Chapter 2 - A Fiery Omen
What in the world is this boy?
That was Ninym’s only thought as she gripped her knees in a corner of the expansive parlor.
The boy in question was Wein, who read silently in the middle of the room.
“Do as you please.” Those were Wein’s exact words after Ninym had stumbled out of the forest and into his villa. Then, seemingly considering his duty fulfilled, Wein had turned away to return to his book. He ignored Ninym without sparing her a single glance.
What should I do?
She was the one who’d appeared out of nowhere and been allowed to stay in the manor when she normally would’ve been forced back outside. For her to offer a complaint now would be outrageous. Yet she had no idea what to do now that she was left to her own devices.
He said his name is Wein Salema Arbalest…
Almost everyone in Natra knew that name, and naturally, Ninym was no exception. After all, only one person in the whole nation carried that moniker.
That made the situation feel only more incomprehensible.
If his claim is true…why are we the only ones here?
Everything from the manor itself to Wein’s attitude and clothing spoke of a noble lineage. However, if what Ninym had heard was correct, Prince Wein would never read alone in the middle of a forest or casually invite a suspicious visitor inside.
Ninym had to wonder if this boy was actually someone else.
Suddenly, a sound came from the entryway. Footsteps. Ninym was quick to hide herself upon sensing this new arrival’s approach.
“I’ve returned, Your Highness.”
The young man was about ten years Ninym’s senior. His face looked gentle, but his tall, muscular build was evident from a single glance. Perhaps he was a guard.
More importantly, what did he just say?
“I was able to catch a deer, so I’ll prepare dinner soon… Oh?”
The man, having noticed Ninym’s presence, looked her way. His expression betrayed caution for this new visitor but also confusion over the fact that she was a child. He turned to Wein for answers.
“Apparently, she was lost in the woods,” Wein stated plainly.
“Out in a backwater—I mean, secluded place like this?” Although still bewildered, the man slowly knelt to meet Ninym on her level. “I am Raklum, a soldier of the Kingdom of Natra. May I ask your name, young lady?”
“…I’m Ninym,” she replied timidly.
Raklum smiled. “Such eyes and hair tell me you are of the Flahm. What brings you so deep into the forest? Does your family know you’re here?”
“Um…well…”
Ninym had entered the woods for a reason but refused to explain. She couldn’t, even if it meant being cast out for suspicious behavior.
““…””
Ninym wouldn’t answer, yet Raklum had a responsibility to ask. The conflict between them formed a tangible silence.
The light pap of a closed book cut the tension.
“You don’t have to tell us if you don’t want to. Just drop it, Raklum.”
Raklum was quick to express his disapproval. “But, Your Highness, we can’t possibly—”
“It’s not like she’s an assassin. Besides, it’s almost dinnertime.”
“…” Despite his perpetual grimace, Raklum relented and sighed. “In that case, I shall prepare our meal. Please wait here for a moment, but do not set your expectations too high. It will be quite modest fare.”
“That’s fine.”
Raklum turned on his heel to leave, but Ninym called out, “Um…”
“Hm? Ah, worry not. I’ll set aside a portion for you as well.”
“Th-thank you. But there’s something else…” Ninym turned to Raklum. “You called that boy ‘Your Highness.’ Does that mean…?”
Raklum gave a look that said, Oh crap. Unfortunately, it was too late to fool Ninym. After a brief internal meltdown, Raklum answered, “I cannot say much, but…the truth is as you presume.”
“I knew it. He’s…”
Wein Salema Arbalest was the name of Natra’s crown prince. This young man standing before Ninym was heir to the Natran throne.
“…”
Just then, a thought struck her. Why was the prince in a remote location with only Raklum? Whatever the reason, this presented her with an opportunity.
“Um, I can help in the kitchen. Please, I insist. I’ll do whatever you ask and tend to the prince’s daily needs,” Ninym said. “So…might I stay here for a while?”
Natra’s royal capital of Codebell was presently on the rise, but at one point, it had been impossible to believe such a desolate town could serve as the nation’s capital. This had been due to its location near the northernmost tip of the continent and hostile relations with the West.
However, Wein’s ascension to regent changed everything. Natra quickly repelled foreign invaders, expanded its territory, and formed diplomatic alliances. Moreover, this momentum brought people to Natra in droves. An upward spiral of new immigrants was established, and Codebell soon became a vibrant hot spot.
“Wow, it’s like a whole different town,” one person remarked.
“You ain’t kiddin’,” said another. “The population and economy are boomin’. We never could’ve imagined this back when we were kids.”
Most citizens favored the change, but unsurprisingly, the additional foreigners, trouble, and disruption to their daily lives frustrated some. Still, Natra clearly flourished under Wein’s rule, so the changes were mostly welcomed.
“Come to think of it, His Highness the Crown Prince will be returning to Natra soon.”
“Oh yeah. He was in the Empire, right? Prince Wein is always runnin’ off to one country or another.”
In the citizens’ eyes, the royal family stood on a different plane of existence. Most believed they resided within a brilliant world too fascinating and dazzling for common folk to conceive of. Nevertheless, news tidbits did occasionally leak, so everyone was vaguely aware of Wein’s frequent excursions.
“I’m sure takin’ over for His Majesty ain’t easy, but Prince Wein oughtta put his feet up once in a while.”
“Yeah, but there’s really nothin’ for it. Prince Wein’s global politics have breathed new life into Natra.”
Wein’s numerous accomplishments made it clear he wasn’t simply running around the continent to fulfill his wanderlust. However, he was also a leader whose presence in the homeland set Natra at ease. This left people conflicted.
However, they remained confident in their nation’s new trajectory.
“Hey, no worries. Now that Natra’s got a backbone, we won’t be shaken so easily.”
Natra had been clawing its way higher for several years, the citizens enjoyed a new sense of pride and faith in their kingdom, and Wein was not the only symbol of those feelings.
“Besides, we’ve got another reliable leader while Prince Wein is away.”
Yes, a second individual had captured the public’s heart and become their anchor.
And that person was…
“Here you go, Falanya.”
“Yay! Thank you, Nanaki.” The princess happily accepted the food from her servant. “Mmm! It’s delicious!”
Falanya munched on her boiled egg. The simple, poorly seasoned thing paled in comparison to the palace’s lavish cuisine, yet to a sheltered young noblewoman like Falanya, the very idea of food from an outdoor stall gave it a rustic flavor and charm beyond compare.
Indeed, Falanya was not currently in the palace but standing on a crowded thoroughfare in the castle town.
“Don’t let your guard down. You never know what might happen out here,” Nanaki cautioned as he watched his mistress eagerly nibble the egg.
“Yes, I know. Still, this disguise should be enough to keep me hidden,” she replied.
Falanya certainly looked unlike herself. Her hairstyle was different, and she wore plain clothing that allowed her to blend in. Her natural elegance was impossible to mask, but any normal stranger would only think to themselves, What a nice young lady.
She’d stick out like a sore thumb to anyone who paid close attention to the princess. Even clueless thieves would think her the daughter of a noble family and harbor ideas of easy prey. Falanya had been forewarned, of course, but how well she heeded such advice was a separate issue.
Just as Nanaki wondered if a minor threat might prompt his lady to be more cautious and therefore be to her benefit, Falanya gave him a radiant smile.
“Besides, you’re here with me, Nanaki. I have nothing to fear.”
“…”
“Um, why are you making that face? Have I annoyed you?”
“…I’m more annoyed with myself.” This was true. A single smile from Falanya had so easily left him speechless. “All right. What next, Falanya? We’ve still got time to walk around, but…”
“Hmm…” The princess fell into contemplation when Nanaki changed the subject. They were here only because of her request.
“I want to visit the castle town and observe the people.” That was what she’d said out of the blue several days ago.
Needless to say, her attendants and advisors had immediately expressed reluctance. A noble among the masses—the public would relish such a story. However, it was any guard’s worst nightmare. Falanya was also an elite among the elite and one of Natra’s top three leaders. Heads would quickly roll if she suffered even the most minor scratch, yet assigning a guard retinue made it difficult for her to travel unnoticed. Thus, everyone agreed that such an excursion was too dangerous for the princess and suggested Falanya instead send servants in her place if she wished to better know the people.
Falanya had remained uncharacteristically insistent, though, and ultimately, the vassals were forced to yield to her demand. After disguising herself as best she could, Falanya had left with Nanaki, along with a few guards, who kept their distance.
“……”
As her protector, Nanaki thought their covert investigation had gone well thus far. The objective of their outing wasn’t what worried him, though.
“Hey, Nanaki, has the town always been like this?”
“Lately. Although the main road wasn’t as busy before.”
Falanya watched passersby as she spoke with Nanaki.
Most of the officials involved considered this nothing more than a leisurely stroll born from the whims of their gentle princess. And they weren’t necessarily wrong. Falanya thought it would be a good way to relieve her recent stress, but very few knew the truth of what actually troubled her.
“…Thanks to my brother, Natra has prospered,” she muttered.
How much emotion could one whisper hold?
Falanya had yet to explore the town for even half a day. She didn’t understand every facet of the citizens’ lives. Like her servants had said, she’d gain a more complete picture by reading their gathered reports.
The princess was acutely aware of this, but she still wished to view things in person. She wanted to look upon this nation that she’d likely be responsible for soon. If anything, this outing was a ceremony of sorts.
“…Let’s return to the palace, Nanaki.”
“You’ve had enough?”
“Yes,” Falanya replied, her mind set. “I’ve seen plenty. The rest…is up to me.”
The Flahm were a people known for their distinctive white hair and red eyes. Their history was steeped in turmoil. After a generations-long enslavement, they rose up and established their own prosperous nation. However, several vengeful attacks on neighboring countries led to backlash that doomed the Flahm country. The religion that would become the Teachings of Levetia quickly branded the Flahm people as the descendants of demons, ushering in a new era of cruel oppression.
This insufferable reality persisted even into the present day. Although the Flahm of the past had surely meant well, the end result had been a torturous bloodbath no one asked for.
Prosperity and stability were but distant dreams.
“…And I suppose we’ll soon face a new era of hardship,” a man in his prime mumbled to himself as he slouched in his office chair.
He was Levan, one who bore the white hair and crimson eyes of the Flahm and served as head of the Ralei family, who represented their people in the Kingdom of Natra. About a century prior, a group of Flahm led by a man named Ralei had arrived in Natra after years of wandering. They won the king over by offering skills and knowledge acquired during their nomadic travels, and he accepted the Flahm as citizens—an unthinkable development in the West, where the Flahm suffered endlessly under the crack of a whip.
However, that hadn’t been enough to set Ralei and his people at ease. For all the king’s benevolence, Natra’s vassals and citizens carried deep prejudice against the Flahm. Unless their opinions changed, it was only a matter of time until Ralei’s group was chased out.
For the next century, the Flahm entirely devoted themselves to Natra and continued to prove their value. Thanks to this, present-day Flahm enjoyed lives of freedom in Natra. Their place in the nation was a priceless crystallization of many years of work.
Regrettably, it seemed as though that delicate peace would soon crumble, thanks to none other than the Flahm themselves.
“A Flahm nation? After all this time?”
Hopeful whispers of independence and a new homeland were spreading among Natra’s Flahm. They had once established their own country, and the legend of it burned within every Flahm soul. It was their dearest wish to rebuild someday.
Reality was not so kind as to merely allow it, though. Everyone knew this. And with no other alternative, they could only pray for a better future that might never come.
—Until now.
“Ninym will soon return. And then…”
They’d come to a crossroads. Levan could feel it.
The Flahm’s history was well-intentioned yet intensely bloody. Would they reach their lofty goal this time? Levan brooded, searching for the answer in an empty room.
Wein’s delegation arrived in Natra several days later.
The vassals greeted the returned party with great enthusiasm. The delegation had officially visited the Empire to meet Ernesto, the leader of Eastern Levetia. Unfortunately, it had been dragged into Earthworld’s civil war and wound up assisting with Empress Lowellmina’s rise to the throne. Although the vassals knew everyone was safe, thanks to letter correspondence, they were relieved to confirm the truth with their eyes.
This was no cause for Wein to be complacent, though. Lowellmina’s coronation had stirred things up on the continent. Between reviewing intel gathered in the Empire, hearing what had transpired in his absence, meeting with dignitaries who’d been left waiting, and keeping the citizenry at ease, the list of tasks was endless.
“Phew…I can finally take a breather.” Back in his familiar palace office, Wein, who’d finished his work for the moment, threw himself on the sofa in a show of exhaustion. “Life over there wasn’t half bad, but there’s no place like home.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” Ninym replied from beside him. She’d usually correct Wein’s slovenly appearance immediately, but after the stress and fatigue of their long trip to the Empire and catching up on all the missed work, Ninym was feeling lenient.
“I’d say we deserve a little vacation, Ninym.”
“And how long would this ‘little’ vacation be exactly?”
“Half a year maybe?”
“Absolutely not.”
“Wha?!” Wein cried as Ninym instantly shot him down. “Come on! I’ve been working really hard! I deserve a lazy day!”
“Half a year is still out of the question. We’ve finished today’s responsibilities, but there will be plenty more tomorrow.”
Like the ocean’s ebb and flow upon the shore, no one could stop it. Sure, you might succeed if you drank the entire ocean, but such a feat was beyond mere mortals.
“Sigh. I love free time, but the feeling is never mutual,” Wein mumbled nonsensically.
Ninym watched her liege in exasperation. “Well…I suppose a week wouldn’t hurt.”
Wein’s surprise and excitement were visible. “What winds doth blow this way?”
“Don’t make such a big deal. I just mean that Natra can afford it right now, thanks to Princess Falanya,” Ninym said. “It looks like she and the vassals really did their best while we were away. We’re still checking the reports, but there haven’t been any issues so far. Even if you took some time off, they should be able to handle everything.”
“I see. In other words, I can gradually leave the work to them and kick my feet up.”
“However you look at it, a brother who dumps his responsibilities on his little sister is the absolute worst.”
“I just want to see her grow up strong.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Wein’s shenanigans earned him a scowl from Ninym. “This isn’t just about moral principles. Don’t you know what will happen if her role as your substitute grows any larger?”
“She’ll probably shoot up and tower over me.”
“Wein, I’m being serious here.”
Just as Ninym took a step toward him, a hesitant knock tapped on the office door.
“Do you have a minute, Wein?” Falanya, the very subject of their discussion, suddenly stepped inside. Wein had already corrected his posture, and he offered a magnanimous nod.
“Of course. What is it, Falanya?” he said.
“Um, I’d like to discuss something if you don’t mind.”
Those words alone revealed Falanya’s adoration for her big brother. Their close bond was common knowledge, and Wein had just returned from a prolonged stay in the Empire. Falanya’s lonely desire to make up for lost time came as no surprise.
However, an odd feeling struck Ninym out of nowhere.
Princess Falanya…?
She was usually cheerful and energetic whenever she saw Wein, yet her present expression swirled with confusion, fear, and anxiety. And there was something else. Another dark, complex emotion kept her rooted, a tragic yet firm resolve.
“Ninym.”
Wein’s voice broke the Flahm out of her bewildered trance.
“R-right. I will prepare tea.”
“No need,” Wein replied. “But do give us a moment alone. It looks like Falanya is hoping for a private conversation.”
“…?!”
Ninym was left speechless. Although she was Wein’s public and private confidant, there were naturally occasions when he required privacy. However, Ninym could not recall one instance where she was excluded from a conversation between the two royal siblings.
Falanya surprisingly raised no objections. Ninym understood the princess had an important matter to discuss with Wein, but normally she’d ask Ninym to stay and provide sisterly support. Instead, Falanya simply stared at Wein and gave no indication that she needed Ninym. The princess seemed to take no notice of her. Falanya’s inexplicable behavior and motives confused Ninym more than Wein’s unusual order.
“Ninym.” Wein called her name again.
“…Understood. Please excuse me.”
She quietly left the room after a bow, leaving the two most important figures in Natra to themselves.
“So what did you want to talk about?” Wein asked in a rather pleasant tone.
His sister, on the other hand, responded with fiery determination, “Natra’s future.”
Outside the room, Ninym gave a small sigh. What were they about to discuss behind the heavy door at her back?
I know the princess has matured quickly these days, but…
Ninym loved and admired Falanya as both a princess and a younger sister. Falanya likewise saw Ninym not as a mere servant but as an older sibling and role model. They weren’t linked by blood, but Ninym took pride in their tight-knit relationship and unspoken understanding.
That had changed.
A sense of alienation throbbed in her chest, but it was presumptuous to meddle in a conversation between royals. Unlike Wein, Ninym had failed to detect the meaning behind Falanya’s odd behavior. So she stood in the hall and stewed over her thoughts.
“You don’t look too good,” a voice suddenly called out beside her. When she turned to face it, Nanaki had appeared out of nowhere.
“Nanaki, you…”
Ninym was about to ask, “You know something about this, right?” but stopped herself. Wein or Falanya would share any vital information later. To question Nanaki just because she felt excluded was spineless.
“What’s wrong?”
“It’s…nothing.”
“Okay,” Nanaki replied without another word.
He usually shadowed Falanya, so his presence here had to mean he’d been dismissed, too. However, unlike Ninym, Nanaki didn’t appear bothered in the slightest. In retrospect, he alone stood unfazed even as Natra’s people struggled to catch up with the rest of the world. Ninym envied his consistency.
While thoughts raced in her mind…
“There you are, Lady Ninym.”
…a human shadow approached her and Nanaki while they waited outside the door. It was a Flahm official.
“Do you have some business with me?”
The man nodded. “Yes. The meeting of representatives will begin shortly. I shall escort you.”
“A meeting?”
There was no need to ask for what purpose. Natra’s Flahm were well aware of their tentative position and thus gathered periodically to secure a contingency plan. However, Ninym regarded the official questioningly.
“I wasn’t aware of any meetings today.”
The Flahm were traditionally assigned as aides to members of Natra’s royal family, and their leader served by the king’s side. As Levan’s successor, Ninym should’ve been informed of new gatherings immediately.
“Did you hear anything about this, Nanaki?” she asked.
“Does it matter?”
Right on cue. Despite his duties as aide to the crown princess, Nanaki had zero interest in the Flahm’s dealings.
“You’ve been quite busy these days, Lady Ninym, so Master Levan has handled certain matters.”
That makes sense, Ninym thought.
While in the Empire, Ninym had received word of suspicious activity among Natra’s Flahm. She had intended to discuss the situation with Levan, but there hadn’t been an opportunity even upon her return. After all, Ninym struggled just to catch up on all the missed work. She’d managed to meet with Levan once for a brief moment, but he simply said, “Please leave this to me.” Ninym had complied since she already had enough on her plate, plus Levan was the Flahm’s leader. However…
I haven’t received any reports, so the participants are probably still deliberating.
…this suspicious Flahm activity was, in all likelihood, an independence movement. Ninym had sensed the rising momentum earlier and opposed it from the outset. Levan shared Ninym’s opinion, so she’d left the situation to him. Had it been too much to handle? Ninym was still on the clock, but she thought it would be wise to make a quick appearance and confirm the situation firsthand.
“Understood. Let’s go.” Ninym turned to Nanaki. “I won’t be long. Please guard Their Highnesses and tell Prince Wein where I’ve gone.”
“Got it.”
Ninym was still concerned about Wein and Falanya’s conversation, but the Flahm couldn’t be ignored. She reluctantly headed to the assembly.
Every muscle tensed nervously as an icy chill washed over Falanya. She was only talking to her brother, yet her heart hammered like an alarm. She struggled to breathe and fought the urge to rush out the door.
However, that wasn’t an option. No one else was in the room, and she wouldn’t allow herself to leave.
Resolve, she thought. That’s the only reason you’re here right now.
“Natra’s future, huh?” From his chair, Wein mulled over Falanya’s answer. “An interesting topic, although a bit vague.”
Perhaps, but this was only the beginning. She’d get into the finer details soon enough.
“Wein, Natra has flourished since you became regent.”
The annexation of Marden. Reconciliation with the West. An improved relationship with the Empire. Thanks to Wein’s acumen, Natra enjoyed many blessings. It was the undeniable truth.
“Our lands, people, and industries have flourished… The citizens respect you for such benevolence and feel a sense of pride. Of course, I am no different.”
“Aww, you’re making me blush,” Wein replied with a smile. “That respect is proof my civic abilities have been well received. I’m over the moon.”
“However,” Falanya cut in. “There is something else I came to understand while acting as your substitute. It’s true you’ve brought great riches to this nation, but many struggle to keep up the pace.”
Natra was developing at a remarkable rate, and countless citizens relished the windfall. However, some had been left behind amid the radical changes.
“Yes, I’m aware of that,” Wein replied, unfazed by Falanya’s veiled criticism. “Still, it can’t be helped. I can’t make every last citizen happy.”
“There’s a significant distinction between can’t and won’t,” Falanya asserted. “The public regards you as a generous ruler, but once you see the whole picture, it’s obvious the laws, tax system, customs, and industries you’ve established promote competition and survival of the fittest.”
That was no coincidence. Wein had instituted those aspects deliberately. The chill Falanya felt upon that realization still echoed in her heart.
“I love this country and wish nothing more than for everyone to live peaceful, happy lives.”
Which was why Falanya had to ask her beloved brother the following question.
“Wein, what do you think of Natra and its people?”
As soon as Ninym entered the meeting chamber, she was struck by the room’s jumbled, bizarre atmosphere.
This is…
About twenty people sat in the room. They were usually locked in a heated debate by now, yet no one said a word. Nevertheless, the intense atmosphere persisted.
What could be the cause? As Ninym asked herself this and walked farther into the room, all eyes suddenly fell on her.
“Oh, it’s Lady Ninym.”
“Now we can finally get somewhere.”
“Right this way, Lady Ninym.”
Everyone spoke with only the deepest awe and reverence. As the group’s future leader and the crown prince’s trusted confidant, Ninym was an elite figure among Natra’s Flahm. The attendees’ reaction wasn’t particularly odd, yet Ninym experienced a powerful aversion.
She would learn why soon enough.
“Ninym!” Levan, the group’s current head, raced over to her. Concern swam in his eyes. “Why have you come…?!” He spoke so no one else could hear, but his voice held unmistakable tension.
“I’m as clueless as you are. I was told about today’s meeting and brought here.”
It was the only answer Ninym could provide. Levan’s expression suggested he’d hoped to keep her far from this. If so, did that mean the Flahm who’d found her had acted against him?
“…I suppose there’s nothing for it now. Stay on guard.” Levan’s agitation was palpable.
Ninym took her seat, and Levan sat next to her and addressed the room.
“Well, let us begin our usual meeting. Today’s topic of discussion is—”
As the group looked to Levan, a voice cut him off.
“Master Levan! What more is there to talk about?!” a young Flahm man demanded.
Others were quick to offer their agreement.
“He’s right! We’ve already discussed everything under the sun!”
“If we miss this opportunity, there won’t be another!”
“Now is the time to fight for our independence!”
Ah, Ninym thought. It was just as she’d expected.
The Flahm’s greatest ambition, to create the utopia of their dreams, was the height of idiocy.
“Such goals are unrealistic,” Ninym stated sharply.
The Flahm had suffered enough trying to establish and maintain their current status in Natra. Why couldn’t this pack of hotheads understand they’d be throwing that away?
No, that’s not our main concern. First, Master Levan and I must crush their foolish enthusiasm once and for all.
The Flahm’s current leader and his successor could quell the majority if they directly opposed the idea. Both had carefully encouraged peace in the past, but it was time for more drastic measures. Ninym had nonetheless underestimated them, and such action was long overdue.
“Lady Ninym, you mustn’t think that way,” one attendee objected. “After all, you are the heart of our fight for independence.”
Ninym frowned at this odd comment. She sensed the belief extended to something beyond her role as the future leader of Natra’s Flahm. Which could only mean…
!
A shudder raced down her spine. Ninym shot Levan an incredulous look, and he nodded bitterly.
“Yes, the Founder,” another replied. “As a direct descendant of our great Founder, Lady Ninym is the icon of our independence.”
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