Future

Sorin just took in the breeze slightly before waiting a couple of moments; he looked over to the bodies, which were fine just lying. He had to discuss now with Mira the next step.

He looked around the hallway; the candles were lit everywhere, and the cold air was almost warmly inviting him in. Sorin pushed forward, but turning up, he realised that the spiral staircase was unlit. The trail of light led to the dining area, one place he hadn't come back to. Where he had to quickly grab some food and dash out and still be late for this first expedition.

Maybe if I were late, it would have never happened. Then maybe everyone would be alive and happy.

He shook his head, rejecting the idea.

If things were to stay the way they were, then everyone would be starving sooner or later, and everyone would have died. I can't affect what happened, but I made the most I could out of it. Even if you all hated me or were jealous of me, I hope that I could bring some happiness to your afterlives.

Sorin walked past the staircase into the dining area; the door was already open. Two cups were sitting on the table, and a short-haired maid was fully dressed in formal attire. However, her form was leaning over the table, rather improper in front of a master, but Sorin smiled at it before allowing her to talk.

“Master Sorin, congratulations.” The usually stoic face displayed a warm smile. The atmosphere was completely different; he welcomed the change. “I have made some tea. I'm sure you would like to say a few things to me, but I expect one for sure.”

Sorin just weakly smiled back, almost embarrassed that she knew what he was going to ask. “I suppose there isn't a point hiding it anymore. Can you be my aide again, Mira? Standing beside as I try to rule a nation.”

“I will, Master Sorin.” She poured him a cup of tea. “Take a seat already; I prefer not to talk to someone who is standing while I'm peacefully resting. If anything, you must be tired. But don't get too sleepy yet, you have to be the last to sleep and first to wake up.”

“No more sleeping in then…”

“That's right, Master Sorin. Now take a seat.” Mira gestured her slim hand to the seat opposite her, which Sorin followed on her lead. He sighed out as he sat himself, the exhaustion exploding out of him almost “Master Sorin—”

“Don't worry, it's nothing. I have to be the last one after all. The future won't wait for me to get my act together; the east might come.”

Mira nodded. “Arabel is pretty smart; if you don't recover quickly, then you might be in some trouble, truly. But I believe in you; I have been looking out the tower. Everyone is motivated. They want a burial, but that can only happen if everything is safe.”

She said Arabel, I thought she was only an aide, but her implication makes it seem like she is the one leading the east… I should ask—

Mira noticed her slip up; her eyes went down, almost pleading with Sorin not to push it. It was the first time he had seen her like this. It was a serious plea in his eyes. He gave her a small nod before continuing, “There is a super smart seal expert. I would like for her to live in this tower with us if anything. Until we make a new council building, that is, I will make her head of research.”

“Would she be a coworker of yours? Where is Ino too?” Mira wasn't trying to poke a thread, but she might have accidentally without realising it.

Sorin didn't take offense. “Chikaru, she's a coworker, a friend I would say. She even said that. She basically managed to make teleportation, the bridge seals. Not even Ino can match her skills.” Then he addressed the second point: “Ino is now an enemy, well not really. But we have to be wary and not allow her to roam into the city at all costs. Knowing her, I doubt it's possible, but our visions don't align.”

“Why is my master always managing to make a new enemy in some way or another? I should really consider getting bodyguards as your aide. It's my duty to make sure you're safe after all.”

Sorin chuckled at her joking suggestion. “Like anyone would be able to deal with her other than me. I'm currently the most powerful mage in this nation and maybe in all of Acluraria. But that doesn't mean I don't have worries. The eastern Umbra squadron. I only managed to take one of them down. There are still more who attacked the carriage."

“Balancing duties, you will be in for a lot. But I truly will do my best, Master Sorin.”

Sorin gave a nod in appreciation. “Let's start then. I'm going to get a report from everyone today, so let's meet them at the top layer.” He stood up from his seat; Mira, without needing to be told, was already behind him as they walked out of the tower together to the top.

Keldric, Ixul, the judge, Tina. All of them put in their status report. Progress was efficient on all fronts except the farming industry, which had tanked during the misuse; the people were tired, and that was something they couldn't change in a day, and Ixul couldn't even make excuses. Tina had a team ready to begin building bridges, and Keldric seemed to have all the mages left under his authority, as they all were scared of dying; their mindsets would take a while to shift, and Keldric already was on that. The judge was told to keep going. Nobody had time to hear a bunch of laws.

He could only smile at the whole ordeal; he truly became someone that people wish they were. Someone who now has to lead thousands, and someone who is at war with the opposite side. He could only overlook from the top layer as people worked hard for the cause, all united for the first time without a split from within.