Chapter 9: The Grand Parade (Part 3)

"Now then, let us proceed with the ceremony," the Emperor declared.

With those words, a marching band emerged from the gates, its jubilant melodies reaching the ears of the assembled crowd. The cheerful tunes swept through the plaza, casting a spell of joy that dissipated the earlier unease. Commoners and nobles alike were soon swept up in the festivities, their faces lighting up with smiles.

"Honey, let's move closer to the band!" Vedel suggested, his eyes sparkling with delight.

'That man really is a terrible liar,' Einar couldn't help but grin inwardly. 'Although, the secret box was an unexpected twist.' His curiosity surged once more, memories of the mysterious little chest that had saved them from the burden of their taxes this year flooding his mind. The notion of such a horrible liar being able to hide such a thing seemed preposterous. 

"Yes dear, let's enjoy it while we can," Alicia replied with a warm smile, wholly unaware of her son's inner turmoil. They strolled towards the band, eager to get a closer look and bask in the enchanting melodies that filled the air. The vibrant tunes worked like a soothing balm, mending the earlier clash of discontent and happiness.

As his parents immersed themselves in the parade, Einar's thoughts continued to churn, still pondering the Emperor's decree. Magic had always been an open book in his previous life, a realm of knowledge accessible to all who dared to seek it. His own family had humble origins, originally consisting of mere farmers. Yet, the Emperor's words hinted at something different - "Magic potential." What did that even mean? Could it be that not everyone could wield magic here, unlike the world he once knew?

Einar couldn't help but wonder if he was truly in the same world as his previous life. The difference in magic was so absurd that he couldn't make up even a single plausible explanation. It was if the laws of the arcane that he had once studied were completely overthrown by a new set of rules.

While lost in thought, Einar was jolted from his reverie by a familiar tune emanating from the band. The melody, strangely enough, was not foreign to him.

'What is this? I know this song!' He couldn't help but gasp inwardly. The music resonated with a vivid memory from his past, the ceremony that had elevated him to the prestigious rank of Archmage. It was his biggest accomplishment. The result of his hard work and sacrifice. The projection of his resolve upon society. The recollection sent a rush of emotions coursing through him.

The notion that he might be in an entirely different world now, suddenly seemed almost ridiculous in the face of this uncanny familiarity. 

'I have to figure this out at some point.' He pondered. 'Maybe there's even some remnants of my old life remaining!'

During this shocking revelation, he must've made a difficult face, because his mother suddenly stared at him with worry painted in her eyes.

"Sweetie, I think Ruen's not doing so well." She told her husband with a tinge of worry in her voice. "All the noise around here must be tiring him out!"

"Don't worry honey, look, he isn't even crying." Vedel responded. He sounded calm and responsible, though that was only because he wasn't really paying attention. He was completely infatuated by the parade. His eyes never strayed away from the band for more than a few seconds.

'Crap' Einar thought. 'I forgot babies usually don't handle huge crowds well.' 

He waited a few seconds before he started crying as loud as he could. He used every ounce of air in his body to produce more sound than one could imagine a creature of that size could make. His lungs constantly filling with air, just to empty it out in a new wail.

The commotion drew the disapproving glances of onlookers. Alicia, sensing the mounting annoyance from the crowd, swiftly made apologetic gestures while attempting to hush Ruen. Simultaneously, she tugged at Vedel's arm, trying to capture his attention.

"Honey?" she asked, but no response came. Growing increasingly frustrated, she raised her voice, attempting to reach him. "HONEY!" she shouted, yet Vedel remained unresponsive. In a last-ditch effort, Alicia resorted to a more physical approach, delivering a swift kick to Vedel's shins. 

Vedel quickly bent over to grab his shin whilst screaming some words that were best not repeated.

"We need to leave. We're causing a scene," she urged.

Vedel, still nursing his throbbing shin, relented. "Fine, but what's with the kick?"

Alicia, clearly annoyed, retorted, "I called for you twice, and you didn't respond, you doofus."

As his parents began to make their way toward the gates, Einar noticed a massive crowd gathering around the throne. The Emperor found himself surrounded by both nobles and commoners, each group displaying contrasting emotions. The commoners, their hearts brimming with gratitude, saw the Emperor as their savior from the shackles of poverty and noble oppression. On the other hand, the nobles, unable to openly oppose the Emperor's decree due to the risk of execution, made polite pleas for amendments to the Imperial Academy's rules.

As Einar and his family passed by the throne, he couldn't help but be captivated by the sight of the Emperor. There was an aura of authority and might about him that commanded respect from all in his presence, not through displays of power but through the sheer force of his character. Intrigued, Einar took a closer look and felt an odd sense of familiarity, though he couldn't pinpoint why. He was certain he hadn't met the Emperor in his previous life, and the notion that someone from that time could still be alive and this young seemed improbable.

Suddenly, the Emperor's gaze locked onto Einar, and his eyes were filled with curiosity. Though it seemed as though the Emperor was speaking, no sound reached Einar's ears. A strange sensation coursed through his body, as if he were being scrutinized by the eyes of a divine being. While Einar had never been religious, in that moment, he felt like a mere ant before an almighty deity. The sensation dissipated as he and his parents passed through the gate.

His mother cast a concerned glance his way. "Ruen, are you okay?" She inquired.

"I think he's scared. The cheering must have startled him," his father chimed in.

"That must be it," his mother reassured him, "We're going home now, sweetie. You can rest up there."

As they walked, Einar couldn't help but wonder, 'What the hell was that?' His heart raced, his breath was ragged, and his arms trembled. He couldn't fathom what had just transpired. One moment, he was gazing at the Emperor, and the next, he felt like he was being torn apart.

His parents quickened their pace, and soon they were back in their apartment.

******

On his throne, the Egnatius couldn't help but smile. 'Pleasure to finally meet you, Einar.' he thought.