Binary Soul

> Kira PoV <

“Mrs Quasse. Lady Ellie. I wish to apologize for my earlier outburst.” (King Fred)

The first thing the king did after waking up was bow his head to us. While I appreciate the sincerity, I get the distinct impression there’s more to this than a simple misunderstanding.

“May I ask what this is really about, Your Majesty?” (Kira)

He throws a look at each of us. Ellie’s gazing lovingly at me while hugging my arm, so she doesn’t even notice. Skittles on the other hand is just standing there, smiling at nothing in particular. I guess she’s happy her old friend’s descendant is doing well.

Having decided something, the King quietly sits on his throne and gives us a serious look.

“There are legends passed down among my family. Tales that speak of an eccentric half-spider half-woman. One that is hailed as co-founder and Second Magus of the Order of the Eye. A great person who performed many deeds in service to the Founding King and the people of this land. It is said that without her assistance, this Kingdom would likely never exist.” (King Fred)

“Hmm? I never did anything like help establish a country though.” (Purple Skittle)

The King blinks a few times at Skittles.

“What about the liberation of the northern plains? Were you not the one who single-handedly defeated the threat of the Stone Giants?” (King Fred)

"Uhh..." (Purple Skittle)

Since Skittles is obviously lost in thought, I think I’ll ask a question.

“Excuse me, but what are Stone Giants? I don’t believe I’ve ever heard of those.” (Kira)

I do know of the peaceful 4 meter tall Mountain Giants like Grandmaster Kilroy, the lazy 8 meter tall Hill Giants in the plains to the west and the rumored 10 meter tall Sand Giants on the southern continent.

“According to the stories they were taller than most towers and had skin made of stone. They kept attacking and wrecking frontier villages and towns until the Second Magus cleared them all out.” (King Fred)

“Oh! Now I remember! One of those things stepped on White completely on purpose so Red seriously flipped her shit. She took down hundreds of them and ended up wiping them out completely before she was able to calm down.” (Purple Skittle)

Eep! Okay, I think I’m starting to understand why Draglael was so scared of her! I shudder to think what would’ve happened to Ellie if that Red one actually landed a hit on her!

“I’m sorry, but who are these White and Red?” (King Fred)

“My sisters.” (Purple Skittle)

Well, that’s not wrong.

“So it wasn’t you that culled those walking disasters?” (King Fred)

“It was, and yet it wasn’t. We all share the same body and take turns coming out to play, you see. All part of us being a titan, you see! The boss - I mean, White just happened to be out for a stroll and Red came out for some payback since those guys attacked her!” (Purple Skittle)

“A stroll... So it was a coincidence? But then, what about the miracle of Ser Ludwig?” (King Fred)

The miracle of Ser Ludwig? Wasn’t that the legendary knight who was afflicted with a deadly curse? If the stories are true, he was healed by a kind sage and lived on to accomplish many heroic deeds, even made an order of knights that served the Kingdom faithfull for centuries. His stories are quite popular among bards.

“No idea who that is.” (Purple Skittle)

“Uhm, a one-eyed, black-haired knight who wielded a red-tinged greatsword. He was supposedly saved by your act of kindness.” (King Fred)

So, the kind sage from that story is Skittles?!

“Oh that guy?! I think I remember him. He was quite rude and constantly stumbled around the village in a horribly drunken state. My Orange sister wanted to pull a prank on him so she threw together this disgusting drink and offered it to him. He ended up puking for three days straight and quit drinking completely.” (Purple Skittle)

The deadly curse was alcoholism. Haah. I don’t know what I expected honestly. The King is equally struggling to find words for this revelation.

“T-then what about the construction of the first White Wall around Kotero?” (King Fred)

“Brown went overboard making a nest.” (Purple Skittle)

“The unification of the human tribes?” (King Fred)

“Those weird people that kept one-sidedly pledging themselves to my service? They were annoying so I just sent them to Teacher.” (Purple Skittle)

“The taming of the Eagle Forest?” (King Fred)

“One of Green’s overeating sprees.” (Purple Skittle)

“So… most of those acts were just… coincidences?!” (King Fred)

“Seems like it. We had no idea someone was trying to make a Kingdom here until Kiressara informed us.” (Purple Skittle)

“I see… Coincidences. Heh. Our Kingdom was founded on top of a series of whims. Hehe. Heh heh hee! HAH HAH HAHAHAHA!” (King Fred)

He’s laughing maniacally now. His smile is so wide it makes his face look broken.

“HAH HAH HAA! Aaah. This is great! No wonder those stories barely made any sense! To think it was like that! They didn’t even mention something like you being immortal, you know!” (King Fred)

“All titans are immortal though?” (Purple Skittles)

“That wasn’t mentioned either! No wonder I couldn’t just swallow that story earlier! I said some outrageous things, didn’t I? Ack, I almost forgot!” (King Fred)

Aaah… He got up just to bow down to us again.

“Mrs Quasse. I once again apologize for the things I said. I had mistakenly assumed you had somehow found out about the royal family’s untold history and were somehow trying to take advantage of it. It is my hope you will forgive me for suggesting you were unfaithful.” (King Fred)

“...” (Kira)

“Since you apologized properly, we’ll forgive you. Right, Kira?” (Ellie)

“Ah. Yes! Of course!” (Kira)

Thank goodness Ellie is here! I was struck speechless by how rapidly this guy changes his mood! You really can’t underestimate him after all!

“Thank you. So this matter of your pregnancy - I assume you were being completely serious about it, yes?” (King Fred)

“... That’s right.” (Kira)

“I see, it was like that. Congratulations you two! I hope your child grows up to do great things. In fact, I’m counting on it!” (King Fred)

“Thanks, Fred!” (Ellie)

“Very good! Now if you’ll excuse me, I would like to have some words with the Second Magus.” (King Fred)

He puts on his usual goofy expression and sits back on his throne.

“... That’s it?” (Kira)

“Hm?” (King Fred)

“No questions or doubts or anything?” (Kira)

“About what?” (King Fred)

“About my condition?” (Kira)

He’s still a king you know! I think he’s entitled to suspecting people, even if a little!

“Mrs Quasse, I just witnessed a living legend crash through a window and strike a pose. I also found out this Kingdom was basically founded by accident. I’m sure you have some outlandish and unbelievable explanation for your circumstances, but I will hear it some other time. I already lost once today, I don’t plan on losing a second time.” (King Fred)

* * *

This plaza in front of the Adventurer’s Guild HQ building is as busy as ever.

“How’d it go at the castle?” (Kelly)

Kelly greets Ellie and me as we approach the meeting spot. She’s here with Roel and Brand. Ariel is taking the kids on a short walk around town.

“There was some yelling and a small uproar, but it ended rather well.” (Kira)

“So we won’t be toppling the Kingdom?” (Kelly)

“No. Not today anyway.” (Ellie)

“Damn. I was hoping to have Stompy make his debut. Watching Skittles fling herself off the tower earlier really got me fired up!” (Kelly)

...

Let’s just graciously forget that part of the conversation ever happened.

“Skittles will be visiting the royal crypt to pay her respects to the First Magus so she won’t be back for a while. Ah, Roel! Here, the King wanted me to give you this.” (Kira)

I hand him a small slip of paper with the royal seal on it. That be the proof that he successfull completed the escort job from the King. I’m a little jealous, the compensation for that ought to be really good.

“Much obliged, Mrs Quasse. I guess with this, my duty is fulfilled.” (Roel)

“Good! Now that this little incident is over, I’m gonna go check on my men and the senators. I left in a bit of a huff, so hopefully they won’t be too mad at me.” (Brand)

“It was good to have you along Major. Give my best to Shull too, our own gryphons learned quite a bit from him.” (Kira)

“Think nothing of it. If anything we should be thanking you - it’s been too long since we were in a good old-fashioned dogfight. Besides, we got plenty of Roc Jerky! That stuff tastes great when paired with a good pint!” (Brand)

“Now we’re talking! Come on big guy! Let’s go get pissed! We’ve been dry for too long!” (Kelly)

“I like the way you think, Kelly! Let's go get tha cousin of yours and turn it into a proper part!” (Brand)

“Brand, you’re a bloody genius!” (Kelly)

And there they go, off to make trouble at the nearest pub. I won’t complain though. We ended up running out of ale on the way back, so both of them ended up being a little on edge for the last three days. Especially Kelly.

“I must thank you as well, Mrs Quasse. It was good to experience a good, old fashioned adventure after all this time!” (Roel)

Roel spoke up after the two noisy dwarves made their exit.

“It had everything! Making unlikely allies. Traveling to uncharted and inhospitable lands. Fighting against hundreds of monsters. Meeting ancient enigmatic beings. An unlikely couple finding love. Rescuing a damsel in distress. We even had a grand feast to celebrate!” (Roel)

He closed his eyes and put a hand on his chin as he recounted what had happened. A satisfied grin appears on his face. He’s leaving a lot out of it, but I guess those things did happen. I don’t particularly mind how he chose to remember the whole thing. That is, if it wasn’t for one very important detail.

“I’m no damsel though. I’m very happily married.” (Kira)

I can forgive him glossing over other things, but that is the one thing I will not allow to be omitted!

“But you were in distress and you no longer are. I think that’s the important bit.” (Roel)

Some part of me feels ticked off at his attitude, but let’s not ruin the mood with petty remarks.

“The only complaint I have is not witnessing the infamous [Red Sage] in action for myself, but that is just me being selfish. I’m just glad my last job turned out to be this memorable.” (Roel)

“Last job?” (Kira)

“Yes. I’ve been thinking about retiring for a while now, actually. It’s high time I settled down and found some disciples so I can pass on my techniques and teachings. You humans probably can’t tell, but I’m already in my 40s.” (Roel)

Wow!  He’s right, I had no idea! Can’t see wrinkles under all that fur after all! Even then, it’s hard to believe with how he moves around. He’s awfully spry for an old man. As expected of a seasoned adventurer, huh?

“So will you be looking to become an instructor at the Military Academy?” (Kira)

“No. That place exists for the sole purpose of raising officers, knights and soldiers who will serve His Majesty. While it’s a noble pursuit, it’s too different from my path of the sword. I was actually planning on opening my own dojo after showing off at the tournament.” (Roel)

Well, it’s not surprising. Many adventurers aim to stop running around fighting monsters once they have enough money and connections to start their own business. Roel must have plenty of both after being an active Rank A for so long.

That reminds me, I should do a few commissions myself. Wouldn’t want to get suspended for inactivity, after all.

“I am also looking forward to facing Ellie. Our first bout was interrupted before we could even cross swords.” (Roel)

“Hmm? What? Oh right, the tournament! That thing is still going on?” (Ellie)

Ellie, who was thoroughly preoccupied in gazing at my profile while gently rubbing my belly, stammered out a response.

“I went to speak with the organizers along with Brand and Zublos while you were visiting the King. Since all participants are now able to compete, they will be restarting the finals at the beginning of the third month. The judges have also overturned Ellie’s unjustified disqualification after learning the circumstances.” (Roel)

“Sorry, but I don’t think I will be taking part in that tournament though.” (Ellie)

“That is… unexpected. May I ask why?” (Roel)

“There are more important things in my life than some petty squabble.” (Ellie)

He looks questioningly at me. I guess it’s impossible to discern the meaning behind those words for an outsider.

“Her reason for joining the tournament in the first place was to teach Zublos a lesson about responsibility. It would seem she no longer thinks it’s necessary.” (Kira)

“That’s right.” (Ellie)

“I see. That is disappointing.” (Roel)

“Were you looking forward to fighting her that much?” (Kira)

“Of course. The soul of a warrior still burns within me. Retired or not, I will seek out worthy opponents so long as my body will allow.” (Roel)

Wow, this guy is unexpectedly a romantic, huh? At least he doesn’t seem to be a complete meat-head like a certain gaggle of drunken shorties. I do sympathize with him on this.

“I see. To be honest, I also was looking forward to watching Ellie fight. I never have a chance to simply relax and watch her whenever we’re on the job, after all.” (Kira)

Ellie looks at me curiously. I can almost see the question marks floating above her head.

“Her graceful and flowing movements, her stern, focused expression, the burning will in her eyes - I never have the chance to properly enjoy any of these.” (Kira)

Now her face shifts to one of embarrassment.

“It truly is regrettable. However, no matter how much I wish to see that, I will not ask my beloved to take any action against her will. Even though I was looking forward to soaking in her gallant and, mmmm, beautiful form. Not to mention the way her skin glistens with sweat whenever she puts in her... utmost effort.” (Kira)

Her ears perk up a little more with every syllable. Now fot he finishing blow!

“Just thinking about it gets me a little, haaah, excited ~♡!” (Kira)

“Nevermind! Forget what I said! I’ll participate! I’ll definitely give my all!” (Ellie)

“Oh… kay… Whatever your reason, it is good to see you are motivated. I look forward to facing you in the arena!” (Roel)

“Right back at you!” (Ellie)

Roel seems satisfied with this outcome, although Ellie’s fired up for a completely different reason, given how she’s blushing fiercely and almost panting. Looks like I managed to ignite her passionate side ~♡! I’m looking forward to that evening already ~♡!

“Come to think of it, where’s Zublos? Wasn’t he with you?” (Ellie)

“He carried off that ‘servant’ of his somewhere after we visited the arena. Call it a hunch, but I don’t think they will be back any time soon.” (Roel)

Oh, right. He’s been clinging to Lara A. ever since that floozy gave them a push. Honestly, I’m happy for them, though I can’t say I approve of those forceful methods. I promised myself I wouldn’t interfere so I might as well stick to doing that. I guess I’m still a bit nosy though. Speaking of being nosy...

“What about you and the pink Skittles?” (Kira)

“Whatever do you mean?” (Roel)

“No… lingering attachments?” (Kira)

“Please, Mrs Quasse. It was a strictly professional matter. That pink one is way too unpredictable if left to her own devices. And since nobody else was particularly willing, I took one for the team, as it were.” (Roel)

I seem to recall it wasn’t just once, but he has a point.

“That was very generous of you.” (Kira)

“Think nothing of it. Besides, it’s not like I hated it. Despite her attitude she was surprisingly innocent. Forgive me for saying this out loud, but she’s completely unaccustomed to the touch of a man.” (Roel)

Ah… Come to think of it, she was based on Ellie’s memory so there’s no way she’d know much about that sort of thing, huh? Though something tells me she’d be unbeatable if her partner was another woman.

“Well, if that is all, then I shall go collect my compensation from the guild. I will see you both at the Tournament.” (Roel)

We exchange our goodbyes and he strides off in the direction of the guild building.

“Ellie.” (Kira)

“Yes?” (Ellie)

“When you kick that guy’s ass, make sure you break a few bones on my behalf.” (Kira)

“Okay!” (Ellie)

I still have not forgiven him for that damsel in distress comment.