A Meal Like no Other

After a day filled with magical lessons, I found myself seated at the dining table across from Queen Zephyra, indulging in a meal consisting of bread and a savory dragon meat curry. Alone together, Katarina and Valeria had chosen to give us some privacy, opting to dine with the maids in their quarters. As we sat there, Queen Zephyra broke the silence, inquiring about my progress in the magical arts. Taking a bite of her dragon meat, she awaited my response.

"Well, I can't even conjure a fireball yet," I replied, my gaze fixed upon my plate. A tinge of disappointment tinged my voice. Offering a comforting smile, Queen Zephyra reassured me, "Don't worry, Cid. You'll grasp it soon enough." I nodded, hoping to become more proficient in the magical arts as time went on. The dragon meat, though a constant presence in our meals, had grown tiresome. Its scarcity as an extinct creature made me contemplate the rarity of such a culinary experience.

Curiosity piqued, Queen Zephyra leaned forward, her tone taking on a serious note. "Cid, why did you choose to side with us demons?" Her question hung in the air, and I carefully placed my piece of bread back on the plate, meeting her gaze. "When I was a child, I can't recall the exact age, but during one of my hunting trips, I became lost. In my desperation, I followed the sound of cries and stumbled upon a small demon child, weeping beside a wounded bear. Although he stood at my height, he appeared tiny compared to my present self, suggesting we were of similar age back then," I recounted, leaning back in my chair before taking a sip of water.

"And did you save him?" Queen Zephyra inquired, her curiosity brimming. "Yes, I hurled my sword at the bear, and miraculously, it struck its eye, causing the beast to flee. The little demon child expressed his gratitude, though a hint of fear lingered in his eyes. I confided in him, admitting that I, too, was lost. In a bold act unbefitting of a demon, he decided to bring a human into his home," I chuckled softly, reminiscing about that fateful encounter.

"Thanks to his actions, you gained a different perspective," Queen Zephyra mused. I nodded in agreement, continuing my tale. "Exactly. He led me to his family's dwelling, where his parents initially scolded him. I could hear their heated exchange through the closed door, and at the time, it unnerved me. Looking back, their response was understandable. Eventually, the commotion subsided, and they welcomed me inside. They offered me a modest meal and water before providing directions for my journey. Following their guidance, I walked for hours until I encountered a hunting party, and there, I found my father anxiously searching for me."

Glancing at Queen Zephyra, fully engrossed in my story, I noticed her taking another bite of the dragon meat. "But that wasn't the sole reason for my changed perspective. Years later, I returned to the forest where I had once been lost. To my dismay, I discovered that the forest had been decimated, with no trees remaining. Since the demon family's house was located within the forest, it seemed to have vanished as well. Unable to locate them, I returned home and questioned my father about it. In a prideful tone, he revealed that a demon battle had taken place in that very location, and they had set fire to the forest to expose hiding demon scouts," I recounted, my frustration evident as I placed my cup down, causing a slight thud.

Apologizing for my outburst, I sighed deeply. "Forgive me. It's for this reason that my perspective on demons shifted. While it's true that there may be malevolent demons, just as there are wicked humans, it is unjust to wipe out an entire race, to destroy an entire forest, for the actions of a few bad apples," I explained, a sense of weariness lacing my words. Queen Zephyra's eyes welled up with emotion, whether for the pain I had endured living amidst those who harbored hatred for her kind or for the demons who perished in the forest's blaze.

"I see," Queen Zephyra murmured, gently setting her meat aside. "Cid, I find myself placing greater trust in you now," she confessed. Though it would have been effortless to fabricate a sob story, it was the truth I had shared, and her trust in that truth gave me solace. No longer did I feel alone in this battle to bring about peace between our races. Raising my cup of wine, I proposed a toast. "To a future where demons and humans coexist harmoniously." Queen Zephyra mirrored my gesture, wiping away a solitary tear and raising her cup. "To a bright and hopeful future!"

With our heartfelt conversation concluded, we resumed our meal, savoring each bite as we drew closer to the end. "Your sword will be ready tomorrow, Cid. I'll personally guide you in magic as well," Queen Zephyra declared, dabbing her mouth with a napkin, her movements elegant and refined. Grateful, I bowed my head, expressing my gratitude. Although we were equals in this intricate dance of fostering peace, I couldn't help but hold Queen Zephyra in high regard.