Kill's POV
I removed my mask, and Nox had returned to our hideout.
He had traversed the entire Celestria Region, and we also saw in the crystal ball that the people were preparing for the festival tomorrow.
"Begin, Nox," I commanded in a cold voice, my gaze fixed on him.
"Yes, sir. Later, there will be a festival in the central city of Celestria, Aurora City. All the Zodiacs will attend to honor and announce the deeds of the Zodiacs, and whoever has earned the most points will lead. Chairman Orion will also be present, and they will all celebrate," Nox explained, rising from his kneeling position.
I also stood up from the throne and temporarily dispelled my mask using my aura. Descending from the throne, I addressed Harrison, "Harrison, come with me. We're going to Celestria. You will go to King's location, where he is imprisoned. The rest of you will remain here, observe what's happening, and if the plan goes awry, head there immediately using Mors' shadow binding. I will also recruit another ally, one who won't easily join me," I said with a cold tone and piercing gaze.
"What if Harrison finishes and retrieves King already?" Eira asked.
"He will immediately return him here once he's done," I replied.
Mors approached Harrison and me, "You'll only be able to land outside Celestria. I couldn't mark those inside," Mors said, placing his hand on our backs.
I adjusted my hair, now reaching my back and tied into a ponytail, leaving the bangs on the sides untied, their white hue contrasting with my dark surroundings. My eyes remained lifeless.
"I've finished marking. It's time for you to depart," Mors announced.
And slowly, we sank into Mors' shadow circle below us, and in a moment, we began to rise within a shadow outside Celestria, near the wall.
As we entered the region of Celestria, Harrison and I changed into coats with matching neckties, dressed as if we were part of a mafia, both wearing black trousers.
We continued walking, seemingly unnoticed by anyone due to our attire.
We walked until dusk, finally arriving in front of Aurora City, the capital of Celestria.
"You probably know what to do, Harrison," I said in a cold voice. "Don't act suspiciously."
"Yes, I know," he replied.
From there, we parted ways. As the sun began to set, I looked at Aurora City with lifeless eyes.
Aurora City? I had returned to the place that held the foulest memories for me... no, the entire Celestria reeked just like before. And so, I entered Aurora City.
I walked and walked, the crowd growing denser as people looked around, enjoying the festivities. Everyone seemed to be having a good time, but all I could think about was the urge to kill, growing stronger with each passing moment.
"Hey, want to buy some grilled squid? I caught it fresh from the sea earlier," said the old man selling them.
"How much?" I asked in a cold voice, staring at him with lifeless eyes, and he looked at me fearfully.
"Just 3 bronze coins, sir," he replied.
I placed a small container overflowing with gold coins in front of him. "Will this suffice?" I asked, my voice icy.
"Yes, sir," he stammered.
I took a grilled squid and left.
Lilith's POV
Afternoon came as I returned home from practicing with Raya at the Wyvernland Village.
I was greeted by my sister's scowling face.
"You're late. Where have you been? Mama and Papa were looking for you since last night," she stood up and approached me, "you smell awful. Go take a bath, we're going to the festival. You're such a mess," she chided, pinching her nose.
"Wait, what are you doing, sis? Stop it. I can take care of myself. Just wait for me here," I removed her hand from my face and headed straight to the bathroom.
"Oh, by the way, Emma came here yesterday," she interjected.
I paused, unsure of what to say to my sister.
"What did she do here? And what did you say to her?" I asked.
"Why don't you ask her at the festival later?" she replied.
I sighed and went to my room to take a shower.
Moments later, I came downstairs wearing simple attire: a black sweatshirt and brown pants.
"Is that what you're wearing?" my sister asked.
"Yeah, what's the problem?" I retorted.
"Wow, just the other night you were all cried up, and now you're back to your usual self. Seriously," she teased.
"So what? Let's go," I replied.
We headed to the festival grounds. In no time, we arrived, and my sister promptly left me alone. Sheesh, she's something else.
I kept myself entertained, wandering around on my own. Night fell, and hunger gnawed at my stomach, so I bought some food I could eat.
"How much for this barbecue?" I asked the old man selling them.
"5 bronze coins, young man," he replied.
"I'll take one," I said.
"Sure, help yourself."
As I reached for my food, I heard a voice that sounded familiar. "Wait, is that Lilith?" the voice said.
When I turned around, I saw Conrad, Emily, Emma, Aika, and a man who looked about 27 years old approaching me.
"Are you alone? You can join us if you want," Conrad said.
"My sister left me here," I replied.
Then, the man with them spoke up, "I'm Axel Drayzer. I'm currently Aika's attendant, and I'm accompanying her. That's all. Shall we go ahead?" Axel said, and he and Aika walked ahead.
"Let's go, Conrad. I want to try that," Emily suggested, nudging Conrad, who winked back at her.
"All right," Conrad agreed.
It was just the two of us, Emma and I, there. I didn't know what to say.
My heart raced faster and faster, and she looked even more beautiful than the last time we met.
"Do you want some barbecue? Here," I offered her a skewer, but she remained silent, looking down.
I smiled and returned the barbecue to the old man. "Looks like you really don't want to be with me," I said.
I noticed her fists trembling, and she kept her eyes closed as if she wanted to say something. Her face turned red.
Ignoring it, I said, "Are you okay? You seem to have a fever," and I placed my hand on her forehead. "It's nothing, let's just find your friends," I suggested.
As I was about to turn and start walking, she suddenly grabbed my left hand, her hands trembling, as if she wanted to stop me.
"W-wait, Lilith," she said in a whisper, but I heard it.
"Is something wrong?" I faced her.
"L-let's not look for them," she stammered.
"Emma, what are you saying? I don't want to see you like this. I know you don't want to be with me because..."
"I want to be with you!" she shouted. My eyes widened. "Just now, Lilith, I want to hang out with you. I want us to enjoy the surroundings together, just now, Lilith, I want to make up for my mistake to you. Please, accompany me, Lilith, because you're the only one I want."
My eyes widened in shock, and it felt like the world stopped for the two of us. "W-wait, what are you saying?"
She looked down, then suddenly raised her head and cupped my face, kissing me on the lips. Her eyes were closed while mine widened in astonishment.
Her kiss lasted for five seconds, and then she let go of me.
"That's my first kiss, don't waste it, you idiot," she said, grabbing my hand and pulling me. "Let's enjoy the festival."
A sweet smile formed on her lips, and I smiled back at her.