CHAPTER 11.5: UNPLEASANT MEMORIES

***The Holy Palatial Gardens, back at the time of Maddie’s consecration as the Saint…***

“I’m telling you, it won’t work, Maddie,” James never wavered when he told his friend the truth, “The human kings are just too stubborn for your vision to work.”

“It’s alright James, I know what I wanted,” Maddie answered him, “And I got Lily’s support by my side; I’m just hoping I have yours, too.”

“This is just madness…” Simon commented.

“Please?” Maddie clasped her hands, in a desperate effort to sway them, “I never wanted a repeat of the last war in Chersea, for as long as I live. Will you help me achieve my dreams?”

Simon was shaking his head in disbelief, and Lily was silent. However, it was James who answered her, “To be honest, I don’t think it would work. You know that I’m a king, and I could say that the rest of Chersea’s royals wouldn’t easily give their consent and support for your plans.”

Maddie’s eyes were downcast. She couldn’t say anything to what James pointed out.

“However,” the King of Nerfes continued, “…though it might be in vain, I’ll try to support you. Just expect little from me though…”

“Don’t worry, James!” Maddie flashed a sad smile, “I know your limitations; remember I could now read your thoughts?”

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***The Holy Palatial Gardens, present-day…***

“…”

James opened his eyes and was greeted by the ceiling of the room where he was staying. It’s been several weeks since he left Nerfes to be with Maddie at the palatial gardens, but this was certainly the first time in a while that he felt worse. A few days earlier, he was elated that the person he loved was opening to him…

And Lily had to spoil his happiness with that stupid memory from long ago…

“If only this talisman had something like a dream eraser, it’d be nice,” he muttered under his breath as his fingers touched the history book he received from Ruro.

Well, as someone who had to deal with the other kings, James was aware of how difficult they were. That’s why he didn’t want Maddie to waste her time in pursuing an impossible dream-like ‘peace in all Chersea’. He never thought that she would be successful in her attempt…

“…”

While he was admiring her in her achievement, James watched Maddie as she struggled in keeping her vision a reality. He wanted to help, but his duty as the king of his land prevented him from doing so. It was painful for him to cannot do anything!

And then that man from the otherworld came…

“…”

That commoner was just a powerless bloke who couldn’t do anything without an ally to help him! How come that weird guy could get Maddie and Lily’s love when James grew up with them? Only one answer emerged from his mind…

All this time, that commoner is here, and so he gets to talk with Maddie!

“…”

And that’s what he’s doing right now! And he’s being unfair?

James could not control himself; he punched the wall to appease his anger. However, his feelings were short-lived; for there came a knock at the door, and he was forced to make himself calm.

“Please come in!”

The door opened and a young maid came in. She was carrying his breakfast tray, “Good day, Your Majesty, where should I put this?”

“Ah, just leave those at the table beside my bed,” James answered, “Thank you!”

The maid then set down the tray on the place he showed. However, she remained in the room. The king noticed her and said, “You may go now.”

“Your Majesty…” the young maid’s eyes were fixated on the history book on the table, “That history book…where did you get it?”

“Hm? It’s from a friend,” James suddenly remembered the words of Ruro when she gave them to him. She specifically instructed him to hide the book from anyone else. Though he realized his error, the king never let himself panic before the maid. But in any case, he took the book and subtly hid it from her sight.

“My apologies, Your Majesty!” the maid was quick to bow, “It’s just that, I’m interested in history.”

“Oh…well, I’ll let you borrow this book of mine once I’m done reading,” James smiled at her, “Can I get your name so that I could find you later?”

“Ah! My name is Eris, Your Majesty, the Duchess of Braunhauer.”