Elric realized then that this laboratory was similar to Crazy’s. The only difference was that Crazy’s laboratory in the Forest of Illusions was connected to the demon realm while this one was clearly connected to the god realm. The only reason Elric could sense the bridge was because of his time in the demon realm. It must’ve made him more sensitive to dimensional changes. The regular person would most likely never be able to tell the difference; the only reason Elric could do so was because Crazy threw him into Nadirheim.

The Archiereus invited the three youngsters to sit on top of a square cushion, another thing Elric liked about Karthian traditions. In Karth, people preferred to sit on cushion or mats instead of sofas and chairs. When idling, they preferred to sit on cushions stuffed with cotton or feathers and were exceptionally comfortable to rest upon. Elric was already prepared to buy one or two when they reached Kradyne.

Now that everyone was seated, the conversation soon turned to Vantus. As the three spoke, Myron listened as if trying to understand more about the legendary hero.

The three of them felt unworthy of conversing naturally with a magus as knowledgeable as Myron was. Perhaps only someone like Vantus would be able to. But Elric wasn’t very sure how to best explain their story of how they met Vantus to him.

Once the story was told, Myron leaned back onto his cushion as if preparing to sleep on it. “You must be aware of today’s state-of-affairs, correct?” He asked after a period of silence.

“Yes, my understanding is that your nation is preparing for war.” Kite replied earnestly.

“That is correct. The nation has been gradually gearing toward war ever since my old friend Roth passed away.”

“A kind person of your stature surely must be able to shift the balance toward peace.” Kite spoke, “That is, if willing.”

“I understand your meaning. The prosperity of one’s nation is an ideal many strive for, I myself included. But using power to subdue others is not always the ideal path to prosperity. What I can or cannot do is something I understand better than you over I.”

Realizing the impoliteness of his words, Kite stood up to bow. “O’ Mighty Archiereus, please forgive my presumptuous words just now.”

The magus shook his hand, “No matter. Misunderstandings happen often. All is forgiven as long as one resolves these understandings when possible.”

“I presume you are aware of Sir Kebrilio’s desire to avoid war as well. Unfortunate is he that he is unable to influence the court. The hard-line faction within our nation rose to power with Roth’s passing and influenced public opinion. I shall place my hopes upon your shoulders to change that opinion.”

“Our shoulders?” Kite repeated.

“What 

can

 we do?” Jerry groused as well.

The only one to not question the elder magus right away was Elric. 

“Sir Magister, would you perhaps be talking about our meeting with the hero Vantus?”

Myron nodded. 

“Legends are not merely legends, spoken for the sake of nationalism and entertainment. He is respected within the hearts of men, very few would ever dare to raise their hand against their own heroes. Should you seek to promote peace, then appear as our heroes apostles to Karth. What the people oft need is a symbol. A cause one can stand for, whether it be for a god or a hero. One that can lead others onto the proper path where wrongs can be avoided.”

The three trainees fell silent as they ruminated on Myron’s words. His guidance left each of them with a separate perspective.

Kite was thinking about the best way to make use of Vantus’ image to establish the foundation of peace between Sovereign and Karth.

Jerry had honed in on Myron’s words to establish themselves as apostles of Vantus. If he could manage to do that, then he’d be able to secure a safe place for him no matter where he went in Karth.

Only Elric’s mindset differed from the other two. He wasn’t thinking about Sovereign’s safety or the aggressive expansionism of Karth. All he could 

really

 think about was the ‘path’ Myron mentioned. Over and over again, he thought about what it meant to ‘guide’ others and what ‘path’ they were to be guided on. Try as hard as he might, but Elric couldn’t think of an answer. What path was Sovereign and Karth supposed to walk?

The three sat there upon their mats, silent. In another room, another youth was deep in thought on top of their mat. But unlike those three, whose thoughts were focused on philosophy, this person’s thoughts were focused on reality and the immediate future.

This person was the princess of Sovereign, Flania.

She had been in the same room with Hecaris III ever since the banquet finished. Seated on top of one of two sofas, the princess opened her mouth to speak only to be beaten to the punch by Hecaris III.

“Princess Flania, you are truly beautiful. The color and fashion of your dress, both of which are of my taste. I admit, I am quite moved, but I knew of your plans prior to your arrival. I am sorry to say I have already another in my heart.”

The princess was taken aback. From the information they collected, the princess gathered that Hecaris III wasn’t a very capable and decisive ruler. Moreover, the ruler was a very straightforward and casual person, just like the report said he was. From that, the princess had already thought the man to be a very young and rather uninspiring leader. But now that they were alone, this new side he was showing was far too surprising to Flania.

“It is not my intent to establish peace between our two nations with marriage. And if I am being honest, I do not particularly wish for war either. Those who wish for war most are the regional lords wishing to expand their influence and wealth, something I don’t particularly care for. My Court, with the exception of Kebrilio and my Paladin Order, are calling for war. Chancellor Somiret and Duke Hughesin have been especially adamant. One is a part of the wealthiest house in Karth while another is a leading figure amongst the border territory lords. Without Kebrilio and my paladins, I fear not even my position is safe.”

“Then are you under pressure by them to declare war?” Urged the princess.

“Nay, war would be declared eons ago were that the case. With war my influence shrinks while theirs grows. What nation would I go after next? What nation would be left for them to conquer but mine own?”

She could tell the emperor was mocking himself.

A war had no particular benefit for Hecaris III, thus why he was so unwilling to start one. It was therefore in his best interests to stand united with Flania.

That is, if his words could be trusted.

Could they afford to trust Hecaris III? And if so, how should they proceed on this mission? If they helped Hecaris III solidify his position, then would a new threat emerge from the shadows? This was an important factor to consider. Should they aim to unify the Karthian Empire under the emperor? Or should they aim to balkanize Karth even further? What were the pros and cons of both scenarios? Who could Flania consider a friend and who would be a foe? How powerful would either side be? And also: which side did their pursuers back in the Fire God’s Pasture belong to?