EPILOGUE

The chatter of the midday was broken by the sudden toll of the bells, resounding throughout the capital city of Skyfire Paradise. People halted their steps and looked up to the sky where a golden sphere was emitting rays of light, gently cascading over the rising tops of the buildings and weaving streets of the city. The sphere hung above the grandiose Palace, whose usually empty days seemed like history today; every inch of it was packed full with people, where they be ordinary citizens, nobles or Mages. All eyes were focused on the high-standing platform above the bronze statue. Atop, two grandiose seats were placed, with two middle-aged people calmly talking to each other as though there was no one else there.

Meanwhile, as the tolling of the bells ended, the silent crowd burst out into a resounding chatter. Discussions sprung anew, and the city grew lively yet again.

“Ah, will it finally start?”

“First Prince is only sixteen this year. Is it really okay to Crown him so young?”

“Eh, what are you talking about?! He’s already entered Grand Realm at such a young age! Who else but him?”

“Ah, but I heard that the Third Princess is also talented.”

“Hm, yes, but it seems she’s much more interested in the Magic Research than ruling the Kingdom.”

Thalia and Parsia, seated atop the high platform, observed the situation with faint smiles on their faces. Their youthful disposition was all but gone, replaced by slightly wrinkled faces, and eyes exuding wisdom that comes with age. Both wore rather simple clothes for their position, yet no one dared doubt their authority. For twenty years, ever since the Great War’s end, the two of them became true cornerstones of the Kingdom, leading it into a prosperous age.

“Lyonel won’t get embarrassed and stay inside, won’t he?” Thalia mumbled as she glanced back at the Palace worriedly.

“Ah… don’t mention that, I’m already having a headache,” Parsia said, sighing. “That kid… geez, if he could, he’d probably never leave his room. But, even if it’s him, he knows how important today is. I don’t think he’ll miss it. I hope he won’t…”

“… should we ask Rood to fetch him?” Thalia asked.

“I already have…”

“… what about Ophelia? She won’t miss this… will she?”

“… we really spoiled them too much, haven’t we?” Parsia mumbled, sighing yet again.

“Ah, there he is!” Thalia suddenly exclaimed as she saw two figures floating on a magic circle, heading over toward the platform. “We really need to reward Rood somehow. He’s the only sane one, I think.”

“Thanks Rood.” Parsia said as two youths landed onto the platform; one of them was kneeling while the other was standing next to him, holding the collar. Standing youth had expressionless face, half-covered with long, black hair, donning basic Mage’s battle armor, with a sword strapped to his waist.

“Don’t worry about it dad,” Rood replied, smiling faintly as he glanced at the blonde-haired youth shaking next to him. “He tried to hide in the warehouse. Heh, how naïve.”

“You betrayed me brother!!” the kneeling kid shouted as he lifted his head and glared at Rood. Lyonel looked rather similar to Parsia, with golden hair and emerald-green eyes. However, outside of that, nothing else was similar. “I trusted you!!”

“Shut it, bastard!!” Thalia exclaimed as she suddenly appeared next to him and slapped him gently on the head. “What do you mean he betrayed you?! I’ll betray your mother if you don’t shut up!! This is a huge day, don’t screw it up!”

“But I don’t want to be a Crown Prince!! Look at Rood, he’s ten times more qualified!! He’s cool, badass, great fighter, and has caused practically every maid in the palace to fall in love with him!! He’s much more suited to be a Crown Prince!!” Lyonel cried out.

“Eh? Why would I want to be a Crown Prince? That’s bothersome,” Rood said as he cleaned his ear. “I’d have to go to meetings, read paperwork all day long, and suck up to some envoys from some shitty Kingdoms. You sound perfect for the position.”

“…”

“Alright, enough bickering,” Parsia interrupted, sighing. “Where’s Ophelia?”

“Behind you.” Rood said.

“… just why are you all like this…” Parsia shook his head as he glanced backwards. Behind him, a twelve-year-old girl was smiling innocently, her golden hair tied in a bun, white, one-piece dress fluttering in the wind.

“Ah, whatever, they’re all here.” Thalia said. “Get up Lyonel. I’ll release the barrier now. Let’s just get this shit over with.”

“Aah, if only others could hear mom now,” Rood said nonchalantly. “How the image of the mighty Queen would crumble.”

“If you don’t want to crumble alongside my image, keep your mouth shut!” Thalia growled.

“Yes, yes, of course mom, sorry…” Rood said, looking away. He appeared rather traumatized.

“What did you do to him? He only ever listens to you!” Parsia exclaimed.

“… khm,” Thalia coughed. “Seriously, let’s at least pretend we’re a normal, kingly family.”

“Yeah, good idea.”

“What do you mean pretend?!” Lyonel exclaimed. “You guys!!”

As the processions unveiled, poor Lyonel almost always felt Thalia’s chilly gaze on his back, and was forced to stand like an upright Prince, his chin raised high and chest puffed out. Meanwhile, Rood ignored everyone and everything as he fell asleep standing, with his eyes open, while Ophelia stealthily took ‘gifts’ from nobles, promising to put in good word for them, only to forget who they were a moment later. Seeing this, Parsia’s lips twitched, but he said nothing. After all, if someone gets tricked by a twelve-year-old kid, then there’s nothing else to be said.

The Crowning Ceremony lasted nearly six hours before everything was wrapped up and citizens and nobles alike began returning to their abodes. Parsia, Thalia and the rest headed back to the Palace, quickly finding themselves in the isolated chambers where they spent time when they didn’t want to be bothered by anyone.

“… aah, that’s over with.” Thalia said as she took off her crown and slumped onto the bed, exhausted.

“Can we go now?” Rood asked.

“No.” Parsia said. “You’ll stay here for a week as punishment.”

“Eh?! What did we do wrong?!” Lyonel, Ophelia and Rood asked at the same time.

“You cried too much,” Parsia pointed at Lyonel. “Your heart is black,” he then pointed at Ophelia. “And you slept too much.” he finished by pointing at Rood. “Any problems?”

“… no.”

“Good.” Parsia said. “Did you see him? Or did that bastard really miss the Crowning?” he asked Thalia.

“Ah, missed? He probably never even intended to show up,” Thalia growled. “Seriously, in twenty years, he visited only once!! And that was to rob our treasury of rare seeds!! I swear, next time I see him, I’ll skin him alive!”

“Eh? You guys talking about Uncle Lynne?” Ophelia asked, tilting her head.

“Hm? Yes. Why?” Parsia asked.

“Oh, I’ve seen him.” Ophelia said.

“Eh?! You’ve seen him?! Why didn’t you inform us?!” Thalia cried out.

“Eh… uh…”

“What did he give you?” Parsia asked, his expression darkening.

“… n-nothing, I swear… he, uh, you know how he is!! When he smiles, and pats my head, how can I say no?!” Ophelia cried out with starlit eyes. “He’s so handsome, so gentle, so cool… aah…”

“Rood, didn’t I tell you to beat Lynne out of her head?” Parsia asked.

“… why would I do that?” Rood asked, his usually deadpan eyes suddenly glistening. “He’s my goal! When I grow up, and escape—I mean properly leave this place while informing you all, I’ll dye my hair white and wear commoner’s clothes and swagger around the world like I own it!!”

“… he met them like two three times, and he’s already got them doing whatever he wants!” Thalia growled yet again. “Before I skin him alive, I’ll have to get him to tell me how he’s controlling these kids so well!”

“Ah, whatever,” Parsia said, sighing yet again. “At least he came without stealing anything from us.”

“…”

“…”

“…”

“… what happened?” Thalia asked, frowning.

“I… I may have lent him uh, a couple thousand gold coins…” Lyonel said, looking away from his mom’s scary eyes.

“And, uh, I may, may have lent him my spear…” Rood said, looking at the floor.

“… I gave him my tiara!” Ophelia exclaimed with an innocent smile.

“THAT BASTARD!!!”

Meanwhile, the culprit was currently sitting at the edge of the cliff, looking out toward the ocean. Unlike Parsia and Thalia, Lynne hasn’t changed much when it comes to appearance, save for the slightly bearded jaw, and a couple more lines of wrinkles around his nose. His clear eyes stared at the horizon unwaveringly, while his hands held onto a spear, a rather heavy bag of golden coins, and a gem-adorned tiara. His grinned faintly, but quickly recovered his innocent looks.

“Dad!! You’re back!!” a childish voice jolted him from the daydreaming as he glanced backwards. A pair of kids, both six years old, were currently running toward him. Boy with snow-white hair and silver eyes was in front, while a girl with silver hair and azure-dyed eyes was right behind, smiling widely. “Did you bring us anything good?! Did you?! Did you?!” the boy cried out immediately, pulling at Lynne’s back as soon as he arrived.

“Ha ha, of course I have you little devil,” Lynne laughed as he patted the boy’s head, causing the latter to beam. “Ah, but what did I tell you before? Ladies always first, remember?”

“Ah, right! Khm, Fen’er, sorry…” the boy looked at the girl apologetically.

“No problem!” the girl exclaimed as she smiled. “So, dad, what did you bring us?! What is it?!”

“Ha ha, here,” Lynne laughed as he put the gem-adorned tiara on little Fen’er’s head. “What do you think Auldin?” Lynne asked the boy. “Isn’t your sister adorable?”

“Wow!!” Auldin exclaimed. “But it would look better if mom wore it…”

“Tche, little brat,” Lynne slapped the boy behind the ear gently. “Ah, good thing she isn’t even listening to you. Do you like it Fen’er?”

“Yes, I love it!!” she exclaimed as she suddenly leapt onto Lynne’s lap and hugged him. “Almost as much as I love you dad!”

“What do you mean ‘almost as much’ you brat?! Shouldn’t you love your dad the most in the world?! Humph, looks like I’ve been going easy on you bastards!”

“Dad, dad, what did you get me! Quick, tell me!” Auldin cried out, feeling left out.

“Here,” he handed him the spear. “It’s a little big for you right now, but, oh well, it’s good enough.”

“…”

“What?” Lynne asked, seeing Auldin’s deadfish eyes.

“What do you mean it’s good enough?! Dad, you bully!! You always bring Fen’er better presents!! I’ll tell on you!!”

“Oi, brat, if you tell mom anything, I won’t bring you anything anymore!!” Lynne cried out, pulling Auldin by the collar to prevent him from running away.

“Oh? Tell me what?” a calm voice suddenly resounded, causing Lynne’s body to stiffen.

“Oh, dear… when… when did you come here?” Lynne smiled awkwardly as he glanced sideways, noticing Y’se standing right next to him. Her smiling eyes were locked onto the tiara on Fen’er’s head and the spear in Auldin’s hands, as well as the bag of coins in Lynne’s.

“… did you rob them again?” Y’se asked in a calm voice.

“… what do you mean robbed?” Lynne mumbled, rolling his eyes as he picked Auldin and placed him on his lap as well. The boy, despite feigning displeasure, was currently happily playing with the oversized spear.

“You know, I didn’t set up the magic circle for you to be using it to rob our friends,” Y’se said, sighing suddenly. “But, oh well. It’s not like they’re poor, so who cares?”

“… khm, so what did you take from them?” Lynne asked.

“… I may have borrowed some magic cores and such… just, uh, for research purposes.” Y’se replied, looking away.

“Khm, of course… just, uh, for research purposes…”

“Right, kids,” Y’se said. “Uncle Fyre brought Anna and Ren. Go play with them.”

“Ah, Anna is here?!” Fen’er exclaimed as she happily leapt of Lynne’s lap and ran back through the field toward the other side.

“… do I have to? That kid Ren talks too much… and he’s too weak! I can’t even use him as a sparring partner!” Auldin complained.

“What do you mean use him?” Y’se berated. “People aren’t there to be used, you brat!”

“But dad said—“

“Oi, oi, what a wonderful weather!!” Lynne interrupted, putting his hand on poor boy’s mouth. “Go and have fun Auldin! Ren’s a good kid!” he flung him backward and glared at him until the boy began running, scared.

“…”

“… don’t look at me like that,” Lynne said, sighing. Y’se slowly walked around and sat next to him, leaning against his shoulder. Her silver hair draped like a curtain over his chest, while her faint, herb fragrance invaded his nostrils. “I’m teaching the kids how to survive in this cruel world.

“Right, of course.” Y’se said.

“I mean, the world’s full of scary people, right? What if they one day want to go out and adventure, and they leave this place unprepared?” Lynne continued.

“Naturally. I completely understand.”

“It would be a failure on my part as a parent if I’d let that happen.”

“Of course. We can’t have you being a bad parent by any means.”

“… it hurts when you play along, you know?” Lynne said as he glanced sideways, meeting her eyes.

“… ah, the day those two leave this place to adventuring, we should probably warn anyone rich in this world to look out for them.” Y’se said, smiling faintly.

“… yeah, I don’t think that would help them in any way.” Lynne said, smiling as well.

“… are we bad parents?” Y’se mumbled.

“Ah, at least we’re better than those two,” Lynne said, smiling. “They can’t even teach their kids not to give away stuff.”

“… those kids adore you, and you’re just exploiting them. What a bastard you are…”

“Look who’s talking.” Lynne replied, smirking.

“What? I at least ask politely,” Y’se said. “You just go ‘Hey, Rood, fetch me a few diamonds from your dad’s treasury’. Poor kid gets so hyped up he brings extra few just so you would praise him.”

“Hah, what can I say, I’m truly a charming person…”

“Right, of course… how was the ceremony?” she asked.

“Weren’t you there too?”

“… I, uh, may have been… on the, uh, other side…”

“So you literally robbed them, huh? Ah, using ceremony as a distraction. Dammit, I should have thought of that.” Lynne mumbled. “It was fine. Lyonel held out… barely.”

“… hm, good…” Y’se said as she snuggled further into Lynne’s embrace.

“… are you getting fatter or something? I’m barely able to hold you.” Lynne mumbled.

“Well, you keep feeding me beef and chicken,” Y’se said. “It’d be weird if I didn’t get fat.”

“… ah, I remember the days when you’d get angry if I said that.”

“Isn’t this fine, too?”

“Hm,” Lynne nodded, caressing her hair gently, smiling. “It’s good.”

The two stared into the distant horizon as the sun slowly faded beyond the ocean, causing night to fall. World spun on and people lived on, and memories of the figure who once stormed the world bravely slowly began to fade. Some of the stories turned to folk tales, some to myths, some to legends, and some to history lessons told to children in schools and academies.

The only reminder – besides the tales themselves – that the man even existed were the two statues standing tall on two sides of the continent. Both depicted the same youth with lofty expression, ineffable air and heroic disposition, staring off into the distant sky, seeing beyond what others could see. Some call him Empyrean Magus, some call him Infernal Magus, some call him Blazing Star, and some call him Lord of Embers. Yet, those few that had once witnessed the flames of purity, and the figure embodied in them, call him what he truly was: Skyfire Magus.

--END--