Kihet felt he’d forgotten something as Martha led him out from the palace gates and into Xu’s capital. He couldn’t put a finger on it and decided it was best to think about it when it mattered.

To avoid attention, Kihet was given a headband with fake horns. His hair was long enough to cover the band as two tiny crimson horns stuck out. Right now, he looked no different from a Devil aside from his lack of long ears, but most people who looked at him didn’t noticed.

He felt claustrophobic as he entered the crowd and felt the need to immediately return to the palace. After Martha hooked her arm around his and put themselves close, that feeling of anxiousness vanished. Rather, it was replaced by cautiousness as passing citizens had gazes mixed with hostility. They mostly came from male adventurers.

Not knowing it was merely jealousy, Kihet returned their gazes with triple the hostility. Individuals immediately backed off.

Martha snickered, softening her face into a smile after noticing it. Her broken horn was a sign of ugliness in Xu, but the fact people around her showed envy was something she could brag about. She pushed up against Kihet’s arm and dragged him along.

Knowing how unpredictable Kihet’s current state was, she didn’t want to lose sight of him. It worked as an excuse to pretend to be a couple.

“This way. C’mon, Kihet!”

Careful not to bump into any pedestrian, Martha led him through the street and into the plaza. There, Kihet heard a melody coming from another direction. An elderly audience in front of the statue earnestly listened to folktales spoken by a storyteller as music and two puppeteers operated paper dolls dancing over a mountainous background.

Like a child, he was tranced by the doll’s performance and kept his eyes on the puppets. Curiosity bubbled in his chest as he observed how puppeteers until he turned the corner into another street.

The first stop was a clothing shop for menswear. In that shop, Martha adopted a fierce expression as she picked out clothes for Kihet left and right while he stood there like a statue.

“Try this.”

Kihet shook his head.

“This?”

Again, denied with another head shake.

“What about this? I’m sure it looks good on you!”

This time, he shook his head faster. Clearly, he disliked this one the most. Martha aggressively picked more and more, some he couldn’t consider anyone sane to wear in public. Outrageous designs were forced onto him, but as time went on, Kihet kept himself on the defensive and denied the choices until they were plainer.

“Those clothes are the latest trend for men. Why didn’t you want to wear them? You would’ve looked really handsome.”

“…Embarrassing…”

Martha noticed him blush slightly as he casted his eyes down, trying to hide his face. She giggled and said, “I can’t blame you. It’s nice to see you have your own preferences too.”

“S-sorry.”

“If you’re really sorry, I’ll have you stay with me for the rest of the day. Now that I think about it, I feel like I forgot something back at the palace. But what is it?”

-You too? Something feels missing, but I really don’t remember what it was.-

“Hmm… oh well. It’s rare for me to have some time off. Let’s take it easy, okay? There’s another place I need to show you and don’t look at me with that face. I won’t force you to try more clothes and there won’t be a lot of people there.”

Turning the corner, they left the shopping district and through large wooden gate like structures with spikes on top into other districts. He later learned their purpose was to bless those who walk through them are given a blessing to ward off evil spirits. That was why there was one in between each district.

This section of the city was quieter and easier to look at. It was the residential and school district.

Nostalgia hit him as he heard a group of children reciting phrases after their teacher. He remembered him doing the same before up until the punishment that was bestowed onto him as the Elder constantly picked him to read where the class left off regularly. His friends laughed at him for being caught dozing off, but those were distant memories now.

“Say, Kihet. You mentioned you had friends that went to other countries. This might be a sensitive question, but did you happen to know if they’re still… you know, alive?”

“No.”

“O-oh… I-I’m sorry to hear that-.”

“Don’t know.”

Martha let out a sigh then narrowed her eyes at him while Kihet wondered why. Judging her expression, she was frustrated by his response. She let out a puff of air and jabbed her finger into his chest.

“This is an issue about you I want you to fix. You can’t only say one word and expect people to know what you mean. You’re going off to other countries soon and you’ll have to talk with their leaders. Communicate!”

“I know.”

“And? How are you going to improve on it?”

“I will.”

“I asked how?”

“Ngh…”

He was like a rat caught in a trap. There was no wiggle room to move away as Martha’s sharp gaze stared hard at him. Her fingers tightly wrapped around his wrist, holding him in place until he gave a proper response.

“I will… do my best and… slowly… talk more…”

“Would you look at that? Saying eight words is a new record for you. That’s the most I heard since you came back.”

“U-umm… Martha.” Kihet pointed towards the school. “We are, being watch…”

Little heads poked out of the window from the school building.

“It sounded like she was scolding him.”

“Are they having a fight?”

“I think it’s a lover’s quarrel!”

“Wooo~ Woooo~~!”

“Hey! You brats! Pay attention!” Their instructor yelled. He turned to Kihet and Martha, giving them an apologetic bow as he pushed the students to recite more lines.

“L-let’s keep going…” Martha suggested with her ears redden.

Kihet silently nodded and followed. A little past the school, they found another gate and challenged the stairs leading uphill. This time it was painted only in red to notify people they were on the path towards a place heavily religious influenced.

The populated noise from the shopping district faded out to less of a background noise as the running water from a nearby stream drowned out the sound. At the final step, a temple stood at the farthest end. Like his village, incense sticks were used as an offering to the altar at its entrance.

Sitting on the porch, a wrinkled faced ogre, an elderly woman waved at them.

“Sayuri. Is that you, my dear?”

“Baba, how are things around here?”

“It’s livelier now that you’re here. It quite unusual for you to visit in such a short time. Are you going to make one today?”

“Not today. It’s for him.”

“Oh, you found yourself a man?”

“Please spare me. If I were to marry, I wouldn’t be able to work at the Palace anymore, but…” Martha touched her cheek and looked away. “I wouldn’t oppose the idea either.”

“I see, I see! Young man, what is your name?”

“Kihet…”

“Quite the quiet one ain’t cha. Sayuri’s a nice lady. Be sure to treat her well.”

“Baba!”

“I was teasing you two, dear. Here are the materials. I’ll leave you two youngsters while I go back to work.” Cackling, the elderly woman slowly moved into the building.

“Thank you.” Martha returned a bow. “That was Baba. Everyone calls her that but it’s not her real name. She’s the landlady of this temple and maintains it with her grandchildren. Usually I’d see them, but they must’ve gone shopping. Can you move the box over?”

He moved the box beside them finding an assortment of thin bamboo strips, a roll of string and colored paper. They were crafts for an object he once found fascinating.

“Lanterns?”

“Indeed! We saw them floating together, remember? This was the place where they were being released.”

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

Her words brought back memories. During his trip in Xu from a decade ago, he saw a batch of lanterns floating above the city. It was one of the cultural experiences that struck him the most.

Following Martha’s instructions, he skillfully assembled the frame. From his experience as a curious tinkerer, this task was merely worth the challenge.

But then came the most difficult part.

Martha pushed a brush and an ink block near him. “You know what to do.”

In Xu’s culture, these sky lanterns were used to guide the dead on the path towards the beyond. Knowing how many friends and loved ones left him that day, he hesitated to pick up the brush.

“Take your time. I’ll wait.”

He could barely see where it was. His vision was blurred out by tears.

But it was a hurdle he had to overcome.

So, Kihet firmly held the brush and painted as many names he remembered. The Elder, his parents, Kridas, Shibata, Salith, Carmyn, Alam, Lemi, Elius, Draigh, Megith, Malth, Vol, Hannah, Sorah and even his own name. The reason he put his name among them was because if anything happened in the future, he would be able to go to the same place as the others.

“I’m… good. What now?”

“We set the paper over the frame, light the candle and watch it fly off.”

“During the day?”

“It just looks prettier to see during the night. It’s fine to set it whenever.”

“Oh…”

“You better bring it to the courtyard or its going to get stuck in one of those trees.”

After he carefully inserted the candle underneath, the lantern puffed up. He carried into a more opened area, and it slowly floated out of his hands and ascended into the sky.

As his gaze followed the sky lantern climb farther, the heaviness on his shoulders faded as if the lantern lifted it from him. His mind felt clearer.

His attention left the lantern when he heard continuous thumps mixed with metal clanging from the stairs.

An old warrior climbed up wearing a suit of heavy armor. It was mostly leather on the outside, but underneath was full of linked metal plates and chainmail. He carried a giant two-handed war club decorated with spikes strapped on his back.

Kihet’s disinterest only caught a glance at the old man then turned his eyes back on the sky lantern.

“Hey, Baba! Do you have the lantern sets I ordered? I’m here to pick them up.” Once he made reached the top of the stairs, he spotted Martha. “What a pleasant surprise. Sayuri, how ya been?”

“Sir Toudo? What are you doing here?”

“Bah, the usual. Escaping paperwork so I can watch the sergeant whip some greenhorns into shape. Figured before the lads see hell, I’d give them some morale with these sky lanterns, have them write their names on it or someone’s.”

“You know these lanterns mean to guide the dead on the path to the beyond, right?”

“That’d shock them when they finally find out! Pwahahaha!”

“Your prank is a bit too much.”

“But on a serious note, being a soldier in this time means to lay down your life to protect your country. They’ll feel relieved once they realized they did something they might not have a chance to do while they’re still alive. Doubles as a death warrant!”

Toudo helped himself to a spot beside her and eventually laid eyes on Kihet. He noticed the horns were fake, quickly realizing who he was and thought it was best to not question Martha about Kihet after he saw the sweet smile on her face watching him.

“What’s this? Were you teaching him how to make a sky lantern?”

“He looked like he needed one.”

“What about you?”

“I don’t need to. Not anymore.”

“I guess the person you were praying for returned.” He stroked his beard. “Your magic sure work wonders. I haven’t seen a sad soul around you for ages. Those eyes when I saw his duel against the Empress were devoid of any emotions. There’s a spark of hope in them now.”

“Yes, there is-. Wait. He duelled the Empress?!”

“Sure the Empress’ skills have grown rusty from being away from the battlefield, but he won without taking any fatal beatings.” He chided her shock. “Anyways, just keep in mind there hasn’t been events of crossbreeding with other races. You might be the first to do so.”

“Sir, that’s sexual harassment.”

“Welp, from the way you act around him, it’s not like you’re good at hiding your interest in him either.” He laughed.

“I’m someone he saved and now his caretaker… and nothing more.”

“Ah? That’s a shame. Anyway, that reminds me. Did you and pipsqueak have an argument?”

“Pipsqueak? You mean Lily? How did she end up with that nickname anyways?”

“She’s short, she whines and squeaks. I saw the Priestess back in the palace. She was furious, looking for you, saying how you left her behind. What was that about?”

“Ah!”

“Bwhahaha! I thought you’d be the last person to forget anything!”

“I just hope I can explain it to her peacefully.”

“While you think of something, I’ll give my greetings to “the important one”. I’ve been itching to have a chat with him long ago.”

“Before you do, I’d like to inform that Kihet’s mental state is currently unpredictable around unfamiliar people. I ask you will not provoke him in any manner or form.”

“You’re such a worry tart. I heard what he’s like. I’m only going to give him a push to try and break that shell of his.”

Having heard their conversation, Kihet turned Toudo’s way. They wore the same faces, trying to size up the other as they competed in a stare off for about a good minute.

“My name is Gin Toudo, one of the three heavenly Generals of Xu. I saw your duel against the Empress. Not bad. How about it? Care to go for a round against me?”

“No.”

“I got flat out rejected! I was really eager to fight after seeing you destroyed the stage.”

-Is everyone here a battle junkie?- Kihet thought as he looked at the warrior loosely let out a sigh.

“Oh well. It’s safe to assume you can take care of yourself on your journey to Vivrus. That being said and all, I demand you to explain yourself.” Once again, the sharp glare returned. “How could someone with the power to defeat those Shadows let them run rampant across the world for a decade? Do you not feel shameful for hiding while the rest of us were being terrorized?”

His voice grew more oppressive and serious.

“General!”

“Sayuri, stand down. It’s for his own good. If I do not ask, it is inevitable that someone else will. As the Empress tested his physical capabilities, I will challenge his resolve.”

Disregarding Martha’s concerns, General Toudo stood immovable and resolute with his arms crossed as if he waited for Kihet to apologize. He was a head taller- two, when including his horns. He was well-built for a Devil Folk with a thick and broad frame for his old age.

“Just so we’re clear, if you think any excuse would cut it, don’t. I can tell when a person’s lying. I will stand here all day for a satisfactory and honest answer if needed.”

Kihet saw no reason to beat around the bush and make up lame excuses. He too was disappointed in himself when he realized he sat idly in the corner of the world while the world was being overran by Shadows.

But he was angry others viewed him as a tool of salvation. When people learned of his identity, they assumed he was prepared to sacrifice everything to fulfill his duty as the Oracle. The duty of the Oracle was forced onto him. He wanted to be recognized as a person with grievances and ambitions. He was as normal as they were but forced to hold the key to save the world.

“I don’t know…”

General Toudo’s eyes sparked rage. Upon hearing a half-assed excuse, he threw a fist towards Kihet’s face.

“This person is his Highness, Prince Shibata, sacrificed his life for?! Despicable!”

A resounding thump echoed throughout the temple that could be heard by nearby schools. The tree beside the shed leaves on them while a wall the land around them sank into a small crater as Kihet caught General Toudo’s knuckles right before it pummelled his face.

“That’s enough! General, I kindly asked you to not provoke Kihet!” Martha couldn’t sit idly as she marched towards the two to dismiss a conflict that had a good chance of happening. “If you’ll excuse us, we will be returning to the Palace-.”

“Don’t. Touch. Me!”

Toudo was suddenly forced back by a strong push, sliding across the yard.

“Damn. What strength! I almost crashed into Baba’s porch.”

“I… I’m also, a person! You don’t understand, that I, was forced…! I, lost everything!”

He clawed at his face, trembling as his voice trailed off. He didn’t want to be left alone again. He was scared the voices would return.

“Kihet…?”

“So that’s the true reason. Apologies Sayuri, I lost my composure.” General Toudo loosened his hand. “Kid, has those years been the most frustrating experience you ever felt? Was it the most you felt it was the lowest of your life?”

He nodded.

General Toudo couldn’t help but looked at him pitifully. “Remember that answer whenever things get bad. You’ve already experienced the worse there is. You dove into hell and survived. To prevent that, you should do whatever you can to avoid another tragedy, you hear? You better not waste the lives sacrificed to keep you alive. Especially Prince Shibata’s.”

“Y-yeah…”

Kihet answered on an impulse. He didn’t know why but felt right to do so.

“Good! I look forward to hearing your future exploits. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll go find Baba for those lantern sets. Sayuri, you better return with him to the Palace and explain yourself to the Priestess.”

Martha nodded with a wryly smile after Kihet realized they forgot to bring Lily with them.

“We uh, forgot to bring Lily… haha…”

----------------------------------------

When they returned, it was already dark.

Lily waited for them by the table and stared at the two. Frowning, she folded her arms and tapped her foot impatiently as the two of them awkwardly took their seats in front of her in silence.

“So?”

“I’m sorry, Lily. I got too excited showing Kihet around the city.”

“You should be! I spent a lot of effort picking out a dress I wanted to wear, and I couldn’t.”

But surprisingly, Lily genuinely didn’t seem angry. Aside from the minor annoyance of her not being able to wear her dress at least. She approached Kihet, inspecting Martha’s results of improving his overall appearance. When she made her round, she pushed her weight on his back and hanged her arms over his shoulders. She gave her approval in form of a bright smile.

“Martha, I like how you cut his hair. It makes Kihet look really cool and I can see his face!”

“Seeing I tried cutting his hair they way I remembered it to be, I’m glad you liked it.”

“It kinda does look like the same style from back then.”

Seeing them gossip, Kihet couldn’t help but think the two of them were treating him like a pet. Lily caressed his head as any pet owner would to a puppy. The head pats were pleasant as drowsiness began to hit him. It was probably due fatigue built up from today’s activities.

“Lily, stop.”

“H-huh? You don’t like it?”

-Stop staring at me with those eyes.-

Kihet tossed a glance at Martha, remembering his promise to use more words. “We’ll be going… to Vivrus. Can’t act. Like that.”

“We’re not going to Vivrus yet.”

“But you will be.” Martha interrupted. “And you’ll need to behave yourself. You’re one of the Heroes, so you’ll have to act accordingly from now on.”

“I know, I know. I’ll do something about it when that happens.”

“Geez, there you go again! That’s bad habits.”

“I’m telling you it’s fine.” Lily gave a gesture that was less than acknowledging her fault. “Kihet, while you were out, big sister Miyabe swung by and asked to meet us tomorrow. We don’t know the extent of the Oracle’s abilities. I think she wanted to test theories as soon as possible.”

“But, I only recently passed off his measurements to the blacksmith. The armor commissioned for him won’t be ready for another week.” Martha said.

-When did you take my measurements?- Kihet thought.

“That’s true… I wouldn’t want him to borrow equipment from the military since the ones that aren’t used are left rusting and smelly.”

While Martha and Lily were thinking where to get Kihet a new set of equipment, he moved toward his bed. Beside the furniture was an old chest of his belongings before he previously left for Rozzosea.

Opening the lid, he discovered an important memento, a wooden bangle. He made identical pairs which he used to proposed to Sorah.

-I hope she’s alright. Whenever I get the chance to visit Sanctuary, I will.-

Carefully setting it aside, he unpacked the rest of the content; an alchemy kit, Lemi’s medical encyclopedia, miscellaneous trinkets and his old breastplate that protected his early life. Although the quality had degraded, it was not unusable. Battle scars ran along the metal plating but fortunately showed no signs of rust. Leather straps that held it together were worn, almost on the verge of snapping that could be replaced.

“Found it.”

“That could work, but I’m not confident it can offer a lot of protection.” Martha said. “Those plates went through a lot of heavy abuse.”

“Need new straps. Can fix.”

“I’ll see if we can grab some leather for you tomorrow.”

“Are you two planning to leave me behind again?”

“In my defense, you did not mention about joining us. You only said you were going to change your outfit.”

“What I meant is-!”

“Your implications after that could’ve meant anything.” Martha tossed a sharp glance towards Lily. “How long were we supposed to wait? Did you wanted us to go ahead? Where we supposed to wait next to the palace gates?”

“You could be considerate! Oh, I see. You’re trying to keep him for yourself until Kihet and I can go to Vivrus!”

“What’s wrong with that?”

Under Lily’s barrage of words, Kihet gave Martha a nudge.

“I supposed I got carried away. It’s refreshing to tease her once in a while. Anyways, you should get some rest. You have busy day tomorrow.”

“Ahem! Me as well.” Lily added.

“Naturally.”