Book 9: Chapter 1


    It began long, long ago.


    One driven man set out on a journey. His oppressed and enved people, stripped of their pride and cultural heritage, found no salvation in this life or the next. Cries for rescue went unheard, a masters whip and scorn their only reward.


    You ves have no god. Your only fate is to be mocked, persecuted, and consumed.


    Most of his brethren suffered this derision in silence. After all, no words could save them. Despite endless trials and tribtions, emancipation never arrived. It was enough to leave one wondering if the gods despised them.


    He was different, however.


    Our divine savior is somewhere on this vast continent. They just havent heard us yet.


    That was his conviction.


    However long it takes, Ill find a god to deliver the hm.


    With that, he departed on a holy quest. His name is long forgotten. Posterity only knows this traveler with the fiery red hair and bright crimson eyes as the Founder.


    And that man was the father of the hm Kingdom.


    A young man sat by a roaring firece, a book in one hand. It was Wein Salema Arbalest, the crown prince of the Natra Kingdom. Together with the gentle snow outside the window, the hearth created a cozy atmosphere.


    Did he reallysearch for God? asked the youthful girl with him by the fire. Her name was Fnya Elk Arbalest, and she was Weins younger sister and Natras crown princess.


    The siblings were discussing the history of a particr civilization. The ancient hm people, to be exact.


    Yes, at least ording to our records here in Natra. Of course, were talking about an event from centuries ago. Its hard to know what someone was thinking back then.


    Still, we cant discount written history, Wein implied wordlessly.


    So did the Founder seed? Fnya asked, but her brother continued without answering.


    The Founder chased every holy lead across the continent. Apparently, he even marched into forbidden sanctums and exposed the gods despite local protest. His actions made him the target of attacks by several different religious groups.


    He must have been truly desperate.


    The Founder ignored his own peril in pursuit of God and left no stone, figurative or literal, unturned. All so he could bring meager peace to his suffering friends,rades, and loved ones.


    However, his wish never came true.


    What? Fnya questioned, her eyesrge.


    Ancient societies believed in far more numerous gods and spirits than those of the modern day. That spectrum ranged from nature worship in primitive animism to polytheistic systems ruled by a central deity. Among these, the Founder likely converted to the oldest religionatheism.


    The Founder spent long years searching every corner of the continent and risking his own lifeyet he never found a divine protector for the hm.


    After demystifying the gods hed yearned for, the forlorn Founder must have concluded the continent was home only to false idols.


    He didnt find Godbut built the hm Kingdom anyway?


    Thats right. At first, the Founder was heartbroken, but he quickly hatched a diabolical n: If God didnt exist, he would invent one to suit the hm. Wein paused to grin. And thus, the continents first monotheism was born.


    Sirgis, former prime minister of the Delunio Kingdom and current vassal to Natras crown princess Fnya, entered the room and felt a slight wave of regret wash over him. Hede looking for his master but found someone hed give anything to avoid.


    Oh? May I help you, Sir Sirgis?


    Ninym Ralei, the one who posed the question, tilted her head. She was Crown Prince Weins aide and, as evidenced by her white hair and red eyes, a hm.


    Might I ask where Princess Fnya is? Sirgis asked, his expression sour.


    Shes in that room, Ninym readily answered, pointing to a door nearby. However, Her Highness and Prince Wein are in the middle of a discussion.


    I see In that case, I shall returnter.


    Sirgis turned to leave, but Ninym called out behind him.


    Its almost time for Prince Wein to return to his government affairs. Would you like to wait here for a while?


    It wasnt an odd proposal, but Sirgis groaned quietly.


    I had intended to show you courtesy.


    Theres no need. After all, we both serve Natras royal family.


    You feel no reservation toward me?


    If anything, shouldnt it be the other way around? After all, you are a devout follower of Levetia.


    The Teachings of Levetia was the biggest religion in the West. Its doctrine persecuted the hm, so Natras tolerance shocked Western visitors.


    Yes, I used to ept the Teachings of Levetia blindly. However, that is all in the past, Sirgis responded, pulling up a chair. Youre right, Lady Ninym. As fellow vassals, we must be open with one another.


    Ninym smiled faintly as Sirgis looked away in irritation. He mulled over how to best answer thisposed girl over a decade his junior.


    By the way, why arent you with Their Highnesses? he blurted out.


    It was a silly question, but Sirgis was curious all the same. Ninym apanied Wein everywhere as his guard, so shed typically be in the room with him instead of waiting outside the door. Why the sudden change?


    Theyre discussing hm history, exined the young woman. Some topics would be difficult if I were present.


    hm history, you say?


    I can go into detail if youre interested.


    I shall pass, Sirgis replied curtly. Then he recalled something that had long weighed on his mind. Well, this isnt about the hm precisely, but theres something Ive been meaning to ask Why does the Natran royal family hold your people in such esteem?


    Natras eptance of the hm was odd by Western standards, but the long line of hm aides to the royal family was stranger still. Keeping traditions like those was unfathomable in the West, and even those in the East rarely limited their assistants to a single n.


    In short, it began with a promise made a century ago.


    A promise?


    A group of persecuted hm led by a man named Ralei fled to Natra and demonstrated their knowledge and skills to the royal family in exchange for protection. The king was so moved that he made Ralei his aide.


    What an open-minded ruler to keep the hm so close despite the cost.


    Ive heard that Natra saw fewer visitors after Levetia announced the Circulous Law. The traditional pilgrimage used Natra as a gateway across the continent, but new regtions stated that a circuit around the West was enough. In other words, appointing the hm was partly done for revenge.


    I see. Yes, that sounds usible, Sirgis said with a faint, wry smile.


    Still, a rtionship built on such motives was doomed to fail.


    As youve noticed, the key part came afterward. Ralei dedicated his life to the king, who respected both Ralei and the hm. The two men shared a deep trust to their final days. The hm volunteered their skills to the royal family, and the royal family generously provided refuge.


    It was like a promise between children. Those involved were already on thin ice, so a multigenerational oath was mere fantasy. Everyone must have believed the alliance would crumble once its founders were goneeven the king and Ralei.


    However, their vowsted an entire century and became an established custom.


    Countless royals and hm have continued to honor this pact. It was no small feat, but we hm aides are now a natural part of Natran society.


    I suppose theres an odd chapter in every nations history, Sirgis remarked with a nod of understanding. Are only the most talented hm chosen to serve the royal family?


    For the most part, but there are some exceptions. Princess Fnya chose Nanaki personally. In my case


    Just then, Weins head popped out from the room next door.


    Sorry bout the wait, Ninym. Oh, Sirgis. Youre here, too?


    Both Ninym and Sirgis bowed respectfully.


    Have you finished your discussion? Ninym inquired.


    Yeah, but it took forever. Ah! Watch it!


    A mncholy Fnya suddenly appeared behind Wein. When the princess saw Ninym, she pushed past him and ran to squeeze the older girl.


    Wh-whatever is the matter, Princess Fnya? Ninym asked, startled by her unexpected behavior.


    Fnya lifted her head from Ninyms shoulder. I dont care what others did in the past.


    Sirgis didnt grasp the meaning, but a kind smile spread across Ninyms face.


    Your Highness, those words alone ease the hearts of all hm.


    Although different races, the pair appeared like sisters as Ninym epted Fnyas embrace and stroked her hair. Their shared history wove a tangible harmony between them.


    Did you need me, Sirgis? Wein said, breaking Sirgiss contemtion.


    No, I wish to confirm a few matters with Princess Fnya about an uing meeting.


    Gotcha. Wein nodded. Give her a minute, though. Shes still processing her feelings.


    Yes, understood.


    Im sure there are shocking aspects of hm history, Sirgis thought. If one delved into the continents history, they would find several grisly truths. Fnya was a princess, but also a child. No one could me her for being upset.


    Thats right Shes still a child.


    Since Sirgis became Fnyas vassal, he hade to understand that she was a capable royal. Her passion and ambition were evident, and she had an equal measure of intelligence. Fnya took advice yet refused to be spoon-fed.


    Given a decade to mature, the frail, inexperienced princess would be an excellent politician.


    However, there was one significant caveat.


    Even the gifted Fnya was no match for her older brother, Wein. A survey of one hundred people would be unanimously in favor of the elder sibling.


    This wont be easy.


    Sirgis would install Princess Fnya on Natras throne. That was his goal as an exprime minister (courtesy of Wein) and as Fnyas vassal.


    I cant rush things. However, theres no telling when the current king will abdicate to the prince. Ill need both stealth and haste


    Did Wein realize there was a turncoat in his midst? Most certainly. He was a genius prince, after all. Still, the young royal said nothing. There was no telling if that was due to carelessness or because he had other ns. Sirgis felt uneasy, but his objective remained the same. He would use every opportunity to support Fnya.


    Incidentally, I hear youll be traveling abroad soon, Prince.


    Yeah, to the Ulbeth Alliance. Know anything about it?


    Ive visited the region on numerous asions. It is apeculiar nation.


    Oh? How so?


    Both Natra and Delunio have unique cultures and traditions, but the well-established Ulbeth Alliance is distinct to an abnormal degree, Sirgis replied.


    HmmIve heard theyve been around awhile. Culture and tradition, huh?


    Wein tried to conjure a mental picture of the unfamiliar country and groaned quietly.


    Fnya, having regained herposure, called to him. Wein, youre going to Ulbeth on business, right?


    Yeah. Natras trade with Patura took a major hit during thest Gathering of the Chosen, so I need to hurry and do damage control. Im sure Ulbeths representative, the Holy Elite named Agata, wont stop there, though. Negotiations should be interesting.


    Fnya sheepishly eyed the prince. Please be careful, Wein. The previous Gathering of the Chosen looked safe at the beginning. Even if you expect a regr meeting, theres no telling what might happen.


    The chaos fromst autumns Gathering of the Chosen still cast a shadow over Fnyas heart.


    No worries, Fnya. Stuff like that is one in a million, Wein assured her with an amused grin. He ruffled his sisters hair. Still, Ill need you to watch the homestead while Im gone. Sirgis, help her out, okay?


    You can count on me, Wein!


    Yes. Leave everything to us.


    Fnya was bursting with enthusiasm, while Sirgis merely gave a formal bow. The genius prince smiled and nodded in satisfaction.


    Several dayster, a delegation led by Wein departed for the Ulbeth Alliance. Fnya, who saw them off, wouldter ask herself the following:


    I wonder if everything that happened in the Ulbeth Alliance that winter hinted at the future awaiting my brother and the others.


    In the future, this period came to be known as the Great War of Kings.