The Burning Flowers

Chapter VII

“Now tell me, Album, why do you think King Markreas has chosen to erase this particular man as opposed to execute him? What is different about him that would lead His Majesty to call upon us instead?”

Riding the circular silver lift to the lower levels of the Citadel, Album considered her father’s question. Each time she was taken to the basement level of the capitol building, Acostav Luz inquired such a question of her, so she was more prepared than usual. The current prisoner was a man named Uthar Broad who had recently been arrested by mages from the Citadel for conspiracy against the crown, as well as for multiple counts of murder. On the surface, he had been no more than a simple businessman who owned and operated boarding houses in the town of Carrack a few days north of Erika. However, over the past year, the region was being ravaged by a violent bandit gang taking advantage of the Kosah-Rei’s operations distracting Citadel mages. The damage they caused and the coin they stole had grown far too great to be ignored, so more personnel were sent to Carrack to investigate, only to trace everything back to Broad. He was their leader and the mastermind behind every single one of the bandit attacks.

So with all that said…

“Because killing him wouldn’t prevent some other bandit from rising up and taking his place,” she answered confidently. “But if Uthar Broad were to be erased from existence and forgotten by all, then the unification of those bandit tribes would have never happened. They would forget their alliance, disperse, and lower their threat level. Once the bandits are back in smaller groups, eliminating them becomes easier.”

Acostav eyed her sternly, giving a gentle nod of affirmation, though Album didn’t miss the very subtle smile that twitched the corner of his lips beneath his bushy white mustache. “Correct. Well done.”

Album beamed up at him then glanced over her shoulder to where Eko was standing quietly, his smile much more pronounced and obvious.

Father’s proud of me, I know it!

It was then that the lift finally settled down onto the lowest floor of the Citadel: the dungeons. Since they were underground, there wasn’t any natural light to illuminate the corridor, so they instead relied on the dim red glow of the firelamps attached to the walls to show them the way. In sharp contrast to the glittering silver of the tower, the dungeons appeared as if they were simply dug out of the ground, with dirt and stone still visible and enchanted pillars holding everything up. Iron doors that led to cells lined the walls, and in front of the few that contained prisoners stood guards, dressed in the green and gold armor of the Iijis. It was a place teeming with despair—a place Album never would have wanted to visit for even a second, but where she had been going plenty of times in the past year. It was, after all, where she could practice using erasure magic.

Upon her return from Hiriech and The Angel’s repair of her mana production, Album instantly got to improving her father’s opinion of her. Since she didn’t want to raise suspicion by suddenly showing off an abundance of mana, she waited for every opportunity to naturally prove what she could now do, those being assignments, sparring matches in the public training grounds, and even in the occasional practice matches against Eko. When her older brother realized that she had grown far more controlled and capable, he went to their father and told him all about it, which then led to a summons from Acostav around the start of winter in their first year. Having been training with Ryokumo for a few months at that point, she was not only able to show her father how much mana she could make, but also how much skill she had developed. That was the moment when she knew she had begun breaking through his cold exterior, for even though he hardly reacted that day, speaking only a sharp “Finally! Took you long enough to pull yourself together,” there was still a clear and noticeable shift in the way he interacted with her.

Throughout the rest of her first year all the way to the present day, Acostav Luz’s words had become less biting, filled instead with more advice and hope for her success. He no longer struck her, he hadn’t lashed out at her or screamed at her in over two years, and he had actually begun to give those soft and barely noticeable smiles that she kept her eyes open for. He was far from affectionate, but it was an improvement nonetheless. Because of this, he had done for her what Viiro did for Nigreos and gave her personal training sessions in the art of light magic once a week. On top of that, even though her mother was the current Luz eraser, Acostav still knew plenty about how the magic worked, so he also took up the job of teaching her to use the dangerous and terrifying power.

That was why the Citadel had recently stopped calling upon either her mother or Corasone when they needed somebody erased. These criminals doomed for eternity in the erased realm were instead set aside to serve as Album’s training dummies, and since she had been out of the city with the royal team for a while, the Citadel had been forced to contain this particular target in the dungeon longer than they would have otherwise.

They didn’t have to walk very far before they came to Uthar Broad’s cell, which was swiftly opened for them by the guards at Acostav’s command. The Master of Light motioned for his son and daughter to follow with him, and it was as she entered the dark and dreary cell that her heart began to beat a little harder. Even though she knew these people were criminals who deserved to be punished, she had still yet to become fully comfortable with the idea of being personally responsible for wiping away the very existence of a human being. Once she had plunged someone into the erased realm, there wouldn’t be even a sliver of proof left that they ever lived in the world. Their family, friends, enemies, and even mild acquaintances wouldn’t have any recollection of that individual, and any gap in their memories would be patched up one way or the other.

It’s almost too much power…but I don’t have a choice. This is my duty, my destiny, so I have to grit my teeth and bear it.

Uthar Broad was sitting silently on the far side of the cell, his arms chained to the rough stone wall behind him. Album could sense the anti-magic charm on the chains, blocking him from being able to summon his mana and leaving him unable to use any magic at all. He was a man of average height and weight, though since he had been in the dungeon for a few weeks now, she imagined he must have been quite large in his prime. His reddish hair and beard were messy and unkempt, and the stench from his body caused her to cringe with disgust. Uthar didn’t raise his head, but Album could hear a raspy and wheezing laugh escape his cracked lips.

“Took you fuckers long enough,” he whispered. “Was wondering how long you were gonna drag this out. Get on with it then. I’m ready.”

Album glanced sidelong at her father, who merely looked back at her and motioned towards the bandit with a nod of his head, as if to silently say, “You know what to do”. The young woman took a deep breath and stepped forward, Eko and Acostav remaining in the doorway as they observed. Uthar kept his head lowered as Album approached, his eyes closed as he awaited what he believed to be his death, oblivious to the true fate that now awaited him.

Alright, Album. You’ve got this. You’ve already erased plenty of people, and this man is responsible for the deaths of so many innocents. He took advantage of the tragedy already unfolding so that he could better himself, so he doesn’t deserve my mercy. Remember that… Don’t forget that these are criminals…

Taking one last breath, Album brought her mana to her right hand, very aware of how different it felt when compared to the summoning of her light mana. As she did, something The Angel had said to her one time came back to her mind, just as intriguing a year later as it had been when it was first spoken.

“Well isn’t that curious? No wonder you were so interesting to me when we first met! You’ve not only got the ability to cast light magic, but you have access to reality magic as well! Not even the Son of Darkness has that type of production in his bloodline.”

“Reality magic? What do you…?”

“It’s exactly what it sounds like. I told you back in the hot spring that the mages of Cansi had access to a wide array of affinities that the Ijirians could not possibly dream of! Reality magic was one of those—the ability to alter the world, memories, and events just with the casting of a mere spell. This erasure, as you call it, was an art the Cansi feared greatly. You truly are full of surprises, Little Light…”

Album shook her head, and she could only wonder for the millionth time what else the Cansi had been capable of. Unfortunately, The Angel’s memory was severely lacking, so it was highly likely she would never know. With that thought pushed from her mind, she eyed Uthar with resolve then commanded,

“Sit up.”

The bandit mage obeyed, raising his body so that his chest was at a better angle, and not allowing herself any time to hesitate, Album stepped forward and drove her hand straight into him so that she could fill him with erasure mana. Uthar let out a surprised grunt, his eyes snapping open and going wide as he turned to gape down at his chest, blood dripping from the hole her hand had created as she wrenched it free. Album could clearly see the moment he realized what she was doing, and she had to give him some credit for recognizing the art of erasure as quickly as he did.

“No!” he shrieked desperately, violently yanking on his chains in an effort to reach her, but Album had already moved backwards to put distance between them. “Please! Anything but this! It’s unnecessary! I don’t want to be forgotten! Just kill me, damn it! JUST FUCKING KILL ME!”

Turning away from the wild and horrified look in his eyes, Album swallowed back her nerves and uttered the proper incantation.

“Erasurei.”

“NO! PLEASE NO! STOP! PLEASE!”

Meekly raising her head, knowing Acostav would be disappointed if she didn’t, Album watched as Uthar’s body began to crumble. Parts of his skin started to turn gray, his body breaking apart into small particles of a sand-like substance. His arms and legs were the first to fade away, his torso collapsing to the cold hard ground as he screamed bloody murder, frantically bashing his head against the stone in an effort to kill himself before the erasure finished its job. But of course, he could not, and as the disintegration spread upwards to his neck, the last she saw of Uthar Broad was his lone head screeching on the ground before nothing was left of him and the cell went silent.

“Who remembers?” Acostav asked from behind her.

“Everybody in the tower,” Album answered. “Just as ordered.”

“Perfect. Good girl.”

The young woman smiled to herself, pleased with the control she was showing over erasure as Acostav turned and led her and Eko from the empty cell, speaking a brief dismissal to the guards as they passed. Uthar’s erasure had been unsettling, but it was well worth the discomfort for her father’s approval. There was a time when she truly thought this role would be stolen from her and given to one of her cousins, so she was beyond grateful for the miracle that was The Angel—the being who gave her a second chance at being herself.

“Good job, Sis’,” Eko whispered beside her, giving her a gentle touch on her shoulder.

“Thanks, Eko.”

Stepping onto the lift, the three Luz rode back up to the first floor since Album intended to head back to the Academy now that training was over, but when they reached their desired level, they were surprised to see Viiro Noctis waiting for them just outside, his burly arms folded across his large chest.

“Ah, Viiro,” Acostav greeted. “What brings you here?”

The Master of Darkness opened his pale white eyes before turning to address Acostav. “King Markreas has summoned the Masters. We need to be in the Chamber in five minutes.”

“Five minutes? Fantastic.” Running his hands across his combed white hair, as if to make sure he was moderately presentable, Acostav gave that sarcastic remark before eyeing his children. “Well, it seems I have some matters to attend to. Eko, walk your sister to the carriage, then go back to your quarters and study.”

Eko bowed his head and replied, “At once, Father.”

Album and her brother stepped from the disk as Viiro took their place, the two Masters disappearing to the upper levels within seconds. Album watched them go before falling into stride with Eko to make their way toward the front gates of the tower.

***

Ilirianna Iiji stood quietly beside the Grandmaster’s throne in the Chamber of the Masters, watching as Viiro Noctis and Acostav Luz entered the circular room, sparing quick bows towards King Markreas in the golden seat, as well as to Ilirianna herself. The Masters of Darkness and Light were the last sit, though that wasn’t to say all seven spots were filled. Master Sinna Cartus was not currently present, for after chaperoning Seiras Ka to the Citadel, she and her apprentice, Alucian Carrowey, traveled west to to apprehend yet another Kosah-Rei pastor inciting insurrection in the regions surrounding the Dunnovian border. The other Master who was not currently in Erika was Nakoma, who had departed the capital city the previous night to handle the constant unrest in Hiriech’s domain that still permeated the riverlands even three years after House Malloway’s fall. Therefore, with the arrival of Acostav and Viiro, the other Masters present in the room were Koroha Rhitta, Nyx Rana, and Edwar Grunly.

“Apologies for the late arrival, Your Majesty,” Acostav said as he and Viiro took their places on the left side of the round table. “I was in the dungeons having Album finally erase that infernal Uthar Broad, so I did not get the summons until mere minutes ago.”

King Markreas waved his ring-covered hand dismissively. “Do not worry, Acostav. That’s a worthy thing to be kept waiting for, as I am glad to have that done with. Is Album still handling the power well?”

“Very,” the Master of Light answered, his chest puffed out with pride. “In fact, she’s made strides I did not think possible for her, and especially in such a short period of time. She will make a wonderful successor to my wife one day, that I can promise you.”

“I believe you. Between her impressive control over erasure and my daughter’s account of her performance on their assignments, I, too, must admit that her improvement is spectacular. She has a bright future indeed…no pun intended, of course.”

The Masters all laughed politely at what Ilirianna thought wasn’t that funny of a joke, but the princess couldn’t help narrowing her eyes in internal disgust at Acostav. What a piece of scum you are. You’ve spent years verbally abusing your daughter, but now that she’s doing what you want, you’re going to act like she’s your pride and joy? Honestly, Acostav, if you weren’t a Master, I don’t think I would have been able to bite my tongue as long as I have…

“Anyway, onto business,” Markreas began, and to Ilirianna’s surprise, he actually seemed quite excited to have this discussion.

She didn’t yet know what her father intended to talk about, but given her presence at this meeting, she had deduced the high likelihood that the royal team was already being provided with their next assignment. However, never once had they been given anything worth being excited over, so a part of her wondered if she had guessed incorrectly. The only other thing she could think of was that he wanted to discuss the new potential Master of the Mind, Seiras Ka. Upon receiving both Abigail and The Angel’s assurances that the halfling could be trusted, Ilirianna had voiced her own, albeit reluctant, support for confirming Seiras to the long-vacant position. Of course, the process of filling the Master of the Mind’s spot was not a simple one, and would probably not be finished until summer of the following year, so Seiras was provided quarters in the Citadel while they continued to test him. But since the five Masters present had all been individually informed of these details, she would have been confused if that was the reason her father summoned them.

Unless he’s just decided to expedite the process, but with an affinity as dangerous as mind magic, I doubt a cautious man like Father would do that. So then…what’s this about?

She could tell based on the expressions of the Masters that they were equally thrown off by Markreas’s demeanor as the King went on the explain himself.

“My dear Masters, it is with the utmost joy to notify you that we have taken our first steps toward eradicating these rebellious Kosah-Rei cultists! After two and a half long and frustrating years of failing to track down any of the masterminds behind the destruction of House Malloway, we have finally managed to apprehend one.” Markreas leaned forward and grinned. “Just this morning, a letter from Lord Eganno Cartigan of Stellareid arrived at the Citadel, informing us that his men succeeded in capturing the magicless doctor, Uma Miyon.”

With just that single sentence, Markreas’s pleasure was spread throughout the rest of those present, and even Ilirianna couldn’t stop her own surge of gratification from flowing through her, mixing with relief and even a touch of smugness.

“You’re serious?” Viiro murmured in a rare moment of visible confusion. “You mean to tell me that after all these years of trying to hunt down that slippery little magicless, it was the peace-loving scientists of Stellareid that finally managed to take him down? How? What the hell did Cartigan do?”

“Yes, it is quite strange,” Grunly agreed. “Of course, I don’t think the soldiers of the Starlight Bay are to be underestimated, but they certainly lack the drive for power and strength that the warriors of the rest of the empire seek. So it does beg the question: why was Uma Miyon captured now of all times? What was he doing in Stellareid?”

Markreas shook his head. “Of that, we do not know. Miyon has thus far been wholly uncooperative in Cartigan’s interrogations, as we would expect of somebody like him, but as for how he was detained, well…I would chalk it up to overconfidence on his part.” The King chuckled with amusement. “As Nakoma revealed to us years ago, Miyon used to live in Stellareid before coming to Hiriech, so he had a certain knowledge of the city. From what we could gather, he tried to sneak into the headquarters of the Operan Company in what we’re guessing was an attempt to steal some of the experimental tech their researchers have been working on. He was actually quite close to succeeding given that he managed to gain access to the building, but the authorities of Stellareid boxed him in and took him captive before he could properly break through the secretary charms on the laboratories.” Markreas gave a baffled snort. “Truly, the man’s a pompous fool. Lord Cartigan has him locked away in the dungeons, awaiting his punishment.”

Ilirianna considered her father’s words, not finding it terribly surprising given everything Nakoma had told her about Uma Miyon. Evidently, he had been overconfident and stupidly bold back in Hiriech as well, having given the Master of Fire his name unpromoted while revealing information about his subject that he had no reason to give other than to try and squeeze knowledge out of Nakoma. In some ways, it was actually stunning that it had taken this long for Miyon’s arrogance to get the best of him, and Ilirianna was thrilled that the man was finally at their mercy.

He nearly killed Uncle Nakoma, after all. I’m glad justice has caught him.

“So then what’re we going to do with him?” Koroha inquired, leaning forward on the table as she shot a brief glance towards Acostav before her brown eyes settled back on Markreas. “I highly doubt Miyon would tell us anything about the other cult leaders and their plans, so when you say punishment, what are we thinking? Is he going to be executed or…?”

“Erased?” Viiro finished for her. “That is what the law dictates when it comes to magicless.”

Markreas considered the question, having naturally pondered that very dilemma himself. “This one is a tricky ordeal. Normally, erasing magicless who come into contact with us is as simple as tracking them down and eliminating them. However, Uma Miyon has an important position within the Kosah-Rei, which means erasing him will have a far greater impact on Ijiria and how the last few years have played out. Killing him may be better, but Viiro is right when it comes to the law. Which is why I must ask something of you, Acostav?”

The Master of Light cocked an eyebrow, clearly intrigued to know what the king wanted. “Yes, Your Majesty?”

“You know Album’s skill level better than anybody, so tell me… Does she have enough control over erasure to limit the memory wipe to Omaruo alone? Can she spare the entirety of our realm?”

Ilirianna was unsurprised by the conclusion her father reached, for it had been the same conclusion she had come to. Erasers could control whose memories were affected, so if Album could manage something as complex as this, they would be in the best position. Uma’s erasure wouldn’t alter the events of Hiriech but would ensure that anybody he exposed magic to in Omaruo would forget all about him. It was the ideal result.

“I cannot say for certain,” Acostav admitted. “But I do think she has the potential. She has her mother’s natural talent, as well as a strong hold over her erased realm… It would be challenging, but yes, Album could most likely do it.”

Markreas grinned, leaning back in his chair and spreading his hands. “Wonderful. Then here’s my plan. Viiro, Acostav, I know the two of you planned to take your children, as well as Abigail and Caeli, to Noctalus for the holidays, and I still grant you permission to do so. That being said, I would like to make a slight adjustment to your plans.” Viiro and Acostav’s features made it clear they already knew where the king was going even before he gave his orders. “Firstly, I want Ilirianna to accompany you. Secondly, once the Feast has concluded, you and the team are to make for Stellareid so that you can escort Uma Miyon here to the capital.”

Acostav frowned. “You want Miyon brought here? Why? I was assuming we would just erase him and be done with it?”

“Yes, if Cartigan has not managed to force any information out of him by the time we arrive, then protecting him is a waste of resources,” Viiro agreed.

But Markreas was already shaking his head. “The two of you aren’t incorrect, but there’s more on the line than just eliminating Miyon. You see, there’s more to Lord Cartigan’s report that I have yet to detail. In the weeks leading up to Miyon’s capture, there were a handful of sightings claiming to have witnessed Rotana Vesh in the area, with one even placing him within the City of Starlight itself.”

Ilirianna’s eyes went wide, though since she did not want to interrupt, she did her best to stand silently behind the king. Internally, however, her mind began to race.

Vesh is in Stellareid? There’s no way this is a coincidence! Neither Miyon nor Vesh have been seen since the attack in Hiriech, so if they’re popping up at the same time in yet another Great City after nearly three years of nothing… The princess swallowed back the unnerving sensation crawling across her body. Are they plotting another attack? Has Stellareid been selected as their newest target?

“It would be simple to have Miyon erased and be done with it,” Markreas was saying. “But I think we have an opportunity to lure Rotana Vesh out into the light. Yes, there are multiple leaders of that cult, but everything we’ve heard leads us to believe Vesh is the true head. He’s the one the people are declaring a saint and savior, so if he were to die…”

“The Kosah-Rei would be weakened,” Koroha muttered. “But it’s a huge risk. If we lure Vesh out and he manages to save Miyon, then we lose our shot at taking out the doctor. We’d be playing with fire, Markreas.”

The King smirked. “Do we really have a choice? Risks are sometimes necessary for victory, and right now, we need a victory more than ever—to show the other Great Cities and the people that the Kosah-Rei is not going to get what they desire. I want Rotana Vesh’s head mounted to the wall…for all to see how mortal their saint really is.”

As a venomous tone crept into her father’s words, Vesh’s declaration at Aeyir’s ball echoed through Ilirianna’s head, as it often did when the former captain entered her thoughts.

“So let this be the first message of many to the nobility of Ijiria! Your comfortable days are numbered! The Kosah-Rei will cleanse the world and create the utopia the goddess desired! LET THE SIN OF GREED BURN WITH YOU!”

The princess’s lips tightened. Yes, I would very much like that bastard to pay, too. For Aeyir, and everybody else that died that night.

“My King,” Grunly began, a hint of uncertainty in his aged voice. “I completely understand your desire to take Vesh out of play, and I hate to be the devil’s advocate here, but I’m not sure I think taking this risk is smart. Remember what Master Taurus said about him: He had strange abilities to predict the future, and we still don’t know the first thing about him or his origins. I truly think having Album go to Stellareid and erasing him as soon as possible would be better.”

Markreas smiled warmly back at the Master of Nature, an expression sharply contrasting with his rage from a few seconds ago. “I appreciate your willingness to express as much, Ed, but I assure you that I’ll have contingencies in place. We’ll ensure Album is never far from Miyon so that he can be erased the second Vesh shows himself. That being said, I feel this is absolutely necessary. There are rumors—whispers about what Rotana Vesh might be doing in Stellareid and about what he hopes to gain.”

Ilirianna wasn’t sure where her father was going with this line of thought, nor did it seem four of the five Masters did either. Yet, for the first time since the meeting started, Nyx Rana raised her head, proving she was, in fact, awake, before asking,

“This is about Rickori Keskivaara, isn’t it?”

Ilirianna exhaled sharply, fully understanding now what Markreas was implying, and while Viiro and Acostav still appeared confused, both Grunly and Koroha sat up straighter as they, too, realized the danger of these rumors.

“Keskivaara?” the Master of Light grunted. “Who’s that?”

“The People’s Mind,” Grunly answered softly. “Rickori Keskivaara… I hadn't even considered that possibility, but it makes sense. Yes…it makes perfect sense…”

Acostav snorted with disdain, scowling as he regarded the others. “Alright, hurry up and explain it then. I’ve never even heard of this person. Who are they?”

“Ed, Koro, both of you know more than I,” Markreas stated, motioning towards the Masters of Nature and Wind. “Please, fill them in.”

Koroha nodded. “Very well. Rickori Keskivaara is a worker’s activist whose movement finds its home in Stellareid, where he grew up. He was the only son of two very respected researchers in the field of space travel, so it was only natural that he took an interest in his studies. By the time he was eighteen, he had graduated at the top of his class from Rocklin University in Stellareid’s Fifth Ring, then went on to acquire his doctorates. All accounts say he was a brilliant man who would undoubtedly enhance his parents’ already groundbreaking research. I even had the pleasure of meeting him when King Markreas’s royal team went to Stellareid years ago.”

Acostav rolled his eyes. “Lovely. So he’s a science boy in love with the commoners? And this poses a threat, how?”

“Well…” Grunly murmured, raising his bearded features as he regarded Acostav. “You see, Master Luz, when he was twenty-one years old, his parents met their unfortunate end at the hands of brigands that had been staking out the highway between Hiriech and the Starlight Bay. They naturally weren’t mages, so they had no means of defending themselves. From what we know, Keskivaara vanished from Stellareid one week after receiving the news and was not heard from for five years…only to return as abruptly as he vanished.” The Master of Nature furrowed his brow with interest. “Few know what he was up to at that time, but when he returned, he instantly began to oppose what he considered the unfair wages and working conditions that the people of the city suffered at the hands of the companies. For the last five years, he has been protesting the corporate bosses, as well as Lord Cartigan, for increased wages and shorter hours, only to be met with constant failure.”

“He runs a peaceful operation,” Koroha added. “Keskivaara has stated that he refuses to raise a sword against anybody—even going so far as to immediately express his disgust with the methods taken by the Kosah-Rei in the aftermath of Hiriech.”

Acostav glanced between Koroha and Grunly, still seeming annoyed. “Okay, so again I ask, where’s the problem? He doesn’t like the Kosah-Rei, and he’s a harmless, peace-loving scientist. What could Vesh want with him?”

“Allies,” Nyx answered. “He wants Keskivaara’s support because his movement is growing larger by the day. They may claim to want peace, but there are plenty of magic users and warriors that follow Keskivaara’s ideology. If he decided to turn them against Stellareid with the Kosah-Rei at his side, Cartigan would face an unprecedented threat. Normally, I’d be confident the city would not fall even under such circumstances, but after Hiriech…and with the cause of the combustions so uncertain…I hesitate…”

“On top of that,” Markreas said. “Cartigan’s men have spoken with him, and the Lord tells me that the mana signature from that man is abnormally dangerous for somebody of his background. Rickori Keskivaara may want peace, but should he change his mind, he could be a threat all on his own.”

Acostav was still obviously unconvinced of Keskivaara’s threat, but Viiro let out a reluctant sigh of acknowledgement. “So then you believe Vesh may be in Stellareid because he’s trying to recruit Keskivaara to his cause?”

“Well that’s a fool’s errand,” Acostav growled. “If Keskivaara has denounced them, then why worry that Vesh might succeed? Why bother risking Miyon’s escape to draw him out when Vesh’s goal is unattainable.”

“Because it might not be unattainable,” Markreas replied. “Naturally, Cartigan isn’t going to humor him because doing so would harm relations with the Company Lords, but it’s only so long that Keskivaara will remain peaceful. Eventually, he’ll realize his mission is a lost cause, and when he does, it’s possible he’ll change his strategy. The man has not publicly denounced the Kosah-Rei in over a year, and his followers are growing more antsy and vicious at their protests. Recently, a member of the city guard was killed when a few of them lost their temper and attacked. His peacefulness is already crumbling, leaving Cartigan truly considering having him arrested and executed.”

Ilirianna, who had thus far been listening patiently, couldn’t help but glance down at her father with surprise. What? They’re going to execute him?

“That’s why I want to lure Vesh out,” the king went on. “An alliance between him and Keskivaara would be disastrous, so—”

“I’m sorry for interrupting,” Ilirianna quickly broke in. “But Father…there’s an obvious solution here. Tell Cartigan to sit down with Keskivaara and properly negotiate! If he’s been peaceful all this time then he clearly just wants to help Stellareid’s workers, so an alliance with Vesh would be a last resort for him—one he wouldn’t need to bother taking if Cartigan conceded something.”

Viiro and Acostav were already directing their annoyed looks her way, a common response whenever she spoke in support of anybody outside of the elite class, while Koroha and Nyx made no response at all. At the very least, there was a slight smile on Grunly’s face, but her father was eyeing her much in the same way the Noctalus Masters were.

“Liri…” he responded. “I love you, Dear, but you need to kick this trusting habit of yours. People like Keskivaara, if given an inch, will take a mile. Conceding to him would only prove that this kind of rebellious behavior works, and we cannot allow an image of weakness to spread.”

Ilirianna could hardly believe what she was hearing while also finding it unsurprising. “Rebellious? Father, he’s done nothing but express dissatisfaction! That’s not rebellious!”

“Silence,” Markreas snapped with a dismissive wave. “We can discuss later, but we will not be conceding anything to Rickori Keskivaara. End of discussion.”

“But—!”

“End of discussion.”

Ilirianna straightened up, doing her best not to glare at the king in the presence of the Masters—a task that was ridiculously challenging. She refused to make eye contact with Viiro and Acostav as she internally fumed.

Damn it all! This attitude is idiotic! Why are so few of you willing to negotiate?! It’s this nonsensical image of the commoners as some sort of threat that got us in this stupid war with the Kosah-Rei to begin with!

Ilirianna clenched her fists, Mallicent’s words from that time in the Omaruan clothing shop coming to mind.

“To remove a cancer, you must cut out the tumor, yes? You can’t reason with a tumor. You can’t beg it to stop attacking the body. You can’t barter with it, for it is simply doing the only thing it knows to do. That same logic applies to you. The elite won’t listen to the woes of the common man for arrogance is their inherent nature. Therefore, the only thing we can do is forcefully remove them, by any means necessary.”

I hate that Mallicent Malloway has started to make sense! I’m not saying we should give Keskivaara everything he demands, but a dialogue needs to be had, or else we’re only going to create more enemies! Father… If Keskivaara joins Vesh because you and Lord Cartigan wouldn’t even do him the decency of discussion…

Then we’re all going to deserve it when he turns his sword upon us!