As the sun dipped lower, painting the sky in shades of gold and amber, Jerelr appeared at Egemed's house gate, calling out cheerfully.
Egemed stepped outside, the gentle autumn breeze rustling through the leaves, carrying the faint scent of falling foliage. Together, they walked toward the Valley of Breath, their footsteps soft on the winding path, the warm glow of the evening wrapping around them. The world seemed to pause, as if it too wanted to watch the two of them share this quiet, fleeting moment.
When they reached the top of the hill, the world opened before them.
A soft breeze swept past, carrying the faint scent of pine and sun-warmed earth. The golden light of late afternoon spilled across the grass, turning every blade into a thin thread of shimmering bronze. Below them, the valley stretched wide and quiet, the rooftops of Nephelion glowing like scattered embers.
Egemed slowed his steps, breathing in deeply as if the air up here felt different—lighter, freer. For a moment, neither of them moved. They simply stood side by side, watching the wind roll across the hilltop like a silent, drifting wave.
Jerelr shaded his eyes and let out a long breath, breaking the stillness.
"Ahh… it's beautiful and calm as always."
Egemed only smiled and nodded.
After a brief silence, he asked quietly,
"Jerelr… what did I do yesterday?"
Jerelr immediately burst into laughter.
"Ah, you were drunk."
Egemed's face warmed with embarrassment.
"And what else? If I did anything wrong, I'm sorry. It was my first time drinking."
"No, you didn't do anything wrong," Jerelr grinned. "You were drunk and stared at me—(laughing)—and I didn't do anything except guard the door. I was standing near it, and suddenly you asked, 'Why are you dancing?'" He doubled over laughing.
Egemed covered his face with one hand, laughing at himself.
"Really? I said that?"
"Not just that," Jerelr continued, still grinning. "After finishing the whole glass, you just plopped onto the floor—face down. You stayed like that for a while, singing or mumbling something. I couldn't even understand it. So I picked you up and made you sit on the bed."
At that, Egemed became alert. His heart beat a little faster, wondering if Jerelr remembered anything… important.
"Did you drink as well?" Egemed asked carefully.
"Yeah, I did—after tying your hands. I was afraid you'd hit me if both of us got drunk."
Egemed chuckled.
"Is that so?"
"Yes. And after I drank, I got dizzy too. I don't really remember what happened later. When I woke up, you were sleeping soundly beside me, so I took off the tie and went to the kitchen."
"Why didn't you wake me up?"
"Brother Ege," Jerelr said softly, "you were sleeping so peacefully. You didn't even move when I untied you. So I thought… let him sleep a little more."
Egemed smiled lightly.
"Is that so? Haha… alright then. Thank you."
He looked at Jerelr, hoping for a hint—anything—that Jerelr remembered what truly happened. But it was clear he knew nothing.
It's fine, Egemed told himself. Jerelr didn't do it on purpose. He just forgot… he was drunk. I don't mind.
They sat down on the soft grass, chatting like they always did.
Egemed glanced at Jerelr with a bright smile.
"I can't wait to publish our book. Only two weeks left. Do you want to go somewhere?"
"No," Jerelr replied, "but until my birthday… can we spend every afternoon here? On this hill. We'll bring tea and write our book until evening."
"Sounds good," Egemed agreed. "Tomorrow I'll bring tea and coffee. You bring snacks, okay?"
"Oh, you chose the easy one."
"No, I'm used to making tea and coffee for my parents," Egemed laughed, slapping Jerelr's shoulder. "And what's so hard about snacks? Just buy something—you don't have to cook."
"But… okay."
"Tomorrow we'll visit the construction site too," Egemed added. "We can bring food for the workers before afternoon."
"Yes. Want to make a bet?" Jerelr's eyes sparkled.
"What bet?"
"The building—how long it'll take to finish."
"For what?"
"If I'm right, you take me somewhere far from our country. And if I'm wrong, you decide what to do with me."
"Alright," Egemed smirked. "And if I'm right… you take me somewhere far too. I want to visit the ancient royal castle in Chesior."
Jerelr's eyes widened.
"Wow! Especially King Reseus Newerty's statue. I want to see it too. A legendary king."
Egemed nodded with admiration.
The Legend of Chesior—
Reseus Newerty I, the founder of Chesior—he built the kingdom alone. At only twenty-three, he led the lowly commoners in a rebellion against King Valdion III, a cruel tyrant who treated peasants like objects, killing and tormenting them for sport. Valdion had every weapon—guns, explosives, soldiers trained for war. Reseus had only the poor, armed with swords, horses, bows, and faith.
People believed God Himself fought beside them.
In the final battle, Valdion screamed curses from the top of his castle as he commanded his knights to kill Reseus at any cost. But in his rage, he lost his footing—and fell. Reseus rushed to him, raised his bow, and shot Valdion through the heart.
Egemed sighed.
"Yes… a king I admire deeply. I wish he were still alive. He died long before I was born."
"You'll meet him in heaven, Brother," Jerelr said.
Egemed chuckled.
"I need him here on earth, not in heaven. Heaven is only joy and peace, right?"
Jerelr smirked.
"Oh? So you want him to help you serve the poor and homeless?"
"Haha, yes. Exactly."
"It's fine—we can be like them too," Jerelr said. "I'll be King Valdion and you'll be King Reseus."
"Wait, what? So we're enemies?" Egemed gasped.
Jerelr laughed.
"No! Let's pretend Valdion and Reseus were best friends—just like us."
Egemed lay back on the grass with a happy smile, watching the sky.
He whispered, "I wish this moment would never end."
And so the two of them spent the rest of the evening together—talking, laughing, teasing—until night settled over the hill and they finally walked home.