05: Darius' Origins

Dinner was served on the table, and Darius and Maria were eating in moderation. Even though he had just been appointed as the new Village Chief by the villagers, Darius didn't take their tribute for granted since he despised receiving something for free. He politely rejected them and told Mr. Barney, the baker, to manage the grains and other supplies.

Darius' humbleness and down-to-earth attitude succeeded in captivating the hearts of the villagers.

It also applies to the spherical crystal in his chest. Although he was wary that the old man had ulterior motives for helping him, Darius couldn't change the fact that he owed the old man his life. He wants to say thank you, at least.

Since the eccentric old man was gone, Darius needed to focus on himself, Maria, and the village. While eating, Darius thought deeply about what would become of his village.

For years, this village had no name, it was not even registered to any region, and no Lords or Dames were willing to reign this village due to being situated in the most remote area of the Northean Kingdom.

Speaking of which, this small village which was majorly inhabited by elderly people has no monetary value whatsoever. This was also the reason why this village was constantly being harassed by the nobles, bandits, and alike.

However, Thirteen years ago, though he was only three years old at that time, he remembered vaguely that his parents and Maria's parents were in a heated argument with a noble who hailed from the nearest city, Baron Roger Von Gill.

Darius was still an oblivious child back then, he foolishly barged into the meeting room and angered them. His father scolded him so fiercely, that the scene was burned into his mind to this day.

A week after that event, Darius' parents were dead due to unknown causes. Maria's parents were murdered on the high seas during the fishing season.

The recent pirate ride gave him a hint of what was happening thirteen years ago.

"So," Darius broke the silence. "Your parents are…"

"No, only my father. He was a Mage from outside this empire, it seemed that your parents and mine were good friends. That's what I learned from your father's notebook."

"Notebook?"

Maria promptly went to her bedroom, fetching the notebook, and slid it on the table. Darius looked puzzled, he didn't understand why his parents would cover their identity.

Who are they?

"Where did you find this?"

"The underground basement, beneath the warehouse Come, I'll show you."

Afterward, the two left the table. Maria led him to the shed, which Darius rarely visited. He felt dumbfounded upon learning that there was a secret hatch beneath the piles of hays after thirteen years. He had no suspicion at all, furthermore, he was too focused on his work, procuring money and food.

"Be wary of your steps, it's slippery." She says, trudging down the dark hallway, barely feet for two people.

Maria lit up the oil lamp, illuminating a small study room that was hidden beneath the ground.

Piles of books and parchment scrolls were neatly placed on the floor. There was no speck of dust in this room since Maria regularly used this room for studying her magic while Darius went hunting or working in the village.

"When did you find this room?"

"A couple of winters ago. I know what you think, Darius. I am sorry for keeping this room a secret from you."

"That's not my concern right now. More importantly, what have you learned from my father's work?"

"Things that we need to know about our origins."

Maria fetched him an intricate device made from metal with a half-ball metal from the shelves. Once she pressed the small button, a moving image appeared, complete with the voice.

"Eek!"

Darius was startled at first, he thought a pair of white-haired ghosts had come to haunt him.

Maria chuckled upon seeing this side of him. He was still the same in the past years.

"Fret not, Darius. These are your parents."

"You mean my parents' soul was captured in this device?"

Maria's eyes went blank, frustrated by how silly Darius could be. She knew Darius was no fool, only lacking the world's common sense and general knowledge since he only cared about hunting and working.

She flicked Darius' forehead before she left the room to give him some space.

"Ouch! What was that for?!"

"It's a video message, you silly. Just play the button one more time and the message will be played. I'll prepare the bath."

Once Maria closed the hatch, Darius pressed the button and soon enough, a voice that he vaguely remembered rushed into his memory, awakening the memory from his childhood.

Tears began to flow as the playback video started.

****

"Darius, my dear. This is your father speaking, Arthur Whitemoon. The woman beside me is your mother, Selena Whitemoon. If you see this, we probably have long gone."

Darius' mother chimed in.

"We are sorry for meeting you like this. I want you to know about us and your origins. We are from the Lunarian Kingdom. The eleventh vassal kingdom in the Slonia Empire which had been wiped out from history."

"Selena, you are making him think about avenging the Lunarian if you speak like that."

Arthur turned the camera toward him more.

"Darius, listen closely. You must live to your fullest. Don't let our past determine what you want to be."

Suddenly, a red-haired man appeared behind Darius' parents. Darius was surprised by the man's resemblance to Maria.

"The ship is ready, Your Majesty!"

"Thank you, Eleanor. We will be there shortly." Arthur said.

And thus, Selena turned the camera toward her. "You may hate us, that's a given. I hope you'll understand why we hid you in the village, someday. However, you must know that we love you so much. I know it's hard. Be a good boy, a man."

"Alright, time to go, Selena. The wind ain't gonna wait."

*****