Burning Embers Part I: Origins [Arc 1-5]

Arc 4 Chapter 6

6 years ago..

"I leave tomorrow."

"Hmph."

This was the first conversation between Vector and Finrod as the latter woke up to a cold winter morning. It was early in December, and about two and a half years since they had begun adventuring together. Thanks to being dragon-slayers, they were both already billionaires, yet they still stayed in the simple rooms in the Guild's tavern. Having stayed here again last night after yet another long quest in an area close to Terysium, they had planned to travel again today.

Had planned, but it seems like that was now cancelled, as Vector now explained.

"My father, Forius Von Maximus, is gravely ill. So I, the heir, must return to my lands to govern in his place!" he proudly announced.

Finrod only looked puzzled, confused as to why he was so happy about this. "Hm."

Vector's expression darkened as he continued, "That old fool has lived long enough. The people in our territory hate us, but are intimidated enough to remain quiet about it."

"I see."

The lack of response from him seemed to irk Vector, who continued, "In any case, I cannot continue being an adventurer. A great shame, for the world will be worse without me!"

"I'm sure of it."

In truth, Finrod had not quite wrapped his head around what Vector was saying, considering how sudden it was. Besides, he himself had been raised as a soldier, not a noble, so he knew little of such matters. The Von Maximus owned a large chunk of land in Terrasia including their second-largest city, Terysium, and were also the Ministers of Finance.

From how Vector spoke, it was obvious that this was no ordinary illness, and may well be a terminal one. Not that he cared whatsoever, but it was indeed vexing that he would now have to adventure alone again; they had been adventuring as a pair for over two years now. Of course, he was not unaccustomed to being alone either, so he was sure he'd be fine.

An uncomfortable silence ensued, the fire in the fireplace crackling loudly as the waitress put in some fresh firewood. As it was still early in the morning, most of the adventurers were not yet awake, so the pair was able to obtain a table right next to the fireplace. Winters were quite cold in the northern half of Terrasia; specifically the areas close to the northern border. However, due to having dragon-blood flowing through his veins, Finrod's body was highly resistant to both extremes of the weather spectrum.

Not being the case for his adventuring companion, Vector wore gloves and a thick overcoat over his usual robes. Naturally, the gloves and overcoat were the same red-and-gold that the rest of his extravagant outfit was. Neither of them spoke for a long time, focusing on the tea instead, which also showed great contrast between the two; Vector's tea lacked both milk and sugar. On first glance, it wouldn't seem the case given how carefree he was, but he had a rather obsessive fixation on noble's etiquette. According to the archmage, milk and sugar were perversions of tea, and that only commoners indulged in such frivolities.

Finrod was secretly glad he wasn't raised as a proper heir to a noble family.

"So, you leave tomorrow?" Finrod attempted to break the tension.

"I believe that is what I said."

"Hm. So, how long will you be?"

"Wert thou even listening?! My father is ill, and there is indeed a chance the old man wilt not recover! In his place, I, Vector V—"

"I understand."

I suppose that's how it goes. 

It was likely that Vector had only received this news last night via a letter or more likely a mirror-tunnel. Thinking about it now, Findaris had left behind his own personal mirror two years ago and not ever thought of it since. Likely because he had no use for it; his only companion was Vector and they had never needed to use a long-range communications device. The device itself was nothing more than an enchanted mirror that allowed two-way visual communication, and was in use of all the nobles and their families in Terrasia.