Even if night seemed never-ending, the sun rose again; open curtains letting it through, sunshine fell on my tired eyes. It did not feel like I had slept, but then again – when was I not tired?

It felt as if my eyes were sealed shut with sand.

Loe laughed at my morning face and served me the morning’s glass of water.

- “You slept for half a day, sir - how are you feeling? I was surprised to not see you in bed by midnight!”

- “You slept for half a day, sir - how are you feeling? I was surprised to not see you in bed by midnight!”

- “Gub monin… Uh? Wait, you clean at night too…?”

- “Oh, sometimes I do- Why?”

- “Ah, uh… since you knew I wasn’t here…?”

- “Oh, that- Well, this time, I was mostly just keeping Kio company last night, figured we could have some tea while he waited. Not much to do more than change some towels. That aside… Were you alright? Walking around the palace during a storm- you had us worried.”

- “Sorry… I was with the prince. I had made some app- parcena pie.”

- “Ah, yes! I put the basket there, on your desk, sir. What a strange thing - you baked it yourself, you said?”

- “Yup. Uhh… Is Kio outside or…?”

- “Oh, yes, yes- do you want me to call him in?”

- “Please. I need to apologize for making him wait for so long. He even had to sleep here.”

- “I don’t think that he minds at all, sir. I think I’m done already, so I’ll leave you three be.” - She said as she opened the door.

- “Uh? You are lea- You three?”

That question was answered when the sansa appeared out of nowhere, jumping straight into my face - landing with its little back claws digging into my cheeks. I tried to pull it off, but it kept grabbing my hair, so I just gave up. Kio rushed in to help me, growling at it.

- “Sorry sir! It kept stepping on your face while you slept so I took it outside- But it kept coming back and scratching at the door.”

- “It’s fine- It’s fine. Thank you for taking care of it.” – I sat on the edge of the bed, stretching. – “I’m glad the storm is over.”

Loe spoke to us from the doorway. - “And what a storm it was! Some windows broke because branches came flying from the garden- The library was soaked this morning! Good thing the books were safe, but the carpet was ruined.”

- “Oh. Poor Mizuen. Is he alright?” – If anything, I was glad Loe didn’t mind talking about how close they were, despite how embarrassed they were the previous day.

- “He came crying to me about how his poor and fragile signed copy of Toescati was now ruined.”

- “Oh, that sounds awful-”

- “But the book is completely fine! It just fell down from his desk and a page got bent!”

- “Oh, what a tragedy.”

- “It’s literally fine!” – She laughed. – “Alright, I’ll be leaving now. Remember sir, if you need anything, just look for me.”

- “Thank you Loe.” – I waved to her. – “Take care.”

Kio also waved, the sansa now crawling down his arm. I grabbed it and put it on the bed.

- “Sir, excuse me- not to pry, but... what’s with Loe and sir Mizuen?”

- “They are dating, I think?”

- “Oh, oh, alright. Were you alright yesterday, by the way?”

- “Uh, I did get lost, but- like- I was fine, don’t worry. I made parcena pie.”

- “I saw! It’s a shame it got cold.”

- “Oh- It’s better cooled down. Lemme go get it.”

- “Shouldn’t you get dressed first, sir?”

- “Eh, who minds?”

- “Fair. May I have a slice?”

- “Kio, I saved all of this for you.”

- “…You did?”

- “Yeah. I don’t eat that much.”

- “Ah- Thank you so much, sir! I’m honored to eat what you made for me!”

- “It’s fine, it’s fine. Should we get some tea?”

- “I’ll go then! I’ll be back soon!”

I used that time to get dressed anyway..

So, breakfast was lively – and a lot of fun. The rest of the day was just as eventful.

The aftermath of the storm had everyone running around fixing and cleaning, so Daien saw a chance to teach me a few things. While helping with the repairs, of course.

Little movements, controlled slips of magic – we helped lift and bend things, we helped provide light and water, just little things. I was, of course, exhausted already because of the previous night, so I mostly focused on lighting candles for those who wandered into dark rooms.

To say- well, I did try. Most of the time it would be no more than a spark – and the moment I’d get distracted, I’d almost burn the ceiling again.

To avoid the shame of falling asleep in the middle of the dining hall, I wandered around the halls until my internal compass led me to the kitchen. The lunch-time rush made it so that I could sneak in, steal a bagel, and leave.

The evening was spent out on the garden’s terrace, writing while watching the birds bathe in the puddles left behind.

Kio had been busy after breakfast – the river had overflowed, so he was helping with the rescue of a few goats, as well as the ordeal of fixing houses and carrying fallen trees. So the rest of the day, Arsamira kept me company, talking about his day every once in a while.

And that is how a few days went by - training and writing. The sansa stayed with me all those days, too comfortable to want to leave. We got used to sleeping together, once the matter of stepping on my face and trying to suffocate me to death was solved.

That, added to the occasional visit to the apothecary and the late-night chats with Loe, made a week or two go by quickly.

I got along with the workers, hung around the kitchen.

Meanwhile, I kept thinking. I had received word from the Princess about the kidnapping incident. It was during a morning in which we’d decided to try a new blend of tea together - the janpora finally had berries.

- “While we could not really do much about him, as he wasn’t directly involved, I was able to have a little chat with the Koen you mentioned. The rebellion has been getting loud lately, he apologized about the damage that has been done to you.”

- “You went to talk with a rebel?”

- “Why, yes. We both have the wellbeing of the people as our priority, even if we are against each other. Koen understood that, as their leader, so there are certain topics he’s open to discuss with me. He may be sly, but commoners can only know so much about how to operate a kingdom. It’s natural he would be eager to talk with me.”

- “T-That’s… quite the thing.”

- “You might find value in getting acquainted with them too, Von. The nobles already believe my brother will do anything you say - don’t you think having the rebels believe that, too, might prove useful in the future?”

- “I don’t think I could do such a thing…”

- “Why? Becoming their voice to the nobles would grant you their favor.”

- “Y-Yes… I just don’t think they can stay calm with me around.”

- “Why is that?”

- “I just…don’t know how we are going to do this, I can’t give them answers nor confidence nor- maybe they are right and war is stupid.”

- “War is stupid anyways! But it’s not like our country is poor or lacking, so why are we struggling so much?”

- “Do we? All I’ve seen is nobles giving up, saying there isn’t enough for a war.”

- “Those are matters you’ll have to discuss with the treasurer. I know of no noble that isn’t rich.” – She smiled before sipping on her tea. – “I, for sure, wouldn’t be drinking this delicious tea if my people were poor and in need.”

I let her words steep in my mind as the day went away.

Surprising it was that I barely left the castle – or maybe not, considering what happened last time I wandered the city, even after our little chat. Meetings with the captain did take place, though! Not much more than mere talks and updates – but I did write a report.

A report based on Mizuen’s investigation, describing the multiple uses posporita could have if we were to incorporate explosives into the fight. I never got a proper answer to it, aside from a grunt when I handed it over, but Arsamira did tell me they had already been considering it, even from before my report.

Later on, after an always-delicious lunch, I did finally manage to go out for a little stroll - despite Arsamira’s protests. He sent a guard with me since Kio was still busy - which was quite ironic, ‘cause I was going out to visit him by the river.

The walk across the city was not long. I already knew the path towards the outskirts, yes, but it felt eternal, as I kept getting looks once again. There were whispers, murmurs, muttering. But there were also greetings, apologies – some people felt sorry that I had such an experience. That this was not a common occurrence- that it’s just the times, that it’s normally a really safe place. That they were sorry the “Prince’s chosen one” was in danger, asking if I could forgive them. That it was probably “those rebel kids who want to cause a ruckus, they don’t respect no one,” to “please forgive them, they don’t understand the Prince is doing his best for us.”

It’s okay, it’s no problem, I’m fine, no one got hurt.

That feels like such a faraway whisper.

The central plaza was left behind after a quick break, and I finally found Kio resting under a tree. He was wearing a hat – he was wearing a hat, I tell you! Some sort of small tricorn made of leather! With a little feather on the side!

I tried to hide my grin, but even the guard laughed a little.

- “Vo- Sir! Wh-Why are you here? It’s-”

- “First of all, hi!”

- “Ah, yes, I apologize. Good afternoon, sir.”

- “Just say hi back, you dork.”

- “Why, I can’t be so friendly in public-”

- “You are not working under me today, right? Then, I’m just visiting a friend during his break.”

- “… Fair. Then, si- Von, what are you doing here? It could be dangerous.”

- “It’s okay, I have a guard with me.”

- “I worry about your mental state too, si- Von.”

- “I’m fine, I’m fine! I mean- I wasn’t. I think I was shaking the whole way; I don’t know why I decided to walk – well, probably because I hate myself. I don’t know, sometimes I would feel the need to call my ex even when ever- I mean. Yes. I am.”

- “You don’t talk like that when you are okay. Come sit with me sir, I have some cookies if you’d like.”

- “Ah, sure. Uh, Adeile, have you eaten lunch yet?” – I asked the guard.

- “No sir, my shift had not ended when I got assigned to you.”

- “Ah! Here, Arsamira gave me some money- Go have lunch, alright? I will be here with Kio, I’ll be okay, so go take a break.”

- “Sir, I’m afraid I canno-”

- “Then should I order you? That way you have no responsibility if something happens.”

- “… Von, I think you are making him uncomfortable.” – Kio whispered to me.

- “A-Am I? I don’t want him to have to wait if I’m just going to be chatting with you!”

- “Sir, if I may-“ – Adeile tried to say – “I will be around the area, having lunch as you ordered. It is not my intention to inconvenience you with my presence.”

- “Right- Sorry. You aren’t… Uh, nevermind. Go, go. I don’t want to feel bad for making you miss lunch. Come back in an hour, please.”

And so he left after a quick goodbye.

Kio questioned me.

- “That was weird- are you okay?”

- “W-Why?”

- “You just- Well, ordered him around.”

- “Oh lord I did- I did.”

- “So it wasn’t intentional.”

- “I think the Arsamira is rubbing on me too much.”

- “Pffftt- It’s a good thing that you are trying to act as your reputation demands. It just seemed weird. Show more confidence! Relaxed body, open arms.”

- “It ain’t fair, now. You do it without even trying – being charismatic and all.”

- “Oh, I wish.”

- “…Oh… Uh, I’m sorry-”

- “It’s alright sir- Von! If it seems effortless, it just means I’m that good at it.”

- “I’m going to need some of that today…”

- “Huh? Why? Have you got any special plans?”

- “I was thinking about… the money. The money we don’t have for the army. And the foreign market. We need to arm the soldiers... and the Captain isn’t moving quickly enough.”

- “Well, but- you should leave that to the prince, sir.”

- “It’s my job to be of use. I shouldn’t be waiting for others to do what I know needs to be done. I know that in reality I have no power and no title, but I do have Arsamira’s support.”

- “Y-You are going to get yourself into trouble, sir. The nobles could come for you if they see you are getting too involved.”

- “Maybe. But they are hiding money from the crown.”

- “…I’ve heard things like that, about Count Latrei’s massive fortune. But sir, you can’t depend only on rumors.”

- “That’s why I was going to talk to the treasurer.”

- “The sheep?”

- “The princess insisted quite a bit on it, so I’d say he’s trustworthy.”

- “Please don’t do this. So many things have already happened, I-”

- “I will be fine, Kio. I doubt they want to get on the bad side of the beloved Prince.”

- “…It’s not like I can stop you, I suppose. I’ll finish this job and be back soon, sir. I’ll do everything I can to protect you.”

- “Thank you, Kio.”

We kept chatting for a while- making a few jokes, talking about the days we had been apart. He told me about the food he ate, the birds he saw, about the goats he rescued, the people that thanked him. I put my head on his shoulder and listened to every word. I guess after a few days, I had already been missing his company.

The hour passed – too quickly, I’d say.

Back at the castle – (or palace? I’d never stopped to think it through - it wasn’t actually a palace, it was more of a weird mix of a mansion, a greenhouse, and a castle that somehow just looked right.) – I kept thinking about a few little things. There was nothing planned for the evening, and there was a certain topic to address.

- “Adeile, could you take me to Treasurer Sheqipi’s office?”

- “Yes, sir. Please come this way.”

It was in a secluded corner of the second floor, one of its doors stuck in place by overgrown vines. It had just a small plaque, “Treasury Paper-Office” would be the most accurate translation of it. Above the plaque, a carved ron-kón that held it in place. Knock knock.

- “C-Come in, yes. The door is open!”

And thus I did. ShepiSheqipi was pushing things aside on his desk as I opened the door - knocking some important-looking papers off.

- “Are you okay? I mean- Good evening.”

- “Y-Yes, I’m okay. Good evening we are having, indeed. The day has been lotta breezy, it feels fresh in the fur- aH. Sorry, sorry. Come, sit down, please. What can I do for you?”

- “Thank you.” – Oh golly, what a comfy chair that one was. – “Well, I have a few questions, and I was told you were the best person to answer them.”

Sheqipi, the sheep. You could hear the tap of his hooves under the table, a light tap, and the sound of the wind passing through the holes in the wall – the vines took over the whole right window and the pillars, making the room seem like an amalgamation of ruin and elegance. In the very corner of the palace, the window in front of me that was still intact - it looked out at the backside of the city - a place I hadn’t visited yet.

Small farms and fancy houses of powerful merchants, all the way to the forest.

That was the eastern part of the Reion forest.

I looked down.

Better to not waste time.

There was an unspoken tension with my presence there. My body went stiff.

- “...So, what is it? I’ll do my best to answer what I can, if you would be so kind as to answer a question of mine.”

- “One for one per moon, was the saying?”

- “One for one to reach the moon, actually.”

- “Oh- well, uh… Right. I wanted to talk to you about the foreign market. No - actually, the fact that there is a second coin only accessible by the nobles.”

- “Ah, that… It’s just a prelude to opening our borders to external trade. We want to do it slowly, so that people don’t fall to the entrapment of debt. We do not possess a bank in the way a traditional kingdom would, after all. That system is, unsurprisingly, controlled by the Ur-Union, which we do not wish to belong to.” - He looked down, fixing some papers.

- “But that power doesn’t have any effect here, does it?”

- “It is not our wish to become entangled in a system with which we have no experience. As this land originally worked under a barter system, we treasure that feeling of unity. We wouldn’t want the people to feel as though their money belongs to an institution and not to them. That aside, it’s in our best interests to not pick a fight with the Union.”

- “Then, may I ask another thing?”

- “What thing?”

- “Where did all the nobles get that money, in the first place? If the foreign market has been open for less than five (5) years, then how is it possible that they could amass such a fortune without the incredible loss of converting their nur to- what’s the coin called?”

- “Our foreign trade coin? It’s called mana, it’s commonly used within the northern region.”

- “Yes, mana. Nur is basically useless in the foreign market; how did they make that money? It couldn’t have been by exchanging one for the other. So, that means they must have exchanged goods directly for mana - but if they did only that, the economy of such a small and balanced kingdom wouldn’t survive. There is something hidden here, isn’t it?”

- “It may be hidden for the people for the mere reason that they need not to involve themselves in this. In reality, it’s no more than royalty exchanging services and highly skilled mages to the land of Helan, as part of our alliance as the future Daón Union.”

- “A union?”

- “Yes, sir. The Northern lands have no known contracts inside the Ur-Union, thanks to their hostile relationships with Morne-tea, where the Ur-Union’s main headquarters are. We have used our contacts to ally ourselves with them.”

- “But that isn’t relevant to my question, is it? That- that isn’t some hidden thing.”

- “It is, sir. This isn’t an official union, nor are the people aware of the crown’s activities. In the meantime, we keep our relationships with the Northern Lands as friendly as we can afford with commercial trade and the citizens exchange program.”

- “So they are selling things and people. Not only their work, but themselves, too.”

- “Our artisans are given back an appropriate amount for their services, and our mages are given the chance to work abroad, working as representatives of our traditions and skills.”

- “The artisans… they get paid in nur, right? Isn’t that just using them for cheap work?”

- “It might seem like it, but-”

- “The people don’t know any better. It’s enough for them, they can live happily with what they have. But- they don’t know they are being robbed. They don’t know the value of their own work!”

- “S-Sir- Please calm down, ayo.”

- “Ah-…sorry, sorry. But- Maybe I wouldn’t get so worked up if you answered my question.”

- “But I did, sir. As much as I can without putting my life at risk.”

- “There must be something else. Something that explains how the Director became so rich. How can you have a fortune in this kind of economy through simple, small-scale trade? There is no major industry to depend on.”

- “The Dire-…Oh, Count Latrei. His fortune is inherited, as most are. I guess the difference is that he does not make use of it.”

- “Because it’s stolen money?”

- “It could be considered stolen - if there were lack and poverty. But there is none amongst our people.”

- “There is a war going on, and there is, supposedly, no money for your people to fight it.”

- “Do you perhaps plan to go knocking on noble doors and beg for funds?”

- “Might as well do! I want to buy from the foreign market - whatever I can get a hold of, as long as it helps. I have no funds and nur alone won’t do it, since it’s, well - a foreign market. What other choice do I have?”

- “You owe me five (5) answers by now, sir. May I?”

- “Go on, then.”

- “Supplying the army - purchasing weapons through the foreign market - is not your main motive, right?”

- “…right.”

- “But rather, because you suspect there to be something unlawful going on, and thus plan to use it against the nobles, yes?”

- “M-Maybe?”

- “If I assured you that it’s nothing unlawful, but that its nature is secretive due to a rather… unique set of circumstances, would you believe me?”

- “No, not at all.”

- “Well, I’m afraid that’s the only answer I can give you. As I said, my life is on the line here.”

- “It’s okay, you can just say that I pushed you against the wall, sword in hand. I pillaged your office, I threatened you, all the yada yada.”

- “No, sir. That wouldn’t be enough. You don’t understand- if I answer, my life is gone. I’m disposable, no one would bat an eye if I were gone.”

- “W-What- No you aren’t-. They wouldn’t throw you away like that. You’re the treasurer-!”

- “They will, sir. You might have noticed already, it’s not hard to see. I’m not wanted here.” – His dense white curls fell over the dark fur on his face as he lowered his head, his hands pressed together – as if praying- no, begging.

- “Who is it?”

- “What?”

- “Who’s going to get rid of you?”

- “…The Duke. Duke Meillar. But sir- please don’t do anything stupid, you shouldn’t concern yourself with m-”

- “I’ll decide that for myself. My job is to make sure the people of this kingdom survive. Were-... Were I to cause your death with my… irresponsibility, I would already have failed.”

- “…Sir…”

- “Sorry for causing you trouble with this.”

Sheqipi was stunned for a second, a long second of tense silence. Then, started to laugh.

- “You have such a way with words, sir! Lords, I haven’t met anyone as harmless as you in a long while. There was no point in being on guard, in the end.”

- “Is…is that a bad thing?”

- “Not at all! Hear me, I’d rather you be simple than a genius, if you are the one who has to get us out of this mess.”

- “I’m… I’m kind of getting offended.”

- “Ah, sorry, sorry! It’s just funny. We were trying to be so proper at the start; I should have offered you some cookies instead. Let’s have a more pleasant chat next time.”

- “I’d appreciate the cookies… sure? But I do need information about the market. The princess herself offered to act as a mediator – but I can’t depend on her for everything. It might be risky, but I have to at least try to do things myself.”

- “You shouldn’t. Didn’t you almost get kidnapped not so long ago?”

- “Yes. Yet… I don’t know. I want to do more. I want to be in there, doing those things. I want to see things move by my own hand, feel like I’m actually part of the story.”

- “So, that’s why you were looking at how the nobles got their fortunes?”

- “I just want their cooperation. The common folk don’t like information being hidden. The rebellion even less.”

- “Oh lords. You really- you really are ambitious.” – He pressed the bridge of his nose. – “Your position is so unique… You could rise above all – the favor of the whole royal family is yours to relish. But you are looking to meddle against the power...”

- “Ah, I guess I am. It’s hard to be aware of… how much is on your shoulders. Carrying the hope of the people isn’t for me. I really don’t know what I’m doing! But -” - I laughed. - “even if I didn’t ask for this position, this influence - even if I don’t have much of a choice, I have to make use of it.”

- “Ayo ayo, surely! Then, I’ll look forward to seeing what you come up with - you, who has no idea what you’re doing.”

- “That sounds like partnership, does it not?”

- “I’m the treasurer. I’m on the side of the kingdom. If you are, too, doing all of this for the kingdom’s sake, then we are indeed partners.”

- “Then, what information can you give me, partner?”

- “I will make a list of the services available in the foreign market. That’s all I can offer you.”

- “Ah, that’ll be fine for now. The fortunes… I will ask the princess to get that information for me instead. I don’t wish to involve you further in this.” – It was genuine, but he looked slightly terrified.

- “…Alright. Alright I will-! I will do what I can. Okay? Just… Don’t do anything stupid. You are already crossing too many lines.”

- “I am. But it’s needed. And you are a good person, so I don’t worry about you- but for you.”

- “I can’t believe you are using your intuition as the base for all of this.”

- “I have nothing else! I want to help this kingdom, that’s all. That’s all I know. If push came to shove- if you had to choose, would you let the Duke live his fancy life while the people here are murdered?”

- “Well, but- Just saying that is already an attack against him. You should be more careful-”

- “But you said so yourself, didn’t you? That I have the backup of the royal family.”

- “… Sir, you are truly one of the stupidest people I have ever met. I hope you come to visit me again soon.” - He pointed at the door with his hand open, a tired smile on his face. I nodded and got up from the chair, my heart racing.

- “Alas. But I will come visit soon, in case the offer of the cookies is still available.”

He laughed at me again, waving goodbye. I left the room shaking, barely able to stop myself from wheezing. I struggled trying to walk. I couldn’t believe I was actually starting something, and not absolutely fucking it up.

The day went away in a haze of manic panic, or so it seemed.