Book 9: Chapter Ep

Book 9: Chapter Ep

In a room of Agatas mansion

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Ninym was splayed across the bed.

Cheer up. It wasnt your fault, Wein assured her with a smile. He sat down beside her. Consoling the young woman was proving difficult this time.

I didnt help at all. In fact, I got in your way

Kamil had kidnapped Ninym, but Weins rescue team found her before she could break out. They escaped after most of Kamils staff had left for the Signing Ceremony. Wein had been hugely relieved to see Ninym safe.

I want to disappear I want to become a shell

She wasnt feeling all too glad about it, though.

Everything worked out, thanks to Wein, but

Ninyms weakness would likely trip her up in the future. Shed probably end up involving Wein as well, and realizing as much made her squirm irritably on the mattress. She was ordinarily quick to recover and return to business as usual, but her heart felt too defeated.

After Ninym was done twisting and turning, she tried to burrow under the sheets like a small, underground animal.

Hey, Ninym.

Eek!

Wein suddenly picked the girl up, sheets and all, and sat her on his lap.

Its my fault you were kidnapped, too. We both made mistakes. Lets just reflect and be glad were safe.

Mm Ninym blushed pink and gave a tiny nod.

Wein stroked her pale hair. Besides, I messed up way more than you. Youre adorably clumsy by comparison.

Now that you mention it, yeah.

Wait, you agree?

By the way, Wein, I heard something about you becoming Agatas adopted son?

This was supposed to be the part where youd cheer me up.

Wein quickly put Ninym down and tried to bolt for the door, but she snared him with the sheets.

What were you thinking?! King Owen, your actual father, is still alive!

Uh, well, it was my only way out.

Need I remind you this will be a huge problem when we get home?!

Yeah, thats why Id be really appreciative if you helped me cook up an explanation.

Ninym stretched out Weins cheeks as far as theyd go. Hahhh. Honestly Everyones going to side with Princess Falanya if you keep toying with foreign countries like this, Ninym half joked, exhausted.

Sounds perfect. Its about time Natras citizens wake up from their dream.

The prince slipped out of the sheets.

Wein?

Im going to talk with Agata for a bit. Make sure everything is ready to head home. Oh, and remind any slaves who want to come along.

With that, Wein took his leave.

Ninym pressed the sheets to her chest. They still had his warmth.

Around the time we bought up the slaves and weapons to mess with Roynock and Facrita, Wein answered. I shouldnt have been able to purchase that many. Arms are made for battle, so no one keeps a ready supply unless theyre fighting with a neighbor. Yet somehow, the northern city had plenty. In other words, someone connected to Altie believed that war would break out soon.

I see

Plus, Kamil was able to purchase all those weapons for me even though battle was supposedly on the horizon. I figured Altie had decided the threat was gone and didnt need the surplus, or Kamil had convinced the city to sell them. It was suspicious all around. You can never be too careful.

I see I already knew this, but we truly stood no chance.

Agata smiled weakly. Wein couldnt have staged the scuffle at the Gathering of the Chosen otherwise, but the Holy Elite was no less impressed. This young prince was a remarkable character.

I have a question, too. Did you know from the start that Kamil abducted Ninym?

I did recognize that he was acting strange. That was why I expressed my surprise. I was almost certain it was Kamil.

Is that what you meant?

Indeed. Agata nodded with a quiet sigh. And now here we are.

Thanks. I get it now.

Well then, I believe I have one small, final request.

Agata rose and bowed his head to Wein.

Please, forgive Kamil! the older man entreated desperately. Im an inferior substitute, but burn and boil me if you wish. To Kamil, I am the despicable person who abandoned his parents. However, to me, Kamil is a reminder of my daughters legacy. I beg of you!

Kamil had sparked Weins imperial wrath by daring to lay a hand on Ninym. There was no future for him unless Agata appeased the dragon. No matter where Kamil tried to hide, he would be burned to a crisp as soon as Wein returned to Natra. Agata believed it was his final duty to prevent this fate.

Wein wore a cheeky, sunny expression. Forgiveness, huh? And youre even begging I suppose Ive tortured him enough, and Oleom gave me the business deal I wanted. Im not mad anymore.

Really?

Ninym said she was treated well, and your input helped us rescue her during the Signing Ceremony. Shell get annoyed if I lash out at anyone else.

Wein clearly wasnt lying. Agata let out an instinctive sigh of relief.

But Ill kill you next time and turn Ulbeth to ash. Dont forget that.

That was no fib either. The East Representative felt a chill course down his spine.

Oh, Ill also leave you in charge of Muldu, Agata.

Thats finebut are you sure?

Yeah, I cant manage territory way out here anyway.

Weins homeland of Natra was in the far north, whereas Ulbeth resided on the coast. Unless someone had a transportation spell, it was impossible to govern both.

Besides, while I imagine you dont want to hear this from me, the Ulbeth Alliance has a rough road ahead. Altie wont be happy if Kamil doesnt make the most of his answer key, but the other three cities will grow resentful if he uses it too well. And make sure to remember that sheet will only be good for about one year.

I suppose that makes sense.

Weins answer key was based on current information. Circumstances would change as developments arose, and even Wein couldnt predict everything. It was incredible enough that hed plotted things out for an entire year.

Well put any corrections or additions you may have to good use.

Take care not to be restricted by obligations like tradition either. Stuff like that shouldnt mean ignoring a decision you know is right. Such things are no problem for me, but Im not so sure about Kamil.

At the end of the day, Kamil was a man with a strong sense of responsibility. He wouldnt abandon his duty as a representative, even if he hadnt planned on actually staying in the role. Wein wasnt certain if that moral nature was for better or worse, however.

Do your best to support your grandson in my place.

Thank you, Prince Wein. Agata gave a deep, deep bow. Kamil, Oleom, and Lejoutte I will spend what little time I have left in this world helping Ulbeths young leaders transform our country.

Wein smiled. I hope I can enjoy a hearty welcome the next time I visit, Foster Father.

Agata smiled in return and nodded. Yes. Look forward to it, my son.

And so the chaos in the Ulbeth Alliance was temporarily quelled. It was not a major disturbance in the grand scheme of the continents history. However, future historians eventually realized the immense impact Wein Salema Arbalests actions had on world events. This tumultuous era became known as the Great War of Kings.

The climax slowly inched ever close