Chapter Text
Cale had a big dilemma, he was staring at two jars of cookies in front of him, pretty normal ones if you were to just look at them, yet the contents were the problem here. They tasted the same way. And he was thinking carefully if he should tell the others.
"They won't let me make a step out of home if told them" he was also very confused, was the person always giving him sweets one of the white star's subordinates? Then wasn't he taking his job as an actor a little bit too seriously? Cause, Cale had seen Elias white go to his presentations, buy his merch and even ask for autographs as well as keeping some people away from him.
"Or maybe they switched positions with him a while ago..." that was also a possibility, but, the store Elias told him that sold the cookies did exist, and it was a fact that the cookies were the same.
"I don't think the White star would just not take the chance to get rid of me poisoning the cookies or when I was alone, and I haven't sense any changes in Elias lately, except..."
Wasn't he acting strange after the plaza terror incident? What was it? Had he always been an impostor? Or was it just recently? But if it was the latest, how to explain the sweets? But would the white star go as far as opening a pastry shop just for him not to notice?
He rubbed his temples, he might have been too relaxed this past years as they would not make a move at all, he should had start doubting everyone out of his close circle as a possible enemy, that way something like this wouldn't had happened.
"I let myself be bribed with cookies"
The weird part here was that, if Elias was never who he said to be, why didn't the white star tried to get rid of him or kidnap him before? Who was Elias White actually and why did he act like that?
"It should have been already strange enough that he tried to get closer to me at the start, why would he approach a trash when he was such a feeble and weak boy? Anyone in his right mind would have avoid him"
After going back home, he would surely put some distance between him and that guy. "But what do I do?, I have to tell them, even I know that much but..."
He could see them going to get Elias at the academy, making a big scene and then not letting him out of the manor unless the war starts and it's necessary for him to go out.
"Although I'm an eighty percent sure that Elias is just a fake, I still should be carefull, and it's better if they don't know that I do know about it" if he got enough proofs of Elias being a spy, he could capture him and use him to get information.
—Young master, are you alright?
Cale came back to reality seeing Phoraite's face in front of him.
—I knocked about five times but you didn't answered and I got worried since you were currently alone in your room.
—Ah, yes, I'm fine, just thinking.
—I just talked with duke Fredo and learned how am I supposed to act for when the White star comes, so don't worry.
Cale stared at her for a minute, to what she just tilted her head in confusion. —Say, you are not affected by my blessing right?
—No, as I can see it there's no way I would fall for it like an idiot.
—You also said that you trust me cause you can see I'm not weak.
—That's right young master.
—Will you keep a secret?
—A secret?
—Will you?
—I swear on my God's name and my faith that I will keep it and never told anyone even if my limbs are ripped off.
—.....— he gave her a blank look before continuing —I think Elias White works for the White star.
Her mouth opened in surprise. —Like...how?
—Probably as a spy, the cookies he had been giving me from time to time taste, look and are exactly the same as the one's the White star send here.
—Are you sure?
—Look at those two jars, the one in the left is the one Elias gave me last time.
Phoraite went silent while thinking. Wouldn't that mean that...the spy the enemy send was stupid enough to fall in love with their young master? "Wait, this way we don't have to convince him that Elias is a bad guy, he already thinks that way" she did understood why the young man asked for it to be a secret, she could definitely see his family being a little...obsessed with his safety.
—I see...I'll make sure to not tell anyone and help you whenever we are at the academy, you can trust me young master, then we can cut that motherfucker's XXX for messing around with your trust!— she beamed.
Cale on his side was now lowkey terrified of this woman, but at the same time found her a little bit less annoying. At least he knew that, as she was completely devoted to her church, she wouldn't say a thing, and as someone that didn't labeled him as weak, would just help and not force him to stay completely still in a safe place while his family put themselves in danger.
—Then...I'll be counting on you.
—Yes! But you know you will have to tell them at some point right? Mister Ron will definitely see that there's something wrong with you.
—Yes...I'll wait for the appropriate moment though.
—Okay, Now let's get rid of all the sweets similar to those that Elias guy had gave you before, remember the kids have also eat them.
Cale nodded. They took care of it in a few minutes before Eruhaben and the others that went out to investigate came back. Now the red haired was actually thankful that Phoraite knew how to act cause she just did as nothing happened and started to talk with the others about the situation in the kingdom. They had to explain to her a while ago about the kingdom, the regression and the incoming war as it would be difficult for some plans if she didn't knew.
—So that's why my God had started calling the God of death an insufferable bitch that just knew how to fuck up five years ago.
That was all she said to what they told her. Not that they didn't expect it from her, she was oddly accepting of every weird thing they had said or shown, like the underground cities for the beast people, or the dark elfs, even Mary, and when she first get to know Raon or Eruhaben's identity she didn't freak out as other people had done in the past.
And now...
—Young master, his majesty has come!— Solena entered the room the next morning, as it was in the plan, they all had to go hide in the room next to that one except for Eruhaben that would remain invisible in there just as a precaution.
Cale gave her the bracelet and went out.
Phoraite would lie if she had to say she wasn't nervous or scared, but she was really good at hiding it. She got ready and waited on the couch pretending to read as supposedly she still didn't know about the White star coming.
"After this I'll ask for at least some golden coins to go to a nice place and eat, even though my god warned me this was a very odd group, to think I would end up doing this..." she had offered herself for it so she would do it.
She took a deep breath as she looked at the book. When she heard the door opening.
—Young master Naru, his highness is here.
Barrow stared at the kid that raised his eyes from the book, soon enough the bright smile he had seen several times before appeared in the child's face.
—Eldest uncle! Is nice to meet you again— 'Naru' went to him and slightly bowed.
Duke Fredo soon appeared at the door, as he had to be present to correct any possible mistake the priestess might do.
—Yes, my good Naru, that's the exact reason I came here, did you enjoyed the snacks I send over?
—They were delicious uncle, would you like to eat some now?
—No, it's alright— he put his hand over the kid's shoulder.
Phoraite stopped herself from shivering at the contact. She saw the man with the mask kneeling to look at her more closely.
—Are you feeling good? You are a little pale.
—I'm alright, I just didn't sleep well because I ate too much— the kid laughed.
Yet as she finished laughing her eyes landed on the man's chest, where behind all the clothes she managed to see a necklace. Her whole body froze for a second as her brain worked hard to remember.
"Ah....isn't that...the necklace that Elias guy is always wearing?" There was no way right? "Hahaha..haha..ha...." Her heart stopped for a moment.
—What were you reading Naru?— the White star grabbed the book after standing up again.
—It's a fantasy book my father bought for me a while ago, I just started reading it, it's very interesting.
—I see, how are your studies going?
—Perfectly uncle! I still lack in some things, but I'm doing my best to serve the kingdom and it's people in the future.
—You still have to focus on your health my little Naru, don't forget that— Fredo said from the side, quite impressed that the woman could act, even if not as well as Cale, but it was still pretty good.
—I know father, but I want to meet everyone's expectations.
—As your father says, don't force yourself Naru— the White star patted the kid's head.
—Yes, I'll be careful and take eldest uncle advice to heart.
—That's good— the man nodded —Now, Naru, uncle will be leaving now, it was good to see you.
She wanted to just pass out at this moment and wake up when everything was over as she saw the man getting ready to hug her. There was no way to express how much she wanted to punch Fredo for not mentioning something as important as this.
With a bright smile the kid went forward and hugged the man. "Is my eldest sister, my eldest sister!" She repeated in her mind.
Fredo was quite impressed as he saw his 'son' smile and hug the White star tightly, any other of the group except for Cale Henituse would have tried to take his arm off with such an opportunity.
Finally the hug ended. —Then I have to go as there are important matters to attend at the palace.
—Goodbye uncle!
—I'll accompany you to the entrance my king.
The White star and the duke went out of the room. The moment the door closed Phoraite shivered and hugged herself to take that sensation of her skin. She had really seen the necklace again during the hug. There was no doubt that it was the same Elias White wore every day.
"If that's the case...wouldn't that mean that..." she didn't even wanted to think about it. Yet....
—Are you alright?— Eruhaben made himself visible again as he looked at her with a preoccupied expression.
—Eruhaben-nim...what time is it?
—Time? Here?
—No, at the Roan kingdom.
—Around two thirty I think.
—Thank you.
The dragon put a weird expression. What was up with her now?
"So, almost three probably, classes at the academy start at three, no, maybe I'm just thinking too much" yes, it had to be...."No!! You can't act like you haven't seen anything! The White star is Elias White!! What am I supposed to do now?!"
She shouldn't have promised so easily earlier, if she couldn't tell others that Elias White was a spy, or even mention that he was from the enemy's side, she also couldn't tell he was the white star as the promise of not to tell anyone had been made in her God's name.
"Ah! But I can tell the young master! That way he can tell the others" as she thought that an oppressive and chilling aura surrounded her.
Shhhhh...
Her heart started beating faster. Right now...her god had told her to stay silent. Why? Wasn't it better to tell the young master? The fact that the White star was also so smitten with Cale, it meant for some reason the curse didn't work with him, wich made it even worst. Phoraite had thought before that Elias was dangerous as he could try a kidnapping or something worst, but now it wasn't just a simple guy they were talking about, but their fucking enemy, the head of everything that was threatening their world!
"God! Are you really sure about that?!" Yet she didn't get any answers. She would stay silent, unless it was completely necessary for her to say it, it was her God's order after all but...
"You really are making me understand how Cage ignores that motherfucker God of death"
Just for a while, yes, she would stay silent just for a while as she protected Cale the best she could. "I think I can understand the others, even if I'm not under the influence of the blessing..."
—Phoraite?
She flinched as she heard her name. The other's had already come into the room.
—Ah, Cale-nim, don't worry it all went smoothly.
—You look...pale.
—Really? Maybe it was because I was kind of nervous.
—I have to admit you did a pretty good job— as Fredo was about to put his hand on her shoulder she evaded him with a smile.
—You try touching me again and I will rip your arm off.
The others stared at her with surprise, usually she wasn't like that.
—Alright— the man raised his hands as he took as step back.
—You should have told me he usually hugged Naru.
—Ah, I forgot, I didn't though it would be that important.
—Well, it was, I can stand men touching me, you should try to be more thoughtful duke.
—I'm.. sorry...
—Pretty lady don't be mad! We can go home now.
—Ah, you are right Raon-nim— she once again returned to her carefree and bright smile.
The rest of the people in the room relaxed as the tense atmosphere in the room went away. If they thought about it, they hadn't seen the woman being angry not even once, and right now she seemed to just be a little annoyed. It may be a good idea to not make her angry ever.
—Are you sure you don't want to stay for a little longer my son?
Cale made a face of displeasure hearing that, perhaps Choi Han hadn't beat him up enough.
—We will be going back right now.
—Cale, will we be taking the snacks?— Hong asked from the side of the table as he was holding a box of chocolates.
The red haired though about it for a moment before frowning. —No, we can buy more at home anyways.
Phoraite was perhaps the only one that wasn't surprised of his decision as she already knew why he had said that, but the others were astonished, Cale rejecting food? That was something new.
The priestess took off the artifacts and returned it to Fredo before they all teleported back to the manor. Finally free from the possibility of the White star finding out they were at Endable kingdom with Cale.
—I think I need a drink, I have to call Cage— with that Phoraite went out, she had a lot to think about.
Cale on his side was thinking, how could he expose Elias or figure out who was under the disguise? It would be better if it was a low rank follower of the white thing, but the probability oh him being someone of high rank made it difficult to just go at him.
"Just...what should I do..."
In a dark and empty space once again, five figures were fighting again.
▪︎[This is all your fucking fault!!!]
♡[I hate to agree with Death but that's the truth!! You were the fucking idiot than convinced us of doing something like that!!]
The God of death and the God of lust and beauty were angrily yelling at the god of war.
♤[My fault?! You all agreed to it! Besides, it was your child the one that discovered everything Lust! So you are the one at fault]
◇[Honestly we should just admit it was everyones fault, cause it was, and Lust's child being smart is not their fault, we were the ones that put everyone in this situation] the Sun god sighed.
♧[Sun is right, it is our fault, so we just have to bare with it when the little red bird finds out what we did, you know you can't make your child stay silent forever Lust] the God of arts said from the side while staring at the pond [She might have a great faith in you, but she also has her own ideals and ethics]
♡[But I won't be able to live knowing my little red bird hates me!]
♧[Living...I wouldn't say you are doing that haha] Art laughed [You choose that child even though you didn't want to have a child other than the red bird, you said it was for her to support our favorite, yet now that she can do it you told her to stay silent, why don't just accept your mistake? Or are you perhaps trying to be like Death?]
♡[To be like that son of a bitch?! Never!!]
◇[Then you should just let her say what she discovered, the fact that you told her to stay silent it only reinforces her speculations as being true] the Sun god touched the water of the pond to show a young elf with his face covered in a veil [So handsome! My beloved child is so handsome!]
▪︎[Stop staring at him, are you really sorry for what you did to the beings of the dark attribute or are you just smitten with that child?]
◇[Of course the first, the fact he is handsome only adds to my will to change the path my church is following, and my two children are already working on that. Do you think my child Hanna could have something with that girl Mary? They are pretty close]
♤[I thought the same! They are pretty close, they really could be a good couple, although I prefer pairing your child Jack with the knight that ended as the empire emperor before Death turned the time back like an idiot, what was his name? Rex?] The god of war commented as he changed the image in the pond to show the red haired knight.
♧[Well I prefer Death's child to be with Lust's] the God of arts snickered.
♡[How dare you!!]
▪︎[Cage would never have that bad taste!!]
♡[What do you mean by that?! My child is beautiful beyond compare and a lovely person!]
▪︎[I literally saw her run a carriage over someone once!]
♡[It was a disgusting man so it was okay!]
◇[Look at what have you done Art] the Sun god sighed.
♧[Well that was the point]
◇[You little devil...]
♡[Can we just go back to the principal topic?] The God of lust and beauty said with exasperation.
◇[What else is there to talk? You just have to deal with it, the red bird needs to know]
♧[But, I mean, wouldn't it be more entertaining this way?] The others looked at the God of arts, like asking them to continue [I have thought about it before, but the white star can't really injure our little red bird, he is just too in love with him at this point to try harming him, so even if a war starts, if our red bird participates in it, the white thing might just sabotage himself while trying not to harm him]
♤[You have a point, he did retreat last time even though his people were kind of winning, and just because the red bird showed himself and ended coughing blood]
◇[I see, then Lust could just explain to her child that is not the appropriate moment and that when the time comes she will recieved the sign to reveal everything to the red bird, he is going to hate us anyways so if he is going to, I prefer if it is after giving a good show]
♡[I...gues we can do what Sun says...he truly will hate us after all we have done]
♤[Fuck it, he didn't even liked us to begin with, and I'm bored, I just want a good show!!] War yelled.
▪︎[Then....I guess we can just...]
They all waited for the God of lust and beauty to say the final word, as it was their child the one that hold all the power in her hands.
♡[I...I...] what to do? A good entertainment was rare for them, the temptation of just saying yes was huge, but having the red birds hate... [Ah fuck it, I can just blame Death later]
▪︎[What?!]
♡[He already hates you anyways so what if he hates you a little more? It should be the same]
So for now, a little secret shouldn't do much damage, right? How bad could it even be?