The young Kiett walked through a massive hallway filled with books. The towering bookshelves housed countless volumes of ancient stories and historical accounts. Cosette guided him, leading him to the correct section.
"Alright, if you want to learn something from us Sentinels, start with this book!" Cosette exclaimed, pulling out a blue-covered book titled "Chants of the Wanderer."
"That's a strange title, don't you think?" Kiett remarked, taking the book and feeling its silk-bound cover.
"This book will teach you things beyond what the Legion instructors have taught you in these past three years, trust me!" Cosette declared as she turned and walked toward another shelf, Kiett immediately following her.
"Tell me something… How long have you been studying this?" Kiett asked. Cosette wandered through the aisles, scanning the shelves for another book.
"I've been studying since I was ten years old, yet I still haven't advanced as much as I'd like!" Cosette admitted. Kiett's expression faltered slightly, a hint of discouragement on his face.
"Don't feel down, Kiett. Everyone must start somewhere!" Cosette reassured him as she noticed his expression.
"How can I not feel like this? The Mystic Duels are coming up, and my energy is more attuned to defense. I'm not a good swordsman!!" Kiett exclaimed. Cosette finally found the second book.
"Don't underestimate yourself. You survived that ambush in Threnafell. The duels don't matter—what matters is what happens beyond these walls!!" Cosette said, which lifted Kiett's spirits a little.
"Besides, someone must protect your reckless sister. Here, take this book too!" Cosette added, handing Kiett another book with a damaged cover. Despite its worn state, the name Akerhill could still be read on it.
"Akerhill? That ruined village?" Kiett asked, puzzled by such an unusual book.
"It was written based on ancient scrolls found in a forgotten cave. During that incident, everything was lost… except for this!" Cosette explained as Kiett observed the book carefully.
"I have to go now! I'm expected to be at the academy. Read these and practice!" Cosette exclaimed before running off. In her hurry, she bumped into a young woman carrying two stacks of books. Without even apologizing, Cosette disappeared down the corridor as the girl shouted after her, "Watch it, idiot!!"
At the Hunter's Guild Tavern…
General Joel Montecristo sat at a corner table, drinking liquor. The tavern was mostly empty, as it was still too early for the hunters to start getting drunk. Alistar entered and took a seat across from him.
"General, drunk this early?" Alistar remarked. Montecristo barely glanced at him and remained silent.
"What's wrong, Joel? You look lost. I know you're angry about what happened, but neither of us could have prevented it!" Alistar said, trying to lift his friend's spirits.
"Alistar… do you know how many lives we lost that day?" Montecristo asked solemnly. Alistar hesitated.
"Joel, what could we have done? We were ambushed—those creatures weren't supposed to be there!" Alistar responded. Montecristo downed his bottle in a single gulp and immediately ordered another. The young woman tending the tavern hurried to fetch it, but Alistar stopped her.
"How many bottles has he had already?" Alistar asked.
"This would be his eleventh bottle, sir!" the woman replied. Hearing this, Alistar turned to Montecristo with concern.
"You've had enough, Joel. Stop. You're too drunk already!" Alistar scolded. Montecristo ignored him and reached for the bottle, but Alistar ordered the waitress not to serve it.
"Leave me be, Alistar. Just let me be!" Montecristo snapped, irritation in his voice. Alistar didn't back down.
"How are your nephews doing? That young man was gravely injured. Do you even know if he's recovering?" Alistar challenged him. The question made Montecristo furious. He stood up abruptly, though he staggered from the alcohol.
"My Nephews are fine. I trained them well. I don't need to hover over them all the time!" Montecristo growled before losing his balance. Alistar caught him by the shoulder and helped him stand.
"You can't even stay on your feet. Put it all on my tab—I'll take him home!" Alistar announced. The young bartender nodded in understanding.
Back at the Library…
Kiett sat at a table, ready to read, when he was suddenly interrupted. A Legionnaire recruit approached him, accompanied by three others. Kael, the leader of the group, smirked as he spoke.
"Well, well… Looks like the kingdom's filth doesn't know its place!" Kael sneered, prompting his friends to laugh. Kiett remained silent, continuing his reading.
"How dare you ignore me, you disgusting orphan!" Kael snapped, yanking the book from Kiett's hands. Kiett's patience finally wore thin. He stood up. One of Kael's companions walked behind Kiett and shoved his stack of books to the ground.
"Give me back the book, Kael!" Kiett demanded coldly, his voice laced with warning.
"Don't call me by my name, filthy orphan! You and I were never meant to stand on equal ground!" Kael spat.
"Sir, could you please return the book?" Kiett asked, trying to avoid conflict.
"That's better. See? It's not that hard to recognize your betters!" Kael scoffed before tossing the book into the air. As Kiett reached to catch it, Kael drew his sword and struck Kiett's stomach with the pommel, sending him to his knees as he gasped for breath.
"That's your place, commoner. You shouldn't even be allowed here. You disgust me. Though your sister… well, she's much more enjoyable!" Kael taunted, a vile grin on his face.
Kiett clenched his teeth in fury, pain burning through his gut. But it wasn't the physical blow that stung the most, it was the shame, the helplessness. The fury that boiled inside him found no escape. But before he could react, a strong female voice interrupted.
"What's going on here!?"
Kael froze as he turned around—his face turned pale when he saw her.
"Y-Your Majesty!!" he stammered. It was Princess Sonia.
"Once again, I catch you tormenting this young man. I'll have to report you to the academy instructors!" Sonia warned.
"I-I'm sorry, Your Majesty! It won't happen again, I swear!" Kael pleaded as he and his companions dropped to their knees.
"Out of my sight!" Sonia commanded. The bullies fled immediately. Kiett, still on his knees, lowered his head in respect.
"Your Majesty, it is an honor to have you in the library!" Kiett said. Sonia approached him and helped him pick up his books.
"No need to trouble yourself, your highness. I'll do it!" Kiett insisted, but Sonia ignored him, gathering the books.
"Relax. I enjoy helping. I see you've been reading a lot!" Sonia remarked, genuine curiosity in her eyes as she looked at Kiett.
TO BE CONTINUED…