My thoughts raced as I stood outside the room that Allen rested in, it's been days since I've seen my best friend, but it's felt like years. He wouldn't be awake yet, but that's fine. Just seeing him would calm me on so many levels.
I was more excited than usual when Adeline brought it up, I didn't think the medics would let me see him so soon. But I guess with their technology, he'd be in a more presentable state now.
The door suddenly jerked open, and out stepped a doctor holding an electronic clipboard and wearing a lab coat, the resemblance to home was unmistakable. I wonder who invented the trend first. A note to look up these small details imbedded itself in my mind.
The doctor looked up from his board and bowed at the sight of me, "Ah, Emperor Sebastian, welcome."
I put on my most sincere smile, "Doctor, I owe you so much for taking care of Allen these past few days."
The good doctor waved it away, "Ah, don't mention it. It's my job to look after the sick and wounded. Your friend fell into that category, so I was happy to oblige. No problem there."
I shrugged, my excitement overwhelming any other feeling. This man had saved my best friend and I felt I was truly in his debt, and would find a way to repay him somehow. I'll think about it for the next few years.
"Anyway, since you're here to see Mr. Allen, I highly recommend you make the visit short. He still has some recovery to go through, and rest is the only way to make sure that it goes well."
I nodded, that was something I could agree to. Even seeing Allen at this point in time was a treat that I'd treasure, and the quicker we could get him healed, the faster we could decide what to do with him.
I'd leave the choice of coming with me or going home up to him. I'll admit that the battle that we got caught up in not too long after I boarded the ship caused me to forget all about Allen's parents. They must be worried sick about him, and if he desires to go home, I understand.
I understand, but my heart doesn't. But I have to respect that he still has a home. A family, parents. And I wouldn't ever hold him against his will.
But that was a talk for when he awoke, and I will see his wish fulfilled. Even if he wants to leave.
The doctor stepped aside and gestured in.
"Please try to keep it quiet in here," he simply said before bowing again and leaving.
I nodded and entered. Adeline followed behind, but my Knights took position around the door.
Hooked up to several devices that I could only guess were for his health was Allen. He lay in a large kingsized bed, it looked very, very comfortable. He was out, and I hoped that if he dreamed, it is a good dream.
Minus the equipment in the room, I wouldn't have ever guessed that he had faced down death the other day. He looked well taken care of, and this continued to reinforce the fact that I owed the good doctor and his crew a debt.
The room was as comfortable as his state allowed it to be, several fine chairs decorated the area to accommodate visitors, a nice rug rested under the bed adding a little more flavor. Decorations decorated the room; paintings, candles, glasses, even flowers.
He was living well in here, too bad he couldn't experience right now.
I smiled and approached the bed, and sat down in a chair that was positioned beside it.
Adeline took up position behind me and said nothing the entire time.
I was content with that, I was even content to even sit here with my unconscious friend while he rested. And for just this moment, everything in the world felt very right.
***
I left Allen's room wielding an air of peace that hasn't been with me since before this mess even began.
I walked in silence, remembering the way back to my room without the need of Adeline guiding me. I would have been surprised had I not been feeling this great. My companions followed behind, I didn't know if they knew of our destination or figured we'd be lost in five minutes.
But I couldn't care right now. Life was great for the moment, and nothing could disturb the feeling.
I steeled my resolve as I entered my suite, the empty room acting as the lobby of my temporary home. My Knights followed behind and took up their usual positions. They were diligent, something I could respect and learn from.
I ignored the inviting couch and chairs, and headed straight for my room and opened the door. Before entering, I turned back to Adeline, who followed behind me.
"Would you please find me several history books from around the ship? And other types of literature from Galia?"
She bowed, "As you wish."
I smiled and stepped into my bedroom.
I had a few days remaining until we arrived in Galia. Training with weapons would only do so much at a time, I had might as well make the most of this freedom while I had the chance.
And what better way to make sure of it than to study the history of my country?
***
"We'll arrive in Galia tomorrow, my lord, and we must make sure you're ready. We'll have you board a dropship. It'll take you straight to Count Syldi's estate. While there, you'll be masquerading as Count Syldi's sole Quanstar. Before you ask, a Quanstar is a citizen that a noble person as accepted to train. Some nobles may see you as being his heir since the good Count has no other children to speak of. It's no uncommon for Quanstars to be adopted."
Folduin and I sat in my suite lounge as he explained the next day's planned events. The last few days had passed quickly, with me receiving updated reports on Allen's condition while skimming over a large magnitude of information of Galia and training with weapons.
Tomorrow was the big day that I'd enter Galia, and to say I was nervous would be an understatement. This would be the biggest undertaking I had ever done in my life, and I could not afford a blunder.
Folduin continued as he swallowed a mouthful of milk that had been served by Adeline, "We have arranged for several other minor ranking nobles to assist with the plan. They all will have suddenly come across their own new Quanstars and will send them to the academy as well to act as decoys. We can't allow the other nobles to find out who you are and where you're staying."
I nodded and agreed with the plan. It made sense, I had to prioritize my life over others. And it made sense. But it wouldn't make the pain any less if one of these people gave their life for my cause. It wouldn't make me forget them either.
Before I knew what had happened, I felt like I was growing more and more into the mindset of a leader. It scared me, I previously would have never wanted someone to give their life to me. Or so that's what I wanted to believe. I can't say how I'd act if it came down to it. I want to believe that I'd be heroic and tell them to run, but could I have really said that and forfeited my own life?
Folduin continued, "Once the ship arrives at Count Syldi's home, we'll have meet with the Count. He will help settle you in, and instruct you on politics and several of your allies, and potential enemies in the court. But he'll also instruct you on the politics of nations surrounding Galia."
Folduin shrugged as his eyes followed mine, "It won't be an easy path, but we have confidence you can do it."
He grinned and took a bite of something that looked like a biscuit, but was more of a snack and really good.
"There will be a small contingent of Royal Knights there with you, more will arrive over time. Zurlian will also accompany you, as he is one of the highest-ranking Captains in the order."
Zurlian who stood behind Folduin bowed, "I will always remain by your side, your Majesty."
Some of the nervousness fled from me from Zurlian's display of loyalty.
"Adeline, as well as other servants, will attend to you as well at the estate, and they will be going with you to the Academy too. I won't be able to stay for long as I have to summon a Quathian. It's a gathering of all nobles, governors, merchants, and generals. We'll discuss the events of what has happened over the past few days. They won't know where you are though." Folduin finished explaining, I found myself listening carefully.
I had to admit, it sounded like this was getting more complicated by the second, but I know what I signed up for.
"So, any questions?" Folduin curiously asked.
I had none, but I had many expectations for tomorrow. A new chapter in my life was about to begin and I could not afford to disappoint.