The Extra is a Cult Leader
Chapter 36: Time to go

Chapter 36: Time to go

In the great marble hall of Eldranor, Ethan leaned back on the white throne that was now his by right. The glow of blue mana lines traced along the walls, casting gentle shadows that gave the room an almost solemn calm.

Sinnon, sitting on the railing of the staircase leading up to the throne, raised an eyebrow as he watched Ethan review a few scrolls handed to him by the younger cult members.

"To think that the boy I found in a ravine would end up sitting on a throne, giving orders," remarked the vampire, his tone mixing sarcasm with a hint of veiled approval.

Ethan didn’t lift his gaze from the papers, only let the corner of his mouth curve slightly. "If I didn’t know you better, I’d almost think you sound pleased, Sinnon."

"Don’t mistake boredom for satisfaction." Sinnon uncrossed his arms, his reddish eyes following Ethan’s movements. "But I admit, you’re doing better than I expected."

Before Ethan could reply, delicate footsteps echoed through the hall. Aeris walked in slowly, dressed in church robes, her face slightly flushed. Her eyes sought Ethan’s, hesitant, before quickly darting away. It was impossible not to notice the nervousness that had lingered since... that night.

Sinnon let out a low chuckle as he glanced sideways at Ethan. "Much better than I expected."

"Shut up," Aeris whispered, her voice softer than ever, but Ethan caught it.

"It’s alright," Ethan said, his tone serene, almost amused. "Aeris, come here."

She obeyed, stopping a few steps from the throne, her head slightly bowed. The silence between them was broken by a sharper sound: Sylfie approaching, arms crossed and her gaze as sharp as always.

"I see you’ve been enjoying yourselves," she shot out bluntly. There was irony in her voice, but also a mix of curiosity and mistrust.

"It always makes me glad to see you so direct, Sylfie," Ethan replied with a restrained smile. "But we have more important things to discuss."

She frowned slightly but didn’t argue. Instead, she stayed there, firm, observing their gestures as if trying to figure out what had truly changed between Ethan and Aeris.

Sinnon, on the other hand, seemed amused by the tension. "Only youngsters like you would care so much about these things. I bet everyone’s already noticed."

Aeris blushed even deeper, her hands gripping the sleeves of her robe. Ethan, however, remained calm, shifting the subject naturally. "Sinnon, have the latest reports on the castle’s mana lines been reviewed?"

"They have," the vampire answered, idly spinning a ring on his finger. "Everything’s normal, as always."

"Good." Ethan turned to Sylfie. "And what about the permissions for entering the barrier?"

"They’re working. But I still think it’s risky to open it too much by bringing in more cult members right now," she replied, bluntly.

"I trust we’ll know how to control who comes and goes," Ethan affirmed without hesitation.

The atmosphere, which had started out tense, softened slightly. Aeris, though still shy, seemed relieved to see Ethan handling everything so confidently. Sylfie, still wary, continued to watch silently. Sinnon, unchanged as ever, appeared quietly entertained by it all.

Ethan rose from the throne and walked over to the balcony, from where he could see much of Eldranor. The ancient buildings, slowly being restored, were gaining new life under his leadership. "We have much ahead of us," he said, more to himself, but loud enough for everyone to hear.

Sinnon, leaning against the railing, lifted his chin. "And do you really think you’ll keep all of this under your control forever, boy?"

Ethan just smiled, without answering. He knew that question hadn’t been asked expecting an answer, but rather to make him reflect on it.

And to him, the answer was yes. Not just that kingdom, but far more.

The next morning arrived cold, yet clear. The towers of Eldranor looked almost new under the gentle morning sun.

In the hall, Ethan was organizing the final details before departing. Aeris stood beside him, still visibly nervous, though trying her best to hide it. The flush on her face revealed more than any words could.

Sylfie, arms crossed and an unreadable expression, watched everything. Even though she hadn’t said anything since early morning, it was clear she wasn’t entirely comfortable with the idea of Ethan going alone to the neighboring kingdom.

"You don’t have to go," Aeris said softly. "We can send other members of the cult."

Ethan looked up and gently touched her shoulder. "Aeris, we’ve talked about this. There are things only I can do. Besides, there are plenty of other cult members there."

He had obtained an altar from the Guardian that would connect Argenne and Eldranor for better passage between the kingdoms, but only someone with divine energy could activate it.

Sinnon, standing near the columns, let out a low grunt. "Always so heroic, boy. If I were you, I’d let others handle their own problems."

"And that’s why you’re always bored," Ethan retorted, his tone unchanged.

The vampire chuckled, amused. "Better bored than dealing with needless headaches."

Sylfie stepped closer, her footsteps echoing over the marble. "How long will it take?"

"Hard to say," Ethan replied. "Maybe a few days. Maybe weeks. Depends on how things are over there."

She looked away, as if she didn’t want to admit any concern. "Then take care."

For a moment, silence filled the hall. Ethan looked at them both. Aeris, the devoted priestess, now his lover. Sylfie, the ever-watchful archer, whom he knew he’d need to focus on more in the future.

And Sinnon... well, Sinnon would remain Sinnon. He’d never truly become an ally, let alone a lover. But it was already enough that he had stayed this long.

"I leave Eldranor in your hands," Ethan said. "I’ll return through the altar, so I might appear when you least expect it."

"Yes, Ethan," Aeris murmured, calmer after hearing that.

"Understood," Sylfie added, crossing her arms again.

Ethan turned to face the mana barrier shining in the distance beyond the kingdom.

He took a deep breath. Then felt a hand gently grasp his sleeve, it was Aeris.

"Come back," she asked, her gaze timid but firm.

Ethan didn’t say anything out loud, just smiled at her, but the way he laid his hand over hers made his answer clear. Sylfie watched silently, her lips pressing into a line that was hard to read.

"Time to go," Ethan said, gently letting go of Aeris’s hand.