The Enemies reincarnation

"Is he not in Haven State? How can it be him?" she asked, her voice filled with disbelief, her eyes narrowing as she tried to piece together the information.

"He is here in Essed, and we have encountered him before. I'm sure he humiliated Nameless because of his real identity," Ningtin said, his expression darkening as he clenched his fists.

"What's his real identity?" she asked curiously, leaning towards him, her eyes wide with anticipation.

"He..." Ningtin hesitated, glancing around to ensure no one else was listening. He took a deep breath, his voice lowering to a whisper. "He..."

He was then distracted by the sound of a horse galloping into the manor, the rider yelling something unintelligible until he got closer.

"Report! Report!" the man yelled as he rode towards Ningtin and Princess Khillian. They turned to face him.

"Greetings, young master Laon. There is danger. Where's the lady?" the rider asked, panting heavily.

"She's in the manor's temple. What's this about?" Ningtin asked, his voice filled with worry and curiosity.

"The fox," the rider said urgently before riding away.

"Someone!" Ningtin yelled, and a guard quickly approached.

"Get me a horse. I need to see Lady Meiyer," Ningtin commanded, his tone urgent.

"I'm coming with you," Princess Khillian said, determination in her eyes.

************************************

In a temple within the manor, incense wafted through the air, mingling with the offerings laid out in front. The inner walls of the temple were adorned with intricate drawings of various gods.

Lady Meiyer, dressed in a full white gown, knelt with her eyes lifted towards the heavens, her heart silently praying.

"There is silence about the fox demon, but as long as there is a seal in Essed, there is no peace. Aren't the heavenly and immortal realms seeing what is happening in the mortal world?

Or is this the fate of Essed, Great god of Faith, Xiylara? We have lost many, and we don't know when the next attack will be.

My father has joined the meeting in the south with the other three city lords of Essed from the other districts—north, west, and south. Grant him safe return, oh Heavenly Emperor."

**********

"Report!" a man yelled as he approached the temple.

The guards at the temple blocked him with their spears, their faces stern and unyielding.

"Who are you, and what do you want?" one of the guards demanded.

"I have a report from Lord Laon to Lady Meiyer. It's of great importance," the messenger said, panting heavily.

"Hand it over. The lady is praying for the state," the guard said, stretching his hand towards the messenger on the horse.

"It's not handwritten," the messenger replied, his voice urgent.

The guard scrutinized him, suspicion evident in his eyes. "Dismount from the horse," he ordered, and the messenger obeyed.

"Search him," the guard commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"I've already been searched," he said, frustration evident in his voice as he sighed deeply. The other guards continued their search, but eventually, they faced the first guard and shook their heads.

"Drop your weapon and come in," Lacy Meiyer announced from inside the temple, her voice echoing with authority.

The messenger obeyed, dropping his sword with a clatter. As he did, Ningtin and Princess Khillian arrived, their presence commanding attention. Ningtin held the reins and rode the horse, while Princess Khillian sat gracefully behind him.

They dismounted from their horses with practiced ease and walked forward. The messenger entered the temple, but the guards blocked Princess Khillian from proceeding. Only Ningtin was allowed to follow the messenger inside.

In the temple, Lady Meiyer struggled to stand, her legs weary from kneeling for so long. Ningtin noticed her plight and instinctively took a step forward to help, but then hesitated and stepped back, deciding against it.

Lady Meiyer saw his hesitation but chose not to comment. Instead, the messenger stepped forward and offered his hand. "My lady," he said, his voice gentle as he helped her to her feet.

She accepted his assistance, placing her hands together in a graceful gesture as she turned to face him. "Deliver your message," she said, her tone calm and composed.

"There was a massacre in the south. Some of the organs of the dead were missing. We didn't see the fox, but we are sure it is him," he said, his voice trembling as he recalled the gruesome scene.

"How are my parents?" Lady Meiyer asked immediately, her worry evident in her eyes.

"They are fine and on their way. It was your father who told me to deliver the report," he replied. "I wanted to go to the state governor's residence, but I wasn't sure I would be let in, so I came to you first."

Lady Meiyer rubbed her right index finger and thumb together on her left thumb, a gesture of deep contemplation or worry.

"I knew we were not yet at peace. It's replenishing its energy. Though it's not here, the four districts of Essed are still close to each other. We should be prepared," she said, her voice steady but filled with concern.

"I will meet the state governor and also tell someone to spread information about the attack," Ningtin said, determination in his voice.

As Lady Meiyer began to walk out of the temple, Ningtin and the messenger followed closely behind.

She turned to Ningtin, her expression stern. "You can talk? I thought you became a statue? Don't spread information about the attack, but spread that they should be ready at any time for an attack.

Essed is not yet free. And also, spread that the curfew must be strictly obeyed," she instructed as they reached outside, where Princess Khillian was waiting.

"I will," Ningtin replied, nodding firmly.

"Who is the stranger in my manor?" Lady Meiyer asked aloud, her voice carrying through the room as she looked at Princess Khillian.

"This is Khillian," Ningtin said, stepping closer to Lady Meiyer.

"One of your whores from the brothels?" she asked, turning her head to Ningtin with a raised eyebrow.

"Whore? Do you assume any lady to be a whore, Lady Meiyer? That is both sad and amusing," Princess Khillian replied with a grin.

"Look at how she talks," Lady Meiyer said, her expression remaining composed, though annoyance flickered in her eyes.

Ningtin glanced between Princess Khillian and Lady Meiyer before chuckling nervously.

"How could I bring a whore or visit a brothel when I have you?" he said, smiling at Lady Meiyer. "It's the first time meeting her. She is someone who wishes to see Nameless."

"Is he here at the moment?" she asked immediately, turning to face Ningtin.

"No, he is out, but—"

Lady Meiyer cut him off, "She's not an important person. You could have told her to come later or another day.

But I suppose you let her in because she's pretty in your eyes. Perhaps if I hadn't stepped out of the temple, you would have given her a place to sleep and spent the night with her."

Princess Khillian scoffed at the dramatic accusation, finding it amusing.

"Lady Meiyer, don't jump to conclusions. Be at peace. You were just praying to the gods and immortals. Don't you want your prayers to be answered?" Princess Khillian said with a grin, which only served to further annoy Lady Meiyer.

Ningtin flexed his hand, motioning for Lady Meiyer to calm down. "My lovely lady—"

"Someone! Drag this arrogant one away from my manor!" Lady Meiyer commanded, glaring at Princess Khillian.