The Redo of a Novel's Villain: Moira - Chapter 30: Chapter 30

Huey sighed loudly. The sensation of it thrumming in his vocal throats transmitted to his fingers as he touched his throat. The tangy feeling was gone now and few days had passed since that incident. The break was fast approaching its end and as each hour ticked by Huey lamented the official debut of demonkind in the plot more. He slumped into the seat, languidly eyeing Kayson finishing his homework in the corner. The other youth scribbled madly on the crinkled sheets of paper no doubt having been forgotten in a bag until the last minute.
Abruptly the wild scritch scratching of pen against paper stopped before being replaced by crinkling as Kayson held up the pile of homework into the sky.
"I'm done!" He exclaimed triumphantly and fell backwards into the cushions he placed on the ground beforehand with relief.
Huey gave small little claps with the tip of his fingers before reluctantly climbing out of his spot and plopping down into the pillow pile as well. His friend voiced protest but when'd he ever listen?
Kayson sneered as he shoved Huey's limp arm off. "What's gotten you so listless?"
"What else?" The black haired boy grumbled into the cushions. It took a second for Kayson's after-work addled brain to remember. Once he did he 'ohhhhed' loudly and then clutched his head.
"Aghhh! I hate novels! It's always trouble after trouble let people catch a break!!" He whined and squirmed.
Likewise, Huey's head began throbbing by the emphasis further empowered by the shifting and wriggly body beside him. Clicking his tongue, with a huff he rolled himself on top of Kayson and pinned him still with his body weight. As though the contact had sucked all the energy out of them, both youths laid on/under each other lethargically. Fortunately none of the newly appointed servants walked in lest they witness two of the kingdom's most important nobles in the new generation stack on top of each other like a + sign... it would really break first impressions.
But there'd be no first impressions to break if there already was one... right?
"How long are the two of you going to sloth away?" A stoic and deep voice shot through the torpid atmosphere and rippled goosebumps up their limbs. Any sluggishness was wiped away as they sprang up in shock.
"M-Mr. Joseph?? How long have you been there?" Kayson cried out, Huey soon followed.
"Why are you here?" Isn't he supposed to be back home??!!! Huey sobbed.
The older man standing at the doorway chuckled, "You didn't think I'd let you go a whole week here without training did you? Get up! Let's see if you were slacking off at the academy." For the first time Huey thought that Mr. Joseph should've been the one born with red eyes.
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The two collapsed onto the ground with sweat dripping down their faces and back. Unlike Kayson who still had the energy to sit he had completely fallen to the ground, stomach heaving up and down. After finally completing the training regime (that they did not miss at all) their clothes felt grimey and uncomfortable against their skin. All Huey wished for at the moment was a gallon of water and a refreshing bath. The only saving grace they had was the chill of the winter air soothing their heated cheeks (because yes, of course Mr. Joseph being the inhumane ex-admiral would force them to train like the military, outside, in winter).
Owen soon came out with a tray of water and quickly handed both of them (who looked like they were gulping enough air to swallow the whole sky) a cup. Along the way he noted the various bruises and red that bloomed on their skin most likely formed from the sparring the admiral made them do. He shook his head and left them to enjoy the beverage. The butler strode up to Mr. Joseph with a frown.
"Must you always push them so hard?" For Goddess' sake it was freezing.
The old admiral bristled, "It's beneficial to stay fit."
"If we're talking health wise this seems impractical."
"For emergency situations, butler." Joseph hissed.
Owen narrowed his eyes dourly. "Well forgive me but you make it sound like you're preparing them for war, admiral," He scoffed. "Remember, you are no longer in the navy. Times are different from when you were in your prime. The only enemies the children will face are petty folks and politics."
Joseph merely shook his head solemnly with a graveled sigh. "If only that was the case."
The brunette was about to ask what the other meant when he was interrupted before he could. Both adults turned around to face a recovered (but still fatigued) Kayson who was sitting cross legged on the floor.
"Mr. Joseph, I've been meaning to ask for a while but how'd you lose your foot—OW! What??" He grasped the back of his head where Huey landed a clean strike. Mouth wide open in offense.
"Why do you always ask insensitive questions?" The other youth fumed.
As the two bickered Owen could feel his earlier spiteful attitude sag alongside a temporary resistance to the cold. As if just in time he could feel a sneeze building up and the man quickly excused himself. In spite of his quick retreat he did still take a glance at Joseph whom dressed like it was late spring or early fall. Just looking at the man made Owen feel cold and his steps quickened even more.
Huey lightly pushed Kayson forwards. "Quickly apologize." He hissed.
Kayson rubbed his nape awkwardly. "Sorry Mr. Joseph."
The man in question made a sound of dismissal. "It's fine, it's nothing worth withholding."
"Then will you tell us—OW!" Kayson swatted Huey's hand off his arm, rubbing the pinched part that quickly flushed pink.
Mr. Joseph ignored the sudden pinch battle that began and nodded, words coming out gruffly. "It was a long time ago, right before I retired and lost my title Rear Admiral Vortex." As he spoke images leading up to that day materialized in his mind as clear as the days it happened.
"Joseph, congratulations on winning the siege with those northern pirates! The admiral will be proud." Lotte gave him a harsh slap on the back, booming laughter coming from the man.
"Thank you sir, it's all thanks to the support you've given me." A younger Joseph saluted to which Lotte chuckled at.
"Now, there's no need for formalities between old friends, is there? Come, let's drink just like the old times." The vice admiral slung an arm over the other as they chatted without end.
And indeed, they were old friends. Coming from the same humble village Lotte was the older brother to the village kids, Joseph included. He admired Lotte for joining the navy at a young age and climbing up the ranks at record speed using his excellent use of ice magic. Now, he was already a vice admiral for one of the biggest navies amongst all five kingdoms' in the past century! He just had to follow after him! Now, he was considered to be Vice Admiral Blizzard's sworn brother! What an honour!
The man who was only half a dozen years older than him was Joseph's role model. He sought to be like him and bring glory to their humble town, protect the nation, and much more together! And he did! He was climbing the ranks just as fast if not faster than Lotte; now he was already commodore in only two years! His dream was just within arms reach!!
Was what he wished to believe.
Soon Lotte was... different. Perhaps the work of being vice admiral was getting to him; they hardly made boisterous small talk like before, let alone going out to eat at a local pub. Joseph's sure once he is promoted to rear admiral he will also be swamped with work like that, so there's no need to pay much attention right? But... there was something inexplicably wrong about the whole thing. His brother's eyes whenever he looked at him were no longer welcoming nor warm... they were cold and calculating—and it scared him. Many often said his eyes were the shade of piercing cold but he was a mere ice cube compared to the depths of an iceberg that is Lotte. Had the man's strongest asset, his ability to manipulate ice as he pleases, turned back and bitten him in frost? He no longer confided in the senior, just being in the same room sent shivers down his spine. Come to think of it, except for occasional greetings, when was the last time they actually talked? Nothing work related or greetings, just normal conversation between brothers?
Joseph paused in his steps in the hallway of the battleship. He looked out the window and admired the vast ocean. Right now he was on his way to defend the border by point sophie, and most likely the last battle he needed to fight before being promoted to rear admiral and gain an official title. Unknowingly he gained a jump to his steps wondering what cool title he'd get. Something similar to Lotte's? Perhaps since they were so close in ranks there'd be more opportunities to meet up and thaw the ice wall that froze between them! With that resolve, Joseph quickly rushed towards the control room to ask when they'll arrive.
As predicted after he successfully led the battalion to victory once more he was summoned to the higher ups office and given a promotion and... a title. Joseph beamed proudly as he received the medal that signified his now rear admiral status. He engraved his title deep into his mind, repeating it over and over again as he made his way back to his quarters.
'Rear Admiral Vortex... Rear Admiral Vortex...'
Vortex, vortex... supposedly because of his wind attribute that'd shred through the waters and consume any enemy deep beneath the waters. Now, he was just one more step until he was equal with--
Joseph turned and nearly bumped into someone. He looked up at whoever it was with surprise.
"Lotte!" He exclaimed. Speak of the Devil and he shall appear.
"Hello Rear Admiral." Lotte spoke, pronouncing each syllable distinctly due to his lisp.
Joseph blinked sheepishly. "You heard already?"
"Of course, I was there when the edict was made." He clicked his tongue. "Congratulations on the promotion, Joseph."
"Thank you, now I'm only one step away until we're equals!" He laughed, not catching the change in demeanor the older one had.
Lotte forced a laugh, "Good luck, after entering the admiral ranks being promoted gets increasingly harder. Look at me, even after two—nearly three years I'm still a vice admiral."
Joseph nodded. "I'll do my best!"
The older man patted him on the shoulder before walking past him. The moment he was sure Joseph couldn't see his face the smile he hosted dropped into placid indifference. Them? Equals? What a joke. Lotte clenched his fist until his nails broke skin and his palms bled red.
"And? What happened next?" Somewhere along the line Kayson had moved increasingly closer. Joseph cleared his throat forcefully, when had this become a story telling session?
"Let's move inside first, both of you have to go back to Glory Academy soon we can't have you catch a cold."
"But you're the one that made us come out here." Despite saying that Huey was already up and halfway across the courtyard already.
"Doing activities in cold weather has many benefits so long as you're moving." The man said and followed the young Astaseul alongside Kayson inside where it was warm and toasty. They headed to a nearby drawing room where a servant soon came to light the fireplace and bring in warm tea. Now it really looked like a storytelling session especially with the way both boys huddled together with blankets. He coughed, "Kuhum, where was I... basically a year had soon passed and I was quickly making a name for myself not just within Ecrelyn but the other kingdoms as well. The name Rear Admiral Vortex was enough to strike fear within my enemies, was what many soldiers would say. A bit of an exaggeration I think."
'No it's not.' Both boys thought but didn't interrupt.
"I'm guessing because of how fast my achievements were being made, Lotte grew anxious and..." He furrowed his brows, brushing a scarred and calloused hand over grey hair. That night flashed behind closed eyelids in rapid succession.
Joseph shifted his papers against the desk into a neat pile before putting them in an envelope then into a bag. He had just finished a business meeting amongst the navy, looking up he caught sight of Lotte's back disappearing behind the open door just in time.
The man's eyes lit up. Perfect timing, he'd hardly ever seen the man outside his office these days and his—their friends back at home just sent a package for the both of them. However in order to save money the gifts were sent as one and it was his role to deliver Lotte's gift to him. Joseph speed-walked towards the exit and quickly caught up to his sworn brother.
"What do you need Joseph?" The man enquired with a face void of expression. Only the solemnity of a calculating authority.
"The guys back home sent us a gift but they packaged it together. Come with me so I can give you yours."
Lotte shook his head. "No need."
"But your gift--"
"Bring it to me later tonight then it's been a while since we shared a dinner as brothers." For the first time in ages to Joseph, Lotte showed him a smile he thought was long left behind in the past when he was still but a newly dispatched knight. No one could blame him if some hope for their seemingly changed relationship made his mood blossom.
"Alright, I'll see you at yours after I clock in!" He waved enthusiastically before zipping off leaving Lotte behind.
"Don't rush." He grinned, the smile not quite reaching his eyes.
That night Joseph held the bundle of gifts wrapped in a white cloth firmly as he knocked on the door of Lotte's chamber. The vice admiral greeted him by the door and let him in, allowing Joseph to take in the bedroom. It was vast and spacious for a bedroom on a boat. The tiles were neatly placed and the wall paper was extravagantly designed in the navy symbol. There were bookshelves and a large map pinned to the wall above a work desk, next to those was a mini glass cabinet containing fine quality wine. The room smelled faintly of damp wood and the warm atmosphere was further accentuated by the gas lamps illuminating the space. Lotte guided him to sit down on a circular white clothed table with the utensils already placed.
"Here's the gift." Joseph handed over the box to which Lotte received graciously. He held it carefully and placed it on his desk before returning to his seat on the dinner table.
"If you ever write back to them, relay them my gratitude." Chortled the man as he took off his coat and hung it on the chair. "I hope you're peckish, the food will arrive soon."
Joseph snorted at the language. "I'm starving, but what's with the tone? Come on we're sworn brothers loosen up when it's just the two of us!" He laughed loudly and the other just rolled his eyes exasperatedly with a smirk.
The two exchanged small talk, about the navy, their colleagues, folk tales they heard on the sea, and about life back at the small town. Time passed and soon food was brought in. The aroma of well seasoned meat dishes wafted around the room and made the insides of Joseph's mouth water. The moment his share touched the table he began eating it, relishing in the rich taste of the sauce complimenting the meat.
Joseph munched then swallowed. "But Goddess, you were right with the promotion thing." Lotte raised both eyebrows in interest. "It's already been a year and I hardly made any progress! At this rate when will you and I ever be equals?" He groaned and slumped into the chair.
Lotte paused, the word equals echoing in his head chamber like an annoying incessant tick. His carefully well kept smile twitched looking at the uncouth visual of his 'sworn brother.' His sworn brother, who acted more like a swine than an admiral. Them? Equals? That can't be. He won't let someone like Joseph steal his spot, not after he's finally crawled out of the shit hole of a village. Lotte scoffed audibly, letting his utensils drop into his plate with a loud clang.
Joseph, sensing something was wrong, sat upright. "What's wrong?"
"The only thing wrong is your little delusion. To think you could ever stand next to me, preposterous."
His eyebrows furrowed together harshly as he frowned. "Lotte what are you saying?"
The man sighed loudly as though he was trying to talk sense to a non-behaving child: futile. "I'm saying you're an error. You, Joseph, are climbing the ranks in the navy at shocking speed--even faster than me! You have all this glory, and yet you sully it by acting like an uncouth swine."
"We both come from the same origins brother!" He yelled in protest.
"Do not call me brother! Lotte snapped, racking any sudden surges of emotions from bursting out of Joseph to cease. The older man took a deep breath before speaking with his usual calm. "Things have changed for me and you Joseph. We are no longer the bumbling brats of a puny village, we are generals. We have hundreds—thousands of men ready at our beck and call. We conquer and protect the seas for the people! We have status, authority! And yet you still choose to act in the way of naivete. Utterly ridiculous."
Joseph shook his head in disbelief. "You've let the power get to your head."
Nothing.
Lotte didn't respond for a long time. A stretched silence lasted between them, pulled taut until a sharp intake of breath cut the tight ridge. The vice admiral's everwinter eyes pierced straight through Joseph's as he scrutinized him emotionlessly.
"I've always despised you calling me Lotte and brother casually. Acting like we're equals, so how about we pull out that tongue once and for all?"
"...what?"
Lotte slowly stood up staring down onto his ex-brother. "Joseph, either you retire from the navy today." He leaned forwards, peering down at the other. "Or you die."
"W-what are you saying, Lotte why?!"
The equiry only seemed to fuel the seniour's wrath as he harrumphed, "This is why I hate people like you," He grumbled irately before flicking his wrist upwards. Instantly a large spike made of ice shot forwards and stabbed into the spot Joseph's head used to be. The man lunged out of his seat, deftly avoiding each attack with a heart broken face.
Lotte's face crumpled. "You!" He raised his arm and a large spike charged towards Joseph's abdomen. "Never!" A projectile made from ice launched forwards with a snap. "Listen!" An icicle attack sped towards the throat so fast Joseph knew dodging would be futile. Constant thinking was out the window here all he could rely on was instinct honed from multiple battle experience.
Joseph's forearms shot up to defend his front, summoning a barrier of rapid blades of wind to parry the bullet-like attack. He managed to block it, but the force of the spell sent him flying backwards. He crashed through the wooden wall, the impact knocking the wind out of his lungs and his vision spun. His back burned. Splinters littered the parts of his body that broke through the wooden barrier like sprouting seeds of pain taking bloom. The cold ocean night and the general humidity above the sea sprinkling the saplings.
He blinked away the stars in his vision and glared at Lotte who had controlled the ice to melt, leaving the room without a trace of evidence except for the massive hole in the wall. The man wasn't looking at him, but rather into nothing in general. His voice came out in a husky whisper.
"I'll leave the rest to you."
Questions barely formed in his mind when Joseph's instincts alerted him and he shoved himself to the side, narrowly avoiding a sword from plunging into him.
"Shit!" He cursed looking at the three black clad individuals before him. His weapon was in his quarters and all three seemed skilled. This would be a tough fight indeed not including Lotte. The safest solution to this situation that Joseph could think of was to retreat and find refuge amongst a more crowded area of the boat.
His fist coated in a wind shield shot up and knocked a sharp blade out its trajectory. The three were on him without hesitation, hardly giving him time to think and formulate an escape plan. He roundhouse kicked one of them over the railings and into the semi-raging sea of the night. To his horror he didn't hear a single sound out of the person nor any reaction from their companions. But personal sentiments should be left for after he survives.
One down two more to go Joseph darted forwards. He socked one of them straight in the throat, earning a satisfactory choke as he began to use the opportunity to ready a spell. But it was interrupted by the other assassin wielding dual daggers. Not only were they not giving him any time to think, he didn't even have time to prepare a spell to help him escape without risking his life too much.
"You bastards.." He cursed. All he wanted was to blast both of them away and into the sea but he had yet to master instant casting and neither of them would give him time nor space. Shit, he was really in a pickle now. Joseph spared a glance through the massive hole he created and saw Lotte was nowhere to be found. A surge of panic rushed through him at the idea of the admiral joining the fray but was interrupted by a forward jab of a sword.
At this rate he'll never make it out. Joseph scowled with veins popping out on his temple. He hadn't mastered instant casting yet and it was unstable, but at the rate things were going he'd be butchered sooner or later. He had to escape, now. Missing a final punch Joseph focused his wind magic into the tip of his foot and launched himself backwards. The distance was instantly closed by the dagger user but that brief opening was enough. Joseph casted a spell and summoned a temporary vacuum pocket. The dagger user lunged towards him, the blade inches away from his nose before they were abruptly jerked back and crashed into the sword user.
Joseph allowed himself a quick triumph as he turned on his heel and tried to run. Keyword, tried. Within a millisecond a thick block of ice encased his left foot, tugging him back. Panic set into his bloodstreams again as he summoned powerful blades of wind to ruthlessly chip at the shackle of ice even at the cost of hurting himself. He was so close! The ice was thin enough to break out physically now! Joseph wrung his foot out and propelled himself forwards, but not until a shrill and searing sensation pierced through his foot and spread throughout.
Oh.
The wind he controlled lost trajectory with the sudden pain that blanketed all his senses in a blistering white. He skidded over the railings and plunged downwards, landing roughly onto an empty walkway on starboard. The impact made the burning ten times worse and a blood curdling scream ripped out of his lungs and coursed through his vocal cords like a geyser. His body spasmed and tears riddled his vision blurry. Jerking his head back and forth, with pupils dilating until they were the size of pins Joseph finally saw the damage in its entirety.
The assassin's blade was lodged deep into his leg, at least halfway in. It lodged itself deep into the bone, serrating nerve endings, veins, vessels, bone, flesh, skin, and spilling blood. The visceral goo of what used to be his intact flesh was melded in a grotesque array of red, pink, yellow, pus, and black. So much black, a rotting soul eating black that spread rapidly and encased the entirety of his left foot and oh goddess it hurt so much.
It was excruciating. His foot was rotting while he was alive. It ate away at itself, the air ate it, the humidity in the air gnawed at the wound, and looking at it just made the sensation that much more present. Acute throbs like fire flared up and even the parts of his leg unaffected by the poison (which coated the assassin's knife) smarted fiercely. The whites of his bone could be seen but that too was soon corroded by the poisoned blood. Oh goddess, Oh Eelia, it hurts, make it stop, it hurts, please, it hurts it hurtsit ithurts ithurtsithurtsithurtsuthurtsithurts—
It was as though a hardly whetted blade with ragged edges sharp enough to draw blood but dull enough for it to not be a clean cut decided to violently tear at him to take him apart. The agony spread everywhere throughout, he wouldn't be surprised if he passed away from shock rather than succumb to his wounds. Joseph wreathed in torment, praying and begging for it to stop. He couldn't even hear himself anymore, the sound of blood rushing to his ears and the thumping of his heart overpowering all else. He hadn't even registered the buzz in the background as his own screaming let alone the three that landed beside him.
The assassin went to retrieve the blade, brutally ripping out the object and allowing black clotted blood to spray everywhere. The one with the sword moved forwards to end it once and for all but he was stopped by Lotte, eyes remaining on the spasming body of his ex-brother. The worst of the reaction had already passed, Joseph was hardly holding onto the line of consciousness, slipping in between the realms.
The sword user paused before speaking in a distorted tone. "People are fast approaching. Kill or not?"
Lotte did not respond immediately, he stepped forwards and knelt down by Joseph's head who's pupils could hardly be seen behind half lidded eyes anymore. But he knew the man was conscious.
"You'll live, and after this leave the navy for good Joseph. I'll make sure of it." And moments before the man passed out completely he heard Lotte and the others speak in blotted words. "Take care...evidence...will compensate you..panion." The rest were muffled mysteries before they vanished. The last thing he saw were the lights of the people coming to check what was going on. But the last thing he remembered, was the desperate disembodied voice of his final consciousness screaming: it hurts.
"And that's it." Mr. Joseph concluded, not perturbed by his students' jaw dropping expressions.
"And that bastard got away scott-free?!!?!" Kayson screeched, livid.
Huey remained silent in horror at the whole situation, but also deep down how much Vice
Admiral Blizzard's actions disgustingly matched his own. He shoved down the urge to vomit and instead focused on his teacher.
"How'd they not incriminate him?! This... to not get any repercussions...." He balled his hands into fists tightly.
Mr. Joseph felt a tang of warmth seeing them react like this for him, but alas, he sighed defeatedly. "By the time I woke up Lotte had already spun the story into one that'd paint him in an innocent light no matter what I said. The only thing left for me after I recovered enough was retirement." He paused and stood up, the prosthetic foot clunked against the floor. "But that's enough about my sob story, dinner is nearly ready go eat."
Huey and Kayson looked at each other with complex expressions. Will they even have an appetite after that? But nevertheless they got up and followed their teacher out the drawing room with a new vendetta against the Vice Admiral Blizzard.
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(All questions targeted to 'all' will be limited towards the academy co unless a specific character is mentioned)
Most embarrassing moments for Melissa?
Melissa's dark history was that when she was younger she would sing to imitate a princess she read in a book, but there was one issue... she was tone deaf and no one in her family nor servants had the heart to tell her so she performed a whole song in front of Sorin, Kade, and her other friends 😅😅 although the others don't remember it she has unwillingly seared it into her mind.
Kayson's love interest?
Kayson doesn't have a love interest! ♡ ♡ ♡
Owen's favourite food?
Owen isn't a picky eater so he'll eat anything as long as they're edible. However he does prefer more toned down flavours so anything too salty, sweet, spicy, you name it is a not his fav 🙅
What are their ideal dates?
Huey: doesn't think he deserves a partner nor is he particularly interested but if he had to answer... "somewhere where all parties can relax and have fun or just a place that'd put someone's mind at ease."
Kayson: "somewhere fun"
Sorin: "As long as the other party is happy I'm happy"
Kade: "A well-rated restaurant is always a good place to start."
Celine: "Oh I have so many! But if I had to choose it'd be my town, I would love to show my partner around and take them to all the yummy bakeries!" ♡
Melissa: "Gardens are a classic, it's not too thoughtless and it's not too overdone and—for viewers sake the rest was cut off—.
Nicholas: "????" (No concept 🤷）
Favourite thing to do on a rainy day?
Huey: "Read a book or draw."
Kayson: "Sleep."
Sorin: "Training in the rain is good for endurance." (Brainwashed)
Kade: "No such thing, as a prince all my free time should be devoted to my lessons and duty... what?....ok fine. It's sewing......" (Kade is not allowed to learn a 'commoner's' skill but he picked it up after begging a maid when he was a kid)!
Celine: "Play with the children! Whenever it rains in my town the children will always drag me out to jump in the puddles! It's become a habit now."
Melissa: "Rainy days are peaceful, the perfect time to catch up on some reading."
Nicholas: "Who would find something to do in the rain enjoyable?!"
Love languages?
Huey: (touch-starved love-starved but he gets unknowingly clingy)
Kayson: (platonic and lovingly) bullies them.
Sorin: a well thought-out gift and devotion.
Kade: spoils with gifts.
Celine: physical affection!
Melissa: affection through actions.
Nicholas: affection through words.
What was everyone doing during the break before Melissa's ball?
Huey: lazing away.
Kayson: lazing away.
Sorin: training, what else?
Kade: lessons, social duties, lessons, lessons.
Celine: catching up with her family.
Melissa: preparing for the ball.
Nicholas: studying, avoiding his family.