Chapter 314 - Alistair of Ritz

"Ritz is Alistair Johann de Lancret, the current King of Ritz, Alinea's brother. He is also the Returner to Ancestry of the King of Heaven, Perun, Alencica's father."

Everyone was silent after Ivan's answer. The girls didn't say anything as they had no idea who Alistair was. As for Kazehaya Gin, he was quiet because his mind was reeling.

He was right!

He had already suspected that Alistair was his twin since he awakened as Stribog. He remembered how Ara had mistaken him for Alistair when she first saw him, and he never forgot it since.

Now that it was confirmed, his mind was still reeling – or screaming silently at the news.

"Wait… is he the brother Ara talked about? The one who she thought had her killed because she was a threat to the throne?" Rin asked, but was surprised when Ivan suddenly slammed his hand on the table.

"NO!"

All three looked at the Flame Emperor who appeared angry with surprise. Ivan had been mostly friendly and kind towards everyone that this sudden anger stumped them.

"Alistair would never harm Alinea! Even if he dies, he would never hurt her – at least knowingly."

The last line was added, of course, in light of their recent discovery that Perun's breaking Alencica's soul caused her more harm than good. It was never intentional, but Ivan really didn't have to say that. Everyone there, even Rin and Midori knew how much the King of Heaven loved his youngest child.

"Er… it's why we said 'Ara thought', and not 'Ara thinks', because she's now aware that it's not the case," Midori explained, and the tension in Ivan's body loosened.

He had on a look of relief and he sighed heavily. "Forgive me. I get too intense sometimes."

"It's alright. You're a fire-caster. It would be weird if you're not intense," Gin teased, as he too finished the contents of his cup.

"Is it true?" Ivan then asked the girls.

He was talking about Alinea not thinking that it was her brother who had her killed back in Ritz. The reason why he came here ahead of Alistair was also so he could explain to Ali that the king was not responsible for that and that he was totally devastated when she died. The way she and her vassals were set up, Ivan and Alistair knew that she might think that it was the king who did it. But…

"When she first arrived, she did think that."

It was Gin who answered, followed by a chuckle as memories of seeing her first at the hospital resurfaced. "I never felt such hostility towards my awesomeness before. I was shocked."

Rin and Midori giggled.

"She must have thought you were Ritz," Ivan commented with a nod.

"Well, she realized I wasn't my brother fast," Gin told them as he propped his chin with his elbow on the table. "I mean, how could she not know? My tastes in fashion are a lot better than Perun."

Rin and Midori guffawed this time.

"What's so funny?"Gin asked them with a pout before brightening up as an idea came to him. "I just remembered! Kresnik gave you his black card. We should get you some new clothes. You can't stay here wearing your armor."

"That's right, Ivan. It's strange to wear something like that here," the girls agreed.

Ivan frowned. "How is that so? I just saw some youths wearing armor as well."

Midori shook her head. "That's cosplay. Normal people don't wear clothes like that. Look at us."

"Cosplay is not normal?" Ivan was confused.

"No. It's not what people would do normally. It's just for fun or special occasions. Those people are doing cosplay for art because this place is a center for that type of activity."

It was Rin who said this. "Even if I think you look handsome and cool in that armor, you need to change if you want to explore the city. You are already very tall. You will definitely get lots of attention already with normal clothing what more with this getup."

Ivan looked at her chubby face and raised a crimson brow. "You think I'm handsome?"

PAK!

Kazehaya Gin's head fell on the table as he laughed silently that his golden eyes teared up with suppressed mirth.  

This guy!

After everything Rin said, he only noted the word handsome. At first, Gin thought Ivan was being cutely vain but then realized the other glitter behind those jade eyes.

Ah…

It was the same glitter in his orbs when he first saw Emi. It was unexpected, but a piece of good news nonetheless. It would keep the overgrown Emo Kid back at the Cedar Palace from getting jealous again.

"Of course!" Rin answered readily her eyes glittering as she clasped her hands together. "You're very handsome, and Alistair is sooooo pretty you look good together."

"Ha?" Ivan was flummoxed while Gin had to lay his head down on the table and laughed silently again.

This girl!

"What…Does that mean that you find Ritz, more handsome?" Ivan had no idea what she was talking about. "Because he'd be upset that you called him pretty. He's a mighty warrior far stronger than I am. He can even beat any other deities including," he paused as he looked at Gin apologetically. "Gin and my grandpa."

Gin was not offended since it was the truth. Hardly any deity could measure up to Perun's powers. Also, he was still totally amused that he chose to remain quiet; else, he'd laugh out loud.

Midori, of course, came to the rescue. "Yes, she means Alistair is also handsome," she stated as she surreptitiously gave Rin a pinch on the side to warn her to behave.

"Oh…" Ivan looked sad. "Well, there's nothing I can do about that if it's about the difference between our physical appearances. He does indeed look more dashing."

"Ivan," Gin called him. By this time, he already had enough of mirth in his gut. He'd explode if he didn't change the topic soon.

"Yes?"

"How about going shopping today? Let's get you some new clothes," Gin suggested. "I actually have other things I need to check up on, but I'll accompany you to the shops instead so I can give you advice on your clothes."

Hearing this, Rin's and Midori's eyes widened in alarm. "NO!"

Huh?

"What do you mean?" Gin asked with a frown.

"Older Prince, you seem busy. We'll take care of Ivan today," Rin answered with a sheepish smile.

"That's right. We're free and bored. We'll be happy to help out Ivan so you don't have to worry about him," Midori seconded. "We promise to return him to the Cedar Palace as soon as we're done."

Gin looked hesitant, but then realized it was a good idea. He really had to do something as Shiro sent him a report about the Suzuki couple's accident and he had to read it.

"Well, if you're sure…"

"We're sure!"

Midori and Rin looked at him with saccharine sweet smiles so he had no choice but to give in and let them. They were good girls anyway, so he trusted them. However, he couldn't help but feel that they didn't want him to help choose Ivan's clothes.

Did his fashion sense just get insulted?