The Triumph plain, Sniflheim main land. A very beautiful area highly guarded by post of controls and a horde of soldiers. At the south of the Triumph plain, an old abandoned farm very meaningful for the Galvus. Indeed, it was the place the Emperor Solus zos Galvus was born and lived during his childhood.

Prince Varis inspected the farm. Everything seemed to be at the same place. After smoking his cigar, he went downstairs and opened the door leading to the other side of the farm ; the Black Box.

Nobody was there. Usually Lady Levnato Kresnik, wife of The Commandante and their children remained here to guard the place but after his Grandfather’s death, Varis didn’t want anybody in the farm. He checked the Armatus’ wardrobe. Everyone’s Armatus was safe and sealed except one, Varis blanched.

“He took his Armatus and his weapon, that bastard ! If he is taking his Armatus I’m taking mine as well !” Varis opened his third eyes to activate the scan and opened the box. He contemplated a moment his Armatus. They never truly needed them. They mainly used them for experiments as secret weapons against primals or any strong magical threat. They made tests in the Triumph plain but they were strong enough to face their enemies without them. Now Titus was ready to endanger the city and the whole region of Sniflheim using the Armatus and supersonic weapons. The Prince stored meticulously his arsenal in The Geneva, his personal airship named after his late mother and came back to the Imperial Crown city.

Once back in the Imperial royal castle, Varis was enjoying some time alone in his chambers with the VIth Legion Legatus Regula van Hydrus, his closest friend and secretly his lover. They started their relationship a couple of years after Ryla wir Galvus’ death, they made a secret ceremony some years ago to get married. No one knew at court. For everyone, they were just best friends knowing each other since childhood. Varis was smoking, concerned while Regula was focused on brushing and styling his beloved's hair.

“Titus planned to take his Armatus on the battlefield.”

Although Varis shouted this with a very disturbing calm voice, Regula interrupted his hair styling and lowed his head to check the Prince. Varis exhaled the smoke and calmly continued. “I took mine.”

“Should I take mine as well ?”

“Two Armatus in the battlefield is already deadly enough. I don’t want to destroy Sniflheim. I just want the throne. Those braids are too tight.”

“Braids need to be tight. You’re going to fight. You don’t want to be disturbed by your hair in the middle of the battle.”

“Untight them.” Varis insisted pretending to be unironically bothered. 

Annoyed, Regula attracted Varis against him. He softly put blond hair behind his ears which made the Prince shivering a little. He looked him in the eyes and passionately kissed him.

“I don’t want to lose you. I already thought I lost you once. I never want to go through this again Varis.”

Prince Varis contemplated Regula with sad eyes. He delicately caressed his cheek. He genuinely loved him. They had been through so much together. He always had been there for him. Varis was very grateful for every way Regula showed him support. He put Lord Hydrus face against his chest.

“I have definitely no plan to die my love. You won’t lose me. We belong together and we will stay together. You know I have to go through this. You of all people should know why. I can’t... I have to do this. I have to kill him, for my mother. I have waited, for so many years already. I witnessed what he did to her and the dramatic consequences it had on my family, it affected us all, it destroyed me, he destroyed me. I can’t let him get away with this. I… I will do what I have to do. Will you support me ?”

“Always my love.”

They cuddled each other in silence. Regula dove his hand in Varis’ blond hair then he gradually laughed. Intrigued, Varis stepped away and questioned him with his three eyes.

“I have to finish your hair.”

“Yes indeed. Common love, I need to be the prettiest in the battlefield.”