Fantasy Lux Vestra

[Khocolatte]

THREAD START !!

 

[Novelight]

Vanity Incarnatus

Invictus

The stygian atmosphere devoid of light was the standard for the basilica known as Dragonshire Sanctorium. Unlike the other churches under the same leadership, Dragonshire entertained no holiness, as only duty and efficiency mattered for the clandestine knights. They were the sanctuary of rhadamanthine ideologies inaugurated into its templars, as only strength and obligations were valued. No matter how it was done, as long as the end result aligned with the sovereign's interest, the iron knights took it upon themselves to bring it to fruition.

The knights uniformed with their appropriate garments stood side by side before the illuminating mosaic, the only source of light that had given life to the dull sanctorium. Decorated by stone statues of the past soldiers and their portraits, the sanctorium remained large for several centuries to uphold their greatest respect to the legends before, as the current knights were perpetually ordered to exceed the predecessors' accomplishments.

Among the stern knights was an individual known as Invictus, soon chosen to become the knight that would complete the royal decree established by the Queen herself.

Eyes as bright as the ocean reflecting from the moonlight, the black-haired imperial knight spoke no word during the lecture, yet those around him knew of his talkative nature. It was simply a part of the discipline that the knights of the Dragonshire Sanctorium endured in the past, and while Invictus cared not for the rules of the church and their ideals, he knew better than to disrespect the Queen whom he had admired ever since their inauguration into the royal throne.

A person worth serving, Invictus thought. Though if he had to be honest with himself, he would have much preferred to endure this mission by himself. To work with the other branches of the church was a requirement not favored by any of the templars, even if it meant building a reputation for themselves, in which they lack the pride to care for. But upon hearing of the name whom he was partnered with according to the Queen's orders, his bored atrabilious expression turned the opposite.

•　•　•​

After the briefing from the battalion commander, Invictus discarded his armor and sigil to prevent public attention and bathed himself under the calming sunlight, finally being able to take a breather after the choking atmosphere in the sanctorium's archaic traditions. It was discernible to anyone that he was not the type to care for his faction's culture, frequently ditching his duties whenever he could to avoid unwanted demands from his commander, who was adamant in convincing Invictus to follow the proper procedure.

Regardless, the sapphire-eyed knight stretched his arms beneath the sunlight, as the breezing wind soared through his black hair, revealing the azure earrings swirling with mana within. Anyone who caught a glimpse of the rare scene would instantly recognize that the earrings were one of the sacred items from the church, known only as 'Cerulean Blaze'.

The knight left the temple famished, and it was made obvious when his stomach growled loudly for the others to hear from a mile distance. Somewhat embarrassed, Invictus nervously laughed in response and quickly scoured through the town hall's chain of restaurants, eyeing the delicious display of pastries in the bakery with star-glittering eyes.

What he wasn't aware of, was that his predestined partner was present mere inches away, sitting on a bench with the very meat pie he admired that she was helping herself to.

 

[Novelight]

Vanity Incarnatus

Invictus

The mouthwatering delicacy of the pastry had made his eyes glitter, as the steaming game pie was mere inches away from his nostrils. He inhaled the visible scent and licked his lips with such excitement, disregarding the baker who oddly stared at the knight behind the counter. Invictus' smile widened when he joyfully moved the pie towards his mouth, ready to savor the taste as it was meant to be, until the sudden voice of a strict, well-dressed woman interrupted his moment, making the azure knight seize all movement.

He turned his gaze slowly, followed by the realization that this woman was certainly from the church. A quick analysis of her uniform would quickly notify anyone that they were being talked to by a woman of the church. Was it charity yet again? No, it can't be. She just said she wasn't sponsored by the church. A fellow knight, perhaps? Wait, but the Sanctorium doesn't allow women into the ranks of the Dragonshire knights, doesn't it? Was it a change of policy? But Vestoria hasn't written a new regulation since the last century!

With the process of elimination quickly running through his head, Invictus pondered for a short second before coming to his own conclusion.

"No, you can't have it." He growled at the hazel-haired woman, finding her desire to steal his lunch to be unacceptable. "Buy your own, church girl! I've waited far too long to finally enjoy myself!"