Queen Of Adis

*Haru noticed that *Adis was craning his neck as he looked at the small alley nearby. She saw his brows furrowed as though he was anxious about not seeing anyone there.

"Love, why do you look agitated?" she finally asked when his complexion was not looking good. She followed the direction of his gaze and continued, "Are you expecting to see someone?"

"...Yes," *Adis' short reply. He swallowed hard before he added, "I'm looking for Elior."

It was *Haru's turn to creased her eyebrows in confusion. "Elior? What do you mean? He wouldn't show up here as he avoids my past self like a plague, remember? Our paths must not cross at this time, otherwise, my vision will awaken again."

He gave her a melancholic smile. "Since he met you, Elior has truly adored you like his own daughter. Even though you didn't see him, it does not mean he wasn't there. As a matter of fact, he would always disguise or hide in the crowd and dark alleys just to watch you on the stage every time there's a ceremony. He... has always been there to silently support you... and to support me."

"Is that so?" Her eyes softened as her lips curved into a tender smile. "Then, remind me to thank him once we get back in the future."

*Adis' expression became worst and his body suddenly tensed. "Haru... I have this feeling... that we won't be seeing him in the future again."

"Huh? I don't understand. Of course, he'll be there waiting for us until we wake up."

"History has already been altered, remember? The enemies were able to revive a whole clan with just a one time travel. With that one amber eye in their hands, what else can they not do?"

Her heart beat erratically as she was slowly getting what he was trying to imply. Her breathing became shallow and her eyes instantly watered, biting her nails unconsciously in anxiety.

*Adis continued, "When I saw his expression last night and listened to the words he said, I finally realized that I was wrong. The enemies are changing history not because they are trying to make you end up with Pier. But because there are people that could see their actions and prevent them from completing their evil plans -- the seers. They are here in the past to hunt the remaining seers down.

"You and Elior's existence are the only hindrance to their plans. But since your security was endless and they thought that you haven't awakened your vision yet, they will start with the most capable one."

"...Elior," she breathed out her guess in a trembling voice. She looked back at the empty alley then moved closer to him with urgency.

"He must have seen it coming. If his sick vision comes true, once we wake up, nothing will ever be the same again. Just like what happened before, people's memory will be altered, except ours and my brothers. But... I'm afraid that Elior won't be there in the future anymore," he added in a very small voice.

"Not if I can help it," *Haru's eyes blazed as she gritted through her clenched teeth. Then, she gripped his arms tightly, "And especially not under your watch."

*Adis chuckled at her vote of confidence. His gaze narrowed at the stage, onto his past self. "We are just ghosts, Haru. Even if we find him, we can only do so much. We need someone else's help."

When she saw the way he was looking to the demon king seated on his high seat, she understood what he wanted to do. "How?"

"Just trust me."

"You know I always do," was her quick response before she intertwined her fingers with his.

He tilted his chin and gently tugged her hand. "Let's move closer to my past self. The ceremony is about to end."

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

Once the introduction and the anointment of the knights ended, Triton spoke in front of the candidates. "Trium Regum is blessed with many talented and devoted individuals. But as always, in every realm, there is only one chivalrous knight who prevailed the harsh tribulations and proven that he's the best of the best. They are called the Champions, and will have the right to represent each realm."

"This year, the champions will receive a royal recognition and shall have the chance to be chosen as the goddess of spring's personal knight. Now, come forward and received thy honor, sir knight from the Human Realm, Pier Willows."

A bulky man with a penetrating gaze moved forward. His stride was confident while his lips curved into a triumphant sneer. As he looked up to have a glimpse of the beautiful maiden of spring, his eyes shone in delight and... longing, as though the one in front of him was someone he knew for a very long time.

"The next champion is from the Water Realm, Imra Leonheart. Come forth and receive thy honor," Triton continued and an amazon-looking elf eagerly sprinted and knelt to accept the well-deserved recognition.

"Last but definitely not the least is from the Dark Realm. He got the highest score in the written examination, as well as the practical tests, and even slew a powerful feral monster that attacked the borders of Black Rose. Congratulations to you, sir knight, Azrael Montcroix."

Upon hearing the announcement, *Haru's gait stiffened and her body instantly spun. She let out a nostalgic smile as she watched an almost perfectly-sculpted adonis emerged from within the army of knights.

Even with the effort to move humbly, the impressive knight's overbearing aura, sharp demon eyes, and outstanding countenance caused a stir amongst the audience.

"Oh my! He is the illegitimate son of grand duke Montcroix, is he not? He reminds me... of His Majesty, King Adis. Ugh, goodness! Why am I feeling aroused just by looking at him?"

"Either he was just really gorgeous or he is binding most of the women here with his enchantment. He is a powerful incubus, after all. A promiscuous man like him must not get near the future Queen."

"Eh? But he is one of the champions and the most promising one at that. Besides, the royal family don't give a damn about those trivial matters, so long as he won't covet what belongs to King Adis."

Despite the crowd's shameless gossip and outrageous assumptions, *Haru couldn't get her eyes off of Azrael.

"If only I could also change the history... I will start with him," she sobbed.

"Sshh, let go, Haru. It's time for you to let him go." *Adis whispered as he embraced her from behind and gently stroked her arms to calm her emotions.

And as usual, when they felt their mother's distress, the twin flames cuddled her cheeks with their warmth.

While the buzz was getting rowdier, a couple on top of the stage were also busy discussing something. Due to their bodies being close to each other, everyone around them thought that they were being lovey-dovey again, failing to see the spring maiden's confused expression.

Isaiah loudly cleared his throat to get Haru's attention. "Your Grace, Lady Haru, we are forever grateful to your miraculous accomplishments and blessings, and with that, I present to you the three champions of this year's knighthood ceremony. From these gifted warriors, you may choose who you would like to be your personal knight and shall protect you from this day forward."