Chapter 7: Versormer Head

IN A faraway land near the east, where the southern border is located, a man who is on a mission to save his life and lineage is desperately clinging on the side of the door as he hurls his guts out.

'I don't know why but I knew that I was never good with traveling. Why did I decide to ride a carriage instead of using the scrolls?' He regretfully thought as he hurls again.

Tristan was regretting his choice right now but this was all because of Bastian, who had a bet with him that he will never be able to make it to Duke Versormer's territory alive.

Bastian knew of Tristan's severe motion sickness.

'Why did I even agree to that stupid bet…!'

The bet wasn't worth it if Tristan is being honest, but it would hurt his pride not to accept it.

'His house isn't even worth it, but I'll show him…' Tristan thought as he wiped his mouth.

"Are you done emptying your stomach? If you want to be the first to return, I suggest you just sleep throughout the ride back."

As Tristan turned his head, a familiar voice commented in a bored tone.

It is a man close to his age, wearing a knight uniform and three brooches decorated on his shoulder.

He is a little bit taller than Tristan, who is already 5'8, and has red hair like it was flaming paired with the most tantalizing green eyes.

Tristan smirked at this man.

"Forester, you know that even if I slept, I will still feel sick. Besides, I have to win against that guy."

The man named Forester rolled his eyes.

"You two are just the worst of friends."

Tristan just laughed at this comment.

Peane Forester is also a friend of both him and Bastian, although he doesn't like to hang out with them as Peane seemed to be the mediator whenever they fought.

"Well, let's continue with our journey."

Peane sighed, "If only you just used the scrolls, then we would've been there by now."

Tristan just ignored Peane's comment straightened up, looking at the house walks away from where they stood.

They have finally arrived at the Versormer's residence and it only took them 3 days without stopping, but that caused a toll on Tristan's stomach.

Nevertheless, it was worthwhile.

"Come on, let's get this over with."

Peane and Tristan got on the carriage once again and as the gate of the house opened for them, they were greeted by a huge fountain in the center of the driveway as multiple flowers are decorated all over.

The two looked at each other with bewildered expressions on their faces, thinking if they got the right house.

"What the…"

The carriage stopped at the front of the house and the coachman went down to open it for them, they stepped outside and were immediately greeted by the duke's aide.

"I presume the journey was harsh." The aide commented, seeing the pale Tristan.

"Jonathan." Tristan ignored what he said and greeted him.

He is a tall man, standing near 5'8 in height, and is very handsome. His black hair combed to the side neatly as the glasses rest perfectly on his sharp nose, his brown eyes slanted like he was glaring.

"Hmm, let me guess. You puked." The man, namely Jonathan, greeted back.

Tristan rolled his eyes, "Shut up."

Jonathan's eyes darted on the man beside Tristan and gave him a small nod, to which Peane replied nodding back.

"Anyway, since you look healthy enough, would you like to rest for a while before meeting the duke?"

Tristan's eyebrows furrowed at Jonathan's suggestion, thinking about how he doesn't have time to rest.

He thought that if he rests, the time to go back to the empire will be faster.

Tristan smiled at Jonathan and opened his mouth to speak.

"No---"

Peane instantly cuts him off.

"Yes please, this man needed a bath."

Tristan glared at Peane as the latter just ignores him, not affected by his glare at all. Jonathan nodded at Peane and turned his back on them.

"Follow me then."

Tristan has no choice but to follow Jonathan but before he did, he spoke to Peane.

"We could just go straight to the duke you know?"

Peane glanced at him, his eyes blank.

"With you smelling like puke? Go ahead."

Tristan's mouth dropped.

"Why didn't you tell me I smell like puke?!"

The corner of Peane's mouth rose a little before he covered it up with a fake cough as he shrugged nonchalantly.

He walked ahead of Tristan, who is still in shock about the fact that he smells like puke, and followed Jonathan in.

Peane - 1, Tristan - 0

~ ~ ~

AFTER TAKING adequate rest, also a thorough bath, Tristan is waiting outside the door to the duke's office as Jonathan, who is beside him, knocks on the door.

"Master, the emperor's aide is here."

They waited for a reply and it soon came, a deep voice coming from the inside.

"Come in."

Jonathan opened the door and Tristan was greeted with the appearance of the duke sitting on his chair as the window behind him had its curtains drawn, allowing the light to seep in and brighten up the room.

The duke is a handsome man, who has black hair and grey-colored eyes. He looks intimidating enough that you will not dare to stare directly at his eyes but at the same time, it's his eyes that make you feel drawn to him.

"Duke Saxon Versormer, thank you for accepting my request to talk to you." Tristan greeted him as he slightly bows.

The duke, named Saxon, gave Tristan a small polite smile as he pointed at the chair in front of him.

Tristan understood him and he obliged, as soon as he did so, Jonathan bowed at Saxon and left the room.

"Let's cut to chase, since I know that you guys will not be sending me a letter requesting for a visit just to exchange pleasantries." Saxon spoke, his eyes on Tristan.

Saxon is like Xerxes, but a milder version. The two have a lot in common since they are cousins and grew up in the same household, the Versormer.

Tristan swallowed his saliva, feeling a little bit nervous even though Saxon is a rational man.

Still, he isn't taking any chances.

"I know that the duke knows that the princess has been born a month ago." Tristan started, testing the waters between them.

Saxon nodded, leaning his back on the chair while humming.

"Yeah, I heard about it. They said that she was in a coma for a month before waking up."

Tristan wasn't surprised that he knew about it. After all, Saxon has his own men in the palace for Xerxes.

Tristan cleared his throat.

"So, you probably know why I'm here."

Saxon gave Tristan a smile, which made Tristan unable to read his thoughts as his eyes were just blank.

'That means, he already knew.' Tristan thought.

"I thought that the news that came to me was tampered with by Xerxes, but I guess I'm wrong."

'Wait, what does he mean…'

Before Tristan could finish his thought, Saxon stood up and walked towards the bookshelf to his left.

Tristan watched as Saxon pulled out a book and walked back to the table, he then proceeds to open the book and revealed the ruby emerald inside.

It was the same size as Saxon's hand, a little bit bigger in width and smaller in length. However, Tristan knew that this amount is perfect for the princess' tiara.

"News travels fast to me, and I'm sure you know that. Xerxes must be desperate to even give this to his daughter." Saxon commented, his gray eyes glinting.

Tristan sighed at Saxon's words and immediately became serious. There was no trace of his earlier personality and attitude, what's left is what makes him the emperor's aide.

"What do you want in return?" His voice was cold and unwelcoming.

Saxon smirked at Tristan's attitude and placed the jewel on his hand, letting the sun hit it so it changes colors.

A true ruby emerald will transition from red to green, and when light hits it, both colors mixed and as if it was dancing with each other as they swirl around.

"What I want is quite simple." Saxon started, setting down the gem.

Tristan kept quiet but he was ready to negotiate and retaliate if ever something goes wrong.

After all, Saxon Versormer is a cunning man.

"I want my son to be the next head of the Imperial Knights."

Tristan immediately glared.

'This man…!'

"Are you crazy? The heir to your house will be the head to the Imperial Knights?"

Saxon smiled, "You heard me, and I mean it."

Tristan furrowed his eyebrows at Saxon's condition in exchange for the ruby emerald. He was thinking whether to agree with this or to say no.

'I know that the emperor will not mind it if it was for the princess. The problem is whether Bastian will agree to this too.'

Bastian is the current head of the Imperial Knights, so Tristan has no power in guaranteeing that the Versormer heir will be the next head.

Bastian climbed his way through pure skill, talent, and experience with no backing whatsoever. He was a commoner turned mercenary and was recruited by Xerxes, making him the first none noble blood captain.

Tristan is a loyal friend and subordinate, but which one comes first?

'But, why does he want his son to be the next captain? Did he deliberately spread the rumor so that I can come to him and…'

Tristan shook his head at this thought, but he kept that in mind.

"The clock is ticking, Tristan."

Tristan sighs, a heavy feeling in his heart as he decided what to do.

"Alright. I won't guarantee it if your son is not good, but I'll try my best to make him the next head."

Saxon smiled, satisfied at Tristan's response, as he gave the book containing the gem to him. Tristan accepted it with steady hands as his eyes were void.

"I will look forward to the results."

Saxon knew that Tristan never breaks his promise, that is what he likes about him.

Saxon inwardly smirked and watched as Tristan stood up, bowed at him, and left without saying a word.

When he left, Saxon heaved out a sigh and turned his chair to the window, looking at the sky as the white clouds go so well with the blue hue of the day.

"I did promise you that I'll protect you, but I can't fulfill it in the end." He muttered, a sorrowful expression on his face.

Then, as if he remembered something, he smiled a little.

"At least, I can protect your daughter."

He lightly laughed to himself as he closes his eyes, letting the sun soak on his skin as he felt the heat.

"That, at least, I can fulfill."