“Haven’t you ever thought about challenging Wein?”
Ninym recalled the words of a friend.
“…”
He’d claimed the current era presented an advantage in a showdown against Wein.
I see, Ninym thought. If those troublesome friends had been in her shoes, they would have seized upon this perfect opportunity.
“The whole thing is ridiculous.”
Ninym quietly laughed at herself. Unlike them, she’d never once felt a desire to fight Wein or become his enemy. She was his servant, and he was her prince. That was how things had always been and would be. It was enough for her.
“I’d better check on Wein.”
Ninym returned to her duties, banishing the silly notions from her mind. All the while, she remained blissfully unaware of what was coming…
It was a scene from a long-forgotten past. Just a silly conversation between a young boy and a girl.
“Wow, we’re actually attending the academy entrance ceremony.”
“Don’t stand out too much, okay? After all, you’re a foreign prince,” the girl cautioned as she adjusted the boy’s tie.
“Try as I might, there’s no hiding my irresistible aura.”
“Yes, yes, I know.”
✦ ✦ ✦
✦ ✦ ✦
After slightly adjusting the tie’s angle, the girl slowly stepped back for one final check. She nodded in satisfaction.
“Yes, that should do it. It’s still difficult to believe we were sent abroad to study in the Empire.”
“At this rate, the Empire will dominate the modern era. We’ve gotta keep an eye on the enemy.”
“Isn’t it our ally?”
“That doesn’t mean we’ll be friends forever. There’s always the chance it might cut us off, or we might kick the crap out of it.”
“You really think Natra could bully the Empire?”
When one considered the difference in strength, Natra would sooner break its leg trying.
“Anyway, the Empire’s military academy is the talk of the town, so why not just enjoy the ride? I hope we meet some interesting characters.”
“‘Interesting characters’? Do you want to be friends with people like that?”
“Or enemies.”
“…You really are too combative.”
“Not at all. I’m just saying anyone out to get me is way more fascinating than those who play nice.”
The girl had to wonder about that. The boy’s eccentric worldview was exasperating, but she found herself indulging it and asking a question.
“So which am I?”
“…”
She posed the inquiry out of sheer curiosity, but the boy’s expression suddenly grew serious. After a brief pause, he answered in an impossibly grave tone.
“Are you asking me because I secretly ate your snack yesterday?”
“Not at all, but please go on.”
“Uh-oh. I really gotta stop putting my foot in my mouth.”
The girl yanked the boy’s collar as he tried to escape, and she chewed him out. Her question remained unanswered, but she didn’t realize that until much later.
It’s not like I’d ever turn against him anyway.
Still, she could not help but imagine.
What if, by some minuscule chance, they did become enemies? Should that come to pass, the least she could do to repay him was become an exciting adversary. The girl didn’t think such a thing would ever happen.
✦ ✦ ✦
And thus, the long-standing war between the serpents of the East concluded. However, there was still plenty in store for the era that would later be dubbed the “Great War of Kings.” This was only the turning of one page.