Kingdom Within the Skies I

It was the first time Haruki had stepped forth in the halls of a medieval castle. He thought the first time he’d have to was as part of some museum tour. But this—this was the real deal.

Layers of stonework lined the castle’s interior walls, most sporting some sort of overgrowth or flora blooming between its cracks. In spots there weren’t, engravings of plant-like patterns painted the walls a mix of green, lime, and silver, and paintings that resembled art nouveau adorned places the eye cannot avoid when walking down the isles.

A pair of guards armed with spears and bows flanked his sides, their footfalls pressuring Haruki to move forward, following the purple carpet under him. The small squad from earlier had separated him from Anemone and that lone woman had taken her somewhere deeper in the castle.

Reaching the end of the hall, a giant stone door that looked to be entangled with tree roots carved of stone stood before them. When the guard to his right raised his hand, the door crept open with nary a sound.

Beyond the door was a long passage, and at the tail end of it, stairs leading to a throne. They entered the throne room, the guards greeting with a silent bow. Haruki copied them.

Sitting on the throne was an old figure clad in purple robe that reached the foot of the chair and a chestplate adorned with faded jewels. He leaned on a clenched fist, his expression static and darkened. The orbs of magelight hanging on the lanterns only served to make his expression appear grimmer.

To his right was Anemone, wearing a long, yellow princess gown filled to the brim with pointless frills. The signs of battles still lingered on her face, dirt, grime and all—make-up non-existent.

To think she was the princess of the kingdom all along.

Suddenly, all those things she said about “running away” and “responsibility” made even more sense. He should’ve known—it was obvious in hindsight. She wasn’t some rank-and-file tired of their job like Haruki was.

She was sovereign.

Running away meant abandonment of her nation.

Was she right to escape, even for a moment?

Of course, Haruki thought. She’s only human, after all. Or elf. Elves fall under “humanity” too, right?

To the king’s left was the other elven woman who came with the squad of soldiers earlier.

The woman’s dark-brown hair stopped short of her shoulders, contrasting the gold-brown eyes staring straight at Haruki—eyes curtained by deep lashes. Clearly she had more time to wear make-up than Anemone did.

A blue dress draped over her slender figure, an opening hinting at the ribbed sweater-like cloth she wore underneath. Where her dress ended, brown, sheer stockings began. Haruki stared—hard.

Oh shit, he thought to himself, struggling to keep his jaw from dropping to the floor. She’s my type.

“Haruki, Hero of the Sky,” she blurted out, catching him staring.

Haruki knelt down to honor the throne—not out of reflex, but as a matter of survival.

The woman sighed. “Rise. We do not need you on your knees. We merely wish to talk.”

“Talk?” Haruki looked up.

“Yes, talk,” she said. “On your feet and head up high.”

He stood up, obliging her. His gaze shifted back and forth between the king, Anemone, and the woman. Anemone fidgeted while the woman swayed and crossed her arms. The king—he remained as he was earlier, almost unmoving.

Anemone’s expression twisted, like she wanted to speak. But for one reason or many, did not.

The blue-clad woman curtsied, raising her skirt dangerously high. Is she trying to seduce me right in front of the royal court?

“Well met, Sir Haruki,” she said, her voice coming out smooth, almost like silk. “My name is Marina. I am the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ka-Ilyah, and current advisor of our king, Haldur of Ka-Ilyah. State your name and affiliation.”

Haruki blinked. “Haruki Kanno.” What to say for affiliation? “Uhh… I’m from Japan. From another world.”

“From another world, you say?” Marina cupped her chin. “You don’t look too different from the inhabitants of this world. Is Japan some foreign world from ours?”

“You could say that…?”

“Well, your occupation is unimportant,” she said, shaking her head. “You have saved us from the Sky Legion—which makes you an ally indeed. How could we possibly thank you for your service?”

“I don’t know…” Haruki didn’t know what kind of reward he’d even benefit from in this world. And so his mind jumped to the most immediate thought he had:

“You can help me reach the Inverted City,” he said, pointing to the nearest open window.

Men and women’s voices rumbled from the shadows. He hadn’t noticed the whole host of wizened old men and women elves sitting at a row of seats off to the side. They must have been the rest of the royal court—but Marina was clearly in command right now.

Anemone’s voice peeped from her tender lips. “Why do you wish to reach the Inverted City?”

She had her reasons too, but she seemed intent to pretend she didn’t.

“Princess. I believe that is a way back to my home world,” Haruki said firmly. “I’m not sure if it is, but its shape resembles the capital city of my land, Japan. So I’d like to know if it is what I think it is.”

“I see,” said Anemone, who then stepped back and glanced at Marina.

“Is your… machine capable of flying there?” Marina asked.

“Right now, no,” said Haruki. “But after making some repairs—and with the Princess’ magic, I’m sure I can make it happen.”

“So your plan is to borrow Her Royal Highness’ power to take you there?”

“Yes.” There was no hint of hesitation in his voice.

The king twitched. That statement must have meant something.

Marina leaned over the king, and began whispering. The king’s mouth moved, though his overgrown beard hid his words. When he finished speaking, Marina returned to her position, hands behind her back and eyes planted firmly at Haruki’s.

“Your proposition is currently unachievable,” she said.

Haruki thought as much.

He had already put Anemone in so much danger fighting the Sky Legion earlier. What dangers lurked further away from the kingdom—and nearer the Inverted City? And what self-respecting king would just let his daughter go gallivanting with some stranger she met yesterday—even if he was just heralded savior of the kingdom today?

“...But the court will convene, and see what compromises can be done for you.”

Wait, really?

Marina raised a finger. “However, Sir Haruki,” she said, her stone stern. “Will you not lend your assistance to the Kingdom of Ka-Ilyah in fighting the Sky Legion?”

And there’s the rub.

“I-I’m not the brave hero you think I am,” Haruki said, eyes drooping. “I just happened to be there, lucked out on a few things, and met the Princess at the right time. If not for all of these things… I’d be as toast as the rest of you.”

“Toast?” Marina tilted her head. “What does bread have to do with this?”

“A-Ah, I mean, I’d be dead.” He didn’t know even idioms get filtered out of whatever auto-translate magic was working on him. What a flimsy enchantment.

“Is that a no, then?” Marina’s face fell. She looked genuinely disappointed.

Haruki glanced over to Anemone, whose eyes had shifted to the side, evading eye contact. Was she sad? Or did she not want to feel responsible for the kingdom like he did?

“I want some time to think,” Haruki said. “Right now, I just need to run maintenance on my machine.”

His stomach grumbled, its yawning hunger echoing through the silence of the room. He hadn't eaten since the morning of his test flight.

“...And maybe on my stomach, too.”

Marina smiled. “Very well. If time is what you need, then time you shall have.”

Oh shit, Haruki thought when he saw Marina's uncharacteristically coy smile. She's cute. Kinda reminds me of—nah, no way. When the image of a girl he knew began to rise from the depths of his mind, he slammed the thought down instantly.

She ordered the guards to escort him out the throne room and prepare lodging for him. In the meantime, he was to be let out into the castle interior village to partake of any meal (within reason) he wanted.

When Haruki and the guards turned their backs, a cold, rumbling voice sounded from behind.

“Sir Haruki.”

Haruki turned back. The king had spoken.

“I thank you for my daughter's safe return. No matter what happens next, know that I am grateful to you—personally.”

Haruki bowed curtly. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

When he turned his back again, the king spoke once more.

“May the winds grant you fortune.”

Haruki paused. His mind stopped for a moment.

What did he say…?

He wished to turn back again, and ask the king where he had heard that phrase, or if it was just customary in the kingdom.

But the guards beside him looked agitated, maybe a little impatient. He had likely overstayed his welcome.

He made a mental note of those words and looked out the windows, searching for the Inverted City in the sky.

His thoughts drifted to Mr. Junk… one more time.