Valerian, The Legendary

136 Assassins.

Valerian’s shout alerted all the people, the guards followed his gaze and they saw a man standing amidst the crowd with a bow and arrow in his hands. This man was slightly startled by the shout, but he did not miss his aim and let loose the arrow on his string.

The people had yet to react when the arrow flew through the void and headed towards the emperor. The rest of the people were still in a daze, fortunately, Valerian acted, as he said, “Ventus Scutum.”

A strong gust circulated the carriage, catching the arrow in its flow. However, this was not the end, the crowd was agitated and they were all screaming and yelling in panic. The assassin saw that his first attempt has failed so he knocked another arrow but Valerian was fast and said, “Micare.”

A small flash of light left the man with impaired vision. Vertex gazed at the man and said, “Kill him.”

Valerian said, “No, today we shall not spill blood if not necessary. Sir Quies, apprehend this man first.”

Quies nodded and replied, “Yes, Your Highness.”

The old man decisively gave up his seat as the coachmen and Valerian jumped up to replace him. He said, “Everyone stays calm, your panic will give the enemy a chance to harm you, calm down and inform us as soon as you spot anything unusual. All the guards, stay alert, scan the crowd for any suspicious people.”

The guards subconsciously replied in unison, “Yes, Your Highness.”

The aura Valerian gave off at the moment was akin to that of a general leading the soldiers, forever vigilant, and steady when facing battle. This impressed the guards and the rest of the people. His words calmed down the crowd as well. They were afraid of getting hurt, and Valerian used this point in his favor.

.....

Vertex, who was riding his flame horse ahead of the carriage asked, “Valerian, there are too many people, what if the enemy is hidden within the citizens? How can we still catch them?”

Valerian did not reply to him quickly, he was thinking about this question as well. Libra said, “The citizens have always been loyal to us, why will they take action on such a crucial day when the security is airtight?”

Fragrantia nodded and said, “Check the entry logs of the city and find out how many foreigners came in these days and this will narrow down our search.”

Azula said, “It will consume too much time.”

The princess was stating the obvious fact. Ignis said, “What else can we do, it is not like we could check the identification cards of all the people here one by one.”

Suddenly, it clicked to Valerian and he said, “We do not need to waste so much effort. The convoy keeps moving. Your Excellency tells the citizens to look around and find the people they do not know. They are all gathered to watch the royal procession, they must have come with the people they know. If we can find the ones they do not know, then we will be able to find the real culprits. This saves time.”

Ignis raised his eyebrow and said, “It is indeed a good plan, but what if the assailants started hurting the citizens?”

Valerian nodded and said, “Have the archers posted on the terraces and roofs of the building, at the same time, have the curers ready to act at a moment’s notice.”

The plan was well-rounded and covered the shortcomings. Fragrantia stood up on the slow-moving carriage and infused mana in her throat as she instructed the people about what to do. Meanwhile, Libra had sent a guard to the warrior general and the mage general of the army to arrange the people as Valerian suggested.

This arrangement shocked the two people. It was simple and effective. The soldiers and the curers acted quickly. They assimilated themselves within the crowd, while the archers paid attention to the scene, with arrows knocked and ready to fly.

They were all feeling indignant when they recalled the attempt made on the emperor’s life that too on their watch. This was a slap in their faces, and as valiant soldiers how can they take this insult lying down? The eyes of the guards turned into eagle eyes.

Valerian turned to look at Fragrantia slightly, but he did not ask her anything. In his mind, a few questions were already brewing but it was not yet the right time to ask.

He was thinking why did the shadows not find out about assailants? After all, the imperial capital was under scrutiny twenty-four hours a day. The rest of the journey was completed quickly. The nobles at the front had decided to pick up the pace to avoid giving the assassins a bigger time window.

Valerian sat in the coachmen’s seat, it looked like the youngest son was naughty and he was leading the family to the temple. The people were full of praises for him and they were all chanting his name, “Long live Prince Valerian. Long Live Prince Val!!!”

Valerian was basking in the love and warmth of the people, and Ignis held his chin in his hand as he said, “Hey Val, it is my wedding, can you take a break from being so outstanding?”

Azula chuckled while the boy rolled his eyes and said, “You can take over, if you snap out of the daze.”

The four people looked at him, and Ignis asked, “What daze?”

Valerian said, “The daydreams you have are so loud that we all can hear your breathing.”

The people were stunned, they did not expect the child to crack a joke like this. While Vertex laughed out loud, and Libra tried his best to hold back, Azula was disgusted and put some distance between herself and the first prince. Fragrantia said, “Valerian, do not learn these indecent things, focus on your strength first. One Ignis is enough in the house, do you understand?”

Valerian nodded and subconsciously replied, “Yes, Aunt.”

The people were surprised by this address but they did not make any ruckus out of it, as the child had been longing for his parents, how could he just start calling someone else, as mom and dad?

After twenty minutes, the convoy came to stop in front of a magnificent building, known as the temple of mercy. Valerian sat in his seat, gazing at the place in a daze. He could not tell why, but it seemed as if he was familiar with this place.

Fortuna raised her head from his shoulder and meowed. Only then did the boy wake up and got down from the carriage to follow the royal family inside. He was looking around curiously, only to find a well-arranged garden, filled with blooming flowers.

A small pathway made from cobblestones led to the gate inside the temple. Libra and Fragrantia walked in front, dressed in their ceremonial clothes, looking like a pair of immortals.

Followed by them were Vertex and Ignis, then Azula and Valerian, then the rest of the nobles. The people poured inside the temple and they found that a large group of people was already occupying the left side benches.

Valerian was confused and Azula said to him in a hushed voice, “They are on the bride’s side.”

The boy nodded in understanding and went over to set down beside the princess. Ignis and Vertex stood up in front of the altar. They were looking very dashing.

Suddenly, the door behind the altar was pushed open, and out came a lady wearing a blue habit. For a second, Valerian thought Diligentia has come back to him. However, he calmed himself quickly as well.

The lady stood behind the altar and said, “Now that the two sides are here, we can start the proceedings. Please call over the bride, Emperor Orion.”

Emperor Orion stood up from his seat and called out to his daughter, everyone turned their heads to look at the main gate of the chapel. After just a few seconds, a figure cloaked in a white dress walked in with seven little girls holding the hem of the gown.

The eyes of everyone present was glued to her. She allowed the people to scrutinize her before walking up to the altar and facing Ignis.

The temple priestess nodded and said, “I would like to ask if you are doing it under any pressure?”

“No, I am willing to marry Ignis, on my own accord.”

The priestess nodded and began to guide the process, and asked, “Do you....”

After ten more minutes the wedding was complete. The vows have been exchanged, and it was time for the couple to walk out hand in hand and greet the crowd outside and seek their blessings.

At this moment, Valerian asked Fragrantia, “Those assassins, you knew all about them, why did you not react?”

Fragrantia smiled and said, “It was a strategic move to make people understand that you are not weak.”

Valeria’s eyes opened wide at this.

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