Chapter 44: Envoys Of The United Front

My dreams the next night were terrifying.

I was so concerned with the Black Ooze, that I couldn't stop thinking about it. The result was a horrible nightmare.

I saw everyone I love consumed by the darkness.

Every time I would try to fight back, it wasn't enough.

It was so horrifying that I woke up screaming... Luckily Isabella was there to calm me.

She had mostly regained her senses and was very worried about me... Truly, I was lucky to have her. I managed to sleep again after she comforted me.

When I awoke, there she was as usual. Holding onto me and snoring loudly.

In the past, I might have found it hard to sleep with such noise, but knowing Isabella was close made me feel at ease.

I moved to get up and her grip tightened on me.

"Please stay a little longer, Mizik... You need to relax..." She said as she slowly opened her eyes.

I didn't want a repeat of yesterday, but I knew she was right... Especially since I had that nightmare...

"Isabella...are you feeling well?" I asked her.

"I'm much better now. Still a bit out of it, but I'm fine. I keep hearing someone calling my name though... Can you hear anything, Mizik?"

I wondered to myself what could possibly be calling out to her...and it terrified me to think it was the Black Ooze... Or worse, the Source himself.

Did he have such an ability? It was difficult to tell...

"No, I don't hear it. I hope you're not going crazy on me..." I said.

"I'm not crazy! You believe me, don't you?" She said somewhat frantically as she sat straight up.

"Of course I do. I believe you heard something, but I'm worried about what it could be... I'm worried that it might have something to do with the-"

"Please stop..." She said as she placed a finger over my mouth. "Don't talk about that awful Ooze... The voice I'm hearing isn't nearly as sinister. Actually, it's...comforting. It sounds like it wants my help, somehow."

"Alright, then," I said simply. I kissed her hand and smiled at her.

Isabella laid her head back down on my chest and closed her eyes.

"Please just relax, Mizik. You've already done so much..." She said as she began drifting off to sleep again.

Within moments, she was snoring again.

And I was trapped here.

Not that I minded, of course...

* * *

An hour later, Isabella woke up again and allowed me to get out of bed. We both got dressed and she decided that she wanted to go with me to speak to the King today.

I repeatedly asked her to make sure that she would be well enough to roam the castle. She assured me that it would be fine.

Nevertheless, I was prepared to carry her back to our room if necessary.

Luckily, Isabella was very slender and didn't weigh a lot. Although, she was a bit...top-heavy.

And that very same issue made her complain about back pain on occasion.

We finished getting ready, then I held my arm out to her and she wrapped hers around it. After that, we made our way to the throne room to speak with the King.

Once we arrived, we saw Walter standing by, guarding the King and Queen.

Ever since my strength increased, Walter had been assigned to guard the King and Queen on occasion. I was surprised by how much faith they had in me to keep Isabella safe.

Although to most, it wasn't a shock. My level was kept mostly secret. Despite this, I had managed to almost kill another legendary sword wielder. I was considered one of the strongest individuals in all of Albatross.

After approaching the throne, Isabella and I both kneeled and bowed our heads to her parents.

"Come now, you two. There's no need for that! Mizik, is she giving you bad habits already?" The King said.

"No, your Majesty. This is out of respect," I said as I finished kneeling and stood back up.

He sighed.

"We have urgent business to attend to. Please do not waste time with ceremony right now," he said.

"Our apologies, father," Isabella said.

"My dear sweet Isabella! Are you well enough to be up and about?" The Queen blurted out.

"Yes, mother. Mizik has taken excellent care of me and has tended to my every need. I consider myself lucky to have a man like him," Isabella said with a smile as she glanced at me.

I only did what I was supposed to do.

"Evryss, please..." The King said.

"Oh, alright! Continue with your report, Ronald," The Queen said.

"Mizik, we've received some urgent news about the country of Falkos," King Ronald began. "We have a message received via communication crystal stating that the Black Ooze has once again created a large contamination zone near the capital city. Only this time, a man has appeared as well."

My heart leaped in my chest at the words.

"A man!?" I said quickly.

"Yes, he appeared suddenly and has simply been standing at the center of the contaminated zone. There is one other person that looks to be acting as a bodyguard. This other individual seems to appear and disappear at will."

"Do you think it could be the Source?" I asked.

"We think it is likely that he could be. The amount of magical energy in that area is enough to outright kill people. Unfortunately, the situation in Falkos is somewhat unstable as a result. They are requesting aid from us and the surrounding countries." the King said.

"Are you going to send us then?" I asked curiously.

"No. I have other plans for you. If what you said about this Source's power is correct, you would be walking into your own grave. We want you to go to Kalsa."

I was worried about this... I guess the Lorelei honeymoon will have to wait. Oh well...we can go after the world is safe.

"Kalsa has refused to acknowledge our messages and we need their help. Since they are an immensely powerful nation with two legendary sword wielders, their assistance is critical," The King said.

"What do you want us to do, then?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

"You're the son of Ulysses, yes? And the heir to the household of Iratus? We very much doubt that the Emperor of Kalsa would be willing to speak to you on normal terms due to your status here, so we decided that you should go to Noir and claim ownership of the Iratus household. That way, you will have his ear."

Oh damn it all...

"Father, will that truly be enough? The current head of the household threatened us, if you recall," Isabella said.

"We hope so. But this cannot be avoided. Once Mizik has taken his place as heir, you can negotiate with the Emperor. Isabella, I'm expecting great things of you there," The King said.

Going to Noir meant meeting that man again... I really wanted nothing to do with it, in all honesty.

"Lastly, if nothing else, please ensure the cooperation of the legendary sword wielders. You can start with the man who holds 'Justice'. I know he isn't necessarily on good terms with you, but please try not to make an enemy of him. His strength would greatly benefit the united front."

The man who...holds 'Justice'?

"Who...is the one that holds Justice?" I asked.

"He is none other than the current head of the household. Tyranus Iratus," the King said plainly.

Tyranus holds 'Justice'!? I guess it shouldn't be surprising that he's one of the wielders...

I already knew Tyranus was dangerous, but I had no idea that he held one of the thirteen swords. That made things so much worse.

"Since the fate of our world may very well rest in your hands, I am prepared to do whatever means necessary to earn the favor of the Emperor of Kalsa. I will have a sum of thirty million gold transferred to Isabella immediately," the King said.

Did I hear that right!?

"TH-THIRTY MILLION GOLD!?" I shouted.

"Why yes, I'm prepared to go quite far to save our world. Thirty million, while an incredible sum of money that even the richest of merchants often never see, is a small price to pay. Lastly, I wish to use Bravery as a bargaining chip. Mizik, please give Bravery to Isabella," the King said.

At least I don't have to carry that old thing anymore...

I reached into my inventory and pulled out Bravery.

I had every reason to believe that the blade was still broken, but the sword was within a sheath.

Strangely, it wasn't like that when I got it, but that just meant Sir Gordon and Walter were right about it. The sheath was created by the sword.

I held it out with both hands to Isabella and she took it gently.

She paused for a moment and frowned as she looked at it.

"Something wrong?" I asked.

"I...don't know... I don't think so..." She said.

Isabella shook her head and placed it in her inventory.

She's probably still tired.

"Well! With that out of the way, I will begin making arrangements for your journey to Noir. Mizik, if I were you, I would make sure all of your things are in order before you go. It's possible that you may be there for a while," the King said.

"Understood, your Majesty. How long will it take for the necessary arrangements to be made?" I asked.

"Not long. Perhaps about a day. You should be ready to leave by tomorrow," he said.

"Will Walter be coming with us?" I asked.

"As much as it pains me to say, Walter must remain here in case of emergency. However, I have a great deal of trust in your abilities, Mizik. Please protect Isabella with your life," the King said.

"Very well then. I'll make sure she's kept safe."

The King paused for a moment as if he was thinking.

"Ah yes, I suppose it would be a good idea to send Sir Gordon along with you. Some added protection and support, yes?" He said.

"Isn't he usually busy?" I asked.

"He has duties around the castle that can normally be filled by those ranking just below him when needed. But, he is the best swordsman in the kingdom aside from Walter and I would feel better if he went along with you."

"Alright. That should be a big help to us during our trip. Thank you, your Majesty,"

"Well, I think that just about does it, then. You may go. Make your preparations and return to the castle. Tomorrow morning, you two shall depart for Noir," the King said.

I bowed to the King and turned to leave. Isabella followed after me and the two of us left the castle.

I wanted to check the courier's office and send a letter before leaving. I also needed to say goodbye to Jorgan and the rest of my family at the diner.

* * *

"Are you sure that you're okay coming with me? Isn't it much safer at the castle?" I said.

"Oh stop it! I'm a lot stronger now, you know! Besides, I have you protecting me, don't I?" Isabella said as she clung to my arm.

I should be used to this right now but...

A lot of people were staring at us.

Eventually, we arrived at the courier's office and went in.

"Excuse me, are there any letters for Mizik Iratus?" I asked one of the men at the counter.

"Let me check..." He said as he went into the back.

A few minutes later, he came back and handed me an envelope.

"Thank you," I said and moved over to the seating area to read it.

As I opened the letter and began reading, Isabella leaned over and read it with me.

Dear Mizik and Rose,

Hey! It's Aria again! How have you been?

Work has been kind of crazy, lately, and Maul keeps saying that he wants you both to visit.

Oh! And by the time you get this, you'll be married, right? That's so amazing! I knew she wouldn't be be able to resist you! She better treat you well, Mizik! And Rose, please take good care of him!

I think I prefer calling you Rose, if that's okay! It makes me a lot less nervous after finding out...you know!

I always heard you were a treasure to the kingdom, Rose. You should visit us without the armor!

As far as I'm concerned, you're the only girl that's good enough for Mizik!

I'm sorry, you two...I can't do this anymore...

I haven't been honest with you for a while and I need to say something.

I need...we need your help.

Things haven't been so good in Lorelei, lately. People keep saying that there are monsters in the sewers. Not like the goblins that you killed, either. Strange monsters...

Mizik, the mines have been closed for the same reason.

We hear strange noises at night and people here are starting to fear for their lives. There have been a lot of disappearances and strange sightings at night. Sometimes I hear things outside of my bedroom window. I've seen them too...

Monsters.

I want to leave. We need to leave Lorelei. If I came to Albatross, would you protect me, Mizik? You've told me several times how strong you're getting...

Unfortunately, I can't leave now because people are saying the roads are dangerous. Would it be too much for you to come to get me? You can bring Rose! We can all have dinner together and travel as a group! You could protect us!

Mizik...I'm so scared... I don't wanna die... Please help us...

-Aria

I folded the letter immediately and fought hard to keep from crying.

Isabella hugged me tightly.

"Why...why didn't she say anything!? Why wait until now!? Can't we just...go help them? Can we just go help her!?" I said as I gritted my teeth.

"I want to say yes... I want to drop everything and go to them... I want to meet them, Mizik. Without the armor. But I don't think we have time..." Isabella said sadly.

"Is there anything I can do? Anything we can do at all!? We don't have time to go down there. The world is in danger and we've already wasted too much time. If they were in the capital, they would be safer, right?" I said.

"Mizik, remember who you're talking to. I am the Princess! I'll send some of the best men we have down to Lorelei immediately to get them. Would that help?" Isabella said.

"I hope so. Thank you."

"Good. I'll make sure the soldiers protect them all. By the way, I'm so excited to see Aria again! Once this is all over, we can get together and have dinner," Isabella said cheerfully.

I know what you're doing. You're trying to comfort me. Trying to remain positive. Thank you, Isabella. You remind me every day how lucky I am...

"I'm going to write a letter. I shouldn't be long," I said.

"I'll wait here for you," Isabella said.

I got some materials together and began writing.

Dear Aria and the rest of my beloved family in Lorelei,

Why didn't you tell us you were so scared? You made it seem like it wasn't a huge deal! For the past few months, you told me everything was fine.

I could easily have come to get you before, but I can't right now.

I love all of you so much and I want to help.

But just before I received this letter, Rose and I were told to go to Noir for negotiations with Kalsa.

By order of the King, of course...

We can't come. Even though I want to so badly. It hurts so much that I can't be the one to protect you...or be the one to bring you to safety.

Rose has offered, instead, to send the best soldiers that we have to come get you. They'll bring you to Albatross and you can stay with Jorgan. Please, just stay put until then.

I hope this letter reaches you. Once we get back from Noir, I'll be around as often as possible to help out.

I love you all so much. Aria, you're the greatest aunt a guy could ask for. Not only that, you're one of the best friends I've ever had.

I can't say it enough...I love you all so much.

Rose says she can't wait to see you all again. And don't worry, she won't be wearing the armor anymore.

Sincerely, Mizik

I folded the letter and placed it in an envelope.

I walked up to the counter and handed the letter to the man behind it.

"Please get this to Lorelei as soon as humanly possible. I'll pay extra to make that happen," I said.

I paid the man and he began making arrangements to find a courier.

After that, Isabella and I walked down to Jorgan's diner.

Once we arrived, we sat down at a table.

"Good afternoon," the waitress said as she approached us.

It was Jorgan's daughter, Irene.

"Oh! Mizik! And is that Princess Isabella!? Oh my goodness! It's so wonderful to talk to you...umm...Mrs. Iratus?" Irene said somewhat awkwardly.

When I first met her, she seemed very kind and professional.

The truth was that she was actually very laid back and somewhat clumsy. But a wonderful person, nonetheless.

"Actually...it's Mrs. Albatross... I wasn't allowed to change my name... Oh, but I wanted to so badly!" Isabella said as she clung to me again. "When I'm Queen, I'm changing my last name to Iratus! I swear it!"

We ordered our food and once it was brought out, Jorgan came to sit down with us.

"I still can't believe that one of my relatives is married to Isabella herself. How's married life treating you so far, Mizik? Feeling manly yet?" Jorgan said with a smile.

"Very. And it's been like a dream. If it is a dream, I hope I never wake up," I said as I smiled at Isabella.

She smiled in response.

"Ha! Well said!" Jorgan laughed.

"Hey Jorgan...I have something to talk to you about. It's about your brother and sister and the rest of them in Lorelei," I said.

Jorgan's face turned serious.

"Did something happen? Are they safe?" He said.

"They're fine for now, at least I hope. But they're scared. Aria, in particular, seems terrified of the things happening down there. The Black Ooze might be involved. Isabella plans to send a group of guards down to retrieve them later and they'll need a place to stay," I said.

"I see..." Jorgan said as he placed his hand on his chin.

"Also, we're leaving to go to Noir tomorrow. Otherwise, I'd be leaving, myself, to go get them. I love them all so much... Is there anything you can do?" I asked.

"I have a few ideas. Honestly, it'll be great to have Maul back here. I miss that big guy. We'll figure it out. Just make sure they get here safely, okay? We can work out the details later," Jorgan said.

"Thank you, Jorgan. You're a good man. I hope I can repa-"

"Stop that. You're family. We stick together. Just being here is enough for us. We love you, Mizik, and we hope you'll be safe on your way to Noir," He said.

"Yeah...I hope so too..."

I had a thought that came to mind. It'd been a while since I stayed here and I wanted to know if my room was still available.

"Hey Jorgan, is my room still empty?" I asked.

"Sure is. All clean and ready for you whenever you wanna use it. Need to stay here?" He asked.

"I'd like to. Just to relax before we leave tomorrow."

"Mizik, can I stay here with you?" Isabella asked me.

"Of course! I mean, as long as-"

"Mizik, you really gotta stop that. She's your wife. And the Princess. She can do what she wants!" Jorgan said.

"Thank you, Mr. Jorgan, I'm really th-"

"Hey hey, no need to be so formal. We're family. It's Jorgan."

Isabella smiled at Jorgan and nodded.

"Since I'm feeling generous, consider the meal on us. And I won't take no for an answer. As I said, we gotta stick together. You two have a good evening, alright?"

"Thank you, Jorgan. We will," I said.

After we finished eating, we went to the castle.

Isabella packed what we would need and we stored our luggage in our inventories.

After that, Isabella made the arrangements to send soldiers to Lorelei with specific instructions, then we spoke to the King.

Reluctantly, he allowed us to stay one night at the diner only if no one else knew we would be there.

Isabella wore her armor and I made sure to cover my face as well. We arrived in the late evening.

Once the two of us were ready for bed, we laid down together and fell asleep in each other's arms.