“By order of the King, Siyu Grey, Don of Turtle Shell Inn, is hereby summoned to the castle at once to fulfill the King’s Quest.” The royal guard states, reading from a decree.

“Damn,” Siyu says bitterly before putting the customer’s breakfast before him and removing his apron. “Freya, I assume I’ll be away for a while. Find someone to cover for me while I’m gone.” He says, calling out to the innkeeper.

“Tsk, tsk. Always making trouble for me.” Freya says with a shake of her head before taking the apron.

“See you later.” Siyu says with a smile before walking out of the inn with the royal guard.

…

…

…

“Haha! The Don of Turtle Shell Inn; I’ve heard good things.” The king says as Siyu kneels before the throne.

“The rumors are exaggerated, your Majesty, but I thank you for your praise,” Siyu says with his head bowed.

“Haha! Well-spoken, well-spoken.” The King says with a hearty laugh. “Now, back to the matter at hand. A few years ago you brought to me a teenager, who you intended as a match for my youngest daughter. As you may have heard, that teenager is now a prince and the husband of a princess. Since the day the two met, we have begun to set the way for Frey to enter the Heaven Path. He has made great strides these past few years, and although his ability doesn’t reach higher than the rank of Captain, we have granted him the rank of Major so that he can take part in strategic discussions. We have heard good things about your role in the city, and as such, you will be given the role of Frey’s guide and advisor. Offer him what you can, to the best of your ability. What do you say?" He asks.

“I live to serve,” Siyu responds, hus head still bowed.

“Good; Frey will be serving on the front lines, near the border to the country of Paz. You leave tomorrow.” The king says.

…

…

…

When Siyu first saw Frey again, he gave him a bitter smile and looked away, hoping for the journey to pass silently. But that was impossible; Siyy was to be Frey’s guide, whatever that meant. But without a doubt, this role will involve talking to him.

“Nice to see you again, Master Siyu.” Frey approaches and says with a bow, his voice mellow and soothing.

“Haha,” Siyu laughs bitterly. “Please. Don’t call me master. Siyu is fine.” He says.

“Siyu then. I look forward to working with you.” Frey says with a smile reaching out to shake my hand.

“Frey! Wait!” A voice calls out. The princess ran past the castle doors and ran into Frey’s arms. “I’ve read your letter; why didn’t you tell me earlier that you were leaving for the front lines?”

“Aha,” Frey laughed bitterly. “Because I knew you would act this way.” He says.

“Of course I’ll act this way! What if something happens?” The princess exclaims, fraught with anxiety.

“Don’t worry too much. You forget I have the King’s Protection.” Frey says, trying to ease the princess’ worries.

“I know. But I can’t help it…” The princess says in a quiet voice, burying her head in Frey’s chest.

There was a moment of silence, persisting with no sound. No one was daring enough to act.

After a long while, Frey nudged the princess in his embrace. “C’mon now. It’s time for me to go.” He says.

“Hmm.” The princess responds, her head still buried onto Frey's chest.

“C’mon now, don’t be this way,” Frey says, nudging again.

“Hmm.” The princess responds again.

Frey could only sigh and wait for the princess to lift her head.

When she did, she gave Frey a passionate kiss before looking into his grey eyes and announcing, “I’ll wait for you.”

Frey smiles, his mind lingering on the taste of her lips. “I’ll miss you too.”

Abruptly, the princess turns her head sharply to face me while still in Frey’s embrace. “And you! You first brought him to me, and I’ll demand that you bring him back!”

“I’ll do my best, your Highness,” Siyu says with a deep bow.

Frey releases the princess, gives her a light kiss on the cheek before continuing to say, “I’m going, love. Let’s go.”

…

…

The journey was quiet for a time after that scene, as the lingering emotions of the moment had yet to pass. And Siyu's experience of that scene was different in comparison to others. He felt much of what those two shared; it was a deeply uncomfortable experience.

As the sun sets, Frey turns to Siyu and asks, “And what does a guide do exactly?”

“I’m not sure, but we’ll figure it out,” Siyu says, his gaze focusing on the scenery outside of the carriage.

“Ah, I see,” Frey says before turning his gaze to focus outside the window on his side of the carriage.

…

…

They stop for the night. A fire was lit and food began to cook. Then there was rest.

…

…

They went on for several days, but Siyu didn’t say much to Frey. He was not concealing his discomfort with the situation, and Frey could see it but chose to respect Siyu's space.

It was not that Siyu did not like Frey, but others did not see what he saw when he looked at him. Whenever Siyu looked at him, his figure would pull him in as if his mind wanted to know everything about him and he loses focus for anything else. It’s a struggle just to look away. He knew the moment he first saw Frey, all those years ago; that whatever story he was pushing forward, Frey was one of the main characters, if not the central character.

And with consideration of that, Siyu should probably be speaking to him more, but he thought he needed the silence more.