Soft... It's soft.
That was my reaction to the mattress I was lying on. I realized I was in the manor clinic. My head pounded like a drum, as if a thousand were beating it at once. A dull ache pulsed through every corner of my body.
The door creaked open, and two young, gorgeous ladies walked in, clad in royal nursing uniforms. They were royal nurses. I was both delighted and stunned—why would royal nurses be at the manor?
"Greetings, young lord," said the younger of the two with a gentle smile.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," I replied, delight welling in my heart. The kingdom was full of beautiful maidens, but this one—she was different. Her face looked like it had been kissed by the angels of love. Her waist, crafted by God Himself. Her height, her grace—it all fit so perfectly. She was surely a royal treasure.
"I brought some hot tea from the palace kitchen," she said softly.
Her voice pierced my heart like an arrow of warmth. I beamed and replied, "Oh, how I've missed palace tea! Back in the academy, I always longed for afternoon just so I could be first in line at the kitchen for a cup of this marvel."
As I reached out to take the tea, the door burst open.
BISH!
The sound of shattering glass rang through the room. The cup had crashed to the ground, shards scattered across the floor—a proper mess.
"Elina, see what you've caused. Now someone has to clean all this up," I said with a tired groan.
"How is it my fault? Mom forced me to visit you! And I didn't want to see your ugly face. I still remember the slap you gave me, brother."
"Oh, heavens grant my sister the grace to forgive me," I sighed. "I'm truly sorry, Elina. I promise never to do it again. Ask me anything within my reach, and upon my head, I shall see it done."
"I want you to train me," she said, her tone suddenly firm. "I want to swing a sword like Father. I watched the fight—terrifying, yes—but I admired how he fought. Like a warrior straight from the legends."
I smirked gently. "Then you should ask Father. He's the only one fit to train you in his stance."
"But you know Father," she frowned. "He still thinks I'm his little princess."
I knelt down, took her soft hands in mine, and said, "Oh Elina, you'll always be our princess. The sun shines its light upon you by day, and the moon reflects your radiance by night. Your footsteps sprout blossoms found only in the throne room of God. Your touch softens the hearts of even the mightiest of men."
"Stop it, Johannes. You flatter me too much," she blushed. "But you haven't answered my request. Will you train me or not?"
Standing upright, I declared, "I have made a promise, and I'd sooner sever my own tongue than break a vow made upon my head."
"We'll take our leave now," said the nurse.
"Wait," I said quickly. "Pardon my sudden curiosity, but as a gentleman, I can't let you leave without knowing the name the gods have blessed you with."
"Anneliese. My name is Anneliese, young lord," she replied.
" Oh please stop it.
Yes I am lord over you, for by birth I claimed lordship, but not by might did I earn it I beg of you, drop the lord title"
But she seemed unable to adjust yet. "As you wish, my lord... Sorry, that was by accident."
"No need to apologize," I chuckled. "By ethics, you're right to call me so. It'll take time to adjust, but I hope that one day we can speak as equals—not lord and servant."
They both left the room.
"Elina, give me no more than a week. My body is still bruised—I won't be able to train you properly until I recover," I requested.
"No need to ask. I give you no more than a week. Heal up—but I won't go easy on you."
After all that's happened, I'm glad joy has found its way back to us. I wish Peter were still here. But it's not over. I still need to retrace what happened.
Mrs. Packson—she claimed in her note that she killed the king. Then she revealed she was a non-godblood. She had been staying in the noble chambers for as long as I knew her. Priests should have sensed something wrong if she lingered too long, especially with the high bishop residing in the royal palace where priests are in excess. Which means... the priests must have chosen to ignore her presence.
Peter's death order—it came far too quickly. Normally, it takes at least a day before a non-godblood is sentenced. But Peter was condemned in seconds. Was it a show of power to scare me? But why? Who was I to them? Or... was it to erase the Packson family?
I think I'm getting close. Mr. Packson was executed for harboring and marrying a non-godblood. I was almost executed too—for aiding a non-godblood. That's considered treason if committed by a noble. So who benefits from all this?
Who's next in line for the throne?
Ostina is a semi-constitutional monarchy. The crown rotates among noble houses. I need to ask Father—this might be the clue I'm looking for.
I ran—as if chased by a Firstborn, those vicious beasts created by God. The manor stairs trembled beneath my hurried steps. I saw him—Mathias Freiburg, my father. He was holding a letter. From the seal, it looked like it came from the royal office. Had they already elected a new king? It hadn't been announced publicly. Even I hadn't heard a whisper.
"Father, forgive my interruption, but I must ask you something."
"Ask anything, Johannes. My ears are as keen as ever," he said.
"Actually, two questions. First—has the council elected a new king?"
"That's a private matter," he replied with a sigh. "And one I can't answer—for I wasn't present at the meeting. I was suspended from further attendance, due to your imprisonment."
I thought to myself—what a tangled web. I'd have to find out who the new king is on my own. This might be my first true lead.
"What are you thinking, Johannes? Have you lost interest in your second question?" he asked.
"No, Father. It's just as vital. Which noble family was selected to inherit the crown?"
His expression twisted into confusion. "Why the sudden interest in kingship? To be clear—the Keller family was chosen."
"Thanks for answering, Father. I'll be on my way."
The Kellers... how surprising. They've always seemed like a typical noble family. Nothing extraordinary. I need to visit their manor tomorrow. Though, in my condition, will I even be able to leave the house?
"WHAT?!" Father shouted suddenly.
"What is the meaning of this?!" he bellowed, staring at the letter. "No one informed me—not even though I'm one of the strongest mage-knights in this kingdom!"
His fury ignited. He drew his sword and slammed the door open. The air thickened—Father was enveloped in a red aura. He was furious.
I picked up the letter and read its contents aloud:
---
Kingdom of Ostina
Ostina City – Royal Palace
Office of the King
To: The House of Freiburg, Tongarian Province
Sir Lord Mathias Freiburg,
REQUESTING IMMEDIATE CALL UP, FOR THE PREPARATIONS OF THE COUNTER INSURGENCY OPERATION
By decree of His Majesty, King Drevail, and under the guidance of the Royal Council and the blessing of His Grand Holiness, Mouth Of God, Bishop Zevrial The Silent Grace" the the High Bishop of Ostina,
You are hereby summoned for immediate deployment in preparation for Operation Dawnlight, a counter-insurgency initiative sanctioned to address the rising unrest among the non-godblood population in the outskirts of Ostina.
Due to your distinguished combat record and longstanding service, you are appointed Commander of the Central Command, while retaining your post as Commander of the Western Command.
Your presence is expected without delay.
With Royal Grace,
Signed and Sealed by the Hand of His Majesty
King Drevail of Ostina
---
What is this? The prime minister became king?
But how—he's not even of noble blood. Just an appointed official. And "adjust the population"? That's no solution. It only fuels the flames between godbloods and non-godbloods.
I can't let this happen.
Even if the scriptures permit it...
The sky was rough.
Uncertain times lie ahead for Ostina.