If anything were to happen, he was ready to jump in at a moment's notice, every nerve in his body on high alert. A moment later, the door opened revealing the room's inhabitant. Prince Ejain, with a slightly absent look on his face, slowly stepped out of the room. Spotting Yuder seated, he stopped in his tracks.
"...Is there a problem?"
Yuder, not having initiated the conversation, asked the question lightly while studying the prince's state.
"I woke up and found there was no water."
Under normal circumstances, before the prince even had the chance to seek water, his attendants would have catered to his needs. But the current situation was somewhat unique. Looking at Ejain's impassive face, now devoid of any attendants to fetch him water, Yuder rose from his seat.
"I can fetch it for you. You needn't leave your room."
"No need for that. I can fetch and drink it myself."
Yuder couldn't help but think that the prince was using the need for water as an excuse to escape the stifling confines of his room, his claim of waking up unexpectedly a likely lie. Using his abilities to fetch the water was simple, but if that wasn't what the prince wanted, he couldn't forcefully confine him to the room.
Yuder stood, alternating his gaze between the retreating back of the prince and the attendants' room, contemplating who to follow. If asked to choose between the prince and the attendants, naturally, he would gravitate towards Ejain.
"If that's the case... I will assist you."
"Despite me saying it's okay."
The prince headed towards the kitchen, where they had eaten dinner. His darkened gaze didn't seek the water jug but roamed around aimlessly in the distance. In the end, Ejain stopped by a rain-streaked window, silently staring outside for a long time. Although the night was deep and the rain had almost ceased, the faint sound of drizzling could still be heard if one listened closely.
Just when Yuder was hesitating, wondering if Ejain intended to remain standing until everyone else woke up, the prince finally opened his mouth, murmuring low.
"...There's a well outside."
True to his words, there was a covered well right in front of the kitchen window. When Yuder offered no response, Ejain turned towards the small side door tucked in the corner of the kitchen.
Yuder debated if he should warn him of the danger outside or let him be, hoping the freedom would ease his troubled heart. Amidst this dilemma, he decided to follow the prince. Instead of dropping like raindrops, the misty rain that filled the air soaked their hair as soon as they stepped outside.
Yuder silently motioned with his hand to scatter the raindrops that were soaking their heads, causing Ejain to look back.
"...You don't need a raincoat to block the rain either."
"No, I don't."
"Having an assistant like you, the Commander must feel truly reassured."
He wasn't sure how to respond to that. When Yuder stayed silent, it seemed Ejain hadn't expected a reply and turned his head back. He neither opened the well cover nor did he move elsewhere, just stood there, staring at it.
"Yuder Aile, are you aware that the history of Nelarn predates Orr?"
"No, I wasn't."
"The First Emperor of the Empire, after thwarting the Great Destruction and establishing Orr, forged an eternal alliance with the countries that had assisted him. They promised not to infringe upon each other and always help as allies. Though this alliance broke down and morphed into its current form due to becoming vassal states in later generations, remnants of the past are still scattered here and there in Nelarn."
The languid voice merged with the gentle patter of rain, becoming a distant echo.
"Suppose... yes. Just like the statue of the blind sage in the palace of Nelarn."
The statue of the blind sage was the spot that Kanna had identified as the meeting place where one of his attendants had conspired in betrayal. As the statue was mentioned, a cold, bitter smile briefly flickered across Ejain's face before disappearing.
"The Nelarn believe that the sage is Luma, the Archmage who left the Empire. The Empire has denied it, of course."
"..."
"I can't verify the truth, but there are a few relics in Nelarn said to be left by the blind sage. I've promised to hand one over to Orr."
His words flowed calmly, but their content was shocking. Yuder, curious all along, tried to gauge the thoughts of Prince Ejain as he revealed this fact. Finding no answers, he maintained his silence.
Perhaps it was his lack of surprise that prompted Ejain to smile.
"I see you're not surprised. Did the Commander already discuss this with you? Or is this again that look of surprise you're going to claim?"
This was a reference to something Yuder had said when they had met in the palace gardens. Yuder maintained silence for a moment longer, then shook his head.
"I was pondering why you chose to share this with me."
"You're the only one here who I can say I've known for a while. It's good to have someone to talk to."
"..."
"And you're one of the few who look at me without pity."
He had seemed indifferent to the attitudes of the Cavalry, but had he been aware all along? Yuder felt a little awkward as he made a small apology on behalf of his comrades.
"I apologize for their disrespectful behavior."
"It's okay. It must have been unavoidable. I understand. It's been just as unbelievable for me, imagine how those observing must have felt."
Ejain murmured casually and looked intently into Yuder's eyes.
"The only reason I brought this up is that I had a question to ask, considering you also serve a superior."
"What is it?"
Yuder took a step closer to Ejain to hear him more clearly.
"If someone stood in the way of the person you serve, what do you think would be the best way to handle it?"
The question seemed to stem from the words left behind by the now-deceased attendant. Yuder furrowed his brow and answered curtly.
"If it's about what the one who died today said, I think it's not worth worrying about."
"Of course, I'm not bothered by his words. I followed the path I thought was right after much contemplation. I believe it's better to negotiate with the Empire and progress towards peace more quickly, instead of clinging to relics that Nelarn doesn't immediately need and risking internal conflict. But... if those who think I'm wrong continue to appear, what should I do?"
Ejain quietly responded.
"Unlike you all, I don't have any power. My power comes solely from those who trust me. But if my decisions keep causing unnecessary conflict among them, won't the path I want to take become even more distant? As a loyal subordinate like you, I wonder who you would want to serve and hence, I wanted to hear your thoughts."
If that's what he wanted, Yuder could give a satisfactory answer.
"Then there is even less need for you to entertain such thoughts."
"Why?"
"Because it does not matter what choice you make."
Ejain arched an eyebrow, as if asking what that meant.
"Is this some sort of reassurance... that such events won't occur in the future? That's not what I was asking about."
"My response was not intended in that way either."
"Then what?"
"I meant just what I said."
Despite the odd sensation of elaborating to Ejain, Yuder tried to keep his answers as concise as possible.
"I have decided to believe that whichever path and whichever choice the person I serve makes, it is the right one. So, their choices, even when confronted with those who block their path, have nothing to do with me."
Although he had always held these thoughts, voicing them felt strangely satisfying. He had started to believe in Kishiar's path, his choices, because remembering his past experiences revealed they were far better than his own attempts, which had only resulted in failure and death.
How had their relationship, initially as dry as a desert, changed so much? Not just his physical form, but his thoughts, feelings, and values had all been entangled with Kishiar since that moment, and they were still evolving.
Ejain was silent for a while. His violet pupils, appearing black in the dim light, narrowed.
"Isn't that too... blind? I may be the last person who should be saying this, but even those who stand above are not always right. Your words sound like those of a devout priest."
'Perhaps.'
Yuder responded internally to Ejain's words. That doubt was indeed a tiny thorn forever embedded in his heart.
'Is it normal to be so drawn to Kishiar? How can I be sure this choice is not a mistake?'
But the answer was always the same. Whenever he stood by Kishiar's side and looked at him, he was reassured that his decision was right.
"I don't think I am particularly blind. Surely, such people already exist by the side of the Second Prince."
With such thoughts, Yuder gave another answer. However, Ejain, apparently finding his words empty, gave a small laugh and soon wiped his expression clean.
"That's comforting to hear. I understand. It's truly enviable to learn the Empire has so many treasures I cannot possess."
After saying that, Ejain hesitated for a moment. A question, seemingly suppressed throughout, slipped out from him in a whisper.
"...But how can you trust the person you serve to such an extent? Is it because of the power they possess?"
'So he's talking about power again. Was that so important to him?'
Of course, power was important. In his past life, Yuder too had felt oppressed by Kishiar's power and had no choice but to follow his words. But not anymore.
"I am sorry, but I do not wish to answer that. Not because your words are correct, but because I believe they should not be."
At his cold response, Ejain blinked.
If anything were to happen, he was ready to jump in at a moment's notice, every nerve in his body on high alert. A moment later, the door opened revealing the room's inhabitant. Prince Ejain, with a slightly absent look on his face, slowly stepped out of the room. Spotting Yuder seated, he stopped in his tracks.
"...Is there a problem?"
Yuder, not having initiated the conversation, asked the question lightly while studying the prince's state.
"I woke up and found there was no water."
Under normal circumstances, before the prince even had the chance to seek water, his attendants would have catered to his needs. But the current situation was somewhat unique. Looking at Ejain's impassive face, now devoid of any attendants to fetch him water, Yuder rose from his seat.
"I can fetch it for you. You needn't leave your room."
"No need for that. I can fetch and drink it myself."
Yuder couldn't help but think that the prince was using the need for water as an excuse to escape the stifling confines of his room, his claim of waking up unexpectedly a likely lie. Using his abilities to fetch the water was simple, but if that wasn't what the prince wanted, he couldn't forcefully confine him to the room.
Yuder stood, alternating his gaze between the retreating back of the prince and the attendants' room, contemplating who to follow. If asked to choose between the prince and the attendants, naturally, he would gravitate towards Ejain.
"If that's the case... I will assist you."
"Despite me saying it's okay."
The prince headed towards the kitchen, where they had eaten dinner. His darkened gaze didn't seek the water jug but roamed around aimlessly in the distance. In the end, Ejain stopped by a rain-streaked window, silently staring outside for a long time. Although the night was deep and the rain had almost ceased, the faint sound of drizzling could still be heard if one listened closely.
Just when Yuder was hesitating, wondering if Ejain intended to remain standing until everyone else woke up, the prince finally opened his mouth, murmuring low.
"...There's a well outside."
True to his words, there was a covered well right in front of the kitchen window. When Yuder offered no response, Ejain turned towards the small side door tucked in the corner of the kitchen.
Yuder debated if he should warn him of the danger outside or let him be, hoping the freedom would ease his troubled heart. Amidst this dilemma, he decided to follow the prince. Instead of dropping like raindrops, the misty rain that filled the air soaked their hair as soon as they stepped outside.
Yuder silently motioned with his hand to scatter the raindrops that were soaking their heads, causing Ejain to look back.
"...You don't need a raincoat to block the rain either."
"No, I don't."
"Having an assistant like you, the Commander must feel truly reassured."
He wasn't sure how to respond to that. When Yuder stayed silent, it seemed Ejain hadn't expected a reply and turned his head back. He neither opened the well cover nor did he move elsewhere, just stood there, staring at it.
"Yuder Aile, are you aware that the history of Nelarn predates Orr?"
"No, I wasn't."
"The First Emperor of the Empire, after thwarting the Great Destruction and establishing Orr, forged an eternal alliance with the countries that had assisted him. They promised not to infringe upon each other and always help as allies. Though this alliance broke down and morphed into its current form due to becoming vassal states in later generations, remnants of the past are still scattered here and there in Nelarn."
The languid voice merged with the gentle patter of rain, becoming a distant echo.
"Suppose... yes. Just like the statue of the blind sage in the palace of Nelarn."
The statue of the blind sage was the spot that Kanna had identified as the meeting place where one of his attendants had conspired in betrayal. As the statue was mentioned, a cold, bitter smile briefly flickered across Ejain's face before disappearing.
"The Nelarn believe that the sage is Luma, the Archmage who left the Empire. The Empire has denied it, of course."
"..."
"I can't verify the truth, but there are a few relics in Nelarn said to be left by the blind sage. I've promised to hand one over to Orr."
His words flowed calmly, but their content was shocking. Yuder, curious all along, tried to gauge the thoughts of Prince Ejain as he revealed this fact. Finding no answers, he maintained his silence.
Perhaps it was his lack of surprise that prompted Ejain to smile.
"I see you're not surprised. Did the Commander already discuss this with you? Or is this again that look of surprise you're going to claim?"
This was a reference to something Yuder had said when they had met in the palace gardens. Yuder maintained silence for a moment longer, then shook his head.
"I was pondering why you chose to share this with me."
"You're the only one here who I can say I've known for a while. It's good to have someone to talk to."
"..."
"And you're one of the few who look at me without pity."
He had seemed indifferent to the attitudes of the Cavalry, but had he been aware all along? Yuder felt a little awkward as he made a small apology on behalf of his comrades.
"I apologize for their disrespectful behavior."
"It's okay. It must have been unavoidable. I understand. It's been just as unbelievable for me, imagine how those observing must have felt."
Ejain murmured casually and looked intently into Yuder's eyes.
"The only reason I brought this up is that I had a question to ask, considering you also serve a superior."
"What is it?"
Yuder took a step closer to Ejain to hear him more clearly.
"If someone stood in the way of the person you serve, what do you think would be the best way to handle it?"
The question seemed to stem from the words left behind by the now-deceased attendant. Yuder furrowed his brow and answered curtly.
"If it's about what the one who died today said, I think it's not worth worrying about."
"Of course, I'm not bothered by his words. I followed the path I thought was right after much contemplation. I believe it's better to negotiate with the Empire and progress towards peace more quickly, instead of clinging to relics that Nelarn doesn't immediately need and risking internal conflict. But... if those who think I'm wrong continue to appear, what should I do?"
Ejain quietly responded.
"Unlike you all, I don't have any power. My power comes solely from those who trust me. But if my decisions keep causing unnecessary conflict among them, won't the path I want to take become even more distant? As a loyal subordinate like you, I wonder who you would want to serve and hence, I wanted to hear your thoughts."
If that's what he wanted, Yuder could give a satisfactory answer.
"Then there is even less need for you to entertain such thoughts."
"Why?"
"Because it does not matter what choice you make."
Ejain arched an eyebrow, as if asking what that meant.
"Is this some sort of reassurance... that such events won't occur in the future? That's not what I was asking about."
"My response was not intended in that way either."
"Then what?"
"I meant just what I said."
Despite the odd sensation of elaborating to Ejain, Yuder tried to keep his answers as concise as possible.
"I have decided to believe that whichever path and whichever choice the person I serve makes, it is the right one. So, their choices, even when confronted with those who block their path, have nothing to do with me."
Although he had always held these thoughts, voicing them felt strangely satisfying. He had started to believe in Kishiar's path, his choices, because remembering his past experiences revealed they were far better than his own attempts, which had only resulted in failure and death.
How had their relationship, initially as dry as a desert, changed so much? Not just his physical form, but his thoughts, feelings, and values had all been entangled with Kishiar since that moment, and they were still evolving.
Ejain was silent for a while. His violet pupils, appearing black in the dim light, narrowed.
"Isn't that too... blind? I may be the last person who should be saying this, but even those who stand above are not always right. Your words sound like those of a devout priest."
'Perhaps.'
Yuder responded internally to Ejain's words. That doubt was indeed a tiny thorn forever embedded in his heart.
'Is it normal to be so drawn to Kishiar? How can I be sure this choice is not a mistake?'
But the answer was always the same. Whenever he stood by Kishiar's side and looked at him, he was reassured that his decision was right.
"I don't think I am particularly blind. Surely, such people already exist by the side of the Second Prince."
With such thoughts, Yuder gave another answer. However, Ejain, apparently finding his words empty, gave a small laugh and soon wiped his expression clean.
"That's comforting to hear. I understand. It's truly enviable to learn the Empire has so many treasures I cannot possess."
After saying that, Ejain hesitated for a moment. A question, seemingly suppressed throughout, slipped out from him in a whisper.
"...But how can you trust the person you serve to such an extent? Is it because of the power they possess?"
'So he's talking about power again. Was that so important to him?'
Of course, power was important. In his past life, Yuder too had felt oppressed by Kishiar's power and had no choice but to follow his words. But not anymore.
"I am sorry, but I do not wish to answer that. Not because your words are correct, but because I believe they should not be."
At his cold response, Ejain blinked.
