The Duke's Passion

804  Until then, they must fight together.

As the warships from the Heart and Spade kingdoms came closer, the fires of cannons grew intense. Soldiers on both sides hoist their anchors, shooting it up to the upcoming naval ships to invade one another. The battle was so intense with no land surface for a fight, thus, conquering each other's ships was their only way to win such a battle. Even when the thousand elegant stars that were dominating the sky disappeared due to the layer of darkness that covered the sky, land, and even the sea, no one paid attention to it. Those who did were people who were capable enough to pause. For instance, Stefan. Stefan stood mightily on the desk, stopping the cannons from hitting the ship he was in. Despite the distance of other ships, some of his men jumped from the ship. Using their agility, they were able to reach the enemy ship, and the enemy had done the same. Some of them fell into the sea as they met halfway, and others landed successfully. Thanks to them, no one had reached Stefan's ship so far. "Hell's Gate," whispered Stefan, looking heavenward.

Unlike the surprise of others upon seeing the Hell's Gate, Stefan didn't show the slightest surprise. He had conspired with Zero in the past, and he was also aware of Zero's connection to the mainland. The reason Stefan was able to go into hiding when Samael overthrew Stefan's regime before the regression was because of that. "Foolish Quentin," he continued under his breath. "You knew the mainland wouldn't care whether you succeed or not. Yet you are continuing to unleash such dangerous powers they lent you."

Zero might be a genius and a powerful vampire. However, those on the mainland were cruel. Stefan couldn't judge, though. Zero would stop at nothing to attain what he wanted. He was just as selfish and greedy as those on the mainland. Stefan was aware that if Zero succeeded in his plans and defeated all of them, the mainland would come after him just like how the mainland came after all powerful vampires outside the mainland for their own twisted reason. Nôv(el)B\\jnn

  "I do not pity you…" Stefan peeled his eyes from the sky to the battle ahead. A loud explosion was heard from one of the enemy ships, and despite the distance, Stefan could clearly see Dominique wreaking havoc all alone. "I told you once, my friend, that you should back out. But alas, you did not take my advice." His eyes narrowed, letting the wind blow past his face. "Samael and Lilou… those two including those other people behind them, are persistent people. No matter what sort of power you borrow from another party, they wouldn't just back down. They're troublesome people to deal with and draining as well."

The reason Stefan didn't have the slightest worry for those people that were already in the land of Spade Kingdom. It was the same for those people; they didn't have the slightest worry about Stefan that was surely battling in the sea because they were each other's enemies in the past. Therefore, they were aware of each other's capabilities. Stefan might've died at the hands of Samael, but before his death, he gave them a challenging time. Considering it was just Stefan versus everyone in the past, one couldn't underestimate Stefan. If it was just one versus one, then the outcome would be uncertain. "Maxine," called Stefan quietly, and the person standing behind him remained silent. The woman, Maxine, a member of the Divine Order, kept her eyes on the king's back. Stefan stood motionless on the deck while they waited for whatever orders he had for them. So far, Stefan only ordered Dominique to assist their soldiers in battle on the front line. "Send a word to everyone to get in formation," Stefan ordered without looking back at the members of the Divine Order he had gathered months before this attack. "We'll enter the battle soon."

Stefan slowly turned to face the people behind him. There, multiple familiar people were standing with Maxine. His eyes scanned each and every one of them; even Ramin, Charlotte, and Kristina who were originally Lilou and Samael's people, were present. Unlike the sharpness in the other members of the Divine Order, those three, in particular, had a different look in their eyes. They were looking at Stefan without the same fire in their eyes. Instead, they had this incomprehensible look, which was understandable because they remembered everything. Stefan's eyes lingered on Ramin, the holder of Labyrinth. "As you all know, Quentin unleashed a powerful ability called Hell's Gate. Since I am not a person who could unleash such a dangerous power, I am unsure myself how stable this ability was," said Stefan, glossing his eyes over their grim and solemn countenance. "But that wasn't what was important. We need to reach the land sooner."

"Please." Stefan drew a deep breath and lowered his head, humbling himself to ask for their help. "The Divine Order wasn't directly working under the king, but I am asking you to help us in this battle."

It was no secret the Divine Orders weren't mandated to work under the king. The Order was a different group of people who could wield their divine weapons. And their purpose was to stop the king if ever he lost his mind and start the carnage. That goal that was instilled in their weapons and their hearts was what made the divine bearers one. Zero might be a different king of another land, but since his success could implicate the Heart's Kingdom in the future, Stefan was humbling himself to ask them to lend him strength. "I used to work alone…" Stefan slowly raised his head, revealing his solemn countenance. "... but I cannot do this alone. I need your help."

Those members of the Divine Order who didn't manage to regain their memories were moved by the king's action. Only the three of them weren't affected by his actions. Ramin, Charlotte, and Kristina looked at each other but didn't say a word. Charlotte cleared her throat, marching to the side that caught everyone's attention. No one stopped her from whatever she was planning, watching her take this spear lying on the side. She glanced at Stefan before she blew on the tip of the spear. "I am not fighting for you…" she said, peeling her gaze from Stefan to the ship far away. "... I am doing this because my master and madam were somewhere on the land of Spade, risking their lives. Not being able to assist them is the greatest insult to me. That is why…"

Her eyes glinted as they sharpened, throwing the spear with all her might. Everyone's gaze instinctively followed the spear she threw, and much to their surprise, their keen eyes saw it pierce through the person that came up behind Dominique. "You don't need to tell us or bow your head." Charlotte dusted her hands off, setting her eyes back on Stefan. "Until we reunite with them, we'll assist you. But if you were ever to betray them, we will make sure this ocean will be your grave, Your Majesty."

Stefan maintained his stoic expression, glancing at Ramin and Kristina, who shared the same fire in their eyes. "Do as you wished." Stefan nodded in agreement. "Until then, let's fight together."