The tenth author's journal: book 2A

Chapter 14.2: Mistaken Past, Consequential Future

[After the meeting, Kryos's point of view]

Shouldn't I have something at that point? I've already blown that opportunity, so there's no point in crying over spilled milk. Bringing Eugen into this is the only way to put out this dumpster fire.

How long will that "uncle" of mine keep making those pointless complaints? We can barely feed ourselves under this year's harsher sun, but he demands more and more tribute, claiming that their women and children are dying. Shouldn't they have kept their festive spirit a little lower last winter? What a headache I'm in, at least Eugen has brought someone along to cover my ruling for me, those "subordinates" of my late father always bothering me with unnecessary appeals, what's the worth of a fallen royal like our family that would impact hell?

Needless to say, Eugen has found someone capable of doing my job; if they so desire, I can relinquish the ephemeral glory of a prince. Their meeting speech may have needed some pride, but I say that was sufficient. Oh, and that wretched commerce, how much of that money do you think he spends on his luxuries, and he dares to deflect my question at me? I swear, I will...

"Are you all right, my prince?" You've been strangely silent since you dragged me into your chamber." Oh, I didn't say anything, did I? All of this was just swirling thoughts in my head.

"Nothing wrong, Eugen. So, how did you get along with them?" The dismissive thoughts lingered in my mind like bugs that squirmed in a bowl. Eugen dismisses his worried demeanor.

"We are simply good friends." He declares loudly. This answer is that of a flustered man. Ha! His humanity is shining through; was he still convinced that he is alive and a human? This wouldn't have happened infrequently, but it seems to have become more frequent since he returned with that angel yesterday.

"How dull! I was just wondering if they were adjusting to this new way of life. Was it like they sulked or regretted ever coming here?" No matter how useful they appear to be, I can't expect to simply trust liars who lack visible loyalty. These words are just reminders to be cautious; I have no grudge against them specifically, but rather a bad experience with a few members of their race as a whole.

"Please don't make such remarks about them again. You know that even your advisor thought highly of them, so why should you doubt them at this point?" Eugen completely ignored my comments; oh boy, has he fallen for sure. After all, this is his personality type.

If any more items are crammed into the two bags, the teleportation spell will simply not work. So, how did my father manage to teleport a small army that day? Whatever the case may be, 'Collocatione' is the spell I cast; imagine where the question is... The port must have been smacked the night that message was sent, so the market nearby then.

"Hold on tight, Eugen. I'm not sure if that place is still standing." 'Collocatione' " The binding light transports us both to a market near the northern border, which is devoid of any shudder. How dare he speak in such haste if he has no intention of violence?

Walking around, nothing appears out of the ordinary; the market is as cheerful as ever. The only distinction is our troop. Is it just Eugen's subordinates who have come to greet us, or have they all lazed around again?

"Why isn't anyone greeting us, Blood Claw?" I thought you said to train them specifically to recognize your mana sense?" His grunt is cause for concern, as he is no longer dealing with my tease. This is a serious step to take.

"Your Majesty, I don't think it's safe to discuss this right now." As the royal instructed, we should proceed to the border." That's his response. True, all of his shadows have vanished. My uncle was dead serious about getting rid of the contract. It's pointless to think of another plan for this; I considered delaying for another century or so, but it's pointless now.

"What are you suggesting to deal with this, my faithful retainer?" Allowing such an ancient rampage to occur without restraints would almost certainly spell the end for us." This kingdom will be lost if an ancient earl is not chained when he is in a vengeful mood like that.

"We don't have any other options, my liege. You and I aren't strong enough to quell an ancient's rage like he is...unless." Eugen, are you suggesting we use our little friend at this point? The sooner he establishes his authority over an ancient earl, the better. I should be on vacation for a better reason. I'm curious if you planned this before that meeting.

"We should use them, then?" Eugen reluctantly nods.

"It's too soon, but I suppose we don't have a choice." I was extremely fortunate to have Mikhail as my executioner at the time." At this point, he cracks another joke. When our little friend hears this, they will cry in frustration.

"I can say that to myself because I was always going to be the last prince of this decaying kingdom." Would you like to go traveling after this, whether we win or lose?" I wish we could face this tragedy together, as a promise for an uncertain future.

"Sure, if we survive this, your Majesty." Eugen makes a vow in response to my promise, which reminds me of the first time we met when we didn't have titles and were just two adventurers meeting at a crossroads.

"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