The tenth author's journal: book 2A

Chapter 10: Saudade

The kingdom is surrounded by a stone-cold wall that acts as a vast barrier. There is no barrier to insight; it is simply a stone wall. The kingdom's size is nothing more than a few villages banding together to build a castle uphill and form royalty from a single family. The marketplace is the only distinguishing feature of the kingdom. The marketplace is the most active around the seamless row of worn-down houses.

Demons of all kinds swarm here, from incubus and imp to gorgon and tanarruk. Life was never recorded before, nor was it ever worth recording. According to one of my authorities, this cannot be unarchived; otherwise, I am not the archangel of knowledge. As I am filled with curiosity, emotions like bubbles burst out in chains. Before I know it, the prince has fixed his gaze on my plight.

"We've arrived, little angel... My! Your reaction surprised me because it came so quickly. You weren't kidding about their fondness for bards." As I cover my face with the cloak in embarrassment, the prince laughs mischievously, and Blood Claw holds his laughter. This teasing will cost those two dearly.

"I'd rather you stop teasing me like this, Milord." I protest. It hasn't gone unnoticed, as the prince suppresses his laughter. "Stop with the Lord, won't you?" he says seriously. "If Eugen doesn't convince you, you can take over this kingdom on your own based on the little power you show."

"So, what should I make of you?" You are the lord for whom my partner worked. Would you not be the lord I serve if I followed him?" I make fun of him. His expression is perplexing. Is it my refusal to stop with formality, or his dismissal of one's power when he compares off that?

"Call me Kryos, inside and outside the castle," both seem to be the answer. "As my representative, you will be someone special. They will not dare to charge you with a crime or question you under my authority." In other words, being his power equal. While he is out playing, I am left with the task of ruling in his place.

"As you please, Kryos." I'm not concerned with whatever position you think I'm worth." The prince nods, pleased with the response. I'm not expecting too much from him.

"Good response. But that dress, did you choose it, or was it chosen for you by Eugen, who was concerned about my courtship?" As the tender white dress floated around, the prince snatched the cloak from me, and the demons around us whistled in delight at my fair skin and silver hair.

"Is it unflattering for me to appear in court because Blood Claw gave me this?" I look around, attempting to conceal myself.

"It would be cute in bed, but something like this in court." The prince snaps his fingers, and the "illusio" is instantly cast. The bardic garb vanishes, and he is clothed in imperial garb. Someone born from royalty wears a white shirt and black pants, red boots, and a gold cape. The people on the street were kneeling in honor of meeting the prince. As charming as he is, I can't help but feel sorry for the people kneeling in this rock-soiled place.

"Illusio," I say as my clothes change to look like Kryos'. A white shirt, silver pants, silver boots, and a blue cape are worn. The reason for this color is that it is similar to my skin tone; it may appear unoriginal, but it is distinct enough not to be a carbon copy of Kryos.

"Would this be enough?" As the prince sighs, I inquire, and many demons who were surrounding us flee. People stare at Kryos, who is better than before. But why was he discussing dressing in bed?

"Seeing you in this is quite flashy, but I prefer your lingering." That makes sense. I'm being targeted because of my unknowing immodesty. Why would I surprise at these pranks any longer?

"That dress isn't lingering; I just don't wear new clothes that often to compare," I explain quietly. Blood Claw turns away, unwilling to face my wrath. This is tedious; when will we arrive at the palace, as he promised?