I stood solemnly in the Imperial Gardens, gazing at the cyclical nature of the canvas sky, as it was once again dyed an enthusiastic orange mixed with a cerulean blue by the hands of the rising sun, as my whole being was ingulfed by the ambrosial scent of lavender, all the while my ears were fixed on the calm and professional voice of Anastasia as she delivered the final statements of her report.

"Retake all the wealth he's pilfered, then massacre him and his family, but since he's managed to annoyingly ingratiate himself so well with the local people, don't make the killings obvious. A tragic fire that none could stop would be more than enough to deal with the issue at hand I'd wager." I coldly commanded, as my noise greedily sucked in more of that aromatic, nearly intoxicating smell that surrounded me, bringing some semblances of peace to my troubled mind.

"Understood, sire." Anastasia replied without a single change or wobble in her voice, her heart and mind already hardened after so long in my service.

Yet oddly, even after a few seconds passed, I still sensed her presence behind me, unmoved.

"Is there something else you need to report?" I asked, half turning to face the sensual beauty.

But she did not answer me immediately, and though her face was as always; masked, I could still discern her unease by the subtle fidgeting of her fingers on the edge of the parchment in her hand.

Confused and slightly unsettled by her unusual behaviour, I was about to inquire again, when she beat me to it, as she instead asked "Pardon my offense, sire. But will you take the northern road to the Astrapi Kingdom today?"

Stunned for a moment by her unexpected words, before my mind quickly connected the not so subtle hints and dots, I replied with a light, knowing smile stretching across my features "Yes, I will."

Heaving a brief sigh of relief, she quickly unfastened an inconspicuous, small leather pouch from her hip and though she did try to hide her shame the best she could, I still managed to pick up hints of her bashfulness, as she said "If it's not too much trouble, my liege... can I ask you to deliver this to his lordship, general Hasdrubal?"

Her words caused my knowing smile to grow slightly more, partly out of amusement, as I compared her usual composed self to this shy lovestruck maiden before me; who despite seeing the worst of humanity's lust and degradation in the Pleasure Districts of Solis Luxuria, she was still so demure when dealing with such a simple matter; but what I was mostly glad about was the fact that these two's feelings for one another were obviously on the rise.

Because unbeknownst to her, or anyone else for that matter, I was very much invested in this incipient relationship of theirs, beyond the simple scope of her simply being the target of affection of one of my most trusted general's and friends; but also because I saw this budding romance of theirs as the best way to safeguard my dear friend from the scheme that schismed our brotherhood, as well as the one that ultimately claimed his life in my memories.

'Women truly are the bane of all heroes.' I thought in vexation, remembering that conniving witch that led him to his doom, as I reaffirmed to myself the words I heard a long time ago, but could no longer remember who spoke them to me.

"Have the two of you officialised your relationship yet?" I calmly asked.

"N-N-Not yet!" She stutteringly replied, and though I couldn't see it, as it was hidden behind her mask, I knew for a fact that she must be horribly blushing at this point. Yet amusingly enough I also caught a hint of resentment in her tone for Hasdrubal, as well.

'Seems like her patience is beginning to run thin with you, old friend.' I laughed to myself.

"I see." I replied, before then continuing in a reassuring voice "Well there's no need for you to worry, I will make sure this reaches his hands. And I'm certain Hasdrubal would be more than happy to receive anything from you."

"Thank you, my liege." She joyfully said, her tone the most infectious mixture of bliss and solace, as she deeply bowed to me in gratitude.

But before she could take her leave, I confusedly asked "But why come to me with this? Your brother is accompanying us on this journey after all. Wouldn't it have been easier for you if you gave it to him?"

I wondered as to why she would intrust me with this, when she has previously asked me for nothing, even saying when she first started working for the new born Nine Rings, that she didn't wish to be paid for her labour, so she could repay me for all that I had for them.

She did not immediately answer me, as her body suddenly stiffened, making me frown as I questioned "Does he not approve?" Thinking I might have to speak with Leonid, so as to not have him ruin the best chance I had to save my friend from the claws of that witch.

"No, sire. Brother is aware, and he has expressed no issue on the matter." She quickly answered, and I sensed no falsehoods in her voice, but she still seemed rather reluctant to answer my queries, so I simply dropped the matter for now.

"Very well then Anastasia. If that is all, you may return to your duties." I said, making the girl bow again, before she swiftly left, almost as if she were escaping that situation, just in time for Horus to approach me, wondering "Lady Anastasia seems to be in a hurry?"

"Seems so." I replied, feigning ignorance as I stashed her parcel in my clothes, before asking "Is everything ready?"

"Yes, sire. All the belongings and necessities of Grand Vizier, Leonid and your two brothers have been placed in Ardaanin and are ready to depart the moment you speak the word." He quickly answered.

"Let's be on our way then, we shouldn't leave them waiting." I said as I turned, taking one last whiff of the lavender's aroma, before I ripped my mind out of the confines of the past and steeling it on the present, as I happily thought that I would no longer need to make-do with just aching memories and this faded scent.

Once we reached the Palace gates, I found the usual farewell party present and waiting, with a few new faces mixed in this time, such as Valdour and his wife Kora, as well as their son Va'lin and the other two inheritors of the divine lineages of their house, Azarlan and Seraphina; while my mother and uncle, as always, were at the helm.

Walking over, I quickly embrace my mother, who quickly returned the hug even harder, as she whispered "I know you don't need me telling you this, but be very careful sweetheart. And never don't let down your guard, swords will be of no use to you there."

"I understand mother." I replied, pulling away from her, but then she held my hands still for a moment, saying seriously "But above all else you must never forget your most important obligation."

"Which is?" I asked, confused by what she meant.

"My cute daughters in law, of course." She playfully said, as a wide smile graced her gorgeous features.

"Daughters in law?" I stressed the 's' syllable of my echoed words, looking at her in mirth.

"Yes." She nodded, as I just chuckled, curious how she would react when I first introduce Eve to her.

I then continue my farewells, with my uncle assuring me that he would make sure the empire is well taken care of in our absence, while Alisar simply hugged me and wished me well, having already grown accustomed to my long voyages over the years, but Dido and Azrael were not so magnanimous, as they both cried wanting to come with us; which syphoned a great deal of our time, as we tried to placate the two stubborn twins.

But we eventually succeeded, before I was finally allowed to move on to Valdour, saying as he bowed "Safe travels, sire."

"Thank you Valdour. And you have my gratitude for lending us Ardaanin for this trip as well. It will prove to be a far easier trip with it's aid." I replied, ushering for him and his wife to rise.

"No thanks required, sire. Your appreciation is more than enough. My grandfather built her to be utilized after all, and not as an art piece." He calmly replied.

I nodded to his words, before then looking at the three young demi-Gods, who quickly bowed when my eyes landed on them.

"Be sure to train well, while I'm gone. I'll know from Valdour if you do, understand?" I ordered, though my tone was not harsh.

"Yes, master." They said in unison.

I nod to them, as I pat each of their little heads once, before looking at Seraphina and saying "I know you're eager, but you must be patient for now, your body hasn't fully recovered after all, alright?" I said calmly as I looked into her eyes.

"Alright?" I said again, when she lowered her gaze and didn't answer.

"...Yes, master." She finally said, though she couldn't hide the displeasure in her tone.

"You're safe here." I said, making her flinch. "Even if I'm gone for a short while, you're still safe."

Seraphina remained quiet for a few seconds after, before she silently nodded her head.

Knowing that this is the best I could for the moment, I turn to look at Valdour, who instantly understood my meaning, before I made my way into the moving fortress, to begin our northern voyage.