The Realm of Austur Episode 1: A New Light

"I think that would be best. But first...," Elia looked at Titus with an expression of worry, "I must ask, what will happen to Barbas Galatine? He was very kind to me, and I refuse to believe he would ever have hurt Caesaria. I believe him, and while I'm sure you'll reach the same conclusion soon as well... what if something should happen to him before that?"

"Emperor Titus... I have to tell you something. When you first said you had a daughter named Caesaria, I thought it was a coincidence. But when you said I looked like her... and she was a Type-1..." Elia spoke quietly and slowly as she chose her words carefully, as she feared what might happen because she kept her silence earlier. "Barbas had thought I was Caesaria's ghost when he first saw me. Later, he told me about her, and how they met. So... when I heard you talking about her earlier, I already knew they were the same person. I'm sorry I didn't speak up, but..."

No, I need to keep explaining, for Barbas' sake. There's no telling what they might do if they think he's lying.

"That's why I believe he's telling the truth. He had no reason to lie about Caesaria then. And his story is still the same. Please, don't let them hurt him after he was so good to me, and obviously to Caesaria too."

"Thank you for being so understanding."

Elia then went into her room and started looking around. It was rather large and very grand. There was an expensive bed in the center of the room, and large windows on one wall that looked out into part of the courtyard, and there were doors that lead to a balcony on another wall. There were also beautiful paintings in the room.

I feel so out of place here...

Elia went into the adjoining room that functioned as a closet and found a nightgown. She then went into her dressing room and took off all the jewelry and the dress, getting changed and taking down her hair. She then washed her face and looked into the mirror, finally looking like herself again.

I look tired, and scared. I look like I've found myself in a strange place, and I have.

Elia took one last glance to make sure her earrings were put away safely, and went back into her bedroom. She curled up under the covers on her bed, all made of expensive fabric that felt good against her skin, and just stayed there, thinking.

If only one good thing ever comes out of this... maybe my words will ensure that Barbas is treated well. And Arcturus will know his grandfather, and will have so much within arm's reach. They won't have to work really hard every day of their lives just to survive. And well, that's more than just one thing. Maybe... even if I can't be truly happy, I can still make others happy, and keep them safe.

After some time she drifted off to sleep, getting decent rest for the first time in several days.

"Jam make master feel happy too." Arcturus smiled as he imitated Pearl before embracing the kiss.

He lowered his hands down to the nymph's hips and held them tightly as he pushed forward with his head, bringing both of them underwater.

"U-Uh, Pearl?" Arcturus stammered worriedly as Pearl rubbed the back of his neck. "I think we might be going too far. We aren't married, and you haven't completed your ceremony of adulthood? Isn't that right?"

Arcturus tried to gently push Pearl off of him as he reached for his armor. Luckily, she had only pulled off the torso, so he was still somewhat covered.

"No, I like you, I love you." Arcturus denied her claims as he sat up and looked her in the face. "It's just, I don't think I'm ready. I don't think we're ready. That's what's making me uncomfortable. You're beautiful, you really are, but we can't go too far."

He wrapped his arms around Pearl and rested his head on her shoulder, trying to comfort her.

"Then we'll change the law." Arcturus told her as he stood up, bringing her with him. "Come on, are you ready to go back home? I think we both need a change in clothes."

He looked down at Pearl's dress, now completely soaked from the pond and then picked up his chestplate and reattached it.

"Okay, let's go." Arcturus smiled back as he opened the slipspace portal and walked with Pearl through it.

What the-!?

Arcturus walked headfirst into a soldier carrying a simple stone coffin along with several other soldiers in his home.

"Why are you here!?" Arcturus shouted in surprise. "Why are you digging up my mother!?"

"Official business on behalf of the emperor." someone who appeared to be leading the soldiers responded. "We're confirming his suspicions about your mother. Tell me, what did you know of her?"

"Not much." He answered with a harsh tone. "I don't remember much, and my father hasn't told me anything notable either. All I know besides her name was that she was from here in Shaldra, and that she died from an incurable disease. Anyways, tell me, why are you digging up my mother!?"

"Her name was Caesaria, correct?" the man responded with a sigh as he leaned against the opposing wall as the grunts carried the coffin out the front door. "Let me just say that the emperor might have a grandson."

"Pearl, this is not the time." Arcturus pried her off of himself as he spoke in a serious tone. "Are you telling me that my mother was the emperor's daughter? That I'm of royal blood?"

"Basically, yes." the commander waved his arm as if to beckon Arcturus. "However, there is still confirmation to be done. As a Type-1, she cannot be subjected to necromancy, and the emperor himself can sense her residual mana. If it's the same as he remembers, then it is confirmed that she was his daughter. I am not sure whether he'll be happy or not if she is."

"Either way," Arcturus followed up as he walked towards the commander and looked him in the eye. "I'm coming with you. She is my mother, after all."