“Tell me, Aaron,” Munlord Reese began as he leaned over the table. “Scharn is known for its hidden wisdom. I don’t wish to trouble you, but might I hear even a single proverb?”
We’d moved to the table that had once been so nicely made. My face flushed red as I realized that I’d probably been expected to wait. But Reese hadn’t said anything, merely ringing a small bell he pulled from his pocket, and having servants come in to clean up.
“Uh, sure,” I said, immediately facepalming in my mind. Why had I agreed to tell him something? “Um… Wisdom, yeah?”
Reese nodded, leaning in expectantly. His eyes showed a rampant curiosity, but one could expect considering he thought he was speaking to the only surviving member of a city-state like Scharn.
“The real wisdom…” I began, fumbling for words. “The real wisdom… is the friends we made along the way!” I finished confidently.
Reese leaned back in his chair, the tips of his fingers pressed together as he contemplated the nonsense I’d just spewed. “The real wisdom is the friends we made along the way…” he muttered. After an awkward minute of silence, his eyes lit up. “Yes! It makes perfect sense!”
“It does?” I asked dubiously.
Reese chuckled. “No need to test me, Aaron. I comprehend your meaning perfectly!”
“You do?”
“Of course!” he declared, jumping to his feet. “The real wisdom comes from interpersonal relationships and the struggles we have to maintain them! Friends are the strength that get us through the hard times, and if we ever need wisdom, we should seek their counsel!”
I blinked, suppressing a chuckle. How did this guy get all of that from my panicked response? I mean, he was spitting straight facts, though. I guess it’s better for people to find their answers from the simple things than to struggle with it all.
Plus, if I was going to save this world with my, ahem, “Weapon of Destiny”, then perhaps appearing as a wise and magnanimous lord would be beneficial.
I cleared my throat. “That’s… certainly one way to interpret it.”
Reese nodded. “My apologies. Of course, adages such as the one you’ve shared with me can have many meanings. These were simply my own humble understandings.” After a brief period of silence, the serious Munlord Reese returned. “Anyway, Aaron, I don’t believe anyone’s told you where we’re headed on this ship. After this rescue mission, my people were to drop off any survivors in Hesk--the nearest city-state maintaining a strong defense--and move along to the next area ravaged by the enemy. However, since we’ve managed to save a lord such as yourself, and you’re the only survivor, I’m quite certain Kyllord Savrian would like to speak with you. So, we’ll be heading to Karala, instead.”
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“Why is that important? Shouldn’t you skip heading to Hesk since I’m perfectly fit, and move to the next point? Save as many people as possible?”
The man waved a hand dismissively. “Well, between you and me,” he leaned in, speaking low, “the next area we would’ve visited anyway is a heavily Raklin-infested area. You’re of much greater value to us than those horned rindsuckers.”
I blinked in surprise. I’d only gotten a little information about each race on Semma, and the Raklin seemed like powerful allies, being tall and bulky creatures with tough hides resistant to energy weapons. I thought they’d make great frontliners. But why did it seem like Reese didn’t care for them?
“You don’t think saving a potentially strong fighting force is a good idea?”
The man laughed. “As if those dumb brutes are worth the effort to train!”
Interesting… I pondered. So there’s a strong stigma here regarding the Raklin. I wonder which of the other races are in the same position.
“In your opinion,” I said, catching the interest of the still chuckling lord. “Which of the non-human races are most valuable?”
“Chets,” he responded without hesitation. “If I had to be stuck with any of the lesser peoples, it would be the Chets. They do provide most of our harvestable resources, after all.”
“Nobody else?” I asked.
“Eh. Maybe the Konrins? They’re at least good slaves.”
What the--
I had no idea that humans here viewed the other sentient races as such… garbage. The book had said they ruled with an iron fist, but there’s a great difference between ruling and dictating. I hadn’t realized it would be so bad.
“Anyway, Schlonglord Aaron, I’m sure you wish to freshen up. And,” he winked. “A certain captain might just be waiting for you afterwards.”
“Lia?” I guessed. “Why?”
“Well… I’m told you, ahem, enjoyed her presence.”
My face turned red, and the Munlord laughed.
“Don’t worry, Aaron. Though I wouldn’t dare risk saying it to her myself, I’m sure most of the men on the ship feel the same way.”
“Well…” I started, but Reese held up a hand.
“Don’t worry about it. I’ve already assigned her to your personal guard until we meet with the Kyllord. Lord Bracchus is aware, as well, so he’ll be no trouble for you.”
“Um, alright. Where can I clean up?”
“Just follow Dick,” he responded, yelling for the big man waiting patiently out in front of the door.
I nodded to him, and he grunted a response, gesturing out the door with his baseball mitt of a hand. I began following him, and Reese called out from behind.
“And Aaron, don’t worry too much about the Scourge. I know they destroyed your home, but the Kyllord is an excellent tactician. We’ll keep you safe.”
“Yeah,” I muttered as I followed Dick out into the long hall. “You’ll protect me at the cost of countless lives, huh?”
This might’ve been a new world, and death might not have meant as much to me as it once did, knowing what I know, but that kind of sentiment still ground my gears. Nobody should have to throw their lives away. Even if you could reincarnate… there are still people you can miss.