“Is that him?”

“I heard that he knows how to use Lord Luxia’s flash step.”

(Previously named Shunpo. I changed the name to be more relevant to Siberus’ title of the Lightspeed.)

“No way. Lord Luxia never accepted a disciple. How could that person know how to use his flash step?”

“Isn’t he quite handsome?”

“You guys haven’t heard? Earlier that man displayed a skill that shocked the whole Colosseum!”

“””Really?!”””

Hiro was currently sitting at a table in an eatery near the AA building. He couldn’t help but feel the stares as he quietly finished his bowl of stewed vegetables with freshly baked bread. He was waiting for the tournament to conclude and Siberus to return back to the AA. Somehow news of his matches escaped the Colosseum and had already spread throughout Adetia. Luckily there was only a vague description; his name was given and so was his black hair color.

Just as he was finishing up, a couple of shy girls walked up to his table. They had been eyeing him ever since he sat down and he had caught them staring a couple of times. However, he decided to ignore them, hoping that they would lose interest and go away, this was not the case.

“Um…” The timid one on the left began to say.

“Yes?” Hiro glanced up from his meal. He was trying hard to act cold and unapproachable.

“Are you by chance…Hiro…from the tournament?” She muttered after looking back and forth between the other girl and Hiro.

“Hiro?” Hiro asked with a puzzled look on his face, “People have asked me this a couple times now. Can you tell me what’s going on? Is this some sort of joke?” Hiro showed a bit of anger, hoping to drive away the two girls.

Shrinking away, the timid girl hid behind her friend’s back.

“Hey! You don’t have to talk to her like that!” Her friend replied for her.

Seeing that his harsh attitude was working, Hiro decided to give it a little bit more push.

“If she won’t tell me then why don’t you?” He sneered, “If not then quit this petty joke and leave me alone.”

“Hah?!” The girl’s cheek flared up, she was about to retort when suddenly the girl behind her pulled them both away.

“I guess he’s not Mr. Hiro. Let’s go back…” She quietly said as she tugged her assertive friend away.

‘Hah~’ Hiro let out a mental sigh. On the streets this had happened a couple times, he remembered the first time. He was asked by a random girl on the street, after he admitted that he was Hiro, she had suddenly dragged him into a ‘resting’ inn. Of course he made it out without losing anything, but it was quite a predicament he had put himself into. That’s why after that, Hiro had decided to put up a cold front and turned away anyone that asked if he was Hiro.

Paying for his meal, Hiro left the eatery and walked into the AA. He took great care to remain as inconspicuous as possible, of course that was impossible. He was the only person within the city with black hair. The reason behind that was simple, black simply was an unappealing color and those who could afford to change their hair color through magic would rather have it blonde; the color of aristocrats. Of course there were other more conventional methods such as hair dye, but those were temporary and weren’t permanent like magic.

After a few more awkward approaches from girls, Hiro quickly ran up the steps of the AA and went towards Siberus’ office. In front of Siberus’ office was the secretary, she was silently doing her work as Hiro came up to her.

“Hello, I’m here to see Siberus.”

“Lord Luxia?” She looked up from her work, “Do you have an appointment…” In the middle of asking, she finally noticed who she was speaking to. As if she had seen a hero, she quickly took out a writing utensil and said, “Can I have your autograph?!”

“Err…” Hiro scratched his cheek, it was quite hard to refuse her. She knew who he was and after what he had done in the tournament, she understood he would become famous one day. Actually, he was already quite famous; as the only man in history to divide himself. Creating a physical copy was only the stuff of legends and myths, something that only immortals and gods were capable of and yet Hiro was able to achieve this.

“Please!” She bowed, while holding out the writing utensil and sheet.

“Fine.” Hiro gave in, after all she was Siberus’ secretary and he will interact with her more in the future.

Quickly signing the sheet with a sloppy handwriting, Hiro was quickly let into the office to away Siberus’ return.

After what seemed like half an hour, Siberus finally returned with a jolly expression on his face.

‘It was a good decision to entrust Lily to that boy. Not only is he a genius, even that man took interest in Hiro.’ Siberus thought as he walked into the office. Still whistling a joyful tune, Siberus didn’t notice that black-haired youth sitting on the couch.

“Now if only I could make Lily and Hiro seal the deal…” Siberus began to mutter, oblivious to the youth within the room. “Lily doesn’t hate the boy…What if I drugged both their drinks…Yes! Sib you are so smart Haha!”

“*Kohun*”

“Uwahh!” Siberus nearly jumped from where he was standing. “What are you doing here? Why are you still here? Did you hear everything?” Siberus began to frantically launch questions at Hiro.

Deciding to ignore what Siberus had said about Lynn and himself, Hiro decided to get straight to the point.

“I need Lynn—“ He began to say.

“That’s great! I was also planning to somehow make you two an item! Phew! That saved me a lot of trouble! Hahahaha!” Siberus wiped a nonexistent sweat from his forehead, seemingly ignorant of the fact that Hiro had not finished speaking.

“No…” Hiro paused and waited for the laughter to end, “I need Lynn to come with me to the Kingdom of Kilurn.”

As soon as he heard what Hiro said, Siberus stopped laughing and became serious. “Kingdom of Kilurn? That’s atleast a month’s journey from here by horse. Why do you need her to go with you to that place?” Siberus cared deeply for his only living relative, he wasn’t willing to let her go to such a place without a proper explanation.

“The man with the black cloak gave me this.” Hiro took out the golden coin.

As soon as Siberus saw that coin, he understood everything. Grinning from side to side, he let out a jolly laugh.

“Haha! I understand. Please take her with you, although you have to promise me you’ll protect her with everything you have.”

“Don’t worry old man. I promise, I’ll protect her even if I have to lay down my life.”

‘Although, I’m sure she’ll be the one to protect me.’ Hiro silently murmured, still remembering his first experience with the violent woman.

“Good.” Siberus nodded, accepting Hiro’s promise. “Lily isn’t here right now. After she lost her match, she decided to go on a quest to take her mind off the tournament. She should be back in a couple days, so just wait for her, in the mean time you should go meet the King. After the tournament, King Forst was asking for you.”

“Is that so?” A gleam flashed across Hiro’s eyes, he had also needed to talk to the King about something, now was his perfect chance.

“Yea. Just be careful though. In the recent years, King Forst hasn’t been his old self. He had recently raised the taxes on trade, which caused a lot of backlash from the people. Aside from that, I heard that the King was also hiding something.” Siberus warned.

“Thanks for the warning, I’ll take care. If Lynn gets back, can you tell her to come look for me at the Temple of Sienna?”

“Ah. Spending the last few days with your father before you leave?”

“Yes. I just have to tell him I’m leaving for a while, he might worry if I leave without saying anything.”

“Alright. Go take care of your things, I’ll send Lily for you when she returns.”

After leaving the AA, Hiro headed toward the center of the city. Walking along the tall castle walls, Hiro couldn’t help but imagine how much work it was to build such a thing. The wall was 10 meters tall and he could see a guard patrolling on the walls from time to time. After what seemed like a quarter of an hour, he finally arrived at the southern entrance into the castle.

“Halt! None shall pass beyond this point.” The guard stated. Unlike the guards around the city, these guards looked well rested and very fit. Some could even say they were the best guards within Adetia, since they were tasked with guarding the castle, their pay would be better than average and so would their status.

“Err, I’m Hiro…” Hiro didn’t know how to get in. He only heard that the King wanted to meet him. As he awkwardly stated his name, the expression on the guard’s face grew more solemn.

“Are you that famous adventurer that have been causing quite a stir today?” The guard asked as his eyes began to study the youth before him.

“Yes, I guess…” Hiro scratched his cheek, party from embarrassment and lack of manners.

“Can I see some identification?”

“Identification…” Hiro began to learn up and down his body, looking for something to show who he was. All the while, the guard silently shook his head.

“Your bracelet…” The guard finally pointed out, disappointment apparent within his intelligent eyes.

“Ah!” Hiro clapped his hands as if he finally remembered and brought up the copper bracelet.

After glancing at the information stored within the bracelet, the guard accepted Hiro’s identification and let him pass. Accompanied by a guard, Hiro was led inside the castle walls. As soon as Hiro walked through the large gate, it seemed as if he had left the city and was back in the countryside. A beautiful expanse of land was revealed before him, all neatly taken care of. He could see a small lake off in the distance, with a forest surrounding it. There were small boats docked beside the lake and he could see fish leaping out from the clear water. A barracks was located off to one side, beside it was a small obstacle course. Hiro could see some people training nearby, while servants and gardeners worked the landscape.

If Hiro were to guess, he would say that the area surrounded by the castle walls was as large as the village of Torin. Torin had a population of around 100 residents, combined with nearly 50 houses, some abandoned and some used for storage, it was a bigger than average village. Off in the distance, Hiro could see that the road he was currently walking on led to another set of walls surrounding the castle.

As if explaining everything, the guard began to speak, “Normally a guest would arrive by either horseback or carriage. It was quite strange after hearing from Howl to take you up to the castle.” The man chuckled.

“Haha…” Hiro let out an awkward laugh.

“Anyways, I’m sure you’re wondering why there was a need for such a place.” The man pointed at the small forest and barracks. “It’s quite simple really, during times of war, the citizens would take shelter within these walls. There are enough supplies within the outer walls to last the whole city for 1 month.”

“Interesting.” Hiro said, while looking at the beautiful landscape. “Why is there a need to tend to this place?”

“Well, the royal family loves to take breaks from time to time. Since the outside world is a dangerous place for the King and his wives, he created this little utopia for his family.” The guard cheerfully said. Only now did Hiro noticed how young the guard was. The guard just a little older than Hiro.

“Wives?”

“Aye. All 8 of them!”

Hiro’s eyes bulged out. He began to fear for Lena and what the King might have planned for her.

“With so many wives, who will the successor to the throne be? Is it based on age?” Hiro was referring to the King’s children.”

“Alas, that’s the problem within the royal court. The King only has 1 child, after many tries, the 8th wife finally gave life to a prince named Freud. That was many years ago, now the prince has grown up. Within a few years he will be coronated as the next King of Adet.”

‘That’s right! Prince Freud came to Torin Village when they were testing for magic potential.’ Hiro suddenly remembered. Back then he heard talk of Prince Freud coming to inspect the small outskirt village. He never would have expected Prince Freud to be the only child of the King.

“A few years? How old is the prince?”

“He will be twenty this year, after the prince turns 25, he will then be able to ascend to the throne.”

“I see.” Hiro let out a calm smile.

“Looks like we’re here.” The young guard said, “I can only accompany you ‘til here. From here on in, the palace guards will accompany you.” They stopped before another set of walls.

“Alright. Thanks for the help.”

“Don’t worry about it. It’s my job.”

Hiro didn’t know why, but the youthful guard gave off a friendly aura that seemed to natural draw people in. After watching the guard depart, he was escorted by a palace guard to the throne room. Along the way, Hiro couldn’t help but examine the elegance of the palace interior. Unlike the stone cold exterior of the palace, the interior was adorned with marble walls that seemed to shine a warm light. There was a violet carpet spread on the floor, not a spot of dirt was on the carpet. Along the walls were statues of plate armor, wielding long pikes. Not only that, large portraits of the royal family were hung along the wall as Hiro walked past.

Finally coming to a stop in front of a humble door, the palace guard told him to wait and entered the room. Soon after Hiro heard some muffled voices from behind the door, the guard opened the door and invited him inside. Hiro entered the room to see a young man, with the air of a leader, quietly sitting at a desk sipping tea as he read a book. It was a quiet study room.

As if noticing who had entered the room, the man looked up and said, “Good afternoon! You must be Hiro, the village boy that I’ve heard so much about.”

Though the man’s voice sounded friendly, Hiro couldn’t help but feel that he was insulted. “Yes. That’s who I am, though I don’t know how you’ve heard so much about me, I’m but a mere village boy.” Hiro replied, trying not to show any irritation.

“Nonsense! Lena has talked about you quite a lot. Do you not remember? I’ve graced you with my presence in the past, if I remember correctly…it should be the time when the Orst Academy was conducting tests.” The youth said fleetingly.

“I remember your Highness.” Hiro bowed hiding the confusion on his face. “You said that Lena talked about me? You know Lena?”

“Yes. Isn’t she quite a beauty?” The prince said with challenging eyes. “It’s such a shame that she a mere peasant, but peasants do have their uses don’t they?” The man began to laugh.

Trying to hold in the fury that was slowly building up inside him, Hiro could only shut his mouth tightly, for fear of spouting out vulgarity. Trying to move away from the conversation, Hiro changed the topic.

“Your Highness, is there a reason why you called me here? If I remember correctly, your father, the King, wanted to see me.”

Frowning slightly, Prince Freud replied, “No there’s no reason. I was just curious as to whom Lena was referring to when she excitedly talked about her past. That was why I had you taken here first before seeing my father. Nice to meet your Hiro. Goodbye.” He coldly turned back around and started reading again.

After a couple deep breaths to calm himself, Hiro was led out of the study and once again walked along the decorated halls. Passing servants and maids as he walked, Hiro could help but notice that none of them were smiling. In fact, many of them had a depressed look across their faces. After being led around the huge palace, the guard finally came to a stop before a majestic door. Outside the door stood two more guards, they didn’t wear armor. Instead they both wore capes that came to a stop just below their knees. Their clothes were tidy and neat, both white adorned with gold hems; well-groomed and tidy, the image of royal knights.

“Stop. None shall enter.” The knight on the left commanded.

“Sir, as requested by the King, adventurer Hiro has come for an audience.” The guard explained. After hearing what the guard had to say, both knights faces expressed intrigue and wonder.

“Hiro?” The left knight repeated, “You don’t look any different, after hearing about you, I thought you would be more…”

“Stronger looking?” The other knight chimed in.

“Yes. Looking at him now, he looks quite weak.” They both began to chuckle. After hearing so much talk about Hiro, they had expected him to be over 6ft tall, muscular, and heroic. Hiro was quite the opposite of what they had imagined. Not only was he barely 6ft (180cm), he was far from muscular, and doesn’t have the air of a masculine and brave man.

After putting up with the ridicule, Hiro could only silently wait as the chuckling died down.

“Hah~” The left knight sighed as he wiped away a tear that was forming at the corners of his eye. “Alright, wait here. I’ll announce your presence to the King.” He commanded as he walked inside.

Soon after the doors swung open to reveal a lavish study room. Unlike the Prince’s study room, this one easily tripled its size and was adorned with clean shelves and old books. The King, dressed in a golden robe, sat outside on the balcony, enjoying the view of a beautiful garden down below. Although it was such a peaceful scene, the look upon the King’s face was anything but peaceful.

King Forst’s eyes had dark circles around them, as if he hadn’t slept well in weeks. Though he looked well-fed, his cheeks were sunken in. The complexion of his skin was dull, reminding Hiro of a sickly elder. This King’s beard was streaked with white bristles, just like his hair. As soon as the King saw Hiro approached, he motioned for Hiro to sit across from him on the balcony.

“Have a seat.” Unlike his son, who was full of arrogance and contempt, the King’s tone was quite humble.

After Hiro warily sat down, the King cleared his throat before beginning to speak.

“You may leave.” He shooed at the knight standing beside himself.

Astonished by the King’s actions the knight got on his knees, “Your Highness! I cannot allow you to be alone with this…this…”

“This what?” A sharp tone escaped from King Forst’s mouth.

Knowing that if he said anymore he wouldn’t be off lightly, the knight began to reason. “Your Highness, I only care about your safety. Please let accompany you, who knows what this boy is capable of, he could be an assassin for all we know.”

“Are you questioning my decision?”

“…” The knight quickly shut his mouth, not uttering another sound. Hiro couldn’t help but try to hide a smile, the knight that was mocking him earlier is nothing more than a little domesticated dog compared to the King.

After the knight has left, King Forst shifted his attention back to Hiro.

“Much better.” He let out a tired smile, “Young man, you have caused quite a stir within my city.”

Not knowing if it was a good thing or bad thing, Hiro chose to remain silent.

“This could both be good and bad.” The King looked back down at the garden, “It caught the attention of many…let’s say ‘influential’ people, including me. Whether if it’s a good thing for you, it all depends. Right now, I can promise you, many will come after your life, seeking the secret behind your skills. Many will protect you, in return for your cooperation. I, happen to be the latter.”

‘The King wants my help?’ A cautious thought crossed Hiro’s mind, ‘What could the King need done that none of his subjects couldn’t do and only I can do?’

“Let me ask you this, young man. Have you met the Three Magnates?” A studious gaze looked back at Hiro.

Confusion ran across Hiro’s face, though he tried to hide it. ‘If I can play my cards right, maybe the King will release Lena from her vow.’

“Yes I have. They are the three richest men in this city right?” Hiro lied.

“Did any of them approach you?”

“Yes. In fact, I’ve talked to one before!” Hiro thought back to the rich man in the slave market that nearly had him killed.

“I see…” The King seemed to be thinking of something complex. He seemed hesitant to say what was on his mind.

Seeing the King quiet, Hiro decided to change the subject. He got up from his seat and kneeled in front of the King. “Your Highness! To tell you the truth, I have a reason for coming here today.” He said as he bowed.

Shocked by Hiro’s actions the King continued to sit there. Hiro didn’t know why the King didn’t say anything so he decided to continue.

“I want you to grant me one of my requests.”

After a short pause, the King finally spoke, “Young man, don’t you think this is the wrong place to speak of such a thing?”

“I know…” Hiro bit his lips, “But this is a very important matter for me…I-I’ll do anything you ask, as long as you grant me my request.”

“Hah~…” The hesitant look once again caressed the King’s face, he looked tired, very tired. “Young man…Hiro. What do you think of this Kingdom?”

Hiro didn’t understand the King’s question. Without understanding, Hiro just answered with his truest feelings. “Your Highness, I love this Kingdom. Though I have explored little of this land, I can at least say that it truly is a lively place.” Hiro was referring to the robust city of Adetia.

“Don’t you think that this Kingdom seems to have a flaw?” The King wearily asked.

Hiro hesitated a bit before replying, “Yes…I cannot agree with the Kingdom’s decision to enslave the beast-folk.” Hiro waited for anger to surge from the King as he remained bowed.

“Stand up.” The King commanded, “Please have a seat. From now on, do not bow to me…I’m not worthy…” The King’s voice shook a little.

“…” Hiro remained silent and continued bowing in a kneeled position.

“I said get up!” He growled.

“Yes, your Highness!” Hiro quickly got up and back onto his seat, a trace of fear dotted his face.

“Much better.” King Forst mumbled, “Hiro, let me tell you something. I also don’t agree to the decision that this Kingdom has made.”

“…What do you mean?”

“Let me tell you a story Hiro.” The King suddenly became very solemn and the tired look within his eyes dissipated.

“Long ago, within a small kingdom, an innocent boy who was very arrogant went on an adventure. Escaping from his guards that were assigned to protect him, the boy ventured out east and had gotten lost. After many mistakes, the boy had found himself deep within the bowls of a forest. He was barely surviving by eating the few edible plants that he managed to scrounge up. Even then, he had to be careful, roaming around the forest were dangerous beasts and monster. After a couple days, the boy had encountered a Razorback Tiger, a beast with steel fur protruding from its back. He had thought his life was over as he felt the tiger’s maw close around his neck.”

“Suddenly, as if by divine intervention, a beauty, as bright as the sun appeared before his eyes. With a chop from her golden blade, she severed the beasts head and saved the boy. Before he could ask her what her name was, she pointed in a direction and ran away. The only thing the boy could remember about her was that she looked about as young as he was and as she was running away, a bright gold bushy tail trailed behind her.”

“After walking in the direction that the maiden pointed, the boy soon stumbled into a small mining outpost. After the week of traumatic events, the boy was safely found and escorted back to the Capital. After a few weeks passed, the boy began to think about the girl that had saved him within that forest. He wanted to see her again, he wanted to thank her, but much more than that, he fell in love with her. Without sparing any manpower, the boy commanded his subjects to seek out the girl. Luckily, after 3 days and 3 nights of searching, the boy’s men miraculously found the girl.”

“After being forcibly brought back to the boy, joy and love blossomed within the boy’s chest. However, when the boy proposed, in secret, to the girl, she turned it down. Do you know why? It was because of their difference in status. She belonged to an enslaved race, he was the next prince of the kingdom. Alas, there was no possibility for him to ever make her his wife. Their love at first sight will never bear fruit. However, they both secretly agreed to get married. Under the moonlight of the first moon of the year, they both pledged their undying loyalty to one another.”

“Soon many years had already passed them by. The girl had grown to become a beauty that could cause entire cities to fight for her. The boy, ascended the throne and enacted laws to prevent the abuse of slaves. Though he tried many times, he could not abolish slavery. They had both quietly lived together ever since they pledged themselves to each other, yet their status were not equal. He was a King and she was his servant, but that was the law of his kingdom, something that he couldn’t change.”

“To this day—“

*Knock Knock*

A knock could be heard at the door. Soon after a heavenly voice spoke out.

“Your Highness, I’ve brought some tea for you and your guest.”

“Come in!” He yelled, a calm smile present on his face.

“Yes, your Highness.” The person behind the voice entered the study.

Right before his eyes, Hiro couldn’t help but gawk. His jaw slightly dropped as he saw the maid enter the room. Though she was dressed conservatively, every pore within her body was emitting adult sensuality. She had golden hair, a pair of white-tipped golden fox ears protruded from her head. They weren’t the only things protruding though. Her lips were as red as ripened cherries, her skin as fair as newly blanketed snow. Her dazzling blue eyes showed great intelligence behind them. If anything, she was a goddess within Hiro’s eyes. As Hiro’s eyes brushed over her, a familiar sight caught his eyes. A golden and bushy tail…

“The story…” He began to say.

A soothing voice escaped from the maid’s lips, “Story?”

“It’s nothing my dear. Hiro meet my daughter, Shino.”

“EHHH?!”