Façade | Jerza

23 | Wish Upon Magnolia

The night fated to bring Edolas everlasting magic came at the expense of another person's life. For every citizen who prayed upon the lacrima only fuelled the king's ambition for power.

On that fated night, stood both the king and his royal advisor, planning for the liberation of their people, but the execution of others.

"Are the components of the Dragon Chain Cannon prepared?" Byro asked, hands clasped behind his back while sporting a maniacal grin.

King Faust nodded. "The drug was quite effective on him. I have a feeling Jellal will be out for quite a while. To think someone so powerful couldn't detect anything. It's just like she predicted."

"Queen Shagotte's predictions never cease to impress me. Let's hope his magic energy will suffice. But it remains a mystery...how did your son become a mage? He was born in Edolas as a regular civilian, correct?"

"Come to think of it, you're right." Faust contemplated, second-guessing the Prince of Edolas' identity. "I suppose that doesn't matter. He is the final component required for the Dragon Chain Cannon. Then all of Extalia will perish."

"It's only a matter of time. The cannon will fire at Extalia, and the exceeds will become magic energy."

Byro mused, "You won't regret sacrificing your son for this cause?"

"All these years, he worked against me to stop my goals for the kingdom. His sacrifice is for the greater good."

Byro nodded in agreement. "Yes, it most certainly is. Should anyone find the Dragon Slayers, they will not be executed immediately. I want to make sure Jellal's power will suffice. From what I was told, only a Dragon Slayer could activate this device."

"Queen Shagotte can look into the future. She must have known Jellal was the chosen one."

"We must seize such power for ourselves, Your Majesty. We must eliminate Extalia."

"See that all goes well for tomorrow's harvest."

Faust whirled on his heel upon hearing footsteps sprint across the room.

Someone had overheard them. He was sure of it.

The thought, however, was discarded upon Erza Knightwalker and Sugarboy pacing towards the king. Perhaps it was them all along. In that case, there was no harm done with their eavesdropping.

"Your Majesty, Prince Jellal is unconscious, and he is unable to wake up." Knightwalker reported, desperately concerned for the supposed heir to the throne.

Faust smiled, "Well, my dear, I'm responsible for that."

"The king speaks the truth! I have witnessed his plans!" a voice resounded. Quick feet moved around the group as young Coco saluted to the king. "I've double-checked for intruders. Captain Hughes reported two prisoners, the ones who escaped the recent execution."

"Excellent work, Coco."

The girl beamed at the praise. "Thank you, King Faust."

The shock on Knightwalker's face mirrored Sugarboy's. "But why, Highness? He's important to our plan."

"Exactly why I drugged him, Knightwalker. Prince Jellal is to be used as the source of the Dragon Chain Cannon."

"You're sacrificing your own son?" Coco confirmed curiously.

Faust eyed her warily, "A traitor is a traitor. I never considered the boy as my son. As someone who gave life to him, I shall also decide when he dies."

Just like the Queen of Extalia, who ultimately decided the Wizard Saint's fate.

Coco's face dropped slightly, her high spirits now rock-bottom. "I understand."