The Hero of Vengeance

Chapter 27: Recovery

Since the day I was rescued, I'd been mostly confined to the castle hospital. Slowly, I had been able to learn how to use my arms and legs again.

With the use of healing magic, the bones in my legs were reconstructed and the muscles were repaired in my arms and hands.

Unfortunately...

I was left horrifically scarred as a result.

My face only had the one mark that Cassandra gave me at the beginning. Thankfully I was rescued before my eyes were gouged out...

The rest of my body, however, was not so fortunate. Scars dotted and criss crossed all over my abdomen, my arms, my back, and my legs.

My hands and feet were also not spared.

The experience was so surreal and nightmarish that I had couldn't even remember where some of the scars came from.

Despite having been kicked in the crotch many times, however, the family jewels made a full recovery too.

However, whether or not I was impotent as a result remained to be seen...

I shakily stood in front of a mirror in my underwear and examined myself.

It had been another week since I was rescued.

Mentally, I wasn't sure if I was alright. Something was taken from me in that dungeon... A sort of innocence that I had held onto even after the goblin incident.

Internally, I was otherwise okay.

Eating garbage did not do my stomach and intestines justice, but the castle healers were able to fix me up. Suffering from food poisoning and being tortured at the same time was a hellish experience.

It was a miracle that I even survived such a thing.

Supposedly, the magic suppression cuffs that Cassandra put on my wrists were illegal models banned in many parts of the world. Not only did they sap your magic energy and suppress it, but they also placed a mild curse on you.

My power took a very long time to come back as a result. Eventually, it did begin to return.

And then there was the last problem.

A few days ago, I began having horrific night terrors of still being in that dungeon. It was everything Isabella could do to calm me down when it happened.

I might have been dealing with a severe trauma now and it only made me hate Cassandra even more.

A few more days passed and soon, I was able to walk almost normally again.

I was actually terrified of roaming the castle alone now. It was crippling. I felt like a paranoid wreck. I even purchased a few new skills to help prepare me if I ever encountered that evil woman again.

The skills were called 'Silence' and Dispel'. They allowed me to prevent enemies from using spells and also cancel their effects. I even upgraded them, too.

Upon acquiring them, I repeatedly used them until they achieved level 10.

Isabella worried terribly for my mental health at this point, but I assured her I was just a bit paranoid.

This was the truth, but saying that I was paranoid was a vast understatement. I constantly looked around at my surroundings and would silently cast dispel at random shadows.

Luckily, I was still mostly the same man Isabella had fallen in love with. Just a lot warier of my surroundings. I laid back down on the hospital bed in the middle of the day and Isabella sat next to me.

She gently hugged me and leaned her head on mine with a smile.

"Ah... You're...Isabella, right...?" I said nervously.

She had just walked in the room, after all...

Then she looked at me quizzically.

"Of course I'm Isabella! Cassandra wouldn't hug you even if she was impersonating me. Besides, she's not here right now... And if you still don't believe me..."

Isabella leaned in close and kissed me on the lips.

I was somewhat surprised by this but...I sure as hell didn't mind. Afterwards she smiled at me.

She's an angel... Even if she has the same face as that demon whore of a sister she has...

Moments later, the door opened and one of the castle maids walked in.

"Lunch is ready for you, Princess Isabella, Master Mizik. Please come to the dining hall as soon as you can," the maid said.

Then Isabella helped me up and we made our way to the castle dining hall.

I forgot to mention that my armor had been completely destroyed by Cassandra. My clothes had also gone missing.

The King insisted on getting me better clothing. Something worthy of the man engaged to his daughter.

I was fitted and received several sets of clothing usually worn by nobles. I currently wore a black and white suit with a tie. It was lined with silver.

The tie was encrusted with emeralds and the Iratus family crest was emblazoned on the area where my heart was.

The crossed twin swords over an emerald flame.

Isabella was highly impressed with the outfit and couldn't take her eyes off of me.

It felt amazing.

We walked together and she had her arm wrapped around mine. I tried to secretly peer around cautiously as we walked.

"Don't worry, Mizik. Cassandra is still locked in the dungeon. Arvild hasn't been seen in days, either. You're safe here," Isabella said.

"Right... Sorry, it's becoming something of a habit..." I said apologetically.

As I spoke, we passed a small table with a light shadow. I briefly considered casting dispel.

Isabella would probably lecture me if she knew what I'd been doing.

"No need to worry so much, Mizik. I'll protect you!" Isabella said as she leaned on me a bit.

I looked over and smiled at her. She wore her usual elegant dress decorated with blue, white, and a bit of pink to compliment her hair.

I could see Isabella wearing the ring I had made for her. She normally didn't wear a lot of jewelry, but she treasured that piece. Arvild mentioned at one point that he could get something much nicer. He called it a cheap piece of trash fit only for a low class whore...and that only a poor man would buy such a low quality ring. Then he had the nerve to offer her a ring, himself.

She didn't take that well at all, apparently.

I wasn't around to see it, but Isabella completely lost it when he insulted her ring.

Which reminded me...

"Isabella, I just remembered something..." I said.

"What is it?" She replied.

"I forgot to mention that Cassandra took the ring you had made for me. She destroyed it right in front of me and threw it away..."

Isabella sighed deeply as if to calm herself.

"That witch really did far too much to you. I'll have another made as soon as possible. Luckily, it's just a ring. I'm far happier that you're alive, Mizik." She said.

"Thank you... But that ring was special to me..." I admitted.

"No need to thank me, my love. I can't have other girls thinking you're not taken, now can I?" Isabella said playfully.

She is right, though. It's just a ring. I'm lucky to be alive right now.

We arrived at the dining hall and were served our food.

Isabella and I had soup. Mine was a special blend of nutrients and herbs to speed up the healing process. And hers was...I don't know. Something absurdly fancy and exotic.

Healing magic was useful, but it could not completely replace the body's natural regeneration. It was supposed to be used as a means of reconstructing broken bones or closing wounds to stop bleeding.

It was effective for saving lives, but one still needed to recuperate after getting treated from severe injuries.

After we ate, we went to one of the indoor training areas for physical therapy.

I needed to be able to fight, after all.

I would need it for when I faced that witch again...and that slimy bastard Arvild.

Isabella helped me do several workouts under the watchful eye of a medical expert. Unfortunately, I couldn't go as hard as I wanted to right now. I felt like I wanted to lose myself in something at the moment to take my mind away from the hell I endured. My wounds began to hurt and I had to quit, sadly...

Still, Isabella stayed by my side throughout it all.

After physical therapy, we headed back to the hospital where I rested again.

Apparently, I'd been asleep for three days after I was rescued. My family at the Diner was informed of my safety, but they could not forgive the actions of the former Second Princess. News of her violence had begun to spread and many people demanded justice.

It was unfortunate, because many nobles were already trying to take down the royal family to end the permanent martial law. Luckily, the King was already hard at work putting out the fires.

And as he did so...

I begun secretly planning my revenge.

Arvild and Cassandra were on my hit list. Arvild was branded as a criminal for his involvement as well.

He was stripped of his titles and had yet to be found.

How did a pile of shit like him manage to get his hands on a magic sword anyways?

Was it because of his family?

Legendary magic swords supposedly chose individuals possessing certain qualities to wield them. Arvild wielded Bravery, despite the fact that he was clearly a coward. Why was that? Did he possess some secret courage?

Who knew what these things saw in people, honestly. It was a highly dangerous situation to have a hostile legendary sword user running around unhinderd in your country.

I had other questions as well. Like about what had been happening with the Black Ooze lately.

Currently, the Grandmaster was out and I hadn't seen him since before I was imprisoned.

He was a very busy man.

Regardless, Isabella and I stayed in the hospital.

She helped me change the bandages on my chest while we were alone. She was so much more gentle than the nurses.

Although she wouldn't stop staring at me while she did it...

The scars were terrible, but Isabella made it better when she told me I looked manly. I was okay with this. As long as it was her, It didn't matter. Scars were scars, but I guess it kind of looked...cool?

Still, instead of a hardened battle veteran, I was a torture victim. Not nearly as cool.

We spent the next week in a routine like this.

* * *

Eventually, it came time for me to leave the hospital for good. I would now be permitted to roam the castle again.

As if I really planned on doing that.

I stuck to Isabella like a newborn puppy. She felt like a safety blanket to me and I had no intention of leaving her watchful eye.

In the past week, Arvild had yet to be seen and I managed to speak with Sir Gordon. He informed me that as far as he knew, the situation with the Black Ooze hadn't changed.

Strange sights with the occasional monster. As well as a warping landscape that would change and go back to normal.

It was a curious thing, but I pushed the thought out of my mind.

However, I couldn't help but feel like I was intentionally ignoring something incredibly important in regards to it. A familiarity with the situation that made me nervous.

Regardless, I would deal with the Ooze once I got stronger. A suicide mission wouldn't benefit anyone. Especially not me.

It was getting late and Isabella was leading me to her room. It was situated pretty far from Cassandra's and everything about it was different. It was located on the third floor of the castle as opposed to Cassandra's which was on the first.

Likely because her awful dungeon needed to be underground.

Isabella's room had a very refined look to it. Elegant, yet also very girly.

Two large windows loomed on either side of the bed that sat in the center of the room by the wall. There was a large closet with a sliding door on one side of the room and several large dressers next to a partition divider for changing clothes.

There was an open door leading to an extravagant looking bathroom.

Through the windows, one could see over the protective walls if the curtains were open.

I couldn't help but think of how some perverts would likely try and peer through the windows with telescopes whenever possible.

I pushed the thought from my mind. After all, that was likely the reason for the partition.

This room had a much more calming feeling as opposed to Cassandra's room from hell.

I felt like I could relax here.

"Isabella, is there a reason you've brought me here?" I asked curiously.

It seemed like a reasonable question. This particular part of the castle only had two rooms in it. Isabella's, which was much larger and more extravagant, and Walter's, just across the hall.

In other words, I wanted to know where the hell my room was supposed to be if I was going to be near Isabella.

"Yes. You'll be sleeping in here with me from now on," she said.

Excuse me?

"One question."

"Of course."

"Where is my bed?" I asked.

There's only one bed. I'm pretty sure sleeping in the same bed violates the rules. Unless I'm sleeping on the floor, that is. I don't mind that as much as I should, honestly... It still feels far safer than being anywhere near Cassandra's room and the carpet looks quite comfortable. Actually, the carpet looks more comfortable than any bed I've slept in. Ever.

"It's right there, silly," she said as she motioned to her bed. "We're sharing."

I felt like my chest was going to explode.

Did she really expect me to sleep in the same bed as her right now?

"I don't think that's allowed..." I said.

"Father and I discussed the new rules some time ago. He made the mistake of agreeing to my terms without seeing the loophole. Put simply, the new rule states that you are allowed to sleep in my room with me so that I can keep an eye on you. And as long as you don't touch me in any impure way, there is no violation to the previously discussed terms of our engagement," Isabella said.

"Umm..."

Something that I hadn't known until recently, was that between Isabella and Cassandra, Isabella far outclassed her sister in studies, intelligence, diplomacy, and negotiation. This was becoming more obvious to me by the minute. Isabella might have been 'soft', that is to say she was kind and loving, but she was one hell of a negotiator.

So much so, that her father often needed the help of an advisor to negotiate with her demands.

And it seemed like even that hadn't been effective...

"Additionally, the rule only states that you are permitted to sleep in my room. It says nothing about where you sleep. Which means..." Isabella trailed off as she walked behind and wrapped her arms around me. "I get you all to myself every night from now on!" She whispered.

My face felt ablaze as my heart pounded in my chest.

If I don't die of a heart attack, I'll be lucky...

"Th-that would violate the rules!" I stammered.

"Only if something happens, my love. Sleeping together doesn't mean we have to 'sleep together', Mizik," Isabella said playfully as she let go and moved around to look me in the eyes. Then she whispered quietly as she learned extra close to my face. "I get to hold you in my arms and keep you warm and safe!"

I averted my gaze from her.

This woman is dangerous...

"A-are you sure I can't just sleep on the floor? It looks comfortable..." I reasoned.

It seemed like a good idea. Less chance for something bad to happen. It might've been cold, but I had slept in worse places... Like the dungeon, for example. Still...the carpet in this room looked incredibly soft and luxurious...

Isabella, however, began to pout at my suggestion.

"I'm not going to sleep very well if my fiance is freezing cold and sleeping on the floor while I'm warm and comfortable in bed! Besides, you have horrific nightmares nearly every night! How am I supposed to comfort you if you're not close!?" She said.

That was the hard truth.

The nightmares I'd begun having had become an almost nightly occurrence. I would be back in that cursed cell with that witch. The demon that wore the face of Isabella.

It honestly wasn't good for me since Isabella was so close to being identical to her demonic sister. Hell, they even sounded nearly identical.

"Well...you have a point..." I said.

Isabella nodded matter-of-factly and walked behind me to face the hallway.

Yeah...Master of negotiations... I can see it clearly. I can't win no matter what I do. I don't stand a chance. I just have to man up and keep my hands to myself.

"Walter," she said.

He appeared instantly and bowed.

"Could you please excuse us for the night? I shall call for you in the morning." She said.

"Of course, my lady. But first I should say..." He looked at me before he continued. "You may not touch the Princess. Do so and your privileges will be revoked. All of them. Be careful, young Master... She is dangerous. I worry more about her schemes than your willpower."

"Yes sir," I said.

"I'm not dangerous! And I am most certainly not scheming!" Isabella protested.

I sincerely doubt that.

Walter sighed quietly.

Immediately afterward, he vanished.

He had a very good point.

The King's trust in me was a matter of Isabella's purity. If I broke his trust, it would mean breaking the engagement.

Luckily, Isabella's bed was more than large enough for two people. There was plenty of space for us to pick sides.

We took turns getting cleaned up in her personal bathroom and then laid down to sleep.

Her bed was incredibly soft and warm. It smelled just like Isabella, too. I heard her rustle the sheets and felt my heart beating faster.

I should have been used to being so close to her by now, but I couldn't help it.

As I began to slowly calm down and drift off, Isabella moved closer and wrapped one of her arms around me. She placed her hand on my chest as she pulled me close. Making doubly sure to press herself on my back...

Deep breath. She just wants to cuddle...oh gods, I can feel them...

I could both hear and feel her heartbeat.

"Now I can finally be close to you while I sleep," she said.

She's a mastermind. A truly gifted tactician. I can't make any moves against her, but she can still attack me! Damn it all!

I tried to breathe deeply in and out, but my heart wouldn't stop pounding.

"I-isabella..." I began.

"Please just let me have this, Mizik. I was so terrified for your safety when my sister had you. I just want to feel you close to me for a while... That way I don't have to worry while I sleep. Plus...I've wanted to do this for a long time."

She gently rested her face against the back of my head and I finally began to calm down.

That's right... That experience wasn't just difficult for me. She spent every night terrified that I was in danger or had died. Very well, I'll allow it. But...ugh...this is going to be hard...

Once everything had been settled, the two of us slowly drifted off to sleep.

* * *

While I slept, it happened again. I was back in that cell and Cassandra was standing over me with a twisted smile on her face.

"Now...where did we leave off? Oh! Your pretty little eyes!" She said as she held the dagger mere centimeters away from me.

"Please...make it stop... No more..." I whimpered. I cried and begged for her to stop and just before she hurt me again, I felt something squeezing me.

"It's okay," the voice said. "You're safe. No need to cry anymore."

At that moment, Cassandra disappeared and I was awake again in Isabella's loving embrace.

I couldn't help but weep tears of joy as I felt Isabella holding me and heard her voice.

I was finally safe.

That witch couldn't hurt me now and I vowed to make her suffer for what she did to me.

I allowed myself to drift off once again.

* * *

When I awoke again, Isabella was right there. She was still snoring loudly. I turned to look at her.

She opened her eyes and smiled at me.

"I'm glad you're the first thing I see when I wake up, Mizik," she said softly.

I returned her smile and hugged her. She responded by kissing my forehead.

It took everything I had not go further.

"Ehehe...this is going to be hard for me, too..." She said nervously.

We immediately got out of bed and she went into the bathroom to change. I had to...cover myself after I sat up. I was at that age after all, and my hormones were going absolutely berserk.

While she changed, I managed to calm down and quickly got ready.

I wore a simple white shirt and long pants today.

There was training to be done and Isabella planned to join me. Once She exited the bathroom in similar attire to myself, Walter appeared.

"I commend your restraint, young Master. Any lesser man would have failed immediately," he said.

I awkwardly looked away. I had merely resisted by sheer force of will.

Isabella was precious to me. Sex wasn't something on my mind when it came to being with her, anyway. I wasn't Arvild, after all.

That horndog only wanted one thing from her.

"Thank you, Walter. I appreciate your kind words," I said.

"Indeed. The same cannot be said for my lady, however," he said as he peered suspiciously at Isabella.

She looked away as if not to notice his gaze.

"I merely wished to be close to my beloved, is all, Walter. My intentions were nothing but pure!" She said. "Besides, if I'm not close to him, how can I cure his night terrors?"

Damn, she's good.

"A fair point, my lady. But you are changing the subject..."

"What? Me? Change the subject? I must attend to my beloved's situation! Closeness is important!" Isabella protested.

"Was it necessary for you to press your chest onto him in such a way?"

They really are close to be able to talk about that...but he isn't wrong...

Her face flushed red and she looked away.

"I only wanted to cuddle! Not my fault they grew so big... It's just something I have to live with while I'm treating Mizik's night terrors.

Walter sighed

"You are impossible, my lady. But in due time, I hope these nightmares will cease. And if I might say, I have the highest hopes that your sister will get exactly what she deserves," Walter said.

"I'm sure that I would like to see her executed even more than you at this point," Isabella said while narrowing her eyes.

"But of course. Now, why don't we head down to the dining hall for a proper meal, then?" Walter said with a gentle smile.

"That sounds good to me," I said. "Let's go!"

* * *

Two weeks later, my wounds had completely healed and my nightmares became much less frequent.

I owed Isabella my life. My eternal gratitude and everything I had to give. If she saw me as the man of her dreams, I would strive to be just that.

I sat down next to Isabella on the training grounds as we took a break.

I originally planned to simply pass through this city and leave without a word to hardly anyone. I would've said goodbye to Rose and been none the wiser about her true identity.

It was funny how my plans never seemed to go exactly the way I wanted them to, but I didn't mind. I found something truly special here.

The bonds we form with people are so much more important than money, power, and status.

Do I even need to go to Noir? Doesn't that just seem like it will bring more harm than good?

As far as I knew, the Iratus family may have already selected a new heir. There was no way they hadn't heard about Ulysses at this point. They had plenty of time.

I silently wondered what had happened to my father's two bodyguards that never returned. Maybe they arrived back home to an empty house in Lorelei...

One now owned by the Princess, of course.

Or maybe they never arrived at all. Could it be possible that they simply made it to Noir and never went back?

The more I thought about it, the more questions I had.

I wanted to know the truth.

At some point in the future I would have to go to Noir. It was inevitable.

First, however, I would wait until I was allowed to leave. Once I had finished assisting the Albatross Knights, I would make my way there.

Perhaps I could even take Isabella with me. More than likely, she would be able to use her resources to provide transportation and assistance with negotiation.

Which meant we could travel by carriage, this time, instead of on foot!

Although, before we went to Noir, more than anything, I wanted to have a honeymoon with Isabella in Lorelei. To see my house and spend time with my family.

I looked over at Isabella as she sat next to me and hugged her. Then I kissed her cheek.

"Oh? Mizik? Is everything okay?" She said, suddenly becoming flustered.

"Everything is fine. I'm just grateful to have you," I said.

"You're so sweet, Mizik! I'm grateful for you as well!" She said just before kissing me on the lips.

We spent the rest of the day training until finally heading back to Isabella's room to sleep.