Chapter 35: Who rules?
King’s view
Sometimes I wonder if I’m really the king of this land. I have the crown, yet I don’t feel like I have much influence. The local lords handle most of the kingdom’s management, and the person with the most influence in the capital is Facile. Supposedly, Fen Ger of the West, Drayle of the North, and Brianna Tosh of the east would obey me if I gave an order, but I don’t dare test that. None of them act like they have any actual loyalty to the crown, and I can’t afford to let people know how weak my position really is.
King:
“I received a report that a monster was discovered to have been disguised as a human in Gerland.”
Esmer:
“That doesn’t really explain why you called for me.”
King:
“You don’t look surprised. Did you know already, that monsters were around in disguise?”
Esmer:
“It’s not really a secret. Everyone in the Academy knows by year two.”
King:
“Yet you never bothered to tell me.”
Esmer:
*sigh* “It’s not useful information. All it really means is that some of the people out there are more powerful than any human could ever hope to be. So long as they aren’t attacking us, it’s not really an issue.”
King:
“Can we really afford to just hope we don’t get attacked?”
Esmer:
“We have no other choice. If what I learned from Ariel today is accurate, this kingdom only exists because the true rulers of this land have allowed it to. They aren’t beings we can oppose.”
King:
“Just who are these true rulers?”
Esmer:
“According to Ariel, she’s confirmed Dina, Fen Ger, and Fenix as among them. She herself is strong enough to defeat our armies on her own, and she is less than an ant before the true lords. We’ve confirmed that Ariel defeated the Fenix Order knights with ease, and no one was injured.”
King:
“You make it sound like we are living in a land of gods.”
Esmer:
“The church of the old land did give pretty strict orders not to come here. We may very well be in the land of the gods.”
… just how much has the court mage not bothered to tell me? Really doesn’t feel like I’m in charge here.
King:
“Lucent told us not to come here. Yet Fenix welcomed us warmly. Fen Ger and Dina seem friendly too.”
Esmer:
“If I understand Ariel’s explanation correctly, there’s a high probability the colossal wolf that has threatened Gerland several times is actually Fen Ger’s true form.”
King:
“What? Then why… Gerland has never actually been destroyed, right?”
Esmer:
“That’s correct.”
King:
“Then, it’s just an act? Some sort of show or play?”
Esmer:
“I’d recommend not thinking too hard on it. It doesn’t really matter why they do it. We’re stuck following their wishes and whims regardless.”
King:
“You’re the last person I’d expect to stop thinking about it.”
Esmer:
“I can’t deny that. Still, pretty sure you’ll be better off if you don’t spend time thinking about it. Looking at these things deeply doesn’t offer any comfort, only more questions, and uncertainty.”
King:
“What about Ariel? I hear she’s in charge of the hero selection this time?”
Esmer:
“She’s very strange. A mystery I’m hoping to solve. I’ve been careful not to press her for answers, since I don’t want to risk upsetting her or putting her on the defensive. Yet, despite all her explanations I feel like I keep getting left with more questions.”
King:
“And this selection she’s setting up?”
Esmer:
“Oh, right, some sort of physical contest it seems. One that will require teamwork. It is an interesting idea, though I doubt it really will be effective at determining who’s the best choice. I assume it doesn’t actually matter much who is selected.”
King:
“Because ultimately, the entire thing is just for show?”
Esmer:
“That is what I hope to find the answer to this time. There’s something about Ariel that makes me think this time will be very different.”
King:
“Because of Facile, isn’t it?”
Esmer:
“Well… yes. I’ve never seen Facile show this much interest in someone during the three centuries I’ve been here. Something is going to change.”
