love conquers all | kirisuna

Chapter XVIII - Seeking Shelter

   The choking smell of noxious cigar smoke filled the room, suffocating Kazuto.

"Has the view from this room always been this beautiful, Kazuto? I am a little disappointed you never mentioned it to me." Another venomous puff of smoke was released, which burned Kazuto's nose and somehow soothed Raios' lungs.

"Were you so desperate to see the view that you've lost your manners?" With a small chuckle, Kazuto crossed his arms and leaned on the door frame. "I am surprised to see my cousin behaving like an uneducated snob. Perhaps I should remind you again; you are unwelcome here."

"My, my, Kazuto." Raios stood up, making his way towards Kazuto as he placed an arm on his shoulder. "You don't have to be so mad about it, do you? After all, we have the same blood flowing in our veins." Having closed the distance, the rancid breath of alcohol began to displease Kazuto.

After shaking off Raios' hand from him, Kazuto scowled, "State your purpose, drunkard." then shut the door behind him.

"Ah I see, cold as always, hm?" Raios returned to his seat, pouring another glass of his fine wine. "Why do you think I wanted the throne so much?"

"I don't care about whatever reason you have—"

"The firstborn to the late King, born from the Queen, was my father." While tucking his blond hair behind his ear, a malicious smile spread his lips. Raios crossed his legs on the table. "I want to say...I'm taking back what rightfully belongs to us—to me!"

"If that's what you came here for, then you're wasting your time. I don't owe you anything."

Raios laughed sarcastically, as if Kazuto should already know what he meant.

In Aincrad, it was by birth right that the first born becomes the successor of the throne. However, the former crown prince, Vasillios—Raios' father— who held the title of the heir unfortunately died before ascending the throne.

The nobles' support was unfailing, and why wouldn't it be? He excelled in his studies and swordsmanship, even assisting with the internal affairs of the kingdom. Furthermore, Vasillios' handsome looks and blond locks caught each maiden's eye.

At a young age, he was known for taking down a huge beast in the Northern Mountains.

In spite of his excellence, he was arrogant and headstrong, a shrewd young man; He didn't always listen to the council's advice. He always had his own way of doing things, and he loved to stick with that.

Hence, when a tragic "accident" caused his death, the second prince, and Vasillios' half brother, Healthcliff, an illegitimate prince, was crowned king. And because of that, the kingdom was in chaos for a while.

"I have the purest royal blood here. Unlike you, who is putting the royal family in shame!" Raios pointed at Kazuto's hair. "You show no features of the royal lineage. With those dark, vengeful eyes of yours," he snorted, "You look horrendous!"

"If you're done talking, then get the hell out, Raios."

"Is that how you talk to me now? Oh Kazuto, you lonely boy." Raios lit another cigarette. "You were always locked up in your room, always left alone with no one willing to serve you. A cursed boy who was an outcast of his own home," he scoffed.

Raios wanted to reopen the wounds from Kazuto's past to weaken and beat him, but Kazuto already knows this tactic of his. He forced himself to stay calm. He can't fall apart right now, not in front of an enemy.

"After my father died, everyone started to pity me, talking about how I should've been the crown prince; how I should receive education befitting for a successor. They praised me, yet I hate the sympathetic look in their eyes. You took all that I should be and all that I should have, Kazuto, so you left me with no choice but to take it back. After all, I've always been better than you!" After a quick pause, Raios continued. "But my beloved cousin didn't show any interest in the throne, so I misunderstood. Don't think highly of yourself yet. Even if some nobles are starting to pity you, you can never surpass the influence I have over those corrupt bastards."