Ninym anxiously stewed over her thoughts as she imagined what lay ahead.
Inhale. Exhale.
Ninym repeated this two and three more times to ease her nerves. It didn’t help much.
“Relax. They’re not going to eat you,” Raklum assured from beside her.
It was no use. Acknowledging that fact only stressed her out more.
“…Is it just up ahead?”
“Yes, I believe they’re waiting for us.”
The carriage arrived in town and stopped before the appointed inn. Once Wein was safe in a separate room, Raklum and Ninym headed to the meeting. They now stood in front of the door.
“…”
She took another deep breath and exhaled. Finally, Ninym gathered her courage and knocked.
“Pardon the intrusion.”
They entered to find two people. One was a wizened Flahm woman, an elder who knew Ninym’s secret lineage.
“Ohhh, Ninym…!” The woman hobbled over upon catching sight of the girl. “I heard you were safe and sound, but let me take a look at you! You’re not hurt, right? Are you eating enough?”
“Yes. As you can see, I’m quite well, Elder. More importantly…” Ninym turned her attention to the other person in the room. “I didn’t expect you to come, Master Levan.”
“One of our lost children has been found. As leader, it is only natural that I confirm your good health.”
Levan was the head of Natra’s Flahm. Ninym had spoken to him only a handful of times, but this was no surprise. As aide to Natra’s King Owen, he carried a responsibility to the nation, and his days were understandably busy. No matter how capable, he couldn’t afford to meet a child like Ninym on a regular basis.
It was, therefore, strange to find him here. Levan insisted otherwise, but in truth, coming all this way to check on Ninym was unwarranted. Had Ninym glanced at Raklum and seen his wide-eyed expression, she would’ve understood.
The reason for his presence was simple—Ninym carried the Founder’s legacy.
“My heart is lightened to know that you’re okay. This was the divine protection of our great Founder, no doubt.” The old woman spoke with a sigh of relief. “My poor heart. When you suddenly vanished, we were all downright sick with worry.”
For young orphans like Ninym, who were raised by the entire village, everyone was like family. She hadn’t forgotten that, but hearing how her disappearance had upset people racked her with guilt.
“Everyone felt a smidge better once we learned you were safe.”
“I’ve caused you a lot of trouble. Sorry.”
“You can apologize to the whole village later. So who’s this lad?”
“Oh, yes. This is the gracious noble who took me in. I’ve been working for him.”
“…I am Raklum.”
Raklum bowed but remained cautious. His eyes were on the old woman, but his real concern was Levan. His behavior was understandable for someone unaware of Ninym’s lineage. After all, why would one of the nation’s foremost leaders make a sudden appearance just to check on a runaway?
Raklum would surely accept the truth, but the Flahm couldn’t simply give up their greatest secret.
Just as Ninym wondered what to do…
“Be at ease. I know whom you serve.”
Levan’s words sent a jolt through the guardsman.
“His Highness is also here, correct? I would ask for an audience later.”
Raklum and Ninym interpreted this request differently. To Raklum, it made sense that someone of Levan’s status would know his master. Ninym, on the other hand, realized Levan had mentioned Wein in order to shift the subject away from her importance.
“We’ve got other business first, Levan,” the old woman said, either unaware or perhaps indifferent to the strategic battle in progress. “This fine young man is Ninym’s savior.”
“Indeed. As the leader of the Flahm, I am sincerely grateful for the care you’ve shown one of our children.”
Raklum fidgeted as the illustrious Levan lowered his head. “I did nothing, really. It was my liege’s decision.”
“I will be certain to thank His Highness as well. All the same, it’s quite clear you’ve treated the girl well.”
“Y-you honor me.”
Levan and the elder could easily tell Ninym was trying her best to hide behind Raklum. She never would have done so if she’d been mistreated.
“I’m curious to hear about your days together,” the elder remarked. “But there’s plenty of time for that once we get home. And don’t think you’ll avoid the lecture of your life, missy.”
“I feel the same, though I’m afraid I must return to the palace today,” Levan said.
“Always the busy one, aren’t ya? That’s fine. I’ll take Ninym back myself.”
“…”
Ninym’s shoulders trembled ever so faintly, and Raklum looked over at her. He hesitated but ultimately spoke up. “Well…about that. There’s a matter I wish to discuss.”
“Oh?”
“I don’t know how to word this, but…might we keep the girl for a while?” Levan and the elder’s eyes immediately narrowed. Raklum grimaced beneath the gaze of one who far outranked him in age and another in status. “You see, my master’s estate lacks proper staff. She is a diligent worker and has been a great help with the housework.”
“And so we should just hand her over to you?” the elder shot back. “Regardless of Ninym’s work ethic, she’s still far from adulthood. Why not hire enough people? Consider my advice as a small token of gratitude.”
Her proposal left Raklum at a loss for words, and his eyes signaled to Ninym that there was nothing more he could do. She gave a small nod and steeled herself.
“Please wait,” Ninym said, her expression earnest. “I don’t want to go home.”
Wein read his book, quiet and expressionless, in his room at the inn. His figure was picturesque, and only the occasional movement of his index finger with each turn of the page indicated flesh and blood.
An abrupt sound outside the door broke the silence.
“Pardon me, Your Highness.”
Raklum appeared with another man alongside him. Levan.
Wein closed his book. “Has your meeting concluded?”
“Not yet,” Raklum replied with a concerned expression. “We’ve stepped out for a short while. There is a sensitive matter I’m not privy to, and Sir Levan wishes to speak with you on it in private.”
“It has been some time, Prince Wein,” Levan said as he fell to one knee. “I am delighted to see you in good health. I received word of your health after you left the palace, but it is a relief to confirm the truth with my own eyes.”
“Same to you,” Wein replied curtly. “Is His Majesty well?”
“Yes. He is in good health,” Levan answered with a nod. “However, I did not come today simply to inquire about Your Highness. I am also here to convey the king’s feelings.”