A Gladius, A Crown and A Broken Empire (Reichpol) [Hiatus]

Waiting

Reichtangle's POV

He walked to the bakery once again, buying something small and being guided to the second floor. He greeted the other man and they talked about superficial stuff, closing the doors and windows before getting to the main subject.

"I've already hired someone I know to hire the assassins" Astro-Hungary finally said with a smile. "The moment is getting closer."

"Yes, it seems far away yet too close at the same time." He said laughing. "Who are the assassins?" He asked in curiosity.

The slightly older male shook his head with a smile. "It is better if everyone just knows their part. I don't even know who they are, just know the woman that's going to hire them. It's a good system." The blind man said. "All I know is that they are experienced fighters and have agreed to the mission knowing the risks. That's all that matters."

Reichtangle hummed affirmatively. "So we have the sword of the operation. What about the shield? Do you know anything about the legati that are going to help stabilize the city?"

Astro-Hungary shook his head. "All I know is that we have most of the legions on our side. They are tired of being left to die in the limes without food or resources."

The son of the Caesar could emphasize with the soldiers on that matter. He could still remember what the elements, hunger, fear and pain could cause to a legion on the battlefield. It was the experience of the legati on his side, what had made a difference.

"Everyone hates him" said Reich in a whisper.

Astro-Hungary smiled sadly at him. "Some people are not meant for power, it corrupts them." The man patted his shoulder. "Prepare, you are the son of the Emperor. As soon as he dies, a lot of people will see you as a threat. Those weeks are going to be a mess. Do you have somewhere to go?" He asked.

Reich sighed. "I'll think about it. And you? Are you thinking about staying here?" He asked.

The man shook his head. "No, I'll take my daughters and leave to our land in a city far away from here. I wouldn't be able to risk my girls to the mess that will come with this." He responded with a nervous laugh.

The son of the Emperor stood silent for a moment, his mind swirling with a single question. After a few seconds, he decided to ask. "I'm confused. Then why would you do it? Aren't they at risk with this plan? You're a good man, why would you risk being killed?" He questioned in a whisper genuinely confused.

The blind country laughed softly, looking for his shoulder before responding his question.

"I've made sure if they uncover me, my children will not suffer any harm. You ask why I would do this." The man turned to the closed window, his smile growing soft as he listened to the outside world for a second. "Do you hear that? Today is a calm day, people go with their families to buy things, they talk about games and shows, the enjoy life. But a shadow is lurking above us, even if they don't see it." He stopped again for another second, his smile turning bitter. "I don't want my daughters to grow with fear, I don't want them to barricade their doors every few years when the streets become a bloodshed under the Emperor's paranoia."

They stood in silence for a few minutes. Reich listened to the sound of people outside, taking in every voice he could hear, trying to imagine who were the strangers that lived outside. Astro-Hungary continued then.

"If that means risking my life or being tortured, so be it. Maybe you'll come to understand this one day. Loving someone so much, you would die to assure their happiness and safety. Those are my girls for me." The man turned to him and Reich could almost see his vacant eyes shining with the love he had for his family.