3. The Hen Chemon:

"The Omega will not be enough; my lord will return someday, and you will regret it until the end of times."

Qui Mortem – Archdemon.

Lodtrack was heading to the palace library to gather information about the Hen Chemon, event that would be celebrated that day, and everyone in the capital would attend to mark the festivity. Lodtrack knew nothing about how the celebration in the city was, so he wanted to research before it began.

When he arrived at the library, the door was open, catching his attention, though he didn't pay much heed. He entered and was dazzled by the monstrous number of books. It was practically three interconnected two-story rooms, filled with books of all kinds.

“By the time I find a book that helps me, the Hen Chemon will have ended,” Lodtrack muttered irritably. He first searched the second floor for any history book or, failing that, the Trad Mud (the most important book about the empire's cultures). He saw one titled "The History of Winter." Lodtrack took it and searched through its pages, although there seemed to be nothing useful when he flipped through the book's content. He put it back on the shelf, albeit haphazardly; the book fell and bounced on the floor before tumbling down the railing to the first floor.

“Ouch!” Exclaimed a sweet female voice. “But what the heck?” Lodtrack shuddered, jumped from the second floor, and landed in front of the princess, who screamed in surprise at his sudden appearance.

“Princess!” Lodtrack became nervous seeing the princess there. ‘How did I not notice her presence?’ he wondered. Lodtrack straightened up, bowed, and said firmly, “good morning, Your Majesty. It's a pleasure to find you in this place!”

“Shh, don't speak so loudly,” the princess ordered. “I'm not supposed to be here.”

“But then, why are you here, Your Majesty?” Lodtrack whispered.

“I like to read to clear my mind. This is the empire's largest collection of books,” the princess pointed out the place and looked at Lodtrack again, who was staring at her intently. “What's wrong?”

“I wasn't entirely sure, but it seems I was wrong.” The princess curiously looked at the guard. “Don't you use magic to enhance your beauty, do you?” Lodtrack let out a small smile, but the princess was angered by the comment.

“How rude! Why would I use magic for something like that?” Lodtrack didn't fully understand the reason for her anger, so he just looked at her trying to comprehend. The princess turned her angry gaze away, noticing the book on the floor and remembering how they ended up like this. “Aren't you going to apologize?”

“Eh? Apologize? Why?”

“For hitting me with that book. It hurt.” Lodtrack glanced at where the book was.

“Oh, I apologize. The book just slipped from its place and fell on you.” Lodtrack let out a small laugh, and the princess also mocked the absurd situation. “By the way, why are you hiding here? Shouldn't you be in the library?”

“It's not that” the princess looked down.” I'm not supposed to roam the castle alone during the Hen Chemon, and my guard should always accompany me, you know, in case someone tries something. But sometimes I like to be alone and read a bit, and besides, my guard is very possessive at times.”

“That's curious; one wouldn't expect a princess to be so interested in books.” The princess glared at him.

“Well, I can say the same about a soldier like you.” The princess analyzed him for a moment, noticing his scar and wondering how he got it.

“Yes, I suppose we're both strange people.” They both laughed. Lodtrack heard the door open, and the princess shuddered. The one who entered was the imperial guard, the one who looked after the princess.

“Miss, are you here? I need you to come with me.” Lodtrack looked at the princess again, who seemed frightened. He touched the princess's arm to get her attention and winked at her while smiling.

Lodtrack stood up and went to the guard. Upon recognizing him, the guard looked at him with disdain. “Do you know where the princess is? I was told she was seen entering here” the guard asked Lodtrack. “She has to accompany her father for an etiquette class.”

“No, she's not here, and why would I know where she is? I have my own noble to take care of.” Lodtrack replied with a sarcastic smile. “Besides, why are you looking for her so desperately? Can't she walk around the castle without being harassed for any nonsense?” Before he could continue, the guard unsheathed his sword and took a defensive stance.

“Know your place, commoner! Just because you're a guard doesn't give you the right to speak to me like that!” Lodtrack glared at him. “Why do you look at me like that, vulgar animal? Kneel before me, the son of the Pari house, and maybe I'll forgive your arrogance.” Lodtrack was infuriated by the noble's comments. The princess, who was glancing sideways, began to worry about the situation.

“That's funny; you're a fourth-rate noble, and you think you can talk to me as if you were the emperor!” Lodtrack grabbed the hilt of his sword, ready to attack.

“You kneel, commoner” the Pari's son raised his sword.

“Force me, idiot! Let's see if you're up to your rank!” Lodtrack advanced towards the guard; he prepared his attack. The princess was about to interrupt when the door opened.