As the chariot rolled through the grand gates, Rethrus's eyes widened at the sight before him. The palace stood majestic against the morning sky—its towering spires gleaming like polished ivory, adorned with intricate gold filigree that caught the sunlight and scattered it in dazzling patterns. Marble pillars lined the vast courtyards, where fountains danced with crystal-clear water, filling the air with a gentle, soothing melody.
The gardens surrounding the palace bloomed with vibrant flowers, their sweet fragrance mingling with the crisp, fresh air. Servants and nobles moved gracefully along the marble paths, their elegant attire reflecting the kingdom's wealth and refinement.
Despite the palace's splendor, there was an undeniable weight in the atmosphere—a mix of solemnity and expectation, as if the very stones held the secrets and burdens of the realm. Rethrus felt both awe and unease settle over him as the chariot drew closer to the grand entrance.
Inside the palace, Rethrus was greeted by soaring ceilings painted with elaborate frescoes depicting ancient legends and celestial scenes. Massive chandeliers hung from above, their crystals sparkling like captured starlight, casting a warm, golden glow across the polished marble floors.
The walls were lined with rich tapestries woven from silk and gold thread, telling stories of past kings and great battles. Ornate columns, carved with delicate motifs of vines and mythical creatures, framed wide corridors that seemed to stretch endlessly.
Soft footsteps echoed as courtiers and attendants moved gracefully through the halls, their hushed voices blending with the faint scent of incense and blooming lilies from nearby vases. The air was thick with history and the weight of countless decisions made within these walls.
Every detail spoke of power and elegance, yet beneath the beauty, Rethrus sensed the undercurrent of tension—a reminder that this was not just a home, but the heart of a kingdom fraught with challenges.
'Woah, so this is a palace. It's so beautiful and big,' Rethrus thought, eyes wide as he took in his surroundings. 'The biggest building I've ever walked in my past world was a mall.'
Suddenly, a servant approached him and gestured politely. "This way, Sir," the servant said, guiding him through the grand halls.
As they walked, Rethrus caught sight of a familiar face—a light user—whose expression was heavy with sorrow. 'Isn't that the light user? Why is he here? And why does he look so sad? Wait, is that a flower in his hand?' His face reflected a mix of curiosity and unease.
The servant stopped before a heavy, ornate door and pushed it open. Inside, Rethrus saw several familiar faces. Though confused, he stepped forward as all eyes turned to him.
"There he is," the king said with a warm smile.
Rethrus immediately knelt before him, bowing his head respectfully.
'Why are General Slade, General Chan, and Mr. Takashi here?' he wondered silently, kneeling.
"That's enough," the king said firmly. Rethrus stood, lowering his gaze and gripping his staff tightly.
"So, what's your report, General Slade?" the king asked.
Slade cleared his throat. "As I mentioned, Aurelia city has suffered a catastrophic event."
The word 'Aurelia' sent a flood of images through Rethrus's mind—Caesar's lifeless body, the destruction, the cries—but he maintained his posture, careful not to reveal his thoughts.
"There was an earthquake," Slade continued, his voice tinged with doubt. "They don't know the cause, but it must have been severe."
"An earthquake, huh?" the king repeated skeptically. "And the casualties?"
"Already handled. Thankfully, no civilians died. It seems they were prepared for what was coming," Slade replied.
"No deaths?" General Chan asked, surprised.
Rethrus felt a flicker of calm wash over him.
'Huh, earthquake, my ass,' the king muttered under his breath. "But since we have bigger problems, let's just call it an 'earthquake.'"
"And Your Majesty, do you remember Dante?"
"Yes, what about him?"
"He was found dead—struck by his own sword."
A stunned silence fell over the room. Even Rethrus couldn't hold back his shock.
"And what's the official word on that?" the king asked.
"Lord Frings hypothesizes it might have been suicide. Since no one in Aurelia could have taken him," Slade answered.
"It seems he finally listened to the voices," Takashi remarked quietly.
The king simply nodded.
Rethrus's mind was unstable; he never thought it would cause such great casualties. Images started floating through his mind.
'Damn it, am I that wrong? Is saving Xiaolan not the right choice? Should we have found another way? Damn it, damn it, damn it,' Rethrus thought uncontrollably.
"Rethrus! Rethrus!" a voice called, pulling him from his deep thoughts.
"Hmmmm?" Rethrus said, looking up. All eyes were on him, and the tension weighed heavily on his mind.
"Where were you when all this happened?" the king asked.
Rethrus stayed composed and relaxed his mind for a moment before answering.
"I just wandered the city, then left and stayed in some villages along the way."
"I've heard you cleared two high-ranked dungeons in one day," Slade added.
"Oh, he did?" the king said with a smile.
"Uhm, yes, Your Majesty. I kind of used the money to travel and eat some expensive food along the way," Rethrus answered.
The king laughed. "You're still a kid after all. I'm glad you're okay, but next time, we should know where you are for your own safety."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"I guess that's all for today, Slade, you may leave."
Slade bowed and exited the scene.
"And Rethrus!"
"Yes, Your Majesty?"
"General Chan and Takashi have something to tell you."
Outside, the three walked through the palace's beautiful garden, the scent of blooming flowers filling the air.
"So it seems the two of you have already bonded through your journey," General Chan said, smiling.
"Yes," Takashi replied. "Rethrus seems mature for his age. He understands some of my notions and even my humor throughout our travels."
"Well, nonetheless, he's gonna be the greatest piece in our arsenal," Chan added proudly.
"Yes, he is," Takashi confirmed.
Rethrus smiled awkwardly. "I... really don't know what to say. Thank you, I guess." 'Damn, they don't have to glaze me like that,' he thought.
The two men laughed, and General Chan ruffled Rethrus's hair.
"Anyway, I'm here to tell you that the king wants you to be part of my family."
Takashi and Rethrus were shocked by the announcement.
"Why?" Rethrus asked.
"The princess is now open for marriage."
Takashi already understood the implication and exchanged a meaningful look with Rethrus.
"Since it's our culture that only those born into or part of a high-status family can court the princess, the king wants you to participate in courting her," Chan explained.
Hearing this, Rethrus remembered Jasper's earlier expression—sad and tired.
'Damn, I bet the princess is very hard to get,' he thought. Then, pointing to his face, he asked, "But I mean, look at me. Do you really think she'd want someone like me?"
Chan laughed. "Come on, it's not all about looks."
'Says the man with those looks', Rethrus and Takashi thought in unison.
"But why?" Rethrus pressed.
"You're smart. I knew you already had an idea why," Chan answered with a knowing smile.
Rethrus just nodded.
"Welp, I guess that's it. I have to leave you two—being a general does come with a lot on my plate," Chan said, winking at them before heading off on his own path.
The two were left walking, conversing about what had been happening.
"So, how's the search for your lost memory going?" Mr. Takashi asked.
"About that," Rethrus said, stopping in his tracks.
At that moment, Rethrus began recounting to Mr. Takashi exactly what had happened. He acted out every scenario in detail, and time flew by as their conversation continued. Throughout it all, Mr. Takashi remained composed, showing no exaggerated reaction.
"And then Xiaolan and I arrived earlier by chariot," Rethrus finished the story.
"Hmm," Mr. Takashi said, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "It seems you started a war between the two, huh?"
"I didn't—" Rethrus hesitated. "I may have indirectly started one, but I didn't kill the dwarf, and I didn't—"
"Shhhh," Takashi interrupted gently. "Sometimes the best thing to do is take accountability for our actions to become better. You didn't kill the dwarf, yet your companion, whom you paid, did it—and you didn't object."
Rethrus bowed his head, listening intently.
"What you did isn't about right or wrong, is it? It's about you and your purpose," Takashi continued. "Even with uncertainty, you still gambled the lives of others just to learn the truth."
Rethrus remained silent, absorbing Takashi's words.
"You're remarkable, no doubt about that. But your determination, your sacrifice of every life there for a little girl—that's something," Takashi smiled. "What you did was good, Rethrus."
"But I started a senseless war," Rethrus murmured.
"All wars are senseless, and the life of the girl you saved is as precious as those lost on the battlefield. Don't think too much about it. You were born to conquer, not to be a saint. What you did is the start of your conquest."
"And what are you going to do, knowing these kinds of things exist here in Starglade?"
"Hmm? What do you mean?" Takashi asked.
"Would you tell the king about Lord Frings' hobby? It's prohibited, right?"
"No," Takashi answered.
Rethrus was shocked. After all he had been through to save the girl, it felt like he was just handing a pet back to its owner.
"Rethrus," Takashi said as they continued walking, "do you believe that in this generation, both of our countries will ever be completely at peace?"
"No."
"Yes, you're right. As long as people experience cruelty in their lives, they will bear hatred until the end—and somehow pass it on to the next generation." Takashi looked up at the sky.
"The king knows this. Everyone at the top knows this. Even you know this," Takashi said, turning to Rethrus. Then he spoke again, "Do you think the same scenario with Xiaolan isn't happening in one of these big houses here?"
Hearing this, a sudden realization woke Rethrus.
"This practice has existed for a long time. It may be against the law, but that doesn't stop people from doing these things. It exists here and even in Avaloria. If I tell the king, it might only increase tensions—especially with bigger problems looming."
"But what about the other kids?" Rethrus asked.
"What? You're going to spend your life saving them one by one?" Takashi asked, incredulous.
Rethrus was shocked.
"Some cultures stay, not because they're right, but because the people doing it have the power to be king. You really think the king believes the earthquake incident in Aurelia?"
Then Rethrus remembered how the king reacted earlier to the news Slade gave him.
"The world has always been like this. You manipulated two families into war just to save a girl—that's heroic, I guess? but you're not the only one who's done it," Takashi said, placing a hand on Rethrus's shoulder. "So just let it go."