father… will you truly do that again?
( Amon asked, doubt trembling in her voice )
The murmur of her words dissolved into the vastness of the throne room. The echo returned warped, as if the walls themselves were whispering something that should never be heard. Outside, the kingdom stretched beneath an oppressive sky, shrouded in unmoving clouds, dense… almost alive.
The king, faced with his daughter's question, merely sighed. A long, heavy sigh that seemed to drag centuries of stained decisions behind it.
no, my daughter… that will no longer be necessary. I believe the perfect subject has appeared.
( The king said, placing his hand upon the cold surface of the window and gazing over his kingdom )
His fingers slid slowly across the glass, as though caressing an invisible idea. From that height, everything looked small… fragile… manageable.
you don't mean the boy Zarathoz brought, do you? The one who has been causing so many problems lately?
( Amon asked, a hint of irritation in her tone )
Her brow furrowed. There was something about that boy that deeply unsettled her. It was not merely his presence… it was that indescribable sensation, as if something were watching from behind his eyes.
The king only turned his head slightly and placed one finger over his lips, signaling for silence.
The air grew heavier.
Amon clutched her head, clearly irritated, while the king walked with soft steps toward his throne. His cape brushed against the floor with a barely perceptible sound, like a whisper dragged across marble. He sat down once more, with a calmness that bordered on disturbing.
well? What do you plan to do with him?
( Amon asked, somewhat annoyed )
The king crossed his feet and rested his face against one of his arms. The mask concealed his expression, but not the expectant gleam in his eyes.
nothing.
( The king said softly )
huh?
( Amon said, incredulous )
nothing. I will do nothing… for now.
( The king reaffirmed calmly )
I will simply let him be.
( Cain said in a peaceful tone… far too peaceful )
The silence that followed was uncomfortable, tense. As if the very room rejected that answer.
ahhh… I don't know what you are planning, but I need to be informed of whatever it is you intend to do. I do not want something to slip from our hands beyond our control. The other kingdoms could seize the slightest excuse to strip you of your position as the central crown. The eyes of the world are upon us—do not forget that. So, if there is anything I should know, I beg you to tell me now.
( Amon said seriously )
The king lowered his gaze slightly.
For a moment, he remembered Helios's warnings… those whispered words before he altered her memories. Warnings about something dangerous within that boy. Something that must not be provoked.
Something that must not awaken.
But the king smiled beneath his mask.
do not worry, everything is fine.
( The king said cheerfully )
There was no warmth in that cheerfulness.
ahh… very well. And tell me, do you wish for me to inform the other masters about this?
( Amon said, glancing at Helios )
Helios remained there, still kneeling, trembling. Her eyes were wide open, fixed on a nonexistent point. Slight convulsions ran through her body like electric spasms.
no, that will not be necessary. Just take her to her chambers. Tomorrow she will remember today quite differently… do not concern yourself with that.
( The king said kindly )
That kindness was the most disturbing thing of all.
very well, Your Majesty… I shall take my leave for now.
( Amon said, releasing a weary sigh of frustration )
Amon, who had knelt once more, rose to her feet. She approached Helios and lifted her into her arms. Her body was rigid, cold… too aware and, at the same time, absent. Her pupils barely reacted.
then we shall see each other soon, father.
Amon began walking toward the doors, ready to leave the throne room. Her steps echoed hollowly. But before she could cross the threshold, she was interrupted by His Majesty's voice.
and, my daughter… do not be so harsh with the boy. For now, let us simply observe him, shall we?
( The king said in his gentle, sweet tone )
Sweet as poison.
Amon looked at him over her shoulder, barely turning her head. Her eyes reflected distrust… and something else. Fear, perhaps. Then she continued on her way in silence.
The doors closed behind her with a deep, final thud.
The hall was left in suffocating stillness.
The king remained seated upon his throne, unmoving, staring at the dark ceiling where irregular shadows seemed to shift despite the absence of wind.
I wonder what expression you will wear in the end…
( The king said in his mind )
His fingers tapped slowly against the armrest.
I can hardly wait to see the final result.
( The king said with excitement )
A contained excitement… almost childish.
but I suppose that, for now, we shall allow you to have a normal day.
( The king said peacefully )
End of chapter.
Next chapter: demonstration of abilities