Chapter 18: The Weight of Weakness

A Week After the War…

Early morning – Inside the Vampire Palace.

Silence veiled the place, broken only by the faint murmur of water trickling from the fountain in the hall, and the distant calls of birds greeting the first rays of dawn.

Y sat on a plain wooden chair, surrounded on all sides by towering shelves of books. His eyes were sharp with focus, his hands turning the pages tirelessly, as though the entire world had shrunk between the covers of that volume.

Outside the room, in the stone corridor, stood three figures: Liecht, Ragnaros, and King.

Ragnaros (in a calm, reflective tone): So… the Vampire Clan will support both the Elven Forest and the Kingdom of Mond.

Liecht: Then we’re done here.

Ragnaros (frowning): But… what about Y? I see no condition set in his favor.

King (with a faint smile): I know what you mean… but he doesn’t seem interested in such matters at all.

Liecht: All he asked for was freedom—to do as he pleases without restraints.

Ragnaros: Yes… the right to access the library and the forge, and I agreed to that. Still… I can’t help but wonder what’s going through his mind.

At that moment, Lin and L entered the hall.

Lin (anxiously): Hasn’t Y come out yet?

Ragnaros (folding his arms): Not yet.

L (smiling lightly): Seems like he’s enjoying himself.

Lin (puzzled): Enjoying himself? Sitting in a room reading all day? How could that be?

L: In truth… he always read the Adventurers’ book whenever he had the chance.

Lin strode toward the door with firm steps.

Lin: I’ll speak to him myself.

She entered the room. Minutes later she returned, her expression slightly unsettled.

Lin (with a sigh): I tried to talk to him… but I couldn’t win an argument against him. In fact… he convinced me.

L (smiling, as though she expected it): Just as I thought.

❖❖❖

Inside the room – Hours earlier.

Lin opened the door gently. Y was still immersed in the book, not lifting his head even at her entrance. She stepped toward him, one step after another.

Lin (softly): You should rest a little, Y.

You fought Valzenor, then spent three days in the cave… and now you bury yourself in books without pause.

At last, Y raised his head. His eyes still gleamed with the same sharp focus, as though his mind lingered elsewhere. His voice was low, but steady:

Y: I understand what you mean… but imagine if I had faced Valzenor again, right after the war… I wouldn’t have stood a chance against him.

And I know that… very well.

(He paused, gaze drifting back to the pages.)

Y: And it’s not just Valzenor… it applies to anyone at his level.

Lin stood there, watching him in silence, unable to find words.

Y smiled faintly—an expression carrying a deep sorrow more than reassurance.

Y: I know my weaknesses well.

Next time… I won’t be the weakest.

Next time… I’ll stand as his equal.

Back in the Corridor

Ragnaros (thoughtful): Now I understand… why he is the way he is. Even after everything, he still strives to become better.

L (lightly): When it comes to arguments… Y always wins.

(A soldier enters, standing at the door with discipline.)

Soldier: Your Majesty, someone requests an audience.

Ragnaros: Who is it?

Soldier: A spirit named Ash.

Ragnaros (calmly): Let her in.

(Ash enters with confident steps, her gaze turning immediately toward L.)

L (with a faint smile): Y is still inside, reading his books.

Ash (approaching, speaking with a sly tone): Didn’t you forget something?

L: Hm? What is it?

Ash (pretending seriousness): Lower yourself into your body.

(L hesitates for a moment, then descends.)

Ash: Lower.

(L descends further until she is at Ash’s level.)

(Ash suddenly steps forward and pulls her into a tight embrace.)

Ash: Welcome back.

(L freezes. For a moment, she recalls the time she embraced Ash in the Spirit Realm… but this time, it was Ash who initiated it, and the embrace was warm… alive.)

Lin (watching with a smile): Lucky you… to have such wonderful friends.

(The door of the room opens, and Y steps out quietly, stretching his body after sitting for so long.)

Ash (loosening her hold on L and turning toward him): Perfect timing… I have plenty of news for you.

The Room – After Hearing the News

Y (quietly, in thought): Just to make sure I’ve got this right…

Thuram has arrived in Mond and seeks an audience with me.

A merchant suddenly takes interest in me.

There’s a girl from another kingdom I’m expected to train.

And now… a war may soon break out between Mond and a neighboring realm.

(He turns his gaze toward Ash, a faint smile tugging at his lips.)

Y: Don’t you think all of this is far too much to happen in a single day?

Ash (laughing lightly): When you put it that way… yes, it does sound like a lot.

L: Wait… what’s this about war with another kingdom?

Ash: A letter arrived a day before the battle against the Butterflies… from that kingdom. They said the prince would be visiting Mond today to negotiate.

L: And did he actually come?

Ash: He did. But he was arrogant—he insulted the kingdom openly. Deona immediately confronted him and demanded he take back his words.

Y: And he refused, of course?

Ash: Not only did he refuse… his soldiers intervened. A skirmish broke out, but Deona defeated them with ease. That’s when the prince drew his own blade, determined to fight.

L (worried): Did he wound her?

Ash: No… she was far superior. She brought him down. But then—suddenly—he pulled out a magical artifact that paralyzed her. He closed in, about to strike at her eye…

(She falls silent for a moment, then continues with rising excitement.)

Ash: But before he could move… a massive shadow appeared behind him. The prince turned in alarm and tried to strike. Yet the shadow’s fist came crashing down, hurling him back with a single blow!

L (cautiously): And who was it?…

Y (smiling with certainty): Regon, wasn’t it?

Ash: Exactly… it was King Regon himself. His sudden appearance stunned everyone.

(Ash recalls the scene vividly.)

He stepped toward the prince, seized him by the collar, and said:

“Do you know why people avoid stirring trouble in a kingdom they don’t understand? Because once you’re caught… you are at the mercy of its rulers.”

L (smiling): Words befitting a true king.

Ash: And none of his soldiers dared to interfere—not with Ares and Kaguya standing there.

Y: So in the end, they fled?

Ash: Yes… the king let them slink away like rats.

(Y mutters: “A magical artifact…” and smiles faintly.)

Ash: That smile…

L: Looks like you’ve come up with something new.

Y: Yes… just a small surprise. In any case, I need to see Diona myself. But there’s something I want to confirm first. Wait for me a bit… I’ll head to the blacksmith.

(After half an hour, Y returns.)

Y: We can go now.

L: And what about the girl from the other kingdom?

Ash (plainly): She was chosen as part of the exchange agreement. Ragnar specifically requested that she be placed under your supervision.

Y: There must be a reason behind that… Fine, I’ll see her first.

L: And Valzenor?

Ragnaros (entering suddenly): He said he’s going on a “journey” for some time. Didn’t mention where, only asked that no one look for him.

Y: Hm… That reminds me—Rin is still searching for her sister.

L: True… Looks like we have a lot to handle in the coming days.

Ash: About Rin’s sister—the search is extremely difficult. We barely have any information about the missing family. For now, she and her sister are staying with the Hunters’ Guild. You’ll find everything we’ve gathered there.

(Y glances at the books before him.)

Y: I wanted to focus on self-study… but sometimes asking someone with experience is far quicker.

Ash (smiling): Sounds like you’re forming a plan?

Y (with a faint side-smile): Not yet… but I have a feeling it’ll piece itself together soon enough.

(He heads toward the door.)

Y: Let’s return to Mond. I’ll meet Thoram first.

A few hours later — inside Lara’s house, at midday.

Scene:

Thoram (getting straight to the point, without any introductions):

Let’s get to the heart of the matter.

Was it you who drew this design?

Y:

Yes… is there a problem?

(Thoram studies the paper carefully, then lifts his eyes to Y.)

Thoram:

The problem lies in the design itself… there are some errors in it.

(He pauses for a moment, but then catches the calm smile on Y’s lips. His eyes widen ever so slightly, a trace of realization dawning.)

Thoram:

I see now… it was a trap.

You wanted me to check it myself—forcing me to get involved with you, didn’t you?

Y (quietly):

Correct. And it seems I’ve succeeded.

(Thoram regards him with cautious admiration.)

Thoram:

You’ve piqued my interest… So, what exactly is it that you want from me?

Y:

This isn’t just my request—it’s part of the cooperation between the two kingdoms.

But since you insist… look at this new blueprint.

Thoram (raising the second sheet, examining it closely):

This… is a design for an artifact!

Y:

There are also armors and weapons. Can you forge them?

Thoram (his eyes gleam with interest):

I like the way you think. It seems the days of boredom are over.

But we’ll need plenty of resources… and skilled people. You want to merge the techniques of dwarves, elves, and vampires.

Y:

I’ll secure the resources and the people from other kingdoms.

Thoram (restraining his excitement):

Very well… I’ll send these blueprints to my clan. They’ll rush here at once.

We’ll focus on the first plan until the rest of the materials arrive.

Y:

That’s fine… this kingdom has relied on others for far too long,

and I intend to change that.

(He fixes his gaze on him.)

Y:

In your opinion… what’s the most important element in turning a kingdom into a capital?

Thoram (thinking):

Location… and alliances.

Y:

Correct, but incomplete.

Let me rephrase: what is this kingdom missing right now?

Thoram (smiles as he understands):

I see… you don’t just want to develop Mond, you want to tear it out of the current hierarchy of kingdoms.

In other words… turn it into an independent capital.

Y (calmly):

Exactly.

But it’s impossible to achieve that by relying on a single man.

A kingdom built on one man’s shoulders… is destined to collapse.

I’ll simply pave the way.

Thoram (stroking his beard, thoughtful):

I understand your point. But… are you sure about the design you gave me?

Y:

I’ll leave it in your hands now.

You’re the one who’ll carry out this task… just tell me what you need.

Thoram:

Agreed… but the project will require adjustments. First, we’ll need to build a house for you and your guild.

My men alone won’t be enough… we’ll need more workers.

Y (hands him a pouch of coins):

Take this money… and head to the city square.

You’ll find a man sitting on a chair, with his wife beside him.

Thoram:

And who might that be?

Y:

“Gail.” The owner of this very house we’re in now.

This is his money… tell him you’re working with me, and that you need workers for construction.

He’ll point you to the right men.

Thoram (rising with confidence):

Very well… I’ll head there now.

Y (quietly):

See you later.

[In the heart of Mond — near the main market]

Thoram (walking steadily toward a man seated beside his wife):

Are you… Gail?

Gail (rising in surprise):

Yes, who’s asking?

Thoram (hands him a pouch of coins):

This is money from Y… he said it’s for the house.

Gail (raising his brows, peeking inside the pouch):

I told him before the house was free…

(He shakes his head with a smile.) But he never changes.

Thank you, sir…?

Thoram:

Call me Thoram.

Gail (with a warm smile):

Sir Thoram… this is the first time I’ve seen you here, isn’t it?

Thoram:

Correct. I arrived in Mond yesterday.

I’m here to build a house for Y… and I need a few men to assist me. Could you introduce me to some?

Gail (freezes in place, his tone shifting):

A house… for Y?!

Thoram (calmly):

Yes.

(Gail’s expression suddenly hardens with fiery seriousness. He steps out to the middle of the road, raising his voice so all can hear.)

Gail:

People of Mond!

The time has come… to repay our debt to Y and his companions!

(The crowd pauses, some approaching cautiously, ears straining.)

Gail (his voice ringing out, filling the square):

This man here… seeks to build a house for Y!

This is your chance—will you just stand by and watch?

Or will you prove yourselves true sons and daughters of Mond… the ones who never forget those who saved them?

(Murmurs ripple through the crowd. One by one, men and women begin stepping forward, forming a silent, respectful line behind him. Children peer curiously, and the adults’ faces harden with resolve.)

Gail (turning proudly to Thoram):

As you can see, Sir Thoram…

We are always ready to support Y… and anyone who stands beside him.

(Thoram takes in the sight, his eyes narrowing in astonishment. He mutters, almost confessing to himself:)

Thoram:

Y… I’ve never seen such respect given to one man before…

(Suddenly, he raises his head, his voice booming to the gathering crowd:)

Thoram:

Then it’s decided.

I will stand with him in his plan!

(He pauses briefly, then shouts with commanding force, his words echoing through the market:)

Thoram:

Follow me if you are serious!

But know this—I will not go easy on anyone.

Prove that your determination is stronger than any wall we build!

(The crowd erupts in cheers, their eyes blazing with newfound resolve. They surge forward behind him… the beginning of a new dream for Mond.)

Y (turns to Lara):

Right… where’s Diona?

Lara (quietly):

Upstairs, with Leona.

Y:

I’ll go check on her.

⸻

[Upstairs – inside the room]

Leona (laughing as she sits on the edge of the bed):

How long are you going to stay buried under that blanket?

Diona (from beneath the covers, voice flustered and annoyed):

Forever! How did I fall for such a trap?!

(The door opens softly—Y steps inside.)

Leona (with a sly smile):

Diona… there’s a guest who wants to see you.

Diona (still under the blanket):

A guest? Who?

Leona:

See for yourself.

(Diona peeks out just a little… the instant she sees Y, her eyes widen.)

Diona:

Y?!

(She quickly hides again, yanking the blanket over her face, cheeks burning red.)

(Y approaches quietly, placing his hand gently on her head—through the blanket.)

Y (in a calm, reassuring tone):

I heard you defended the honor of the kingdom…

Well done, Diona.

(She stops trembling. Slowly, she peeks out again, her eyes shimmering with emotion. Suddenly, she throws herself at him, wrapping him in a tight embrace.)

Diona (voice trembling):

I… I’m sorry… for losing…

(Y pats her shoulder softly.)

Y:

You did great.

Losing doesn’t matter… as long as you’re safe.

What matters… is that you’ve learned from it.

Diona (gripping his arm with determination):

I promise… I won’t lose again… not like that.

[In Lara’s sitting room – moments later]

(Diona slowly drifts into sleep, her head resting against Y’s leg, her face peaceful for the first time in a long while.)

Leona (whispering):

She hasn’t slept since last night… she was afraid.

Y (quietly, surprised):

Afraid?

Leona (glancing at Diona):

Yes… afraid you’d leave her… because of her loss.

Y (smiles faintly):

I’d never do that.

Lara (in a low voice):

Anna once told me… Diona’s family abandoned her when she was a child, left her as prey for the beasts.

(Y looks at Lara in silence, then slowly lifts his eyes, the weight of it filling the room.)

Lara (studying his expression):

But it seems you… have better control of your anger now.

Y:

I’m trying.

L:

Did Y used to get angry a lot?

Lara (with a soft sigh):

“Angry” is putting it mildly… he was like a volcano erupting.

(L and Ash glance at him in surprise.)

Ash:

I didn’t expect that…

Y (calmly):

But it’s the truth.

Lara (smiling faintly):

Over time… he learned to control his anger in a very unique way.

L:

And what way is that?

(All eyes turn to Y.)

Y (dryly, almost matter-of-fact):

I used to bite my own hand whenever I got angry.

L:

…Excuse me?!

Y:

I was so quick to anger I’d lose control.

I chose that as a punishment for myself.

I bit my hand so often it became scarred for years… until the marks finally faded.

Lara:

But… he still gets angry quickly, especially when it concerns someone he cares about.

Ash (laughs softly):

I remember… Anna said the same thing, when she saved me in the Spirit Kingdom.

Y (looking at her):

Is it that obvious now?

L (smiling):

Yes… the atmosphere itself changes a little whenever you’re angry.

Y (quietly but firmly):

I’m responsible for her now… in Anna’s absence.

Ash (seriously):

Your anger is natural… it was even necessary.

If King Regon hadn’t intervened, that prince would be dead.

Everyone was ready to strike him down.

(She pauses, then smirks playfully.)

Ash:

Honestly… I wanted to punch him myself.

(Y rises gently so as not to wake Diona, pulls the blanket over her and straightens up.)

Y:

I’ll meet the girl tomorrow…

But for now… I need a walk.

[Midnight – one of Mond’s quiet streets]

(Y walks alone beneath the moonlight, his steps slow, eyes drifting between the sky and the slumbering houses. The night is still, save for the whisper of the cold breeze.)

(Suddenly, he halts. His ear catches the faint trace of singing, flowing gently from a nearby alley.)

Before the tales were ever born,

Before time had known its course…

Came a shadow drawn from the clouds,

Walking in silence… with a heavy sword.

Y (murmuring to himself):

Singing? At this hour?

(He follows the voice with careful steps, until he sees a girl seated on an old stone wall, legs dangling into the void. Her eyes are closed as she hums the tune softly, unaware she is being watched.)

Y (narrowing his eyes slightly, almost amused):

Isn’t that… the waitress from the usual tavern?

He did not command… yet others followed,

He gave no orders… yet lit the flame of glory.

(Y stops in place, silent. He lets the moment linger, as though afraid a single breath might shatter it.)

(A voice rings from afar, breaking the stillness.)

??? (calling):

Elena! There you are!

(Elena turns quickly.)

Elena:

Mia?

(Mia approaches lightly, then sits beside her with a warm smile.)

Mia:

You were singing again, weren’t you? The same song?

Elena (bashfully, lowering her head):

Yes… it’s well known in the capital. They say it’s more than five hundred years old.

Mia (nostalgically):

That’s right… we elves know it well. My sister used to love it dearly.

Why don’t you sing it at the tavern? Your voice is beautiful—don’t be shy.

Elena (smiling shyly, turning her gaze away):

I’d feel embarrassed in front of everyone… Here, no one can hear me.

(Y watches the two for a moment, then exhales softly. Something in him longs to stay and listen until the end of the song, yet he turns his head aside.)

Y (thinking aloud in a faint whisper):

No need to linger any longer…

And yet… I can’t explain why I want to hear it to the very last verse.

Inside the Royal Guard’s Training Hall

(Y pushed open the heavy wooden doors and stepped quietly into the training grounds. His gaze fell upon Aris and Kaguya, both locked in focused practice at the center of the stone courtyard.)

(Aris lifted her head first and waved with a smile.)

Aris: Y, you came.

Y (calmly): Yes. How are you both?

Aris: I heard you faced a powerful dragon… and the fight ended in a draw.

Y (walking toward the center): I barely came out alive.

Kaguya (wiping sweat from her brow, smiling): Seems like fighting the strong has become routine for you.

Y: I’ll get used to it in time.

(His eyes scan the courtyard before he asks:)

Y: Where’s the girl?

(Aris gestures toward a figure standing a few steps away, looking tense.)

Aris: That’s her… her name is Lunaria.

(The girl approaches, trying to steady her steps, though her clenched grip on her dress betrays her nerves. Her short silver hair brushes against her face, and her pale silver eyes hesitate before meeting Y’s.)

Aris (introducing): Lunaria, this is Y.

Lunaria (bowing shyly): I’m under your care.

(Y studies her silently for a moment.)

Y: Can I see your magic?

Lunaria (hesitant): Yes… in short, my magic revolves around creating swords and controlling them.

(Y raises a brow slightly.)

Y: Creating swords… and controlling them?

Lunaria (nodding): Correct.

Y: Show me one.

(She takes a quick breath, closes her eyes, and gathers white light between her hands. Within seconds, a gleaming silver sword of solid energy forms.)

Y: And how do you control it?

(She tosses the sword forward. Before it touches the ground, it suddenly snaps back into her hand, as if tugged by an invisible thread.)

Lunaria: Like this.

(Y falls silent for a moment, then speaks with a flat tone:)

Y: That’s it?

(Lunaria lowers her head slightly, whispering:)

Lunaria: That’s all…

(Aris and Kaguya step forward together, speaking with excitement.)

Aris & Kaguya: Well? What do you think?

(Inside, Lunaria feels a cold weight tightening in her chest.)

“So he’ll give up on me too… just like the others.”

(But Y’s voice cuts through the silence.)

Y: That’s very useful magic.

(Lunaria’s eyes widen in shock.)

Lunaria: Wh–what?

(Aris and Kaguya exchange a victorious high five, joy lighting their faces.)

Aris & Kaguya (together): We win!

Lunaria (uneasy): Wait… are you serious?

Y (staring at her steadily): I’ll ask you something—what’s the most important thing in magic?

Kaguya: Training.

Aris: Versatility.

Lunaria: Control.

Y: Wrong. The most important thing… is imagination. That’s what you lack.

Lunaria: Imagination?

Y: Magic isn’t just raw power—it’s the extension of one’s vision. If your imagination is limited… you’ll chain yourself down.

(Y’s gaze sharpens on her conjured sword.)

Y: You’ve only been using it as a swordswoman, haven’t you?

Lunaria (softly): Yes… my teacher was a swordsman.

Y: Then he knew nothing of magic, and all he did was train you in swordsmanship.

Y: Have you fought anyone in battle?

Aris: No, but the Dwarf King said she’s skilled with a blade.

Y: I see…

(He clasps his hands behind his back, standing tall, his voice steady and resolute.)

Y: Then I’ll train you myself. Be ready—we start tomorrow.

(Aris claps cheerfully.)

Aris: Congratulations, Lunaria! You’re the first to be personally taught by Y.

:

⸻

[Inside the familiar tavern]

(Y entered the usual tavern and sat quietly at the wooden counter. Margaret looked up at him, her warm smile brightening her face as she wiped her hands with a cloth.)

Margaret: Liz told me her decision to join was the right one.

Y (calmly): I’m glad to hear that.

Margaret: I’ll leave her in your care for a while… Now then, what can I get you today?

Y: A cup of water will do.

(She chuckled softly.)

Margaret: Water is always free for you.

(Y stayed silent for a moment, then slowly lifted his gaze toward her.)

Y: Have you ever thought about adding music to the tavern?

(She raised her brows in mild surprise.)

Margaret: Music? Do you mean hiring a band?

Y: Not exactly… Last night, I was walking, and I heard a girl singing.

(Margaret froze for a brief moment, as if she understood the weight behind his words.)

Margaret: I see… so that’s why.

Y: I want to hear that song… in full.

(She laughed lightly, leaning on the counter.)

Margaret: And what do you suggest, then?

Y: How about a piano?

(She glanced around the tavern, as though trying to picture it.)

Margaret: And where would we even get one?

Y (with unwavering calm): We’ll make it.

Margaret: Make it? And how?

Y (with quiet certainty): Leave that to me.

⸻

[The next morning – outside the blacksmith’s workshop]

(Y stood in front of the forge as Thoram hammered away at a massive piece of metal. Sparks scattered with each strike, the air filled with the rhythm of steel on steel. Thoram finally raised his head, wiping the sweat from his brow.)

Thoram: What is it you want me to forge this time?

Y: A piano. Do you know someone who can help us?

(Thoram paused, rubbing his beard thoughtfully.)

Thoram: Hm… yes, I know a man. But it’ll take some time.

(Y extended his hand, offering a rolled-up parchment.)

Y: This is the design.

(Thoram unrolled the paper, eyes narrowing at the intricate sketches before a grin spread across his face.)

Thoram: Always prepared… as expected of you.

(He waved the blueprint with confidence, looking back at Y.)

Thoram: We’ll have it finished soon enough.

Y: Send it to the tavern once it’s ready.

Thoram: And what about you?

(Y lifted his gaze toward the sky, silent for a moment, as though reading something hidden far beyond it.)

Y: I’ll be gone for a while… a week, maybe more.

(Thoram nodded in quiet understanding.)

Thoram: Very well… it’ll be done.

[In front of Lara’s house – a quiet morning]

(Y stood before Lara’s home, his bag slung over one shoulder, his gaze steady on the road stretching ahead.)

Y: Who wants to come with me?

(Diona immediately raised his hand with unrestrained enthusiasm.)

Diona: Me!

(Ash smiled lightly, the spark of excitement shining in her eyes.)

Ash: Of course, I’ll go.

(L folded her arms calmly, her voice firm.)

L: I’ll stay here this time.

(Y turned his eyes toward Lunaria.)

Y: Lunaria?

(She stepped forward with measured confidence, her tone unwavering.)

Lunaria: I’m ready.

(Lara shifted her gaze toward Leona, her voice soft.)

Lara: You truly don’t wish to come?

(Leona exhaled quietly, a faint smile curving her lips.)

Leona: I have to help Siren search for Rin’s sister.

(A brief silence settled over them… until Y lifted his head slightly, his voice cutting through the stillness, directed toward a nearby shadow.)

Y: And what about you? How long will you keep watching me from the dark… Elizabeth?

(A playful, mocking voice drifted out of the shadow.)

Liz: Sharp senses, as always.

(Diona turned with a cheerful grin.)

Diona: Liz is here.

(Liz emerged with steady steps, a confident smile gracing her face.)

Liz: I want to come with you.

(Y gave only a brief nod, then let his eyes sweep over the group.)

Y: Our first destination… the Elf Kingdom. We’ll stay there for a while, then move on to Dansliv.

(He turned toward Leona, his voice calm yet carrying the weight of command.)

Y: Before I forget… you’ll be training with Aris and Kaguya. Don’t neglect that.

Leona (serious): Understood. I won’t forget.

(Y took the first step onto the road, his gaze fixed forward.)

Y: Let’s go.