CHAPTER 8: Hogios Kingdom. Meeting King Zolten. [ 第八章 ] (PART 1)

Jin rides the carriage and continues heading to the Hogios Kingdom. He feels tremendous pain inside as the technique of his mentor has negative effects after using it. He keeps driving the carriage till he blacks out.

‘’Jin! Jin!’’ Jin hears his name over and over again. He opens his eyes slowly to see Emily’s face close as she cries.

‘’Jin! Thank god you’re still alive!’’ Emily says as she hugs him.

‘’W-What happened?’’ Jin asks.

‘’We were passed by the carriage but no one was driving it. We assumed something bad happened. So, we came back from the same road of the carriage and saw you on the ground.’’ Edward replied.

‘’We thought you were dead...’’ Emily said as she keeps crying.

‘’I had a rough time fighting Ra.’’ Jin smiled.

‘’Glad you’re still alive.’’ With his arms crossed and looking the opposite way, Rolo said.

‘’Thanks.’’

‘’We stopped the carriage; we can continue our journey faster now.’’ Rolo hops in the carriage to drive.

Emily and Edward help Jin to stand up. As they walk to the carriage, Edward asked Jin.

‘’So, Is Ra dead?’’

Jin took a moment before he replies. ‘’Yes...’’

The group continued their journey towards the Hogios Kingdom. Emily gives Jin a healing potion. They stopped by a village close to the borders to get some rest as the night has fallen. As they were in a local tavern to eat. Rolo spoke suddenly.

‘’I-I want to apologize about everything. My hatred towards adventurers blinded me to seeing the threat in front of us. Because of that, Abram and Elena...’’

‘’It’s not your fault that they died. They were doing their duties. And they did it right. If It wasn’t for their sacrifice, we wouldn’t have run away from Ra.’’ Edward said.

Rolo kept looking down at his cup. Edward's arm hugs him and with a big smile, he says to him.

‘’Well, we will forgive you when you treat us to a meal in Hogios.’’

‘’S-Sure,’’ Rolo replied with a smile.

‘’I won’t forgive you until I get to see King Zolten,’’ Emily said with her chin up and arms crossed.

‘’Of course, When he hears about this, he will personally invite you to his castle.’’ Emily started to fantasize about the king on one knee grabbing her hand and asking her to be his wife. She gets all red when she opens her eyes and sees Jin, Edward, and Rolo looking at her.

‘’Are there some gorgeous women there?’’ Edward whispers in Rolo’s ear.

‘’You better not be asking Rolo to bring you, girls,’’ Emily said.

‘’What about you Jin? What do you want Rolo to bring you huh?’’ Edward said to change up the subject before Emily will start to beat him up.

‘’I... I don’t want anything. You guys are safe, and that’s what matters to me.’’ Jin replied with a smile. Everyone started blushing. They kept drinking their drinks in silence till Edward started laughing. And everyone joins him.

The group slept that night in that village. The next day, they continued their journey.

‘’Uh! Good morning or evening or whatever it is.’’ Emily said with her back hunched over and her hair not brushed. Under her eyes was all black and wrinkles all over her forehead.

‘’Good morning Emily!’’ Jin replied with a smile as he seems fine.

‘’Morning!’’ Rolo said as he puts his bag inside the carriage.

‘’Yo! Zombie Emily!’’ Edward said as he waves two fingers at her. Emily got mad and punches him right in the face.

‘’How the hell you guys are okay after everything we went through yesterday?’’ Emily shouts.

As the group left the village, they see a field of white flowers and a path in the middle. Emily kept gazing at the butterflies flying across the field. Edward was still scratching where Emily punched him. Jin was also enjoying the view as he looks at the beautiful clouds and reminisces on the good days he had with his mentor in the same lovely weather.

As they leave the flower field, they stopped to see the hills in front of them.

‘’What is that? A snake?’’ Edward asked.

‘’That’s the wall stretched all the way around the Hogios kingdom. It does look like a giant snake from afar.’’ Rolo replied.

‘’That’s so amazing! It looks beautiful.’’ Emily said as her eyes glow from the majestic view she is looking at. Jin couldn’t help but stay silent as he gazes at the fabulous stone walls over the hills.

They arrived at the walls and sees the big gate in front of them. The metal gate immediately opens up.

‘’Alright! Let's go in.’’ Rolo said as he drives the carriage inside. What caught everyone’s attention is that there was no one there. The gate magically opened.

‘’Oi, No one is here.’’ Edward said.

‘’That’s because King Zolten is the only guardian.’’

‘’What do you mean?’’ Emily asked.

‘’As of right now, we are inside of King Zolten’s protection. He can see and attack from anywhere.’’ Rolo said. Emily was amazed.

‘’That’s so creepy,’’ Edward said as he looks right and left.

‘’No one can attack our kingdom. They all know that King Zolten alone is enough to fight them back. He is the ultimate sorcerer.’’

The carriage continued marching towards the capital.

‘’By the way, I don’t see any villagers. We are far away from the borders.’’ Emily asked.

‘’The population of Hogios Kingdom is not big as Athena. Even on land. Everyone lives in the capital.’’

‘’Does everyone know each other then?’’

‘’Pretty much. Yeah.’’

As they finally arrived at the capital. They were welcomed by some guards.

‘’Lord Rolo! You arrived.’’

‘’Yes.’’

‘’Where are Lord Abram and Elena?’’ Rolo looked down sad. The guards then realized that they passed away.

They parked the carriage, took their bags and they headed toward the castle. Emily and Jin kept admiring the quiet and peace the capital has. The adults were all wearing the same outfit which was a robe with a blue stripe.

‘’Oi, Rolo, how come I only see men?’’ Edward whispers to him as they were taking by the guards to the castle.

‘’Women here have their duties. They don’t go out unless they have to.’’

‘’And what about Elena? She was a knight.’’

‘’She was special. She had the power to beat down guards. Also, I heard, she wasn’t good at what the women do.’’

‘’I-I see.’’ Edward laugh.

The group finally arrived at the castle after they went through the center which had King Zolten’s statue over a waterfall.

‘’Open the gate!’’ the guard loudly said.

The group entered and was welcomed by fabulous women.

‘’Welcome back Lord Rolo.’’ a gorgeous lady wearing glasses and an all-white robe with her black hair tied up. Edward glimpses at her covered big chest and blush away ‘’Please, follow me. King Zolten is waiting for you at the great hall.’’

They followed her to the great hall. They see the fabulous paintings hanging on the walls. Some are paintings of King Zolten himself. Others are the grass fields, the sky, and the sun assorted together in a beautiful masterpiece. They enter the glorious wooden door with its unique decoration of the great hall. They find themselves walking on a sky-blue carpet that goes to the chair of the King himself.

‘’This is beautiful!’’ Emily said as she looks at the interior of the hall.

‘’It is where His Majesty King Zolten welcomes his guest. Only a few people have entered here.’’ The woman spoke. Everyone felt flattered.

‘’His Majesty King Zolten!’’ A guard with a firm and military salute said.

Everyone fixed their postures. Emily and the group can hear the clack of his shoes as he slowly walks in. The sunlight from the windows shines on his white handsome face. His natural light blue hair, his ocean-color eyes, and his well-defined jawline scream a knight who wants to save the trapped princess. Or so Emily thought at least when he walked in.

‘’Greetings! I am King Zolten Di Elias. It is a pleasure to meet the heroes who saved Rolo.’’

‘’Uh! He already knows?’’ Edward said.

‘’As I told you, King Zolten can see and hear everything in all of Hogios Kingdom,’’ Rolo whispers to Edward.

‘’I can understand how it is creepy for foreigners. But it is only to protect my beloved people.’’ King Zolten said as he smiles. Edward was embarrassed.

‘’It is an honor to meet King Zolten! Please forgive the rudeness of my companion.’’ Emily said with her slightly bowing down. At the same time, she secretly pinches Edward from the back to express his gratitude to King Zolten.

‘’Please! Forgive me.’’ Edward awkwardly bows down.

King Zolten orders his guards to leave the room. As soon as they left, he sits on his chair in a more casual way than what kings are used to.

‘’Ah! I know all these formalities make everything so awkward. I can’t help it you know? I have to act a certain way in front of my guards.’’ He sighs. The trio was surprised.

‘’Well, Introduce yourselves, heroes!’’

‘’M-My name is Emily.’’ She said as she blushes.

‘’My name is Jin. It’s a pleasure to meet you, King Zolten.’’ Jin said as he smiles.

‘’Yo! The name is Edward. Nice to meet ya!’’ Most casually, Edward said. Emily secretly pinches him again.

‘’Nice to meet you all!’’ He replied with a smile. Emily almost fainted from how attractive his smile was.

‘’King Zolten, as you know Abram and Elena have passed away during this mission,’’ Rolo said.

‘’Yes. Did someone know about you Rolo?’’

‘’I’m afraid yes...’’

‘’They have probably been spying on our merchants who sell the healing potion.’’ He said ‘’Nevertheless, I am glad you’re okay. For Abram and Elena, we will arrange their funerals as soon as possible. They are forever heroes who sacrifice their lives for the greater good of our country.’’

‘’The only things I picked up from them is this,’’ Rolo said as he takes out Abram’s sword and Elena’s necklace.

‘’I see. Amara, take the two items and send them to their families. I will personally come afterward.’’

‘’May we join her? Even though we weren’t close, we shared the road and fought together.’’ Jin asked.

‘’Yes. If it is possible.’’ Emily said.

‘’Yes, Of course. Then, Amara, you could go just with our heroes.’’

‘’very well.’’

‘’I’m afraid I would like to speak to Rolo alone for our matter of business. We will continue our discussion. Of course, you are all invited to stay as much as you would like in our kingdom.’’

‘’T-Thank you! We kindly accept.’’ Emily said as she slightly bows and grabs her imaginary dress.

‘’Um, If I may. The attacker said something about there being a stash of money in a village in Edril. I don’t know if that will help somehow.’’ Jin said.

‘’Thank you. It does help.’’

As they got out, King Zolten asks Rolo.

‘’So, Adventurers. I know better than anyone your hatred towards them. What is the cause of the change of heart?’’

‘’I guess destiny.’’ King Zolten heard him and laughed.

As Amara was leading them to the house of Elena, Emily spoke.

‘’I can’t believe we met a King! Isn’t this amazing Jin?’’

‘’It is!’’ Jin replied with a smile.

At the moment, Edward was trying his hardest not to keep looking at Amara.

‘’Edward! It’s not like you to be quiet.’’

‘’Uh! Well, I'm just tired’’ He replied smiling as he scratches the back of his head.

The group arrived at Elena’s house. Her father opened the door and welcomed them in. They brought the sad news to him and he started to cry. He calmed down after a bit and brought them water. Edward was too quiet the whole time.

‘’I am terribly sorry for crying! I couldn’t help it. She is the only thing I had left since her mother passed away from disease.’’

‘’His majesty told me to inform you he will visit you personally to express his condolences. The only thing our people could come back with is this.’’ Amara said as she gave him the necklace.

‘’This...It was her mother’s necklace.’’ He smiled as the tears kept falling. Edward finally spoke.

‘’Sir, your daughter was a true knight. She loved her country and she died protecting one of its people. You should lift your chin and be proud that you are the father of a great knight.’’ Those words he said, made the father wipes his tears and smile even more.

‘’You’re right! Elena, my child will forever be known as a knight who sacrificed her life for the people of the country. Thank you!’’

The group got out and head to Abram’s house.

‘’That was beautiful Edward,’’ Jin said.

‘’Yeah! For once, you act like an adult.’’ Emily said.

‘’Indeed. Those words were what he needed to hear.’’ Amara said. Edward was flattered.

‘’Well, I just felt like saying those words to him.’’ Edward scratches the back of his head as he blushes.

They went to Abram’s house. He had a wife and a 5 years old son. Amara broke the news to her. They sat down with her to comfort her. Jin sees the 5 years old son playing with a wooden sword. He then went to his room to speak with him.

‘’You’re very good! What’s your name?’’ Jin asked nicely.

‘’My name is Valen!’’ He said enthusiastically.

‘’You know? When I was your age, I also had a wooden sword. It was the most beautiful thing I had.’’ Jin said as he crouched down in front of him.

‘’Oh really!? I want to become a knight like my father! So, I need to practice and become strong!’’ He smiled.

‘’You will become a great knight! Your father was a strong knight.’’

‘’Yes, I know! He always tells me about his battles.’’

Valen kept showing Jin his moves and telling him about how cool his dad is. Until Abram’s wife comes in.

‘’Sorry to interrupt but can I speak with my son alone?’’

‘’Sure. Thank you for the lovely food.’’ Jin said with a smile. He looks at Valen and spoke.

‘’Valen. I want you to remember, that sword you’re carrying is to protect your loved ones. When you get older and become a knight, hold it with pride. Your father held his sword so high because he was proud of being a knight.’’ Valen’s eyes glow when he heard how cool his dad is.

‘’Um, Mister, what is your name?’’ Valen asked.

‘’My name is Jin. Let’s talk again someday Valen.’’ Jin smiled.

Everyone got out and headed back to the castle to eat and rest. Emily was shocked when she knew they will be staying at the castle. They meet Rolo at the entrance of the castle, where he was going to express his condolences to the families. Amara then shows them their separate rooms. Emily was overjoyed.

‘’This room is truly from a fairy tale.’’

‘’Please, rest and change your clothes. Each room has its shower with everything you need as well as a change of clothes. Dinner will be served soon.’’ Amara said as she got out.

‘’Who would’ve thought I, Emily from a small village next to Athena’s borders, will be sleeping in a castle.’’ She said as she puts her head under the pillow while she plays with her legs.

‘’King Zolten is so handsome. I can’t stop thinking about his sexy smile.’’ She thought to herself as she blushes. At that moment, Edward wearing a white towel barges in.

‘’Yo Emily! They have this amazing shampoo. You should try it.’’

They both kept looking at each other without saying a word. Suddenly, Emily screams at him.

‘’Get out of my room! And how dare you come to my room wearing only your towel.’’ She threw the pillow at him and everything else next to her. Edward immediately got out of her room and closed the door.

He meets Amara who was coming their way.

‘’H-Hey... I can explain...’’ Edward said as he was embarrassed.

‘’Dinner is ready. Please inform your friends.’’ Amara said as she walks away.

Edward sighted. He then slowly opens up Emily’s door.

‘’Hey. Dinner is-’’ Before he could finish his sentence, Emily throws her shoes straight to his face.

Later, Emily, Edward, and Jin went to the great hall to have dinner. They see Elena’s father, Valen, and his mom as well. They kept talking till Rolo and King Zolten arrived.

‘’Welcome everyone! Please, have a seat.’’ With a snap of his fingers, A long wooden table with its chairs appears out of nowhere. Everyone was surprised. Jin sat down next to Valen and his mom. Edward sat next to Elena’s father. While Emily sat to the right of King Zolten and Rolo to the left.

‘’Ladies and gentlemen! Dinner will be served!’’ Amara said as she slightly bows. A group of males and females, holding covered plates, comes in and place them on the table. They took out the cloche to reveal the delicious meals.

‘’Today’s dinner is a combination of our Hogios’ special meal and seafood. The drinks are ginger mixed with carrots for Valen. The adults will have a special wine from our wine cellar. A wine that is from ‘’The 200 years of darkness’’ ‘’ Everyone was excited.

King Zolten stood up and hold his cup high ‘’Today, we honor Abram and Elena for their bravery. We will forever be grateful and they will forever be known as heroes in our country. Cheers to Abram and Elena!’’ Everyone followed him and hold their cups high.

They started to eat. Valen was helping Jin to eat the seafood as it was his first time eating it. Emily was shaking as she was close to Zolten. Edward and the father kept talking about Elena’s childhood and how she became a knight.

‘’Mr. Jin, You always have your sword with you. Does it mean a lot to you?’’ Elena’s father asked.

‘’Yes. It was my mentor’s. I can’t let it leave my sight. I hope it doesn’t bother anyone.’’

‘’That sword. It is no ordinary sword. I can feel it.’’ King Zolten said.

‘’My mentor told me that it is passed down from the strongest swordsman to the next strongest swordsman.’’

‘’Impressive. May I?’’ King Zolten asks if he could grab the sword. Jin gives it to him without thinking about it.

As King Zolten holds the grip, he feels immense dark magic. His face changed which worried everyone else.

‘’Your sword...’’ As he gave it back, he smiled and said ‘’It is fabulous.’’

‘’T-Thank you.’’ Jin blushes.

The group continued talking and having a great time. Valen and his mother went back home after he fell asleep. Elena’s father also went back to his house.

‘’Valen is so cute!’’ Emily said.

‘’He will someday be great like his father,’’ Jin said.

‘’Now then, I would like to discuss with you all the rewards for your help to Rolo. Please, if there is anything you want, I will gladly give it to you.’’ King Zolten spoke.

‘’King Zolten! We are so grateful for your kindness. But we already got paid for our job.’’ Emily slightly bows down. Jin and Edward bow down as well.

King Zolten approaches Emily and slightly leans forward to match her height. She got all red as his face was close enough to kiss her.

‘’Nonsense! The reward was not enough for your help. You can ask for anything and I'll try my best to give it to you.’’ He smiled and leaned back. Emily was never more blessed than this. The only thing she could do is nod yes.

‘’I-I would love to know more about magic. I am a sorcereress.’’ Awkwardly Emily said.

‘’I can’t think of anything I want right now.’’ Jin smiles.

Edward was looking at Emily. He then looked at King Zolten and said the same thing as Jin.

‘’Well, if the two of you ever need anything, you could always count on me.’’ he said ‘’As for you Miss Emily, tomorrow me and you could go to where my research of magic is.’’

‘’M-Me and you? Alone?’’ Emily said quietly as smoke came out of her ears from the heat.

‘’I will be going now. If you need anything let Amara knows. Goodnight!’’ King Zolten said smiling as he walks out of the great hall.

‘’Goodnight!’’ The three said back.

‘’We meet you tomorrow Rolo!’’ Jin said.

‘’Yep. Have a great night!’’

Everyone went to their rooms to sleep.

Edward kept looking at the ceiling for a long time. He then hears a knock on his door.

‘’Mr. Edward, are you still awake?’’ It was Amara.

‘’Yes.’’ Edward stood up, put on a shirt, and opened up the door. He sees Amara not wearing her usual outfit but sleepwear. He could almost see her body through it.

‘’W-What’s up Amara? Y-You need something?’’ Edward said as he tries to keep his eyes on her face.

‘’May I come in?’’ She said with a quiet yet warm tone. Edward was surprised as he looks at her trying to avoid eye contact.

‘’S-Sure.’’

He let her in and they both sat down on the bed at a distance from each other. It was awkwardly quiet till Edward broke the silence.

‘’Um, why did you come Amara?’’ He asked without looking at her. She took a minute before she spoke.

‘’Magic: Lights off.’’

The room’s light turned off and only the moonlight was lighting the room from the window. Edward was confused and worried.

‘’I saw you looking at me today.’’ Edward heard that and got all red ‘’I want to ask you. Do you like me?’’ Edward’s heart started to beat faster and faster.

‘’I-I...’’ He couldn’t gather his thoughts as he looks at her while the moonlight shines on her pretty face.

Amara stood up, took her glasses away, and slowly started to take off the straps of her sleepwear. Edward was anxious and couldn’t talk as words couldn’t come out.

She slightly pushes him to lay down on the bed. She then jumps on top of him and gets closer to his face. Edward didn’t move at all. As her lips were a nail length away from his, he stopped her.

‘’S-Sorry Amara. I can’t,’’ he said with his eyes closed.

‘’Why?’’

‘’I-I...’’ Edward couldn't say anything more than this. Amara understood his reason. She stood up, put her straps back, and went to the window to look at the moon. Edward couldn't lift his head.

‘’She is very lucky if she has you. Men these days won’t say no to an opportunity like this.’’ Amara said.

Edward stood up and bows down to her.

‘’I’m sorry. I have misled you by me looking at you. You’re so attractive, I know someday you will find the man you will love and he will love you back.’’

‘’Raise your head, Mr. Edward, I never had feelings for you.’’

‘’Huh?’’

‘’This was all Rolo’s plan.’’

‘’WHAT?!’’ Edward shouted as he was surprised.

Amara explains that Rolo told the king about Edward’s wish and he probably couldn’t ask for it in front of him out of respect. She then told him that she realized the way Edward was looking at her then she suggests that it will be easier for Edward if she was the one who comes to his room and act as if she is in love with him. Edward was both ashamed and angry. He was ashamed as he thought Amara loves him. And angry that Rolo made this whole thing without telling him.

‘’Well then, I will be taking my leave. Goodnight Mr. Edward’’

‘’G-Goodnight Amara and sorry about this.’’

‘’No need to be sorry. I will do everything for the king.’’ She then got out of the room.

What Edward could think about was ‘’I’m going to kill Rolo!’’ as he grins his teeth and looked at the ceiling.

During all of this. Jin was looking from the balcony of his room at the moon when he hears a knock on his door. He opens it up and sees Emily looking all shy.

‘’H-Hey Jin! Can I come in? I can’t sleep.’’

‘’Sure.’’

The two sat down on the balcony. For a period of time, they were saying nothing but gazing at the beautiful landscape as the moon shines on their smiley faces.

‘’Jin.’’

‘’What is it, Emily?’’

‘’Do you miss your mentor?’’ Jin took a second before he smiles and replies.

‘’Yes, I do. I never thought of living without him. He was like a father to me.’’ Emily’s expressions turned into sadness ‘’Even though I miss him, I can’t dwell on the past. Right now, I have a good job and good friends.’’ He said as he smiles at her. Emily returns the smile.

‘’Oh! I wanted to ask you. I never understood what your mentor meant by saying: ‘’Live your life to the fullest.’’ to you?’’

‘’It means to experience what life offers. Simply to make the most of our lives. I understood it well when he passed away. He didn’t want me to stay in the cottage we live in for the rest of my life. He wanted me to travel the world, experience anything new, and live my life with no boundaries or limits. It’s the same as a young bird who for the first time flies out of his nest to the world.’’ As he finished, he left Emily amazed.

‘’Your mentor was truly a wise man!’’

‘’Yes, he was.’’ Jin blushes ‘’He also was very strict when it comes to training.’’

‘’Oh! Tell me more!’’

The two kept talking till Emily fell asleep on the chair. Jin lifted her, went to her room, and put her on her bed. He closes her door and went to his room to sleep.