The students of Class Two eventually left Alaric alone in his bed.
After some time, the sun began to sink toward the horizon, painting the sky with the last traces of daylight. One by one, everyone returned to their own residences.
Only Lalanat and Elara remained beside Alaric.
He had curled himself into a ball beneath the blanket, one hand pressed against his stomach while his knees were drawn toward his chest.
Neither of them knew what to do.
They simply stayed there.
Quietly.
Helplessly.
Watching him.
For a long while, neither said a word.
Eventually, Lalanat slowly stood.
"I think I'll go cook something. How about you stay with him?"
Elara looked at her and gave a small nod.
Before leaving, Lalanat glanced at Alaric one more time.
Then she quietly walked downstairs toward the kitchen.
As she walked, her mind replayed the moment she had seen him.
His face had been covered in blood.
His eyes had barely been open.
She had never seen Alaric like that before.
When she reached the kitchen, she leaned against the sink and released a long breath.
That was the first time I've ever seen Alaric lose.
She closed her eyes for a moment.
I knew there was a possibility that he would lose... but not like that.
Her fingers tightened slightly against the edge of the sink.
Is Arasa really stronger than Alaric?
The thought remained in her mind as she finally turned around and began preparing something to eat.
Inside Alaric's room, Elara remained beside him.
Somehow, despite everything, Alaric had managed to fall asleep.
His breathing had become quieter.
Elara watched him for a while without saying anything.
Then, slowly, she reached for his hand.
His fingers were still warm.
"Please... you have to get better," she whispered.
She lowered her gaze.
"I still have things to tell you, you idiot."
A faint smile appeared on her face before disappearing again.
She slowly took the amulet hanging around her neck and held it close to her face.
Then she closed her eyes.
Silently, she began to pray.
---
Elsewhere, Caelin and Arasa stood beside the river, watching the sun slowly disappear behind the mountains.
The breeze moved gently across the water, brushing against their faces.
Neither of them spoke.
For a while, they simply stood there.
Eventually, Caelin broke the silence.
"Your work here is done."
He turned his head slightly toward Arasa.
"What are you planning to do now?"
Arasa released a quiet breath and looked toward the setting sun.
"Well... I think I'll probably move once things around here settle down."
Caelin turned toward him.
"That isn't what I'm asking."
His voice became more serious.
"Your village is already destroyed. Where will you live after you get your wife and children back?"
Arasa turned toward him.
For a moment, he said nothing.
Then a small chuckle escaped him.
"As for that... I don't really have a plan."
His smile slowly faded.
"Our village was the only place I've ever lived. So, honestly, I'm pretty lost about what I'm supposed to do next."
He paused.
"I'm just glad my wife and children are safe. Anything that comes after that can't be as difficult as what I'm going through right now."
He looked toward Caelin.
A sudden gust of wind swept between them.
Both men raised their arms slightly to shield their faces.
After a few seconds, the wind settled.
Caelin looked back toward the river.
"Why don't you live in Bane and serve as a soldier there?"
Arasa looked at him.
"The pay is good. And I'll talk to my father about it."
Caelin paused.
"Once I'm back from here, there's something I want to do."
Arasa raised an eyebrow.
"Something you want to do?"
Caelin crouched down and picked up a small stone.
"I've just decided to take down the writer of my life."
He looked at the stone in his hand.
"So I can write my own fate... and take control of my own life."
He threw the stone toward the river.
Arasa watched it disappear into the distance.
"That's a huge aim..."
He paused.
"But I'm not sure about living inside Bane."
His expression became more serious.
"Living inside the kingdom that once threatened me and destroyed my village... it feels wrong."
Caelin crouched down and picked up another stone.
"You probably want revenge, right?"
He looked at Arasa.
The question caught him off guard.
Arasa stared at him for a moment before giving a small smile.
"If I said no, I'd be lying."
He looked down at the ground.
"But if it's for the safety of the people I love, then it's better that I accept my fate."
He paused.
"Besides, like we said the other day, revenge or war doesn't really solve anything. It just plants the seed for the next one."
He released a heavy breath.
"And someone like me going against a nation as powerful as Bane would just be suicide anyway."
Caelin remained quiet for a moment.
Then he looked toward the kingdom in the distance.
"It is big."
He tossed the stone in his hand.
"Especially from the outside."
The stone disappeared beyond the river.
"That's why we have to start from the inside."
Arasa stared at him.
Then slowly turned toward Caelin.
Caelin looked back.
"I think you owe me one."
Arasa raised an eyebrow.
"For helping your family."
Caelin turned away.
"So I hope to see you again in Bane."
He started walking.
"I'll talk to my father. Make sure you're there."
He lifted one hand and gave a small wave.
Arasa's eyes remained fixed on him as Caelin slowly disappeared into the distance.
"I hate it..."
A small smile appeared on his face.
"But he's right."
He looked toward the river.
"I was even allowed to fight here only because he accepted me."
For a moment, Arasa remained where he was.
Then he looked once more at the sun sitting between the mountains.
Afterward, he slowly turned and walked in the opposite direction.
---
Meanwhile, at the Palace of Valerith.
King Conrad sat inside his room.
The room was quiet.
Then came a knock at the door.
Knock. Knock.
His gaze shifted toward it.
"Come in."
The door opened.
General Edric stepped inside and bowed slightly.
King Conrad raised one hand.
"Sit down, General."
He gestured toward the seats in front of him.
General Edric removed his helmet before taking a seat.
King Conrad cleared his throat.
"What is it that you want to tell me?"
General Edric straightened.
"I think there is an investigation going on into Principal Clerk."
He paused.
"Several kingdoms seem to be involved. Caelwyn, Balp... I'm not sure about all the details yet. I'll have to gather more information."
King Conrad's expression became serious.
He lowered his gaze and gave a small nod.
"Where did you hear about this, General?"
He looked directly at Edric.
"And is it something we should be worried about?"
General Edric cleared his throat.
"I placed a maid to help me gather information."
He paused.
"She told me that generals and knights from Valerith have been looking into Principal Clerk because there has been a request from other nations. She overheard part of their conversation."
King Conrad remained silent.
He lowered his chin into his hand and thought for a while.
"It wouldn't be much of a problem if it were only Valerith."
His eyes narrowed.
"But if the king of another nation has become involved, then we should be aware of our situation."
General Edric bowed.
"Yes, sir."
"Prepare your men."
King Conrad's voice became colder.
"And keep watching Clerk."
He paused.
"If you receive any news that King Midus is trying to speak with him personally... take Clerk out."
General Edric remained still.
King Conrad looked toward him.
"Or perhaps..."
His expression hardened.
"It's better if we deal with this sooner."
General Edric fell silent.
After a moment, he stood.
"I'll wait for your order."
He placed his helmet back on.
Then he bowed once more before turning toward the door.
Just as he was about to leave, the door opened.
Caelin stepped inside.
He and General Edric stared at each other for a moment.
The general bowed before walking past him.
Caelin's gaze followed him slightly.
Then he turned toward his father.
"Father."
Conrad looked toward the voice.
"Ah, my son."
He gestured toward the seats.
"Take a seat."
Caelin sat down.
"What was that about?"
He looked toward the door.
"Is something happening?"
King Conrad shook his head.
"It's nothing."
He paused.
"We were discussing when we'll leave Valerith and return to Bane."
Caelin nodded.
"Hmm."
"So when do you plan to leave?"
Conrad thought for a moment.
"I think we'll leave after the award ceremony."
He leaned back slightly.
"Once we're ruling the nation, we can't spend too much time away from our seat of power. I need to return soon."
"Yeah, I see."
Caelin nodded in agreement.
Conrad raised an eyebrow.
"So, what brings you here?"
Caelin looked at his father.
His posture relaxed slightly.
"Ah... I was thinking."
He paused.
"Since Arasa is free now, how about you let him stay in Bane?"
King Conrad became quiet.
He thought for a moment.
"Well, he killed quite a few of our soldiers and injured many others."
He looked toward Caelin.
"I'm not sure that will be easy."
"I think he helped me a lot here."
Caelin's voice remained calm.
"I just think we should at least let him stay."
He paused.
"Considering we destroyed his home village and all."
His eyes shifted slightly.
"Besides, he's not a bad fighter. He could be useful to us."
He looked directly at his father.
"So I'm really hoping you'll think about it."
Conrad suddenly laughed.
"Haha..."
He clapped his hands together.
"You're indeed my son."
He smiled proudly.
"I like how you're thinking already."
His smile widened.
"Leaving that Alaric behind really was a good choice for you."
Caelin's expression immediately became uncomfortable.
He forced a small smile.
"Well..."
Conrad's expression became more serious.
"Here's the thing."
Even if we wanted to use him, there's no guarantee he'll agree to stay with us after we've set his wife and children free."
He paused.
"And even if he agrees to join us, we can't be certain he'll remain loyal."
His voice became slower and firmer.
"Recruiting your opponent also gives them an opportunity to stab you in the back."
Caelin straightened slightly in his seat.
"I'm already talking to him about that."
He paused.
"And I don't think he has much choice anyway."
His eyes became sharper.
"Besides, I don't think he's stupid enough to go against the king or the nation all by himself."
He paused.
"Especially when he has someone he wants to protect."
Silence settled over the room.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then King Conrad laughed again.
"HAHAHA!"
Caelin remained still.
"I think you've won this one."
Conrad smiled.
"If you've already spoken to him, then let it be."
He leaned back in his seat.
"Besides, it's already time for you to start taking matters into your own hands."
His expression softened.
"Think of this as part of your learning. I'm here to back you up, so don't worry."
Caelin bowed slightly.
"Thank you, Father."
After a while, Caelin stood.
"I think it's getting pretty late. I should get going."
"Alright, then."
Conrad smiled.
"Goodnight. And enjoy your victory."
Caelin bowed before leaving.
He opened the door and stepped outside.
Once it closed behind him, he leaned against it for a moment.
He released a quiet sigh.
Then he pushed himself away from the door and walked down the corridor.
Inside the room, King Conrad remained seated.
He stared toward the door his son had just walked through.
My son is becoming more and more reliable.
A smile slowly formed across his face.
Perhaps it's time for us to expand our land.