BXBX NOVEL Chapter 16 16 - The Incubus Duke
Resting by Haruki\'s neck was a sapphire blue brooch. It had been given to him by the head maid Roselia, and according to her, it possessed the spirit of the first Frost deemed the title of a duke. While the brooch itself didn\'t seem to hold an actual spirit, Haruki figured it was more figurative than a literal possessed object.
"This suit…I\'m not so sure," Haruki blabbered while being escorted to the balcony where he was supposed to go through the ceremony.
"Master Snow, that white suit is a staple for any ruler of the Frost family, so I\'d advise you not to insult its splendor by saying such things." Much like always, Rose appeared to be in a bad mood, the only difference at the moment was that she was carrying a giant cleaver twice the size of Haruki.
Giving her a sideways glance, he wondered how exactly someone could get so tall. Walking alongside her, he could barely reach her hips. \'Mixed blood, perhaps?\' Given her appearance, he wasn\'t the first to entertain that possibility.
"It looks good on you Master," Asuka cheered, bouncing cheerily as she followed him from the other side.
"Thanks…I guess," Right as he said those words, he was blinded by a ray of light shining right over his eyes.
"Apologies, I didn\'t know my armor was so reflective," The sound of clanking armor and footsteps drew closer. "Are you ready, young Frost?"
Moving in front of Haruki, Rose shielded her master with her own body. Michael was obviously displeased by her hostility and it was clearly conveyed to everyone through the deep frown on his pretty face.
"Sir Michael, please take your station, I\'ll bring the young master to you," Feigning a smile, Rose handled the situation before it grew any bitter.
A bit annoyed he jerked his hand in the air before turning around and walking further toward the ceremonial site.
\'If only he wasn\'t such a blind coward, I might\'ve felt some sympathy for him.\' Unlike the others blinded by their ignorance, Michael had deep roots in the empire\'s politics. \'Even though you knew about the corruption, you never helped me fight against it.\'
Despite being one of the good men, Michael never lifted even so much as his fingers against the crimes committed by the empire.
"Inaction is a crime," Toiling in resentment, Haruki didn\'t even realize that he was speaking out loud.
"What?" Rose uttered in confusion.
"Master?" Asuka was no less perplexed either.
Correcting his demeanor, Haruki puffed up his chest and started walking towards the site of the ceremony.
"Nothing, I just want this to be over quickly," Parting from his two escorts, he walked over to the addressing balcony.
As far as he could see, swarms of villagers had swarmed the streets around the castle. Raising his hand, he waved at them with a gentle smile. From this day forward he had to address the public through this very place. Watching him waving at them, the villagers were riled up and began to scream his praises.
\'What has this brat really done to deserve such an uproar?\' Haruki couldn\'t help but wonder.
"I love you, my lord!"
"All hail the young duke!"
"Bless us with a better future!"
Many requests and pleas continued to be hurled at him, but as those voices began to pierce his ears, a loud thumping sound silenced everyone present. Turning to his side, Haruki noticed Michael holding a golden lance with his fingers coiled around its length. Stomping the lance against the ground once more, Michael closed his eyes.
"May the lord bless this land with bounty and wisdom, and may it flourish under its new ruler," Extending his hand towards Haruki, Michael glared at him until he moved closer. "On the Authority of the emperor, bless this soul to be a great ruler."
Thomping the lance once again, he grabbed Haruki by the arms. As his grip began to tighten against his arm, Haruki remembered the next part of the ceremony.
"Bless…" A bit unnerved by the sudden pressure, he took a deep gulp and closed his eyes, "Bless my people, bless them with your spirit my lord, bless those living on the land graced by your name, bless us, lord Atlas! Bless our land of Atlas!"
A chilling breeze swept by him, making every strand of hair on his body stand up suddenly. As he opened his eyes, he noticed snow drifting through the sky. Glancing around him, and at the people of the villages, he noticed smiles on everyone\'s faces.
"You\'ve been blessed, young duke," Michael declared, smiling a warm smile.
\'That\'s the first time he called me young duke instead of young Frost,\' Raising Haruki\'s hand upwards, Michael let out a roaring cheer for the masses to join in. Soon enough the whole town was cheering along. Some danced to the chants of Snow\'s name, some playfully threw snowballs at each other, and some even began to pour out bottles of ale for their fellow townsmen.
"Master, we\'ve arranged a banquet for the attendees, however, given your condition, I can\'t allow you to join them," Kneeling onto her knees, Rose held her hand forward. "Also, I\'d like to remind you about the incident back in the carriage."
Glaring at Michael, Rose kept her hand held towards Haruki. Glancing back at the blonde paladin, Haruki shook his hand in a hurry. Contrary to what he had expected, Michael seemed more relieved than annoyed. Perhaps, he too was glad that things were over and he had no reason to lag behind any longer.
"I mean well, Michael, but please be on your way," Saying that Haruki turned around and began to follow Rose back into the castle walls.
"Be well, young duke, and may this land be blessed with bounty," The thunderous bolt that Haruki had heard on Michael\'s arrival jolted once again, but this time as he turned around there was nothing left for him to witness.
\'How does he do that?\' He pondered, but obviously, he had no way of knowing.
Pushing Michael out of his head, he followed Rose through the passage back to his room. When the room finally came into view, he felt repulsed by it. Although it was filled with every luxury he could ever want, he knew that staying inside that place had limited his actions. It almost made him feel a bit…
\'Lazy…I need answers, but this body is too weak.\'
In the brink of a moment, as that thought crossed his mind, he noticed something shooting straight at him from the edge of his eyes.
"Master! Get down!" Rose yelled drawing her cleaver, but unfortunately, it was too late.
A razor-sharp arrow grazed right over Haruki\'s eyes, leaving him blind for a matter of moments.
"WHAT THE FUCK?!" He screamed, trying to cover his bloodied eyes.