Chapter 14.2: Mistaken Past, Consequential Future
[After the meeting, Kryos’s point of view]
I should have said something at the meeting, but it has already passed that opportunity so there is no point to cry over spilled milk. The only surefire way to quell this dumpster fire is getting Eugen involved in this. Heck, I have already felt the guilt that I put on him.
That “uncle” of mine, when will he cease those pointless complaints? Thank to the harsher sun, we can barely make it past this year's famine, now he demands more? Who cares if those children and women will die, what about us? If only they have kept those festive spirits more humble, they would have survived this long.
Thank Eugen’s brought in, those cumbersome rulings should have been resolved by that archangel. Those in contracts with my late father always bother me with those glamorous appeals, what is the use of it if our family has long fallen out of favor in the royalties? The only I treasure is the name that my father has given me.
Nevertheless, Mikhail has proven to be acquitted by their works; if they ever desire the throne that comes with the duty, I would gladly relinquish the phony glory of a prince of hell. With praise comes complaints, why do they lack pride so much, I have never such a timid appeal only after the meeting.
Mention of the meeting makes my blood boils, the wretched commerce has spent treasure on luxuries again. This time with the presence of my equal dares to avoid my questioning. Oh, I swear one day I will rip-
“My prince! You have been strangely silent after dragging me into the chamber.” Eugen’s sudden call breaks my line of thought. I guess that I haven’t been thinking enough before acting. Seeing he goes back to the formality like this, it’s strange to remember those days before when he was a menace in the death desert.
“Well, I was overthinking the way on our next adventure. You seem close to our little friend, did you share some intimacy with them?” Like flies in the bowl of fruit, those thoughts lingered in my mind. Eugen blushes and immediately dismisses the worried demeanor.
“We are companions. Now that our journey ended, I and Mikhail are simply friends.” Boldy answer, isn’t he? That is the answer to a flustered man. How precious, the humanity of a former human is. There are some anomalies that spiral in hell, of mortal demons retaining their humanity.
Eugen is one of them, I guess that sin hasn’t outweighed virtue, believing in some light of redemption and other goodness belief. Maybe spending time with that archangel makes him think differently, who knows? I don’t want something that only obeys my will without independent thinking, What Eugen believe doesn’t concern me, only his loyalty does.
“How dull do you think I am? I was wondering if our friend adjust to the new lifestyle, was they sulking or regret accepting the deal?” No matter how useful one does, I value loyalty over those liars that lack visible loyalty. Just my needless caution sometimes, I don’t bear any grudge against an archangel among us; just it is unsettling for someone like Mikhail to accept an abysmal deal like that.
“Please don’t make such negative assumptions about my companion like those. Even the old advisor highly treasure their presence, it’s pointless to doubt their devotion now.” Eugen completely disregards my comments. Look at the one, the bloody mercenary has fallen head over heels for sure. Someone that needless sacrifices themselves for the greater good…so that is his liking after all.
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“Fine then, it would only be fair to be joking about what we are going to face very soon after this.” I tell him about my “uncle” plans to rebel against my rule and talk about our confrontation about his wrongdoing. Heck, those mildly minimize the terror of his power. Eugen stays silent after this so there isn’t anymore converstation between us.
Time to arrange the equipment for future endeavors. A lance and an oil lamp, medicine and potions, spell scrolls and knuckles…and the two bags have been completely filled. I can’t make the teleportation spell work with any more than those we can carry. But it is pointless after all, it will be the battle where supply isn’t our first priority.
‘Collocatione’ is the highest one I can cast, I wonder how my father can teleport a small army as he has told me. It is uncertain that his tantrum reached the border on the night that the message has been sent. Well, nothing lost nothing gained, a gamble is needed for a fast travel, I am just impatient as he is after.
“Carry those bags and hold yourself close to me, Eugen. There is a possibility that our destination isn’t standing anymore.” ‘Collocatione’ The blinding light transports us to the market near the northern border…
How dare he send those threatening words with such urgency when he doesn’t mean it? It’s a relief that the kingdom is still intact but still, I wish that he would do something rather than provoking me here.
Nothing appears out of the ordinary as we wander the market, the shops are still busy as well. A few fights here and there aren’t so chaotic, but I haven’t seen any of Eugen’s forces, as expected of mercenaries always beating around the bush before the mission. I should hire some new ones if they keep on being like this.
“Aye, Blood Claw. Want to explain why your corps hasn’t shown up yet, aren’t those hounds familiarize themselves with our mana smell?” Haven’t answered and dissatisfied grunt, something must have happened. It’s a few times that he doesn’t answer my jokes.
“Ahem, my lord. It isn’t safe here, it seems that I have lost the grip on them, we should proceed to the border.” Eugen urges. So that so-called ancient evil has taken seriously discontinuing the contract, here I thought to deceive his wrath for another century. It’s pointless now that things have gone drastic, the youngest must have taken all of Eugen’s shadows.
As we move to the beginning of the forest, the port Fimbulvinter is set in flame. With little to no survivors, I have almost lost all hope of getting out alive. Ha, it’s still the royal duty to protect their kingdom, is that what taxes are paying for?
“To allow such an ancient rampage happens without restraint, would be the end of Saudade’s existence. After knowing that, what will you do, my military minister?” This a question that troubles even one who experienced many wars like him and causes Eugen to take thinking for a while. I should prepare something in advance.
The forest is latent with poison and snow storms, an oil lantern can only shine lights for a few hours so at least need to keep the oil along with my flame. How abundance of my mana inherits from the direct lineage of the demon monarch of lust, won’t be enough if I keep on delaying my growth to become a true demon “prince”.
“As your wish is against the very survivability of our current situation, we should delay the destruction by ourselves and find the one fitting to quell the ancient’s rage.”
Eugen answers. Sooner or later they will have to establish themselves as the sole ruler…my vacation won’t be bankrupted because of this change of tactic right?
“You try to use our friend, right?” Eugen nods at my suggestion.
“We don’t have a choice at times like these, but I must say that I was extremely fortunate to have Mikhail being my executioner back then.” Cracking a joke at this time, he surely has twisted humor. If these words reach Mikhail’s ears, they will cry in frustration.
“I was meant to be the last prince of this decaying prince, but with their presence that can be changed. I always want to have a traveling partner after escaping from this duty. Would you join me after this incident?” A promise of an uncertain future, quite tempting to sway off this unresolved tragedy. Sigh, if this fails will I be able to face my father in purgatory?
“Only when we survived, Kryos.” Eugen makes the vow more sincere by addressing my name, reminding me of those days in the desert when we are just travelers bugging each other by fighting and mischievousness. Those days when titles and names aren’t the problems of formality or relationship.
“Come to the north border and aid me. There isn’t much time, little angel” As the glowing orb flies from the bustling market, carrying our wish to see the light of the next day, the message is sent through "numtius."
The end