"Aldana, grab my hand!" Cedric instructed. With a quiet nod and a blush Aldana grabs Cedric`s hand as the feeling of being forced through a rubber tube engulfs her body; a moment later that unpleasant feeling finally ends as the trio of Cedric, Aldana and an unconcious Elt are now in front of Sasha`s orphanage.
KNOCK KNOCK
The door is opened by a tired and confused Sasha.
"Sasha, sorry to bother you at this hour, may we be allowed inside so I can explain everything to you?" Cedric asked.
"Yes, come right this way." Sasha said as she guided Cedric and Aldana to her bedroom; with Elt`s body being placed in his bed.
"So Cedric tell me what happened?" Sasha asked curiously.
"We arrived at the village approximately an hour ago. The monsters were in the village but..." Cedric trailed off.
"What happened Cedric?" Sasha asked.
"I`m sorry Sasha. I couldn`t. I couldn`t kill them. When I saw one of the monsters hold her crying daughter I felt a level of guilt I haven`t ever felt before. And when I saw one the knights about to execute a woman wearing a maid`s uniform my body I knocked him unconscious and healed her wounds. I know what I did is considered treason, and before I leave Lescatie in a self imposed exile the only thing I ask for is your forgiveness." Cedric muttered as he barely held back tears.
"It`s alright Cedric. You may not realise it but you did the right thing tonight. Since you saved the mamono I feel it`s time I tell you a secret of mine also." Sasha said.
"What is your secret?" Cedric asked.
"In 48 hours the Demon Lord`s army will invade Lescatie. After seeing at how the nobles treat the poor like garbage I requested for invasion of Lescatie." Sasha whispered.
Cedric was taken aback by this news. His mind was racing right now and his heart sank upon hearing this news.
"Why Sasha? The orphans look up to you. You are their rock, their hope. How could you betray their trust like this?" Cedric asked angrily.
"Cedric please let me explain." Sasha stated calmly. With a burning curiousity Cedric allowed her to continue.
"I still care about the children. Even though the money you gave us last month has helped us a lot, I unfortunately cannot give every single child in the orphanage the individual attention they need. Druella promised that the mamono will adopt the orphans and give them the love and attention they need." Sasha explained.
Slightly relieved Cedric reluctantly believed Sasha.
"What about everyone else? Will they be alright?" Cedric asked again.
"They will. I promise no harm will come to anyone, not even the nobles." Sasha reassured.
"Alright then. I trust your word Sasha, good night." Cedric said as he sat up from Sasha`s bed and walked towards the door.
"Before you go there is one more thing I need to tell you. Druella told me that after the invasion she wants you to become the new King. However it`s your choice and you are free to decline the offer. I would take you to Druella now but seeing as you are probably very tired I`ll give you till the morning to decide if you will accept or decline the throne. So when you have made your decision come by the orphanage tomorrow." Sasha said.
"While I am flattered at the offer, why has this Druella offered me of all people Lescatie`s throne. What about the other Princesses?" Cedric asked.
"Lady Druella believes you are the perfect choice since you are pure of heart and you`re already very popular with most of Lescatie and because of that you would make an exellent King. Also I told Druella of the circumstances of how you arrived in our world and upon hearing that Druella felt a deep sorrow for what those people did to you in that graveyard." Sasha answered.
"I`ll think about it, good night Sasha"
"Good Night Cedric." Sasha said back.
Cedric and Aldana exited the orphanage; Aldana however didn`t look too happy and as they aprroached the next building; she pushed Cedric against a wall.
"Why do act like that around her?" Aldana asked.
"What do you mean?" Cedric asked confused.
"The way you look at her, the way you two have been talking for hours lately and ESPECIALLY how you`re always excited and happy around her!" Aldana hissed.
"I just like spending time with Sasha ok?" Cedric said in his defense, Aldana however wasn`t entirely convinced.
Aldana knew Cedric was lying, and asked him the question he didn't want to admit.
"Are you in love with her?" Aldana asked bluntly.
"W-wha? What gives you that idea?" Cedric muttered out, turning his head away in an attempt to hide the blush that had formed on his face.
Looking at his reaction Aldana knew the answer already. With a sigh she released Cedric.
"It's ok Cedric. I understand." Aldana said with a hint of sorrow in her voice.
Timeskip: Cedric`s cottage
29 July 1995
We finally arrived at the monster village after a week of traveling. When the time finally arrived for when I had to kill the monsters... I couldn't. Instead of the grotesque man eaters described by the Order I only saw a mother defending her child. I don't know if I may or may not regret sparing the monsters but I just hope I done the right thing. After I apparated back to Lescatie with Aldana and Elt I told Sasha about the mission. Instead of denouncing my actions she instead was pleased with how I helped the monsters. To my suprise Sasha informed me of an invasion that will commence in 48 hours and has even offered me Lescatie's throne. I told her I will think about the offer and will let her know if I'll accept the throng tomorrow. The weirdest part about today however was when Aldana interrogated me with questions regarding my interactions with Sasha. While I didn't tell her directly I will admit that I am indeed in love with Sasha. In the month since I've arrived in Lescatie she is the person I always loved being around the most and was always very kind and understanding. I have never felt this way about a woman before, not even Cho. Tomorrow I will try and confess my feelings to her as it will be my last chance to before the invasion.