Royal Responsibility

Over the course of five days, the party journeyed west to the capital. Just one more day, and they would reach their destination.

The night before though, something only just occurred to Terrence…so he brought it up while everyone was gathered around the campfire.

"We haven't seen any Demons or monsters lately. Got any idea why?"

Cress shrugged. "We've been within range of the knights for a while now. Most monsters don't stray too far into enemy territory."

"So we'll be reaching the capital city without a scratch!" Satin said happily. "Don't worry about anything!"

Terrence smiled wryly. "Alright, I guess."

However, something was still bugging him…What exactly were their enemies doing right now? When would they decide to strike next? And…what had become of his parents and the Demon princess?

Before he could dwell on those questions, Mai spoke to the adventurers with a tone of curiosity.

"So how did you three form this team?"

Cress chuckled and leaned back. "We've known each other since we were kids. My grandmother was an adventurer, and I wanted to follow in her footsteps."

"He asked us to form a team with him." Elijah continued, smirking a bit. "I had nothing better to do, so I agreed."

Satin giggled. "I did have my family's textile business to think about. But then I figured I can help it get a boost in popularity. If I become a famous adventurer, the business will get more customers!"

Terrence was a little awed. "Huh, that's a sensible way of thinking."

Mai blinked and tilted her head. "Uh, Satin…I was wondering for a while, but…how old are you?"

"I'm nineteen!" The diva said with a carefree laugh. "Yep, one year older than Elijah and Cress!"

Terrence and Mai flinched in shock, while Cress laughed out loud.

"I was waiting for that!" He admitted. "Gotcha good, didn't it?"

"Yeah, it did." Terrence said with a look of disbelief.

Mai giggled. "Well, that explains how she can boss Elijah around."

"Sh-she does not…" Elijah said with an uncertain scowl.

Satin glowered at him. "Oh, really?"

"...Okay, maybe a little."

Cress chuckled, while Terrence laughed a bit nervously. What a quirky group of people…Yet, Terrence was finding a strange enjoyment with them. He wondered what other kinds of people he would meet while on this adventure.

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The next morning, the party arrived at Lucen, the capital of the Human Kingdom.

Terrence looked up in awe of the wall of white stone, much higher than any he had seen before. When he looked both ways, he could hardly see the curves that indicated the circular formation of the wall. Ahead of the party, two guards stood in front of a wooden gate gate reinforced by iron.

Elijah spurred the horses to pull the carriage forward, then was stopped by the guards. For some reason, they spoke a bit nervously, and even saluted him before calling for the gate to be opened. Terrence was confused by this, but he set aside his questions as the group entered the capital city.

Terrence's eyes widened once again, as he was met with the amazing sight of countless people. They bustled about through wide cobblestone streets, parting before the horse-drawn carriage. On either side of the streets, there were many shops and service places, such as a candy store or a massage parlor.

"This is so…big." Terrence remarked.

Cress grinned. "This is the Commercial District. If you want to have fun or relax somewhere, this is where you'd go. Up ahead is the Market District, where you can buy the real necessities."

"That's where my family's textile shop is!" Satin said proudly, raising a fist.

"We won't be going there though. We're heading to the Central District."

As Cress said that, the carriage came to a split in the streets, and Elijah turned the horses to the left. Within a minute, they emerged into a more open part of the city.

Terrence saw many people wandering or loitering about. Not just townsfolk, but also many others who appeared to be adventurers. In the middle of the district, there was a large fountain depicting the God of Light, with some benches placed around it.

There were two prominent buildings, larger than anything else Terrence had seen so far. Up ahead, on the west end, was a church that was painted pure white and had mosaic windows, with a golden cross standing atop it. Then on the east end, behind the group, was a polished oak building. A short set of steps led up to black double-doors, which had a golden olive branch insignia.

Terrence pointed to the east building. "What's that?"

"That's the Trade Center." Cress explained. "It handles all the socioeconomic stuff for the kingdom. It's also where adventurers get licensed and receive commissions."

Satin grinned brightly. "Getting you was actually a commission. 10,000 gold just to fetch you! Pretty sweet deal!"

Terrence gave her a disbelieving face. "10,000 gold? That much?"

"To be honest, I would have expected 20,000." Cress admitted with a chuckle.

The horses turned and pulled the carriage past the fountain, to the northern end of the district. There stood a high wall with a iron bar gate, and two guards standing in front of it. They each held up a hand as they halted the party.

"Sir Elijah, state your business." One of them said formally.

Elijah took out a roll of paper. "This is a commision issued by the Overseer."

The guards took the document, and after reading it turned their heads to Terrence. The young man awkwardly waved and summoned Bjarbrandr, and the soldiers were taken aback.

"Gods and goddesses, it's really him!" One of them exclaimed.

"You may pass!" The other declared. "Hurry, the king awaits you inside!"

They handed the paper back, then pushed the gate open. The group hopped off the carriage and moved forward.

Ahead of them was a series of steps, leading up to a grand white stone palace with blue tiled roofs. Upon entering the palace grounds, Terrence was in awe of the many bright flowers and trimmed hedges that filled the garden.

"So pretty!" Mai said in amazement.

"Royals sure live it big." Cress remarked, elbowing Terrence. "This is gonna be all yours soon."

Terrence sweat dropped from budding anxiety, but kept quiet while the party went to the entrance. Standing there was a fair-skinned middle-aged woman, whose copper hair was combed straight, with half-closed hazel eyes. Terrence recognized the traditional maid outfit she wore, having seen it on his mother.

"Excuse me, but what is your business?" The maid said formally.

Elijah showed her the document. "Official commision from the Overseer."

Once again, Terrence held up his Sacred Treasure, surprising the maid for a moment.

"Oh my…this is incredible." She said to herself.

She recomposed herself and curtsied, then opened the palace door.

"Welcome to Lucen Palace, my Prince. Take the central door in the entrance hall, and you'll find the throne room."

Upon entering the palace, everyone was met with the magnificent sight of the entrance hall. It was a wide box-shaped room with soft yellow walls, and had exotic plant decorations in the corners. A six-piece chandelure hung from the ceiling, lighting up the entire room. There were double-doors on either side of the hall, which led to different wings of the building.

At the group's feet, a red carpet made a trail straight forward, to a bright red door at the end of the hall. They approached the door, only to be stopped by another couple of guards in front of it. Before they could say a word, Elijah presented the commision, and upon seeing Terrence's sword they opened the door and moved aside to allow entry.

The throne room was a huge space made of white marble. A bigger red carpet led all the way to the throne itself, and there he was…the King of the Humans.

He looked over fifty years old, with a weathered face behind a scruffy gray beard. His straight peppery hair reached halfway to his waist, and atop his head was a golden five-point crown. His regality was conveyed not only in his formal posture, but also with his layers of red and white robes, along with his scarlet cape that had white fur linings.

As the group closed in, the King's brown eyes focused on Terrence and widened in amazement.

"Who are…" He said quietly.

Terrence took a deep breath, then stepped forward and gave the king a serious expression as he held up Bjartbrandr and introduced himself.

"I know this is a surprise, but…it's an honor, King Randolph VI. I'm Terrence, from the town of Luminton, and…I'm your grandson."

A heavy silence settled as King Randolph stared at Terrence, like he was seeing some kind of ghost. After a couple of moments, the King slowly stood and walked up to him. He placed a hand on the young man's shoulder, giving him a relieved kind of smile as he softly spoke.

"You look so much like Steven did at that age…Welcome to the royal family, my grandson."

Terrence nodded solemnly. "Thank you, Grandfather. About my father…What do you know about his disappearance?"

King Randolph sighed tiredly. "...It was all my fault."

He went back and heavily sat on the throne, looking down with a face of sorrowful guilt as he continued.

"My wife died while protecting a young Steven. Because of that, I had to bear the weight of this kingdom alone. I struggled to uphold this order, and it made me think about what would happen to my son if he ended up the same as me."

Mai gave the King a worried frown. "That's sad, but…what did you do to him?"

"Over the years, I pushed him to become a strong prince, who could be capable as a king after my passing. It didn't matter how tired he was or how much pain he endured…I only wanted Steven to become strong enough to stand on his own. In the end…it must have been too much. He ran away, taking his retainer with him."

Terrence grit his teeth as this all sunk in, feeling rather frustrated towards both his father and grandfather. What King Randolph had done wasn't right, but at the same time…his father hadn't done the right thing.

"...I don't like what you did." The Prince admitted. "But I don't like what my father did either. Why couldn't he have just talked to you about it? Why did he have to run away? At least you aren't a coward who ran away from his responsibilities."

He held up Bjartbrandr and gave King Randolph a determined gaze.

"Grandfather, I will do my best to own up to all the responsibilities my father left behind. I am not going to be a coward like him. I'll be the hero he couldn't be."

The king looked up with astounded eyes. "Terrence…are you sure?"

The prince nodded. "I promise to fulfill my duties as the Hero of Light. I will not abandon them, I swear it."

King Randolph closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them as his face softened and spoke with relief.

"Thank you, my grandson. I must convene with the Council of Five, and inform them of your arrival. In the meantime, why don't you have a rest? Ask the Head Maid to show you a room. She stands at the front door."

Terrence nodded, feeling the weariness from the day's excursions creeping on him. Then Cress stepped forward and spoke in an impatient tone.

"Hey, what about us?"

That cracked a smile from the King. "Of course, your reward. It shall be sent to the Trading Center soon."

Satin leaped in joy. "Alright, an easy 10,000 gold!"

King Randolph chuckled, then gave a more serious look to Elijah.

"Your father was asking for you. He should be in his quarters."

Elijah grimaced and nodded. "Hmph, alright."

With that, the group turned and left the throne room. As Elijah turned towards the east wing, Cress put a hand on his shoulder. They gave each other stern gazes, then the blonde nodded before walking away. Terrence tilted his head, perplexed by this.

"What's all that about?" He asked.

Cress sighed and crossed his arms. "You see, Elijah's father is High Captain of the Royal knights, and he puts a lot of pressure for Elijah to become like him. Elijah though…he wants to find his own way."

"His own way…"

Before Terrence could think about that, Satin cut into the conversation.

"He'll be fine." She said, though looking a little worried. "Let's just go home."

Everyone nodded and went out of the palace, finding the maid still at the front door. From there, Cress and Satin went ahead, while Terrence and Mai stayed behind. The adventurers waved as they left.

"Goodbye!" Satin shouted. "May we meet again soon!"

Mai smiled and waved back. "Yeah, that would be great!"

That got Terrence to smile as well, then he turned to the Head Maid and spoke a bit more formally.

"King Randolph said you could show us a room, if you don't mind."

She curtsied with serenity. "It would be my pleasure. Right this way."

_____________________________________________________

Terrence and Mai were led through the halls of west wing, passing many wooden doors that had numbers on them. The Head Maid brought them to a hallway of blue doors, which had golden royal crests on them.

"Choose whichever you'd like, milord." She said with a curtsy. "If you need to be refreshed, the baths are upstairs. As for the Cait Sith, I'd be happy to find a room for her."

Mai blushed and held Terrence's hand. "Um…I'm with him."

Terrence turned a little red as well and nodded, and the Head Maid gave them a blank stare.

"The Prince with a Cait Sith…" She murmured. "Will the royal line be okay?"

She shook her head and curtsied, taking back her usual demeanor.

"Forgive me, that was out of line. I'll leave you two in peace."

Terrence smiled awkwardly "Don't worry about it. Thank you, uh…"

"Patricia, milord. Now if you'll excuse me, I must go back to my post."

The Head Maid turned and walked away, having a noticeable hurry in her footsteps. Terrence and Mai laughed a little and gave each other a look, then went to one of the rooms.

It was…much bigger than either of their rooms back in Luminton, and more elaborately decorated with high shelves, golden candlesticks, and a large red carpet. Even the bed was royal, being three times the size of the more simple beds the couple was used to.

"It's so…fancy." Mai said in wonder.

Terrence sweatdropped. "I don't know if I'll get used to it."

After setting down their bags, they went to lay down on the bed together. While she laid on her side and cuddled up to him, he was on his back and bringing an arm around her. Her tail came to rest on his stomach, and he gently placed his other hand on it. Finally, they could relax alone after traveling for half the week.

However, though Terrence tried…he couldn't enjoy this moment as much as he wanted to. Mai was warm and comforting…but his mind failed to stay on her. His thoughts were on what his grandfather had told him of Prince Steven.

"Terrence, are you okay?" Mai whispered.

Terrence blinked and looked to see her worried face and folded ears. He sighed and rubbed her tail, feeling guilty that he had bothered her.

"I'm okay…" He said quietly. "It's just…I had so much respect for Father, but now I know he ran from everything. It makes me think…he's really a coward. And if Mother was his maid, why didn't she stop him?"

The Cait Sith hummed a little. "...Do you hate them?"

"...I had no idea what my parents really were, or what I really was. They hid the truth from me this whole time. Why did they run? I want to know that so badly. I feel so…confused and hurt."

Mai was silent for a minute, then she spoke in a more timid tone.

"When I suggested that we run away…did you hate that? Would you hate me if I ran from everything?"

Terrence blinked in surprise, then recalled the conversation they had when they got together. She was worried about that? No way…her situation was way different. He smiled softly and rubbed her tail some more, speaking in a calming manner.

"You're different. Unlike us, you're a true commoner with no important responsibilities. I don't blame you for being afraid of what's to come. So if you want to stay out this, that's okay."

Mai's scarlet eyes shimmered as they teared up, and she held back a sob. Terrence turned over to hold her close in both arms, letting her sniffle into his shoulder. All the while, he whispered soothingly into her ear, while his own will was reignited.

"I know I'll have to fight, and I'm prepared to do that. This is a job I have to do as a royal, and I won't abandon it like my father did. But you're not like me, so I won't make you fight if you don't want to. You can stay and provide support here, and that'll be enough."

"...Are you sure that's okay?" Mai murmured.

"It's okay. More than anything, I want to be sure you're safe and happy."

She took a small breath, then looked up with a relieved sort of smile.

"I've been…really scared since everything happened. It made me want to run away somewhere safe with you, where we could live in peace like we did in Luminton. But you're a prince now, and it's your duty to vanquish evil. While I don't want to fight…I still want to support you, and that's my responsibility. So if you leave, know that I'll be helping out here, waiting for you to return."

Terrence smiled back and nodded. "But for now…I want to enjoy what time I have left with you. Mai, thank you for being here for me."

"I always will be…because I love you, my Prince."

"And I love you…my future Queen."

The couple stared into each other's eyes for only a bit before closing the gap and kissing with all their emotions.

A little later, when they had fallen asleep from exhaustion, Terrence dreamed of that Demon princess who led the raid on his town. She was so intimidating and powerful, he had no idea whether he stood a chance.

But as a royal, it was his duty to fight her. Not only that, he had Mai to think about. So he would do his best to get stronger, and be the Hero of Light for her and the kingdom.