KINGDOM’S PILLARS

Entourage of roughly twenty people was walking up a hundred or so stairs which led to Palace’s entrance. Twenty people were divided into two groups, one led by Fyre and the other led by Parsia. Behind Fyre were his three disciples, Silo, Rena and Amelia, fidgeting in nervousness, unable to look up. Further behind were some other youths, equally – if not more – nervous – while at the far rear were two elderly men guarding them.

Behind Parsia was a young, fifteen year old girl with indifferent, cold expression, as though meeting the King meant nothing to her. Behind her were more youths who, unlike her, couldn’t help but tremble. Similarly to the other group, at the far rear were two elderly men.

As the two groups climbed the last stair, they found themselves before large, gated doors. Both side had flames carved onto their surface, one white and one black, and were built out of pure steel. At sides, hundreds of guards were neatly lined up as to open up a passage leading in. Upper deck was supported by oval pillars which extended even into the interior of the Palace.

Directly upon entering, the two groups found themselves walking on a red carpet through a massive Hall. The path opened up by the guards at sides led directly to a throne in the distance and, the closer they were, the more nervous they got. Lynne was sitting casually, wearing shimmering, golden crown, his head leaned onto his hand. Next to him sat Thalia, in a similar, relaxed position, while the rest of the dozen or so people were all standing, Y’se and the Principal among them.

Thalia’s eyes were closed as she appeared indifferent to the whole ordeal, and Lynne looked at her casually with envious eyes. A minute later, the entourage arrived before the throne; erected up, there was a set of ten stairs to climb to reach the chair, but the entourage remained at the bottom.

“All hail, King Lynne!” one of the guards bellowed out, his voice echoing throughout the massive hall. Save for Parsia and Fyre, everyone else in the entourage immediately knelt know and lowered their head in humbling posture, young, indifferent girl included.

“Rise.” Lynne said calmly; although he had shaven his beard, he had let his hair remain the same, bundled up at his side, falling over shoulder down to below his chest. “Present yourselves.” as the order was decided beforehand, the first to step were the youths at the back of the entourage, one by one, stating their names, ages, strength and main element. After about fifteen minutes, it was Amelia’s turn as she nervously took a step forward in front of everyone and bowed humbly before talking.

“Amelia Rosellier,” she said in a timid, barely audible voice. “Fourteen years old… Novice Magus, main element is Water.”

“You are Fyre’s disciple?” Lynne asked, casually glancing over the girl; just that small glance, though, caused her body to shudder and for her to fall onto her knees. “Decent talent, weak heart and will. Work on it.”

“… t-t-thank y-you, m-my King.” Amelia barely managed to squeeze it out, feeling as though her entire mind was about to collapse. Lynne signaled Fyre who stepped toward her and helped her up.

“Next.” the guard said, causing Silo to step forward; although he was excited the whole morning, that excitement was washed away by the previous display, causing his eyes to exude fear. Much like Amelia, he first humbly bowed before speaking.

“Silo Rosellier,” he said in the calmest tone he could muster. “Fifteen years old, Adept Magus, main element is Earth.”

“You two are siblings?” Lynne asked.

“Yes, my King.”

“Hm,” Lynne nodded, glancing over Silo who finally understood why Amelia nearly collapsed from just a short glance. “What was your placement during the tournament?”

“1326th, my King.” Silo said after he bit his tongue.

“Outer Disciple?”

“Yes, my King.”

“Move him to the Core Disciples,” Lynne said casually as gasps echoed gently throughout the hall. “Extraordinary talent, strong heart and mind. Don’t betray my expectations.”

“Y-yes, my King!” Silo exclaimed excitedly but quickly calmed down, bowing once more and stepping aside; however, he was still unable to wash away grin on his face.

“Next.” the guard continued as though nothing out of the ordinary transpired. After all, whatever King willed was to be done. Rena stepped forth, her expression calm and collected as she bowed down before speaking.

“Rena Eyyor,” she said. “Fourteen years old, Adept Magus, main element is Wind.”

“… change it to Mind once you advance,” Lynne said after a casual glance which caused Rena to shudder. “Likewise, move her to Core Disciples. Forced calm heart is a nice thing to have,” he added casually. “But it does it no good to hide things for too long.” as though seen through, she was unable to look up as her cheeks flushed red. “Good luck.”

“Y-yes, my King. Thank you.” the girl standing behind Parsia watched the whole ordeal with indifferent expression, her thoughts racing. H-he can see through one’s heart? No, impossible! It must be a bluff, or someone had already informed him!

“Next.” the guard said as the girl was jolted awake from her thoughts, stepping forward. Lynne looked at her as his eyes widened in slight surprise.

“Thalia, you’ve got yourself a visitor.” he said casually, surprising everyone present as the girl felt cold wash away her confidence.

“Oh?” Thalia exclaimed as she opened her eyes, looking down. Noticing the girl, her lips curled up in a smile. “Silly girl, what are you doing here?” as chatter broke throughout the hall, the girl could only try and forcibly calm herself, but to no avail. “Ah, I can guess. Take her up Parsia.”

“’kay.” Parsia said casually as he flicked his sleeve, causing the girl to suddenly float up and hover behind him as he moved towards the exit of the hall.

“… speech, idiot.” Thalia whispered into Lynne’s ear as the hall fell into awkward silence.

“Ah, right, khm,” Lynne coughed as he got up, looking down at everyone. “While talent is important, I don’t want to see you slack off or give up because of something so intangible.” … I may have even trusted you, if you weren’t reeking of talent… Thalia sneered inwardly. “This Kingdom of mine is still young, and we need strength now more than ever. Work hard and strive towards your goal. One day, I wish I could see you all surpass me by a great margin. Best of luck to all of you.” as the hall broke out in applause, Lynne looked casually toward Fyre who had satisfied expression on his face.

“Oi, smug-looking bastard,” voice inside his head startled him, causing him to frown as he looked at Lynne. “Bring your brats up as well.”

“They’ll pass out if I do.”

“… seriously, you’re technically stronger than me. Aren’t you embarrassed?”

“Shut up. Of course I am.”

“Whatever. Just bring them up. A bit of service from your beloved King.”

“Whose beloved King?!!”

“Alright, I’ll head over to the Sect,” the Patriarch said as the hall began emptying. “There’s still ton of paperwork to be taken care of. Good job today, brat.”

“Yeah, don’t overwork yourself. I’m not sure your ancient bones can take it.”

“Ho ho ho.”

“Let’s head up,” Lynne said to Thalia and Y’se. “Who was that girl? She wanted to shove a spear up my ass so bad I just knew she was somewhat related to you.” he turned toward Thalia who chuckled lightly.

“A little sister of mine,” Thalia said. “Junior Apprentice, to be more precise.”

“Oh? Well, I gotta hand it to Ella,” Lynne said. “She sure knows how to pick cute ones.”

“You tempted? Do you perhaps aim to steal my Master’s entire harem?” Thalia asked.

“Eh, you’re too much to handle on your own. No way.”

“She’s pretty talented, isn’t she?” Thalia asked as they reached a seeming dead end whereupon Lynne casually waved his arm, causing a hole in the wall to appear.

“Yeah, terrifyingly so,” Lynne said, sighing. “No one else in that group even stood a chance to be honest.”

“Here we go,” the three passed through the hole and found themselves in a pretty large, open chamber with dozen or so chairs and sofas spread about. Parsia, Fyre, his three disciples and the young girl were already present. Seeing Lynne, Thalia and Y’se appear, as per Fyre’s predictions, one of his disciples indeed passed out: Amelia. “It must be because your face is so terrifying.” Thalia said.

“Hey, don’t be so mean to my sister. I know she isn’t beautiful, but still.”

“Can you please not include me in your marital flirting? I’m getting sick of it. It’s making me so fucking jealous.” Y’se grunted as she sat down, immediately taking out a bottle of Heavenly Ale.

“Sister!” the girl leapt off her chair and ran towards Thalia, hugging her tightly around the waist. She wore one piece cyan dress and had her hair tied up with a purple ribbon. “I missed you so much!!”

“Ha ha, I missed you too silly,” Thalia said, patting her head gently. “But I bet Master misses you even more. Don’t you think it’d be interesting to see just how much?”

“Oh. I thought you were sadistic just with me,” Lynne said as he sat down next to Y’se, taking a bottle of his own and drinking. “Good to see it’s just who you are.”

“What are you doing here anyway?” Thalia said as she sat down, the young girl still not letting her go.

“T-to bring you back home! That’s where you belong!” the girl exclaimed as she stared daggers at Lynne.

“Hey, don’t look at me,” Lynne said as he innocently spread his arms. “Do you see chains wrapped around her anywhere?”

“You tricked Sister into loving you, I just know it!” the girl exclaimed fearlessly, causing both Silo and Rena to shudder in fear; just how bold was this girl?!

“Anyway, while you deal with your sister complex,” Lynne said, ignoring the little girl as he turned towards Rena and Silo. “Don’t be so stiff guys. Do you want some Heavenly Ale?”

“… Lynne, I’ll smack you.” Y’se said casually.

“Ah, right. It may be a bit too strong for them. Khm, my bad, I’ve never actually had any younger friends,” Lynne said, smiling widely. “So this is a bit new for me. Anyway, relax, relax, I don’t bite.”

“Are you sure?” Thalia beckoned from back.

“Shut up. Don’t fan the flames,” Lynne said, ignoring her. “How are you two finding my little Kingdom so far?”

“It-it’s great!” Silo exclaimed, his eyes practically turning into stars as he stared at Lynne with awe. “Everything’s beautiful, everyone’s hardworking, we have the best King ever!!”

“Eeeeh…” Lynne’s cheeks suddenly flushed red as he scratched his nose nervously. “’s… ‘s that so? Thank you.”

“H-he’s right!” Rena joined; her usual, indifferent disposition disappeared completely as she talked to Lynne. “Although I first joined the group that traveled here because this idiot decided to go, I’m truly glad I did! It was the best decision in my life!”

“… stop it guys.” Y’se said calmly. “Can’t you see he’s about to die from embarrassment? And you, what the hell are you blushing over some basic praise? You never blush when I praise you.”

“I don’t need praise from an old hag.”

“What’d you say?!!”

“I said I’m unworthy of praise of such a beautiful, gallant, strong and godlike angel.”

“… good job.”

“Thank you you two, I’m glad you feel that way,” Lynne said as he recovered. “Anyway, your Master over there is a good friend of mine, so I figured I’d help you along a bit on your Path of Magus,” Lynne said. “However, in the end, remember that we can only ever provide guidance; ultimately, it’s up to you two to choose a path on which to tread.”

“Y-yes!” Silo and Rena exclaimed in unison.

“The reason I recommended switching over to Mind, Rena,” Lynne continued. “Is because you have great mental capacity, especially for someone your age. Although the path is extremely unorthodox, I believe you can make it your own. Of course, if you have something else planned, it’s always best to follow your own heart.”

“I shall heed your advice, Master!” Oi, aren’t I your Master, you little brat?! Fyre thought as he glanced angrily at Rena who completely ignored him at this point.

“Silo,” Lynne nodded and turned towards the boy. “Have you decided which path will you take?”

“Fire!” the boy exclaimed without hesitation.

“Eh? But didn’t you say your main element is Earth?”

“Who cares about Earth? You’ve inspired me that day, Master!” Silo exclaimed boldly. “If I’m a man, Fire is obvious choice! I want to set the sky ablaze and write your name up there, for the whole world to see!” … wow, this kid can sure spout some embarrassing lines so casually…

“Kh-khm, I’m glad you feel that way, but it’s best if you choose with your heart.”

“My heart is already burning, Master! Nothing but Fire will satisfy me!” Silo continued, unabashed.

“I-is that so…?” Lynne said, chuckling. “Alright, if you’re so dead set on it, how about you join me on a little adventure next week?”

“Eh?!” the whole room exclaimed in unison.

“Oi, idiot,” Thalia called out. “Do you want to scar kids for life?”

“Hey, traveling with me isn’t that bad!” Lynne protested.

“It’s not the journey, it’s the destination!” Parsia joined in.

“What? The boy wants to follow Fire. I ought to show him the best of it, right?”

“I-if Sister is going, I want to go too!!” the girl still wrapped in Thalia’s arms exclaimed.

“See what you did?!”

“I-if Silo is going, then so am I!” Rena exclaimed. “I-I mean, I just can’t leave this idiot alone!” … aah, you’re not fooling anyone—well, except your target… Lynne thought, sighing.

“It should be fine, right?” Lynne said. “We’ve already scouted the road, so there won’t be any dangers. And in case things go awry, we can just send them packing back.”

“… ah, I figured. You just want a harem of underage girls. How terrible are you--” Thalia said in a sorrowful voice.

“N-never! I belong to only Sister!” the girl in her arms exclaimed.

“I-I’m sorry… m-my King… I—I can’t…” Rena mumbled.

“When the hell did I ever craved flat-chested girls?!” Lynne exclaimed as fire blazed in his eyes. “All my life, the only thing I ever wanted was a world full of mature maidens to serve me until the day I die! Don’t piss on my honor by saying I’m interested in little girls!”

“…”

“…”

“…”

“That’s our King, ladies and gentlemen,” Y’se said casually, breaking the awkward silence. “Long may he reign~~”