The Golden Throne

Chapter 13: Aftermath

~many months earlier~

Grey clouds hung in the sky, casting a gloomy shadow across the landscape. The sound of drizzling was matched by the melodic crying of Kricketune. They almost sounded like they were... mourning. Hilbert tightly held the umbrella he was sharing with Ripley. He had his arm around her waist, consoling her. Before them were the tombstones of her father, mother and younger brother.

Here lies:

TYRRELL QUIRINUS JOSEF

2254-2318

Loving husband, father and renowned philosopher

Hilbert silently gazed at Tyrrell's picture on the tombstone. He could still remember that face, smiling as if there was no tomorrow, spewing out his jokes and his silly comments. In his short time with him, Hilbert had already grown on Tyrrell's fun and bubbly personality. It had been a week since that fateful night but Hilbert could clearly remember the conversation he had with the old man. The tone of his laugh, the care he had for his daughter, his thoughts about the Zaff and the future of the Empire.

Hilbert shifted his gaze towards the tombstones of Ripley's mother and younger brother. From the moment they met, Hilbert thought it was unusual for a 21 year old like her to have white hair, but after seeing the photo of her mother, he finally had his answer. It was a photo of her when she was younger. Like Ripley, she had natural white hair that flowed past her shoulders. She was also as beautiful as her daughter. Hilbert's heart ached when he saw the tombstone of Ripley's younger brother. From the date of his birth and death, Hilbert realized that he passed away at the age of five. The picture on his tombstone was that of a young boy.

"My mother died of childbirth," Ripley murmured, breaking the silence. "Now you can see where I got my white hair," she smiled sadly. "I hope you didn't think I was some sort of freak," she joked.

"Ripley, I'm sorry for your loss," Hilbert replied. He held her tighter and brought her closer. She leaned her head on his. She was quite tall, so only the top of his head reached her cheeks. "My brother died from an attack."

Hilbert kept silent. He did not want to probe her any further. "I'm the last of my line. It's my duty to continue my father's legacy and uphold my family name. It is a burden I will proudly carry."

"The Emperor's new Philosopher huh?" Hilbert finally spoke. He had a smile on his face. "How's that working out for you?"

"Everything's fine so far. A few days ago the emperor sought my advice regarding the selection of the new members of his Council. How do you find the Grandmaster-in-training?"

"Lucius Flynn?" Hilbert muttered. "He's alright. He seems to know what he's doing. We had a brief talk. He said he would update me as soon as possible on their first lead on the Zaff and then I'll investigate it."

"The Zaff," Ripley scowled. She knelt before the tombstone of her father and kissed the picture on it, followed by a soft whisper of goodbye. Turning away from the tombstones, she began walking down the path that led to the cemetery's exit.

"Let's get a cup of coffee," she said.

***

It was a grey Tuesday morning in Errion City. People were walking through the streets with umbrellas in their hands to shield them from the light rain. As the automatic doorbell rang when they set foot into the coffee shop, a barista instantly called out to them.

"Aye it's Lady Ripley and Hilbert! Welcome. What would you like to have today?"

"Good morning, Chester," Ripley smiled. "I'll have an Espresso please."