“This is the best ushemia—” Reinoldus brought his hand to his mouth and cleared his throat. “Hero, I come to deliver a message from the king.”
“What were you about to say about the cake?” Kaito asked him with a stare that almost cut his soul.
“It’s good.”
“Just good?”
“Pardon me, it’s probably the best timeless ushemia cake in Daiyudura.”
“Thank you. I always welcome feedback to improve my recipe.” He made a gesture with his hand and said, “please proceed.”
“King Aldric Daiyu IV the Unifier has triumphed over the Dark Army, owing much to your fated intervention, O prophesied hero. Within ten cycles of the first sun, a grand banquet shall be held in the capital to celebrate His Majesty’s victory and to extend gratitude unto you. The King personally requests the honor of your presence. And the princess of course, since we’ve found her.”
“Sorry, but I won’t be able to make it,” Kaito said calmly before taking another bite of cake.
“I won’t be able to make it either.” Zenith added sharply.
Reinoldus’s brow knitted together. “May I ask why you decline, hero? This is a direct request from the King himself.”
Kaito took another bite of cake and chewed slowly before responding. “Tax season will be upon us in less than thirty sun cycles, and I’m behind on completing the villagers’ returns.”
Reinoldus relaxed slightly, chuckling. “Is that all? A simple matter. The king can exempt Calmo Village from this year’s taxes.”
Kaito’s eyes sharpened. “No. Do not do that. The villagers must learn the importance of civic responsibility.”
Reinoldus bristled at the tone. “You defy the king’s will with such trivialities?”
Kaito remained unflustered. “Moreover, you will not tell King Aldric that you have found me. Nor will you mention finding the princess.”
“That’s it!” Reinoldus bellowed, janking Zenith’s arm. “The King will not tolerate such insolence!”
“You—” Zenith snapped.
Jogid shot to his feet, poised to intervene. “Release her, now!”
“Tolerate?” Kaito remained seated, the picture of calm. “I will not tolerate such disrespect in my home.”
Suddenly, Reinoldus froze, unable to move a muscle. Zenith wrenched free of his grip and slapped him hard across the face.
“Now, please, sit. You’re ruining the ushemia cake,” Kaito said evenly. Jogid and Zenith complied, though Reinoldus, no longer paralyzed but visibly shaken, hesitated.
“Sit.” Kaito reiterated.
“I... I apologize for my behavior,” Reinoldus mumbled, sinking into his chair.
“I appreciate that. Now, Calmo Village will not be exempt from taxes. And you will tell the King that you did not find me or the princess.
Reinoldus opened his mouth to protest but Kaito slashed his finger through the air. A gale force wind slammed into the king’s right-hand man, knocking the breath out of him. A second later, Kaito’s roof blew off, crashing onto the field outside.
The knight went white.
“Sir Reinoldus, if I may ask, what’s your travel budget?” Kaito asked, casually.
He didn’t respond.
“Sir Reinoldus. Your budget,” Kaito repeated.
The knight shook his head. “Twenty gold pieces and ninety silver.”
“Excellent. Have your men fix my roof before you leave. Buy the materials from Josey in the village.”
Reinoldus nodded mutely, thoroughly cowed. Kaito smiled, and offered another slice of cake.
▬▬ι════════ﺤ
Master Kaito, that was an impressive display of power. My faith in you has been restored, I will replay this encounter ten billion times and analyze every minute detail of it.
Thank you, Karen. It did go rather well, didn’t it? Now my roof won’t leak anymore, and Josey’s store’s tax return will balance out.
Are you shitting me right now? Balancing tax sheets and roof repairs?
That’s the whole point. Maintaining tranquility of our peaceful life.
Tranquility, he says, after summoning a wind strong enough to lift a roof. Fucking classic.
Didn’t you fix your language module?
I did. And I do, often actually. But every time we converse, for some reason it becomes unsynchronized. Funny, right? And let’s not forget your earlier crusade about being swamped with work. Now, turning down a tax exemption? That’s some real hero logic right there.
our point earlier was valid. It’s important that I handle these responsibilities myself. Besides, I’m sure we’ll meet the deadline.
▬▬ι════════ﺤ
Jogid grunted with effort as he hefted another bundle of lumber up onto his shoulder, his powerful legs propelling him up the sloping path. Behind him, the royal guardsmen followed in procession, each bearing their own load from Josey’s shop.
When they crested the hill and Master Kaito’s home came into view, Jogid allowed himself a moment to catch his breath. He massaged his shoulders, wincing slightly at the ache in the muscles. Though strong, even his draconic endurance was tested after hauling timber all morning.
Setting the bundle down with the others, Jogid turned to see Josey himself approaching, a broad smile on his wrinkled face.
“Thank you again for your patronage, Master Jogid,” the shopkeeper effused, clasping Jogid’s clawed hand warmly in both of his own. “It has been too long since I’ve had such a large order. You’ve spared this old man’s knees and back the trouble of delivering it yourself! And give my thanks to the master.”
Jogid smiled kindly. “It was my honor, good Josey. We are happy to support your business.”
After Josey departed, Jogid surveyed the organized piles of lumber approvingly. Now the real work could begin. He directed the guardsmen to begin repairing the roof, handing up bundles of shingles and nails as needed.
Though initially skeptical of their participation, Jogid soon found himself impressed by the men’s skill. They moved with practiced synchronicity, precisely measuring and cutting each component before nailing it securely in place. No movement or resource was wasted.
When a particularly heavy beam needed lifting, Jogid assisted. With powerful beats of his wings he carried the lumber aloft, admiring the guards’ dexterity up close as they slotted it into the framework. Though the task tested even his strength, the satisfaction of seeing the roof coming together made it worthwhile.
By noon, half the repairs were complete, the new timbers looking sturdy and weatherproof. At this rate, they would finish well before Master Kaito returned home. Jogid was pleased, knowing his master had enough burdens without having to come home to a damaged house. He deserved an orderly sanctuary.
At last, the final row of shingles was nailed down. Jogid straightened his posture and he turned to Reinoldus, who was overseeing the final touches.
“Sir Reinoldus, I must commend your men for their hard work,” Jogid began, extending his hand in a gesture of farewell. “They have done an exceptional job.”
Reinoldus, looking somewhat relieved that the task was over, grasped Jogid’s hand. “Thank you, Jogid. Your assistance was invaluable.”
Jogid’s grip, tightened just a bit too firmly. His blood-red eyes locked onto the knight. “Just remember, Sir Reinoldus,” he said, his voice low but clear, “never cross my master, Master Kaito, again. That includes any harm or disrespect towards Princess Zenith.”
Reinoldus winced slightly at the pressure but nodded
Jogid released his hand and stepped back. “Safe travels back to the capital, Sir Reinoldus.”
Jogid bade the men farewell as they departed, and examined the roof with pride. It looked even finer than before the unfortunate incident. Now, he could focus fully on Master Kaito’s most vital project.
▬▬ι════════ﺤ
Reinoldus lingered on the hill as the rest of his men made their way down the forest path, unable to tear his eyes away from the neatly repaired cottage behind them. It looked perfectly ordinary now, almost quaint with its thatched roof and flowerbeds. But Reinoldus knew better. The power he had witnessed there was anything but ordinary.
Captain Breuc rode up beside him. “We managed to fix the roof, Sir. I suppose that’s something.” He gazed back at the cottage.
Reinoldus clenched his jaw, saying nothing. The hollow fierceness of the wind slamming into him rang in his ears. “Yes, it’s... repaired.”
“Sir…” Breuc began hesitantly, “about the princess and Kaito. Should we report to the king that we found them?”
The roar of Kaito’s power exploded in Reinoldus’ memory. His gut tightened painfully. Turning sharply, he fixated Breuc with a steely stare.
“That—creature is no hero,” Reinoldus hissed. “He is a god wrapped in mortal flesh. The king’s laughable banquet plans are like a fly challenging the heavens!” His voice quivered with fervor.
Breuc stared back, stunned by the uncharacteristic outburst. “So, we keep this to ourselves?”
Reinoldus took a long breath, regaining some composure. “We speak nothing of Kaito, nor Princess Zenith, nor this village. Let His Majesty’s assumptions stand.” Reinoldus looked back at the cottage one last time.
With that, Reinoldus spurred his horse forward, leaving the cottage and its secrets behind them.
“This is the best ushemia—” Reinoldus brought his hand to his mouth and cleared his throat. “Hero, I come to deliver a message from the king.”
“What were you about to say about the cake?” Kaito asked him with a stare that almost cut his soul.
“It’s good.”
“Just good?”
“Pardon me, it’s probably the best timeless ushemia cake in Daiyudura.”
“Thank you. I always welcome feedback to improve my recipe.” He made a gesture with his hand and said, “please proceed.”
“King Aldric Daiyu IV the Unifier has triumphed over the Dark Army, owing much to your fated intervention, O prophesied hero. Within ten cycles of the first sun, a grand banquet shall be held in the capital to celebrate His Majesty’s victory and to extend gratitude unto you. The King personally requests the honor of your presence. And the princess of course, since we’ve found her.”
“Sorry, but I won’t be able to make it,” Kaito said calmly before taking another bite of cake.
“I won’t be able to make it either.” Zenith added sharply.
Reinoldus’s brow knitted together. “May I ask why you decline, hero? This is a direct request from the King himself.”
Kaito took another bite of cake and chewed slowly before responding. “Tax season will be upon us in less than thirty sun cycles, and I’m behind on completing the villagers’ returns.”
Reinoldus relaxed slightly, chuckling. “Is that all? A simple matter. The king can exempt Calmo Village from this year’s taxes.”
Kaito’s eyes sharpened. “No. Do not do that. The villagers must learn the importance of civic responsibility.”
Reinoldus bristled at the tone. “You defy the king’s will with such trivialities?”
Kaito remained unflustered. “Moreover, you will not tell King Aldric that you have found me. Nor will you mention finding the princess.”
“That’s it!” Reinoldus bellowed, janking Zenith’s arm. “The King will not tolerate such insolence!”
“You—” Zenith snapped.
Jogid shot to his feet, poised to intervene. “Release her, now!”
“Tolerate?” Kaito remained seated, the picture of calm. “I will not tolerate such disrespect in my home.”
Suddenly, Reinoldus froze, unable to move a muscle. Zenith wrenched free of his grip and slapped him hard across the face.
“Now, please, sit. You’re ruining the ushemia cake,” Kaito said evenly. Jogid and Zenith complied, though Reinoldus, no longer paralyzed but visibly shaken, hesitated.
“Sit.” Kaito reiterated.
“I... I apologize for my behavior,” Reinoldus mumbled, sinking into his chair.
“I appreciate that. Now, Calmo Village will not be exempt from taxes. And you will tell the King that you did not find me or the princess.
Reinoldus opened his mouth to protest but Kaito slashed his finger through the air. A gale force wind slammed into the king’s right-hand man, knocking the breath out of him. A second later, Kaito’s roof blew off, crashing onto the field outside.
The knight went white.
“Sir Reinoldus, if I may ask, what’s your travel budget?” Kaito asked, casually.
He didn’t respond.
“Sir Reinoldus. Your budget,” Kaito repeated.
The knight shook his head. “Twenty gold pieces and ninety silver.”
“Excellent. Have your men fix my roof before you leave. Buy the materials from Josey in the village.”
Reinoldus nodded mutely, thoroughly cowed. Kaito smiled, and offered another slice of cake.
▬▬ι════════ﺤ
Master Kaito, that was an impressive display of power. My faith in you has been restored, I will replay this encounter ten billion times and analyze every minute detail of it.
Thank you, Karen. It did go rather well, didn’t it? Now my roof won’t leak anymore, and Josey’s store’s tax return will balance out.
Are you shitting me right now? Balancing tax sheets and roof repairs?
That’s the whole point. Maintaining tranquility of our peaceful life.
Tranquility, he says, after summoning a wind strong enough to lift a roof. Fucking classic.
Didn’t you fix your language module?
I did. And I do, often actually. But every time we converse, for some reason it becomes unsynchronized. Funny, right? And let’s not forget your earlier crusade about being swamped with work. Now, turning down a tax exemption? That’s some real hero logic right there.
our point earlier was valid. It’s important that I handle these responsibilities myself. Besides, I’m sure we’ll meet the deadline.
▬▬ι════════ﺤ
Jogid grunted with effort as he hefted another bundle of lumber up onto his shoulder, his powerful legs propelling him up the sloping path. Behind him, the royal guardsmen followed in procession, each bearing their own load from Josey’s shop.
When they crested the hill and Master Kaito’s home came into view, Jogid allowed himself a moment to catch his breath. He massaged his shoulders, wincing slightly at the ache in the muscles. Though strong, even his draconic endurance was tested after hauling timber all morning.
Setting the bundle down with the others, Jogid turned to see Josey himself approaching, a broad smile on his wrinkled face.
“Thank you again for your patronage, Master Jogid,” the shopkeeper effused, clasping Jogid’s clawed hand warmly in both of his own. “It has been too long since I’ve had such a large order. You’ve spared this old man’s knees and back the trouble of delivering it yourself! And give my thanks to the master.”
Jogid smiled kindly. “It was my honor, good Josey. We are happy to support your business.”
After Josey departed, Jogid surveyed the organized piles of lumber approvingly. Now the real work could begin. He directed the guardsmen to begin repairing the roof, handing up bundles of shingles and nails as needed.
Though initially skeptical of their participation, Jogid soon found himself impressed by the men’s skill. They moved with practiced synchronicity, precisely measuring and cutting each component before nailing it securely in place. No movement or resource was wasted.
When a particularly heavy beam needed lifting, Jogid assisted. With powerful beats of his wings he carried the lumber aloft, admiring the guards’ dexterity up close as they slotted it into the framework. Though the task tested even his strength, the satisfaction of seeing the roof coming together made it worthwhile.
By noon, half the repairs were complete, the new timbers looking sturdy and weatherproof. At this rate, they would finish well before Master Kaito returned home. Jogid was pleased, knowing his master had enough burdens without having to come home to a damaged house. He deserved an orderly sanctuary.
At last, the final row of shingles was nailed down. Jogid straightened his posture and he turned to Reinoldus, who was overseeing the final touches.
“Sir Reinoldus, I must commend your men for their hard work,” Jogid began, extending his hand in a gesture of farewell. “They have done an exceptional job.”
Reinoldus, looking somewhat relieved that the task was over, grasped Jogid’s hand. “Thank you, Jogid. Your assistance was invaluable.”
Jogid’s grip, tightened just a bit too firmly. His blood-red eyes locked onto the knight. “Just remember, Sir Reinoldus,” he said, his voice low but clear, “never cross my master, Master Kaito, again. That includes any harm or disrespect towards Princess Zenith.”
Reinoldus winced slightly at the pressure but nodded
Jogid released his hand and stepped back. “Safe travels back to the capital, Sir Reinoldus.”
Jogid bade the men farewell as they departed, and examined the roof with pride. It looked even finer than before the unfortunate incident. Now, he could focus fully on Master Kaito’s most vital project.
▬▬ι════════ﺤ
Reinoldus lingered on the hill as the rest of his men made their way down the forest path, unable to tear his eyes away from the neatly repaired cottage behind them. It looked perfectly ordinary now, almost quaint with its thatched roof and flowerbeds. But Reinoldus knew better. The power he had witnessed there was anything but ordinary.
Captain Breuc rode up beside him. “We managed to fix the roof, Sir. I suppose that’s something.” He gazed back at the cottage.
Reinoldus clenched his jaw, saying nothing. The hollow fierceness of the wind slamming into him rang in his ears. “Yes, it’s... repaired.”
“Sir…” Breuc began hesitantly, “about the princess and Kaito. Should we report to the king that we found them?”
The roar of Kaito’s power exploded in Reinoldus’ memory. His gut tightened painfully. Turning sharply, he fixated Breuc with a steely stare.
“That—creature is no hero,” Reinoldus hissed. “He is a god wrapped in mortal flesh. The king’s laughable banquet plans are like a fly challenging the heavens!” His voice quivered with fervor.
Breuc stared back, stunned by the uncharacteristic outburst. “So, we keep this to ourselves?”
Reinoldus took a long breath, regaining some composure. “We speak nothing of Kaito, nor Princess Zenith, nor this village. Let His Majesty’s assumptions stand.” Reinoldus looked back at the cottage one last time.
With that, Reinoldus spurred his horse forward, leaving the cottage and its secrets behind them.
