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Shadow Guard (7)

"Ah, Blaine will be helping us. He will be able to keep the secret as he was also just recently targeted by Eldest Brother."

Blaine saluted Prince Zachary. "This humble Knight greets Prince Zachary!"

"Hello, Sir Blaine..." Prince Zachary nodded and then turned back to look at Prince Cecil.

There weren't any other people in the room besides Grey and Number 30 who were keeping watch of the three. They were standing in a corner nearby, hidden in the darkness.

They were talking with their hands.

Number 30: (Number 18, It seems your work has been difficult. You are even stopping assassination attempts almost on a daily. Make sure you take care of your health and don't be reckless.)

Grey: (I am actually having fun.)

30: (Yes, I can feel that Aura of joy oozing out from you. Make sure you keep it to a minimum.)

Grey: (Noted.)

Number 30 was one of the oldest of the Shadow Guards that were assigned to the Princes. He was wise, tall, and compassionate. He wasn't the strongest, but he was gifted in leadership. He was also considered the Father of the young Shadow Guards. He always looked out for the younger members and worried about them.

30: (I will make sure the other guards are ready for this battle.)

Grey: (I am counting on you. We must be quick and efficient.)

30: (Noted. Just don't rush too much and hurt yourself.)

Grey: (Yes, Father.)

Grey and even 18 liked to tease Number 30 from time to time. It made them feel closer to the other Shadow Guards.

30: (I am not your father!!)

His hands were moving strongly in protest.

"18, come here." Prince Cecil called out. His head was turned, eyes staring into the shadows as though he knew exactly where 18 was.

Grey quickly stepped out of the shadows and knelt down next to Prince Cecil. "Yes, Master?"

"Give this letter to the Emperor."

He didn't question it, he just took the letter before departing. Prince Cecil didn't want 18 to leave, but he was the only man he could trust. The letter was really important and had to be delivered. No other man could do the job.

"Brother."

Prince Cecil snapped out of his trance and looked up at Prince Zachary. There was an all-knowing grin on his face.

Prince Zachary had noticed how his older brother indulged Number 18. To think his stone-cold brother could feel something for another person... But unfortunately, it was toward a Shadow Guard. Forget about gender, the fates of Shadow Guards were quite cruel.

"What is it?" He seemed to see the look on Prince Zachary's face, but Prince Cecil pretended he didn't.

"Could you repeat the plan one more time? I'm not very good at tactics and stuff, so I want to make sure I understand before getting everything into place."

"Understood. I will be stationed here..."

It took three more explanations for Prince Zachary to understand the plan and his role in it. It was simple but he wanted to spend more time with his brother.

****

Grey handed the letter to the Emperor, waiting for his permission to leave. Emperor Emeron was staring at 18, wondering why such an interesting individual was not his own Shadow Guard.