Kieran stepped out of the jet, his boots landing on the asphalt with a soft thud. He paused, just to glance back at the sleek, humming machine behind him.
The jet looked like something pulled straight from a fantasy novel– extraordinary, unreal. It never stopped amazing him how something so massive, all wires and metal, could stay in the air, cutting the clouds like a bird of prey. The whole idea of flight felt like it should be impossible. But then again, so did the concept of a phone.
Whenever he saw foreign inventions, he couldn't help but marvel at how far the free world had come.
'All good, Kieran?' the man who flew the jet asked, sticking his head out of the cockpit window.
'Yep, thanks, Martin. Just admiring the jet. Even after all this time I've known you, I still can't believe you can control this thing.'
'Look at ya, still starin' wide-eyed at 'er. She's a beautiful piece of technology, I know,' Martin chuckled. 'When I see ya like this, I think of a kid ridin' a bike for the first time. Man, I woulda thought the powerful second-in-command of this darn country would be harder to impress!'
'Haha… Well, even I don't get to fly around the world like you do.'
I wonder what it's like to be Martin, Kieran thought. Freer than me, with hardly any responsibilities. Bet he's the happiest guy in Laurelian.
Martin's grin didn't fade, but he cast Kieran a sideways glance– the kind that whispered, I know what you're thinking. But Martin wasn't the type to say it out loud.
'Eh,' Martin said with a shrug. 'Flying's nice and all, but I still gotta take orders from you fancy officials. Can't exactly do flips above the palace, can I?'
Kieran laughed quietly. 'Would be cool if you could, though. I can imagine the headlines in the newspapers! Massive unknown metal object shoots through the skies at unheard of speeds, citizens shocked.'
'Nah, my head'd be off my neck faster than lightning,' Martin replied. After a pause, his tone softened. 'But I get it. That feeling like you could do what you wanted without fear of them royal decrees. You won't find it anywhere but up there. Ever thought of just ditching?' he joked.
Kieran glanced up at the dawn sky. There was no sign of the nearby towns, yet he felt tethered to them, as if some invisible thread connected them all. The thought of leaving Laurelian entirely felt... off. It wasn't that he couldn't– it just felt wrong.
How could I abandon everyone? They need me.
I want to be the face of Laurelian's kindness. I want them to know someone out there cares– because to me, they're people. Not numbers on a spreadsheet. Not just names on some document buried on Sora's desk.
He exhaled slowly and smiled, just a little proud.
That's why he stayed. That's why it mattered.
Because as long as someone saw them– their lives, their passions, the things they loved and hated– they'd keep holding onto happiness. Even in a place like Laurelian.
'You know I can't, Martin,' Kieran said quietly. 'Someone's got to stay. Someone has to make sure they're heard.'
Martin chuckled, and just like that, the moment was gone.
'Y'know, that's what I've always admired 'bout you. Ya got a million problems and responsibilities all the time, but you're never too busy to stop and chat. It's nice– seeing an actual human runnin' things. Not like him.'
With that, he ducked back into the cockpit, leaving Kieran alone on the runway.
He lingered for a moment, letting the wind brush against his face. Then, with a quiet breath, he turned and walked away.
—
Kieran stepped through the palace's magnificent main doors into the bright, bustling foyer. People hurried in every direction as usual. It was just after 10 a.m., and those who'd finished breakfast were already preparing for the day ahead.
'Oh, hey, Kieran!' someone called as they rushed past.
'Hi there, Miriam!' Kieran replied cheerfully. Almost immediately, a chorus of happy greetings rose up from the crowd in unison.
Kieran smiled and waved as he passed through the sea of palace staff, exchanged smiles and greetings with everyone. He knew most people here by name– maids, guards, archivists. Even the quiet librarians of the Grand Library who barely spoke a word to anyone would give him small nods.
That was the way he liked it. Neither unreachable nor feared, but a reliable, known person who always had time to listen. He enjoyed being someone everyone could reach out to, and feel heard by.
As he made his way toward the main stairs, Kieran reflected on the international assembly.
Three days of meetings. Days! Hour after hour regretting every life choice that landed me there– sitting across from the world's most powerful men and women, who're all barely pretending to be civilised.
...To be fair, I wasn't exactly being genuine either. They probably think I'm a cold, condescending bastard from the way I give them my answers, cold as Sora, every time.
Kieran strode down the hall, fighting a frown as he recalled their hungry, calculating stares.
Like he was the key to unlocking their deepest desires—a shiny prize they'd do anything to get their hands on. If they won him, they'd win Laurelian. And if they won Laurelian… they could win the world.
'For the last time, we will not join anyone,' he'd said, firm and final.
But no one was really listening. Not when a single country could tip the balance of power– just like that.
I love my job and all, but those guys seriously make me reconsider sometimes.
When he reached the landing of the third-floor staircase, a messenger stood waiting off to the side, tapping her foot impatiently.
'Sir Kieran,' she said flatly.
'Yes, Kath?' Kieran replied, flashing a bright grin.
'The King would like a word.'
Kieran's smile didn't falter.
'Of course he does! Bet he's thrilled to have me back for all that paperwork, huh? Well, I'll be on my way.'
He watched as the messenger turned and headed back to her post, then sighed.
I take back every good thing I said about his powers. The second I'm not visibly busy, he instantly knows– and gives me something to do.
Ah well. Climbing all the way up to his office will count as today's workout.
Summons from the King weren't unusual for Kieran, and he didn't really mind them. At least, not out loud. The meetings were usually short and to the point. Sora wasn't the type to waste words.
Still, Kieran always found himself smoothing down his jacket before entering. Standing a little straighter. Making sure his easy smile wouldn't fade.
Kieran liked Sora. The man was sharp, yet not malicious. Measured and particular in a way that made him want to meet his standards, not question them.
But there was something about him that couldn't be ignored. That unmistakable presence that weighed heavy on any room he entered. Like gravity itself shifted into place for him.
He probably thinks I've gotten used to it. Or he doesn't care.
Maybe Kieran was used to it. But every once in a while, the air stilled, and Sora's eyes would linger just a moment too long. And Kieran felt it– the chilling, bone-deep reminder of who, exactly, he was speaking to.
Kieran stopped outside the door to Sora's office, catching his breath.
Okay, let's see what he wants. Maybe I'll get an update on Anthony's mission?
He knocked once and let himself in.
Sora was already at his desk, pen hovering above a document. He didn't look up.
'You rang, Your Majesty?' Kieran asked, a smile tugging at his mouth as he stepped inside.
Sora's eyes flicked toward him, calm and unreadable as usual.
'You've returned. Good. The meeting went well, I assume?'
'Yep. But I think those guys are getting a bit anxious about us! I wouldn't be surprised if they all start sabotaging each other's efforts to convince us. Tensions won't be easing any time soon, I'm afraid,' Kieran answered.
'Hmm. Let them scheme. My stance won't change soon, either.' Sora paused, setting the pen down with care. 'Laurelian will remain unchanging, for as long as I rule.' He paused, then added, 'But you aren't here to listen to any more about that.'
Kieran tried not to look like he agreed with that last part.
'You have questions regarding Anthony's assignment, don't you?'
A flicker of surprise crossed Kieran's face, though really, he shouldn't have been shocked. Sora had an uncanny ability to know exactly what you were thinking.
'Based on your reaction, you do.' Sora's voice remained steady. 'They've noticed him. The rebel students overheard something he said. They're not completely certain yet, but they're watching.'
Kieran gave a small nod. 'It's happening a bit faster than expected,' he said quietly.
Already, huh? Those kids don't waste time. Can't blame them for wanting to check out someone who actually got past that draconian law.
But how's Anthony feeling about all this? Last we talked about it, he seemed a little bit… I don't know, reluctant? He didn't make it obvious, but I don't think he really has the heart to betray people he gets to know. Kinda ironic, but hey– normal human feeling. I wouldn't want to be in that position, either.
'No need to worry. Everything is going according to plan,' Sora continued. 'I estimate they'll make their move in the coming days, if they deem him trustworthy.'
'And then he's gotta figure out who's doing what, then you'll take care of it, right?'
'Yes.'
Kieran hesitated for a moment.
'...What happens to Anthony after that?' He tried to keep his tone light, but even to his own ears, it sounded careful, just a bit too uneasy.
Sora didn't answer right away. He picked up the pen again, slowly twisting the cap back on.
'That depends,' he said at last. 'On how well he plays his part. How much he learns. On whether he'll continue to be useful to me.'
"Useful. It depends." Not exactly a guarantee for his safety.
Eloquently dodging the question as always, Sora.
'Well, anyway, I bet there's a stack of paperwork waiting patiently on my desk, huh? So, is that what you called me here for?' Kieran said, pushing away his annoyance.
'Indeed. Among them are documents regarding top-secret archive files. I need you to read them and retrieve them. They are to be brought to me by four.'
'Aw, what? C'mon, Sora, isn't this what we have archivists for?'
'The files are not to be read by just anyone. I trust you more than I do the head archivist.'
Kieran couldn't help but swell with pride. Being second-in-command meant the King had to have a fair amount of trust in you, but hearing him actually say it out loud was really something.
The King's trust was not something he handed out lightly, and everyone knew it.
'Face it, my friend. You need me,' he said, grinning theatrically.
'I am not your friend. It is simply more convenient for you to do it than for me to go myself,' Sora replied coldly.
'Ouch. But I'll go, since I'm suuuuuper trustworthy. Bye!'
Kieran bounced out of the office, feeling relieved nothing too serious happened in his absence.
But the rebels are acting already? I better finish my work before Anthony comes back. Gotta check in, see how he's adjusting.
Kieran wasn't overly concerned. Yet the way everything seemed perfect– too perfect– gnawed at the edge of his mind. Just a little.