Chapter 22

Sophianopolis, capital of Egea, imperial palace.

Night had long since fallen on the city of Sophianopolis. Slowly, the emperor climbed the stairs to his flats. Passing an open window that let the cool night air into the stairwell, he stopped. Lost in thought, Aroslan gazed into the black fabric of the sky. His melancholy eyes seemed to call for a consolation that was denied him every night.

How he loved this view of the sleeping capital, whose lights shone in the night, signaling the activity of the nocturnals, as they were called on Egea. This serene population just wanted to go on with their carefree lifestyle, without worrying about intergalactic diplomacy that could decide overnight whether they were safe or not.

The emperor sighed. What could be more ultimate injustice than to have one's life turned upside down overnight by the greatest of disasters, war? Without having decided on its occurrence, all these peaceful souls had their lives destroyed by the decision of people in power who put their own interests first without ever taking into account those of billions of people who have no interest in these sordid matters of power and ego.

He had sworn to protect this while his mandate lasted and the angels trusted him, but now he feared he would not be able to keep his promise. The coming storm was far more dangerous than he had thought, and none of the options open to him would be without consequences for the people. The dark age he had feared would return was now a reality that was knocking on his door with insistence.

As he was about to resume his ascent, his head hung low, weighed down by these dark thoughts, a ringing sounded in his ears. A dematerialised window containing a short written message appeared before him. He stopped and read it.

"Emperor Mischien of Esethea requests a confidential meeting with you urgently."

Aroslan frowned. He didn't have a bad relationship with the Emperor of Esethea, but they weren't so close that they sent requests for confidential interviews to each other. There must have been a reason for this. The Esethean was not an unreasonable person. If he had asked for an urgent interview, he must have had a reason.

Aroslan pressed the "Grant" button and closed the window before calling his secretary on the watch for the night.

-Open an interdimensional portal reception platform in my private room," he ordered as he continued his ascent.

-Yes, Your Majesty," came the voice from the other side of the interface.

He cut the call and quickened his pace. Fortunately, he was still in his day clothes. He walked quickly to his living room and found one of his guards stationed at the entrance. The latter greeted him.

-Don't let anyone in and don't interrupt the interview under any circumstances," he told him.

-Yes, your Majesty! The guard replied, saluting again.

The emperor nodded and pushed open the wooden door painted with a magnificent fresco of carp playing in the water of a pool. Without waiting, he closed it behind him. The walls of the room were already filled with a permanent sound and magnetic protection bubble, so there was no need to install one.

He walked over to the chairs set around a low table of dark wood inlaid with celestial mother of pearl. A vibration shook the air and he saw the platform appear in the corner of the room. Soon after, the blue light characteristic of interdimensional portals began to radiate from the round base.

A few minutes later, the Emperor's foot appeared from the opening created, followed very quickly by the rest of the Esethean Emperor's body in its entirety.

-It is a surprise as well as a pleasure to receive you, Lord Mischien," the angel greeted him with a smile.

The Esethean, towering over the long-haired silver emperor by a good head, bent down to greet his counterpart and thank him for his welcome.

-I apologise for this sudden request at such a late hour for you, but I have a matter of the utmost importance to discuss with you," he said.

-I trust your judgment, which is why I am granting you this confidential interview. You would not have used the exclusive interface of the senior officials without a good reason to do so."

Aroslan indicated a chair for him to sit in and went to pour two cups of white tea with orange blossom. He put a cup in front of his guest before sitting down in turn. Mischien thanked him and took a sip before leaning back in the leather chair.

He watched the angel for a moment, looking extremely focused. He was facing the greatest diplomat in the intergalaxy and also the most powerful member of the organisation. He was about to play a difficult game with a master. He was not sure he would win.

Refusing to be intimidated by the aura of the Aegean emperor, he pulled himself together internally. He must not give in. He had been determined to act ever since he had discovered Niris' identity. He would go through with it, even if it meant confronting someone who could endanger his life and the existence of his entire people.

-I'll cut to the chase and spare you the formalities," he said, putting his cup down.

His deep voice echoed against the wood-paneled walls of the living room. A shiver ran down his spine as he looked into Aroslan's sky-blue eyes, which stared back at him with his usual softness. He cleared his throat and continued.

-I know that your son has infiltrated the palace of Yerpena under the identity of Lord Jangta. I offer you protection for your son in exchange for my silence for the duration of the event."

He had spoken in one breath, trying to keep his cool as much as possible. Incredible as it may seem, he, the self-proclaimed emperor of a commercial empire for more than sixty years, felt like a blundering novice in front of this impassive angel whose soft, intense aura overwhelmed anyone who faced him.

Slowly, Aroslan took another sip of tea before placing the cup back on its tray. He then placed his hands on his crossed legs and let himself rest against the back of the couch on which he was sitting.

-Indeed, you have been quite forthcoming," the angel confirmed. "I appreciate your frankness, Lord Mishen. But I am obliged to refuse your proposal."

He had spoken with the same smile he had worn since the Aesthian had arrived. Mischien felt the anxiety rise in him. He had expected a difficult negotiation, but not such a straightforward "no" at the beginning of the conversation.

-Lord Aroslan, I don't think you understand the situation," he insisted, trying to be persuasive.

He was determined to wipe that confident smile off the angel's lips.

-Your son is in the middle of enemy territory with no defense. His personal guard has been imprisoned and he has become the target of Princess Yousmaïl Namar. There is a very good chance that..."

-Lord Mischien," Aroslan interrupted him without moving a muscle. "I understand your concern for my son, but I do not think your protection is necessary for him. Niris is not there as my son but as a member of our special corps of special agents placed at the disposal of the intergalactic organization. He is there on a diplomatic mission for Egea under the authorization and supervision of the organization. I hope you understand that the importance of his mission means that he and no one else has been sent to Yerpena to accomplish it."

He paused and uncrossed his legs and leaned forward, sliding the fabric of his long blue robe as pale as his eyes. Taking the Aesthian by surprise, he stared wide-eyed into the brown eyes of his guest. Mischien swallowed hard.

-Niris is an experienced agent who knows what he is doing and the dangers he is running. He will be able to control the situation and react to any unforeseen event, you can trust him."

The Aesethian frowned. He had the impression that the angel was trying to tell him something. He thought about it, trying to figure out what it might be.

-You mean... Niris is capable of defending himself in the event of an armed attack against him? Does he have the means to get out safely on his own? Lord Aroslan, I know of your power and have no doubt that your son inherited it, but I do not see how such a young angel can face the demons and their enemies alone in the battle.

The angel smiled mischievously and stood up. He stood in front of the window and looked out from a distance as if his eyes were looking at something beyond this universe.

-I don't know if you've noticed, but my son went to Yerpena with a pegasus," he began with the same mischievous look. "This pegasus is not just any pegasus. His name is Azure of Emmers and he is seven thousand years old at this time."

The Aesethian's eyes widened in amazement. For a moment he wondered if he had heard correctly. With both hands on the armrests of the chair, he straightened up immediately.

-Azure...how...how is that possible? He shouldn't still be alive! He's supposed to have died with the last sword master!"

The angel turned and looked into the eyes of his fellow man, eyes as cold as ice, which made the observer instantly understand the importance of the situation.

-The last master of blades never died, that's why Azure is still alive.

Mischien's mouth was now wide open in amazement. This was too much shocking information all at once. The last master of blades... The legendary angel who had ended the age-old conflict between the people by sacrificing his life to destroy the demonic spirit that caused this endless war, was still alive?

-You mean to say that...all of this...the peace treaty between the planets that gave birth to the organisation as we know it today...all of this is obsolete? All of that was never respected?"

The angel took hold of the small tin teapot that was waiting on a small rolling table and poured its steaming contents into the cup of his guest who did not even react. He smoothed the sleeves of his long robe and then returned to sit on the couch, in the same place as before.

-Technically, the treaty had been respected, since Niyari was no longer in power and the institution of the masters had been abolished for good. But in fact, it is more complex than that."

The angel had replied with his serious but perfectly calm air.

-More complicated, that is? You said that the last master of the blades never died...does that mean that Niyari didn't totally disappear either?"

The angel took another sip of her tea without answering. In the overpowering silence of the small living room, only the sound of clinking china echoed against the dark walls.

Mischien swallowed his saliva and leaned back in his chair, laughing nervously. He had realised that he would not have a direct answer to this reply. The silence of his fellow man was more than enough to understand what was really going on. Suddenly he had the impression that the balance of their world was hanging by a thread. A thread that threatened to snap at any moment.

-Why are you telling me all this? Aren't you afraid I'll talk?" He then questioned Aroslan.

-Why have you still not said anything about Niris then?" The angel answered him with another question.

Mischien frowned, seeming not to understand the insinuation.

-Anyone who knew of my son's true identity would have used that information to blackmail me, but you did not," the angel continued.

-I threatened you if you didn't let me protect him..." The Aesethian began in confusion.

-I apologize for the familiarity, but I don't find your proposal very threatening. If I were you, I would have asked myself to kill myself or to destroy a planet or two, as I choose. But to suggest that I protect my son from your silence..."

The angel said this with a smile. He couldn't help but find his fellow angel's naivety amusing. The Emperor of Egea was not so easily deceived. Uncovered, the Aesethian looked away and scratched the back of his neck in embarrassment.

-You wanted to help appease those behind the scenes organizing my assassination, didn't you? By having me beholden to you, you will ensure my cooperation in reaching a peaceful solution and avoiding a chaotic conflict between the mother planets. After all, angels are profoundly peaceful beings who are accustomed to bending over backward to maintain a peace that is constantly being undermined by our fellow beings."

The Aesethian sighed. He gave up. This monster was at least two trains ahead of everyone else, it was frightening.

-So you knew," he said simply.

The angel gave him a reassuring smile.

-Of course, I know. How could I not know something like that?" he replied as if chasing a futile thought.

Mischien watched him for a moment. This incredibly delicate being, as beautiful as a Greek marble statue and with the bewitching charm of an irresistible Muse, was frightening in his uncommon foresight and intelligence. Nothing seemed to shake him, and yet he felt a hint of anxiety behind his unshakeable confidence.

-Now that you have found me out, I have no reason to hold you back. I know that you will be able to resolve this situation and foil the assassination attempt against you without difficulty," he began, rising from his chair when he was suddenly stopped by Aroslan's sharp voice.

-Lord Mischien, aren't you curious as to why I told you all this?

Surprised, the Aesthian slowly sat back down, giving a questioning look to his interlocutor.

-I have revealed to you one of the best-kept secrets in the intergalaxy and you don't think it's strange? The latter continued.

-Well..." began his colleague without ever finishing his sentence.

-I'm not asking you to protect Niris because I know you will now that you know all this. As you have understood, my son is the key to waiting for both the last master of the blades and the demon spirit who supposedly disappeared 6400 years ago. Should anything happen to him, it is not only his life or mine that is in danger but the entire intergalactic order that will be called into question.

-May I ask why Niyari has not been completely erased from the existence of this world?" he asked in return.

The angel took a moment before answering, choosing his words carefully.

-Because we didn't know for sure that it was possible. We knew there was a small chance we would fail to make it go away permanently. That's why we chose this palliative solution where we had more than 99% control of the situation. This is what our ancestors estimated and what I see confirmed today.

The answer was vague, but it was clear on one point: it was a necessary evil to avoid a greater catastrophe. Mischien trusted the Aegean emperor. Of all the leaders in the intergalaxy, he was the only one he trusted blindly because he never acted in his own interests but for the common good. That was why he had been elected, and that was his greatest quality. A wall of inflexible and infallible stone, that is what Aroslan Naeg A'Sahel was. So why did he feel this hesitation deep inside him?

-What exactly do you want from me?" he asked, his brown eyes fixed on the pale oceans of his host.

-As soon as the event ends and you return to Esethea, cut off all trade with other planets, even Egea. Filter in and out and request that only the minimum number of personnel be maintained in the embassies. Send anyone you have the slightest suspicion of back to their home planet and drive the spies from your planet."

Mischien frowned.

-It's the only way to stop what's going on and limit the impact of the catastrophe that awaits us," the angel finished, putting his cup back on the table.

-When you say catastrophe, what exactly are you referring to?" he asked, a little hesitantly.

He was afraid of the answer. And rightly so. When he heard Aroslan's answer, he thought to himself that he should never have asked that question and remained in the dark for as long as possible. But it was too late. He had asked it, so he had no choice but to integrate it and face it. The angel's words sounded like a macabre prophecy from which there was no escape.

"I am referring to an all-out war, more deadly than we have ever known. Someone is trying to wake up Niyari."