Ch. 34: Quest [2]

After took a shower and changed my clothes, we headed to the dining room at the Emperor Palace. I was accompanied by my mother, Fedel, and Sir Ulrich. We stopped at the giant mahogany door. My mother lowered herself to match my height. 

"I can only take you here."

She grabbed my right hand and held it. She looked into my eyes and caressed my face.

"Remember what I said, you can decline if you don't feel like doing it."

"I understand."

She straightened her back and stroked my head.

"I will return to my Palace. Sir Ulrich and Fedel will be waiting for you here."

My mother pointed to the side and Sir Ulrich along with Fedel standing side by side came into view. I returned my eyes to my mother and bowed.

"Thank you so much for walking with me here."

She nodded and sent me inside with a smile.

"Go."

The Guards opened the door and I stepped inside. I twirled my back and my mother could be seen waving her hand before the door completely closed. 

"I see. You have arrived."

I was a bit startled when I heard a familiar voice. I turned around and found a black-haired boy sitting on a chair. He eyed me with his cold and indifferent golden eyes; the same as always.

"Been a while."

He waved his hand. After what had happened, the dream, the book, and the plot. I had no idea how to respond or react. Also, I learned that the mastermind behind my assassination was his mother, yet, he saved me; her son. Simply put, all of his actions were unpredictable.

I did ask the reason why he saved me but instead of answering with a clear answer, he answered my question with a question: 'Do people need a reason when they do kindness?' which left me speechless because I couldn't refute it. 

Not only his actions, but I also couldn't comprehend his way of thinking. If there were black and white then he was gray. These uncertainties only made my wary of him keep increasing. 

'Honestly, I don't want to interact with him at this point. But what can I do? We live under the same roof.'

I lowered my head to him and I could hear how he clicked his tongue in annoyance.

"Just come and sit here."

Strengthening my back, I strode and sat beside him. His eyes instantly landed on me and our eyes met, he scanned me thoroughly. 

"You should eat more."

"I heard that a lot."

"Also, you can just decline if you don't feel like doing it."

I looked at him with confusion; not him said the same thing as my mother. I tried to open my mouth but before I could say anything, the guard door announced Dariush's presence.

"The Emperor of the Chrono Empire entering!"

The door swung open and revealed a white-haired man walking inside the dining room. Both of us immediately got down and bowed to pay respect. The man sat down.

"Have a seat."

We did as he told and his magenta eyes rolled to Alexander before switching to me. 

"I'm sure both of your mothers have informed you about the quest that you will be taking?"

We nodded in unison and he continued.

"I will tell you the details later, for now, let's enjoy the luncheon. Bring the food."

With that maids and butlers soon arranged the food on the table and we ate in solemnity. 

.

.

.

A maid placed a teacup and poured tea into it. Hot steam could be seen swaying on top of the tea before it dissipated into thin air. The luncheon had ended and now they served us tea. I glanced at Dariush as his voice entered my ears.

"As you already know, our Empire is at war with the Yovanny Kingdom at the northwest sea."

He gazed at us and resumed.

"It's not every day we see a stupid Kingdom that dares to challenge us in a war."

I was taken aback upon listening to his speech, I mean, was it really alright to use foul language in front of kids like us? But, it seemed he didn't bother at all.

"But, war is a war. And war is a bad thing. Although in some cases, a war might help achieve peace, that peace comes at a price which is a loss of life and property."

I concurred and nodded involuntarily.

"With that, I decided to use this war as an example and I will send both of you to the northwest part of Chrono in the Egon Region."

I abruptly turned to him and coincidentally or not, our eyes met.

"You don't need to worry, I have no intention of sending kids to the battlefield anyway. I'm not short of men's power and--"

He turned to Alexander.

"--It's blasphemy--such a disgrace to our Empire."

I had no idea, or it was simply my feeling that the atmosphere in this room suddenly turned cold as they exchanged stares. But, he eventually continued.

"I have evacuated people within a 30 km radius of the war and built a refugee camp. And that is the place where you will be visiting. Use your eyes and ears, are they happy with the war that is going on? And then ask yourself, is waging war something good to do?"

He swept our faces with his eyes.

"The reason behind why I send you there is simply, I hope you learn a lot there and when one of you reigns, you won't foolishly wage war and become a tyrant. Always remember your people. But I never forced you to do it anyway. You are free to decline this quest."

He whirled and looked me in the eyes.

"Your answer?"

'I know it wasn't that long after my assassination but I can not let fear take over me forever. I learned a lot after that accident. I know that my mother wishes me to decline this quest because of worries, but if I do that, I will never be able to overcome my trauma.'

I heaved a deep long sigh. 

"I will participate in this quest."

'I have to move on.'

However, there was a slight silence in the room as he blatantly stared at me for 5 seconds straight before he moved to Alexander.

"Your answer?"

"I will also participate."

The Emperor nodded.

"Well then, it's settled. Your departure will be scheduled for next week. You can only take 2 people with you. Make sure to prepare yourself."

With that, he got up and we followed suit. His gaze fell on us for the last time as we made a bow before finally leaving the dining room. I straightened my back and found Alexander glaring at me intently. I couldn't help and asked him.

"What?"

"Why did you accept it?"

"Am I supposed to decline it?

"You should just focus on your recovery."

He massaged his temple.

"What do you mean? My health has recovered."

"Recovered? Your health?"

He looked at me and scoffed in disbelief.

"Just what do you think you can do with your stick-like figure?!"

'What the hell? Why is he shouting at me? Even my mother never does it.'

As anger glinted in my heart, I snapped at him.

"What is wrong with my figure? It's not like the Emperor told me to fight some random guy."

"..."

Silence enveloped us as he shut his mouth. He just looked at me with his wild burning eyes. We exchanged stares for a minute straight before he finally opened his mouth.

"...right."

With that, he got out of the room and left me alone. 

'Jeez. What is wrong with him?'