Amancio knelt before Luciano and placed his hand on his chest in a solemn salute. The weight of his words held a certain ring to them. He appeared to tell the truth.

Luciano glanced at Flavia. The woman was scared out of her wits, shivering beneath their gazes. Flavia, who once held herself with grace, was reduced to such a state.

“Hiii,” only the sound of her frightened voice broke the thin air.

“Amancio, there are some things you are best to avoid meddling in. But in reward. Embrace this woman from now on.”

Amancio, still red in the face, stuttered. He looked alternatingly between Luciano and Flavia, unsure of where to cast his gaze.

“No! Absolutely not! How could I, a noble, be embraced by him!” The woman screeched in her high-pitched voice.

To think that she would still complain. Luciano glared down at her. “Flavia, I’ll let you choose. Sixty-seven people… or Amancio.”

“That’s… sixty-seven people is… I wouldn’t be able to. I’ll choose Amancio.”

“Remember these words. You are never allowed to refuse this man. If you refuse, I’ll kill you.”

Luciano glanced from the pale Flavia to Amancio and thoughtfully grinded his teeth against his cheek. The iciest arc grew on his lips.

“Amancio, embracing this woman is a testament of her loyalty to me, and to Serrat.”

Amancio’s Adam’s apple bobbed up and down as he gulped.

“Demonstrate your loyalty to me and your country, every day.”

“Everyday, I, with Lady Flavia…”

As Amancio quieted, Flavia took the chance to perhaps change her cruel fate. “If that’s the case, then I’ll pick sixty-seven people!”

“It’s too late,” Luciano said. The edge of his mouth lifted like a falcon. There was some semblance of joy to be had to see this woman begging in such a manner.

“Amancio, this woman is yours now. From this moment onwards, vowed for eternity.”

“Luciano, what did you say?!” Flavia screeched.

Looking at the screaming woman, Luciano sat relaxedly down in a chair by the window, his head gently resting on his hand.

“Don’t joke! I didn’t even let my husband kiss me; you know! For you!”

Luciano held his eye in front of his hand. It was a position that, in Serrat, signified consent. “You’re free to do as you please.”

“No! No… no!!! Don’t look at me! Don’t touch me! Creep, let go!”

Soon after, the moans of beasts could be heard. The savage act that followed was a predator hunting its prey, who could do nothing but yield to the stronger being.

Against the background of the obscene wet sounds, Luciano looked out the window. The night held a moon, clearly outlined and visible from within the clouds. But tomorrow, it would be a moonless night. The sky would be full of stars.

… I’ll erase all the stars. Father, Mother… Mileia.