Book 8: Chapter Ep

Book 8: Chapter Ep

Aaah

In a room of the manor prepared for her by Cosimo, Falanya melted on to her desk like syrup.

We rushed out of Lushan to Mealtars and had to enter the city without getting caught by the army of Cavarin Im spent

The plan worked, though, replied her guard, Nanaki, from the shadows. Whats next? Are we heading back?

Ah, right I was thinking we could stay a bit longer. I wasnt able to see everything last time.

Of course, everything depended on whether Cosimo gave his consent.

Sirgis was also standing by at attention. He spoke up. Well, I shall send a letter to Prince Wein stating this.

Thank you, Sirgis, Falanya answered. Youve been a great help to me throughout this entire matter. I was right to invite you.

Youre far too kind, Sirgis returned with a respectful bow.

Falanya smiled. Ah, and that surprised me. To think you and my brother would have the same idea.

Back in Lushan, Sirgis had proposed to Falanya and Cosimo that they should interfere with the armies advance by using Mealtarss sales channels and money to buy up all surplus food in the West.

This coincidence was surprising enough, but she was shocked when he explained Weins plan, which turned out to be the same exact thing.

The two hadnt spoken beforehand, but Wein and Sirgis had come to the same conclusion using their own experiences.

My plan lacked the mediation between Princess Lowellmina and Patura. I doubt this would have worked otherwise. I could never compare to Prince Wein, who folded in the entire continent into his plan.

But now I know how much I need your counsel. I look forward to working with you further, Sirgis.

YesI shall try my best.

Sirgis then left the room to prepare the letter. Falanya noticed Nanakis eyes had remained glued to Sirgiss back.

Nanaki, do you still not trust him?

Theres no reason to.

Hmph Falanya pouted.

But he does fill a role I cant. Ill just get rid of him if he becomes a problem.

Dont say stuff like that. You have to get along.

Falanya trembled with anger, and Nanaki gave her a side glance and he continued to stare at Sirgis beyond the door.

Sirgis walked down the empty hallway.

I was abandoned by my country, betrayed by my faith, and forgotten by the world, and yet, by some twist of fate, my enemys younger sister took me in

An outsider might predict that this would make him hate Wein more and drive him to find the opportunity to kill the prince in his sleep. And this was mostly true.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

Is there a God? If so, what is He telling me to do? I dont know anymore.

In that case, he thought, Ill just follow my own heart.

There are two exceptional members of the royal family. But only one can inherit the throne. Sirgiss gaze turned west. Toward Lushan and Wein. Ill put the naive little princessmy savioron the throne whether she likes it or not. This will be my revenge. Dont you call me a coward, Wein Salema Arbalest

The large carriage rumbled down the road. Inside was the hulking boulder of a person. Gruyere, king of Soljest.

What are you moping for, Tolcheila?

Across from Gruyere sat Tolcheila, who was the size of a small pebble in comparison. Her profile was somewhat rigid as she looked out the window.

He faced his daughter. Let me guess, Tolcheila. You underestimated the princess of Natra. Are you panicking now that you can tell she has the jump on you?

! Her face twitched.

Gruyere watched her genially and pressed on. If the events in Mealtars last year were the only thing going for her, you could have claimed it was beginners luck. But now the princess has secured Sirgis as her aide, and she played a big role this time, too. Shes raining all over your parade, huh?

Dont worry. Youre my adorable daughter. Even if you end up a miserable loser, I wont say anything. Ill find you a kindhearted husband who can heal your broken heart.

Father, Tolcheila began, her eyes burning with a fiery rage. Mock me further, and I shant forgive you.

Gruyere took her fury in stride. Be angry and upset all you want; time stops for no one. If you want something, your only option is to reach for it before anyone else. So what will you do, Tolcheila? Are you going to let the beast inside you sleep forever?

Oh, this is bad, she murmured with a smile. I was just asking myself what I wish to do and what must be done to that end.

Tolcheila looked straight at her father. And the answer is shocking. My earlier statement about my greatest adversary has come trueFather, you are in the way of my desires.

Gruyer smiled once again. Does that make you sad, Tolcheila?

No, Father. I have never been more zealous.

Wonderful, Gruyere replied with heartfelt joy. In that case, I will repeat myself as well. I will be your trial from here on out. Challenge me in the name of your greed and desires

Well then, Master Felite, what shall we do about all those provisions?

Silverio held a staff in one hand. It was more like a scabbard shaped like a staff. In his other, there was a faintly luminescent blade.

It cant be

Fushto remembered a certain story, his consciousness fading. It was about one of Holy King Silverios achievements, an anecdote about how he had taken on a fortress of thieves by himself and brilliantly convinced them to open the gates. This was nothing more than a urban legend. Silverio never convinced the thieves; he just killed every single one of them.

I failed you until the very end Please forgive me, Master Tigris

With an apology to his departed master, Fushtos consciousness disappeared forever.

Its a shame.

Unbothered by the blood staining her clothes, Caldmellia knelt by the dead servant and gently closed his eyes. This gesture was filled with unmistakable sympathy for the dead.

If you had lived, we could have had more fun

Next to her, Silverio soundlessly sheathed his sword. Leaning against the sword-staff, he spoke. Mellia.

Caldmellia instantly responded to her name and faced him. Yes, Your Holiness?

That prince of Natra keeps a Flahm girl by his side, correct?

Yes. I hear Prince Wein favors her.

Look into her background, Silverio ordered. There is something about that girl. My intuition whispers to me

Understood, Caldmellia replied with neither resistance nor doubt.

Silverios word was law. That was the basis of their relationship.

Please leave everything to me. I shall do as Your Holiness commands



Wein, were finished preparing for the return trip home. We can head out tomorrow.

Super. We can finally get outta this joint.

In a room of their temporary estate, Wein and Ninym breathed a sigh of relief.

Im glad things turned out okay, but it was total chaos for a while there, Ninym noted.

No kidding. I swear Im cursed or something. When we get home, Im gonna go to a church and douse myself with holy water.

Any idea who could have cursed you?

Too many to count.

Cant argue that, Ninym said with a wry smile.

Siiiiiigh Who knows whats gonna happen trading-wise now that Ive patched things up between the Empire and Patura? I mean, there was no way around it, but I cant even sell my Imperial goods anymore

Right, our trade partners. Didnt any of the Holy Elites seem promising?

Yeah, but he died.

Besides Prince Tigris.

Nah Oh, wait. Yeah, maybe one.

Then, a knock came at the door, and a servant entered the room.

Y-Your Highness. A guest seeks an audience with you.

Who? Wein asked the frazzled man.

The Holy Elite Sir Agata.

Got it. Show him in.

The servant obeyed Wein and ushered Agata inside.

I apologize for showing up unannounced, Prince Wein.

Hey, we were both just screwed over by Caldmellia. This is nothing, Wein replied. So you mentioned something back at the round table; what do you want to discuss?

Indeed. Agata nodded. As you know, I represent the group of city-states that make up the Ulbeth Alliance. And in truth, the Alliance is on the verge of collapse.

Sorry to hear that Whats going on?

It isnt easy to explain. However, I believe this collapse is my chance.

Agata took a step forward.

I plan to take advantage of the Alliances demise and unify the cities into one nation. Prince Wein, I am here to ask for your aid

And thus, the Gathering of the Chosen drew to a close. It was quite a long one. Tigris had died. Cavarin fell into chaos. One situation triggered another. The people said not a single good thing came out of the Gathering.

Future historians would know the truth. This meeting sprouted the seeds of mayhem.

And Prince Wein was at the center of it all