Chapter 81 - 81: Changes

The once beautiful City of Themis is engulfed in darkness. The malignance starts to overwhelm Celesea while his forces continue to grow stronger.

Noite left the city and currently in hiding. Meness didn't bother to carry on with his plans.

A black, intimidating beast walks alongside him. He silently observes the Shadows' condition.

'Aren't you going to look for Master Noite? We need his expertise to break through the restrictions.'

"Why bother? I am certain you have sent out scouts to look for him, right, Gauerdi? Let us not waste more resources on insignificant people." he coldly responded.

Days have passed since his brother left, and their operation is in a standstill. Though this black beast replaced his younger brother to carry on with the tasks, he is unaware of how Noite is breaking the restrictions.

Gauerdi is a black panther-like red-eyed guardian beast. He saved Meness during their failed operation to eradicate the Oracle Clan.

He is always silently watching in the shadows and observing how everything unfolds. So far, he is contented to see everything is running smoothly on their end.

At least almost.

"So, have you found him?" Meness continues with an inquiry.

Gauerdi knows how Meness hates disappointing news. Unfortunately, Noite seems to have vanished and covered his tracks efficiently. He decided not to give any excuses and remain silent instead.

Meness sneers. He didn't say anything, but he is obviously disappointed.

"Break the restrictions without relying on Noite's help. I don't care how you do it. I trust you are capable of anything beyond his capabilities." Meness said as he walks away.

The Shadows are all lined up in the courtyard while they continue to grow in numbers. He doesn't know how long Noite's enchantment will last, but he needs to bring all men he could gather from the Nether Realm.

Not only Shadows came out from the portal. There are also gigantic, ferocious beasts, golems, and arachnids, and each creature is ready to cause havoc.

Meanwhile, Noite watches the heavy clouds looming around the city. He knew his brother is exhausting the enchantment and forcing it to close down.

Though, he doesn't know what is more frightening. Knowing the portal is open or witness those resenting creatures marching out to the battlefield.

'Young Master...' a man shrouded in a heavy dark cloak came whispered.

His voice and presence are like a gentle breeze passing by. His eyes are scarlet but not scary like his brother's men.

"Report." Noite replied.

'We spotted scouts wandering around the area. They seem like Lord Meness' men.'

"Hmmm~."

Noite knits his brows as contemplates. He knew that they would be tracked down sooner or later.

He just didn't expect it so soon.

"Tell everyone to disperse and hide as I thought you. Avoid detection and meet on our rendezvous point." Noite commanded.

His subordinate disappeared as Noite continues to ponder. The situation only continues to turn grim for them, and he is still not convinced that his brother meant him harm.

Meness can easily strike him down when he returned to confront him. He can restrain him too, but he never did anything and let him go.

He is frank and never withholds his thoughts. He can only assume his brother is hiding something in order to keep him safe.

His golden amber eyes shimmer as he observes the grim scenario unfolds. He knew it is best to seek refuge elsewhere.

Celesea doesn't welcome them, and there is only one person he can trust. He just hopes he will take them in after what he has done those past few months.

Meanwhile, in Arcane Palace, Lord Foeni and Eu meet with everyone again. This time, they intend to work together and clarify some things with them.

The Holy Guardians, Eu's comrades, the Tanuki twins, and Gwyddien are all there to participate. Though they can guess why they were there, they didn't dare to go ahead of themselves.

"As discussed, we are fortifying our defenses, and I am leaving Lord Tiger in command. I am giving Eu and her comrades time to evacuate the Celesean to Mystic Spirit Bordertown. I will personally lead the preparation..." Lord Foeni began.

This announcement has surprised them, but they all tried to calm down selves and not overreact. He can't simply decide on matters like that.

He needs to discuss this with the Ministers!

Still, who will raise these concerns with him?

"Azure, I am leaving you in charge of Arcane Palace." he continued.

Lord Azure smiles to hide his disappointment. He was assigned to the most challenging task and deal with the Ministers.

Lord Foeni continues to give them all their assignments, which they accepted without question. They all have a smile on their faces as they continue to wait for other news.

The Divine Lord can sense their anticipation. Their eyes sparkle like puppies begging for some treats to enjoy.

Meanwhile, Eu is also looking at them quizzically. He turned to Lord Foeni and waits for his response.

"Why are you staring at me like that?" he casually asked.

"Come on. Don't leave us hanging. We already know, so just give us a bit of detail about it." Lord Azure teases.

"What else is there to say? We already officially agreed on the contract, and we decide to take things slow." Lord Foeni coolly responded.

"You are okay with that?" Vermilion chimes in as she looks at Eu.

Eu was surprised as she blushed on her sudden question. She can't find the words to say as she nods in response.

That is her suggestion as well, after all.

"Awww~ I expected to witness a grand celebration." Tiger said in disappointment.

Knowing her, she is probably dreaming of unlimited wine at their wedding banquet. They just shook their heads, imagining her drown herself in liquor.

Meanwhile, the others decided to remain silent and not join their conversation. They are afraid to pose any question and offend the Divine Lord.

On the other hand, the Holy Guardians continue to interrogate Lord Foeni. There are so many things they failed to understand.

"How is your Blood Contract valid? That is clearly deception. What did you really do?" Lord Azure curiously asked as he narrowed his eyes.

"I did the ceremony. That's all. Enough with these irrelevant questions and go to your designated posts!" Lord Foeni said as he cuts the discussion.

They were all disappointed as they started heading out of the room. They also hope to understand how it became possible?

"One more thing. Refrain from discussing this matter with anyone else. Our relationship is exclusive to this group. I entrust all of you to keep it a secret as well. Please hold your thoughts to yourselves." Lord Foeni reminded them.

There is a hint of warning on his tone they cannot miss.

They all agreed to keep it a secret and never to mention it outside. They are sure to face hefty punishment from the Divine Lord once he learned their disobedience.

Not long, everyone left the room except Eu and Lord Foeni. Eu sighs as she looks at him.

"Do you really have to scare them like that?" Eu quizzically asked.

"Do you want me to expose you are an immortal in disguise?" Lord Foeni asked.

Eu gave it a thought and shook her head. She wants to remain as 'Eu' and normally live with everyone.

Bringing it out will only complicate everything.

"So how do you plan to track Noite?" he changes the topic.

"You don't have to worry much. He will safely come to us." Eu assured him and continue, "But don't be too complacent. He is deviously watching every step we take. He might use it to our disadvantage."

Lord Foeni knits his brows as he tries to understand her words. Who is watching them?

Does she mean someone else is behind Meness?

He wanted to confirm his suspicion, but Eu raised her finger to stop him and smile. She cannot disclose anything further.

"I am sorry. That is all I could say. Please don't make it more difficult for me." Eu interrupted.

Lord Foeni sighs as he refrains from insisting to know more. Then he remembers, why is she oblivious about their Blood Contract if she knew so many other things?

"Eu... Do you really...?" he began.

"Brother Ravi, I really don't. The truth is, there is a possibility you will never really tell me. Ever. Still, I am delighted you did." Eu responded.

"Then, why won't you tell me first?" he inquired.

"You expect me to know your deception and confess my feelings? Are you a narcissist?" Eu asked quizzically.

He thought about it, and everything sounded that it would end horribly wrong. He considers it is best he brought it up.

He sighs and lets it go. It is probably better to end this way as well.

"Do you plan to stay for the night? I can ask someone to prepare a room." Lord Foeni inquired.

"Probably next time. We are pressed in time, and everyone is waiting." Eu said apologetically.

Lord Foeni smiles dejectedly but accepted her response. Instead, he pulled her close and whispered.

"Fine. Next time then. Take care of yourself, and don't do anything impulsive. I assigned Fugue and Canon to keep you safe." Lord Foeni informed her.

"But I assigned them to keep you safe… I have Di'Anon with me…" Eu refuted.

"It's only for the time being. There are also matters I wanted them to investigate…" he chuckles.

"No, you are doing it to spy on me." Eu argued back.

It is not new that he is jealous of Di'Anon. Still, he doesn't need to admit her suspicions are correct.

Eu pouted as she inwardly sighs. She knew some things are unavoidable from now on.

The Divine Lord Foeni being very demanding, and overprotective are a couple of things.