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“There’s a proverb where I used to live, something like, a drowning man will even clutch at straws.”
Facing down towards the floor’s red carpet, a man was listening to the voice just like once his ancestor did.
But unlike his ancestor who kneeled before this exact same king long ago, his breathing was calm and steady,yet his eyes held immense hatred for the king,but his form hid the disgust in his face as the king continued to speak.
“Straw, do you know what’s that? Don't mistake it for one of the products my organization sells, what I'm talking it's like wheat, something like that. The one in the water’s so desperate, that even knowing how useless it is, they’ll grab at it with all their might.”
He was down on his knees, in front of an opponent no older than himself. No! younger even…
“――――”
???: “To put it plainly, dying humans will desperately try to survive no matter what, that’s the meaning of the proverb. It’s different from using brute force in case of a fire. They’re still thinking of turning their fortunes, but to grasp at straws is just a stupid idea.”
Kindly, the voice above his head gave his words.
Of what was being said most seemed pointless, but not one word, not one phrase could be missed, for fear of somehow raising his anger.
Not when his father didn't returned from a meeting like this…
| O |
Having emerged more than a decade ago, the man had been spoken of in cruel and horrific spreading rumors ever since.
All that opposed him, their families, all those involved would be tracked down by any means necessary to be made an example of. With irresistible force he had kept resolutely expanding that association, Pleiades, as its leader.
With his terrifying success and his unparalleled ability of evaluation, people had bestowed the man with a title.
――The Purge King.
The organization's headquarters lay near the city of Banan,a new castle had been built there,ever since the attack from the dragon Kingdom Lugunica at the organization's old headquarters.
Just like in the old headquarters this one also had luxurious paintings, extravagant decorations and items gathered, the organization’s reception hall, a sight most obscene.
As for the location of the King, serving as its leader, he sat on the throne, at the back of the room,it could rightly be called treasure, on that supreme throne he looked down on his guests.
It was a dazzling and opulent setup, and the money spent on it was enough to make one’s head spin. That violent fortune transgressed one’s eyeballs, a human lifespan, even multiplied thousandfold, no, two-thousandfold,four-thousandfold,ten-thousandfold it could not be reached.
That this was a demonstration of the organization’s―― no, of the King’s power, even idiots could understand with a glance. And even if someone incapable of understanding such were to have arrived at this very room, they would never be seeing the light of day again.
Simple displays of power, mere shows of wealth were not worth anything in comparison.
Lining the walls were countless mercenaries or soldiers,but they alone weren't enough to make the kneeling man rethink his plans for vengeance.
The one who made him rethink his plans was the Admirer, Halibel.Of the Kararagi City-States.Who held the name of the strongest in this country.
“Sigrid-san?”
“――――”
Looking on, resting his chin on his arm, the Purge King, smile gone from his face, was gazing at Sigrid with dark eyes.
He must create an excuse soon, something, so his oxygen-deprived lips shivered.Seeing his response,the purge king's shoulders sank.
“Ahh, for making you bored, I apologize. Having my stories get off-topic’s a bad habit of mine since long ago, and if I talk in this roundabout way we might never get to the point.”
“I-I am fine…as I stated in my letters, our side wishes to continue having good relationships with all members of your organization ”
“I see…”
Hearing that, the Purge King narrowed his eyes, but after thinking for a while he smiled.
Seeing that sudden smiling expression,Sigrid was disgusted by the killer of his father,but was able to keep his face neutral.
Not being able to surprise Sigrid, the King let out a deep sigh.
“Let’s have a nice partnership,Sigrid-san. The details will be discussed with the person in charge later on… This was the best and wisest choice for you.”
“Ah…”
“Please continue to treat our association favorably from here onward.”
His hand raised, while smiling the Purge King ended the meeting.
At those words, Sigrid slowly lifted his body. His body had grown stiff from kneeling, and so his posture briefly faltered, but enduring it with difficulty he then let out a long breath.
“Thank you very much. From now on, this side will continue displaying favor towards you.”
“Hmm.”
Somehow concealing the numbness of his tongue, his final words concluded the talk.
And so, with his task being unfulfilled and fulfilled at the same time,Sigrid bowed to the assenting Purge King, and turned back.
In his heart that was bouncing and shifting, a strong sense of relief and shame and disgust was blowing like a storm.
Relief for surviving and unlike his father being able to go back and meet his family.
Shame and disgust for himself and the king,shame for being a coward,disgust for the king a…
It was at that time.
From behind him, a very faint sound was heard.
A sound familiar to the ear, the sound of a coin.
It was very similar to a single coin slipping from the hand, and hitting the floor.
“Heads.”
One short word, a voice was heard saying.
What that was, Sigrid’s mind wondered…
But before anything could happen the doors of the throne room burst open and a boy ran past him.
Sigrid stopped, looking back he saw something strange…
The boy with yellow hair hid himself behind the now standing king.
The boy had nasty eyes similar to the King's, wearing white blue kimono, clearly worth a fortune from gold and silver lines in it.
The boy smiled as he was picked up by the king,seeing the boy's fangs. Sigrid was stunned for a moment,rumors about the king hating demi-humans was…
“uncle,Halibel please protect me from her”
His thoughts were interrupted as a girl clearly older than boy a year or so,with black hair,wearing a kimono similar to boy’s ran past him yelling…
“Father,Rigel ate all the cookies mom made,he didn’t even left me any”
The girl pouted,as the boy stuck his tongue out mocking her.
“she's lying,father”
“ya'know,Rigel as a man ya shouldn't run from girls they should run from ya”
Holding his kiseru between his fingers, letting out a puff of violet smoke, Halibel teased the young prince.
“But… , she is… ”
Before the prince could form an answer, the king spoke.
“Enough of this nonsense already, we have more important matters to discuss”
The king let out a deep sigh, taking a look around, patting his daughter's head, his eyes spotted Sigrid who was staring at him with disgust in his face,the king's eyes narrowed.
This wasn't unnoticed by the men gathered in this room.
“Halibel-san, I will take my leave, you know what to do ”
Looking at the wolf-man,after his nod, the king accepted the fact that Halibel understood the assignment, and left the throne room holding hands with the princess while still carrying the young prince.
…
Unfortunately,Sigrid had the same fate as his father…
| O |
The Purge King walked slowly in the long corridors of the Pandomenium towards his private chambers,smile in the king's lips,his mood better by the presence of the two small figures beside him.
Spica's eyes wandered with curiosity over the luxurious decorations lining the hall.While his father still carried Rigel.
As they walked, a figure was seen from across the hallway.
A man with dark blue hair,walked towards them.The left eye was covered by a black eyepatch, while the other shone with sharp amusement. He was clad in a blue kimono,wearing zori on his feet, and had a sword strapped to his waist.
This person once held the name of the strongest in his country , but now he was considered the strongest warrior in the entire world ever since his duel with the Sword Saint. His name was…
Cecilus Segmunt.
“Ceci!”
Shouting Rigel broke out of his dads grip, landing on his knees, he scrambled to his feet and sprinted towards him
Spica blinked, unsurprised. The Purge King sighed,but smile in his lips, already knowing what would happen next.
Cecilus crouched slightly as Rigel rushed toward him.
“Well, well! Young boss,” Cecilus said cheerfully. “Have you come to hear the legend about how I reached the Heavenly Sword?”
For those who arrive at a certain realm, the way in front would be blocked by a wall. That wall, which can't be surpassed no matter what, had been surpassed by Cecilus Segmunt just like once upon a time by a fool who reached the heavenly sword.
Rigel stopped in front of him, shaking his head.
“No,I already heard it more than one hundred times.”
Cecilus laughed, completely unbothered.
“A hundred? My storytelling improves every time! Surely the hundred-and-first version would be the greatest.”
Rigel shook his head once again,smiling.
“No,you always tell it exactly same as always”
Spica covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.
Cecilus placed a hand dramatically over his chest, pretending to be wounded.
“How tragic… My greatest audience has abandoned me.”
Then,his visible eye sharpened with interest. Glancing towards the walking closer father.Swordsman casually spoke to him.
“So,Boss,When shall Rigel and I begin training?”
“Training?”
Rigel's eyes lid up with hope, but to his disappointment.
The Purge King answered without slowing his pace as he walked past the duo.
“He’s too young.”
Cecilus tilted his head slightly, still smiling.
“The earlier one starts, the earlier one learns.”
Rigel looked between them, excitement beginning to grow, while Spica just sighed, sticking her tongue at him.
The Purge King stopped, his gaze moved slowly toward his son.
The hallway fell into a silence again.
“So,Boss,what do you say? ”
The swordsman asked once again,patting Rigel's head.
Cecilus had lost his 2nd sword , the Fiend Sword Murasame, alongside his left eye in the duel against the Sword Saint.
But after one of his swords shattered, Cecilus had been able to surpass that wall,resulting him achieving the Heavenly Sword.
And the king knew there was no better teacher for Rigel than Cecilus.
Looking at the swordsman and his son The Purge King finally spoke.
“Okay, but… you will start from tomorrow.”
Rigel’s eyes immediately shone from happiness.
“Really!?”
Cecilus’s visible eye brightened with clear delight, his grin widening as if he had wanted to hear this answer the entire time.
“Excellent! A splendid decision,teaching isn't really my specialty but I'll see what I can do.”
The Purge King lifted his gaze towards Cecilus, his tone returning to calm authority.
“Alright,meet with Halibel,he will give you the details for your next mission.”
Cecilus straightened slightly,bowing slightly.
“As you wish,Boss”
Without another word, the Purge King resumed walking. Spica followed quietly at his side, though she gave Rigel a knowing look, already predicting how much trouble this ‘training’ of his would bring.
Rigel,meanwhile, walked fast,jumping, barely containing his excitement, occasionally glancing back at Cecilus as if afraid the promise might disappear.
Cecilus simply waved lightly, still smiling, before turning down another corridor to carry out the instruction.
The atmosphere softened as the Purge King and his children moved deeper into the private section of the castle.
Soon, they reached the doors leading to his private chambers.
Rigel stepped closer to his father, unable to hold back his excitement anymore.
“Will it be real sword training?”
The King answered calmly,patting his son's head.
“Yes, it will,but promise you'll be careful or your mother will scold us”
“I promise, father”
Spica sighed softly.
“You’ll cry after the first day.”
“I won’t!”
The Purge King opened the doors,for just a moment, the feared ruler of Pandemonium allowed the corner of his expression to soften,watching his children step inside before following them.
| O
The king's room was once big, but quite simple and dull, a room lacking in humanity.
But now, ever since that day, it has been changed to the same luxurious decor and interior as the rest of the castle.
Back then he hated his room being cleaned,resulting in books being piled up messily on each corner.
But now all those books were on bookshelves,being cleaned and taken care by his wife…
Entering the room, Subaru saw a woman with very long pale gold hair and green eyes. She was wearing a black and green kimono, her fangs visible as she smiled.
A gentle smile touched Subaru's lips as he approached. She bowed slightly.
"Husband-sama, I see you finished your work."
"Yes, I did, Frederica. But please, just call me Subaru when we are alone"
He gestured at the children, who were now playing on the balcony.
"They grow too fast," he said quietly. "It feels like everything happened just yesterday."
King let out a sigh as the kids started to fight over something new.He sat to the bed looking at the children.
Frederica followed, settling beside him. The fabric of her kimono rustled softly as she leaned against him, her pale gold hair spilling across his shoulder. The faint scent of flowers clung to her,the scent he came to love.
"You're right," she murmured, her green eyes warm as she looked toward the balcony. "It feels like everything happened just yesterday.”
…
Spica had found something on the stone ,a small insect perhaps and was pointing at it with delight. Rigel stood beside her, standing on his toes to see.
Then Rigel reached out, trying to grab whatever it was.
Spica's arm pushed him back.
Rigel's foot caught on the edge of a decorative pot. His arms windmilled wildly for one breathless moment before his back met the balcony floor.
Then Rigel's face twitched, and a loud cry erupted from his small body.
"Spica pushed me!"
Spica peered down at him, hands on her hips. "You were going to squish it!"
"I was not!"
"You were gonna!"
"FAAAAATHER!"
Subaru exhaled slowly through his nose, though the corner of his mouth twitched despite himself. Beside him, Frederica gently laughed against his shoulder.
He supposed this was what a room with humanity looked like after all.
…
Now standing before his crying son the king took out a good coin, standing next to him Frederica trembled slightly.
This wasn't unnoticed by the king but he kept his attention on the matter at hand.
”Okay, watch closely,” Subaru said, raising the coin dramatically,as he flicked it upwards.The coin disappeared into his palm.Subaru opened his hand.It was Empty.
Rigel blinked.
“Where did it go?”
Subaru leaned forward and gently tapped Rigel’s ear.
“Found it.”
He revealed the coin between his fingers.
The Prince’s eyes widened.
"Father! Teach me! Please, please, please!" Rigel jumped up and down, all tears forgotten. His small hands grabbed at Subaru's sleeve. "I want to do that trick too!"
Subaru chuckled and ruffled his son's yellow hair. "Later, Rigel. You have sword training starting tomorrow, remember? One thing at a time."
Rigel's face fell for a moment, but then he nodded seriously. "Okay. But after training, yes?"
"We'll see."
Frederica stepped forward, her green eyes sparkling with amusement. She held out her hand toward Subaru.
"Subaru, may I?"
Subaru raised an eyebrow but placed the gold coin in her palm. Frederica's fingers closed around it. She turned to face him, her fangs showing in a small smile.
"Watch closely," she said softly.
She flicked the coin upward. It spun once, twice—then vanished. She opened her hand. Empty.
Subaru's eyes narrowed slightly, a smile tugging at his lips. "Not bad."
Frederica leaned forward and gently tapped his ear.
"Found it."
She pulled back her hand, but her fingers were empty. She turned her palm over—nothing. Subaru blinked.
Frederica laughed, reaching up to brush his other ear. The coin appeared between her fingers, glinting in the light.
"I learned from the best," she said quietly.
From the balcony, Spica clapped her hands. Rigel stared with his mouth hanging open.
Subaru shook his head, laughing softly. He pulled Frederica close for a kiss.
"You've been practicing."
"A wife must keep up with her husband."
Rigel tugged at Frederica's sleeve. "Mother! Teach me too!"
Frederica looked down at him warmly.
"Later, First, someone needs to apologize to his sister for yelling."
Rigel's face reddened. He looked toward the balcony where Spica still stood, watching.
"Sorry, Spica," he mumbled.
Spica nodded.
"Apology accepted."
The afternoon light continued to pour through the balcony doors, warm and golden.
Subaru looked around the room,at his wife, at his children.
Did he even deserved such happiness?
And his mind drifted into the turning point in his life…
| O |
On that day,Frederica intended to leave the room and wait outside,when suddenly, something caught her eye.
Spread out over the desk was a written list, holding the names of the organization’s members.
Placed next to that list, a gold coin could be seen.
At that moment, having realized the meaning of that, Frederica could not hide the fear running down her back.
“Master――”
“Frederica.”
With her turning around, void black eyes were gazing at Frederica.
Frederica’s breath was robbed by that abyss. In front of her, her master slowly approached the desk and covered that unfolded list.
And then, flipping the gold coin just next to it with a thumb,
“Tails..”
With a carefree noise, that tossed coin fell into the boy’s left hand. Catching it, and having checked the side facing up, that boy's expression changed into sadness.
This action surprised Frederica, The purge king sighed yet once again checking the coin,he looked at the now crying Frederica.
Frederica knew what kind of fate awaited her now, but just before the sword could reach her neck the king interrupted.
“That's enough”
※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※
Author notes: so lowk I told this EdiBum If it's RamBaru it will be peak bro, but EdiBum be Like : older woman so Fine bro, i:d let older woman use me 💔
And name of the fic is also chosen by EdiBum💔 Btw join Ts
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