Chapter 1: Quiescence

Rice.

How do you get the rice made?

I froze, the spoon stopping above the silver plate as Izer spoke. His question was not unexpected, at least not after yesterday. I looked over to him and saw the shift in his face, the way he glanced away.

"Is this because of the question I asked yesterday?" I asked him quietly, though I knew already.

"Um…”

He didn't meet my eyes, his ears aflame red and his fingers quivering ever so slightly. He shifted under my stare. A nervous habit. I could tell he was uncomfortable.

"No, it's not that. I just… wanted to know about it… really," he stuttered, his voice shaking as he spoke.

There was no need for him to lie to me because I did not care whatever he decided; still, something remained up in the sleeves. I did nothing to put pressure on him. Neither did I have to.

"Hmm… you needn't hide it," I said in a soft tone. "Listen, don't worry; I'll support you whatever the road you decide to take. If the fields are calling you, well… you may count my support.

“No… I really just wanted to know…” His voice was soft, barely convincing. I knew there was more to it, but didn't push further.

I smiled and sighed softly. "Well, if that's the case, then sure. Let's go to the fields tomorrow."

He didn't say much after that, his shoulders easing a bit as he turned his attention back to his meal. I was quiet too, giving him space, which seemed like something he needed.

Once he was sleeping, I got up and eased myself out of his room, being extremely careful not to make any sound. I pulled the door shut behind me, moving into the dimly lit hallway beyond. Immediately outside stood a tall, graceful man. The following posture was as composed as always, ready for service.

"Your Majesty," he greeted me with a bow. "Does Sir Izer-or perhaps you-have need of anything?"

I shook my head. "No, let's get back to the office as usual."

"On your command," he said, falling into step beside me as I continued down the corridor.

"Has the academy visited the fields yet?" I asked, my mind already set on the next day.

"No, Your Majesty. It's scheduled for next week," he replied.

"All right. Reschedule it for tomorrow. Also, clear my schedule for the day and prepare the carriage—the normal one." The normal carriage would attract less attention, and besides, I preferred to avoid such fuss. Izer needed fewer eyes on him, especially tomorrow.

“Will you be traveling somewhere, Your Majesty?"

"Yes," I said, remembering Izer. "Izer and I will go to the fields tomorrow. Make sure we are there well ahead of the academy students.

Perhaps being surrounded by other children with the same interest would get Izer out of his shell. He needed friends-people who could understand him more than what this manor could offer. I knew the visit to the academy could do that for him, but I also wanted him to experience it on his own terms first and not with the weight of his title over his head.

We reached the office, and I sat down behind my desk, going over the preparations for tomorrow.

⧫⧫⧫

The morning sun greeted the village with soft golden light, casting long shadows as the manor awoke to its quiet routine. I walked out of the house, breathing in the fresh, crisp air. Waiting at the gates was a simple carriage, unadorned but well-kept—just as I had asked. Izer was already seated inside, his face bright with excitement, eager for what the day would bring.

I approached the carriage, Kelf by my side as always. His eyes were on Izer, and a small smile touched his lips. "He looks excited," Kelf remarked.

I nodded. "He does. I want to lift his burden—to see him smile like that more often."

Kelf gave me a sidelong glance. "I guess it's working, huh?"

I sighed. "Maybe... but he still can't talk about what he really wants."

Kelf’s expression turned thoughtful. "Well, it's your fault for building a wall between you two. You should—"

"Yes, yes," I interrupted with a wave of my hand. "Stop lecturing me and let’s get going."

“H-Hey! Listen to me, you—” Kelf started, but I was already climbing into the carriage, cutting off his playful complaints. He followed close behind, still muttering under his breath.

I settled beside Izer, watching as the village passed by through the window. "So, is there something specific you want to learn about the rice?" I asked, trying to stir up a conversation.

"Well… um, the magic," Izer mumbled. "You know, the spells we use. How can we enhance the rice seeds?"

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

I smiled slightly, a bit relieved. "I see. I could’ve taught you that myself if you had asked."

"Uh... well, umm..." Izer trailed off, still hesitant.

Before I could say more, Kelf interjected with a laugh. "I know how bad of a teacher you are! Forget it, Izer. Just learn from Sir Marwell today!"

Izer chuckled softly. "Uh, yeah..." he said, the spark of excitement flickering in his eyes once again as we rode towards the fields.

The carriage finally came to its gradual stop; with it, the rhythmic creaks of the wheels faded off into the distance, replaced by low whistling of wind across open plains. Izer, still wrapped in his enthusiasm, remained staring out the window, his eyes wide in anticipation.

"So," I began, turning to him as the fields came into view, "ready to see how it's really done?"

Then he turned to me, curiosity and eagerness lighting up his face: "Yes… I've read about it, but it should be quite different when I actually experience it firsthand, right?"

"Quite different," I said, smiling slightly as I smoothed out my sleeves. "The books give only a part of it. The magic in the fields. it's something that has to be felt.

Coming down the carriage steps, the freshness of the earth mixed with the smell of fresh produce and an inviting aroma rising from the rice fields. Before our eyes, a canvas of green stretched endlessly-long, thin stalks of rice fluttered delicately in the breeze, and, in the golden rays of sunlight, shone softly like a diamond. The pulse of life permeated earth; within it, the spirit of life was enchanted, humming a low melody through the air.

Farmers and mages together scattered across the fields joined their hands in perfect harmony. Their hands were dancing in beauty, their voices soft whispers with incantations to which the earth answered. One woman knelt next to a series of newly planted seeds, her fingers aglow with a faint light as she traced the air above the soil. Every time she whispered words, that ground shone, and the seeds began to sprout as tiny green shoots emerged from the earth.

"Behold that," Izer whispered in wonder, his eyes fixed in that direction. "They are tending the plants with just their hands."

"Not just their hands," I said, following his gaze. "That's Life's Essence magic. It feeds the plants, gradually, so they grow over time, the way they're supposed to. It's a gentle craft- one that requires patience and respect for the land."

The farther in we ventured into the fields, the wider Izer's eyes became as he caught sight of an old mage stationed at the edge of an overgrown patch of weeds. His hands were merely floating atop the ground, a soft, green glow seeping from the palms. Weeds withered, shrank back into the ground, and let the rice breathe.

"Izer gazed in awe at the view: 'He's controlling it so easily.

The mage tipped his head in greeting, but otherwise ignored us as he continued to work. The farmers around us used their spells to take water from a stream nearby, making slim ribbons of liquid that floated gently through the air and carefully fed the roots of the rice. All of it was just like some kind of symphony: every person, every spell, working within and together with nature itself.

"This is the work of the magic of Life's Essence," I said as we walked along, "working with the rhythm of life itself. It nurtures but never forces it. The crops grow as they should-strong, healthy, full of all the goodness inherent in the earth."

Izer watched close, drinking it all in with wide eyes, before turning to me then and his expression was suddenly contemplative.

"And… the other magic? The forbidden one?"

I knew the question was coming, and I sighed. "The dark magic, yes. It's forbidden, because it forces the crops to grow unnaturally fast. Those seeking quick profit use it to mass-produce the rice and then sell it in greater amounts. But it is dangerous, Izer. It corrupts the crops, and worse, it harms the human body upon consumption. It doesn't belong in the hands of good people. It's magic from the Djinn-twisted from what you've seen here."

Izer nodded, but his eyes hinted at disturbance. I laid a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"You'll hear more about it soon enough. For now, pay attention to this-to the right way of doing things."

As we walked deeper into the fields, the light wind carried the sounds of workers chanting, the soft light of magic swirling in the air like threads of light. The air was serene, alive with an energy only magic can bring. The earth seemed to breathe, and Izer-for the first time in days-seemed to breathe in time with the earth.

Coming from a royal status Izer must think that being interested in that line of work is not right. No matter how different your world view is you have to align yourself according to the majority and what's considered to be normal. However, I have no intention of letting society and people manipulate Izer’s will.

“So, Izer, it looks like the people are visiting the fields today,” I said, nodding toward the group of children and villagers stepping out of the coach.

“Oh no… I guess we should return,” Izer replied, his voice tinged with anxiety.

“No,” I responded firmly, placing a hand on his shoulder. “You should learn with them. Kelf will stay near you today.”

“What! But I don’t even know any of them. I don’t think I should stay here,” Izer protested, his eyes darting nervously toward the crowd.

“No one knows everyone before meeting them,” I reassured him. “Talk with them. I’m sure there are people willing to get to know you.”

Kelf chimed in with his usual energy. “Yes, yes, yes! Not everyone gets a strong friendship like me and Arvid! You need to actually meet people and form relationships gradually! And judging by your face, I’m sure a lot of girls would want to be friends with you! Huhuhu!”

“Brother Kelf!” Izer exclaimed, his face turning crimson. “Stop saying embarrassing things!”

I chuckled, watching the exchange. Kelf always knew how to lift the mood.

“Haha, alright then. I shall take my leave now,” I said, standing up. I gave Izer a final look, hoping this experience would help him grow.

“See ya, Your Majesty!” Kelf saluted playfully. “Don’t worry about Izer today—you’ve got your Marshal protecting him!”

Arvid entered the mansion after one of those filled days of conferences and paperwork. The weight of being the leader weighed heavily on his shoulders as he walked across the large hall, his mind racing from the day's duties. The sun had begun to set, tinging the sky orange and casting the world into a soft, fading light. The mansion seemed very quiet, its servants all off doing their end-of-day chores.

He looked out of the window, at the fields bathed in gold by the setting sun. Izer and Kelf were not yet back. Strange. They should have returned by this time. A coldness crept into his chest.

In the next instant, heavy, Irregular footsteps echoed down the passageway. Arvid whirled. Kelf stumbled into sight, his proud carriage reduced to disheveled disarray. His armor was smeared with bloodstains, and his legs dragged as though they barely had the strength in them to hold him up. His face was white, drained of red.

“Kelf!” Arvid advanced hurriedly, his heart racing.

Kelf fell to his knees in front of Arvid, his breathing labored, with blood oozing from his side. "Your… Majesty…" he wheezed, trying to catch his breath between raw inhalations. His eyes were etched with pain, including both physical and psychological torment.

What happened? Where's Izer?" Arvid asked, his voice tightening with fear as he knelt beside Kelf, his fingers closing on his friend's shoulder.

Kelf bowed his head, his tone heavy with regret. "I-I'm sorry… I tried, but… a man… he came out of nowhere… He slaughtered the children… the farmers… everybody."

Arvid's blood ran cold; his breath caught in his throat. "What.?

The hands of Kelf shook as he continued, "He was strong… I fought him, Your Majesty. I injured him, but… he escaped. And… he took Izer with him.

Arvid's world did a standstill for a moment. His grip on Kelf's arm tightened, his mind screaming, but his voice came out low, almost deadly calm. "Who was he?

"He's from the Truncus Territory… pirates… thieves. Vile people. It was… like nothing I've seen before. I've no doubt… he'll return with more," Kelf said, his voice shaking. "Izer… Izer tried to fight back, but… he's gone. I'm so sorry…"

This naming of Truncus Territory erupted a great rush of indignation in Arvid. That land of cursed people and ruled by a tyrant, the knight who was a rogue and once swore allegiance to the capital of Pneumol-the very utterance created furor in his thoughts. "I will hunt them down relentlessly," Arvid said in a somber tone filled with indignation. "But first… you need help. You've done enough, Kelf. I won't let them get away with this." Kelf looked up at him then, tears brimming his eyes.

"I'm sorry, Arvid… Couldn't protect him." Arvid laid a hand on Kelf's shoulder, his voice breaking with emotion.

To be continued...