After some time, it was time to return to Sy. We had little to worry now that the political ndscape had stabilized.

  “So, what will happen to Akareseki?” I asked Naya as I walked by her side. We had returned to the Wolves’ base in the desert. We met with the Emperor and Empress before. They rewarded us with quite a lot of money and even offered us special positions in Nanawak for our contributions. We were already with Sy, though, so we politely declined.

  They offered us some other rewards instead, things like gold and the stuff. Anyone could easily guess who jumped at that opportunity.

  “His transgressions aren’t something we can simply ignore. At the same time, considering his overall goal, and he did keep us unharmed, a death sentence seems too harsh.”

  Had this been a game, I would be a bit confused at the game for giving me such a lighthearted response, especially since in medieval times the slightest mistake could get your head chopped off.

  “For now, we’ll be holding him in the underground jail as we figure out what to do with him.”

  “Does that mean you’ll be looking for a new Bearer?” Emori asked. Naya smiled at her.

  “You’re interested, Emori?”

  “Ah, no. But, thank you for the offer.” Emori shook her head.

  “I was joking, but on second thought, if you want then I can consider.”

  “There is no need, really.” Emori averted her gaze. “Besides, I have many things to do back at home.”

  “Ah, about that…” I turned to the training field where the Wolves were going through their daily training. With the war against the demon king on the horizon, the soldiers weren’t the only ones preparing.

  “About… Oh…”

  The news about Emori’s White Void had spread far and wide. When I asked if she wanted to stop it, she decided against it.

  In other words…

  “A few years ago, you opposed that idea so stubbornly.” Naya chuckled.

  “It’s- It’s not confirmed yet! I mean, if my brother and parents refused…”

  “I don’t think that will be an issue.” I patted her shoulder.

  “Fortis…”

  After the fight against Akareseki, Emori changed her mind. His words struck a chord inside her. She decided that if she herself didn’t act, no one would. It granted her the bravery to wield White Void.

  “If no one opposes me… then it’s time I stop running away from my responsibilities.”

  “Now that’s my Emori.” Naya messed with Emori’s hair.

  Emori giggled. “But… I won’t put my hopes up.”

  “Don’t worry. It’s as Fortisbel said. Everyone likes you, you don’t need to worry.”

  We arrived at the main lobby, where Mister Vorak, Regus, and Amira waited for us. Maya and Solicea were already there as well, their belongings packed and ready to go.

  “Yo, it’s finally time to part ways, isn’t it.”

  “I’m going to miss you, Kid. Make sure to teleport here often.”

  “You have been a great help. I, on behalf of all the Eastern Wolves, extended my greatest thanks.”

  I bowed my head to them. “Thank you as well. We couldn’t have done it without you.”

  I moved next to Maya, Emori next to me. Naya, meanwhile, stood next to Mister Vorak.

  “This journey may have come to an end, but we’ll meet again, won’t we?”

  “Yes. I’ll definitely come back!” Emori said with certainty.

  “Take care over there, everyone.”

  “Bye.”

  We waved toward them. I then held Maya and Emori’s hands, then made sure Solicea was connected. After one st look, I brought them back to Sy.

  I brought us back to school under the faintest hope to dodge a certain someone’s watchful eyes, but of course…

  “... Hello?”

  “I couldn’t believe this happened again.” He groaned, covering his face. “You know what to do.”

  ??And thus, Prilus took us all to the castle. Once there, they put us on arrest. By us, I mean just me and Emori. Originally, I pnned on wiggling Emori out of this. I mean, by default, me and Maya going there wouldn’t be a problem. Fortis only warned about Emori, after all. Solicea, while in a risky position, wasn’t as dangerous.

  But Emori insisted that it was her idea, and tried to get me off the trail. We ended up trying to defend each other, which made us both the prime suspect.

  Well, at least we managed to get Maya, Solicea, and everyone else out of harm's way.

  I wonder how long before they made a decision…

  It had been two days. We were still students. I doubt they would drop a death sentence or something. Besides, if they dropped such a sentence on me, they probably wouldn’t let me enjoy this luxury.

  A spacious and luxurious room, a personal attendant, delicious meals, even a knight that carried the books from the secret library to this room for me to read.

  A knock came from the door. I set the book I was reading on the table and headed there to open it.

  Oh, the doors aren’t locked by the way.

  “Fortisbel, here are some more books for you.” The knight came into the room and dropped the books on the floor. He’s the same one that guarded the secret library. He turned to the other books in the room.

  “You’re done with them?”

  “I’m finished with those.” I pointed to a stack on the corner of the room.

  “Leave it to me.” The knight walked over to the stack of books and picked it up, before returning to the door.

  “Thank you.”

  “No problem.”

  I closed the door behind him and did a quick examination of the books he brought for me.

  I wonder if there’s anything interesting in here…

  Sure enough, there were some. As I was about to return to the book I was reading, hoping to get as much done as possible, another knock came from the door.

  “Coming.” I thought it was the knight, but to my surprise, it was the attendant the castle assigned for me.

  “Mister Fortisbel, will you kindly followed me.”

  ??The attendant brought me to the royal family’s room. Familiar faces sat there, surrounding a table, with a seat open for me.

  “Welcome, Fortisbel. Please, take a seat.”

  I bowed to them then made my way to the open seat next to Emori.

  “Are we here to discuss my sentence?”

  It made no sense, I know. What kind of royal family would be discussing a punishment with the person they would be about to punish? Nothing else entered my brain at that moment, though.

  The king shook his head. “We’ve heard of the news.”

  “About Na- Her Imperial Highness Naya?”

  “No. We’ve got confirmation of their well-being.” Queen Ezabeth turned to Emori. “Rather, what we want to discuss is about Emori utilizing that… spell.”

  “Ah, White Void.”

  They looked surprised at me knowing about it, but the surprise only sted a moment. Maybe they assumed I knew from the books I read? Or maybe they thought Emori told me…

  “You… know the implications of that spell, right?”

  “The person who wields White Void is one of pure heart and the one deserving of the throne of Sy. Could only be wielded by selected firstborns of the Sy royal family.”

  “Correct,” King Torez said.

  “So, in other words, by utilizing it…”

  We all turned to Emori. Emori took a deep breath. “Yes, I intend to recim the right to the throne… if you don’t mind.”

  We then turned to Prilus. “Why are you looking at me?”

  “You inherited the throne from Emori, and you’ve worked hard to fulfill your responsibilities, so are you sure you’re going to let Emori get the throne just like that?”

  “I will support Emori if that’s her choice, besides…” Prilus averted his eyes. “I have somewhere else I want to be,” he said bashfuly.

  “Our prince is madly in love.”

  Prilus gred at me, prompting a ugh from his parents.

  “If you’re fine with it, then congratutions, Emori.”

  “I’ll do my best.” Emori steeled her resolve. Things would only get tougher in the future. With the demon king fast approaching, we needed to fortify our defenses, prepare our troops, and announce it to the general public.

  We need to find a way to keep everyone calm, as nothing good could come from people panicking.

  “Fortis,” Emori whispered to me.

  “Yes?”

  “Can you meet me after this?”

  “Sure.”

  ??Once the meeting was finished, we were finally allowed to return to school. All of this happened without the knowledge of our friends. It was already te when we arrived back, just a few minutes before curfew.

  Some of the students that we ran into stopped to greet us before rushing back to the dorms.

  “We should get back, nig-”

  Emori held my sleeves. “Can you come with me?”

  “Where to? Won't we get into trouble if we're te?”

  “... I'll find a way.”

  “The princess is finally using her authority, huh?” I snickered. “Okay. They probably won't mind.”

  If they did, I'll just call King Torez and ask for his help.

  Or maybe Prilus’, or the principal’s.

  Regardless, if we weren't out for too long, we could still put in an excuse or two.

  “Where are we heading?”

  “Let's find a seat in the cafeteria.”

  The King's Academy was once a noble only school. Noble had great pride. While it wasn't uncommon for nobles to steal something from the people, most of them weren't petty enough to steal snacks.

  The cafeteria was closed during the night, but they had a snack corner for those hungry. Emori approached the corner and took two bags filled with cookies, putting the payment on the basket next to it. She gave one bag to me.

  “Thank you.” I opened and took some. “So, something on your mind? Rather… it's about the throne, isn't it?”

  Emori nodded. “You read my mind.”

  “It's pretty obvious. Anyone should notice.”

  “The truth is… I'm scared.”

  The words she spoke reminded me of our Connect a few days ago. The conversation got derailed. Maybe that was why she decided to talk to me directly this time.

  “You did ask me this before, didn't you? I never gave you my answer.”

  “Yeah.” She bopped her head.

  “In truth… I think I now realized, somewhat, the meaning of that word.”

  It was a word that I didn't get before. Back then, my life was stable. I lived day in day out pying games, eating from my work on Mimosa Online. I never feared anything back then, because I never really cared about anything.

  Now…

  Emori tilted her head. “You do? When?”

  “... When you were fighting Akareseki.”

  I remember the helpless feeling as I stood there, watching as Akareseki’s sword struck her over and over. She wasn't harmed, but all the while, I stood there questioning if something would go wrong. If something broke, or there was a mistake, and that mistake cost Emori's life. I was genuinely scared and helpless.

  I wanted too help her so much back then, but if I did, it would cancel the duel. It wouldn't be good on Emori's reputation, and it wasn't what Emori wanted.

  Even knowing that she would be safe, even knowing that the pain she experienced was nothing more than a fake sensation, I couldn't help but stand there in fear. I could do nothing to help.

  “... Sorry.”

  “I'm just gd you're alright. You must be scared of the future, right?”

  I extended my hand-

  Then I remembered I had some crumbs on me. I wiped them off with a handkerchief then touched Emori's hand.

  “I wouldn't mind…” Emori murmured.

  “It feels weird holding hands with crumbs between you.”

  I took Emori's hand, for real this time.

  “Don't worry. There's me, Maya, and Solicea. You also have allies in Nanawak like Naya, Mister Vorak, Regus, and even Amira. I'm sure your parents and your brother are on your side too. Your brother… Prilus may be a bit annoying, but he genuinely cares about you. He too wanted you to return.”

  Besides, I doubt the prince would just drop everything and get married. I’m sure he’s still willing to help Emori in ruling the country.

  “Are you sure?”

  “I'm sure. Don't forget Maya's parents and my parents. Many people respected you, and you showed your strength against odds like Akareseki. Don't doubt yourself when no one else is. We'll stand by your side no matter what.”

  “That's… a whole lot of trust.”

  “Yeah. That said, you don't have to worry about messing up. None of us wanted to die, so if you made a mistake, we'll tell you. We'll take control when you can't. We'll protect you when you're weak, and you'll protect us in return. That is what friends are for, right?”

  “Right.”

  I smiled. “Don't worry, you can't take this burden alone, not even if you wanted to. We're in this together.”

  “Okay. I'll trust you, Fortis. You… kind of reminded me of someone I met long ago.”

  “Oh, really?”

  Emori gnced at the empty tables. “I used to be awake at times like this. He'll occasionally show up, and we won't talk a lot. But he'll always smile at me. It's a small gesture… but it did help me clear away my boredom.”

  “Oh. Who is he?”

  “I never got his name, and for a long while, I thought I'll never see him again.” She looked into the distance, reminiscing about the past. I have to wonder if she was talking about her current life or her past life. Now that I think about it, I knew very little of the Emori before her life here.

  We often meet each other when I buy stuff at the convenience store, but we never really had any real conversation.

  “I'm sorry.”

  “No, no. It's alright.” Emori quickly waved her hand. “We're together now. Always together, even.”

  I wonder who he’s talking about. Prilus? No, I don’t think it’s him.

  “You're not talking about me, are you?” I asked more as a joke than a serious statement. To my surprise, Emori gave me a nod.

  “You always appear during my shift.”

  “To be fair, that's because I don't want to see anyone.”

  “We're quite simir, don't you think?”

  A bit too simir, even.

  “You went from managing a small convenience store to an entire country real quick.”

  “Not yet, though.”

  “I'm excited to see you rule.”

  Emori lightly jabbed at me. “Please don't expect too much.”

  I already had high expectations for her. A ruler with a pure heart. This kingdom is in good hands.

  Emori let out a soft smile. “Oh, that reminds me of something.”

  She straightened her posture. She took a deep breath and gazed into my eyes. Her cheeks reddened.

  “Hey, Fortis…”

  “Yeah?”

  “So… you're willing to protect me, right?”

  I wasn't sure why she suddenly asked that. The answer would be obvious.

  “Of course. You're my princess.”

  “Then… how does being a king sound?”