11 Requirement

- Majesty, always as perceptive as usual. As I made sure to hide my true thoughts by any means necessary. This trait that fits you so well is terrible.

- But very effective and probably essential for leadership. Isn't it, Yuren? he added wryly, turning to his toy guardian.

- I'd give anything to have that much," replied the latter sulkily, whose accusing eyes flicked between his sovereign and the wound the latter had inflicted on him. Even to devour him, he added silently, considering the dangerous gleam that animated his black eyes.

- Majesty... Kleb began.

But the latter cut him off, already knowing what he intended to tell him...

- No Kleb, he dared to insist on opening the borders of my empire. I'm not going to let this go, even if he came here for a good reason.

The beast had an icy, totally terrifying look on his face. Then just as surprising, he sighed briefly and said.

- Okay, even if it costs me a lot, I'll take your advice.

- Glad to hear it, Prince.

- Yes. I must first recover my composure. However, I will still punish him for this humiliation, for sure. He narrowed his eyes, which were clouded with sadistic and vengeful thoughts. "I only have to think of his strength and weaknesses.

He closed his eyes for a few seconds.

- But if I should ever find out that his intentions are not good as he has proclaimed loudly to these stupid people, but as black as my genuine hair and Yuren's rage, then I don't care what the members of this pathetic union have forbidden or chosen or denied, I will destroy him.

- And it would probably be completely pointless to discourage you from creating problems for the sake of world relations. Do you know that you are completely out of control?

- Yes, and I like myself that way. Now," he continued, turning to his redheaded guardian and advisor, "go watch him and see what he does.

- And if what he does is try to come to you.

The beast laughed sarcastically.

- Ah, well, if he was stupid enough to wish for it, then he would understand soon enough that the price of that wish is abominable.

- What's up? The ruler to his faithful guardian two days later.

Kleb appeared from the top of a rugged ridge and jumped slightly to land at the prince's side. Shrugging his shoulders, he dropped onto a long, luxurious couch covered in gray and pink silk, reclining again, casually, before a starry view where trees with bright, multicolored leaves shelter daytime creatures. The guard had just spent two long nights in absolute invisibility in order to carefully follow every movement, word and action of the foreign target.

- Please, I know perfectly well that you would like to hear some bad news, I mean some reassuring news for you, in order to get the infinite freedom to do what you so much want to do, that is, destroy your enemy before sending him away.

- I see that you understand this very well. But...?

- But I regret to inform you that he has behaved very well during all the time he has spent with us. From the moment he arrived one fine morning exactly three nights ago, to the moment he stroked an Orolkeus with a professional eye, while studying it deeply, with all the necessary and authorized materials one can imagine. He is a true perfectionist, Your Majesty.

- I caught a disturbing note in your voice Kleb. Are you by any chance trying to tell me in a way that I am not?

- Not a perfectionist? No, of course not. I would never presume to criticize you, your greatness. But let me tell you that while you may resent him to the point of hatred, you can never resent him for the extraordinary talent he possesses in these different areas.

- I see. And you've guessed right. I don't know if I mind, but I would never blame someone for their talents. I love talent, ingenuity and especially virtuosity too much to ever hate anyone for it.

Kleb smiled at him.

- I know, I know. We all know.

The red guardian sighed.

- And anyway, in terms of "talent", you far surpass all the others. That's wonderful, but we're equally aware of the terrible burden it places on you.

The prince smiled briefly.

And suddenly he straightened up on his guard.

- A Paroxa is in danger.

- And? He's perfectly capable of getting out of this on his own, isn't he?

- Not this time, not if I don't intervene. Because he's carrying another stranger on his back.

- A stranger? Oh, a girl probably!

- What do you care?

- Nothing. And you're going to save her?

The beast shrugged.

- I don't really have a choice. I love rare creatures too much to have them eaten by stupid Gayouls.

Kleb looked at him ironically, smiling a distant smile that showed his deep familiarity with his master.

- Oh, come on! As if you really cared about these rare creatures. You know very well that I know the reason for your desire for rescue.

- Gayouls often do stupid things that upset the balance of forest life. I will make them understand their mistake. That's all!

Kleb shook his head as he watched him fly away.

- Could you, if possible, limit the harm you will do to them?

- I never hurt my guests.

A heartbreaking sigh followed these words.

- I see you have forgotten the meaning of that word.

- If you say so. Replied the beast, dodging a careless gesture, but already more than eager to get into action.

- But as for the meaning, the guardian remarked again in a vague tone while considering his sovereign thoughtfully, you have not put on your other form for some time now.

- And then? Sense has nothing to do with it!

The ruler's simple and sharp answer clearly told the guardian not to insist. Which he was wise enough to do. He raised his hands in surrender and bowed slightly.

- Oh nothing! Forget what I said, Your Majesty. Have a good night, that is, if you can!

And he followed the mythical beast with his eyes as it flew away before disappearing in an extraordinary explosion.

- Magnificent.