‘A Requiem isn’t necessarily only for those who have passed. This requiem is for those who I can no longer feel.’ I recalled a line from one of my favorite works, Peaceful Demise. The book’s final line.

That line stuck with me. I couldn’t tell you why, it simply resonated with me. …I actually can, now that I really think of it. Seeing the protagonist pay respects for those who have passed while also acknowledging that they will continue to live in his soul and aren’t truly dead is beautiful. At least, that’s how I interpreted the ending.

Never mind that, I no longer have to think of that. After traveling for 3 months, I've finally arrived at the gates of my destination, 'What's that destination you may be asking?' That would be the capital of the great kingdom of Spurcius… actually, it's not that great. You know, with all the crimes and diseases running rampant. I mean, it's a pretty great kingdom, if you were a noble or had a vast amount of clout.

But unfortunately, I was of no nobility, nor did I have any clout. Fortunately, I happen to be pretty good with a sword.

'Why did I come here?'

"Why thank you for asking,I have come here to look for a job!" As I exclaimed loudly, I could feel the gaze of every local around me.

"I've just arrived at this town and I'm already being seen as a jobless bum… Nonetheless, I've come to achieve great things!" I walked past the gates of the traveler's district and then spotted a nice-looking old man selling some baked goods.

"Greetings, do you know where I could go to find…" Oh, what was it called? God, it's right at the tip of my tongue… "Ah right, the sword-"

As I was just about to say it I got cut off by the old man "You aren't from around here, are you?" He looked me up and down with a wary look in his tired eyes.

I don't look like I'm from around here with my unusual white hair and clothes, "Uh… no?" I don't know if I should be admitting that right away, since I don't want to be the target of some weird scam. I’ve yet to experience this nation’s culture or traditions, I’ve mostly been on the move nonstop.

"I see… well, you were probably going to ask about the sword set in stone, I'm guessing?" I eagerly nodded.

It is a really popular place nowadays since everyone wants to have a try at it to see if they're the rightful owner of the throne, so it was an educated guess on his part.

"Well listen, young man, you should just turn back now. Ever since a couple of days ago, no one's been allowed to get close to it.” I put my arms on my hips and puffed my chest.

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"Funny. You see, I'm not your ordinary person, I have no desire to become king. I just simply want to become the next king's right-hand man because, you know, I'm sure that job pays a lot of money."

He puts his fingers on his chin, "You're one interesting fellow… alright, I'll tell you how to get there, but make sure to be careful and hide that sword of yours. Anyone who is seen as suspicious immediately gets apprehended." He says as he points at my sword. I will admit, I do stand out a bit. The locals wouldn’t feel very comfortable seeing a foreigner walking around with a sword at their side, even though it's the norm for people to walk around with swords back where I’m from. The rising tensions between this nation and the bordering countries have been rising for quite some time now.

"First, have this." He handed me a dirty cloak, "I'm sorry, it's dirty but it's the best I can do." His face was confused at first, but quickly turned to shock.

"Uh, I'm so sorry! I honestly didn't mean to offend you! Please don't cry, People will start to think that I'm some belligerent old man and that'll ruin my reputation!" I let out a small chuckle as I wiped the tears off my eyes.

"Oh no, you didn't offend me… It's just… It's been a while since someone has shown me kindness." He let out a sigh of relief.

I put on the cloak. I felt warm, no chill air no longer collided with my bare arms, 'I really needed this, especially since the winter was closing in on us.'

"I'm sorry, I don't have any money right now." I tried to give it back but he put his hand up and shook his head.

"No need, this one's on the house. With old age, you start to give less attention to the cold." I asked him if he's sure and he nodded proudly.

He proceeded to hand me a loaf of bread, "But the cloak was already too much! I can't possibly accept this." He laughed and insisted.

"You said you had no money on you, right? Well, no person should be walking around on an empty stomach, don't worry about it. Not to mention, you don’t meet lads like you nowadays, finding men with big dreams and goals is a rarity. So see it as me investing in the future right-hand of the king. Pay me back when you get the job." What an odd old man, every other person who found out about my goal simply laughed at me.

"Okay, I understand. Old man, I'll make sure to remember to come back. Just make sure to not die, alright?" As I sorted my things in hurry, due to the sun’s rapid descension, he asked me one last question.

"What's your name?"

"Sebastian." He asked me if that's it, and I responded with a nod "Anyways, what's your name, old man?" I held my hand out to him.

He grabbed it and we shook hands, "Kian."

"Alright, Kian, I'll come back when I've become the next king's sword." And with a smile, I started to jog away. While looking back I see that he's waving goodbye, so I do the same.

'It actually worked.' He seemed to like me, maybe this positive attitude wasn't that bad. It certainly got a better reaction than the other acts I tried. Being self-loathing, arrogant, pessimistic and so on, didn't show good results. So maybe, I finally found the right one.

Anyways, now, we are finally at the true beginning of the tale of Sebastian. But first, I need to make my way there, 'He didn't give me any directions…'

I ended up going back, but he was nowhere to be found.

‘That was the main reason I even talked to him...' No use crying over something in the past. I'll just have to find it myself.