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Aldrich and Azalea

Under the glow of twilight, Aldrich stood legs crossed over one another with a glass of wine, peering up at the hung moon. Situated in his dorm sat a woman with long dark blue hair and sky blue eyes that seemed to carry a reverence that could not be mistaken for anything else than pleased to be at the same table as the man before her.

The woman was akin to the definition of beauty, with fair skin that could melt any man's heart, a calm noble grace, and a mischievous gleam that showed childishness yet a sense of pride. She was a goddess that could topple kingdoms with her beauty and nations with her words.

"I'd heard rumors of your return." The Goddess said, pouring herself a glass of wine, her gaze admiring the young man before her. While his looks could not compare to what they once were, the woman's eyes seemed to pierce through his skin to his soul.

"I was just as surprised when I learned that you had taken control of this land. Were you involved in the scheme to take down Tiamat?"

"Maybe, I don't really know. I did do a few favors for one of the Knights of Lunafreya, but not even I know the full story of what went down here. Although it wouldn't take long to figure out, would you like me to—"

"Azalea, there is no need to try to impress me anymore," Aldrich gently said, placing his ruby-red wine down, he turned to Azalea, whose heart turned weak, her knees buckled, and she lowered her head. "You're a grown woman now, with an empire you once spoke of having when I used to read you stories to fall asleep."

"You remember?" She asked, lifting her head to him.

"Of course, I'm not that old, you know. But I was so close to being a Chaos Lord, So-So close." He uttered, clenching his fist, only to shake his head, releasing the pent-up feeling in his heart. "But enough of that. Why are you after Aurelia?"

"Who?" Azalea inquired, having never heard the name before, "I've got a massive organization that's hidden deep within the Sea of Chaos; I can't always micromanage as I would like," She said, shaking her head. She sighed and rested her hands over her delicate cheeks. "I'm only here because I heard your prayer."

"Really? As I thought, that wasn't your blessing. It seems you got an out-of-control seer trying to make a name for themselves." Aldrich informed, lifting his wine back to his lips. He studied the increasingly dark look on Azalea's face and chuckled.

"You know there are always things you can't control. Plus that girl; Aurelia is an enemy, although she doesn't know it."

"Master, you know that doesn't matter. If a seer were to find something that no other has but not inform one of my Archbishop, this could lead to a major incident just like this! If you're involved, then!

"Calm your self Aza,' Aldrich uttered in a tone that carried weight.

Azalea's cheeks puffed, "I'm not a little kid anymore, you know."

"Oh, I knew. Anyone with eyes can see that." He said, shaking his head, "But I kinda like making those cheeks of yours red."

Biting her lips, Aldrich's tone soon turned cold, "anyway, I called upon you mainly because I'm being watched by some pathetic bastard who unintentionally caused the Era of Chaos."

"HUH!" Azalea rose to her feet, her fingers clenching till blood so red pierced through the floorboard.

"Yeah, the Silver Devil is currently here. Alive and well. It seems." He said, as a matter of fact, knowing how much wait Zariels name truly carried, "He's even training Aurelia, alongside a few others. You saw the battle, right? For their age and upbringing, it was quite good.

"Master—"

"Call me Aldrich. You've earned that right," He said, arching his charming lips and watching Azalea tremble like a love-struck child.

Cheeks blushing and heart thundering like drums against her chest, Azalea hung her head a little low, her voice growing like that of a buzzing mosquito. "That doesn't matter, A-A-Aldrich. The Silver Devil is too evil to be kept alive."

"I would agree, and I would ask you to kill him if he wasn't protected by someone already. I felt a powerful sensation a few months ago, and I worry it might be one of 'his' disciples."

Azalea's eyes flared to life, "I've been preparing for Cycles master! I—"

"You're not ready, my dear." He said, rising to his feet. "Killing Zariel and Aurelia will be tricky. If we show our hand, the new Lord of Order will gather the same forces he used to kill me to strike. We can't afford to do so. We need allies ourselves."

"But if the Silver Devil is involved, then doesn't that mean we have allies?"

"But who would believe the Lord of Order is working with a being that only causes Chaos? Sure, some fanatics will join, but we need real allies. People who aren't blinded by vengeance," He said, walking closer to the young Goddess. He stood inches from her, peering deep into her eyes. "which is why I called you here. You are the only woman I've ever trusted."

Blinking in disbelief, Azalea backed away, "Are you using me?"

"Have I ever used you? You were the only disciple I've ever taken on. The only one I had ever taken the time to teach, much less read stories to, when you had nightmares. While I don't like the idea of relying on people, I am asking you for help. But if you're asking if I plan to throw you away, you know the answer to that, silly."

"I'm sorry," Azalea hastily apologized, bowing her head, "I—"

"You're an important person now. I know. Trust is a fickle thing. And that is why I called you. One so that I can resume teaching you, and the other is to gain your help. It's time I introduce you to the man almost every Chaos Lord calls the Fool. Head to Iluthath, and deliver this letter to the Silver Devils' father. It's time we have a meeting about his forsaken son."

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