[BL] Guardians of Fate
Chapter 110 - 23: Breaking Off These Chains [6]

Chapter 110: Chapter 23: Breaking Off These Chains [6]

"So that’s how you managed to escape from the castle," Luke said as Leon finished recounting the events. "That must have been scary."

Leon nodded slowly, feeling a shiver run down his spine as he thought about his father. He hadn’t told Luke everything, especially regarding his inner thoughts and his moments with his father. Just basically a rundown of the necessary events, like Duke Alfred’s plans for the Otherworlder and the fact that Leon was most likely branded as a traitor by now.

Considering the fact that most of the Duke’s advisors were ruthless when things didn’t go their way, Leon was as good as dead in their eyes. Probably.

He shuddered at the mere thought.

"What about your friend?" Luke asked in concern. "What happened to her?"

"I insisted on dropping her off near the village where her daughter lives. It was a bit far away, but I had to take the risk," Leon answered, thinking of Mirona and her last words to him before they went their separate ways. "I couldn’t possibly let her go on her own, not with the danger lurking out there. I’ve heard that the beastspawns are suddenly becoming quite active."

"I see. You did good," Luke said softly. "You’re very kind to her."

Leon flushed a little, feeling a bit embarrassed at the praise.

"So after dropping her off at her destination, you immediately went to Angelbay City all on your own? Just because you were worried for me?" Luke asked with a hint of curiosity in his tone.

Leon nodded meekly. Now that Luke said it out loud, it sounded a bit silly.

But he was glad that he had come. Not only did he want to know what had happened to Evan and the others, but he also wanted to check on his Summoner. He needed to quell the uneasiness in his heart, the nagging urge to see for himself and then see if he could do anything to help. After all, waiting was more agonizing compared to doing something about it.

"So, like you said, you suddenly had the feeling that I was hurt, that something bad happened to me," Luke said, seeming pensive. "That’s why you became desperate to leave."

Leon nodded.

"That’s... new," Luke said carefully. "I thought that only Summoners have dreams about their Guardians. I never imagined that Guardians could have them as well. I’ve never heard of such a thing before."

"Maybe it’s because we’re... different," Leon said.

The implication was not lost on Luke. He fell into a contemplative silence, and neither of them knew how to continue the conversation.

Leon looked out the window and saw a signpost a few meters away, directing travelers to the main road leading to Angelbay City. It made him think back to what happened, recalling bits and pieces of memory that he had forgotten to specify.

"It was more of a vision, actually. The dream, I mean," Leon began. "It was... vague, but I could make out some key parts. I was falling from the sky, and when I looked down, Angelbay City was on the verge of collapsing. Then, after I woke up, my ’mark’... It started throbbing like crazy."

"I see. So you... fell down from the sky," Luke repeated slowly. "That’s uncanny."

"Huh?"

"Last night, I fell through a trap door in the church from the third floor. So you could say that I had a pretty bad fall."

Leon’s eyes widened. "R... Really?! Are you okay?" He scanned the visible parts of Luke’s body, as if searching for an open wound. "That must’ve hurt!"

"I’m fine, don’t worry," Luke assured him. "I healed myself the moment I woke up."

"Oh..." Leon looked relieved. "That’s good, then."

"Once more, thank you for saving us," Luke said gently. "If it weren’t for you..."

Leon waved a hand dismissively, his embarrassment increasing. "Please... You guys have already thanked me enough."

Luke shook his head. "I’m serious, though. We would’ve been a goner back there. Ardyn, he... he couldn’t hold the rubble for too long."

"Ar... dyn?" Leon repeated, bemused.

"Ah." Luke chuckled. "Right. We didn’t introduce ourselves, did we? I apologize." He held out his hand to Leon with a smile. "I’m Luke, by the way. He’s Ardyn."

Leon hesitantly accepted and shook Luke’s hand, glancing over at the sleeping Ardyn. "His name is Ardyn? I thought..."

Right, he realized quickly. Chris Hanswell was a fake name.

"Thought...?" Luke prodded.

Leon shook his head. "It’s nothing." He smiled. "I’m Leon. Leon Hartengrove."

Silence once again fell between them. The rhythm of the carriage remained gentle and constant as both men were preoccupied with their thoughts. Too much had happened since last night, and it was only beginning to sink in.

Luke took the commcrystal out of his pocket and stared at it, wondering what to say to Zach.

Leon, on the other hand, lowered his head and took a deep breath. He closed his eyes, feeling more at ease than he had been hours ago when he was on his way to Angelbay City.

At least this time, he wasn’t alone. He no longer felt the throbbing sensation of despair and anxiety now that he knew his Summoner was safe.

However...

-

"He’s now... He died," Ardyn choked out. "Elyana and Ansel, too... I’m sorry."

-

It can’t be... It can’t be true, right? Leon thought, feeling his stomach sink as he digested the words in his head over and over again.

When he heard it from Ardyn earlier back when they had gone through the gates, his mind had frozen, unable to comprehend the realization.

Until now, he still couldn’t believe it. Evan and Elyana were so lively and always smiling, but now they were gone... just like that?

God, Evan. What in the world happened to you?

Should I have stopped for a moment back there and run to where you were?

Should I have come here sooner?

If so... would I have been able to save you and Ely?

I...

Maybe I should’ve... done something...!

"I’m so sorry. Please excuse me," Leon said hurriedly before getting up and entering the driver’s area, closing the door behind him.

Luke watched him go with a puzzled expression on his face before it slowly dawned on him.

Both of us do need our privacy right now.

He raised the commcrystal before his eyes and stared at it for a long time.

I’ve been idling long enough, he decided with a sigh.

It’s time to contact him.