𝗛𝗔𝗜𝗟, 𝗠𝗬 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗗 𝗘𝗠𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦 「WMMAP」

𝑷𝑹𝑶𝑳𝑶𝑼𝑮𝑬

Three years after the twins reunited

—

—— • Love has always been a great deal in Obelia, whether it's familial, eros, or agape. The tree of fate— or what people now would call the "lovers' tree," is one of the lovely dating spots in the capital. Though only the couple the tree chooses can find it.

How many years has it been since he and Achyls found it? Its third "founding" anniversary is almost near so he plans to prepare the gifts and dinner for their date.

Walking through the woods, Grand Duke Ijikiel's tall body would sometimes brush on leaves or flowers, his white cloak would reveal his noble clothes every time he took a step, and the sunlight would only touch the lower half of his face because of his hood.

His graceful walk paused, his head tilted slightly to the left, and his pinkish lips parted when he sniffed the smell of smoke.

He dashed, and as cringe as it sounds, he looked dashing as he ran, his white cloak flowing behind him as he ran towards the origin of the smoke. Someone was burning the forest, he wouldn't let the culprit go further.

When he got there, a couple of seven men were laughing as they continue to shoot small fireballs towards the trees, increasing the fire. "Magicians?" He thought.

Ijikiel did not fight them straight ahead, instead, he circled the fire's perimeter and cast a transparent water barrier around the area. Once finished, he went back to the magicians and hid.

Choosing to lay low his identity, he used a water manipulating spell in which he formed chains and sent them straight to the magicians.

"Look out!"

But it was too late for them, their hands are tied to their backs and their feet tied together making them trip and fall to the ground. The chains did not spare their mouths as it covers them, preventing them from chanting spells.

With his hood still on, Ijikiel reveals himself and towers over the magicians. Feeling a bit merciful, Ijikiel uncovers one of the magicians' mouths. "Who the fuck do you think you are, huh?" He boldly spoke.

Ijikiel did not answer. Instead, he raised his hands and summoned a large amount of water, the criminals thought he was going to attack them, but he raised it above his head and snapped his fingers.

The ball of water blasted and fell like rain, finally saving the forest from a large forest fire. The speakable magician gasped, "No way, a High Magician? Why would a High Magician be in the forest?" He was indeed in fear.

High Magicians are skilled magicians who can cast a spell without chanting it, they simply have a deeper connection to magic than regular magicians. Though some magicians are an exception, like the royal family.

The others began to squirm around, definitely afraid of what Ijikiel would do to them. Though despite all the groans and muffled noises, Ijikiel did not speak, he only stares down at them...

His silence only aroused the fear in them, they can see it. His golden eyes stared down at them menacingly. The magicians flinched, how long have they felt fear?

Years of being arsonists, they never felt fear because they believed in their abilities. Yes, they believe in their abilities, that's why—

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," Ijikiel warned. Whatever they were thinking, they immediately stopped it, but one hesitated. With a shout, the man shouted a spell, "Idrian flam—!"

A silver sword adorned with rubies immediately pierced his shoulder.

"ARGHHHH!!!"

Ijikiel looks up to the owner of the sword and grinned. The woman wore a red dress that fades to white, golden vines crept up from the skirt up to her torso.

She had stunning blonde hair secured in a thick braid, roses decorated her hair on the side. The magician looks up and gasps in horror, those eyes were familiar, so familiar. He can't forget the eyes that carry playful malice toward her enemies.

She stepped on his chest and smiled down at him. "What a lovely gift I would get for the Emperor, he'll surely love torturing you to relieve some stress~" she enthusiastically said.

Ignoring the men on the floor, Ijikiel uncovers his face and walks closer to the woman, his hand still keeping a tight grip on the chains. "Achyls~ such a coincidence to meet you here," he greeted.

Achyls looks up, her jeweled eyes sparkled at the sight of the Grand Duke. "Ijikiel, a lovely way to meet you. I was actually attending a friend's birthday party but I saw these idiots run towards the forest," she explained.

Ijikiel chuckled, "And as your job, you volunteered to catch them?" He guessed as a matter of fact. Achyls smiled, "Of course, what kind of friend am I if I were to let these arsonists cause trouble near my friend's home?" He sassily said.

Ijikiel just fondly smiled at her, she never changed, she's protective as ever. "Speaking of Birthday, your coronation with Athy is coming near, yes?" He changed the subject.

Achyls grinned, "It'll be on a few months, Ijikiel, don't be too excited. But are you excited for the coronation or...the wedding" she teased. Which worked as his face flushed... guilty.

"But to the law, I'm still not your legal Fiancé, so I'd need to prove my worth during the Grand Hunting Games next week." He tries to defend himself from further exposure. But there was no lie to his words, to the eyes of a few Ijikiel and Achyls are lovers, but they're not to the law.

They would have to attend the Grand Hunting Games to gain approval from Claude, oh how the law works is so troublesome. But...it could be fun!

Achyls have called the guards to fetch the criminals, and she has to leave for the party. But as soon as the guard left first, Achyls grabs Ijikiel's cloak and pulls him down. His six-foot height immediately bends down to meet Achyls' face.

"Speaking of the games...I won't let you kiss or hug me until the last day, so before I go back, kiss me?" She asked. And who is Ijikiel to deny the little devil?

And so their lips met, and as Ijikiel was told, he deepened the kiss, he savored it. If this was his last kiss before the games then he better make it worth it that he would make her breathless. He lost on many sessions with her but he's determined to leave both of them satisfied.

This was one of the calm and lovely times before the storm. Achyls plans to savor it too, she must spend the most with her family, friends, and lover. Because after she heard the spell from the magician earlier, she knew that a typhoon is coming.

Blood will be shed...