1 Where it All Ends

"A second chance doesn't always mean a happy ending, sometimes it's a chance to end things right."

*****

"Traitors!"

"They are a shame to this noble empire!"

"Kill them all!"

The angry voices of the citizens who were gathered in the center of the square pierces through the city walls.

There was a makeshift stage where three figures are kneeling down with their hands tied behind their backs and heads resting on the lunette of their own guillotines. They were badly bruised from torture and their clothes were filthy, tattered, and were soaked in their own blood.

A few knights who were wearing hooded cloaks hid themselves amongst the raging crowd grimacing at the dreadful scene in front of them.

One knight in particular with jet-black hair and ruby-colored eyes was trying his hardest to stop himself from unsheathing his sword.

The one standing right beside him sensed his bloodlust and quickly whispered, "Restrain yourself Lord Killian, else everything will be for naught."

Killian took a deep breath releasing his tight grip on the hilt of his sword. "I know."

As if on cue, a soldier with a booming voice made an announcement causing the crowd to hush.

"Silence! The New Sun of the Empire, His Majesty Emperor Luther Rein Vermillion will now make a short speech."

A man with golden hair and mischievous green eyes, donned with a golden crown stepped forward to address the people.

"I, Luther Rein Vermillion, present to everyone the three traitors who shamelessly betrayed our noble empire. I am very much abashed that they were once a part of the royal family and are my blood kin. Therefore, for all the horrible sins they have committed, I would like to sincerely apologize."

He bowed his head in front of the citizens asking for their uncalled forgiveness.

When he heard someone said, "It was not your fault, Your Majesty! You were also a victim! You are our savior and our hero!", he secretly smirked before lifting his head with a smile plastered on his smug face.

"I feel really honored! It was all thanks to everyone's never-ending support that I was able to prevent a tragic end to our noble empire."

The crowd started cheering. "Long live our New Emperor! Long Live Argente Empire!"

'What a bunch of imbeciles.' Luther mockingly thought.

One of the so-called 'traitors' mustered all his remaining strength to lift his head and glared daggers at his treacherous second brother.

'How pathetic, really. Only after you have betrayed me did I realize that the people whom I despised with all my heart were actually the people who loved me dearly.

Because of your evil schemes, one of them took their own life and two of them is now with me sharing the repercussions of my foolishness.'

He took a glance at his father, the previous emperor and his eldest brother, the first prince who were both almost half-dead. He clenched his tied fist in anguish and utter frustration.

He wanted to lash out for the last time but a voice inside his head prevented him to do so.

'Youngest Prince, can you hear my voice?'

'Who was that? Have I finally gone insane?'

'Fortunately, you are still on your right mind, your highness.'

'Who are you?'

'I am Tristan, a dark mage.'

'Why is a dark mage speaking to me right now? Are you trying to mock me?'

'I am far from mocking you, your highness. I was forcefully brought here to give you a second chance in life as per the insistent request of my savage contractor. Would you accept?'

'A second chance in life? A contractor? What are you talking about?'

'Well, you see. A knight loyal to your father is willing to sacrifice his own life just to save you.'

'A knight loyal to my father? Was it Killian?'

'Apologies but, I am in no position to disclose the name of my contractor.'

'But, why me? Shouldn't it be my father he should be saving instead?'

'Because my contractor wanted you to atone for your sins and right your mistakes, your highness.'

'Your contractor must really despise me if he wants me to go through another living hell.'

'Whether you consider it heaven or hell it's really up to you, my prince. I am just fulfilling my end of the contract.'

'A second chance in life, huh. If that is really possible...'

His eyes is now gleaming with conviction. He would be a complete fool if he let this chance slip through his fingers.

'I accept your offer.'

Before Tristan could reply to him, the new emperor turned his head and looked down first, at his eldest brother, then his father, then at him as if truly disgusted.

Liam wanted to stab his brother's face a thousand times but he could only scowl at him.

"Any last words my pitiful younger brother?"

'If that dark mage guy will really give me a second chance in life, then there's only one thing to say.'

"Enjoy it while it lasts."

His words put a frown on his brother's face. "Seems like you're in a hurry to die. Well then, wish granted."

He faced the crowd in haste. "For charges of treason, I now declare that the previous emperor, Laurence Kaiser Vermillion, the first prince, Lumiel Eins Vermillion, and the 5th prince, Liam Isis Vermillion, be sentenced to death by beheading!"

The crowd started shouting curses again.

'Dark mage! Are you still there?'

'Yes, your highness.'

'Tell me, what do I have to do to have a second chance in life?'

'Oh, that's simple! You just have to die.'

'What?!'

Amidst the roaring voices of the people, Emperor Luther shouted, "Off with their heads!"

Right after he said those swords, the sound of the guillotine's blade cutting through necks was heard.

The moment the youngest prince's head hits the ground, in his dying subconsciousness he heard the somber voice of his father saying, "I'm sorry my son. I wasn't able to protect you.".

And the dejected voice of the first prince saying, "I'm really sorry my dear brother.".

As darkness started consuming the youngest prince, Tristan started chanting, "die Zeit zurückdrehen".

And then there was a flash of blinding light.

I woke up laying on a bed inside a familiar room.

'When I thought I took my last breath, I suddenly opened my eyes to the me of 10 years ago.'

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