Storyverse

Chapter 17: Sol Clain 2: Electric Boogaloo

–Now I'll interrupt this idyll and ask the question directly, – Sol suddenly said while their "vehicle" was moving calmly. – Ludwig, your last name. What does all of this mean?

Ludwig took a deep breath, scratched the back of his head and took a light sip from his seemingly endless flask. Marren, not understanding what was happening, looked around at the other heroes. Martha looked away, knowing that sooner or later everything would become clear. Shubby looked at Ludwig with interest. She knew what kind of name it was, but she didn't want to ruin Sol's joy of discovery.

–Eh, I guess I can't hide it forever, huh? – Ludwig finally answered.

–Penright is the ruling dynasty of the Northern Empire. At least it was before the coup. And you two are refugees. Would I be right if I said that you are the former Emperor, Ludwig de Penright III? – said Clain.

–Well, I don't need to hide it anymore, right? All like you said, Clain. I was on the throne for only 5 years, but yes, I managed to be an emperor. I was crowned when I was 20, I ruled until I was 25, and then, when the Order of the Oval Table made a coup, I fled to Arai and lived there for a little over ten years. Martha... was my royal mage. Although I had no idea that she was from another world. Basically, she gave a ran with me, – having said this and take another sip, Ludwig put away the flask.

–And then the business that you have in the Empire... – Marren began to say.

–Yeah. I will reclaim my throne. At any cost. For the sake of my late father. He led the Empire to prosperity, conquering all the surrounding kingdoms... but in the end, when it was time to hand over the crown, he asked me to keep peace with the rest of the countries of the continent... I cannot allow the Oval Table to destroy his dream of a prosperous Empire that can finally take a break from wars... oh, sorry, I got carried away. It's not in my habit to speak so sublimely, is it? It's more yours, Sol.

Ludwig laughed, although everyone understood that he was doing this only to brighten the situation. It turned out quite well to lighten the situation – everyone laughed along with Ludwig, except Sol himself. Clain closed his eyes and began to massage his forehead. He knew perfectly well that Ludwig was not lying. It was his goal, indeed. So naive, but...

–I agree. Your motivation... is perfect. It is well suited for the emperor. I will help you to the best of my ability... after we complete our main task.

These words took everyone by surprise. Did Sol agree with Ludwig on something? It is first time it ever happened. But what was even more surprising, it is that Sol smiled. Not in a pretentious or sarcastic way. He looked truly joyful. Realizing what had happened, Sol cleared his throat and shook his head. After that he looked completely calm again. The others laughed a little.

–I didn't know you could experience anything other than... nothing. So you're just pretending to be oh-so-edgy, huh? – said Ludwig.

–You all. Saw. Nothing, – Sol said.

–You know what? Sure. You're still a narcissistic egomaniac who makes terrible decisions and says complete butllcrap. So yes, I'll pretend that I didn't see it – it will be easier to hate you this way, – deposed emperor answered and, grinning, closed his eyes.

The platform with legs moved slowly. It was in no comparison with the car the heroes had used before. The travelers talked about that and this, while Clain simply listened. Shubby didn't listen at all – she unfolded the map in front of her and looked at it, scratching her chin. Suddenly, she clapped her hands and said loudly:

–Decided!

Immediately after this, the small tame cosmic horror, without turning around, went to the left, leaving the road on the plain somewhere into the forest forest. Besides, it was finally moving fast... probably too fast, with such a sudden change in direction and increase in speed that nearly caused Martha and Ludwig to fall.