In the stillness of the day, tapping sound echoed within a room in utter succession. They were chess pieces, and at each end of the chessboard, two figures engaged in the game while also holding the conversation going.
"How about we talk more seriously, Hugo?" Leornado, sitting cross-legged on his chair, made a move.
He wore a simple beige tunic, casual, light-brown, cotton trousers, and deep brown sandals.
"Whatever do you mean, Your Majesty?" Hugo also made a move on the chessboard.
"I've avoided the topic because I wanted to see what you had up your sleeve, but I don't think I can turn a blind to it any longer."
"Which would be?" Hugo inquired, their game coming to a temporary halt.
"When will make your move?" Leonardo answered with a question of his own, their sharpened eyes locking on each other's gaze.
Hugo clasped his hands together and rested them on the table. His face, slowly getting covered in shadows, only let the glow of his eyes escape it.
"Don't worry. I won't reprimand you for what you have done, or what you'll do in the future. I simply want you to tell me why you've been so stationary since that incident at the academy 3 years ago."
With shoulders on the table and hands clasped together, Leonardo rested his chin on them, the golden-yellow glow of his eyes also escaping his shadow-covered face.
Hugo smirked, his expression softening into mild amusement.
"As you wish, Your Majesty. It is not as if I was trying to hide anything from you to begin with."
"Is that so?" Leonardo also had a smirk playing on his face. "Then you wouldn't mind telling me what you did with the two runaways that you've been supporting, right?"
Hugo's eyes slightly widened at the words before letting a resigned chuckle.
"It would seem that I can't hide anything from you, Your Majesty."
"Dear no. This is simply a conclusion I reached through my own deductions. After all, it was my late father who put you in your current position. I wouldn't be surprised that he knew more of your plans than anything I could come up with."
"No need for such humility," Hugo leaned back on his chair and gazed at the swaying flora surrounding them, the fresh breeze hitting his face softly.
He then glanced back at the smirking Leonardo before turning his face towards him once again, offering a pleased and knowing smile.
"The simple fact that you've been able to uncover so much says to Your Majesty's abilities."
"Enough flattering Hugo. You've always held a special position in this structure that rules Elderngard," Leonardo began, his words building a chain of layered facts that even Hugo couldn't deny.
"The Norrkan district in the North, Soalia district in the South, Westzel district in the West, Ostia district in the East and then the central district, Therion. These five districts form this little land I rule called Elderngard, and nothing beyond it still exists. Civilization fell during the Cataclysm and humanity was reduced to what remained of Elderngard's ancestors."
Hugo stayed silent, his gaze implying that he too knew of this history.
"For 300 years we've survived and come back from the brink of ruin. We obtained the means to fight off our invaders and built this safe haven with our blood, sweat and tears. Each of the Cardinals plays a role in the stability of Elderngard. Whether it'd be the Rotsguards and their Jaegers Association, the Argos and their Sentinel Investigative Bureau, the Ludwigs and their Genesis Magic Corporation or even the Howards with the Realizer Public Management Office."
"Of course. I'm well aware of that," Hugo gaze locked onto Leonardo's blank yet serious expression.
"Yes. I know that you do. Since behind this gear called the Cardinal Alliance where the Enfilia Royal Family serves as the central cogwheel that makes everything move, you exist. The one they call the Master Magus."
"It has been a long time since I've heard someone call me by that monicker," Hugo closed his eyes in contemplation momentarily. "But why talk in circles Your Majesty? What is it that you want to convey to me?"
"Vanishing Point management and monster subjugations. Public security and investigation. Magical research and development. And then public management and registration of awakened Realizers. In this system that controls our society, I act as the regent that brings harmony to everything. But what about you and your academy?"
Slowly but surely, Hugo could tell that Leonardo was tying and tightening a collar around his neck called the truth.
"A neutral place created to nurture the future generation. But what of the dean of this academy? Is he really that neutral? I have been led to believe that you most certainly aren't," Leonardo seemed to have already seen through Hugo's intentions, albeit partially.
"So tell me. What were you thinking on that day? That child, Ace Blakelord. What does he represent to you?" Leonardo rested his head against his left hand as he pierced Hugo with his gaze.
Hugo had a knowing yet impenetrable smile that hid each of his real thoughts.
"Your Majesty certainly is a most impressive individual. I was given the position of dean, yes, but I also admit that I have my own motivations for each of my actions."
"And this Ace Blakelord is the final piece you needed on your chessboard for your plan to come to fruition I presume."
Hugo hid nothing as he replied with a simple "Yes."
"Then what of the other child? The girl. What role does she serve in this plan of yours?" the atmosphere around Leonardo became more relaxed.
Hugo pondered for a moment. "Even I wouldn't be able to tell, Your Majesty. All I can say is that the path she will choose will be the variable that decides if my efforts were vain or if they'll bear fruit."
Leonardo stayed silent, reflecting on Hugo's words.
"I suppose I should release you to your schedule now. But before I do, let me ask you another question," Leonardo rose from his seat, walking slowly towards Hugo until he stood before him.
"If I leave you be, will you bring harm to Elderngard?" Leonardo stared down at Hugo with a killing gaze.
Hugo simply raised his right hand and put it on the left side of his chest, precisely above his heart.
"I swear it upon my own life," Hugo bowed towards Leonardo. "I shall never let harm come to our land, even if I have to stain my own hands with an unforgivable sin."
Leonardo could feel the weight of Hugo's loyalty in his words.
"In that case, do as you wish," Leonardo turned his back on Hugo and then simply started walking away.
Hugo rose from his seat and then bowed once more towards Leonardo as simply offered a "Yes, Your Majesty."
"And a word of advice," Leonardo stopped momentarily in his steps. "I do have my qualms about the use of children in the adults' affairs, so I hope those children won't have to bear any more burden than necessary."
The distance between Leonardo and Hugo became larger as the old man pondered on the King's words, repeating the same response but with a tinge of guilt in his tone.
"Yes… Your Majesty," Hugo's voice carried an undeniable burden that he did not allow to weigh him down.
On the other hand, Leonardo only had a single train of thought as he reflected on his conversation with Hugo.
'You are on a thorny path Hugo. And there's no telling what awaits you at the end of it.'
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With a door sliding open, fresh out of the bath and wearing a simple and comfortable white T-shirt and squared, purple pajama pants, Emilia was drying her hair with a towel as her gaze fell upon Ace's sleeping form.
His hair, though trimmed, had grown longer. His body and skin, unlike that of a normal comatose person, hadn't weakened, lost its color or grown thinner. Instead, it was as if he was just sleeping.
"I'm home," Emilia announced herself as she approached him, her blank and seemingly tired expression staying locked onto Ace's face. "Though I guess you wouldn't really care either way in your state."
'I'm so tired,' her eyelids grew heavier as she then shut off the lights.
The next instant, she joined Ace in bed, her body against his as she covered herself with the bed sheets and her hands clutched his cloth as if to be sure he wouldn't disappear.
As sleep gained her and her eyes fluttered until they shut closed, a single phrase escaped her mouth: "Good night… Ace."