Ichigo POV:
How strange. I have had many talks with him about things that were going on throughout the entire continent. Never has he ever requested to take a walk while I did so. And it was not only his strange request that took me by surprise. His typically haughty and prideful aura was almost entirely gone, replaced by something smaller. More reserved. Even his appearance had shifted a little. His posture wasn't as straight, and his smile lacked its usual confidence. A faint stubble had begun to grow around his usually clean-shaven face. Sadness, maybe. Grief?
"I see. That means she really-"
"Your observation is more refined than ever, Umbra. You are right. Aurora has died."
Even having known this outcome was inevitable, a cold wave of shock still washed over my heart. I had spoken to her only a few times over the years. I could barely count those times on both hands. Even so, she left quite a glowing impression on me. She was the first person in the kingdom to show me any kindness despite my being a nephilim. Had I not already been with Mei at the time, I would've fallen hard for her.
But it wasn't just because of how she made me feel, but also all the people who would be affected by her death. The friends she kept in touch with despite her responsibilities and position of power. Her parents who she had always kept a close relationship with despite their differences. The soldiers she would always inspire to keep fighting despite the horrors they face. Even the usually unperturbed generals would be hurt by this news.
So I could only imagine how the emperor felt losing his queen.
"I am very sorry to hear that. You have my condolences emperor. She deserved a far better end."
He let out a small chuckle after I said that. His hands still calmly held each other behind his back. Had I not known better, I would've thought it was genuine indifference he was feeling.
"While I appreciate your kind words, they are wasted on me. You too knew that the illness would claim her long ago. It is a miracle of the divine she lived this long. There are more important matters to discuss are there not?"
Letting out a small sigh, I nod.
"Yes. As I was saying, the footprints led to a beach where they suddenly ended. There, I sensed that a rift was opened into Tenebrae."
The emperor remained composed, a smile still plastered on his face.
"A demon that suddenly appeared out of nowhere and had some type of summoning ability. Not to mention it can also open a rift. It seems we are dealing with quite the powerful foe."
"Couple that with what I told you earlier about a child turning into a demon and the cult. Its influence is growing dangerously large."
"Speaking of, seeing as your student has returned from her mission, I would like to give her a mission of my own."
I raised one eyebrow in confusion at his words.
"You want to give Asuka a mission?"
"Yes. If she was able to battle a demon with four horns as she is now, I believe by the time the mission should begin she will be ready for it."
I was a bit hesitant to let Asuka on another mission so soon. She still might not have recovered from her first one and I didn't think she would for a while. But I kept those thoughts to myself.
"You make it sound as if you already have a plan for this mission."
"I do. There is a cathedral in the town Cael where some suspicious activities have been happening. I suspect that the members of Derelictus might have secretly overtaken it."
"In Cael? How? Out of all places, I thought that would be the last place something like that would happen."
"I too was a bit surprised to hear it. But then again, it's not too unreasonable. Infiltrating enemy territory by playing as an ally is a more common tactic than you might think."
"I guess so. What have you planned so far?"
"I would like your student and my daughter to pose as childhood friends who just lost their families while they were travelling to the town to join their church."
"Anastasia?" I hesitated. "She just lost her mother. Are you sure she'll be alright? I'm not sure this is the right time-"
The emperor cuts me off.
"Do not question me, Umbra," he says as his gaze sharpens but voice remains calm, "This is exactly the time. Experience forged in grief hardens faster. She's the same age as your student is she not? She'll manage."
I clenched my jaw showing my disapproval of the idea. I tried to quickly hide my expression but just as I could sense his feelings, he could sense mine.
"If grief breaks her and the mission fails because of it, then she was never strong enough in the first place."
His words landed like ice against my chest. Despite having some level of understanding of his true feelings, it still wasn't easy for me to hear. He had always been cold and unyielding towards his children, but this was different. This was cruelty. And it stung me more than I realized. Without intention, I let slip a miniscule amount of my anima. And that was all that was needed.
Suddenly he stopped.
No warning. Just halted mid-step, like a predator catching a scent.
When he turned to face me, the smile was gone. In its place-golden eyes glowing with raw power. The air thickened. His anima stirred, condensing in waves, spinning into a violent spiral. Wind whipped his cape and hair around him, a storm built from silence.
"I allow you to walk beside," he said, voice deep and sharp, "and you begin to think we are equals."
The pressure surged.
"I am the reason you have all that you have. Any emperor before me would have taken your head and put it on the castle wall. Any other man wouldn't have spared your life, much less given you one."
He stepped to me, each word a blow.
"You owe me. Everything."
He leaned in slightly, voice dropping to a hiss.
"You'd do well to remember that imp. I will not allow you the question me."
Recognizing my mistake, I fell to a knee and bowed my head in reverence.
"I apologize my liege. I did not mean to overstep."
The storm around him slowed. His anima uncoiled, releasing the pressure like a held breath finally exhaled.
"Your Guandomi has improved. As expected of my Umbra. You may rise."
Before I rose, I looked up and let myself take in his full form.
Golden hair, caught in the wind like threads on sunlight. Eyes radiant, otherworldly, still glowing faintly from the anima he'd just reined in. At nearly thirty, he bore the ageless beauty of something not quite mortal.
He looked down at me, the familiar smile returned, calm and composed. Almost warm.
Then, he extended a hand.
Even if I were only on par with the generals, Julius would've looked like an aeon in human form. I took his hand and got onto my feet.
I took his hand and rose.
"Two months," he said, "That's when the mission begins."
His tone shifted, calm and alluring once again.
"In that time, you'll do two things. First, teach the Trinity in Aeonara. She should know the basics, but the basics are not enough. Secondly, I need you to travel to Tenebrae. If one of the defiled truly did emerge, then Enma grows bolder. We need information to prepare whatever for they're planning. And it wouldn't hurt to get information about the demon that caused that explosion. I doubt it is involved with Enma or the defiled, but i am not willing to risk that."
I bow slightly.
"I understand sire."
He turned from me, white cape trailing like a banner
"Good. Now return home. I no longer need you."
I watched him walk further into the large courtyard for a few moments before I too turned and walked out.