Chapter 854: Brain And Jarvis Jr

Above the skies of Veyra, Edward flew farther and farther away from the Grand Forum, Layla held securely against his chest.

The amphitheater shrank behind them, its grand white architecture and terraces becoming smaller with every passing second. From this height, the crowd that had gathered for the Saintess reveal looked almost unreal, a sea of distant movement beneath the bright sky.

Elizabeth and Alvara followed close behind.

Elizabeth carried Alvara through the air by the arm. Alvara looked completely unbothered by the height or the speed, her flower shaped umbrella resting lazily in her free hand.

"The airship is down there, Honey," Layla said, pointing toward the back garden of a nearby house.

Edward lowered his gaze.

The small Utopian airship had landed behind the property, though calling it hidden would have been generous. A family of four stood in the garden, the parents keeping close to their two children as they stared at the strange vessel with open confusion.

"Very inconspicuous," Edward said quietly.

"We did not have much of a choice, Honey," Layla replied. "You jumped out with Elizabeth and started a killing spree on their airship. You told Alvara and me to wait."

After Edward had leapt from the ship to deal with the pirates, he had ordered Layla and Alvara to wait. He had not actually asked either of them to follow him into the Grand Forum afterward. Yet Layla had seen him heading toward the ceremony and naturally chosen to go along. Alvara had followed as well, though she would never have admitted that she had been curious about what Edward intended to do.

"If you wish to complain, my love, complain to the two nuisances hovering around you," Alvara said quietly.

Edward gave no response.

Instead, he began descending.

The others followed, and the four of them landed behind the family with barely a sound.

"Kyaa!"

The mother screamed the instant she turned around and saw four unfamiliar people appear in the garden. She pulled both children behind her, shielding them with her body, while her husband stepped forward with a trembling glare.

"W-What do you want?" he asked.

"Silence," Edward replied without sparing him a glance.

He walked calmly past them toward the airship.

The vessel was small by Utopian standards, practical rather than luxurious. Edward had not wanted anything extravagant. Even so, the sight of it had drawn the attention of pirate ships during their journey.

Perhaps the pirates simply could not resist when they spotted three beauties capable of turning entire worlds silent standing upon the deck.

"Sorry for the bother, little family," Layla said with a sweet smile. "We will be taking the ship and leaving shortly."

Before the parents could respond, Alvara and Elizabeth joined Edward on the deck in a smooth leap.

The two children, however, could only stare at them in awe.

"Wow..." The boy whispered.

The girl nodded rapidly, too stunned to say anything else.

Edward landed on the deck and paused.

Then a voice greeted him.

[Welcome back aboard, Master.]

Another voice immediately followed.

(Master, before you take me as responsible, Brain was the one who selected this location to park the airship.)

[The closest secure location with the smallest number of onlookers.]

(A house’s backyard? Very intelligent of you, Brain.)

[I believe this is what humans call the pot calling the kettle black, Jarvis. You proposed parking directly above the Crown Terrace.]

(It would have been spectacular. Master looked extremely cool in the broadcast images. I saved every single one. If Master wishes, he may view and admire himself later.)

Edward stopped walking.

He glanced slowly over his shoulder at the two noisy creatures following them.

They were small humanoid robots, hovering just above the deck. One was gold and displayed a wide smiling emoji across its screen. That one was Jarvis Jr. The other was black, its screen showing a neutral expression that rarely changed. That was Brain.

They were two systems similar to Jarvis, created and incorporated for Edward by Cleenah.

Parting gifts, perhaps.

They were not entirely useless.

But they were noisy.

"Honestly, my love, you should throw those nuisances away," Alvara said.

[Princess Alvara, please inform me what I can change to improve myself for Master and yourself. Shall I prepare a date plan for you and Master in a specific location within Edenis Raphiel?]

Alvara paused.

Then her golden eyes shifted toward the little black robot.

"Hm. You already sound more useful," she said. "My love, keep this one. Throw the other away."

(That is cruel, Princess Alvara! I can do just as much!)

"Do not listen to Freydis," Layla said with a warm smile.

She crouched slightly and stroked the top of Jarvis Jr’s golden head. The little robot’s screen immediately changed into a hopeful expression.

"You are doing very well."

Then Layla leaned closer and lowered her voice into a whisper.

"Where are you with the latest compilation of my nights with Honey?"

(Working on it, Princess Layla. It will be finished within one week. Top quality visuals and sound included.)

"Good," Layla replied with a pleased giggle before walking away.

Alvara had heard every word.

A look of open disgust crossed her face.

"You are such a vile woman," she said.

"Thank you for the compliment," Layla answered, waving her hand without looking back.

She followed Edward and Elizabeth into the airship’s interior.

"Get us off the ground already," Edward’s voice echoed from inside.

[Understood, Master.]

(Preparing departure. Please secure yourselves and avoid standing dramatically near open doors this time, Master.)

Edward did not respond.

The engines below the deck began to hum. A soft vibration ran through the small airship as Jarvis Jr and Brain activated the systems. Within seconds, the vessel lifted from the garden and rose into the open sky.

Below, the family watched in stunned silence as the strange airship disappeared above the rooftops.

Edward entered the airship and made his way through the corridor toward his cabin.

The room was far wider than the rest of the vessel’s interior, furnished with a large bed, deep armchairs, a low table, and tall windows overlooking the open sky. The soft hum of the engines filled the silence as the airship moved farther from Veyra.

Without speaking, Edward stepped inside and began removing his bloodied shirt.

The cloth had dried against his skin in dark patches. He pulled it over his head and let it fall to the floor without a second thought.

Layla followed him into the cabin and immediately threw herself onto the bed with a relaxed sigh. She lay on her back for a moment before turning her head toward him, openly watching as he undressed.

"God, Honey," she said with a soft giggle. "What happened back there? I did not expect you to simply fly down and interrupt their grand reveal."

"I thought you only wanted to speak with someone, my love," Alvara added.

She entered behind Layla and took a seat in one of the comfortable armchairs. Crossing one leg over the other, she leaned back and closed her flower shaped umbrella with a quiet click.

Edward did not look at either of them.

"They looked too happy with themselves," he replied simply.

He discarded his blood stained shirt completely, leaving his upper body bare.

At first, he had not intended to interrupt anything. He had only wanted to meet one of Edenis Raphiel’s rulers and demand answers for Utopia’s exclusion. But the pirate airship had already irritated him after a long tiring week. Then, while fighting them in the sky, he had heard the applause and cheers rising from the Grand Forum below.

The sound of people celebrating their unity had rubbed him the wrong way as well.

So he had changed his plans.

"Good Lord, Honey," Layla laughed softly.

Her eyes traveled over Edward’s pale, perfectly toned body with shameless appreciation. His skin looked smooth and unmarked despite everything that had happened. There was not a single blemish across him except the faint traces of redness.

"Darling."

Elizabeth approached from behind.

Before Edward could turn fully toward her, she pushed him back. Yet he caught her easily, wrapping an arm around her waist as he sat down on the edge of the bed and pulled her along with him.

Elizabeth settled onto his lap without hesitation.

Her nails pressed lightly into his shoulders as she smiled down at him. Then she leaned forward, her fangs sinking into the side of his neck.

Edward’s eye twitched briefly at the sharp sting.

Still, he pulled her closer, one arm securely around her back while the other moved slowly through her dark hair. He allowed her to drink, his expression remaining calm even as Elizabeth shuddered faintly against him.

"I thought you would want to meet my brother at least, Honey," Layla said.

She had shifted onto her side, resting her head against one hand as she watched Elizabeth feed with a faint smile.

"We will meet later," Edward replied.

(Master, Princess Alicia and young Princess Levina were present in the Crown Terrace as well.)

Edward’s gaze shifted toward the small golden robot hovering near the door.

"I will see them later. Send Alicia Belle’s location."

(Understood, Master.)

[Should I assume our destination is Clover, Master?]

"Yeah," Edward answered.

His words ended in a quiet grunt as Elizabeth held onto him more tightly. She pressed him back against the bed, drinking more deeply while her crimson eyes fluttered shut in clear exhilaration.

Edward simply lay back, his arms spread across the sheets as he stared toward the ceiling.

"What about the two of you?" He asked. "I told you that you could see your families if you wished."

"I am fine," Layla replied with a soft smile. "My brother has a wife now. He has grown up a lot."

There was warmth in her voice, though she did not look especially eager to interrupt this journey simply to visit him. Layla knew John had his own life now, one that did not need her constantly watching over him.

"I will see mine later," Alvara said.

She spoke casually, though her golden gaze flickered toward the window for the briefest moment.

"My mother told me where they would be staying. They are not leaving Edenis Raphiel right away."

Edward nodded slightly.

Then his hand returned to Elizabeth’s hair.

"What about you, Elizabeth?"

"Mmh~"

Elizabeth answered with a muffled sound, her body trembling faintly as Edward’s blood filled her. The crimson in her eyes pulsed with exhilaration, and the blood mist around her began to gather in thin, soft strands near the bed.

"Elizabeth," Edward repeated.

This time, she finally pulled back.

Fresh blood trailed from the corner of her lips. She licked it away slowly before looking down at him with a soft, curious expression.

"What is it, Darling?"

"Would you not want to meet Priscilla and Selene?" Edward asked.

Elizabeth’s expression cooled.

"They are not related to me," she replied.

Her voice carried a faint edge as she remained seated on his lap.

"They are not," Edward agreed. "But I doubt you feel nothing toward them."

Duncan and Claudia had been far from supportive grandparents. If anything, they had made Elizabeth’s life more difficult. Yet Priscilla had been different. She had been the closest thing Elizabeth had ever possessed to a true mother figure following her mother’s death.

And Selene had been her twin sister in her last incarnation.

Even if those bonds belonged to one of Elizabeth’s countless incarnations, they should still have remained somewhere in her memories. The emotions might have changed with time, and the Elizabeth sitting before him was not entirely the same person who had lived that life.

But Edward doubted those connections had disappeared completely.

Elizabeth reached up and placed one pale hand against Edward’s cheek.

Her crimson eyes softened as she looked down at him.

"You are the only one who matters, Darling."

Then she leaned closer and pressed her lips against his.

Edward returned the kiss without hesitation. His arms wrapped around her back, holding her securely against him as Elizabeth’s fingers slid lightly through his silver hair.

"My love, at least take a bath before doing this," Alvara’s voice came from nearby. "You still reek of blood."

Layla, who remained stretched out across the bed, rolled her eyes.

"So jealous."

"I expect nothing less from someone as perverted as you," Alvara scoffed. "Watching others without shame."

"Look how cruel Freydis is toward me, Honey," Layla said, pouting with exaggerated sadness.

Edward finally pulled back from Elizabeth.

He rose from the edge of the bed, and Elizabeth remained seated for a moment, watching him with a faint frown. Edward lifted one hand and brushed his fingers gently against her cheek.

"Go back to Utopia."

Elizabeth’s expression immediately changed.

"Already?" She asked, narrowing her eyes.

"We have spent enough time together this past week," Edward replied. "I need you in Utopia. Stay there and protect the Holy Tree and Freya for me."

"I do not want to leave you, Darling."

"I will come whenever I can," Edward said. "But I need to know that Utopia is fine while I am attending the academy."

Elizabeth remained silent.

Her crimson eyes searched Edward’s face, as though trying to decide whether she could argue further. Then, rather than answering, she leaned forward and kissed him again.

This kiss was deeper than the first.

Edward could taste his own blood on her lips, still fresh from where she had fed from him moments ago. Elizabeth held him tightly for several seconds before finally pulling away.

"I will wait, Darling," she said.

Her tone was soft.

But it sounded almost like a warning.

Edward understood perfectly. If he did not return often enough, Elizabeth would not simply remain in Utopia and wait patiently forever.

She stepped away from him, her dark purple hair trailing behind her as she headed toward the cabin door.

"Goodbye, Beth," Layla waved her hand with a smile.

"Don’t go on a blood spree there," Alvara said with a stare.

"You better be useful for Darling," Elizabeth said with a cold look to both of them and walked off.

"Brain," Edward called, watching her leave.

[Master.]

"Are there enough supplies of my blood in Elyen Kiora?"

[There are sufficient reserves, Master.]

Edward gave a slight nod.

Layla rose from the bed and came to stand beside him, leaning lightly against his shoulder.

"You are worried about Elizabeth, are you not?" She asked.

"She will have to stay away from me for days," Edward replied. "Repeatedly."

"Your blood helps keep her under control," Layla said gently. "She will be fine. She also has her two blood puppets watching over her."

"Yeah," Edward replied quietly.

"Taking her into the academy was never an option, my love," Alvara added as well.

"There was never any doubt about it," Edward answered. "The fact that she accepted it is already enough."

It had taken time to convince Elizabeth.

She had not liked the idea at all of Edward attending the Holy Academy without her. She had hated the thought of being separated from him while he entered an unfamiliar place filled with powerful people, possible enemies, and women she did not know.

Still, in the end, she had agreed.

Edward stood, clearly preparing to head toward the bathroom.

"I will help you, Honey. Oh!"

Layla started to follow him, but a vine suddenly curled around her wrist and pulled her backward.

"Get off him already," Alvara said with a grimace.

Layla pouted.

Then a small flicker of flame appeared around her hand. The vine burned away in seconds, turning into ash that scattered across the floor.

"You are so possessive, Freydis," Layla complained.

"And you have no restraint," Alvara replied.

Layla gave Edward one last look before turning away.

"Rest well, Honey."

Edward did not answer. He only watched the two women leave the cabin before heading toward the bathroom himself.

Outside, Layla and Alvara walked down the wide corridor together.

"Do not try sneaking into Honey’s room," Layla said. "He needs rest."

Alvara gave her a small sneer.

"Very funny."

"Do not act like a saint, Freydis," Layla continued, her smile becoming mischievous. "I know you are the quiet type who becomes loud once the bedroom door closes."

Alvara stopped walking for half a second.

Then she turned toward Layla with a cold glare.

The faint flush rising to her cheeks betrayed her.

"I hope you did not dare spy on us."

"Never," Layla replied at once, raising both hands in innocent surrender. "I respect your privacy."

Her lips curled into a wider smile.

"But I can hear your voice even from outside. Elves are very sensitive, are they not?"

Alvara’s golden eyes narrowed.

Then she smiled back.

It was a beautiful smile.

There was no warmth in it.

"I truly wonder what my love sees in you," Alvara said calmly. "Hopefully, one day, he will finally open his eyes."

"Honey fell in love with a racist woman who hates every other races," Layla giggled. "Do not expect him to leave me for any reason."

"Oh, goodness," Alvara sighed. "You are such a fine example to stand beside my love, are you not?"

"I am, of course," Layla replied with bright confidence.

For a few seconds, both women continued smiling at each other.

Neither expression held the smallest trace of warmth.

Eventually, they reached the point where the corridor split in two directions.

Layla stopped in front of one cabin, while Alvara walked toward another.

They looked at each other one final time.

"See you, Freydis," Layla said sweetly.

"Try not to choke on your own shamelessness," Alvara replied.

Layla giggled.

"Try not to cry too loudly when Honey finally visits you."

Alvara’s eyes flashed.

Layla quickly slipped into her room and shut the door before Alvara could reply.

For several seconds, Alvara remained standing alone in the corridor, her fingers tightening around the handle of her flower shaped umbrella.

Then she exhaled slowly.

A cold smile appeared on her lips before she entered her own cabin and shut the door behind her.