Whatever happened to the surge of energy I felt that day? Was it just a fluke? If I keep dodging its attacks, it will obliterate the entire forest. I'm already running out of trees to bounce from, and I can't remain on the defensive forever. My stamina is barely keeping up with it. My best I can do for now is kill it in one shot. But how? Since I don't have a weapon, a tree branch might do. One that is sharp and sturdy at the same time. There's enough wind here to enhance its strength. Now where could I…there!
When I grabbed the branch, it felt as though the tree itself handed it to me. In my grasp, it quickly transformed into an iron spear. It felt light, sharp, and powerful all at once. If I thrust this into its head, it will surely die, but how do I reach that high? There are no more trees around it that are tall enough. Hm? Where did these vines suddenly come from?
"Wait! What are you doing? Stop that. It tickles! Haha!"
I can't believe I'm being teased by tree vines at a time like this. It seems the forest is adamant about destroying that thing. This might do the trick if they launch me hard enough.
"Alright! I'm ready!" I shouted.
I leaned back against the tree vines, which stretched all the way back before they lunged me upward. Using the wind as a footstool, I thrusted my body forward, and jabbed the spear through the snake's lower jaw, which perforated through the top of its head. It let out a loud screech as it tumbled to the ground and dissipated into the air. The spear had reverted into a tree branch as I collapsed on the ground.
~Meanwhile, near the manor
"The noise appears to have ceased. Thank goodness."
"Whatever it was, must have run away."
"Did you see anything when you went outside, Amie?"
When I heard the commotion in the forest, I instantly rushed outside out of concern for the slaves. However, what I saw in that forest was a terror that will plague my dreams with nightmares for a long while. It was difficult to see who was fighting it at first until I saw Ivy and Clover rushing out of the forest.
"Unfortunately, I saw nothing. It must have been a bear brawl."
"No wonder it was so loud. We should report this to his grace upon his return."
"I cannot believe they came to fight so close to…"
"I know! How scary…"
+++++
The feeling of the rain hitting my face felt as though I was receiving a facial massage. It was pouring heavily, so the soil beneath me felt humidly pleasant as well. How long have I been lying here like this? I attempted to sit up, but every muscle in my body began to hurt. I must have strained myself when I defeated the giant snake. Wait, where am I exactly and why am I surrounded by dirt? Is this a hole? Strangely enough, it fits me perfectly.
"Shall we cover it up now?"
That's butler Damian's voice! Are they referring to this hole? Hold on a moment. Do they think I'm dead?
"Could we wait just a little longer?" whined Ivy, as she continued to sob along with the others.
"Did any of you hear that?" asked Clover.
"Hear what?"
"The rumbling of the earth under our feet?"
The sudden burst of a giant pile of mud emerging out of the hole frightened them so much that they screamed in panic as they frantically ran away. Even butler Damian shrieked like a damsel, which sounded quite hilarious.
+++++
When the truth blew up in his face, he retaliated by drawing his sword at me, which he instantly regretted. I didn't have to lift a finger to defend myself as Leo seized the opportunity to teach him his place. His incompetence caused the loss of many lives, yet he acts as though it was a mere trifle. The king stripped him of his title as the crown prince and threw him in prison indefinitely. I wasn't expecting his punishment to be so severe, but it all worked out for the best.
"How many casualties from last night's watch?" I asked sternly while steering the reins of my horse.
"Merely five injured, and no reported deaths, your highness."
"Very well. Have the injured sent to the mages for treatment. As for the rest of you, go refresh yourselves."
"Sir! Yes, sir!"
He's brimming with enthusiasm yet again. I placed Uler as the head of the night watch since he seemed to be the strongest among his brothers. I suppose I've made the right choice as he's been impressively keeping everyone in line like he was born for the role. Tonight, I plan on having Uwol join him since he is an expert archer from what I could see. I'm sure he'll fit right in. As for the other two, I'll have them go on the front lines with me and Leo for the first time today. I need to see for myself what they are capable of.
"Enemies approaching! Enemies approaching!" bellowed the soldiers.
The signal horns from the watch towers raised a commotion throughout the camp while the soldiers scurried to get in battle position. I dispatched vice Commander Maddox and his team at dawn, so they should be fine while we're on our way.
+++++
"Father. I wish to leave Ipera."
"What preposterous balderdash are you on about now, prince Jonathin? Are you perhaps under the influence again?"
I have endured my father's daily scornful admonitions for far too long. It is time to call an end to it. A useless son, a failure, a coward, and many more. Those are the terms I am often referred to by my father ever since I was deposed. Soon enough, my brothers will most likely follow in his footsteps.
"Prince Kazein has finally accepted me as one of his own. Therefore, I am no longer a part of your family. Isn't this good news? The stain on the family's bloodline is finally removing itself. This calls for a celebration, your royal highness."
They were neither shocked nor angry. The queen's face was as emotionless as everyone else's. Father let out a heavy sigh as he shook his head in disappointment. The only person at the dinner table who looked unhappy was my little brother, prince Caleb. He was clenching the tablecloth in front of him as he glared at me in discontent. I burst into laughter as I repetitively slammed my fist on the dinner table. I felt hurt, yet all I could do was laugh like a madman in order to hide my embarrassment.
"Do as you please. The crown prince will dispose of you soon enough once he realizes you are merely a useless fool with nothing to offer."
Family, huh?
+++++
'Dear brother, it has been five long years since you left for Lithiar during which we spoke very little. My first born, Cadhiel, is turning four years old in a few months, and my daughter Abrielle has just started taking her first steps. You have missed all the precious moments in my life. How could you of all people do this to me?! The war ended nearly a year ago, yet you insist on lingering in Lithiar under the guise of participating in the restoration project. Don't tell me this has to do with a woman.'
"Fati! I want to pop it! Can I pwease?"
**Translation: Pwease: Please
"Young master, I can't let you do that because it will hurt."
It's like watching two kids frolicking together. She hasn't matured one bit. Oh, I know…
'It appears Fatima is pregnant and as such, we took care to change her living arrangements out of concerns for her unborn baby. We suspect that Tomario, one of our recently hired gardeners, is the father of her child, but we haven't confirmed anything yet. Anyway, I hope you come back soon, brother. I truly miss your resting angry face. Sincerely, Emilia Reva Kartier.'
"That ought to do it. Summon butler Damian for me."
"Right away, your grace."