"He was not a hero, not a saviour—just a man trapped in a fate he never asked for, fighting against the chains unseen."
The corridor in front of the Temple's medical chamber was filled with frantic activity. The Hierophant healers and Acolytes rushed back and forth, carrying potions and bandages to treat the wounded.
Some injured soldiers were supported by their comrades as they walked, while others lay on stretchers, their faces pale and their wounds still fresh.
I sat leaning against the wall, feeling a sharp sting in my shoulder. The dried blood made my clothes stick to my skin, and the crushing exhaustion made every breath feel heavy. Beside me, Aarav remained silent, his head lowered, his hands resting on his knees. He looked distant, his mind likely still trapped in an internal battle that had yet to subside.
I was just about to speak when the sound of hurried footsteps caught my attention.
"Nio!"
I looked up just as a blur of movement rushed toward me. In the next moment, I felt something collide with me—tight, warm, and filled with worry. Zura's arms wrapped firmly around me, nearly knocking me off balance.
"I've been looking for you everywhere! Why are you just sitting here?!" Her voice was laced with emotion, her breath ragged as if she had been running nonstop. "You're hurt, Elenio! Why haven't you gone inside?!"
I could feel her trembling and could hear the panic woven into her words. Zura was scared.
I exhaled softly and tried to give her a weak smile. "I'm fine, Zura. It's just a scratch—"
"A scratch?!" She pulled back slightly, her gaze dropping to my bloodstained shoulder, and her expression immediately hardened. "We need to get inside. Now."
"Zura—"
Before I could say anything more, another voice cut into our conversation.
"You're being dramatic, Kazura."
I turned to see Finnian approaching, his expression indifferent but his eyes gleaming with sharpness. Behind him, Tavon stood with his arms crossed, silently observing each of us.
Finnian stood with his arms folded, his gaze flicking from Zura to me with a hint of derision. "A minor wound like that isn't worth all this fuss. You heard him yourself—Elenio said he's fine, didn't he?"
I lowered my head slightly, unwilling to start another argument. The wound hurt, but compared to what others had suffered, it was nothing. I didn't want to trouble anyone over something so small.
Zura let out a quiet sigh, then turned to Finnian, her eyes gentle yet firm. "Finni, Nio is bleeding. He should get treated, shouldn't he?" She shifted her gaze back to me. "Come on, let's go see the healer. I'll go with you."
Finnian's sharp stare lingered on Zura before he scoffed and looked away, clearly displeased with her actions.
"Stop it, Zura," I took a step back, pulling away from her touch.
"You're making me look pathetic, and I told you—I'm fine."
"You are pathetic," Finnian muttered.
Zura sighed, turning to Finnian with a weary look. "Finni, stop it. Don't start another fight."
"Whatever," Finnian muttered, his gaze shifting to Aarav, who still seemed uncertain of his surroundings. His eyes narrowed. "And you? Do you not feel guilty about all this chaos?"
I tensed. My heartbeat quickened at the sharpness in Finnian's voice. He had never liked Aarav from the start. Now, with the situation still so fragile, I feared Aarav might lose control again.
"Finnian, don't—" I tried to speak, but my voice was drowned out by the rising tension in the room.
Finnian scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest as he glared at Aarav with disdain. "Are all humans from Earth like you?" he sneered. "I've seen plenty of Astral Voyagers before, and not a single one of them acted this poorly. They arrived, they adapted, and they fought without complaint. But you? You've done nothing but cause trouble from the start."
I saw Aarav clench his fists, his shoulders tensing, his jaw tightening.
"I never asked to come here! You were the ones who brought me against my will," Aarav finally snapped, his voice low but filled with restrained fury. "You rip people away from their lives and force them to fight? Maybe you should fix your broken world first before dragging others into your mess."
Finnian let out a sharp, mocking laugh. "You should be grateful," he said coldly. "You were already dead in your world, but Midgaria gave you a chance to live again. Not everyone is that lucky."
Aarav's head shot up, his eyes blazing with anger. "I'm not dead!" he shouted, his voice echoing down the corridor. "I'm still alive! I had a family, a future! Don't talk about me like I'm some corpse that should be thankful for standing here!"
I swallowed hard, feeling the heat of his rage radiating in the air. For a brief moment, a faint shimmer pulsed around him before vanishing just as quickly, as if his anger had almost awakened something else.
I watched as Aarav bit his lip, his body trembling as though he wanted to fight back but couldn't find the right words. I didn't know if it was because he had no answer or because, deep down, he feared Finnian might be right.
Zura glanced at me, her expression laced with worry as if silently asking whether she should intervene. I knew Aarav was still struggling to reject the reality that had been forced upon him, and pushing him further wouldn't help.
Finnian rolled his eyes in exasperation. My heart pounded. Knowing his recent attitude, I doubted he would back down or choose his words carefully. The way he rolled his eyes told me he was about to say something condescending—something that would only escalate things between him and Aarav.
I knew Aarav was still in denial, still refusing to accept the truth of his situation, and forcing him to do so now would only make things worse.
"We can't force you to accept something you're not ready to face," I said, trying to defuse the tension. "But remember, I made you a promise, and you agreed. It might take time, but I will keep that promise."
Finnian raised an eyebrow as if trying to decipher what I meant by 'promise.' It was best if no one knew about it—for Aarav's sake. Because in reality, in the past 700 years, there had never been a single recorded case of an Astral Voyager returning to Earth.
But there was one thing that wasn't a lie—the inscriptions on the stone tablet. I had found it. I recognized the script, though I could only read fragments of it. It spoke of the connection between Earth and Midgaria. My assumption was that it had something to do with the summoning ritual, as the tablet had been located in the ruins where the first ritual was ever performed.
Maybe it wasn't about a way back to Earth, but perhaps it was a clue… I didn't know yet. I wouldn't know until I returned there. For now, I would let this be the foundation that kept Aarav's hope alive so that he would trust us and help us.
I took a shallow breath, making sure no one noticed the uncertainty that weighed within it.
While Aarav didn't respond, his gaze softened slightly. Though it was clear, he was still shaken and rejecting reality, at least he no longer looked like he was about to explode again.
Finnian seemed like he wanted to say something else, but Zura cut in gently. "Finni, give him some space. Every Astral Voyager needs time to process what's happening. I think we should let him adjust first."
Finnian huffed but eventually nodded, conceding. "Fine, but we can't wait forever. Sooner or later, whether he likes it or not, he'll have to step onto the battlefield," he muttered, half to himself.
I looked at Aarav, who was still lost in his thoughts.
"Try to adapt first. Maybe it will help. I'll assign a few people to assist you while you're here," I said.
Aarav didn't look at me, simply remaining silent and turning his face away.
I could only hope that, in time, he would find a way to accept this reality—even if it meant defying the fate that had placed him in our world.
~~~
I let out a long sigh, feeling the muscles in my back tense after hours of sitting at the emperor's desk. The pile of documents I had been reviewing was still scattered across the surface, most of them concerning the internal affairs of the empire following the summoning ritual incident.
It had been three days since that day. Grandpa and Uncle Arca were still unconscious in the temple's medical chamber. They hadn't been moved to the imperial palace, as the treatment there was far more intensive, with the best facilities and constant supervision from the Hierophants and healers.
Meanwhile, Aarav… He was still shutting himself away. Since his arrival, he had barely stepped out of the guest room assigned to him. Every time someone tried to approach, he would only give short answers—or, more often, no response at all.
I glanced down at the basket in my hands. Inside was a warm Honeyflan and a pot of herbal tea that Zura had specially prepared. Hopefully, this would soften his heart, even if just a little.
"Why am I doing a servant's job now?" Finnian's voice rang beside me, half-lazy, half-annoyed.
I lowered my head slightly, intimidated by his irritated tone. "He hasn't been eating properly for three days, and soon, we'll be in the same expedition team. I think it's good if you come along too, Uncle Finnian."
Finnian grimaced at the title. "Stop that! Just call me Finni. I'm not that old for you to call me 'uncle,'" he grumbled, still clearly displeased.
Zura smiled softly, cupping the teacup she was holding. "At least he spoke a little to me yesterday. Maybe we can try again tonight?"
Finnian let out a long sigh. "Yeah, let's just hope he doesn't throw something at us."
I swallowed hard, recalling how Aarav had flipped the dining table this morning—his pent-up emotions since arriving in Midgaria finally exploding. During breakfast, a prince of the empire who had joined the meal had casually—or perhaps intentionally—made a snide remark:
"Astral Voyagers should be more grateful for the opportunity to serve Midgaria instead of sulking like a spoiled child."
That comment had been the final straw. Aarav had been trying to endure, to make sense of his situation, but hearing someone speak as if his life was no longer his own had sent him over the edge. In an instant, he flipped the table with a powerful shove, sending food and dishes crashing to the floor.
Tavon and a few soldiers had quickly stepped in before things could escalate further. Still, by then, Aarav had already lost his appetite. Breathing heavily from anger, he had stormed out of the dining hall and locked himself in his room, where he remained until now.
I exhaled heavily.
With a bit of hesitation, I raised my hand and knocked on Aarav's door. No response.
"That guy is really shutting himself in, huh?" Finnian muttered, then, without warning, pounded on the door with force. "Oi, Astral Voyager! Open up, or I'm breaking the door down!"
Zura and I stared at him in horror.
"Finni! Don't be rude!" I quickly grabbed his arm in panic.
Finnian glanced at me nonchalantly. "What? This is more effective."
Sure enough, footsteps echoed from inside, and then the door cracked open. Aarav stared at the three of us with a tired expression, his eyes filled with exhaustion. "What do you want?"
I cleared my throat nervously. "W-we brought food. And tea."
Aarav eyed us warily as if we were about to force poison down his throat. He hesitated for a moment before stepping aside and allowing us in.
Zura set down the tray containing the teapot, tea, and a few cups on the desk while I placed the basket of pastries on the table in front of him.
"What's this?" he asked, pointing at the basket with suspicion.
Before I could answer, Finnian had already grabbed a Honeyflan and taken a bite without hesitation. "Food. Don't worry, we're not planning to kill you—yet."
Zura shot Finnian a sharp look. "Don't make him even more suspicious."
Aarav scoffed, crossing his arms. "I'm not afraid of being poisoned. I just… don't trust the taste of food in this world."
Zura smiled gently and sat across from him. "Don't worry, I made the tea myself. I'm sure you'll like it."
Finnian casually placed a Honeyflan on a plate for Aarav. "If you don't want to eat, that's up to you. But you'd better eat something before you end up dying again from starvation."
Aarav narrowed his eyes. Before he could respond, Finnian added, "Well, if you want to starve to death and become a wandering ghost, I won't stop you. But I'll tell you this—this world doesn't have many strong Astral Voyagers. It would be a waste if you died so easily."
Aarav stared at Finnian for a long moment as if trying to figure out whether he was joking or not. Then, reluctantly, he picked up a Honeyflan and took a bite.
His eyes widened instantly.
"This… isn't bad," he muttered under his breath.
Finnian smirked. "Of course. Midgaria might be filled with monsters and war, but we still know how to make good food. You're lucky you didn't arrive during the famine years. Back then, the only thing we had to eat tasted like—"
"F-Finni," I quickly cut him off before he could make things worse.
Zura chuckled and poured tea into a cup. "Try the tea as well. It'll help calm your mind."
Aarav took the cup with a doubtful look and sipped it. And immediately, his face twisted in horror.
"THIS IS SO BITTER!" He nearly spat it out but forced himself to swallow with a pained expression. "Is this tea or torture medicine?!"
I quickly covered my mouth to stifle my laughter while Finnian burst into loud laughter. "Hahaha! I knew this would happen!"
Zura blinked in confusion. "But… this is the best herbal tea for soothing the body and mind…"
Aarav stared at Zura in pure horror. "If this is what you call soothing, I'd rather stay stressed!"
Finnian almost choked on his pastry from laughing too hard. "Come on, Astral Voyager! Drink more. Maybe this way, you'll accept your fate faster!"
I let out a long sigh, watching as Aarav continued glaring at his cup as if it were his sworn enemy.
But at least this was progress. Aarav might still be filled with anger and confusion, but… he was starting to open up.
Even if it meant forcing him to drink bitter tea first.
I cleared my throat gently, trying to get his attention as he kept glaring at his cup with a suffering expression.
"So..." I began, my voice almost trembling. "We need to discuss something... rather important."
Aarav stared at me blankly. "You already told me that I'm dead and thrown into an unknown world. I'd say everything is already pretty important."
Finnian chuckled. "Haha, fair point. But don't worry, this one is even more important than that bitter tea you just drank."
I swallowed hard, feeling even more nervous. I glanced at Zura, seeking reassurance, and she smiled softly as if to say, You can do this.
Ignoring Finnian's teasing, I continued, "It's about your training, Aarav."
Aarav raised an eyebrow. "Training?"
Zura nodded gently. "You can't just jump into battle without knowing how to control your power, can you?"
Finnian clicked his tongue. "If you can't control it, we might all end up as ashes or something. I'd rather not die because of an Astral Voyager with the emotional stability of a child."
Aarav stared at Finnian with an unreadable expression. "Oh, I can control it just fine."
Finnian arched an eyebrow. "Oh, really?"
"Yeah. I can direct it straight at your face." Aarav smirked.
Finnian feigned shock, placing a hand on his chest. "Oh my, I feel so threatened." Then, he turned to Zura and whispered, "Is it just me, or is he angrier than other Astral Voyagers?"
Zura giggled softly while I sighed deeply. "Finnian, please don't provoke Aarav."
Finnian raised his hands innocently. "What? I'm just testing his emotional stability. Honestly, if he can't control his powers, I'm not teaming up with him. I'd like to live a long life."
Aarav smirked. "Trust me, I'd rather drink five pots of Zura's tea than be on a team with you."
Finnian clapped Aarav on the shoulder with a wide grin. "Ah, see? We already have something in common. This is a great start."
Zura blinked, staring at her teacup with a puzzled expression. "So… my tea really is that bad?" she asked softly as if struggling to accept the harsh truth.
Finnian, who usually enjoyed other people's suffering, suddenly looked a bit guilty. "Eh… well, maybe… a little too strong?" he said, attempting to sound diplomatic.
Aarav scoffed. "A little? It tastes like something you'd drink to ward off evil spirits."
I cleared my throat, trying to regain their attention. "Alright, enough about the tea. We have something more important to discuss."
Aarav let out a long sigh, still eyeing his cup with suspicion. "Good idea. I don't want to remember that taste again."
I glanced at Zura, who puffed her cheeks slightly in frustration. It was... cute, I wouldn't lie, but that didn't change the fact that her tea was a disaster.
"According to the Hierophants' reports, your power is known as Ancient Alchemy—the same kind the first Emperor wielded," I explained, shifting my focus to Aarav.
Finnian raised an eyebrow, looking confused. "Ancient Alchemy? Haven't all Emperors used Alchemy? The previous Emperor had the same magic, didn't he? Why add Ancient to the name?"
I shook my head. "Not exactly. Regular Alchemy operates within the laws of nature—transmuting elements, accelerating reactions, or creating materials from existing ones." I met Aarav's gaze with a serious expression. "But Ancient Alchemy… it's different. It doesn't just change matter—it has the power to alter reality itself."
Aarav narrowed his eyes, looking unimpressed. "Altering reality? That sounds like some fantasy nonsense."
I let out a heavy sigh. "You were summoned into this world through a magic circle, which is already absurd enough, so why are you suddenly questioning fantasy now?"
"Yeah, fair point. Does that mean I have some kind of incredible power?"
Finnian crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back in his chair. "Incredible? Maybe. But if you can't control it, you'll just be a walking disaster. I don't want another repeat of the temple incident three days ago."
Aarav scoffed. "So I'm a threat now?"
Finnian shrugged. "I'm just stating facts. You can alter reality, but if you don't know how to use it properly, you might accidentally turn this palace into a flock of giant chickens."
"In short, Aarav's power can bend the laws of nature at will." I opened a book to a page detailing the First Emperor's abilities. I placed it on the table for everyone to see. "Want to give it a try?"
Aarav eyed the book I had opened, his brows knitting together slightly. "So, this is some kind of manual on how to use Ancient Alchemy?"
I shook my head. "No. It's just a historical record of the First Emperor. To understand your abilities, you have to look at your own Arcana Codex."
Aarav glanced at me suspiciously. "And what is that?"
I folded my arms. "The Arcana Codex is the manifestation of its owner's soul. It takes the form of a book, but it isn't a physical object. Anyone with high-level abilities possesses one—it records all their skills and potential."
Finnian smirked. "So basically, the Arcana Codex is a magical personal book that appears out of nowhere and reveals all your power's secrets?"
I nodded. "More or less."
Aarav raised an eyebrow. "And how do I see mine?"
"Did you know that the thing you summoned when you lost control at the temple was your Arcana Codex?" Finnian asked casually.
Aarav turned to him with a furrowed brow. "What?"
"It's true," Finnian nodded, still sporting his usual smug grin. "When you blew up half the room and nearly made the Hierophants faint in terror, something appeared around you. That wasn't just any magic—it was your Arcana Codex."
Aarav frowned. "I don't remember anything like that."
"Of course you don't," Finnian smirked. "You were too busy throwing a tantrum like a kid who just had his candy stolen."
Aarav scoffed. "I was overwhelmed by my emotions at the time. I don't even know how that power was activated, and I definitely didn't see any book."
Finnian clicked his tongue. "Is that so? Well then, let's try something a little more visual."
Zura, who had been quiet until now, finally spoke. "I'll show you first," she said softly.
She took a deep breath and raised her hand in front of her chest. In an instant, shimmering ice crystals floated around her, forming a ring of light. From within that circle, a large book materialized, hovering in the air. Its cover was a brilliant silver-white, adorned with intricate frost-like engravings that glowed faintly.
Finnian let out a low whistle, clearly impressed despite it not being the first time he had seen Zura's Arcana Codex. "Huh, as expected of the vice-captain of Battalion 13."
Zura simply offered a small smile before glancing at me and then turning back to Aarav. "See? This is what we mean by an Arcana Codex."
Aarav remained silent, his expression unreadable.
Then, Finnian stepped forward confidently. "Alright, my turn."
He raised one hand, fingers slightly spread apart. The air around him vibrated as if an unseen force was trying to break free. Golden light gathered around him, forming glowing lines that floated midair, encircling him like a magic sigil. From within that radiance, a grand book emerged—its cover was pure white, engraved with golden patterns that pulsed like a living heartbeat. A soft, golden aura surrounded its edges, burning faintly like a gentle flame.
"This is my Arcana Codex," Finnian announced proudly, his eyes gleaming with challenge as he stared at Aarav. "Pretty cool, huh?"
Aarav glanced at the book briefly before letting out a long sigh. "You all make this look so easy."
The Astral Voyager then turned to look at me as if expecting me to do the same as Finnian and Zura.
"Don't look at him like that," Finnian scoffed. "He doesn't have an Arcana Codex."
Aarav snapped his gaze back to Finnian, then returned his eyes to me. "Wait. You mean... you're the only one here who doesn't have one?"
I nodded slowly. "Yeah. I've never had an Arcana Codex. That's why I can't use magic like most people in Midgaria."
"Why is that?" Aarav tilted his head.
"I was born this way," I replied simply. "Anyway, back to the topic—why don't you try summoning your Arcana Codex too?"
"How?"
"Just do what Zura and Finnian did." I looked at him seriously. "You just need to synchronize with your power. The Arcana Codex comes from your soul. Feel its presence, call it to the surface, and let it answer your summons."
Aarav let out a small scoff. "Easier said than done."
"Nothing is easy the first time," Zura said gently. "But I believe you can do it."
Aarav took a deep breath and closed his eyes, trying to sense something within himself. But as moments passed… nothing happened.
"Maybe you need to get angry first, like back at the temple," Finnian teased, patting his shoulder. "Want me to punch you?"
Aarav opened one eye and glared at him. "You lay a hand on me, and the only thing coming out won't be my Codex—it'll be my fist in your face."
Finnian let out a short laugh. "You say that as if I'd be scared."
I cleared my throat, trying to stop Finnian before things escalated into an actual fight. "Finnian, this isn't the time."
Zura also spoke up. "Aarav, don't take the bait. Just focus again."
Aarav let out a frustrated huff but closed his eyes once more. This time, his brows furrowed, his expression resembling someone trying to remember the lyrics of a song stuck on the tip of his tongue.
Finnian tilted his head. "What's wrong? Constipated?"
Aarav growled. "I'M TRYING TO FOCUS!"
Zura quickly covered her mouth, stifling a laugh. I could only sigh.
Seconds passed, and suddenly… something in the air began to shift.
A faint layer of energy flickered around Aarav, like heat waves rippling over a fire. A subtle pressure pulsed outward, almost invisible but undeniably present.
Finnian blinked. "Oh? Did I actually manage to piss him off?"
Aarav didn't respond, staying deep in concentration. Then—
BOOM!
A small explosion erupted right in front of Aarav, strong enough to send my hair flying back and make Finnian stumble.
From within the crackling energy, something began to take shape. The air around Aarav trembled more intensely until, finally—
A large book materialized, floating in midair. Its cover was pitch-black, adorned with deep crimson and gold engravings, pulsating with a golden glow that throbbed like a heartbeat. The eerie aura it emitted sent chills down my spine. Ancient symbols swirled around it, and for a brief moment, the room felt heavier, as if an unseen force was pressing down on us.
Finnian whistled. "Not bad. I thought you'd summon a coloring book."
Aarav remained silent, scrutinizing his Arcana Codex.
I swallowed hard and spoke. "That's your Arcana Codex, Aarav."
He raised an eyebrow. "So this is what you were talking about?"
I nodded. "An Arcana Codex is the manifestation of your soul's power. It's not just a book. Within it lies everything connected to your magic—or, in your case, alchemy."
Finnian tilted his head. "Why does it look… more dangerous than ours?"
I studied the Codex more closely. Its black cover looked like ancient, worn metal, with crimson engravings that pulsed as if breathing. The golden symbols on its surface twisted and shifted on their own, like living entities trapped within the pages. There was something profoundly deep—and almost untamed—about it.
Zura frowned. "Your Codex feels… heavy. Not physically, but in its presence."
Aarav narrowed his eyes at the book. "And how do I use it?"
I was just about to answer when—
BOOM!
The Codex exploded again!
This time, the blast was even stronger.
Aarav staggered back, coughing as his face got covered in soot. Zura, Finnian, and I were all thrown back by the shockwave that followed.
"Stop making things explode! Do you plan on committing murder in a closed room?!" Finnian yelled, waving away the lingering black smoke.
"I don't know why it's exploding!" Aarav snapped.
Finnian and Aarav were engaged in a heated argument about the soot and the explosion that had just occurred in the room. Finnian kept criticizing Aarav's power, which he still couldn't control, while Aarav responded with nothing but curt remarks. Meanwhile, Zura and I were busy securing several documents that were on the verge of turning black from the soot.
However, before we could finish our respective tasks, a sudden, forceful knock resounded on Aarav's door.
Tok! Tok! Tok!
"Your Highness, the Crown Prince!" a palace guard's firm voice rang from outside. "Several nobles are requesting an urgent meeting with you and the Astral Voyager! The situation is critical!"
I immediately choked on the air.
Aarav stared at the door with a bored expression. "Hah? Why am I included?"
Finnian, who had been lounging casually, straightened his back at once. "What?" His voice jumped an octave. "They 'requested' the Crown Prince to come? Shouldn't they be the ones waiting to be summoned?! Since when did lowly nobles dare to issue orders to the imperial family?!"
I glanced at Finnian in surprise. From the few days I had known him, I had assumed he would be the first to mock or ridicule me in a difficult situation. But now… he was actually angry?
If I recall correctly, he had been the most adamant in the meeting about refusing to let me join this expedition. And yet, now he seemed much more tolerant.
The guard outside the room hesitated before finally speaking again. "I'm merely delivering the message, Prince Finnian. They said it's a matter that cannot be delayed."
Finnian clenched his fists, his face filled with displeasure. "Those nobles are getting out of hand."
I swallowed hard. Honestly, I hated being ordered around like this. I might be a coward, and I might not have the courage to defy them directly, but I wasn't someone who could be treated however they pleased just because I wasn't Grandpa. However… seeing Finnian get angry on my behalf was something new.
Aarav let out a wide yawn. "I still don't get why I have to be involved. If this is an imperial matter, what does it have to do with me?"
Finnian furrowed his brows and shot him a sharp look. "Are you stupid?"
Aarav raised an eyebrow, returning the stare with equal disdain. "I'm smart enough to know when not to care."
Finnian exhaled heavily before smirking in mockery. "You're an Astral Voyager. From now on, imperial matters are your matters too. Better get used to it—those nobles are going to work you like a horse until you can't tell day from night."
Aarav crossed his arms. "Oh? I wonder… if I pretend to be an idiot, do you think they'll stop relying on me?"
Finnian chuckled. "They'll just turn you into a bargaining chip instead. Like—" he suddenly altered his tone to something exaggeratedly dramatic. "'Oh, great Astral Voyager, please save our land! We will grant you an honorable title, a lavish mansion, and hundreds of servants to attend to you as long as you defeat our enemies!'"
Zura, who had been quiet until now, finally couldn't hold back her laughter. "That could totally happen."
I pinched the bridge of my nose. "Please don't scare Aarav."
Aarav clicked his tongue, still looking unimpressed. "Great. I'll start acting like a senile old man. 'What? Empire? War? I just want to drink tea and retire!'"
Zura giggled again.
Meanwhile, Finnian simply shrugged and added, "Our nobles are dumb enough to still put you to work, even if you act like that."
Before their jokes could go any further, the guard's voice came from outside once more. "Apologies, Your Highness. Are you ready?"
I let out a long sigh. "Alright. Let's go."
Aarav groaned. "If this turns out to be a waste of time, I'm going to sleep in the middle of the meeting."
Finnian smirked. "Do that, and I'll stab your foot under the table."
Zura shook her head, smiling in amusement. "Come on, before we all get labeled as disrespectful."
With a heavy heart, I opened the door. I stepped outside, bracing myself to face a group of nobles who would likely give me a worse headache than both Aarav and Finnian combined.