Chronicles of the Selphia Plains [Rune Factory 4]

In the Mind's Eye

Story Summary: A short story focusing on Rishi, Avani's twin brother, set about a season after the birth of Avani and Leon's twins.

Attribution: The photo for the story image is by Dan Hancock https://www.flickr.com/photos/despotes/1188632388/ and is available through the Creative Commons License CC BY-NC 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/. I have modified it from the original.

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"My Lord Rishi," began the young soldier, bowing deeply before the Prince of the Ventuani. "Prince Arthur requests your presence in Selphia at your earliest convenience. He has news that he believes will be of interest to you." He turned to the fair-haired lady who stood behind him and bowed to her as well. "He likewise requests your presence, My Lady Sharmila, if you are able."

She smiled at him, massaging her rotund belly. "Well, as our little man isn't due to arrive for a little time yet, I think I should be able to accompany My Lord. Besides, it'll give me a chance to see the twins again."

Rishi's expression was wistful as he replied, "Yes, it would be nice to see them.... All right, Sergeant...?"

"Hugo, sir."

"Then, Sergeant Hugo, will you wait and travel with us, or return immediately?"

"My orders are to return at once and inform the Prince of your reply, My Lord."

"Good. Then please tell Arthur that we will arrive as soon as possible."

"Yes, sir." And with that, the soldier again bowed, then turned and departed quickly.

"I wonder what Arthur wants?" Rishi mused as he sat for a moment, drumming his fingers on the table top before him. "I doubt that he would request your presence, too, if it concerned politics or business. But if it's a purely social visit, surely he would have simply come here himself, not sent a guard to ask us to come to him."

"I suppose we'll find out soon enough, beloved," she replied, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder as she smiled down at him.

"True," he replied, taking her hand and kissing it before he rose with a sigh. He stepped cautiously, but his servants were meticulous in insuring everything stayed in its place in his rooms, so that he might walk through the large house unassisted. Pausing in the hall, he called for the head servant, who hurried down the hall a moment later.

"Yes, My Lord?" she asked, bowing before him.

"My Lady and I will be leaving shortly for Selphia. I do not know how long we will be away at this time. Please inform any visitors or petitioners accordingly, and see to things in our absence. Oh, and will you please summon Jagathi immediately? We will be in our quarters, preparing for departure."

"Yes, My Lord. You may place your faith in me," she replied, turning and bustling back down the hall.

"Thank you, Usha. I know I may," he said with a smile, speaking more to himself than to her as she disappeared around a corner.

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After placing a deputy in charge in his absence, Rishi and Sharmila teleported to the airship dock in Selphia. Together they strolled down the street to Arthur's offices, breathing in the crisp fall air of the northern town. Inside his rooms within Porcoline's manor house, they found Arthur sitting to tea with Avani, Leon, Jones, and a strange woman. Arthur rose when they entered the room, and greeted them with a smile.

"Ahh, Rishi, Sharmila—I'm very glad you could come, especially on such short notice. I've asked Avani and Leon to join us, as well Dr. Jones and a colleague of his. Please, be seated," he said as he gently guided the blind prince to the table. He offered them tea and cakes, and once they were settled comfortably, he turned to the physician. "Jones? Will you explain the purpose of this meeting, please?"