Chapter Twenty-Two: The Perfect Prince_Commerce Emperor

Chapter Twenty-Two: The Perfect Prince

 The verdant Windmoon shone high in the sky, and the Firemoon followed in its wake.

 Thetter was no more than a small red glow in a sea of darkness and stars for now, but it was growingrger andrger with each passing night. It would slowly push the Windmoon out of the sky and then fully rece it to herald a new summer.

 The Arcane Abbey said that on the day she crafted the world, the Goddess sought a way to bring order and structure to time itself. So she crafted the four moons, each with a different artifact and overflowing with essence. However, the artifacts soon began to bicker over which moon should dominate the sky, as they were wont to do. The Goddess decreed that each artifact would hold dominion over a quarter of the year. For ny days their associated moon would dominate the sky, with the others receding and waiting for their turn.

 And so, the Goddess invented the four seasons. The Windsword, master of change and reason, would hold sway over spring; summer would belong to the Firewand and be a time for bravery and inspiration; autumns harvests would be blessed by the Earthcoins wealth and industrious spirit; finally, the gentle Seacup would preside over winter, the season of love and death.

 What do the priests say about wars again? I mused. Ah yes. The Windsword starts them, the Firewand wages them, the Earthcoin ends them, and the Seacup buries the dead.

 This civil war would begin in spring and continue over the summer, but I hoped it would end before autumn.

 Its peaceful up there, I told ire. We bothid atop the monasterys ruined roof, our backs against stone and our eyes turned towards the stars above.

 I visit this ce once a week, if I can, ire replied quietly. Recent events didnt give me that luxury.

 I can imagine. I hardly believed summer was rearing its head already. Is that why you refused to leave Snowdrift? To tend to these tombs?

 Partly. ire joined her gloved hands on her chest, her eyes staring at the stars above. I need time to think.

 I could warrant a guess about what troubled her so much, and though I had reservations about potentially putting salt on a wound, I had the feeling ire dearly needed a sounding board.

 It was true, wasnt it? I asked. What Florence said.

 ires jaw tightened in sorrow and disappointment. Unfortunately, I had guessed correctly.

 I had Cortaner interrogate my mothers surviving nurses and those who tended to the convent. ires voice broke slightly. My grandfather had them put mercury in my mothers food after a failed escape attempt.

 My fists tightened so much they could have shattered stone.

 My opinion of thete Count Brynslow had already plummeted once I learned about how he had imprisoned his own daughter to avoid a scandal. The thought that he would poison his own child never crossed my mind. The very idea sounded so abhorrent, so cruel and cowardly, I could hardly imagine anyone going through with it. And unlike Benicios father, the Count didnt need a demons whispers to cross that line.

 I could hardly imagine what ire was going through. She had tended to her grandfather through his illness and all the way to his death, only to learn that the man whom she loved and admired drove her own mother to madness and death. She had been betrayed by her own flesh and blood. All those memories probably tasted bitter to her now.

 Thats awful, I whispered. I struggled to find the right words tofort her. Im Im truly sorry, ire.

 My friend did not cry, weep, or argue. She was too exhausted for any of that.

 My mother started the fire that destroyed this ce, ire said, waving a hand at the ruined convent. She threw a candle at the librarys books and let the mes consume everything. I always spent my time in that room. Reading books and tales was my only way to imagine a world beyond these walls.

 I said nothing, letting her pour her heart out.

 When I learned of the fire, I wondered ire cleared her throat as if to suppress a sob. Did my absence trigger a fit of madness? Would my mother have recovered had I stayed with her?

 You cant know, I pointed out. And even if you did, you cant be med for it.

 Mayhaps but that thought wouldnt leave my mind for years afterward. ires hands clenched. A part of me always wondered if I had never been born

 Dont say it, I thought. For the love of the Goddess, dont say it.

 If I had never been born, ire whispered, her voice as raw as her words. Would my mother still be alive?

 The sentence rang out like a curse between us. Years of guilt and a heavy burden of shame echoed throughout the ruined monastery and into the silent night. That terrible thought had been eating away at her heart for years like worms in an apple.

 ire didnt deserve to be haunted this way. She never did.

 My silver tongue clicked between my teeth, my mind struggling toe up with the right answer, the warmest constion the Archfrostiannguage could offer. And I came up short. I considered us friends, but no single conversation could hope to lift this curse off her mind. Nothing short of her mothers ghost showing up to lift her spirit would truly change her heart.

 When sess was impossible, I could only do my best.

 ire, I finally said, breaking the silence. Will you forgive me if I answer your question with a metaphor?

 I took herck of answer for a yes, albeit not an encouraging one.

 Over the years, I have grown somewhat convinced that the human mind is a courtroom, I said. On one side, you have awyer called self-esteem. Its the voice that tells you that all is right; that you are perfect, that you are loved, and that the world is yours alone. Sometimes thatwyer goes a bit too far. It tells you that you can do no wrong, that the people you hurt always deserved it, and that nobody in the world deserves to stand in your presence.

 ire heard my words, but I couldnt tell if she truly listened to them. I pushed on nheless.

 Then theres the prosecutor, the user. The voice who constantly criticizes you, who reminds you of your mistakes, tells you to do better, to be better. The world would have been a far better ce had the likes of Sforza paid more attention to their own prosecutor. Its often a good source of advice and your conscience, but when it goes too far it will start telling you that you are worthless, and that you are a failure who doesnt deserve to live. Sometimes it speaks to you with someone elses voice, your familys or your friends, but its always your words below it all.

 ire looked at me with a tired expression. What are you getting at, Robin?

 Almost there, I promised. Finally, you have a fickle judge that listens to these two voices and tries to find the right bnce between them. The judge is you, ire.

 My friends jaw tightened, and no words came out of her mouth to answer me.

 Right now, I feel youre listening a bit too much to your prosecutor and not enough to yourwyer, I argued from the bottom of my heart. I sincerely believe that this world would be a worse ce without you in it. Youre not to me for your mothers suffering or the arson. Your grandfather is. Its never a sin to be born.

 ire mulled over my words for a while. A part of her had to know that I was right; that she had acted with virtue and kindness in the face of lies and corruption. Even if she struggled with her self-doubts, her iron heart kept beating.

 I hoped.

 If my mind is a courtroom, ire asked softly, then who is the jury?

 Everybody else, I replied. Being part of amunity means epting others gaze and judgment. Its the price we must all pay for a ce to belong.

 A ce to belong ire scoffed. When When my grandfather chose me as his heir, I felt so so proud. At longst, he had acknowledged me as a Brynslow. She shook her head. I had dreamed of that moment for years when all the vipers who had called me a bastard would prostrate at my feet.

 And much like many dreams, it didnt quite hold up to reality.

 Countess Brynslow had a nice ring to it once. ire let out a long, morose sigh. The title tastes like ash now. It reeks of blood. My mothers and so many others.

 Its not the title that makes the person, but the person who makes the title, I argued. It takes great strength to withstand others judgment and stay true to yourself. Your grandfather was too weak and cowardly to do so. He would rather harm his own kin than suffer humiliation. Hate him or pity him, youll be a better ruler than he ever was.

 But thats the thing, Robin. ire stared back at the verdant Windmoon. Im not sure I want to be Countess anymore.

 You dont have to be, I replied. Do you remember the first time we met?

 She scoffed. I remember nearly throwing you out of my castle.

 You did, I confirmed with a chuckle. But back then, I also offered to your grandfather to purchase Snowdrift.

 ire fell silent. I could imagine the gears turning in her mind like those of a clock rewinding time; reminiscing about old memories while examining them under a new light. Her grandfather had refused my proposal back then because he didnt wish to disinherit his granddaughter, thest Brynslow. I had thought he might have cared for ire in spite of her origins, but now I realized that he simply wanted his house, blood, and honor to carry on beyond his death. ire had epted the burden of nobility because she believed in honor and duty.

 Would she change her mind now that had learned on which rotten foundations her noble house stood?

 My offer is still on the table, if you feel that this burden is no longer yours to carry, I suggested. Ill give you a good price and youll keep your shares in the Frostfox Company. You could choose to disregard all these talks of nobility, marriage, and session to pursue your old dreams of knighthood. Begin anew with a fresh start.

 ire considered my proposal, but to my surprise she didnt appear keen on epting it. Its a demons bargain, she said with skepticism. Too good to be true.

 You know my mark will force me to deliver, right? By now you should know that I y fair. I squinted at her. Dont you want to be happy, ire?

 ire sat in a fetal position, her arms around her raised knees. She rested her head on thetter, inhaling and exhaling the chilly night air.

 Im afraid of having wasted years of my life on a lie. ire cleared her throat after focusing her thoughts. Ive spent Ive spent so many years making my grandfather see me beyond my illegitimate birth and to live up to the Brynslow name. But I I dont feel proud of it anymore, Robin.

 "You haven''t wasted your time at all," I said, trying to console her. "Look what you''ve aplished. You''ve helped save this city twice, first from a Blight then from Florence."

 ire shook her head. "You and the other heroes saved Snowdrift. I hardly did anything."

 "Let''s see" I raised my hand and started to count. "You rallied this city''s troops, fought a demon on foot, helped renovate Snowdrift after decades of decay, financed a fleet, defeated me in a sword duel"

 Thetter drew a chuckle from ire, which I took as a good sign. "I guess I did."

 "Do you know of many maidens of your age who aplished in their life what you did in less than half a year?" Most noblewomen Id met would rather waste their time on frivolities rather than helping their fellow man. "These years you regret so much have forged you into what you are today. You dont have to be a countess to help Snowdrift, ire. Nay, you dont even have to be a Brynslow. You just have to be yourself.

 ire held my gaze for a moment, her gray eyes flickering with amusement, and then let out a smallugh.

 "What''s so funny?" I asked her with a smile of my own.

 "The way you speak." ire chuckled. "Just be yourself. How can you say that with a straight face?"

 Because I would rather see youugh than cry. "Well, did it cheer you up?"

 I dont know, ire conceded. At least it was better than a no. Why are you trying at all?

 Do I need a reason? I scoffed. You could say friendship is a trade. I help you feel better, you help me feel better. Thats all there is to it."

 Is that whats going on with Eris too? ire asked, changing the subject. I saw you with her on that My friend frowned as she struggled to find the right word. Balloon-boat?

 Airship. Marika and I call it an airship. ire gave me a nk look. It is a good name.

 It is a good invention, ire replied, carefully avoiding taking a stance on the name debate. Curses, she had be a true politician. Marika has outdone herself.

 She has, I confirmed. The prototype is working well, and were considering ways to upgrade it further.

 I even nned to purchase Iremian runecannons through Eris, now that we had confirmed my power could teleport these famous essence-artillery pieces across borders. It might take a while, however. Irem was infamously protective of their weapons secretive creation process and understood that the likes of the Artisan could easily reverse-engineer it; they would no doubt desire a high price for these devices.

 As for Eris she is a cat in a nun uniform. Shees and goes out of my life as she pleases. I sighed. I cant build anything longsting with her, but its a nice distraction for now.

 Is that all she and the Assassin are to you? I detected a hint of reproach in ires voice. Distractions?

 She had put two and two together when it came to Mersie and me. I would prefer it if it became something more, I conceded. But Eris is clearly not ready tomit to anything yet. Perhaps not ever.

 Almost certainly never.

 As for the Assassin itsplicated. Quite the understatement, if I said so myself. Shes on a different warpath than mine, and Im not sure theyll align anytime soon.

 ire considered my words with a scowl. I see

 Dont tell me youre jealous, I teased her lightly.

 I regretted the joke the moment it escaped my silly mouth. ires eyes burned with anger.

 I am jealous, ire replied, her voice brimming with frustration. I am jealous of you.

 Her words hit me like a p to the face.

 I am jealous that you can do all these things and not care what others think of you, ire spat, her words oozing with venom. That you can get away with flirting with my best friend, the future queen, in my presence, where others would have had their tongue ripped out. That you can master in hours what took me years. That you can travel across the world and magically step onto adventures I could only dream of. That you are free when I am not.

 My first instinct was toe up with a dozen arguments to angrily refute this, to tell her that she was wrong, that she was free too, that I didnt relish fighting demons anymore than her, that my powers had limits and could kill me if I misstepped. Once upon a time, I would have thrown them back like daggers.

 But this wasnt a debate I had to win. ire wasnt a foe I had to defeat, but a friend dealing with great pain and sorrow. Pouring more anger onto her would be no better than fuel Belgoroths Berserk me or put salt on a wound. It took all my willpower to hold on to these unspoken words and suppress my wounded pride.

 When my mind failed me, I let my heart speak.

 Im sorry, ire, I apologized softly. I never meant to hurt you.

 ire opened her mouth to say something, but no sound came out of her throat. My apology had taken the angry wind out of her sails.

 I consider you a friend, I said from the bottom of my heart. A close one too. I know Im not perfect, but I promise that all I want for you is to make you happy. Because you deserve it.

 These were not the best words I could havee up with, but they were the ones I believed in the most. ire knew I meant them. Enough to listen and look aside in a brief moment of guilt and shame.

 Its gettingte, ire said. A not-so-subtle way to say she didnt want to pursue this conversation any further. We should return to the city.

 Sure. She needed space and room to breathe. I would give you a lift, but your ride is quicker than mine.

 Our airship wouldntpete with wyverns and pegasi anytime soon in terms of aerial speed and maneuverability. It would be better used for transporting cargo and passengers for now.

 I suppose Silverine and I could escort your ship to safe harbor, ire mused as we rose back to our feet. I will think about your offer, Robin.

 Youre wee, I replied. Do what you think is best. You can count on me whatever you choose.

 I know. ire cracked a genuine smile. I know

 I smiled back at her, and I would have left this ce a happy man had a light behind her not caught my eyes. A faomoar glow coursed across the horizon.

 A solitary silver shooting star flew through the night sky, traveling from the south to the distant east towards Mount Erebia.

 I immediately recognized its aura and nature. After all, one such silver star had fallen on Ermeline to bestow Mersie with the power to kill and a golden one had marked my hand with the Merchants symbol.

 A vassal ss was flying back to the Fatebinder.

 This could only mean one thing.

 A hero had perished.

 The next day was supposed to start with a triumphant march towards Archfrosts capital.

 Last nights ill-omen kind of interfered with the triumphant part. By the time dawn reared its head beyond the horizon, rumors about the silver star had spread across half of Snowdrift. A cloud of gloom had fallen over the city.

 Rnd immediately called a council of heroes to the ck Keep to discuss the matter. We all answered the call with the exception of Eris, who couldnt be found. Colmar arrivedst with a folded scroll under his arm. The Alchemists body suit never showed many hints as to what he thought, but the way he looked over his shoulders as if expecting an ambush showcased his unnerved state.

 I couldnt me him for being on his guard. Marika was on edge too, and Soraseo kept her hand on her sword at all times. We had all brushed with death often enough to learn that for all our powers, we were as mortal as any other human.

 ording to Brras intel, the Ranger, the Cavalier, and Druid were active in the area, Cortaner informed me. We can exclude the Ranger, since it is a major ss, which leaves only thetter two.

 If its the Cavalier, our spies in Walbourg will soon confirm it, I replied. I didnt fail to notice the spark of guilty hope in Rnds eyes. While he felt ashamed of it, part of him knew the Cavaliers demise would ease his own struggle to retake the rebel region. What do we know of the Druid?

 That they lived in the Arcadian Freeholds, Cortaner replied. Near the border with Walbourg, to be precise.

 Of course. I dearly hoped our colleague had perished from a natural death or ident, but all the people in this room knew better.

 "Demons," Soraseo said with grim conviction.

 "Likely, but not guaranteed," Colmar replied. "Any human assassin could have done the deed."

 Marika crossed her arms, a scowl on her face. "Whoever or whatever did this is in the southwest."

 "Many leagues separate Whitethrone from the Arcadian border, Lady Marika," Rnd replied. "But we would do well to stay on our guards."

 I agreed, I said. Especially considering where the ss returned to.

 The silver shooting star had moved back into the world a minute after returning to Erebia, which meant that the Fatebinder released the ss as soon as it fell back into her hands. Witnesses observed it traveling back towards the Arcadian Freeholds, though where itndedor rather, on whomexactly was anyones guess.

 Since Eris hadnt returned either yet, I guessed the Fatebinder tasked her with both investigating what happened to the dead hero and identifying their sessor. The Goddess knew how long that would take.

 sses dont simply choose people who fit their esoteric criteria, I pointed out. They also travel to ces where heroes are needed. The fact that the lost ss chose a new vessel near their dead predecessorsst known location is worrying.

 Trouble brews near Walbourg, Rnd confirmed with a nod. We can investigate once we retake the capital.

 Would Duchess Griselda let us approach her territory? Marika wondered. Even though she was no politician, she could see the writing on the wall. We have taken party for Your Majestys cause. Doesnt that make us natural enemies?

 Rnd squinted, a spark of hatred briefly shing in his gaze. We will deal with that witch in time, one way or another.

 How ominous, I thought. And premature. We can discuss the matter after we retake Whitethrone, I said. Eris should return with more information by then.

 Yes, of course. Rnd eased up a bit, the darkness in his eyes briefly vanishing. We will continue with the n as agreed. We depart within the hour.

 Our group split up soon after. Marika left to tell her son goodbye, while Soraseo and Rnd went to meet with the soldiers in preparation for the uing march.

 Colmar, however, remained behind. Robin, Sir Cortaner, might I have a word in private?

 Is this about the Knots? Cortaner asked once we were all alone in the council room.

 Yes. Colmar presented me with his scroll. These are the blood tests results.

 Oh, excellent. Your speed and talent never cease to astonish me, Colmar. I grabbed the scroll and unfurled it. So? Were our suspicions confirmed? Are the Leclerc line and ire rted?

 I expected a yes or no. To my surprise, Colmar instead shook his head. Im afraid the situation is moreplicated than it seems.

 Oh? How curious.

 I quickly browsed through the document. Thankfully, unlike most scientists, Colmar had mastered the art of brevity and intelligible conversation. His notes were detailed, yet straightforward, recounting the essence-detection tests he put ires and Sebastian Leclercs blood samples through.

 As for the conclusions he drew from the tests Those I had to reread more than once. The first time, because I thought I had misunderstood; the second time, because I struggled to believe my own eyes.

 This this I struggled to reconcile this information with the intel we had already gathered. This must be an error.

 Are you sure you havent made a mistake? I questioned Colmar.

 I am, my friend confirmed with a grim tone. I reran the blood test half a dozen times, though I cannot exin the results myself.

 Let me see, Cortaner all but ordered me.

 I handed him the scroll and let him read for himself. He did not reread the document more than once unlike me, though the way his hands tightly gripped the paper showcased his surprise and frustration.

 The situation was far worse than I thought.

 I suppose Sebastian Leclerc never mentioned that detail when you interrogated him? I asked Cortaner.

 He did not, which means our foes have found a way around my power. The Inquisitor furled the scroll and returned it to Colmar. How is this possible? Physically speaking?

 I cannot exin it yet, Colmar admitted. Though I have my suspicions.

 So did I. My power could have achieved this feat. Demonic sorcery could exin this troubling information too.

 Should we tell ire? Colmar marked a short pause. He no doubt shared my own doubts. Should we tell Rnd?

 I dont believe in keeping secrets, but I doubt he will believe us, I replied. By the Goddess, I struggled to believe these findings myself. And even if he does, the truth will destroy him.

 Cortaner crossed his arms in deep thought. How is the prince still alive? he wondered out loud. Why is he still alive? And how could they hide this from my power?

 Considering the Devil of Greed was almost certainly a previous Merchant, I could imagine a dozen potential loopholes. Since Rnd was still alive, one option stood above the rest to me.

 I have a hypothesis, I said, ncing at Colmar. Do you remember when I sealed the Counts illness into a coin?

 I do, my friend replied. The disease affected you the moment you touched it.

 We know that the Devils Coins allow those holding it to make deals with the Devil of Greed, who purchases their souls in exchange for power, I exined. Now, if we consider that the Devil of Greed can propose other, lesser trades, such as purchasing memories and sealing them in an object

 This would create the perfect spies. Colmar mulled over my idea and considered its implications. Infiltrators who believe themselves loyal until the time is right.

 I nodded sharply. If my suspicions are correct, these nts will not act against our interests for now. The trap is set, but it requires a trigger. Without the item holding their memories, these spies dont even know that they are spies.

 We should extinguish the Leclerc line immediately, while they do not suspect anything, Cortaner suggested.

 I immediately shot down the idea. Besides the fallout and Rnds reaction, I doubt they are truly powerless. Their deal with the Devil of Greed probably includes failsafes of some kind. Moreover, this situation presents another problem.

 More of these infiltrators might hide among us, Cortaner guessed. We cannot assess how far the Knots have prated our ranks yet.

 And interrogating the cultists that we identified wont bring us closer to identifying the others, since they likely removed the information from their minds, Colmar added. If only we could force them to remember

 We dont have to, I replied. A n formed in my mind, the risks as great as the potential rewards. The Knots have spun an intricate web of deceit, so well spin oursrger.

 We would turn the trap back against its makers.

 For now, the three of us agreed to keep Colmars findings to ourselves. The Alchemist would remain in Snowdrift as nned, while it would fall to Cortaner and me to deal with our foes among Archfrosts army.

 Looks like you will have a lot of work on your hands, I told Cortaner. Both as an inquisitor and as a bodyguard.

 I can protect our Knight from spies and assassins, Cortaner replied bluntly. But I cannot protect him from himself.

 I feared as much.

 I needed to tell Rnd somehow. He had the right to know. However, I doubted my odds. If Cortaners own ss couldnt extract the truth, what other proof could we present? I believed Colmars findings because I trusted him without reservation. I doubted Rnd would share my opinion. Even if he believed me, I feared his reaction. Our Knight struck me as the kind of person to answer betrayal with unfocused fury.

 My best bet is toy the groundwork and then catch our enemies in the act, I thought as I moved to chase after Rnd. Caution must prevail.

 As I suspected, I found the prince in the stables. Our Knight prepared to live up to his name by riding a white horse in shining armor. His squire Sebastian was present too. A shadow following the prince in public and private, helping him put on his equipment.

 Damn it.

 Right on time, Robin. Rnd smiled warmly upon seeing me approach. Will you ride at the front with me? I believe it would embolden our troops to see two great sses leading them side by side.

 I would do it with pleasure. The closer we were, the more likely our foes were to y their hand. Might I have a word with you in private before we leave?

 Of course. Rnd turned to his squire. Sebastian, if you would prepare my steed until I return?

 As Your Majesty wishes, the man replied with a short bow. He looked like the perfect picture of faithfulness, with no shred of deceit and reeking of utter sincerity. If Sebastian Leclerc felt wariness at me taking his prince aside in an isted horse box for a brief talk, he didnt show it.

 What is on your mind, Robin? Rnd asked me once we were out of earshot.

 Your squire is not what he seems, and we might have to kill him. I swallowed these words when I met Rnds gaze and understood a key detail. Do I truly know this man?

 So far, my only interactions with Rnd have been brief and short. I understood Colmar and Marika, learned Mersies secrets, built a rapport with Eris and Soraseo over a long coboration.

 I couldnt say the same for the man in front of me. While I considered myself a good judge of character, I had only ever seen the carefully crafted princely image Rnd portrayed in public. I believed his inner self matched the social mask he wore on the outside but overconfidence was a slow and insidious killer.

 Id better test the waters first.

 Please forgive my bluntness, but in this case I have the intuition that honesty will save you all a great deal of trouble. I thought about half a dozen flowery ways to broach the subject, then settled for straightforwardness. I know about your affair with Sebastian Leclerc.

 Prince Rnds entire face turned a bright shade of scarlet. Robin, I would rather that you keep this to yourself. A wiser man would have denied it. What do you want in return?

 That was the most awkward bribery attempt I had ever seen, and the most pitiful. His first instinct was to believe that I wanted to shake him down.

 Everyone who broached the subject tried to ckmail you over it, I guessed. Or worse.

 Rnds silence spoke more than any word. Unfortunately, it did not surprise me. Unlike ces like the Rivend Federation, where wealth mattered more than anything, Archfrosts society ran on names and bloodlines. Considering Rnd was thest kingsst direct heir, information about his private proclivities could greatly damage him.

 Im wounded that you would think that of me, I said with the utmost sincerity. I wasnt above ckmailing my foes, but a fellow hero? Who youre sleeping with is your business alone

 Its not, Rnd cut in bitterly. We wouldnt be having this conversation otherwise.

 It should be your business alone as far as I am concerned, I corrected myself. This discussion was off to a terrible start. I am not here to judge or admonish you. I am simply concerned for you and Therese.

 Which was true, in more ways than one. I worried for their future happiness and their lives.

 Rnd let out a heavy sigh. How did you know?

 I suppressed augh. You havent been exactly subtle, Rnd.

 I suppose I have lowered my guardtely, Rnd admitted. Im usually more careful, but being in thepany of other heroes It makes me feel safe, I suppose. That I can breathe easier. Be myself.

 This mans never had friends, I thought, my heart filled with pity. Not a single, genuine one. No wonder he struggles to trust anyone.

 You didnt tell Therese the truth, I said. It wasnt a question.

 Rnd guiltily avoided my gaze. I suspect she already knows.

 Even so, Rnd, it would be better to tell her. Especially since youre expected to share a lifetime together. When the prince failed to answer, I prayed to the Goddess for any hint as to how to salvage this situation. What do you think of Therese? Be honest.

 She is a a fine and well-breddy. Rnd cleared his throat, clearly ufortable. She will make a good queen.

 If he was already struggling toplement his own fianc, it didnt bode well for their marriage. I pitied them both. Youve never wanted to marry her.

 It is not a question of what I want to do, Robin, but what I must do. Rnd straightened up, his back straight as a bowstring. I am the crown prince of Archfrost and its future king. Some say I was born to rule, but in truth I was born to serve. My lifes path has been decided since I first drew breath. Ive had no more choice in selecting my wife than in wearing the crown.

 Somehow, I felt like talking to ire all over again. These two were more alike than I imagined.

 No, scratch that. I had felt strangely fond of Rnd since the moment I met him. Now I knew why. He had subconsciously reminded me of ire and her struggles.

 Im a romantic at heart, I confessed. I wouldnt struggle so much to find the right person otherwise. Perhaps its nave of me to say that, but I think you and Therese both deserve more than a loveless union. There has to be a better path.

 And who among us is free to choose his own path? Rnd shrugged. You no more than I.

 You are free, I argued. If you want to cast aside your crown and put it on your uncles head, you are free to do so. Others will grumble and there will be consequences, but the choice is yours. The same way I chose to stand with you.

 Rnd raised an eyebrow. Did you?

 I scoffed. Im here, am I not?

 But did you truly decide on your own? Rnd met my gaze. Think about it. What were the odds that the Merchant ss would choose someone like you? Before the mark came to you, what did you achieve? Did you write a contract that changed the world, or found a business that transcends nations? Perhaps you always had the potential to do great things, but you never showcased it to the world.

 My time hadnte yet then, I replied, though his words did nt a seed of doubt in my heart. If I hadnt received my mark, Sforza would have likely caught up to me anyway. Would I have survived a fight with the demon without Eris help? I wanted to believe I would have, but I was humble enough to understand I had been lucky.

 I have never done anything knightly myself, Rnd confessed. I am well-born, that is true, but I have never won a tournament, in a dragon, or rescued a fair maiden. I couldnt fathom why my own ss selected me. But now that I have met so many of you I believe I understand now.

 Hes more thoughtful than I expected, I thought. Especially for his age.

 I have studied your history, Robin. To my greater surprise, Rnd proved rather well-informed. You came from Ermeline but always intended to return to Archfrost, met the Assassin, confronted the Knots, and grew aware of the threat they posed. Quite a few coincidences, dont you think?

 These are not coincidences, I confirmed. I had already guessed as much when I met Marika and Soraseo on my way to Snowdrift. The marks guide us, thats a fact.

 But have you ever considered that we do not wear our sses? That instead, our sses wear us? Rnd pointed at the mark on my hand. That the Merchant ss chose you because it knew you and the Assassin would naturally cooperate and that you would meet other heroes on a journey that would lead you to confront Belgoroth? That you were not selected for any quality or feat, but for being in the right ce at the right time for all the right reasons?

 I wanted tough at his points, and I failed to. I had never considered this line of thought. Most probably because I didnt want to. I hated the idea of being bound by anything, even my own mark.

 Or our sses chose us because we were the right people for the job, I countered. The Demon Ancestors had more than proved how much that choice mattered.

 Rnd remained unconvinced. The truth is, Robin, I believe our sses would work just as well in the hands of the exceptional as in those of the mediocre. We are no more than vessels for the powers dwelling within us. Who can say that they do not influence us? That we think our own thoughts are instead stage whispers meant to keep us on the right track?

 I didnt expect such cynicism from him. Nor for his words to leave me so unsettled. We are more than our sses, Rnd, I said what I wanted to believe, No more than they can solve all our problems.

 I would like for you to be right about the first part, Robin, but I am not so sure, Rnd replied. Who would you be without your power? What would your life have been? Would you have aplished a thousandth of what you did in Snowdrift?

 No, I confessed without losing heart. But I would still have tried to change the world. I would still have made my way to Snowdrift and I still would have tried to save it from destruction.

 But would you have seeded? Rnd smiled sheepishly. I do not mean to demean your abilities, but if

 You could turn the whole world into a bottle with ifs, I interrupted him. There is little to gain in reminiscing about roads not taken.

 Mayhaps. Rnd pointed a finger at his own golden mark. Do you understand how the Knights power works, Robin?

 It allows you to master any weapon, or so I was told, I replied. Though I assume there is more to it?

 Words are weapons, and conversations are a battlefield, Rnd exined. Whenever I open my mouth, I must struggle back against the urge to say the most hurtful things imaginable. I do not always understand why the sentences my power suggests will harm someones spirit, yet I can feel it will deep in my bones. I must measure each word I speak.

 I shuddered as I considered the implications. Much like my Merchant ss, the Knights power worked on a conceptual level. Perhaps all seven major sses possessed this same quality. Whereas vassal sses were rtively limited, ours transcended the rules of reality and only followed their own logic.

 My ss wants to fight, Rnd dered. It exists for battle, just as yours breathesmerce. I assume you have no choice but to stay true to a trade once you agree to it, whether you want it or not.

 Youre quite insightful, Rnd, Iplimented him. But while Im forced toply with a contract, Im still the one drafting it.

 Yet your history determines the words you will write, as my stationpels me to behave a certain way. Rnd sighed. I understand the responsibilities I bear, both as a Knight and crown prince. I will He cleared his throat. I will do my duty and produce an heir to the throne of Archfrost.

 A prospect that appeared to frighten him more than the Demon Ancestors. What of Sebastian?

 Ive Rnd nched a bit, his eyes filled with sorrow. Weve already discussed the the matter. I shall stay true to my wedding vows and end this.

 My heart broke. You love him.

 Yes, I do, Rnd replied without hesitation. He has been my friend and truestpanion. I hope to keep him at my side even after I am crowned king.

 He said that with such an earnest, gentle voice too I didnt think Id ever pitied anyone more than him at this moment.

 I have lived like this for as long as I can remember, Robin, Rnd dered. Archfrost is a dividednd. A country that has suffered from a great many terrors. Its people, our people, need a symbol to rally around, an icon to gather their hopes and unite them inmunion. A perfect king who can mend the realms wounds.

 You intend to carry a great burden, I argued. A weight too heavy for one man to carry.

 Hence why I would like you to fight at my side. Rnd smiled warmly. I would feel lighter with someone of your virtue at my side.

 For all of his cynicism and fatalism, he still managed to keep a seed of innocence. How could I deny him? I couldnt let him down. Not now, not ever.

 I cant promise we will always see eye to eye, I replied with a smile of my own. But I will have your back.

 I would protect Rnd, even from himself.

 Especially from himself.

MillionNovel

Chapter Twenty-Two: The Perfect Prince