Path to Power (Chapter 5) - Inferno Below the Moonlight -

[TzenToku]

Months have passed since Zhang’s visit to the capital, Azerath. Since then, both Kurosaki and Edhas came to an agreement with William that the best was for all the Shiva Gems to be dumped into the “Sand Grave” desserts of Ju-Sang province. The caravan carrying the gems were disguised as food caravans, moved to the deepest parts of the dessert to have them dumped. Edhas’s head bodyguard, Captain Blight, who was a highly experienced soldier, guided and escorted the caravan throughout the journey.


The miners and caravan moved with haste and emptied the every mountains and mines of Lang province till there was almost no Shiva Gems left. The workers worked day and night with little time to sleep and completed the whole major project just two days before Prince Valtrana arrived for the inspection. The inspection confirmed and concluded there were no more Shiva Gems in Lang Province and the Mansoor Noble family received a full apology from the royal family.


With the absence of Shiva Gems to the Vanorse Royal Army’s armament, they resorted to what was previously discussed during the parliament meeting. Moriarty had ordered all nobles to send every available soldier to the frontlines to serve under Valtrana’s commands. With the increase to the number of personnel, Vanorse was able to capture several small villages with little resistance from Fanlarg.


It was now 17 months passed since the day of the emergency parliament meeting, Zhang was now 13 years old and there was still no news of the secret weapon the Royal family claimed Fanlarg had been working on. In parliament hall, many Lords were laughing at the idea of Fanlarg of creating a weapon which would turn the tides of the war. Few now took the threats from Fanlarg seriously for the course of the war was now at the favor of Vanorse. The Vanorse Royal Army continued to push until reached the forests of Fanlarg. There both armies were once again in a stalemate for the Imperial Army of Fanlarg was strongest in forest terrains. Fanlarg could not move too far out of the forest for fear Vanorse would over power them easily and Vanorse could not move too close to the forest for fear of being ambushed by Fanlarg.


William still continued his fight for peace between two countries along with the support of several Lords which included Ganth, Edhas and Kurosaki. Several lords valued the lives of their soldiers over land, powers and riches. For that reason the still desire peace and an end to the war. Each parliament meeting, William would bring up the issue about the ongoing war and push for peace, and he will always be faced with resistance. There were several other lords who let greed decide the reason to fight while others only desire the people of Fanlarg were an abomination and should be obviated from the face of Ashura.


It was now Sophie’s 20th birthday and the whole mansion staff was preparing for the dinner party. Sophie had wanted the party to be held at night when there would be a full moon. Since birth, her late mother, Lady Felicia L. Flourite had always prayed to Selene, the moon goddess to bless Sophie with a bright future and to always protect her. Zhang was among the staff helping to prepare for the dinner party. During the dinner party, Sophie was expected to make an entrance riding on Hector, Sophie’s white horse. Zhang was in charge of grooming and preparing Hector and the other horses.


Zhang: You be good now Hector. Tonight’s your big night. Don’t mess up ok? Do this for Lady Sophie.

Hector: (Neighing)….

Zhang: Wonder what I should get for Lady Sophie as a present. Hmmm…. Any ideas Hector? (Brushing Hector’s fur)

Hector: (Moves a little and knocks Zhang onto the ground).

Zhang: (Gets up) Thank you for that (In a sarcastic voice).


Zhang walks out of the stable and sees William’s convoy returning. The guards open the gate for the convoy to enter and Zhang runs to the side of the path where the convoy would be passing. He bows and says.


Zhang: Welcome back my lord.

William: (Looks out of the chariot) Hello there Zhang. Come to the front of the courtyard a while.


The convoy stops at the courtyard in front of the mansion and William gets out and talks to Zhang.


William: Where is Sophie?

Zhang: Lady Sophie has gone out with Lord Ganth’s daughter, Lady Eva to the nearby town. They should be back before evening.

William: I see, so we have about 6 hours before their return. Zhang, prepare me my Pegasus will you? We’re going out to get Sophie a present.

Zhang: At once my lord.


Zhang runs to the stable and brings out William’s grey Pegasus. Zhang tries to Pegasus under control and prevent it from flying for he was not too familiar with handling anything other than cows or horses. He brings the Pegasus to William.


William: (Gets on the Pegasus) Come on Zhang let’s go, no time to explain. We’re burning time waiting any longer (Grabs Zhang onto the Pegasus).

Zhang: My lord!! Where are we going?!?!

William: Hang on tight!! (Orders the Pegasus to take off).


Zhang started screaming at the top of his lungs for he had never ridden a Pegasus before. He had also never flew of been anywhere with his feet more than 4 feet off the ground. William navigated the Pegasus to fly them to a river. Zhang immediately recognized the river for he and Sophie had once passed it on their way to the Village of “Wir”. William landed the Pegasus by the side of the river and Zhang immediately fell off trembling. He was still in shock by the flight. William walked to river bank, took off his boots, folded up his pants and stepped into the river.


William: Come on boy!! Help me find some “Lunar Stones”!!

Zhang: (Still trembling) But my lord. Aren’t Lunar Stones extremely rare?

William: They are, which was why I asked you to come along and stop wasting time. This river is one if the very few places that have Lunar Stone. Do you know what Lunar Stones look like or how they’re formed?

Zhang: I’ve seen them once my lord. But I can’t recall what exactly they look like.

William: Lunar Stones used to be regular grey coloured stones. However after decades being soaked in a river blessed by the Selene, the Moon Goddess, the stones start to absorb the magical properties and gain a white translucent colour. This river was one of the very few chosen as a holy place and this was where Sophie’s mother used to come and pray to Selene.

Zhang: (Takes off shoes and joins William in the river) Ohh yeah… now I remember what it looks like. It’s very hard to find because it has an outer gray layer which is of lesser value right?

William: That’s right. The outer gray layer has no value and camouflages it among all other regular gray stones. We’ll need to scrub off the outer layer to identify whether if it’s a Lunar Stone or not. It’s said that Lunar Stones carry healing properties and always carried by military officers during war as a good luck charm. A translucent white stone from the moon goddess is a perfect gift for Sophie, wouldn’t you agree?


Zhang totally agreed with William with that and continued scrubbing and searching for the Lunar Stone. Both William and Zhang looked for 2 hours with no success, until Zhang noticed something right at the center of the river. It was deeper at the center of the river, but Zhang was confident there was something there. He walks to the center away from the river bank and starts searching. When he got to the center, the water level was already at his waist level.


William: Zhang!! Don’t go there!! It’s too dangerous!! The current at the center of the river is too strong!

Zhang: (Reaches to the bottom of the river) It’s alright, I’ve almost got it!


Zhang stands straight again with a gray stone on his hand and scrubs the gray layer off. To both William and Zhang’s surprise, it was a Lunar Stone. It was a perfect circle with a faint crescent shape at the center. Zhang was really excited and shouts to William.


Zhang: I found it!! (Falls into the river)

William: Zhang!!


Zhang struggled to stand up but the current kept pushing him down further downstream. William ran out of the river then along it until he was past Zhang. He then froze a part of the river so Zhang could grab onto it. Zhang struggled to grab onto the frozen part of the river while holding onto the Lunar Stone. William then pulled him out of the river and onto safety.


William: Are you crazy?!?!

Zhang: (Lying on the ground facing the sky) Haha… but it was worth it. (Reaches to William with the Lunar Stone in his hand)

William: Hahaha… you are one crazy boy. Come on, let’s get back to the mansion and get cleaned up.


William whistles for the Pegasus and they both got on it. Once again without warning, William orders the Pegasus to take off and Zhang once again starts screaming. They fly for several minutes and then reach back to the mansion. When they landed at the mansion courtyard, a messenger from Urundi Province arrives and approaches William.


Messenger: Greetings Lord Flourite!! I come bearing a message from Lord Bismarck!! Lord Bismarck wishes to express his regrets for not being able to make it for Lady Sophie’s 20th birthday for he has several domestic matters to attend to. Lord Bismarck asks for this present to be given to Lady Sophie and wishes her a happy 20th birthday. (Hands William a small box). It is a Jade Flute made all the way from the country of Bei-Guo. Lord Bismarck wishes you all a pleasant day.


The messenger gets on his horse and rides back to Urundi Province.


William: Hmm… I’ll put this with the rest of Sophie’s present. You better go get yourself washed up and help the others prepare for the dinner. You’re in charge on the horse right? I’ll see you later tonight. (Walks towards the mansion)

Zhang: Yes my lord.

William: Ohh… one more thing. You go ahead and polish the Lunar Stone a little more. Don’t put it with the other presents. Give it to Sophie directly. And before you give it to her, take a look at what happens when moonlight shines on the Lunar Stone, you’ll be surprised.


William walks into the mansion to get himself cleaned up while Zhang proceeded to the servants’ bathroom. Once done, there was still another 3 hours left before the dinner party started. The mansion servants began to move with a faster pace to make finish preparations before the guests arrived.


Zhang moved to help the servants at the garden of the mansion’s backyard where the dinner party will be held. He was now facing the two tables where he and Sophie had their first meal together. The pond was surrounded by the mansion’s garden. Tables where food would be placed were aligned around the pond. The plan was to have Sophie make an entrance on her white horse with Zhang as her escort. The guests who would be attending were mostly sons and daughters of neighboring nobles.


One hour left before the dinner party began, the guests were arriving one by one. At that night, there would be 6 sons and daughters of neighboring noble families. The servants ushered them to the garden at the backyard where they mingles with one another. As each sons and daughter of noble families, the head servant would make an announcement of their arrival.


Head Servant: Presenting young Master Pierre L. Lambert of the Avignon Province!


Pierre was the first guest to arrive and took a seat on the bench by the side of the pond. It was not dark and the sky was cloudless with a bright full moon. Music was playing and the sounds of crickets could be heard. There was no better scenario for a dinner party to be held.


Head Servant: Presenting Lady Juanita H. Salazar of the Valencia Province!


Juanita walked to Pierre to join him by the bench. Pierre stood up to greet Juanita by giving her a kiss on her hand. They mingled with one another around the garden while waiting for the other guests to arrive and of course the birthday girl herself.


Head Servant: Presenting Lady Viviana C. De Luca of the Frosinone Province!


The servants were now serving the three guests drinks and some food while waiting for Sophie, Eva and the two other guests. Zhang quickly got changed into his formal servant’s uniform and stood ready waiting for Sophie’s arrival. He was now very excited about several things. He was excited to give Sophie her present which he now has in his pocket. He was also very excited to once again see Manami whom Sophie had invited to the dinner party.


Since the day Zhang had told Sophie of the friend he had made in the capital, Sophie had been really eager to meet Manami. Zhang was now standing near the front gates, hoping that Manami would arrive before Sophie did. Minutes later, a convoy arrived. It was one of the guests and she was then ushered to the backyard.


Head Servant: Presenting Lady Jasmina Al-Hassani of the Guelmim Province!


With now four guests waiting at the garden, they each had their personal servants holding onto their presents. The guests’ bodyguards joined one another with the mansion staff at the other side of the garden. The two sides would only come together once Sophie had arrived. Zhang still waited patiently by the front gates for either Manami or Sophie to arrive.


Ranjen walks up to Zhang and talks to him.


Ranjen: Boy… What you doing here? Waiting for the friend you made from the capital?

Zhang: Do you think she’s coming?

Ranjen: I don’t know, but you have to understand, unlike the other guests who have already arrived which only take 6-10 hours of horse ride here, it’s a two day ride from Ju-Sang Province to get here. So she might be a little late. Don’t worry too much about it. The Kaneshiro family wouldn’t let their only daughter out of the province without proper protection. You go ahead and wait for Lady Sophie at the courtyard with Hector ready.

Zhang: What about you Ranjen? Won’t you be joining the dinner later?

Ranjen: My priority is to ensure Lord Flourite’s safety. Once comes out of the mansion, I’ll join you at the dinner party.


Zhang walks to the stable and brings Hector out to the courtyard and waited for Sophie to return. Moments later, a convoy came and the gates opened for them. It was Sophie and Eva whom had just returned from the nearby town. They got off the chariot at the courtyard.


Eva: Sophie, I’ll he heading to the backyard first. I’ll see you there.

Sophie: Wait! I wanted you to meet a friend of mine. (Walks to Zhang kneels down and hugs him from behind) This is the boy I was telling you about. He’s like my little brother.

Eva: How do you do young master (Gives a lady bow)? I’m Eva R. Bismarck. Sophie has told me so many nice things about you.

Zhang: How do you do Lady Bismarck (Gives a bow). I’m no master, just a stable boy. Nice to meet you.

Eva: (Giggles) Exactly like how Sophie described you would be, so humble to others. It’s nice meeting you too. You will be joining us at the dinner party right? I’ll see you there young master. (Walks to the backward)

Head Servant: Presenting Lady Eva R. Bismarck of the Urundi Province!


Sophie gets up and goes into the mansion to get changed for the dinner party.


Sophie: I’ll be back in a while. You look very smart tonight Zhang.

Zhang: Thank you my lady. I’ll be waiting for you here.


Sophie goes in to change and comes out all dressed up like an angel. She was in a totally white dress with her hair tied up carrying a small purse. She looked so beautiful under the moonlight that even Zhang was speechless.


Sophie: So… What do you think?

Zhang: Ummm… ummm… You look so beautiful my lady.


Sophie walks to Zhang and is about to get on Hector when Zhang remembers Sophie’s present.


Zhang: (Pulls out the Lunar Stone out of his pocket) Lady Sophie!! Happy Birthday!! (Presents the stone to her with both hands)


With the stone under the moonlight, it changed colour from translucent white to something with a light blue glow. Zhang was surprised with the Lunar Stone for it was the first time he saw it under the moonlight.


Sophie: (Covers her mouth with both hands) Zhang!! It’s beautiful!! Thank you so much. (Takes the stone and gives Zhang a light kiss on the cheek).


Zhang blushes for a moment and then tries to help Sophie to get onto Hector. Sophie sees Zhang blushing and says to him.


Sophie: You’re so cute!! I really wished you were my blood bother. (Pinches Zhang’s cheeks)


Zhang: (Can’t talk properly with cheeks being piched) Schank you my ladzy… You zont vantz yourgh gueztz to vait any ronger do you?


Sophie places the stone in her purse and gets on Hector. Zhang helps her get on Hector and leads them to the backyard. Just before they walked into the backyard where all the guests were, the head servant made the announcement.


Sophie: (Looks at Zhang) Don’t worry Zhang, Manami will be here. I’m sure of it. She’s just a little late.


Zhang looks to her with relief.


Head Servant: Presenting Lady Sophie L. Flourite, Daughter to Lord William D. Flourite and the late Lady Felicia L. Flourite of the Jesselton province!


Everyone clapped their hands for them as they walked into the backyard. Everyone was amazed at how beautiful Sophie looked that night. Zhang led them by pulling onto Hector and stopped when they reached the front of the main backdoor of the mansion. William walks out of the mansion and towards Sophie. Each guest he walks by, he would be greeted with a bow and the guest would say “Greetings Lord Flourite” or “Good Evening Lord Flourite”.


William: (Helps Sophie off Hector) You look beautiful tonight. Your mother would have been so proud of you with all the things you have done for this country and this family. If only she was here to see what a great young lady you’ve become.

Sophie: Mother is always with us. She has always been watching over us all.


The next agenda for the dinner party was for the guests to present their presents to Sophie. First to present their present their present was William.


William: My darling daughter, on your 20th birthday this year, I give you this hair stick. It was made with different gems found all around this country. It used to be your mother’s (Sticks hair stick into Sophie’s hair). Your mother would have been so proud to see you wearing it.

Sophie: (Closes her eyes and puts hand together) Mom, thank you so much for your present. I’ll always treasure it. (Opens eyes) Dad… You’re so cheap. That was mom’s present.

William: Hahaha…. I guess you’re old enough for me to give this to you (Takes off bracelet). This bracelet has been passed down from generations of heads of the Flourite family. It should always go to the next family head when they turn 20. I have no son to give this to, so I give this to you (Helps Sophie to put on the bracelet). No father could ever ask for a better daughter. May Selene watch over you always.

Sophie: Thank you so much dad (Gives William a hug)
Next to present their present was Eva.

Eva: Sophie, we have been friends for many years since our childhood. Tonight I come to you with two gifts, one from me and one from my father. (Takes present from personal servant) From me, I give you this tiara (Puts Tiara on Sophie’s head). Remember how when we were young, we’d always pretend to be princesses and waiting for Prince Charming to come to us. Tonight’s your night to be a princess, sorry but I couldn’t find a Prince Charming for you as a present.

Sophie: (Laughs) Thank you so much for always being there for me Eva.

Eva: The other present comes from my father. (Takes gift from personal servant’s hands) He hoped you would pursue your talents in playing the flute as how you always pursue a strong relationship between our provinces (Gives Sophie the present).

Sophie: (Takes the present and hands to servant) Help me say thank you to your father (Gives Eva a Hug).


Next to present their present was Pierre.


Pierre: My dear Sophie. You have become more beautiful each time I see you. Tonight I come to you with two presents, one for the long term and one for the short term. For the long term (Waves for servants to bring out the present), I give you this chariot, made of hardwood found in northern Vanorse and handcrafted by some of the most skilled craftsmen of Avignon province.

Sophie: (Says Sarcastically) Are you encouraging me to go see you more often in Avignon Province?

Pierre: Haha… And for your short term gift. (Walks to the chariot and opens the door to hundreds of fireflies fly out of the chariot) May these fireflies be the stars that surround you, making you the Moon Goddess for the night.

Sophie: Wow… Thank you so much Pierre. (Gives Pierre a hug).


The dinner party went on as the guests continued to present Sophie with their presents. After all the gifts were presented, William asked Sophie.

William: Sophie, would you do us the honors by performing a piece with your new flute?

Everyone: Play a song! Play a song! Play A Song!......

Sophie: Alright everyone, are you ready? This melody is dedicated to all you who are here tonight. Thank you for coming!

Everyone clapped their hands as Sophie was about to begin playing a melody.


Sophie: This melody is called “The Prince who wears a Mask”.


As the melody starts to play, everyone felt so relaxed by it. The fireflies started to fly around in a more relaxed patters and Sophie looked almost as though she had a faint aura around her under the moonlight. Everyone really enjoyed the melody as it played on.


However this was not the same for the people who were outside the mansion walls. Hundreds of people in masks carrying weapons approached the mansion in silence as the party went on. They came from all directions and surrounded the mansion grounds. They quickly climbed the walls which separate the mansion grounds from the outside and were now on the mansion grounds. They were all dressed in black which made them almost impossible to spot in the dark.


The guards who were on duty were easily slaughtered by these masked men. They carried out their assassination in silence and very quickly. They snuck up behind each guard and stabbed them in the neck while covering their mouths. They even knocked out the guards then dragged them behind some trees where the guards are stabbed to death. It only took a few minutes before all the guards around the mansion grounds were all dead.


The only sign of life left were a handful of servants in the mansions and the guests at the backyard who were still enjoying Sophie’s melody. These men even scaled the walls of the mansion and broke in through the balcony door and windows around the mansion. They moved swiftly and took out everyone in the mansion so silently that not even Ranjen’s sharp sense of hearing could detect.


The silent atmosphere around the mansion grounds was what that caught Ranjen’s attention. Immediately he got suspicious and asked for two guards who were at the backyard to go check around the mansion grounds. Minutes passed with no return from the guards, Ranjen got extremely suspicious and now had his hands on his sword.
But by that time, the masked men had already decided to make their move on the people at the backyard. Without warning there was an explosion in the mansion and the masked men moved out of the dark and started stabbing the servants at the backyard. The melody had stopped and the guests’ bodyguards quickly drew their swords and formed a human shield around the guests to protect them.


Pierre who was the only male among the guests tried to act like a hero and demanded his bodyguards to not surround him.


Pierre: Move!! Move!! I don’t need protection!! Protect the ladies you idiots!! (Draws his sword)

Bodyguards: Yes sir!!


Pierre and his bodyguards were outnumbered but continued to face the masked men and fought them anyways. Ranjen was trying to coordinate the guards while cutting through any masked men who approached William and Sophie.


On the roof of the burning mansion stood one of the masked men who seemed to be a mage because he was controlling the movement of the fire. William faced that mage in a duel by hurling huge boulders at the mage from the ground to the roof. The mage blocked and returned fire by blasting fire balls at William. It was a battle between mages from the roof where the masked mage stood to the ground where William stood.


Ranjen stood by William’s side ensuring no one would interfere with his fight. Guards were ordered to protect Sophie. The guests along with Sophie and their bodyguards were slowly pushed to one corner where they were now trapped with no way to run as they watched their bodyguards being slaughtered one by one.


Zhang was trying to make his way to Sophie through all the panic and confusion. By the time he got close enough, he started throwing small stones at the masked men’s heads to distract them. But then one of the masked men knocked Zhang on the head with a club almost knocking him unconscious. Zhang was now on the ground and before he completely blacked out, he could see all the bodyguards were now dead and the guests were being slaughtered. Sophie was stabbed right through the heart and she collapsed onto the ground.William who saw what happened now had to move quickly.


William: Sophie!!! Ranjen!! Block the fire balls for me!!

Ranjen: Yes my Lord!! (Stands between William and the masked mage to knocks away the fireballs).


William now had to try to kill the masked mage with one hit so that he can run to Sophie who was now dying to aid her. William tried to life a large boulder off the ground with his magic to throw it at the masked mage. But while he was in the process of lifting it, the masked archers shot several arrows at Ranjen, striking him on his hands, shoulders, stomach and leg.


William: Ranjen!!

Ranjen: (Pulls out one of the arrow) These arrows are from Fanlarg! Run my lord!!


A fire ball hits Ranjen killing him almost instantly. William blasted at the masked archers and killing some of the masked men, but he still had a powerful mage to deal with. He continues his duel with the mage and tries everything to overpower him. William was able to knock the masked mage off balance and cause him to fall off the roof and onto the ground. The masked mage was now severely injured and all William had to do now was deliver the final blow. As he was about to crush the masked mage with a large boulder a swordsman appeared out of the shadows, charged at William and stabbing him in the heart.


Zhang: (On the ground almost blacked out) My Lord!!


Zhang tried to identify the swordsman but his vision was getting blurry as he was about to fall unconscious. William was shocked to see who the swordsman and was stunned.


William: You?!? But Why?!!?

Valtrana: You seemed surprised old man. (Pulls sword out of William’s heart)

William: (Falls on the ground) Why would the crown prince be working side by side with the enemy?

Valtrana: It is because of people like you that Vanorse is weak. It is because of you and your allies that parliament is now pushing for peace. (Squats down closer to talk to William) Let me tell you something old man (grabs William’s hair), Vanorse needs no peace through democracy. There is no democracy in an absolute monarch rule. Vanorse will achieve its golden age once the whole of Fanlarg comes to my rule.

William: But why would the people of Fanlarg help you to continue a war they are losing?

Valtrana: These people are the very few who were out casted by their own leaders whom they have trusted and believed in. You don’t need to know anymore than you already do right now.

William: Damn you… You’re a traitor to your people!

Valtrana: You’re the traitor for being so weak. (Talks to masked men) Bring the prisoner!


The masked men then dragged Pierre to Valtrana and William.


Pierre: (Bleeding everywhere) I’m sorry my lord, I was outnumbered.

William: What do you plan to do Valtrana!

Valtrana: (Lets go of William’s hair) Your death along with the death of the children of your allied nobles, will send a clear message to parliament. With the findings of evidence pointing to the involvement of Fanlarg to this massacre, the idea of democratic peace will be long burned away, just like your mansion (Stabs Pierre in the neck).

William: Valtrana!! You Monster!! (Gets up and charges at Valtrana while summoning his magic).


The masked mage who was injured on the ground blasted a flamethrower like power at William causing him to catch fire. William then struggles to put out the fire but is now on the ground with his face up.


Valtrana: I should have kept your daughter alive. Too bad I didn’t give the order soon enough. She could have been a really great servant girl. And who knows what will happen at night in my chamber.

William: Valtrana!! Damn you!! (Valtrana stabs William once more in the chest)


Zhang, now unconscious has seen everything that had happened. By the time he woke up, the masked men were long gone, but the mansion was still on fire. Zhang tried to gain control over his movements quickly and runs to Sophie.


Zhang: Sophie!! Sophie!! Wake up Sophie!!

Sophie: (Heavy breathing, opens eyes) Zhang? I’m so glad you’re safe.

Zhang: Sophie! Please! You’re going t be fine! I’ll go get help! Wait here!

Sophie: Zhang! Stay here with me a little while wont you? I’ll be going soon to see my mother with my father in the other world. So stay here with me until I leave ok?

Zhang: (Crying) Please Sophie! You’re going to be fine! Don’t talk like that!

Sophie: I’m so glad to hear you finally call me by my first name for the time. Thank you for your present Zhang. It’s been able to help me stay here a little longer with you. But I have to go now. (Reaches into her purse and takes something and gives to Zhang) Please take good care of yourself Zhang. (Eyes closes and stops breathing)


Zhang looks at what Sophie gave to him. It was a bracelet with the words written “Always Protect the Things You Love”.


Zhang: (Cries even louder) Sophie!!


That night the whole mansion was on fire. As the whole place burned to the ground Zhang cried for hours in front of Sophie’s now lifeless body, surrounded by the bodies of the other servants, soldiers, guests and masked men. The whole scenario was a living hell to Zhang. It was truly an Inferno Below the Moonlight

[Cecilia Rose Demonic Princess]

wow very nice work. I loved this chapter.