies are here!A lot of demons came out of the bush near them. All of them were wearing a slave collars. Zeliker was fighting with Enta who appeared again with another demon. He has no intention to help Xcerox and the others. His hands were full."You got me into trouble with my master!" Enta scolded Zeliker.Zeliker smirks. "I thought I was helping you get free."He kicks Enta away while dodging a blast of wind to
"My liege, can you tell me, why are we going to eradicate that place?" Silvert was running behind Zeliker who was speeding up in a direction. He can hear a group of people over there. He thought there was something there that made Zeliker look grim."Silvert, do you know about Divest?"Silvert almost stumbled when he heard it. "My liege, are you telling me those people over there have something to do with them?!"Zeliker shrugged. "Maybe.""It's just a small group. They might not be them either. As far as we know, these people like to capture humans for us. Unfortunately, they do their job poorly and now human royalty found out about it. Such poor management, they need to be destroyed." Zeliker's eyes reddened.Truthfully, he just wants to kill them for helping the high demons get what they want. But, Silvert might think him weird and soft towards humans so he had to change his words a bit."Understood, my liege!"You could have just
"Is it okay to leave them there?" Nish asked because they were now running towards the base.The slaves were left where they were fighting before."They are free anyway. It's up to them what they want to do." Gizelis replied while hopping over a big stone in front of him.Suddenly, two demons appear and attack him. Gizelis bent his body backwards and escaped their sharp claws to his head. He also unsheathed his two swords fast and immediately cut their knees.Their necks were stabbed by Nish and Xcerox's swords. They have no choice but to do that because these demons seem more aggressive than Enta and the other slaves. Both demons died instantly."My god! That scares me!" Nish let out a sigh of relief.Because the day already turned to night, it was hard to see anything around them. They can only use their senses to feel their surroundings."They are also demon slaves. It seems the kidnappers already know we are here. Hurry! We need t
Sektar turns his eyes back and forth between Zeliker's group of three, and his son, Xcerox and his group of three."He's so cute!"Silvert was stroking and rubbing Hoogles fur happily while Zeliker was staring lazily outside. The sky already brightened when they were called to the throne chamber. As for Xcerox, he was explaining about the kidnappers to Sektar.Sektar rubbed his forehead. Didn't his son suppose to bring Zeliker to hide? Why did they return? His son could have let the knights handle the kidnapping group. But, he was grateful for Zeliker and Silvert's help.These two might not be so bad after all even though they were from Flink.Unfortunately, his subordinates might not be optimistic about them here. He can see how rigid their bodies were after looking at Silvert.Another one has appeared!They were thinking the same thing."Father, the rest of the kidnappers have already been killed by Silvert and Zeliker. While
"Your Highness, would you like to go to the garden today? You have been locking yourself inside the library again yesterday." Kiara, her maidservant told her.Her princess needs to breathe the fresh air instead of sucking the dust in the library. It was not good for her health to maintain this continuous activity.Stiria smiled sheepishly. "Okay, okay, I will follow your arrangement."It couldn't be helped. She loves books. Books were her happiness. Nothing was interesting to her. Not jewellery or a man. If she was given a choice, she would live in the library but that won't make her maidservants optimistic."Your Highness, you lost weight again. How can these continue? You need to eat more or your waist would easily snap if you aren't careful?" Paula complained.Ah, that's because I forgot to eat when I was immersed in my book. Why do we need to eat? We should try to become immortal...She thought silently.After her maidservant fini