“Rigel, Mina, could you move to the City Forgotten by Time tomorrow?” I asked. “I’ll cover all the travel expenses, of course.”
“If it’s just the two of us, we can use the same shipping company as before,” Rigel said. “They’ll get us there in no time.”
“Yeah? Then go on ahead, won’t you? We’ll rejoin you soon enough.”
“Understood, Mister Noor,” Rigel answered emphatically—just as Mina’s stomach let out a quiet grumble.
“Didn’t you just eat?” I asked the girl. “You weren’t holding back, were you?”
“No, I made sure she ate her fill,” Rigel assured me. “In fact, she ate so much that I started to worry. I think it’s just...”
“I-It was just so yummy...” Mina admitted. “I think my tummy’s gotten greedy...”
As she cast her eyes down in embarrassment, her stomach rumbled again. She had enjoyed the food, at least; she just hadn’t eaten enough to truly sate her hunger. I wasn’t sure where her appetite had come from—she didn’t look like a big eater—but appearances could be deceiving. Maybe it even made sense, considering how much she’d worked today.
“If you’re still hungry, you should go eat some more,” I said. “We’re guests here, so the cooks should make as much food as you want. They’ll even bring it to your room.”
“Really?!” Mina exclaimed.
“Yeah. Order as much as you want. Don’t worry about the cost.”
“Okay! Thanks, Mister Noor!”
“Just, uh...try not to give yourself a stomachache.”
“I’ll make sure she doesn’t,” Rigel declared.
“Good luck.”
He would need it. Mina was already tugging energetically on her brother’s arm, crying out, “Come on! Let’s go!”
“Just a moment,” Rashid interrupted. “Rigel, there’s something I wish to ask you.”
“Yes, Mister Rashid?”
“Your name. You said your parents gave it to you?”
“I did, yes.”
“How strange. You were born after your namesake’s execution, I assume. Were your parents not concerned about their son being associated with a heinous criminal?”
Out of the blue, Rashid had completely changed the focus of the conversation. It wasn’t the first time. I wondered what had prompted his sudden inquiry, but his faint smile remained as unreadable as ever.
“I recognize your doubts, Mister Rashid,” Rigel answered, his expression solemn. “Many see my name as something negative. Not my parents, though.”
“No?”
“In fact, when Mina and I were little, they’d tell us stories of Starpiercer Rigel each and every night.”
Rashid uttered not a word in response, instead urging Rigel to continue with a smile. The boy took a moment to collect his thoughts before proceeding.
“Our parents were from a minor tribe with no connection to the Mio. As I understand it, they weren’t involved in the fighting but were enslaved—along with the rest of their village—when Mina and I were babies. Even in servitude, they secretly continued to tell us stories of the Starpiercer. They insisted that just one of his arrows could illuminate the entire night sky. If there was a full moon, he could make midnight as bright as midday.”
Rigel paused, staring up at the sky. There was a full moon tonight.
“My parents told me that every night, Starpiercer Rigel showed those stuck in poverty a sight more breathtaking than they could ever have imagined. His light in the sky was a balm for their weary souls, encouraging them to carry on no matter how dark the night seemed. It was just like a fairy tale: a boy and his bow, sparking fires in the hearts of many. Even though he’s gone from this world, his light continues to smolder. At least, that’s what my parents said.”
On that note, Rigel returned to looking at Rashid and me.
“I think, to my mom and dad, Rigel wasn’t the boy who united eighteen tribes and drew his bow against House Sarenza. He was a spark in the night sky—a reminder that there was more to life than the harshness they had to endure. It’s a shame I’ll never get to see it.”
The boy’s smile turned wistful and yearning as he continued:
“It was because of what they saw in the Starpiercer that my mom and dad gave me his name: Rigel. To them, it symbolized hope—a brighter future. Living up to my namesake is why I always try to work hard. My body’s too weak for me to achieve the same feats, but I think I can at least live in a way that won’t bring shame upon his name.”
Rigel spoke his last words with confidence, bathed in the light of the moon. Behind him, Mina nodded smugly and gave him a small round of applause.
“So, um, does that answer your question, Mister Rashid?” the boy asked.
“Indeed, it does,” Rashid said with a grin. “Thank you, Rigel. And sorry for keeping you. You’re free to go now.”
“In that case, pardon us.”
Rigel and Mina gave polite bows before spinning around and returning inside. Rashid watched them leave, then turned to his side, his smile widening.
“Hear that, Shawza? A little change in perspective can have a tremendous impact, don’t you think? I’m curious to hear your thoughts on the matter.”
Standing in the shadows, Shawza wore a look of open displeasure. “My thoughts, sir? The boy’s story is of no relevance to me.”
“No, of course not. Forgive me—I meant nothing by it. And there’s no need to keep feigning loyalty to me; Noor is the only other person here. Now, answer me this: What are your plans for tomorrow?”
“Excuse me?”
“Oh, don’t play dumb. Tomorrow, you’ll have your once-in-a-lifetime chance.” In the pale moonlight, Rashid’s smile seemed to grow colder. “Will you take it?”
Shawza stared at the ground so intensely that he could probably have bored a hole through it. “Not yet. Besides, wasn’t your payment supposed to come after?”
“Hmm? So, you’ll let this exceptionally rare opportunity slip through your fingers? I don’t mind paying in advance, you know. One might even say that I created this situation for you. I ask that you make the most of it.”
“What about Melissa?” Shawza asked at length.
“She’s not a child anymore. She can manage on her own.”
“Are you dismissing me from my duties, then?”
“I am. You have some time before tomorrow morning. Consider your next move carefully.”
Shawza kept his eye cast downward, the shadow across his face darker than I’d ever seen it. He brooded for quite some time before eventually turning on his heel and departing without another word.
“Was that a work-related matter?” I asked.
“Oh, no,” Rashid said. “More of a personal promise between Shawza and me.”
“Do you mind that I was here for it? I mean, it’s got nothing to do with me, right?”
“No, I don’t mind. You’re a special case.” Rashid’s usual smile returned as he shrugged. “I suppose I’ll turn in for the night. I’d recommend you do the same—we’re both in for a busy day tomorrow.”
“Yeah, good idea. I’ll stay here a bit longer, then return to my room.”
“We’ll head to my father’s residence first thing in the morning. I’d hate to keep them waiting. Even as we speak, they’re probably scrambling to prepare a warm reception for us.”
“Good point.”
“Good night, Noor. See you tomorrow.”
Rashid waved, the same as ever, and then turned away, leaving me alone on the roof.