"Very well, you can leave now. The master of coin will take care of your accommodations. Go speak with her; her door should be open.
And please call Yustina in."
?????: "Of course, sir, and again, thank you so much."
After some minutes, Yustina came through the door but stayed there.
"Master, did you ask for me?"
"Yes, please come in."
Yustina moved to the center of the room.
"I want to start by saying thank you for all the good work that you have done till now. I will appreciate it."
Yustina blushed.
"So I want to offer you something in goodwill. You can have the opportunity to go to this institute called school. This is a place where you can learn a trade or become a master of it.
But before you say anything, I think you should take it."
"Can I speak, sir?"
"Of course."
"I truly appreciate the opportunities you've provided me.
But I want to continue to serve you."
Kratosus accepted the answer.
"I feel lucky to be part of your ruling and to work for someone who fosters such a positive and supportive work environment."
"Thank you."
And they exchanged a look with each other.
"Now, I hope you have packed your things. We are returning to KY. We leave today."
"Yes, I have, master—mine and yours."
"Thank you. Find a way to enjoy this; you have left because I will meet King Cora now, and we hope to sail as fast as I return."
"Ok, sir."
*****
The Ra servant brought Kratosus to an outdoor area where he saw:
A grand yet intimate setting in an outdoor garden, where the atmosphere reflected respect. The table was set with fine food, and there's a sense of celebration mixed with melancholy. The "kings" are seated across from each other with their masters around them.
King Cora:
"Your Majesty, it has been an honor to walk alongside you through this journey. Few can understand the weight of responsibility we've shared, but your wisdom has always illuminated the path ahead."
King Kratosus:
"The honor has been mine, my friend. It's rare that two such kindred spirits cross paths in this world. Together, we have carved legacies, but as all things must, our time together comes to an end. Still, I know the mark you've left will endure, as will the memories of our many triumphs."
"Indeed, our victories shall be well earned. And while our roles may part today, I have no doubt we shall cross paths again in different forms, even if not as we are now."
"I agree. The world may be vast, but the bonds we've formed are unbreakable. Farewell, but not goodbye. May you continue to reign with the wisdom and courage you've always shown."
"To new journeys, to past triumphs, and to a friendship that will never fade, no matter the distance between us."
Both "kings" toast and share a quiet moment of reflection, signaling the continuation of an era and celebrating the legacy of their collaboration.
*****
The first day of sailing:
Two guards talking:
"Sailing is quite peaceful, isn't it?"
"Eh, I don't know. I bet you have never been under-rammed by a pirate ship."
"Rammed? What is that?"
A third guard:
"Captain, Master of Ships' ship just got rammed by two pirate ships."
"This is rammed."
Kaden Strong, the Lord Commander, goes to inform the king.
Kratosus was there enjoying a book.
"Sir, Lord Kieran's ship just got rammed by two pirate ships."
"What? How?"
"I don't know, sir. Come and see for yourself."
Kratosus ran for the upper deck.
The ships were undocking now with hostages.
"Can't we do something?"
"We are turning this around to shoot them with arrows."
"How didn't nobody see them?"
"They came through a strong rhyme, and they were extremely fast that we couldn't dodge them."
"Fuck. But now, why are they just leaving? Won't they attack this ship also?"
"I don't know."
"Unload a small boat and send them to the ship. Tell them to look for survivors."
*****
They returned with a piece of paper.
The letter:
"If you want to see these people again, people from KY, bring us our leader."
"Their leader? Who is it?"
"I believe it's called Noah Crab."
"Where is he?"
"Dead, sir."