Chapter Text
Skill, Rage, Peace and Malice. The attributes contradicts the others, with no harmony or beauty. It’s raw nature, perhaps more fascinating than a blooming rose in spring.
Rage is far too blind to recognize its destiny, to admit requesting help. It won’t accept unknown assistance, nor a familiar one. It will fight serenity as his sworn enemy. To tame it, you must let it free.
Peace has found a warm home, a comforting feeling within his surroundings. It fears novelty, and it avoids adventure and mysteries he’d rather bury than unbury. To soothe it, bring him a new sense of ease within the word foreign.
Malice craves statistical fortune, but amuses himself with rather cruel mischief. Chaos lies within the contract of objective business and the uncontrollable wildness of life it embraced. To conquer it, offer him balance.
Skill may be subjective, but it flies throughout each domain with facility. Tamed and trained, it possess the knowledge and wisdom it needs to master and lead himself. It is now time for it to understand the diverse souls. Understand his true duties.
Dizzy with sleepiness, I thought some reflection was to be made in a peaceful state of mind, offering me a great start to this hopefully lovely day. Sighing, I undressed myself carefully as to avoid pressing against my bandages.
I decided to wear a pure white silk shirt and brown pants of the same color. Through half-lidded eyes, I buckled my belt while observing my rather laid-back style of clothing. It should be proper enough for a breather outside and a morning spent studying in the library. For a Sunday at least.
I am quite fond of Sundays, as they are quite mind refreshing and peaceful. My schedule isn’t as busy as the other days, which allows me to currently open the window with golden ornaments, giving me access to the balcony with black bars full of patterns I learnt to memorize perfectly.
Stepping outside barefoot, I cherished the fresh breeze, effectively brushing through my air and caressing the light attire. I leaned against the bars, admiring the beautiful sunrise, coloring the sky like a mesmerizing painting.
I took a deep breath, closing my eyes to appreciate the silence except for the occasional chirping of birds, before watching the courtyard absentmindedly. A few horses were being handled by loyal servants, while a villager made his way inside the castle to bring fruits and vegetables.
I should recognize their hard work and dedication they’ve given me since my birth. Not that I don’t allow myself to wander around, thanking their labor and generous services. But, maybe I should double my visits to twice a month.
Making a mental note to myself about speaking these matters with my advisors and other people of great trustworthiness, I smiled at my very much comfortable situation.
I feel grateful for the acceptance the kingdom has provided me ever since my Coronation, though no one could be as great as a Ruler than my father. I long to follow his honorable footsteps. Each day, it is what maintains me composed and focused.
Speaking of which, I perceived knocking sounds of my wooden door. I went back inside, closing the window silently before ceremoniously walking up towards the door with carved patterns. Brushing my hair and relaxing the odd tension in my shoulders, I greeted the visitor.
“Pleased of your sincere venue. What may be the special occasion of your presence ?” The person smiled brightly, his eyes sparkling with delight at my everlasting politeness and sense of good manners. Royal duties, naturally.
It was a middle-aged man, his dark hair and his steep posture being the first thing I notice. Despite his age, he does not seem to develop physical attributes indicating it, nor overall weakness.
Wearing a pitch black suit, he bowed in front of me formally. As a newly-crowned King, I found myself embarrassed of those extra gestures of respect though I learnt to see it as utterly normal.
“Your Majesty.” he said, still in a compliant position of inferiority. He may be one of my advisors, he does not possess any sort of title or whatnot. I remembered my confusion on this way of thinking as a child.
I gestured him back up, appreciating the friendly presence that announced a pleasurable day. “There is a meal awaiting you in the Kitchens. Where would you want it to be served at ?” he wondered slowly, enunciating each word as if sacred.
I thought for a few seconds, before breaking the perfect silence around us. “Savoring the delectable tastes so kindly provided by my people would be great in the peaceful, quiet Library.” I admitted, my advisor smiling.
“Of course. Have a pleasant morning, Your Majesty.” He did his farewell with a light bow, before turning around to dive back in the majestic red and golden colored corridors.
Calculating the time it would take my advisor to travel back to the kitchens, to give the order and for it to be executed, I should have a solid fifteen minutes. Now let’s put everything into consideration.
Do I want to spend it conversing idly with the shy, young servants from earlier in the courtyard or start the day by being productive and already begin reading at the Library ? My Main Advisor should be arriving soon enough, knowing his punctuality.
Perhaps studying would be a better use of my time, though I should check my state, make sure it’s appropriate enough. Looking at the clean mirror, I concluded leather shoes would make it perfect.
I’ve been taught as a youngster to wear lightly when inside the castle. It gives others a sense of indulgence and calmness originating from you. And it is true that those fancy, elaborate attires for balls would get in the way of everyday activities.
Straightening my posture, I headed inside the corridors, not even glancing once at the delicate paintings nor elegant mirrors. I noticed two knights exchanging quietly, leaning into each other before hastily bowing when noticing me.
I gave them a soft gaze when passing by, lowering my head ever so lightly. I could see the new one grin with pride, being reprimanded by the more experienced once as he tugged on his helmet. I retained myself from feeling amused.
Turning right twice, I found a secluded part of the castle, less taken care of than the others. I should recommend some cleaning to be done over here. Opening the rather rustic door, I breathed an air filled with old books’ odor I quite like.
A few rays of sunshine coming from the small windows offered a dim lighting to this room. A bunch of wooden shelves and such overwhelmed with books, some pages torn or with yellow patches.
Even though I grew up in fortune and luxury, this might be my preferred place. Another reason explaining my fondness of Sundays.
To my surprise, when going to the right and into the library, I found a fresh plate of delicious food settled on the table with some leftover papers and pen on it. I doubt they would be so fast, I am quite impressed.
Sitting on a chair, I picked up the silver cutlery before beginning my meal. I cut my roasted beef, appreciating the pleasant tenderness of it. It went well with the pottage. After savoring the flavors, I grabbed the piece of bread and ate it.
Before I knew it, I had already finished my breakfast. I didn’t realize how hungry I was beforehand. The little time it took me to empty my plate left me shameful of myself.
Almost coincidentally, I heard someone enter inside, closing the door carefully. A low, fragile voice spoke up in my direction. “Greetings, Your Majesty !” My awaited guest seemed rather joyful, as he smiled at my sight. He lowered his head down before going back up seconds later.
I returned the thoughtfulness, instinctively. “Why hello, Sir Nathaniel. You are just on time.” I noticed bluntly, standing up as I did. He chuckled lowly, looking at me knowingly.
Around 5,5 foot tall and his body thin and healthy, he wore clothing resembling mine, though he added ermine fur on his shoulders. He was a bit older than my father. His hands were on his hips, taking them off after he saw me glance at them.
“There is a subject I’d like to discuss with Your Majesty, if you allow so.” he suggested subtly, gazing at me indulgently. His high-pitched voice broke, resulting in him coughing.
I nodded firmly, straightening my posture. “That would be swell.” He appeared glad with my positive reaction, already heading into the library where I had to follow him rather hastily. He knew precisely his surroundings, that was sure.
For someone usually so… preserved and calculated, he was lost in the moment he was living through. It made me wonder deeply of what he was about to presumably teach me.
Abruptly he stopped, observing intently a very specific shelf. I frowned as he smiled at the book that seemingly piqued his interest. With fragile, trembling fingers, he held it close to his chest as his treasure.
With dust covering it, it had a red leather cover with golden patterns I couldn’t discern the language of. I saw a glimpse of the old, used pages that were occasionally torn. This book has been badly treated, which made me notice it was situated at the very end of the library, in the corner.
I didn’t have time to question anything, as he flew off contently, mumbling something about the wooden table from earlier, where I enjoyed my first meal of the day. Instinctively, I went back there, though admittedly struggling at lot.
I found my advisor sitting on a chair, carefully turning each page with absolute delight. Without taking his eyes off what he was doing, he gestured me to sit next to him. I did so reflexively.
Several minutes passed in perfect silence, except for the occasional hums he made or the turning of the page. I wished to know the reason behind his odd behavior, but he shushed me each time I inquired what were his actions.
Eventually, he grinned widely, going back to one of the first few pages. “Do you know about the outside world ?” he blurted out suddenly, nearly startling me. He looked at me happily, which participated to my troubled state.
I frowned in uncertainty of the underlying meaning of his words. “Are you talking about the vast plains, forests, deserts and mountains beyond our territories ?” I offered, making him chuckle lowly. What amused him ?
“Yes, though they aren’t as empty as you’ve been taught.” he admitted, his delighted gaze throwing me off, his words even more so. The possibility of him suggesting what I suppose he is making me think rather uneasy.
After a loss of speech, I finally wondered. “What do you mean by that ?” I refused to believe what his amber eyes told me, as he continued to laugh quietly. It almost irritated me at this point.
Before I knew it, he was ranting happily about a secret that both devastated and intrigued me. “We aren’t alone in this world. We aren’t the only kingdom to exist. Cities, nations, civilizations, countries…”
He tapped his thigh lightly, having difficulty finding his words. “…many organizations and powers lies within the absence of life we thought were beyond our territories “
So many glorious cultures, fascinating traditions, diverse languages and enigmatic beliefs ! I have waited sixty years for this moment to come, for secrets to be revealed !” He exclaimed, his shoulders tending up oddly.
Shocked was an understatement of my feelings. Each weighted word participated to my imagination, as numerous images flashed by me, representing my ideas of other life.
After living in the lie that the Kingdom of Skill was the sole ground that contained people, the truth was announced beyond what we thought was possible. Foreign lands were home to someone, a group, a family, a civilization.
But before fantasizing about such thing, I must clarify the past my advisor clearly know about. “Travelers were sent outside to explore the world, coming back with nothing more than blank parchments.” I stated thoughtfully, recalling the brief moment my father took with me to tell me about it.
“Those parchments were handed to them after their expedition. The true ones are right here.” he emphasized his point by tapping gently the book. This would explain his sudden adoration for it, though I fail to simply accept the new reality.
“Why would they hide what they saw ?” I wondered, earning a sense of uneasiness from my advisor. From his lidded eyes and the deep breath he took, I knew he had the answer.
He looked back at me, almost pitying me. “They were loyal to your father. They didn’t want to go against his will.” He never truly answered me, as he simply gave me a few enigmatic sentences with underlying meanings I have to figure out myself.
I was quick to understand. “I refuse to believe such atrocity about my father I admire profoundly.” I declared firmly, the man shuddering ever so lightly. His fragile fingers laid on my shoulder, though I nearly resented them.
“Do trust me, Your Majesty, he was a good man and an even better ruler. But it is written. You may read each line contained in this book, and I would have been perfectly truthful.”
I failed to stay emotionally composed at the image of my father admitting no other civilizations beyond our kingdom, in front of the people and me. He didn’t even flinch when he lied. “Why ?” The shortest question to be said from the beginning of this conversation.
He hesitated a while. “Your father… had much appreciation for his people. He was afraid they’d leave to discover the hidden world, rebel against the settled organization and ruin the kingdom.”
“My father’s brave.” I said, somehow not finding myself honest. Were his numerous acts of bravery and glorious stories a lie as well ? Did my mother and my brother comply to this reality he has founded ?
“I don’t disagree, he must’ve had more reasons behind his acts. But, this discovery leads me to a conclusion.” His serious tone of voice was enough to make me worry lightly, as I couldn’t quite define his seemingly conflicted gaze.
I returned him a dreadful silence, in which he sighed audibly. “Perhaps, you could do an expedition like the travelers did.” he suggested bluntly, as he turned the page. Three ominous words were written in graceful calligraphy.
They were four.
“What would be the point to explore ? You are forgetting I rule a Kingdom.” I wondered thoughtfully, though this idea made a rather unknown feeling raise in my chest, almost whispering me to do so.
He harbored a small smile as he talked. “Since your Coronation and even since birth, you have been very diligent about your training and duties.” he commented and I did not know my opinion about it. “Maybe it could be an occasion to discover yourself beyond Royalty.”
I would’ve refused firmly, mocked him even for such stupidity. But I didn’t find myself amused, I was tempted. My childhood was driven by studies, lessons and values. Nowadays, I am driven by daily tasks and work.
My ‘hobbies’ were assigned to me, such as music and sports. I do appreciate those, don’t get me wrong, but I never felt the passion I saw my professors embrace when discussing their subject. They told me I did feel it, but I didn’t.
And admittedly, an escape to this castle and those identical, morn villages would be pleasurable. “I’ll think about it.” I blurted out, before my noble instinct took over me. This conversation has enlightened a few doubts over my true identity.
He seemed happy about my openness. “Of course. Until then, I am certain you’d be interesting in the reading of this book.” he said closing it, before pushing it in front of me. With that, he went into the library until I barely heard his footsteps.
I hesitated to bother even looking at the next page, as three words were already enough to confuse me. They were four what ? Not travelers, as they were seven.
This is making me think about my intriguing dream I had, composed of cryptic messages. Weirdly enough, I remember perfectly the words which is uncharacteristic of dreams.
I turned the page, revealing a large handmade map. Our ‘vast’ territories were rather small, compared to the true world, to say the least. We only occupied around a third of a singular continent. There were six of them, or seven.
Oddly enough, some portions of the map resembled objects and such. At the right part of the Atlantic Ocean, there were lands bordered similarly to a star. Not far from it, a boot-looking area was there.
They were situated in Europe. Quite intriguing. The other Kingdoms must be aware of their surroundings, as it is most certainly impossible to explore all of this in a few years only. Unless, they were extraordinarily fast.
From what was indicated, my kingdom was situated in ‘Canada’, though not nearly all of it, only a small portion. It made me dream of the incredible vastness of the true world that has been hidden. What could’ve frustrated my father in this ?
This is… thrilling. The excitement bubbling in my chest happened twice in my whole life, during my Coronation and now. Was I truly tempted or is a false sense of belief in it ? Perhaps, I wish to be tempted.
Though I cannot venture out in the wildness, while I am the ruler of a Kingdom. Fantasizing about extraordinary encounters and mesmerizing views might be the closest thing to what I want.
Closing the book for now, the inscribed golden words were now understandable : Golden pipe to Victory. Why a capital letter to the word victory ? Wondering endlessly about what could be the golden pipe, I noted to myself to pursue reading this when the day would be over.
After all, I have a schedule to fulfill. Sighing audibly, I went to the nearest shelf to pick up parchments haphazardly, finding war strategies the Royal family has invented in case we were invaded. It was written before the untruthful discovery of being the only living civilization.
I opened it up, revealing numerous names of the countless generations before me. I was to remember my family line after all. Unsurprised, I saw Luigi being my ancestor and the founder of this Kingdom. Where he comes from ? Who knows.
Rumors say his twin brother founded another kingdom far away, which is the initial cause to the expedition of the seven travelers. After the falsified discovery, people assumed his brother’s family died, having lost their battle against nature, somehow dignifying Luigi and their ego.
From my own perspective at that time, I simply believed what people told me without thinking for myself. I went straight to the middle of those parchments attached to one another, finding something about… mushrooms ?
Mushrooms with magical properties, from what was said. Oh great, another superstition to make kids sleep at night and let their parents unwind with a pleasant sleep. For a prestigious library, it contains a lot of obvious, unrealistic lies.
Come to think of it, the absence of life beyond our territories shouldn’t have been a surprise after all. My father refusing to expand our lands was quite odd, though no one questioned it. Blind trust from all and I failed to be any different.
I gave a second chance to this doubtfully good work, finding a cursed dice..? It had black and purple edges, the white space having numbers in the signature colors of fire. Only 1, 2 and 3 apparently.
Dumbfounded, I rolled back the parchments together and put them back where they originally were. Not too fond of illusory myths when attempting to study productively, while the only thing on my mind was the texts covered in red leather.
My own advisor suggesting me to distract myself from what I was literally born to do, not quite helpful if I am being honest. All this time I aimed to be like my father, but my father lied to his people.
I swear, if my mother and my brother were also in genuine belief of his words, I can’t kill a corpse, but I will be absolutely furious. I might, as revenge, let free those bees he kept away in his private garden, having cherished them so much.
I smiled, remembering his pointless obsession with those creatures. At least he found his own true hobby outside of Royalty, even if it is bees. He even called his private garden ‘Honeycomb Havoc’ in reference to them !
I like to think the woman behind the healthy, joyful bees must’ve been handsomely payed for her laborious efforts. Those yellow and black striped insects are rather rare around here, thankfully. Getting stung by them is very unpleasant.
My father specifically told to keep them in his will, which is why gardeners are still tasked to take great care of his garden. I personally don’t see the point anymore, but until now I simply followed what he wished. Now, I’ll get rid of them and I won’t regret it.
For the following hours, I simply selected a few books only to bring severe disappointment. I have no idea why my main advisor and the Royal bookkeepers wished to keep those inside a distinguished area of knowledge.
A clock was on the wall, ticking endlessly. Glancing at it, I noticed it was nearly noon. Studies were more intriguing as a kid. Now, occasionally it’s a pain. I went outside the library, closing the door carefully.
I haven’t seen Sir Nathaniel ever since our distracting discussion, making me believe he was still working inside on his novels or something. The book in my hand, I quickly went back to my chamber to put it on my desk. What is great about a luxurious pipe ?
What would even be the point having one to begin with ? I doubt it’ll make you win a trophy, or some odd title. Or perhaps it does, for some secret plumbers’ competition they might be holding.
After eating, I must go to the training grounds to practice sword handling and fighting methods with my professor, Sir Allen. After a peaceful history for centuries, it seems a bit paranoid to be so intent on such teachings.
As I was about to head to the training grounds, a young servant rushed in front of me, panting. His dirty fingers were twitching anxiously, attempting to freeze at the sides of his lean body.
Gazing at me in absolute awe, he shook his head back into focus. “Your Majesty ! Your brother and Her Highness request your presence in the meeting room !” he said, stiffening his posture while making a steep bow.
I hummed, wondering what may be of such urgent importance. “Alright. You are dismissed.” I said in a subtle wave of the hand, the boy already sprinting back to where he came from. He appeared to be on edge during the entirety of the encounter.
Sighing, I went back inside the castle. I saw several knights talking, ceasing their idle chatter when seeing me before rightfully bowing. I simply lowered my head lightly in return, my foot directing me towards the meeting room subconsciously.
At first, I often got lost in the castle but you easily find your way through after so much time inside. The elegant, elaborate scenery flew by me as my steps quickened involuntarily, perhaps curiosity taking over me.
“-you say such thing !” I heard my mother employ a severe, harsh tone of voice in the distance. Judging by her frustration, the cause behind this impromptu meeting won’t be much of a delight.
Each step I made almost felt ominous. Arriving in front of the wooden door, I brushed my clothes. I focused myself on the door, choosing to ignore the soreness in my shoulders. The meeting room had the reputation to reveal horrifying news.
It was where we talk about casualties, financial issues, where I’d be lectured as a kid due to my ‘ungrateful’ behavior, where they announced my father’s unfortunate, heart wrenching death. Never been joyful to come inside.
Taking a deep, remotely reassuring breath, I knocked twice like I did a few dozens times before. Seconds later, it was slammed open, giving a sudden gush of chill air my way. My brother was standing there, almost menacing.
He harbored an unusually cold face, a glint of pity shining in his eyes for a brief instant before fading away. He went to the side, allowing me passage. He closed the door shut behind me, the door handle shaking under the uneasy grip.
The air was dripping with anguish, making me light-headed if not dizzy. Instinctively, I went up to the table containing no chairs as usual, finding it covered in a map rather than fine liquor. The map of the true hidden world.
My mother was standing with perfect rigidity on the other side of it, observing me. I’d be giving false information if I were to say I wasn’t growing anxious, more so when my mother sighed audibly before speaking up.
“It is safe to assume you are aware of your father’s secret, considering you spent time with Sir Nathaniel earlier.” she stated bluntly with heavily weighted words, her face darkening.
To my surprise, she appeared to feel more nervous than genuinely shocked like I was. It made me think my Main Advisor told them about it as well, perhaps before me.
There was something troubling about talking so formally with close family within the castle.“It is, indeed. I’m assuming we’re gathered here to discuss this.” I said in a frown, my brother going up to the map as well though keeping a safe distance between us.
A dreadful silence settled itself between us three. I saw my mother and brother share a conflicted, but agreeing look before my brother mustered the courage to address me while glaring at himself. Uncharacteristically.
“Remember how I refused the great honor of becoming King though I am his eldest son, making you have the responsibilities ?” I offered him a perplexed face, almost apprehending what he has got to announce.
Clueless on the correlation between my father and his refusal against the crown, I continued his story. “You didn’t want to be King.” He physically winced at my words, only suggesting a single thing. “You did want to be King.”
Sighing audibly, he shut his eyes in annoyance. “Yes, I did ! But, our father forced me into it ever since you were eight !” I blurted out an incoherent sound that should’ve clearly expressed my unwelcome surprise.
He paused, giving me the time to interrogate my mother silently. Noticing my intent gaze, she responded dismissively. “Ever since you confessed having dreams.” Though she was mumbling, I understood her flawlessly, unfortunately.
I perfectly recall having had very odd dreams at night as a kid about tragedies. They would always occur the next day. Petrified at the connection between those two events, my parents told me I was imaging things at that time.
Each person I told about them would call me ‘insane’, the cruelest would retort ‘demented’ even. I ended up thinking it was only illusions, due to my father’s obstination on my perfect denial of the existence of those dreams.
I glared at them, nearly not wanting them to admit I did in fact have future-telling dreams. “You weren’t insane, Brent. You never were.” My chest crushed itself as my hands were shaking, completely out of my control.
I have been said so much stuff, learnt so many values, only for it to be hypocritical. They made me feel out of my mind. My throat was sore with hatred, as I listened numbly to their words.
“We knew about the true world at the same time your father did.” I was about to interrupt somewhat rudely my mother, but she didn’t finish what she had to reveal. “Before the expedition.”
Perhaps it originated from my earlier frustration at the library with the odd conversation, or from the aggravating conversation, but I yelled from the top of my lungs, something I did not do since I was five. “Are you kidding me ?!”
The tension in the room was bitter on my tongue, the sight of their very guilty faces fueling my fury. “Why are you so angry ?” I heard my brother mumble accusingly, avoiding my gaze. The rather bottled up annoyance came explosive.
“Oh, I don’t know ! Maybe because you gaslighted me into believing I was insane, forced me to become King when I never had wanted to, lied to my face all my life and dared to feel guilty about it ! Apart from that, I don’t know shit !”
While my mother was almost expecting such reaction out of me, my brother was barely containing his expressions of regret. “Today has been quite difficult. Perhaps a well-deserved rest will ease everyone’s mind before discussing it further more ?”
Her effort in attempting to mediate the situation made me want to just storm outside this room, but instead I took a deep breath, fixing my shirt pointlessly. “Right. I’ll tell Sir Lay I won’t be able to attend his lesson next morning, due to reasons I judge important.”
No words spoken for several more seconds gave me the permission to leave them alone, closing behind me the door carefully. I truly need some time to think of all this, the cancelation of Sir Allen’s teaching giving me such privilege.
Maybe I can even afford to read that book that is currently on my desk. What I can do when I just cancel a singular thing is mind blowing. Sarcastic comment.
Walking thoughtfully through the corridors, having developed a rapid pace unconsciously, I arrived at my chamber quite quickly. Sir Nathaniel was standing there patiently, beaming with absolute joy.
“Oh ! Your Majesty, lovely to see you.” I swallowed my urge to punch him in the face at the sight of his innocent euphoria, barely containing my wish to openly compare him to some thrown away garbage no one wants a piece of.
Instead, the ghost of a small smile appeared on my lips almost magically. “Returned pleasure.” I wonder how much time he spent there waiting for me this pathetically. I hope it had been a long while, only so I can mock him greatly.
“I needed to discuss with you about the conversation you must’ve already have with your dear family.” I became perfectly still, nearly drooling at the idea of making him eat his ermine fur settled nicely on his shoulders.
“You mean that abhorrent, outrageous conversation ?” I said, grinning widely almost hurting my cheeks doing so. He appeared very clueless on my odd behavior, dropping his enthusiasm. “Absolutely not.”
With that, I went past him to open the door and close it behind me, not offering him the graceful privilege of speaking another word. I cannot deal with a two hundred year-old bag of wrinkles soaked in virginity.
I hope he was pleading me to listen to what he has got to say, so I can rightfully ignore him. I heard him walk away slowly, his footsteps fading away. I let out a breath I was unaware of holding.
Going up to my desks, I took a blank parchment out of one of my drawers before putting it rather carelessly on it. I unrolled it, putting a heavy stone on each side to prevent it from rolling itself again.
Taking my quill pen and coating the tip with ink, I wrote down each information of the day.
Morning : Actual world beyond the Kingdom + true book by the seven travelers.
Afternoon : Brother wanted to be King but persuaded by father + future-telling dreams were truly future-yelling and I wasn’t insane + they all three knew about the actual world before the expedition
Now : I wish to disappear into thin air, or bring my father back to life only so I can kill him.
I pierced through the paper when making the final period, having pressed too harshly. I have no clue on why I did that.
Noting down the sum of how terrible this day has revealed to be, I feel more focused. Questions are likely to be answered tomorrow, though I have to wait. So, I am meant to start the reading of the book, I suppose.
I’m not used to having free time, it is an odd feeling. It’s almost making me nervous, a light tug in my chest. It is beyond my understanding on such exaggerated reaction.
I pulled out the chair from under the desk, sitting on it before bringing it closer. I haven’t been in this position for months, apart from regular paperwork. Opening it at the page with the map, I took the time to copy it vaguely on the other side of the parchment.
This action was originated more out of boredom than actual goals, admittedly. I just noticed there was a circle in the middle of nothing at the very end of the map, it was a continent called ‘Oceania’ apparently, mostly composed of ‘Australia’.
They sound miserable, being apart of a continent with one country and crumbs of other ones. ‘New Zealand’, why speaking of novelty ? It sounds similar to a person who’s attempting to be better. Notice how I said ‘attempting’ solely ?
I sighed loudly, deeply concerned on the cause of my sudden irritation for perfectly innocent civilizations. Maintaining my temper seems quite hefty today, doesn’t it ?
I moved onto the next page, discovering the start of the resemblance to a personal diary. The date have been written in the right corner, though it was currently covered in doodles of boats and sea. Not bothering to care for it, I scrutinized the first page, struggling to understand the words with their pathetic calligraphy.
Day 1 :
Nothing much happened as for now. Me and my companions found nothing but a deep, dark forlet with many vines entangling us and slowing us down. Fortunately, we found a somewhat clear spot to sleep for tonight. We are already exhausted, all hoping for z better day tomorrow.
Day 10 :
We successfully got onr of the forest ! Following the book written by the men sent outside a feV decades ago, there are still some difficult biomes to deal with. Heavy, violent CuovCrorms and TfLcH Cuov are one of them, once again slowing us down.
It is odd how the kingdom and the forest around it isn’t affected by the freezing temperature we are experiencing, though barely out of the forest. Our spirits are at an all-time high after going through the first obstacle, pdngally ready to continue.
For very educated, fine people, their writing is awful. Some words were haphazardly indescribable, including informative ones. Luckily enough, ‘freezing temperature’ allows me an idea of what they’re talking about.
They don’t seem to specify an estimation of the degrees, oddly enough. My father sent novice travelers, it seems. It may be a cruel judgment, but not indicating such important knowledge is quite lazy or forgetful of them.
The second page had a different handwriting, clearer and tilted to the side. Another traveler must’ve cried at the sight and decided to take care of noting down all the information they were gathering.
Day 20 :
We’ve found a village ! From what they told us, a whole word of civilizations were to be discovered ! We were in absolute shock. Those people were generous enough to give us the map of it, in which we copied it eagerly. This was like a dream.
Once again proving their kindness, they invited us to rest for a week at their village in which we accepted gladly. We’ll be able to restock all our supplies. This is going swimmingly !
Not even a month after they left did they find human life. Interesting. They were also aware of the world, making me assume the Kingdom was an exception to this common idea.
How did my Kingdom get excluded from everyone and everything is a wonder I cannot answer as for now. This reading has revealed itself as quite intriguing, having engrossed me more than I initially thought.
Though this is important - or simply time-killing -, I must attend to other human needs. After a day without doing it, I have an urgent need to use the loo. I haven’t even realized I didn’t go there today.