"…Mmm?" When Olivia opened her eyes, she found herself sitting in a rattling carriage. The streets of Solfin passed by the window as the carriage slowly made its way across the city. The sun shone down, basking the world with light. It looked a little later than when she was speaking with Cassandra. "Where…?"
"You're awake?" Lucina was sitting next to Olivia and staring up into her eyes with a look of concern masked with calm.
"Cassandra's…?" Olivia tried to move but her mind felt exhausted and made the world start spinning when she tried to get up.
"She's back at her lodgings with Kent," Lucina explained while putting her hands on Olivia's shoulders to force her to stay still in her seat. "I finished my meeting with Margaret and stopped by the café to check up on you, only to find Cassandra starting a panic over how unresponsive you were being." Lucina brushed some hair off Olivia's face and touched her forehead with Olivia's to check Olivia's temperature. "She said you suddenly became very distant and would barely respond with only single words so I'm bringing you back to the mansion where Elise can look you over. Are you feeling alright?" Her gentle hand brushed Olivia's cheek to stir a response.
"…" Olivia took slow, deep breaths as she could physically feel her soul readjust itself back into her body; it was an unnerving experience. Her mouth was extremely dry, her eyes hurt as if she hadn't blinked in a long time, and her whole body felt sluggish. The light from outside hurt, so Olivia closed the curtain on her window. "I'm fine… Just tired, is all."
"We're almost home." Lucina also closed the curtains on her side. She lightly tugged on Olivia's arm, and offered, "But, if you'd like, you can rest your head on my shoulder."
"…" Olivia silently stared into Lucina's eyes. Despite her voice holding a soothing tone, Lucina's eyes betrayed her anxious concern as they never left Olivia. Zulm's words still rang through Olivia's head which made her feel even more exhausted, so she took Lucina up on her offer and leaned her head onto Lucina's shoulder.
"Hmm~," Lucina softly hummed as she reached up an arm and started gently stroking Olivia's hair. "If there's anything troubling you, let me-!?" Olivia shifted and put her full weight on Lucina, pinning her down under Olivia on the carriage seat.
"…" Olivia's white hair fluttered over Lucina and brushed against her face while Olivia's hand held Lucina's shoulders down.
"Oli-Mmph!" Lucina's concerns were silenced as Olivia lowered herself down to deeply kiss her lover. There was a fierceness to Olivia's technique that offered Lucina no room to break away. A desperate hunger gnawed at Olivia's heart.
"…" Olivia only broke away when she was out of air and forced the breathe. Slowly, she raised herself up while keeping Lucina pinned and Olivia stared down at her.
"…?" Lucina's chest was heaving up and down through her dress as she caught her breath. Her eyes were half closed and her eyelids fluttered as her mind reeled from the sudden kiss. "…Ah?" Olivia cupped Lucina's face with one hand and stuck her thumb into Lucina's mouth.
"…Lucina?" Olivia's thumb gingerly started playing with Lucina's tongue. Her eyes lacked focus as she watched Lucina squirm under her touch. And without any context, said, "Let's kill them."
"…Kill?" Lucina's speech was slurred as she couldn't close her mouth or properly use her tongue to speak.
"Yeah…the male leads." Olivia adjusted and brought her knee up to press down against Lucina's crotch. "James… Andrew…" Her eyes were like frozen lakes. "Derik." And there were cracks along the ice. "Let's kill them."
"Aah~?" Lucina wasn't sure why Olivia was bringing up murder while touching her, but she found it oddly arousing. "Ah… You su-Agh~!?" Olivia pressed down hard with her knee and pressed Lucina's tongue down in her mouth.
"Yes," Olivia answered as the heat building inside her didn't match the coldness of her eyes. "If we're to have a future…then we need to tie up the final loose ends." It didn't matter that this was what Zulm wanted, this was what Olivia, herself, wanted and that was reason enough for her. "You'll help me, right?"
"Y-Ye-ah~!" Lucina nodded enthusiastically as she ground her hips against Olivia's leg. She reached her arms up and gripped the back of Olivia's dress.
"…Good." A devilish smile played across Olivia's lips as she let go of Lucina's tongue and lowered herself back down. "Then, tomorrow, let's go lend the Second Prince a hand. Okay~?" Without waiting for a reply, Olivia deeply kissed Lucina while sending her over the edge and into an orgasm with her knee and fingers. Olivia was too far out of it to travel today, and a few things needed to be prepared before departure, but it was time to end this sick game.
***The next day***
As the sun set beyond the horizon, the streets of Gorinville were flooded with angry people. Rabble-rousers were dispersed in the crowd by Terence to further frenzy the people and guide their chaos toward the imperial palace. Most of the city watch was stationed outside the palace to keep the mob at bay, though there were quite a few 'off-duty' watchmen who joined the crowd. The people of Gorinville, as a whole, demanded change.
"We're tired of rationing! We want real food!" For a myriad of reasons.
"Why won't you let the merchants in!? This is your fault!" From all walks of life.
"Justice for the Saintess!!!" United against their once-renowned rulers. And while the gates of the palace were being swarmed, the instigators of the chaos were convening at their usual tavern hideout as they prepared themselves for, hopefully, a quick battle.
Terence was strapping shut his black gambeson when he addressed his followers, "Status?"
A noblewoman who was wearing a fancy dress reported, "No word about any messenger birds leaving the palace after their previous four were felled. They are remaining isolated."
"Make sure the archers remain vigilant until the flags along the palace fall," Terence ordered and the noblewoman hastily left the room. Terence finished tightening his gambeson, started putting on thick leather gloves, and asked, "What of the tower?"
A knight in plate armor saluted, and gave his update, "The outskirts of the city are empty and there is no movement from the wizard's tower. Either they don't realize what's happening, or they're still preparing their response."
"Keep the Auristers we have guarding the city gate on standby. They are not to engage the wizards unless attacked first! Their primary goal is to keep them away from the palace."
"Yes, Prince Terence!" the knight replied, gave another salute, and hurried off.
"It's nearly time," Richard Ordrin mused as he stood in his military uniform. His hand rested on his sword that was sheathed on his belt, and mentioned, "The Azure Hawks will lead from the front, my Prince. With how things are, I doubt the people would be happy to see an Arlexton; even if it's you."
"That's why I will be hiding within your ranks, Duke." Terence looked over to the great helm that sat on the table. The helmet's empty eye-slits blankly stared back at him. Emotions swirled within Terence's heart as he steeled himself for what the evening would force him to bring about. "…And my mother is safe?"
"Yes." Richard gave a solemn nod. "She was out with some nobles before the riot and just so happened to run into my knights. They're keeping her safe in my family's mansion."
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"Good." Terence rested a hand on the helmet and his fingers flexed along the cold steel. Turning his attention to a guest that no one expected to appear, Terence said, "Are you sure you wish to stay here, Arbiter?"
"I will stay," Hoxton humbly answered while standing off to the side as he watched the bustling hideout prepare for combat. As soon as word of Beatrice's death reached R'eldrun, Hoxton immediately set out for the capital with great haste to demand answers from Marcus. He and his retinue were spotted once they approached the city and were escorted to Terence earlier in the day. "I wish to bear witness to history, and to ask for Saintess Beatrice's body to be brought back with me to R'eldrun for proper burial rites."
"Of course, Arbiter." Terence eyed Hoxton's retinue as they stood out even amongst the armored knights. Four paladins dressed head to toe in plate armor that was covered in robes stitched and embroidered with their respective god's iconography stood silently just behind Hoxton. Even the plates of their armor were etched with strange runes and further depictions of their faith. None of them spoke a word even as they towered over Hoxton. Silent sentinels with not a single wasted movement between them. Terence wished he could request such paladins join the attack on the palace, but knew better than to start making requests of the temples that were already furious with the imperial family. He was in far too many debts for his liking. "Then I ask that you remain here, in safety, until our return. This place is safe from intru-"
"Prince Terence~!" As if the universe were slapping Terence in the face, Lucina barged through the door to the hideout. The stench of rotting iron infected the air as she was wearing her robe over her knight uniform as a slight against the wizards. Cheerily, she greeted, "It's been too long~!"
"Countess!?" Terence hadn't heard about Lucina entering the city, or even her traveling out of Solfin. Once again, Lucina was subverting Terence's surveillance with unknown ease. Terence glared at the door guards who were looking helplessly back at Terence as they had no way of stopping Lucina. The air in the hideout took a chilling dive as the nobles and knights present grew antsy.
"Greetings, Harbinger." Everyone except for Hoxton and his paladins who remained unmoving from their positions. Hoxton gave a bow to Lucina as he continued, "I believe this is our first time meeting, I am Arbiter Hoxton of R'eldrun."
"Greetings, Arbiter." Lucina gave a slight bow in return. "I've heard of you from Elise. I must apologize for not making a pilgrimage as I've been rather busy with fixing my territory." She kept a friendly demeanor with Hoxton, despite the atmosphere of the others, and waltzed into the room.
"While I haven't had the chance to personally meet her, myself, the Voice of Alm speaks highly of Daughter Elise." Once Solomon's treachery was made known, the temple of Alm retracted Elise's excommunication and officially reinstated her as a Daughter of Alm. "I would be more than happy to welcome you both to R'eldrun anytime."
"Perhaps one day, but today I have other matters to attend to." Lucina turned her gaze from Hoxton to Terence and gave him a friendly smile. "I'm here to have you make good on our deal, Prince Terence."
"Our deal…" Terence's words tailed off as another figure entered the hideout and lowered their robe's hood.
"The one to free me." Olivia stood next to Lucina as she matched her gaze with Terence's. She was dressed in a Hellhound knight uniform which made her vibrant blue eyes stand out even more against the red of her clothes.
"Olivia?" Richard took a hesitant step forward as he looked his daughter up and down. The slave collar around her neck glinted in the light and sent a twinge through his heart.
"…" Olivia gave a nod and smiled at her father before refocusing on Terence. "I was told that, in exchange for Lucina helping grant you justification for the coup, you agreed to free me from this collar."
"…I did." Terence slowly walked over to Olivia. He looked pitifully into her frozen, cracked lakes.
Lucina looked over to Hoxton, and asked, "It is actually a good thing you are here, Arbiter, as I would like you to witness and bless my next words." While Hoxton didn't know what she would do, he decided to give a nod, and Lucina turned to Terence and loudly declared, "I, Lucina Sanguine, Harbinger of our Violet King, denounce Marcus Arlexton as Emperor and James Arlexton as Crown Prince! As they are unfit to rule Zulm's favored lands, I nominate Terence Arlexton as Crown Prince and future Emperor! What say R'eldrun?" She extended a hand out to Hoxton to signal him to speak.
A slight smile played on Hoxton's lips as he replied, "R'eldrun shall step forward with our right to intervene in the crown of Arlexia and shall follow the will of our Harbinger." A pressure descended upon the room that smothered everyone's gaze to the floor while the magic lights in the room flickered with anticipation. Zulm was watching them. Still with his head held high, Hoxton declared, "From this day forward, Terence Arlexton, by divine right, holds the position of Crown Prince." Hoxton put a hand over his chest and gave a deep bow to Lucina as the pressure eased. "Zulm's will be done."
"!!!" The hideout erupted into cheers as the official recognition from Hoxton boosted everyone's morale.
Terence closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and opened them while saying, "Arlexia hears you!" Returning his attention to Olivia, Terence reached out a hand to her slave collar and lightly touched his fingers to the runes. With a commanding presence, Terence ordered, "By my right as Crown Prince, I release Olivia Ordrin from her contract!"
"…!" Olivia had gotten so used to the cold metal against her skin that when the collar was unlatched and thumped to the floor, she was momentarily stunned. A weight lifted off her soul and a semitransparent pink square appeared in front of her.
(Status effect removed: Enslaved)
"…Finally," Olivia breathed out a sigh of relief as her hand unconsciously went up to her neck to feel that the collar was truly off her neck.
"Olivia!" Richard quickly walked over and scooped Olivia into a hug that she happily returned. "Oh, my child!" He held his daughter for a few more seconds before finally letting her go so he could address Terence, "I thank you, my Prince."
"Of course, Duke. I gave my word I would make sure Lady Olivia was freed." Terence ignored the snarky smirk Lucina was giving him, and continued, "And now that I have, I would like to make a request of the now-freed Olivia." He signaled for one of his servants and was brought an ornate-looking box with a hinged lid.
"…?" Lucina slightly flinched when Terence dropped the honorifics and started to narrow her eyes.
Olivia gave Terence a curious expression, and tried to ask, "What is…?" But stopped when Terence opened the box.
"I would like to propose to Olivia Ordrin and ask that she walk alongside me as my future Empress." Inside the box was the tiara that Olivia had once worn during her time as Crown Princess. "During your time as my brother's fiancé, you showed your love and care for our empire which I-" Suddenly, the box was ripped from Terence's hands as its gravity was massively increased, causing it to smash against the floor. The tiara was crushed and broke from the impact, sending jewels skipping across the floor.
"Oh my~." Lucina's tone was completely flat as she lowered her extended arm. "What a flimsy crown~. You should really hold onto fragile things like that more tightly, Prince Terence~." The briars festered and broiled behind her eyes. "At least it was still good enough to be considered a joke~!"
"Countess!" Terence snapped at Lucina and moved to stand between her and Olivia. "Your actions are out of line!"
"The only thing out of line is your terrible sense of humor, Prince Terence." The chilling atmosphere took another dive as killing intent polluted the air. "I didn't know you thought so little of me to pull a joke like that."
"Olivia is not your slave, Countess. She is free to choose her own path without you interfering!" Terence held his ground as he activated his aura to negate magic attacks. Richard also stepped forward to stand next to Terence and held a hand on his sword while also activating his aura. "Stand do-"
"Enough!" Olivia shouted and pushed through both Terence and her father to get them to stop. The tension started to defuse, though the knights still looked ready to jump Lucina. "While I am honored that you think so highly of me, Prince Terence…" When she turned to face Terence, Terence felt as if a frozen dagger was being placed against his throat. "I will not become your Empress." Olivia's tone was as cold as her stare.
After swallowing the lump in his throat, Terence asked, "Do you not wish to reclaim your place?"
"My place?" Olivia continued staring through Terence. "Like you said earlier: I'm free now. My place is wherever I choose it to be, and I have a different place in mind." Leaving Terence stunned, Olivia turned to her father. Pounding a fist against her chest, Olivia declared, "Father, please name me as the heir to Holst."
"!?!" Richard's eyes widened with surprise as he matched his daughter's determined gaze. "You…wish to inherit Holst?"
"I believe my education to originally become Empress is enough for me to handle a single duchy, and I can learn anything extra later on."
"But-"
"There's also the issue of Derik no longer being capable since he's standing with James." Olivia's cold words halted Richard's questioning. "Since my brother is no longer fit, I will take up the mantle as the next Duke of Holst, Father."
"…" Richard tried to speak but felt the words refuse to leave his mouth. The implication of Olivia's words wasn't lost upon Richard, but the bluntness of their delivery still gave him pause. Richard partially agreed while also pushing the topic aside for later, "If that is your wish, then we will discuss this further after placing Prince Terence on the throne."
"Thank you, Father." While Olivia would have liked a clearer answer, she would settle with the one she got, for now.
"…Very well," Terence reluctantly relented. Olivia was, objectively, the best choice for his Empress as she was already trained for the role, and he would gain the sympathy and allegiance of the nobles and merchants who backed Olivia. If she still had the collar on he would have accused Lucina of foul play, but he no longer had that excuse. "Then, as the heir of Holst, can I expect you to join us in dethroning my father and brother, Lady Olivia?" Even if she didn't marry him, Terence believed she would at least fight against James; especially since she was already dressed in a combat-ready uniform.
But Olivia's answer, again, surprised him, "That depends on if you can grant my request, Prince Terence."
"…?" Murmurings danced along the walls as the gathered knights and nobles whispered among themselves.
"…A request?" Terence glanced over to Lucina only to find her also looking confused. Was Olivia doing something she hadn't preplanned with Lucina?
"It is not a hard request and may win you over the more traditionalist-minded people." Olivia paused to take a breath, and asked, "After you take the throne, I would ask that you repeal the law banning homosexual marriages."
"…!?" Lucina flinched and her eyes longingly stared at the back of Olivia's head.
"I agree that isn't something difficult, talks for or against it rarely ever get brought up…but may I ask why?" Terence dreaded the answer but still knew he had to ask.
"So that I can take Lucina as my wife and duchess," Olivia proudly stated, took a step back, wrapped an arm around Lucina's waist, and pulled her close.
"!?!" Lucina's face burned a bright red as she was completely caught off-guard. They had discussed joining the coup after Olivia's collar was removed, but Olivia had said nothing about marriage.
"Your what!? Duchess?!" Richard was dumbfounded by the prospect of Olivia marrying Lucina, and he tried to argue, "After betraying you!? Olivia, what are you-"
Before her father could continue, Olivia threw Richard's words back in his face, "We can discuss this further after placing Prince Terence on the throne." A bitter determination bled through her voice as she stared her father down into silence.
"…" Hoxton continued to silently watch, though he couldn't help but smile at Olivia's actions. Repealing that law was a longstanding wish of the temples, after all.
"…If I agree, will you and the Hellhounds join us?" Terence asked for clarification.
"Of course," Olivia replied. "Since Lucina will be marrying into the Ordrin family, Solfin and the Hellhounds will naturally merge into Holst."
"Naturally…" The proposed marriage was a double-edged sword for Terence. While it would guarantee the immediate help of Lucina and her Hellhounds, the imperial family would lose Solfin as a way to keep Holst in check. With a heavy heart, Terence answered, "Once crowned Emperor, you have my word that I will repeal the law outlawing homosexual marriages." The imperial family's authority would only get lower and lower as time went on, but it was a bitter pill Terence had to swallow if he wanted the imperial family to exist at all by the end.
"Thank you, Prince Terence," Olivia gave a bow to Terence. Turning to the blushing Lucina in her grasp, Olivia asked, "I will travel with my father to help attack the palace. Can you go deal with the wizards, Lucina?"
"…Of course~!" Finally regaining her composure, Lucina threw her arms around Olivia and kissed her much to Richard's discomfort. But Lucina was too ecstatic to notice Richard's dour mood, and joyfully promised, "I'll wipe that tower off the face of Arlexia…as my wedding gift to you~!"