The air is filled with smoke and blood, Geom have become weak and those who followed Geom fell to death and despair. Fire burns across the battlefield and chaos reign supreme, but this time of darkness have given light to the eyes of many.
(This is a bit too much).
From the moment I step forward to lead, I feel kinda glad that the warriors didn't seem to be angry or scared by me unlike those at the palace or tents, and the burning sensation I felt when I finally lead them forward also reminds me of the time of the yearly invasion... But this time it's just completely different. Unlike monsters, I'm fighting against humans and this being the first time I'm completely able to see their faces so closely before I send them away never feel good.
The fact I stand shoudler to shoulder with them, the thought that all this people are going to crash against one another and kill each other is horrible. The faces both sides make as they swing their blades, reminds me the faces of those soldiers I killed back at the walls.
*slap*
Clapping my cheeks from the gap left by my broken mask, I rip apart the itching cloth left from my right sleeve before grabbing the flag and jumping down.
(My mask got partially destroyed alongside my clothes. But I guess I could be lucky since there's no one I know here).
Following behind the group that's running towards the gate, I summon my sword and walk behind them as this tightly grouped warriors is preventing me from moving any faster.
(Should I just jump? The sooner this finish, the less death and return back to HQ. I do hope Heon doesn't cause too much trouble to Kagan).
Groups of warriors start to suddenly converge around me the moment I left the barricade, their cheers and cries causes my esrs to go numb.
"Gwishin!"
"Gwishin!"
"Follow the Gwishin!"
"To the new peak!"
(Do people shout all the time in battle? This is going to make me go deaf sooner or later).
To my surprise, the warriors infront who notice me starts to make way and let me pass.
"Oh, thank you."
"Gwishin!"
"Gwishin!"
Ther response is even more cheering and rallying support. The skies plunge to darkness have truly become dark as the sun have slowly set. Beyond the towering walls, a gap has form by my power that turns everything it touches to ash.
"Gwishin!"
"Gwishin!"
Opening a path for me, the warriors led me to where the gate once stood.
*Crash* *Slash* *Smash*
"Hahaha! None of you are coming through!"
Throwing people like they're dalls, a very scary person stand guarding the path inside. A ridiculously large man who makes the warriors beside me look like kids stands at my path. With a bastard sword much bigger than any normal person hw swings that massive thing effortlessly, cutting down many of the warriors who tries to get close to him.
(Seeing his size, I suppose that sword is the minimal size or he would look like he's carrying a knife).
Trying to prevent any more death, I step forward,
"What's wrong? I thought you barbarians know not what a retreat is?"
"Gwishin!"
"Gwishin!"
"Hah?"
It seems a ring has been formed around the entrance, on one side the warriors are cheering for me, clamouring their weapons and shield shouting my new name. On the other side, weakened and trembling soldiers stand behind the broken grasping for their weapons and squuezing any hope to save their lives. Terror is very apparant on those soldier's expression as every step I take, they take one step backwards.
"I knew you would show up here, princess."
(P-Princess?)
I look up at the giant standing in my way and finally gotten a look at his face. Despite having such a intimidating look, his face is the complete opposite. With a baby face that looks like someone just stick a kid's head to an adult body this whole view just feel so surreal.
"Hey, what's with that look? Do I look so weak to you, bitch?"
*Creak*
His massive blades lifts off to the sky and safely land to his massive shoulders. His towering figure looms over me as he looks at me with a smile saying:
"So you must be the Wenju's secret weapon huh? But that ain't going to scare me. You think you're the only one who can do that!? Hrrrgh!"
Power burst from his body that a massive wind blows around as his sword burst into a pillar of light.
"Eat this!"
*pang*
He swings his sword down right atop of me and I simply lift my blade and redirect his attack with one hand. His blade cuts down to my side while his sword gets buried to the ground, but not before leaving a shallow chasm that pushes the warriors behind away and killing some of them.
(I should've parried it to the sky).
"You see that? You're nothing special!"
I look down at him and his sword as I wonder if he haven't realize the gravity of his situation. My hand holding my sword glisten as I then notice how the ring on my finger sparkle as well...
"You do realize I can beat you with one hand behind my back at this point don't you?"
"Wha!? You arrogant bitch!"
"Surrender now, I don't wish to see anymore death."
"That's rich coming from someone sending thousands to their deaths! Haaah!"
True to my words, I plant the flag down and put my left hand to my back, the giant swordsman before he pulls his blade out and start swinging his sword.
*pang* *screeth*
"Hurgh!?"
"You may have strength but your techniques are completely sloppy."
In a few exchanges, I easily dodge his massive sword and push his massive sword down by hitting it's broad blade before dragging my sword down to his neck, trickling a bit so a little blood flow.
"I'm not done yet!"
He pushes my blade with the massive hilt before he tries to swing once again but,
*dash*
Appearing right behind him, I wipe the blood off my blade before,
*spurt* *crash*
"H-How!?"
The giant swordsman fell to his knees as I swiftly cut the tendon to his heels.
"You can swing that sword effortlessly but you're just too slow."
"Stop moving! Hrrgh!"
The giant swordman uses qi to shut his wounds and stand despite the wounded leg. Bringing his sword to his back, I realize he is about to end it with that one swing. Doing the same, I take upon the wrath stance and bring the sword above my shoulders.
"Eat this! Sea splitter!"
His sword burst with a massive surge of light as he swings his sword down but,
*Snap* *Shatter* *Slash*
Gathering just enough energy to my sword, I swing it down aiming at his blade but somehow manage to cut not only his sowrd but open his chest as well. With such pain, his eyes rolls back before he fell to the ground with a large,
*thump*
"And your strength is nothing special."
" "OOOOOOHHHH....!!!!" "
" "GWISHIN! GWISHIN" "
" "PEAK! PEAK! PEAK!"
The whole world seems to shake everytime those warriors cheer and I can't help but pick my ear from the ringing I keep hearing. But most important would be,
(I can't believe I said all of that! That's so embarrassing! Even more embarrassing than saying the word embarrassing!).
"No... We're doomed! Not even the aspiring blades can win!"
"Run away!"
"Retreat! Retreat!"
"I don't wanna die!"
"Po-Tae...!"
Hearing someone screaming from my side, I swing my blade to the side and,
*whiiir* *Clash* *Pang*
(No way...)
My sword clash against a spinning armoured and my sword gets repelled back. Realizing that an armoured ball with countless blades is crashing down I decided to dodge and move back closer to where I start. When she uncurl, I notice how similar she is to Yoo-Gisa's armoured tail companion but if she's yellow.
(Oh? So those type of beast-kin are pretty common in the peninsula huh? Is this what Iseon felt when he had his glaive parried by them?)
"Po-Tae! Hey, hang in there!"
The armour tail beast-kin girl tries to save the giant swordsman, ignoring me completely it seem.
"Hm?"
Feeling a familiar sensation, I put my sword to my back and,
*pang*
"...!?"
And just as I suspected, someone snuck up on me, trying to behead me with a single strike. Seeing her light mint hair I'm being reminded by Cheo's maid...
(Now, I'm starting to feel more guilty not returning any sooner).
"Eek!"
The girl realizing I'm not making any move vanishes like a mist and flow past me to be with the other two.
(What the!? You can turn to mist and vanish like that?)
With the three gathered at the entrance, those 3 young kids are now the only obstacle remaining to stand between us.
"Gahaha! Torment these fools!"
"We'll show you the meaning of pain you invader cur!"
"The entire city is ours! You have nowhere to run!"
"There will be nothing left of you to return when we're done with you!"
Weapons littered on the ground as the fire provide light, the warriors surrounding clamour at their weapons as shout profanities at them. It seems they're waiting for my order as the warriors wait in aticipation. I look at the three once more, the armour tail beast-kin carries the giant on her shoulders while the mint hair girl looks scared with shaking hands.
"Fool, you should've just leave me here."
"You idiot! If you got the energy to talk drink that potion!"
The giant pulls out a familiar potion I've seen before, chugging it down light bask the wounds on his body and soon his injuries were never there.
(Ah... Is this what Sis Yuwei's enemies have to deal with constantly?)
"Holy... This potion is amazing."
"You can say that again, hey what should we do now? The pincer is a sucess but since ONE of us failed, we gotta retreat to not get enveloped."
"Nn... Retreat."
"And where exactly, Haneul? If this folks enters the city, the inner defense line isn't ready!"
"There's always surrendering..."
I cut into their conversation and walk closer which makes them take some steps back. They all turn their attention to me, the armour tail beast-kin looks at me like I'm out of my mind replying:
"You must've have the same muscle brain as this idiot if you think that's an option!"
"Hey! There's a time and occasion for that! But... Sun-Yun, are we really going to fight that monster? Hate to say this but she stole my title of unstoppable and break my weapon. And I'm pretty sure she saw through Haneul's silent strike as well."
"Nn! Very strong..."
The giant and mint hair girl shows a huge caution but the armour tail beast-kin shows confidence instead. She brings them closer to huddle whispering:
"(We still have a chance! I could repel her blade and she dodges my attack as well. I will be the one to open a gap)."
"(Are you sure? The element of surprise seems to be gone, I doubt she will let that happen again)."
"(Mm, mm!)"
I know they're whispering but being able to pick up on their plan seems a bit dissapointing.
(Right, enough of this bull schnitzel. Let's finish this).
Grabbing my sword with both hands, before I could raise my sword the armour tail girl steps forward shouting:
"Thanks for waiting, you royal monster! Don't be mistaken, we'll be the one to strike you down."
The giant swordsman raises his fists confidently and crack his fists shouting:
"Get ready for round two, you monster princess! I'll beat you to pulp with this natural given blessing!"
"Mm!"
The three of them takes their stances and it seems the warriors beside me clamour their weapons even louder.
"You truly are asking for a death wish!"
"You are nothing before the her might, know your place!"
"Lord Gwishin nim, let us finish them together!"
Hearing the warriors speak, I have to agree and nod to their suggestion, I lower my sword and grab the flag I planted behind me. Raising it hight towards the sky without stars, I lunge the flag forward shouting:
"Charge!"
" "WE OBEY!!!" "
"HAAAH!!!"
"EAAAAGH!!!"
"CHAAARGE!!!"
"FOR THE PRINCESS!!!"
"FOR THE NEW PEAK!"
(Wait a moment, did everyone mistaken me for Harun!? And why do they keep saying peak?)
As the horde starts to move once more, the three blade masters move their backs together in panic.
"W-Wait! What do we do now, Sun-Yun!?"
"This is not in my plans!"
"You idiot!"
"I don't wanna hear that from you...!"
"Mm! Focus!"
The three take their stance and prepare for the impending clash but,
*Leap* *Leap* *Leap*
Hearing multiple footsteps rushing towards us, I look up at the divided walls and see multiple figures jumping down.
*Slash* *Slash* *Slash*
"Aargh!"
"From above!"
Every swordsman who lands gravefully cuts down groups of people with a single strike, wielding black curve swords that cuts armour like butter. Their distinctive feature are the round black hats with brooms atop their head with colourful pearls dangling from them.
(Woah, that hat looks cool... And those swords, there's no doubt those are Owlian Steel... Are they Owlians?)
The warriors doesn't stop their charge as they continue pouring in against the new adversary. But,
"Aaahh!"
"Eat my unstoppable fist!"
"Feel my thousand blades!"
"Nn!"
The three youngesters aided by the black blades becomes an unstoppable force as they wipe out any warriors that take a step too far.
(This might be my first time doing this but...)
Imagining that I'm moving my fingers, magic circles appear below the 3 and black blades. The black blades tried to cut the circle but to no avail which shocks them.
[Larie-]
*Vrooom*
"!?"
Hearing the sound of roaring engine coming from above, I swing my sword back and,
*Clash* *Grind*
My sword clash against someone's sword yet it feels like I'm trying to block against a thousand strikes as his sword seems to strike so much that it burns like a match. Pouring my power to my sword, my magic works it magic as it slowly cuts through the adversary's blade but...
*pang* *crack*
He parries my blade up before delivering a straight kick which I easily dodge and pay back with an upper knee strike embued by my magic. My kick easily cracks his sword but,
*rip* *severe*
"Argh!?"
He pulls a smaller version of his ripping sword from under his coat, stabbing my knee and ripping it apart.
*vrooom*
"Hrrrgh!"
Despite feeling as if my leg had been cut by thousands of knives, I attempted to ignore the pain and push through. Sadly, his sword tore above my knee, sending my leg flying, but not before my leg kicked his sword once more, almost shattering his blade and pushing him back considerably. My kick dragged him across, leaving a burning mark on the ground. Breaking his sword came at the price of losing my leg, as I nearly fell and had to use the flag to help me stand.
"Princess!"
"How dare you!"
The warriors surround the attacker and form a wall around me. I look around and see one of the female warriors bringing my leg shouting:
"Princess nim, worry not! Our shaman can-"
"It's fine... Thank you."
I grab my missing limb and simply attacth it but maybe because of his sword, the wound seem to heal a bit slower but...
"Oooh!"
"A miracle!"
While I can't feel my leg yet, my leg have attacth itself and I can already stand. On the other hand...
*Vroom*
"You dare attack the princess!"
"Kill him!"
"Make him pay!"
*Rip* *Tear*
Countless warriors throw their mettle against the silent attacker, creating a massive ring of blood splatters across while severed limbs scatters everywhere. The black cracks on his sword becomes even deeper as I then get to fully see my adversary. At the centre of the ring of blood, a powerful figure slowly rise wielding a sword strap with chain... Saws? Wearing no top but using his long coat as some sort of cape, he reveals a body that has been tampered by the flames war. Even without anyone telling me, the pressure he exudes is similar to Kagan, no doubt he is...
"You must be Chwa-kin?"
*Vrooom* *Shatter* *Break*
Swinging one last time, his sword cuts through another wave of warriors before the moving edge of his large sword breaks apart. However, that doesn't seem to faze him, as he somehow still cuts through them easily with his hollow sword. He yanks his broken sword from the mound of flesh with both arms to clean it off the limbs and blood, glaring with eyes full of hatred as he replies,
"Your father have decided to pass his job to his little princess. It seems the wound I gave him must've been traumatizing."
(I guess so, if you get hit with a sword like that. I feel like I would have nightmares too. But more than that...)
I plant the flag down and summon forth my halberd. Preparing to face the Supreme Commander of the enemy I reply,
"Kagan is here. I'm just the vanguard you see. The second wave haven't even started yet."
"What!? There's more!?"
"Shut up, you big oaf!"
It seems the magic circle cast below them have dissapeared while I'm busy with the surprise attack.
(That's right, my job is to start the attack. Soon, Kagan and Harun will arrive with the next army).
Unlike the two, Chwa-kin doesn't seem to be faze as he simply raises his the smaller sword that cut my leg saying:
"That just mean I have to simply swing twice as many. But we won't be fighting here, we'll meet you at the inner castle. Everyone retreat back to the inner walls to reorganize, they can have the outer city."
" "We obey!" "
"Oh, we survived!"
"Retreat!"
"Nn!"
*Leap* *Leap* *Leap*
(D-Did we win?)
The black blades shouts back as Chwa-kin jumps into the city and the other follow suit. Wondering if this is a job well done, it seems that doesn't need to be answered as the warriors around me break into cheers.
" "GWISHIN!!! GWISHIN!!!" "
"Charge! Take back our city!"
"Free our families!"
"Avenge the princess! Take the legs of all those Invaders!"
The warriors charge into the city, I disperse my weapons and grab the flag once more waving it left and right shouting:
"Charge!"
" "OOOOAAAAAA!" "
The warriors come in droves as I then decided to take a break and head back to the rear camp.
(This is less physically tiring but mentally).
*************************************
Two moons rise, its sweet glow obscured by the clouds. In a night with no stars, this journey to return becomes quite the chore. It is a of darkness with a distant light at the end of the road. Like star left behind in a past hoping for that sweet gentle kiss of departure.
"Wait a moment, princess! Please stop walking and let us carry you! I know it's sacrilige but I'm ready to pay the price!"
"That's right! We would rather die than see you suffer walking like that!"
A few of the female warriors seem to show concern seeing me walking like someone with a maimed leg and using the flag as a cane but,
"It's okay, I'm sure the King will have something to fix it. Maybe it'll heal in the morning too."
"Then please at least, let us escort you back!"
"As long as you don't die or pay any price then that's fine."
"Oooh... Your kindness is like a Saint!"
"Truly a sacred treasure to the mountains!"
"Gwishin!"
"Gwishin!"
The female warriors cheer at my response and I can only wonder how long this will last and,
"Look! The princess is back! Gwishin! Gwishin!"
"Gwishin!"
"Gwishin!"
"Gwishin!"
Upon my return to the camp, all the warriors there raise their weapons and jugs cheering my arrival.
"Gwishin!"
"Gwishin! Gwishin!"
"Cheers!"
"To the Hero!"
"Gwishin nim!"
*hug*
"Woah!"
Maybe because of the weakened leg, I almost fell from Heon's embrace.
"Aaah! Princess!"
"You brat! What are you doing!?"
"Where did he come from!? Which tribe are you from!? How dare you touch her like that!"
The female warrors surround us and is about to grab Heon but I hold them back quickly saying:
"W-Wait, he is my... brother. Forgive him, he doesn't know the customs that much yet."
" "Brother!?" "
Many of the female warriors plant their heads to the ground shouting:
" "I beg for your forgiveness, sacred beings!" "
Heon who doesn't seem to understand but revel at the authority look back at them saying:
"Hehe, glad you know your place! I forgive you! Now scram!"
"Thank you, Prince!"
"We'll never forget this kindness!"
Heon who probably doesn't know what he did makes all the female warriors surrounding me leave.
(I womder what I can do to make sure he doesn't get over his head? I mean, I don't think I can just try to stop him physically... And I don't like threatening or coercion).
I held barely held on by using the flag before hugs me tighter shouting:
"Welcome back!"
I feel like Heon is slowly becoming like Yoo-Ah, or maybe this is just what it's like having younger siblings... Not that I mind.
(I'm just happy he doesn't seem to be afraid of me anymore).
Hugging back and giving him headpats, I carry him around as I walk to the King's tent.
"I was so angry when you went out without me but since you were so awesome, as Hyung I forgive you."
"Right, thanks for that I guess."
"Hehe- hm? You're walking weird Gwishin nim- what the!? What's with that leg! We need to get it treated!"
Heon jumps dow from my hug and supports me by hugging me from my side but I pat his head replying:
"Its fine, this will heal probably in the morning."
"We can't have that! Wounds like that would make you into a cripple. Let's meet that King and demand treatment."
The warriors all keep toasting, cheering, and calling my new name wherever I pass. Heon seems desperate as he helps me out and I appreciate his good will, or maybe because of him nobody here notice the wound on my leg or my weird walk since he is holding me. We soon reach the King's tent where the guard raise their weapons shouting:
"Welcome back Hero Princess! Please enter, your father is waiting."
"Thank you for you valiant effort princess! My brother can finally rest in peace."
The guards thank us as they open the curtains to let us in. Unlike before the battle, the huge tent looks hollow as no one can be seen. The empty gathering with a lit bonfire at the centre seem comfy as the rowdy outside slowly becomes quiet as the guard close the entrance.
The sound of crackling fire and smell of burning wood calms ny nerve from death as I walk deeper with Heon still sticking very close.
*rustle*
"Welcome back, Dear Guest. And great job, come inside-"
"Wait a moment there, servant girl! Can't you see Gwishin nim is hurt!? Treat her leg first!"
Coming out of the inner tent, Harun comes to greet us but Heon cuts her off. Harun looks at me closer, surveying me top to bottom before staring at my reattached leg saying:
"Oh, I guess you're not someone with the Bow God consitution for nothing. Just go visit my fa- lord first. I'll go grab the medicine... Will a Salve do?"
"You have that? Please do."
Harun nods and walks past us, she then looks back at us before leaving saying:
"We will prepare your meal soon and bring it to you like usual. So just stay here with Lord Kagan."
(Oh? She doesn't stutter his name anymore?)
"Thank you."
"Hurry up! Can't you see Gwishin is in pain?"
Heon lets me go and pushes Harun out before he grabs my hand saying:
"Hehe, you really were awesome out there, Gwishin nim. Let's make sure you get your contributions."
Heon slowly leads me to the inner tent, brushinh the curtain aside Kagan sits there waiting for us with a table filled by what seems to be necklaces.
"Welcome back, Dark Spawn. You outdid yourself and achieve what I was hoping with the second army... Take a sit."
Despite saying that, there isn't any chair but a cloth layed to the floor. Sitting across him, Kagan bows his head again saying:
"Acknowledging your effort, I have to thank you once again. With your contribution we have spared many more lives. By this point, we need not even call upon the second army. Even better yet, we are able to meet with some western tribes and made contact with the west once again. Wether we fail or succeed taking the inner castle, Wenju will still be ours."
"Hehehe..."
Heon chuckles at the news before he stands gesturing with his hands shouting:
"Since Gwishin nim achieve above what she did. Don't you think we deserve some sort bonus? I'm saying give us a reward old man."
(Sigh... Heon... Well, I suppose I don't need to worry about him taking care of himself).
And it seems Kagan have the same thought as he shakes his head and sigh replying:
"Sigh... What do you exactly want, boy?"
"Huhuhu... Simply contribute more to our Fam of course! When we need something you better deliver!"
Kagan who looks at him with a face that seem to had enough simply replied with,
"And let' say we do just that... What can you get from asking us mountain folk? Food? You have more ariable land in that little nation than the entire mountain range. Resources? Boy, you travelled with us the entire week across the mountains with us and do you see anything you can extract let alone harvest in these mountains?"
"Well, isn't there mines oit here? That means there must be ores out here!"
"There's ores yes, but isn't that abbundant everywhere else? I believe your little Republic has more rare minerals in their plains than here. There's a reason why the north was able to secede and gain independence."
"Wha!? What do you mean independence?"
(Oh? Does Kagan know more about the republic's history? I don't remember reading that in the reports... Or did I miss reading that?)
Heon who seem to have his sails taken out folds his arms with a baffled look asking:
"How the hell am I suppose to know about that! T-Then what about food? You seem to be teeming with life here. And since this is such a massive place, there's gotta be at least gems or something!?"
"I don't know where you get your sources boy but take it from me, the King of this mountains, whose ancestors have live here for a thousand years, that the thing that can be called gems here are quartz if you mine deep enough. You said it yourself there's multitude of mines across the mountains, correction abandonned mines. There's a reason why those lowlanders destroyed our homes and just left."
(That sounds sad).
"Grrrgh! Then what's the point of taking over the mountains!?"
Heon brings his hands upwards in frustration and Kagan who seem too accustomed dealing with this simply continues with the work at his table replying:
"Boy, you pretty much quote word to word what all the conquerers throughout history spat."
Heon who seems to be at a lost for words fell to his knees before he then perks up again shouting:
"Right, food! You haven't said that yet! There's no way you can have so many big burly people with so little food-"
*pat* *pat*
"Heon... I think that's enough. We didn't help because of some superficial rewards. Plus, we did this because we wanted the mountain folk to stop attacking us right?"
I ruffle his hair and bring him closer before saying:
"If you really want something why don't you look around the camp and figure out what you can ask reasonably. I'm sure they would be happy to give if you ask very nicely."
"That's right, why don't you actually learn what the mountain folk can bring from talking with the people outside and come back later, boy."
Heon's feet taps restlessly at Kagan's provocation as Heon's face soon turns beet red before he stands once again shouting:
"Fine! I better get the appropriate reward! I'll see what I can demand!"
"Where do you even learn to demand like that?"
"From my Hyung of course! If you're good at something never do it for free!"
(I'm starting to get more curious what kind of person his brother is).
Kagan acknowledges his words with a nod before shaking his head in disappointment replying:
"Hoh? That's quite the word of wisdom if it wasn't coming out of you.
Heon clench his fists in frustration and stomp his feet shouting:
"Uuurgh! Shut it, old man! You think of something as well, Gwishin nim. I'll be back!"
Heon dashes out of the inner tent and runs stright out of the outer tent as well. Wondering if it's alright to leave him out, I decided to trust the mountain folk a bit to take care of that kid. I look back at Kagan and realize how well he took care of Heon, certain of what to ask I lean forward at the table.
Kagan seems to notice as he stops his work asking:
"And what would you the dark spawn wish for? If it is unreasonable you can forget it. Especially if it involves human lives."
(What do you take me for!? But is that what Monster King Vassals usually takes?)
Taking a deep breathe, I try to make a serious expression before asking:
"Um... Say, are you a good parent?"
"E-Excuse me?"
Kagan seems to be taken aback as he lifts his head to look me in the eyes for confirmation. I double down and continue explaining:
"You seem to know what to say whenever Heon becomes unreasonable. I wonder if you can give me some advice on how to handle kids like him? Or how to make him into a proper boy?"
Kagan's demeanor shifts as he leans back, resting his chin on his steepled fingers, lost in contemplation as he searches for an answer. As he ponder, I continue saying:
"I mean, Harun Ssi seems to be able to hold herself back compared to the other servants or Sentinels. While her speech is... Questionable. You must've thought her well or maybe she is just that patient? Wait, just to be sure she is your daughter, yes?"
Kagan's blinks draw out, each one deliberate, before he finally opens his eyes, his expression is appear tense as he tighten his jaw reluntantly saying:
"It seems you already figured it out, But I can't fault you when her acting is so bad and our striking resemblance. Indeed, she is my daughter. As for Harun's attitude, she has inherited more of my flaws than the good ones. Nevertheless, if there's one lesson I've instilled in her as a parent, it's the value of honesty and directness. That's the only effective means of communication with the diverse tribes dwelling in these mountains."
"That explains a lot of things."
Kagan seems to take my answer to heart as he nods replying:
"Be that as it may, while I can't instruct you on what to do with that boy, I firmly believe that while actions holds importance, intentions carry even greater significance."
"Oh?"
Kagan looks past me and towards the curtains leading outside, he grabs one of the necklace with a monster fang saying:
"That Heon boy may behave rudely and unreasonable but his intentions are altruistic. That's why I tolerate his behavior. I may not know how the lowlanders teach their kids, but as King of the Mountains, it's imperative to comprehend and respond to the intentions of the mountain tribes in order to effectively lead such a diverse populace."
"Oooh..."
(Altruistic? What is that? But from the way he speaks he doesn't seem to be mad of Heon... Intentions huh...)
"Thank you for the advice, Kagan. I think I have an idea on how to guide Heon."
"Good luck with that then."
*rustle*
Hearing someone enter the tent, I wonder who it was when Harun enters the room. She gives me the salves with a glare saying:
"You can use this, Dear Guest. And didn't I tell you not to leave the tent?"
"I-I'm sorry..."
"Humph! Anyways, I do hope you can ask that little boy of yours to stop wrecking havoc in the camp."
"What did he do?"
Harun shakes her head and frown replying:
"Since everyone somehow think he is a prince, he has been asking what the tribes could give for tribute. Everyone seems to jump the cliff and perceived this as a challenge regarding how much dowry someone can offer for my- mhm! For the Youngest Princess's hand in marriage.
"Excuse me? What?"
Kagan appears taken aback, his expression souring, as if caught off guard. Finally, it hits me in the head as I remember something else.
"Oh right! I forget to say this but it seems the warriors seems to have mistaken me for you, Harun Ssi. They thought I was the princess."
Harun hearing that looks away replying:
"What are you talking about... Me? A princess?"
Harun talks in such a manner that it just feels even more blatant she's lying, eveb without her telltale gestures. I decided to just call her out replying:
"But, with how you keep almost calling Kagan father and just now... I'm pretty sure-"
"I have no idea what you're talking about~"
Harun shoots me a sidelong glance and wildly waves her arms as she responds. If her gestures fail to raise suspicion, her rigid movements betray her intentions.
"I mean it's just me and your father here, I'm sure you don't mind right, Kagan? You already admited it."
"Sigh..."
Kagan sighs heavily, shaking his head in disapproval. He then closes his eyes and replies with a feeble,
"You did a very terrible job, Harun."
Harun who seems to taken the note, bows her head somberly replying:
"Forgive me, father. I have failed you."
"Still, how did they mistaken me and Heon for royalty anyways?"
Kagan drops his work and stand replying:
"It is a given. You two have been wearing the royal robes and you've been charging with the royal flag, with how most of the tribe folk doesn't know what Harun look like, this is just inevitable... Is this what you want, Dark Spawn? Do you wish for glory?"
(Glory where did that come from?)
He looks down on me as if he's expecting something but I simply brush his worry aside replying:
"Oh, no not at all. I just wanna say it to avoid more misunderstading. Also, I believe your advice is enough for a reward. I'll go stop Heon now."
Kagan walks past me seemingly satisfied by my answer before replying:
"No, stay here, dark spawn. I'll be the one to bring that boy back since I also nudge him to leave. It'll also clear the misunderstanding."
*grab*
Harun stops Kagan from leaving as she "tugs" at his cape with a tense face saying:
"Father, if the K.I.N.G himself comes to pick up the boy, I think it'll do the opposite. Everyone seem to be caught too far in their own dillusions as well. I'll go instead."
Kagan turns around to face her with the same tense face replying:
"You foolish daughter, if anyone witnesses a servant of the royal family escorting him, it will only exacerbate the problem."
(What happened to me picking him up? And hearing all of this just reminds me of how Sis tells me that the truth just seem to widen the lies).