The Next Day

  Morning

  My Study

  I feel a hell of a lot better today.

  The room is encrypted again. This time, it’s just me, the king, Roka, and Felmina.

  The king doesn’t waste time.

  “We’re going to war.”

  Roka slams her hands on the table.

  “Why aren’t you asking us?”

  Felmina stands so fast her chair scrapes loudly against the floor.

  “Yes! How long are you going to torture us like this?”

  “Calm down, you two,” the king says evenly. “What are you talking about? I came here to discuss the war.”

  “Screw your war!” Roka snaps.

  She’s genuinely furious now. I stay quiet, watching where this goes.

  Felmina points accusingly at the king.

  “Why haven’t you asked us why we don’t have any children yet?”

  The king raises his voice.

  “Sit. Down. Both of you.”

  They freeze, startled, then turn to me.

  I nod.

  Reluctantly, they sit.

  The king exhales and clears his throat.

  “Because I already know the reason.”

  He lifts a hand before either of them can speak.

  “Management informed me that your chef has been adding contraceptives to your food.”

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  Silence crashes down on the room.

  The king continues carefully.

  “He’s married to the young maid who nearly lost her job—”

  I raise my hand, stopping him the same way he stopped them earlier.

  “Say no more. We understand.”

  He nods once.

  “Good. Then let’s move on to the war.”

  “War with who?” I ask.

  All eyes turn to him.

  “In one year and three months, we may be going to war with the East Empire,” he says. “Management instructed me on who to bring along today to temporarily fill your roles while you’re gone. You’ll show them the basics, then depart with me, Loyd, and Shanon.”

  Roka stiffens.

  “We’re going back to the capital,” he continues. “Shanon will begin training the three of you. Once the soldiers witness your strength, Ryu-san, you will assume command as general of my entire army.”

  That lands heavily.

  “They will train under you.”

  He pauses.

  “Management is not guaranteeing victory this time. According to them, either side may win. Their objectives will be fulfilled regardless.”

  That… doesn’t sound good.

  “The warning was specific,” the king continues. “If we begin the war before the designated date, defeat is guaranteed.”

  I lean back slightly.

  “Wait. I get that we don’t really have a choice here.”

  “Oh, but you do,” the king says calmly. “You always have a choice.”

  I meet his eyes.

  “What happens if we say no?”

  His expression hardens.

  “Management gave me another option.”

  He leans forward.

  “Lord Kaijuu… you don’t owe me or my kingdom anything. In truth, I believe we still owe you. Even knowing Management played a role.”

  He takes a breath.

  “But I can tell you what will happen if you refuse.”

  The room feels smaller.

  “I will abdicate my throne to the Emperor of the East Empire.”

  Roka’s breath catches.

  “We outlawed slavery in the Shadowfall Kingdom,” the king continues quietly. “That law will be repealed. My citizens will suffer—but they will live.”

  He looks down.

  “My soldiers will not.”

  Silence.

  “In the end,” he says, “people will die no matter what you choose. I’ll do everything in my power to help you keep your position here, but I can promise nothing.”

  He bows his head toward me.

  “All I can do is ask—will you please try to save our way of life?”

  I don’t answer immediately.

  “This is a big decision, King Raymond,” I finally say. “I need to talk with them. And I need to sleep on it.”

  I gesture to Roka and Felmina.

  “Let’s end this here for today.”

  The king nods.

  “Of course.”

  I hesitate, then add, “By the way… who was the woman in green you arrived with?”

  “That would be my court-appointed magician,” he replies. “Rebecca Silversnake.”

  My chest tightens for reasons I don’t understand.

  “I’ll formally introduce her tomorrow, pending your decision,” he continues. “But a warning is in order.”

  He pauses.

  “Before I traveled to the Shadow Forest, Management ordered me to send her away during your stay at the capital.”

  Felmina frowns. “Why?”

  “To put it simply,” the king says dryly, “she’s a homewrecker.”

  That… raises several concerns.

  “You’ll understand soon enough. Until then, never meet her without at least one of these two present.”

  He reaches into his robe and produces a necklace.

  It’s a gold coin, about fifteen millimeters wide, engraved with a black S. A small pink gemstone is embedded at its center.

  “For your protection,” he says.

  He lifts his own necklace.

  It’s identical.

  I take it and put it on immediately. No hesitation.

  “Well then,” the king says, standing, “please excuse me for today.”

  He turns and leaves.

  I sit there for a moment.

  Then I touch the necklace.

  Yeah.

  That’s not ominous at all.