The Hero of Vengeance

Chapter 20: Sister

I awoke that morning with a burning desire to get stronger.

If I train like my life depends on it, the results should show quickly!

I made sure not to skip my morning workout, today. Muscle building, while not as efficient as leveling up, could prepare the body to receive greater strength. Increasing stamina and even gaining stats occasionally, were also possibilities.

After an hour of exercise, I got ready and made my way down to the dining area.

As usual, one of the knights had been waiting to escort me to the Grandmaster.

"Good morning," I said to the knight.

I looked around and didn't see Jorgan or Talia. They were probably busy with something, so I figured that I could say hello to them later.

"Greetings, Mizik. I'm here to bring you to Grandmaster Calos," the knight said.

"Are we going to the usual place, then?" I asked.

I had started to memorize the way to the guardhouse and would likely be able to make my own way there soon.

"Actually, today there are other plans. Walk with me."

We both made our way out of the diner and spoke with one another as we walked.

"Today we will be going to the castle for your training, Mizik," the knight said.

The castle!?

"Any reason why?" I asked curiously.

"The Grandmaster has his duties to attend to. I'm sure you understand, but it usually means he is confined to the castle. Since he does not wish to cancel his plans with you, he made arrangements for your allowance on castle grounds for today."

"That's convenient. Does that mean I might see the King?"

I was actually curious. I had heard good things about the King of Albatross.

Of course, I didn't assume he would just make time for me. He probably had far too much to do, anyway.

Not that I actually had a reason to bother him...

"It's possible. However, King Ronald usually stays within the throne room with his advisors conducting kingdom affairs. He sometimes paces the castle, but I wouldn't get your hopes up," the knight said.

"Of course. I'm just there to train, not get involved in politics."

"You'd do well to stick to that, friend. Politics are a pain in the ass..."

We spent the rest of the walk in relative silence and eventually approached the castle.

I had seen it from a distance, but this place was huge. It was a massive and imposing fortress made of white stone. There was a wide and probably very deep moat with an iron portcullis hidden behind a drawbridge.

As we approached, my escort waved to another knight on the other side of the moat and the drawbridge was lowered.

Then we entered the castle.

As we walked the huge hallways of the castle, I was astounded at how well furnished it was. Paintings, potted plants, chandeliers, all of them were very luxurious. This was definitely where the ruler of Albatross lived.

The floor of this place seemed to be made of marble. There was an ornate carpet that consisted of several colors with intricate designs.

Beautiful flowers of unknown origins decorated many expensive-looking vases that sat upon elegant wooden tables.

"I feel a bit out of place here..." I said as I looked at my slightly worn armor.

"Don't worry, you get used to it. There used to be a policy keeping anyone other than knights, servants, and other nobles out of the castle. That was abolished and now, anyone can enter so long as they have an invitation or a special privilege. No one should bother you if you're training with the Grandmaster," the knight said.

I nodded and we kept moving forward. After a few more minutes of walking, we came to a large open area filled with training dummies, spare equipment, and the like.

I saw Sir Gordon standing next to another knight and having a conversation with him.

The one that escorted me waved and left.

I approached the Grandmaster.

Immediately as he saw me, Sir Gordon looked over and smiled.

"Well, it looks like Gerald got you here safely. How are you finding the castle?" He said.

"I feel like I shouldn't be allowed here," I said meekly.

Sir Gordon laughed as he patted me hard on the back. He looked over at the other knight and dismissed him with a wave. Once he left, it was just me and the Grandmaster.

"Ready to start training?" He asked.

"Yes, but before we do, I need to give you some information about the Black Ooze."

Sir Gordon nodded and I began to explain in detail the things that happened yesterday.

I told him everything that happened and once I finished, Sir Gordon stared at me with a serious and grim expression.

"I was worried about this," he began to say. "We envisioned several ideas of what this stuff could be, and this is one of the ones we came up with."

"So you're already prepared for it?" I asked.

"No...this is worst-case scenario. We don't have a plan for that yet. As far as I know, no one has seen such a person walking around and infecting everything."

"So, we don't even know where this Source is..." I said as I looked down.

"No, but it seems you're in a position to be able to kill him when he appears. I'll revise my schedule and offer you more intense training if you're interested," Sir Gordon said.

"Thank you, sir. But...is this really okay? I'm not disturbing your work, am I?" I said immediately.

"Of course it's okay. You're a citizen of Albatross and a wielder of a legendary armament. Obviously, you're considered an asset to our country because of both that and your unique situation in regards to the Ooze. I hope you'll stay and continue to help us, but training should take priority for now. Speaking of which, let's begin."

After a warmup, we did several exercises together and eventually, Sir Gordon arrived at combat training.

Since I was lacking in form, he showed me several stances that would complement my abilities.

I practiced sword swings and defensive stances, along with my skills.

Sir Gordon even showed me how to channel my abilities properly.

Instead of just shouting the skill name and releasing it, the skill could be aimed or charged for more lethal offensive power.

We trained for several hours until one of the castle guards came up to Sir Gordon and whispered something to him.

Sir Gordon nodded and looked over to me.

"Mizik, I have something I need to take care of. Keep practicing, and I'll be back in a little while."

I nodded and watched as the two walked off.

I practiced my sword swings and tried aiming my skills more efficiently.

With this technique, I discovered that the skill 'Full Moon Slash' could be used in a variety of different ways. The skill was capable of using the previous versions with greatly increased power.

This would be useful for avoiding collateral damage if I fought with allies by my side.

I smiled to myself as I felt like I was getting the hang of it.

A few minutes went by and I saw movement out of the corner of my eye. I glanced over to see a woman approaching me.

My eyes went wide in shock as I saw her.

It was Rose. She was wearing a beautiful dress colored pink, white, and blue to compliment her hair and eyes. It was intricate and luxurious.

Although it was cut a bit low under the neck... She was showing a bit of cleavage...

Still, I decided not to let that bother me, considering what I almost saw I the trip to Albatross.

I had no idea what Rose was doing in the castle, but despite this, I ran straight over to her.

"Rose! It's so good to see you!" I said.

Then I hugged her.

She seemed to tense up greatly as I wrapped my arms around her.

"KYAAA!! G-GET OFF OF ME!!!" She shouted angrily.

I pulled away and looked at her.

"Rose? Are you okay? Sorry if that was sudden... I was just excited to see you..." I said as I started feeling really bad about what I had just done.

Her face was red and she was holding herself as she stepped back.

She looked at me angrily.

"I'm really sorry, Rose. Can you forgive me?"

"Y-you...FILTHY COMMONER!!! HOW DARE YOU TOUCH ME WITHOUT PERMISSION!!!" She yelled.

My eyes went wide in surprise and she narrowed her gaze.

"Hmm...? Oh. You're kind of cute, actually..."

C-cute? What's going on here!?

"Rose...?"

"STOP CALLING ME THAT!!! I am Second Princess Cassandra Victoria Albatross! And you have just assaulted me!" She said.

S-SECOND PRINCESS!?!? AS IN ONE OF THE KING'S DAUGHTERS!?!? WHY DOES SHE LOOK EXACTLY LIKE ROSE!?!?

My expression changed to one of fear as she glared at me.

"Since you have offended me so gravely...APOLOGIZE!" She said angrily.

"I'm...s-sorry, Cassandra-"

"You insect! Kneel as you apologize to me! And do not presume to use my name so casually! Refer to me as your Majesty Princess Cassandra! Idiotic filth..." She said.

I dropped to my knees and bowed my head. I opened my mouth to speak and heard her sigh.

"You have greatly offended me. I would prefer that you go lower," she said.

I bowed my head to the ground.

"I'm so sorry...your Majesty Princess Cassandra! Please forgive me! I've made a terrible mistake..." I said.

Then I felt something press itself on my head.

She stepped on me.

"Ehehehehe...yes. Just like that!" She laughed.

She dug her heel into my head and I felt a sharp pain as something warm dripped out of my hair.

I was bleeding.

"I-I'm...really sorry... Please...that hurts..." I said.

I was beginning to feel my anger flare up as she laughed again.

"Look at you! Complaining so much! It's adorable! I might keep you as a pet... I bet you're furious right now!" She said.

Then I heard the voice of Vengeance speak.

[Foolish woman. You dare invoke my wrath? I would have my wielder take your head for such an insult!]

Vengeance...I can't kill a Princess!!!

"Oh yes...I think I like that idea... You're so cute...like an obedient dog. You would make a wonderful pet!" She said.

P-pet...? What does that mean!?

Then I heard a door open to my left.

"CASSANDRA!!! GET OFF OF HIM, IMMEDIATELY!!!" A familiar voice shouted.

I glanced over and saw...Rose.

She looked exactly like the woman stepping on my head.

She wore a similar, yet more modest dress.

What the hell is going on here!? Why are there two of you!?

"Ugh...sister, I'll have you know that this boy has greatly offended me! He ran over and...he hugged me without permission! He called me Rose as well. How dare he! I am Princess Cassandra!"

"There's...a good reason for that. Please get off of him! Can't you see that he's bleeding!? You're hurting him!" The woman said.

"Of course he's bleeding, Isabella. His blood will pay for his crimes. Isn't that how it works?" Cassandra said.

"That boy is a guest of the Grandmaster as well as a member of the Iratus family! It was a mistake! Please, just-"

"Obviously, but this boy acts just like a commoner! Who cares what color his eyes are!? A filthy Iratus shouldn't be in our castle to begin with!" Cassandra said.

"GET OFF OF HIM!!! I WON'T ASK AGAIN, CASSANDRA!!!" Isabella shouted.

Cassandra lifted her foot off of my head and kicked me.

"UGH!!"

I rolled to my side as I felt the intense pain slam the side of my head.

It felt like I had been kicked by a bull...

"Sister! Why do you have to be so cruel!? Is it truly so terrible to receive a hug!?" Isabella said worriedly.

"Tch...from filthy lowborn trash? I'm not you, Isabella. If you want to let this insect touch you, be my guest. But...I think it's time I taught you a lesson. What do you say?" Cassandra said as she stepped forward.

Isabella raised her hand and glared at Cassandra.

"If you want to do this, I won't hesitate to give the order. Please...just go away!" Isabella said.

Cassandra looked around cautiously and sighed.

"This isn't worth it. Fine. Have your petty victory. I'm leaving."

Just before Cassandra left the training yard, she looked at me.

"You had better not offend me again, boy. I'll make you regret it!" She said.

Cassandra turned and left after that.

I slowly sat up and clutched my head.

Then Isabella rushed over to me.

"Mizik!!" She said.

She threw her arms around me, but...

I felt like running away.

"Who...who the hell are you!? I think I deserve an answer!" I managed.

She pulled away and frowned.

"I...planned to tell you sooner or later... This isn't how I wanted things to turn out. I am Rose. But my real name...is First Princess Isabella Victoria Albatross."

Rose...IS A PRINCESS!?!?

"Why does she look like you? Was that your sister!?" I said.

She nodded sadly.

"Cassandra is my identical twin sister. We look alike in every way, except for one thing," Isabella said.

She pointed to a spot just under her left eye.

I hadn't noticed before because I tried so hard not to stare, but there was a very faint, small mole under her left eye.

"I'm so sorry, Mizik... I feel terrible about lying to you... You're probably mad at me... If I had just been truthful, then-"

I held up my hand.

"Look, I won't deny that maybe this could have been avoided. But, I think I understand what's going on. You have a...really good reason to hide your identity here. I can forgive that. And also, thank you for saving me. Who knows what that horrible woman would have done if you hadn't shown up..." I said.

"Wait. You mean...you're not upset at me for lying?"

"Not at all. I wish you would have trusted me more, but you can never be too careful. Although...this is still a lot to take in all at once. You did save me, so I guess that's fine. But hey...you being a Princess and all...we can still be friends, right?"

Who cares!? Honestly! You're my friend! Although, it is pretty awesome to have a Princess as a friend...

Isabella sat up straight and stared in disbelief.

"That's all you're worried about!? You don't care that I'm next in line to rule a country!? Or even that I've been lying to you this whole time!?"

I just shook my head.

"You had a pretty good reason to be dishonest. Even if I still don't like it. But your position isn't any of my business. Besides, the Iratus family is a Dukedom, right? I should get used to it, anyway. But...well...should I call you Isabella or Rose? O-or...should I call you your Majes-"

Suddenly, she hugged me tightly.

H-HEY! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?!?

"I knew I liked you for a reason!!!" Isabella said happily.

"Wh-what!?" I managed.

She pulled away and smiled.

"Mizik! Please let me tend to your wounds. No. As First Princess of Albatross, I command you to let me do just that!" She said.

By law, I don't technically have a choice in the matter, do I?

"Y-yes...your Majesty..." I said.

"I'll have none of that! You can call me Isabella. Just Isabella. When adventuring, call me Rose."

I smiled and nodded.

Then she gently took my hand and helped me up. She led me over to a bench and sat down behind me. She was elevated slightly to get a better look at the top of my head.

"Now then...there's a bucket here. Can you fill it with water for me?" She asked.

"Create water," I said.

Within moments, the bucket was full and Isabella produced a small hand towel from her inventory. She wetted it and began cleaning my hair.

"Heal," she said gently.

I felt a tickling sensation on the top of my head. She knew I could use Greater Heal, but...I wasn't about to stop her.

She hummed happily to herself as she continued.

"Mizik, I never noticed before, but your hair is so soft! It looks really nice, too!" She said.

My heart was starting to beat quickly.

You're really doing too much...

Once she finished, she got up and moved to my front.

She leaned in close and looked at the bruise on the side of my head.

"Ugh...Cassandra...why would you do this to him...?" She said quietly.

She began healing the side of my head and cleaned my face as well.

"There we go! All better. How does it feel?"

"It...f-feels a lot better..." I said nervously.

Then she leaned in close to my face and smiled.

"I don't think I've said this enough, but you're actually really handsome, Mizik. You have such pretty eyes. I'd be a lucky girl if I could have you, you know?"

"Wh-what!?" I said nervously.

If you don't stop that, I might get the wrong idea. Please...my heart cant take this!

"Ehehe! You're so cute!" She said just before hugging my arm.

Her chest pressed onto me and it caused me to freeze in place.

Just kill me and get it over with...

"Huh? What's wrong? You gave my sister a hug and not me... I'm jealous. So I'm hugging you, instead!" Isabella said.

She had a sly expression on her face.

She knows exactly what she's doing...

As if by divine intervention, one of the doors to the training yard opened up before I could respond.

Sir Gordon stopped as he saw us.

Ah shit... Here we go.

"Umm...Princess Isabella?" He said.

Isabella let go of me...slowly...and smiled at the Grandmaster.

"Oh, hello Grandmaster! I was just tending to Mizik's wounds. He fell and hurt himself. How are you, today?" Isabella said.

"Sure... I am well. But...should you really be hugging him? What would your fiance say?" He said.

Suddenly, I remembered something horrible.

I recalled that bastard Arvild saying he was engaged to someone named Princess Isabella.

I felt my heart sink as I worried what sort of horrible fate awaited my cherished friend. Not to mention...

I kind of started to like her. As much as I didn't want to admit it...I might have been in love.

Such a thing would have been forbidden...

No...damn it all... That piece of shit is going to marry her...?

But as these feelings of pain and heartache swelled in me...

Her attitude did a complete 180.

Her content smile went to a glare. She ground her teeth in rage and took a deep breath to calm herself.

"Tch...that bastard can go throw himself off a tower! How many times do I have to cancel this damned engagement!?!? I am so sick of him! Why can't he just leave me alone!? That Arvild is a disgusting jerk and the reason I took a vacation to Lorelei in the first place!" Isabella said angrily.

Unhappy engagement...? I guess I can understand. Arvild is kind of an asshole...

"Right. This again. Do you want me to inform the King of your decision for the hundredth time or so?" Sir Gordon said.

"No. I will go myself. The last time you went, he decided not to cancel it and I was almost married to that bastard. If I want it to be cancelled, I have to do it, myself. No offense, Grandmaster," Isabella said firmly.

"None taken, your Majesty. You have a point... The King definitely has a soft spot for his two daughters. Is there anything I can do to assist?"

"Hmm...you promised to train Mizik, right? Please keep your word. Mizik is...ah...v-very special to me. I care deeply for him. Make sure that Cassandra stays away from him as well. Ensure Mizik's safety and that he grows to be as strong as possible. That will be all, Grandmaster," Isabella said with a smile.

It was then that I noticed her way of speaking again. It was somewhat commanding without being overbearing. Her presence exuded royal authority.

Not to mention, she said I was special to her. That alone was enough to make my face heat up.

"I'll see to it at once. Thank you, your Majesty."

Then Isabella got up and started walking away. There was something different about the way she walked.

She was so graceful... Truly refined in her posture and movements. Moreso than when I had seen her walk on the way to Albatross.

Then she turned around and smiled at me.

"Mizik, I give you full permission, by my authority as First, and Crown Princess of Albatross, to enter and exit the castle as you see fit. Please come and visit me!" Isabella said happily. Then she left the training grounds.

I felt my face heat up again at her smile.

I glanced over to the Grandmaster and he shook his head.

"I don't know what we're going to do with that girl..." He muttered.

I got up and approached Sir Gordon.

"Please don't be suspicious of me, Grandmaster, I didn't-"

"Stop it. I don't want you to worry about that. Princess Isabella is a kindhearted and lovely young woman. In my opinion, she can do much better than those scoundrel nobles that keep trying to arrange marriages with her. Especially the Darius family's first son... Please keep that to yourself, though."

"Sir!" I replied.

And with that, Sir Gordon and I resumed our training. We worked until the sun began to set and I made my way home.

Sir Gordon promised that he would relay Isabella's orders to the castle guards and that I could now come and go as I pleased.

I would be happy about this if I wasn't so terrified of Cassandra.

Regardless, I wanted to see Isabella again. More than anything, I wanted to be closer to her...

And to think...this entire time, I had been adventuring with her.

I couldn't believe it! I made friends with a Princess!

And for the rest of the day, thoughts of her raced through my head.

After getting back to the Diner, I reluctantly took a bath and then laid down in bed.

Thoughts of Isabella danced in my mind as I tried to calm myself.

I didn't think I had ever been so flustered around a girl before in my life.

Although...she was engaged to that Arvild guy...

I hated the thought of that bastard being able to have her. But...

Against a full-blooded noble of Albatross, I didn't stand a chance. I had only a moderate sum of saved money, no status in this country, and only my eyes to show my affiliation to the, supposedly famous, Iratus family.

Albatross didn't recognize nobility from other countries. Especially not when they bred with commoners!

Duke or not, my late father's title was meaningless to me.

Even if Isabella had flirted with me quite a bit, it was doubtful that such a thing would be permitted. She was to be the next Queen of Albatross...and I was little more than a homeless adventurer.

Despite our friendship, I couldn't fight the uneasy feeling that I would never be able to have her.

Oh well, fantasies are bittersweet... At least I can still be her friend. If she ends up marrying that pile of garbage, she can still talk to me. I'll always be her friend.

I pushed the thoughts out of my mind as I drifted off to sleep once again.