Capítulo 13: A Princess's Wish
[Date: 2/4]
[Time: 10:25 AM]
[Location: Achilles Residency]
The morning sun rested comfortably in the sky, casting a gentle golden hue through the windows of my home. The morning birds sang their songs, and the usual hustle around the neighborhood set a lively tone. It was also a Friday morning, and Fridays were usually my lazy day with Evelyn, where we would hang out inside all day.
"Kieran, breakfast's ready!" Evelyn called out from the kitchen.
I closed my book and got up from the couch, ready to taste my sister's amazing cooking. As I made my way to the dining room, the aroma of vanilla and honey yogurt, cinnamon pancakes, and our mother's Achilles Special: Scrambled Golden Eggs filled the air. My mouth watered at the sight of the delicious spread.
Taking my seat at the table, I began to prepare to indulge in the feast in front of me. "Thank you, Eve. Everything looks so amazing!"
Evelyn smiled as she set two glasses of orange juice down on the table, then pulled out her chair to sit next to me. "You're welcome, Ran. Now let's eat because I'm starving!"
We both said our thanks to Flair before indulging in the food Evelyn had prepared. Each bite was a delight, from the creaminess of her homemade yogurt to the fluffiness of her pancakes. The meal was full of thoughtfulness and expert culinary talent.
"So, whatcha got planned for the day?" Evelyn asked, wiping her mouth with a paper towel.
I set down my glass of juice and sat back in my chair. "Mmm… I dunno. I was thinking about going to Homiheim City and picking up a copy of the Monarch Index from their library so I can expand on my skills."
"Going to the capital, huh? Well, if that's the case, when you see Alastair, tell him that he's late on my payments. I didn't risk my ass in that raid for no payout," Evelyn said, crossing her arms and leaning back into her seat.
I chuckled softly, giving her a nod. "Right, I'll be sure to let him know that."
After enjoying a nice breakfast, I helped Evelyn clean up. Our small talk flowed smoothly, weaving through shared memories of our parents and our future aspirations.
While we were cleaning, the doorbell rang; neither of us were expecting a visitor. I wiped my hands with a towel and made my way to the front door. Opening it, I was greeted by Hime with her arms crossed.
"About time you opened this door, Commoner! Most would have already run to the door," Hime said, her ego still as high as yesterday.
"Well, I apologize for not having precognition and prepared ahead of time for your arrival, Princess. Next time, I'll be sure to be standing right next to the door before your arrival," I said, my voice tinged with playful sarcasm.
Hime rolled her eyes but couldn't help but smile at me. "Hmph! You're the only person I will allow such a disrespectful tone from. Only because I know there is no malice behind it. Consider yourself lucky! Now, I demand to enter; I have traveled a long way to come here."
"As you wish, Lady von Auger," I said, stepping aside and allowing her inside.
Hime flipped her hair and walked in with a smirk, looking around. She noticed the nice paintings along the wall and a family portrait sitting on a small table. She carefully picked it up, looking at the photo closely.
"I remember seeing them. They used to work in the Homiheim Military with my dad. They were always so nice," Hime said, a soft smile playing on her lips.
I closed the door and walked toward Hime, looking at the portrait and smiling softly. "They were very good people…"
A wave of memories washed over me, the warmth of their presence, the lessons they taught, and the void their absence left. For a moment, the house felt a bit emptier, even with Hime and Evelyn here.
Evelyn walked over and noticed Hime, a sly smile curling on her face. "Ahh~ Lady Hime. What brings you here today?"
Hime looked at Evelyn and smiled, setting down the picture. "I came here for Kieran. I wanted to discuss a few things with him."
"I see, I see..~ Be sure to be kind to him, he has very strong emotions~" Evelyn teased in a singsong tone, giggling softly as she walked to the living room.
I grunted softly at Evelyn's tease, then gently grabbed Hime's hand, taking her upstairs. Hime noticed my reaction and giggled softly as she followed behind me.
"I'll be sure to treat him with respect!~" Hime called out from upstairs.
Entering my room, I closed the door behind us and walked toward my desk, sitting down. Hime began to inspect my room, her eyes scanning every corner.
My room was as boyish as you could get, filled with posters of my favorite heroes, maps of the world, and strips of LED lights hung around the room. Shelves were full of collectible games, movies, and action figures that I had been gathering since I was young. A game system sat comfortably beside my TV, a console I hadn't touched since my parents' passing.
Hime walked toward one of the posters and stared at it for a moment. She turned back toward me with a smirk. "A poster of Achilles, huh?"
I turned around in my chair, my gaze shifting to the poster before meeting Hime's. "Not just any poster of Achilles. Achilles in his Trojan Form. Get it right."
Hime scoffed and walked toward me. "Well, excuse me, know-it-all. Sorry I'm not too keen on every form each hero has," she retorted, a smile playing on her lips.
I rolled my eyes, letting out a soft chuckle. "What did you want to talk to me about anyway?"
[Heart to Heart Mode Activated.]
[Hime's Mood: Content]
[Hime's Bond: 20%]
[Hime's Attraction Meter: 15%]
[Status: Friends]
Hime sat down on my bed and smoothed out her dress. "Remember what I said yesterday about you paying off your debts to me?"
"Ah, right, for something that wasn't even my fault," I answered, crossing my arms.
"It was so your fault! You could've caught me!" Hime argued, puffing her cheeks.
I shrugged, closing my eyes. "I wasn't the one beelining down a hill like I was late for work. I mean, this is basic physics."
Hime groaned softly and then pulled my ear. "If I wanted some lip, I would ask for it!"
"Ow! Alright, I get it!" I groaned, holding my ear as she let it go.
"As I was saying, you still haven't paid off your dues to me, even though your actions showed me you have undying loyalty to the von Auger Family. What I want from you today is an outing. Just us! No other girl!" Hime said, making her requests and orders clear.
"An outing? That's it?" I asked, lowering my hand to make sure I heard her correctly.
"I didn't stutter! I don't like repeating myself, but I'll say it once more. I want an outing with you. Yesterday… yesterday was probably the first time I've ever felt excitement. The first time I've ever had real friends who treated me like a human and not just royalty," Hime said, her eyes locking with mine and her cheeks settling into a soft rosy color.
"I thought to myself when I got home, if I could have that much fun with a commoner on a Quest… I would probably have fun with him on normal outings too as… friends," Hime said, her tone softening with vulnerability.
I let her words sink in, each one touching my heart in a way I hadn't expected. I never thought I would have a princess of all people tell me that they had fun with me on a Quest and Dungeon Run. I couldn't help but smile, letting out a soft chuckle.
"What's so funny?" Hime asked, her face gradually becoming redder.
I shook my head, meeting her gaze once again. "It's just, I never thought I would ever hear royalty say they had fun with a 'commoner' like myself. It was heartwarming in a way," I said, sitting forward in my chair.
"I'll take you on an outing. Just you and I. I hope you don't mind running a quick errand with me along the way though," I finished, giving her a warm smile.
[Charisma Level has increased to Level 2!]
[Hime's Attraction Meter has increased to 25%]
Hime turned her head, crossing her arms. She felt a warm sensation inside her, a small smile breaking through her tough persona. "Hmph! I suppose it's alright. Very well, it is settled."
"But first…" Hime said, standing up and walking toward my console. She picked up a controller and looked at me. "Show me how to play video games."
I looked at her and then at the controller in her hand. Despite my initial hesitation, I put a smile on my face and stood up. "Okay, what game do you want to play?"
Hime pointed at a racing game she saw on the shelf, wanting to play it. I took the game off the shelf and put it into the console. Hime sat back down on my bed, her eyes glued to the screen, and I sat beside her.
I began coaching her about the buttons to press and the mechanics of the game. She listened to each instruction and followed suit, her eyes sparkling as she watched her character race down the road at high speeds. As she played, she occasionally scooted closer to me, our shoulders nearly touching.
I glanced at her, noticing her excited smiles when she did well and her expressions of frustration when she lost against the other racers. It felt nice seeing this side of royalty, the side that's allowed to have fun and not be strict all the time.
[Bond with Hime has increased to 30%]
An hour went by and Hime looked at the screen of her system, noticing how fast time was flying by. She set down the controller and stood up. "We should get going. If we don't, we would be trapped in here playing video games all day."
I chuckled softly and stood up as well, stretching and letting out a soft sigh. "Yeah, better head out."
We walked toward the door and I opened it for her, letting her exit first. She smiled as she left my room and I followed behind her. We began to make our way downstairs and to the front door.
"We're heading out, Eve!" I called out to Evelyn.
Evelyn raised her hand, her eyes glued on a movie she was watching. "Mmkay~" Evelyn said, petting our cat who sat happily in front of her.
Hime and I left the house then made our way to start our plans. Hime called for a carriage on her system and a neigh was heard in the distance. Soon, a carriage approached us and we got in, the horses galloping off to Homiheim City.
[Date: 2/4]
[Time: 12:10 PM]
[Location: Homiheim City]
Arriving at Homiheim City, we stepped out of the carriage then made our way to the grand building in front of us. As we crossed the threshold, we were greeted by the scent of aged parchment and the hushed whispers of scholars engrossed in their studies. The library's grand entrance beckoned us further, with its towering arches and intricately carved wooden doors that seemed to guard the wisdom contained within.
Inside, the library unfolded before our eyes, revealing a vast expanse of knowledge that stretched as far as the eye can see. Sunlight poured through stained glass windows, casting a colorful glow upon the rows upon rows of towering bookshelves that line the walls. Each shelf was ladened with ancient tomes, leather-bound volumes, and meticulously organized scrolls, each housing the accumulated wisdom of generations.
The air was filled with a gentle hum of intellectual curiosity, as scholars and avid readers traversed the aisles, their fingers tracing the spines of books in search of their next literary adventure. Soft, ambient lighting illuminated the space, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and focus.
The library was not limited to physical books alone. Technology intertwined seamlessly with tradition, with computer terminals and digital archives providing access to a vast array of digital literature and resources. Interactive displays and holographic projections brought history to life, allowing visitors to engage with the past in innovative and captivating ways.
"Wow, this place is huge," I said, my tone a mixture of wonder and awe as I wandered around for a bit.
Hime nodded her head, following me with her hand in mine. "I come here every once in a while for a good book or two. If you ever want to check out a book, just tell me and I can get you the book with unlimited days."
"I guess being friends with a Princess has its quirks around here," I said with a soft chuckle.
We began to wander down the isles for a bit, searching for a few books we wanted to check out together. As we wandered around the many isles, my eyes landed on a book that I initially came here for.
{Suru: Oh? It is the Monarch Index, but it doesn't seem to be the full version.}
I nodded my head, opening the book and scanning through it. "It only goes up to Pawn Star Rating Three. Peak Human Levels, but this is a start.."
Hime walked toward me, holding a few books in her arms. "Did you find something?"
I nodded my head, closing the book and turned toward Hime. "Yeah, it's honestly a steal."
Hime looked at the book in my hand then smiled, her gaze returning to mine. "You found Volume 1 of the Monarch Index huh? I thought they hid that pretty well honestly. Oh well, if you want it you can have it."
I nodded my head, smiling at Hime and looking at the books she held in her hand, noticing they were all comics, graphic novels, and picture books. "Looks like you have quite the collection," I teased, chuckling softly.
Hime's face immediately flushed a crimson color. "Sh-Shut it! Let's go check these out..!"
I smiled as I watched her walk off then quickly followed behind her. The two of us went to the front desk, checking out each book and with Hime's status, we didn't have a due date.
Leaving the cozy library, we decided to head to the convenience store to buy a few snacks and drinks. After getting what we needed, Hime led me to the park nearby so we could read together.
As we stepped into Homiheim City Park, we were greeted by a symphony of nature's melodies. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze created a soothing soundtrack. The park's entrance was adorned with intricate wrought iron gates, inviting us to explore the wonders that lay beyond.
Paths of finely crushed gravel wound through the park, guiding us through lush greenery and vibrant floral displays. Towering trees stretched their branches towards the sky, providing pockets of shade that offered solace from the warm sun. The sound of birdsong filled the air, their melodious tunes harmonizing with the gentle babbling of a nearby crystal-clear stream.
Hime found a nice picnic table for us to sit at and set down her books and snacks. "This is my favorite place to come to on days like these. It's always just so peaceful here."
I sat beside her and looked around, enjoying the new sights. "It is rather peaceful here. I love the fountain display in the heart of the park. Is that the Water Bearer?"
Hime leaned forward on the table, her eyes landing on the fountain. "Yeah. Amethyst, The Water Goddess. She's one of the many important figures in Homiheim's history. She rivals the Dragon of the Seas, Hydra."
"Hydra? Oh, she's one of the three Dragon Deities, right?" I asked, looking at Hime.
Hime nodded and closed her eyes. "Hydra, The Dragon of the Seas. She is one of the nine water deities who helped create Esoria's Nine Seas. Landragon, The Dragon of the Land. He's one of the nine land deities who helped create the nine continents we know today, including Homiheim. Finally, Eos, The Dragon of the Skies. She helped create the nine layers of the skies that separate us from the Sacred Realm above."
I stared at Hime, captivated by the knowledge she provided. I smiled and rested my arm on the table, placing my cheek against the palm of my hand. "Thank you for the lesson, Princess."
Hime looked at me and smiled, puffing her chest out. "Heh! You are quite welcome, commoner!~ Now let's get to reading; I have a lot to show you."
Hime grabbed one of the many books she checked out, a comic named 'The Adventures of Adam: The First Savior'. The cover of the book looked epic with an illustration of Adam going against a Demon General that looked like Solomon.
As Hime opened the comic, I could tell how much work was put into it. Each illustration was well-drawn, every detail made to represent the Old World perfectly. We delved deeper into the comic, learning about the Faiths Era while enjoying the story presented in front of us.
"The Adam Family is said to be the strongest family of all time in Esoria. Even though he disobeyed the Sovereigns by taking from the Tree of Knowledge, he redeemed himself a lot," Hime said before taking a bite out of her snack cake.
"So when Adam was alive, was he here when the Goddesses were here or before?" I asked, my eyes scanning each panel, wanting to understand the history even more.
"The Goddesses were very much alive during the time Adam was alive. In fact, here he is talking to Flair," Hime pointed, reading the panel.
I looked at the page and noticed Adam talking with Flair, their conversation intriguing me. "They are talking about Solomon's betrayal."
Hime nodded and continued reading. "Here. They are talking about when Solomon killed the Divine King David once he learned that Adam was chosen by Alpha to become Esoria's first Savior…"
"Solomon has always kinda been the black sheep of the Faiths Era. It's no surprise since he was the one to marry Asmodeus and open the First Gate of Hell: Lust. Because of his own Lust for Absolute Power, he turned evil, forming an alliance with Asmodeus to rule over Esoria," Hime said, deeply reading the comic and explaining it as we went.
"Is that why the von Auger Family kicked them out of their will?" I asked, noticing Hime pause in her movements.
"Yes," Hime answered, gently leaning her shoulder against mine and taking a sip of her juice. "The Solomons are not to be trusted at all. I believe they are the reason why the Gates of Hell and Calamity keep appearing. When I saw Renfred… everything in my body knew not to trust him. Something about him… under that false chivalry he has… I just hate it…"
Hime closed her eyes and let out a soft sigh. "The Solomons have always been a mysterious bunch, though. I know it is wrong to judge based on what an ancestor has done, but after seeing how badly he beat you yesterday… I know there's nothing good that will ever come from him."
I looked down at Hime, watching as she flipped through the pages of her comic. "He calls himself The Harbinger of Oblivion. I'd be surprised if he even has a lick of goodness in him… knowing he works for Stein and all."
Hime snickered softly, rolling her eyes. "Harbinger of Oblivion… yeah, whatever. Sooo mysterious," she said in a mocking tone, closing the comic and closing her eyes.
I noticed how comfortable Hime was around me, even if it's only been a day since she's known me. I couldn't help but smile at her.
"You know… When the Mythic Era happened and there was the Big Three against Solomon, Achilles was the Savior at that time, Hercules was the Liberator, and Diomedes was the Redeemer. So when Alastair became The Liberator, it was… shocking to say the least," Hime said, her tone soft and comfortable.
"Why?" I asked.
"Because Belmont in the Mythic Era was The Beast of the Land. A Dark Savior like Solomon. Belmont was a villain," she answered, her fingers fiddling with the corner of her comic. "I do believe Alastair is a good guy. He is a good guy, deserving of his title… but it's just surprising. He did pass the trials, though. But Stein… I do believe he has the Beast of the Land within him…"
I nodded, taking in each word. I looked at the sky and reflected on all my encounters with Stein. I didn't want to jump to conclusions and say I agree wholeheartedly with Hime, but the signs were there from how he treated others.
"Anyways," Hime said, sitting up and stretching. "I'm ready to get some food. I'm pretty hungry, and then I want to go exploring."
I nodded, standing up and collecting our trash. "Alright, let's go. I heard your stomach growling a few times earlier."
Hime blushed madly, gathering her things quickly, then walked off. "Hmph! Hurry up before I leave you behind!"
I chuckled softly and threw away our trash. I quickly followed behind her, the two of us leaving the park and heading to the heart of the city.
Status de energia semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Pedra de
Poder