I stood over a pirate, my blade covered in the blood of their fellow pirates who hadn’t surrendered before this point. Two painfully long years had passed, but now, we stood at the pinnacle of our first plan. The planet we stood on was the final planet in the five planets we sought to free, preventing Providence from establishing contact with them and making a forward base on them. At this point, I had no desire to kill someone who lacked the will to fight, so I slashed my blade to remove the blood from it, “Arrest the rest, we’ll decide their punishments at a later date.” I began back to the ships, the destruction was minimal, as intended, and all we needed to do was allocate some funds and the planet would be restored and functional again. Once I boarded the command ship, took to my position on the bridge, a hologram began to play before not only myself, but each of the men on the bridge. A man, clearly an official from the Empire, held a pad as he spoke, “Baron Aurelian Stella Flameheart, in light of recent events, you have been awarded the title of Viscount. While this would normally come with a ceremony, we understand it wouldn’t be something you’d wish for.”

  As my men began to clap, I wondered just what they saw in me to gain a higher rank as a noble, but it seems the man wasn’t done, “Also, as we noticed, you’ve been having issues in your noble training. One noble has accepted your request, the noble is Duke Conrad Terra Bartholomew, the date and length of your training has been sent with this message, so be sure to arrive on time. That is all, congratulations on your elevated rank, Viscount.” Once the hologram vanished, I was momentarily surprised, I thought people would just ignore me. I clicked my tongue, “Well, there goes that plan, now I have to actually go to training.” Merlin, quick to action, spoke in my ear, “Understood, I’ll inform Edward and Elen, we won’t have much time before you need to leave to make it in time.” As my own ship and several others began to rise on our return home, I had to somehow work my plans around this “training” I was about to go through. At this point, I had to get used to the Empire likely ensuring that all noble children… or new adults, went through some form of sanctioned training to ensure they have the proper etiquette and whatnot.

  ~~~

  When I returned home, I had a lot I needed to do before I went, which also included a mountain of paperwork, ensuring the production of tier six ships was running smoothly, and the means to bring my construction project with me to Duke Bartholomew’s domain. As I worked, Elen stood with me, since I was also informed Duke Bartholomew would be calling me to discuss my training. I asked, “Are there any meetings I need to commit to before my training? If so, I need to somehow fit them into my schedule.” Elen replied, “No sir, I believe there will be none before then.” I nodded, it was a weight off my shoulders considering I didn’t need more than what I already had on my plate at the moment, because what I had now was a logistical nightmare when it came to domain functions. At least knowing I could briefly speak with him was enough for me, since it let me gauge how much I can trust him while I’m there.

  After I got though a bit more work, Edward spoke, “Sir, Duke Bartholomew is on the line.” I nodded, putting my work to the side to ensure he had my undivided attention, “Connect him.” As his holographic image appeared before me, I understood he was quite old, enough to the point I suspected he was over eight hundred years old, since the anti-aging medication seemed to not be as potent anymore. Gray hair, short and well-kept put focus on one of his eyes being nearly entirely white while the other was a brown color, this told me he was half blind, specifically from his right half. His frame, however, seemed to be bulging with muscles, something I respected him for maintaining despite his age. Out of respect for the Duke, I rose from my seat and bowed, “Duke Bartholomew, it’s an honor to meet you.” Duke Bartholomew replied, “Please, there is no need for such pleasantries, especially when I can tell your heart isn’t in it.” As I rose and sat down, I said, “Still, it is out of respect for you, being a Duke is no easy feat, and it deserves the upmost respect.” Looking at him again, I could tell that despite the riches he likely held, his clothes were quite modest. While most nobles chose to flaunt their wealth, likely to show their domain is thriving, he was much like myself… before the battle. Now, anything I wore was strictly tactical, since my life was likely in more danger than ever before.

  Duke Bartholomew sighed, for what reason I could not explain, but he continued, “Then if I may, let me be the first noble to congratulate you on your elevated title, you’ve done more than enough to warrant your Viscount status.” I shook my head, “I don’t deserve it, I just did what anyone would in this situation… I failed my people, that doesn’t deserve rewarding, it deserves punishment.” Duke Bartholomew replied, “And this is why I chose to commence your training, you cannot see good in anything you do, and I want to guide you back into being honest with yourself.” I felt a bit of my rage and guilt push its way to up, but I did my best to push it back down, “Millions of people were injured, killed, kidnaped, or outright betrayed us, that isn’t a good thing. Putting planets lacking their noble rulers under my protection wasn’t for their sake, but for my own, since it prevented Providence from establishing contact with them and using them as forward bases. I had to sacrifices lives during that battle that I could’ve prevented if I were strong enough, but I failed them. Why are my faults, my failures, being praised as if I did chose the best option on the list? I could’ve done something different, yet I didn’t so why am I being given something people see as a reward for it?”

  When I looked into Duke Bartholomew’s eyes, I could tell he felt pity for me, no, he was judging me. I put my hand to my chest, “I got people killed, Duke Bartholomew, I should not be rewarded for failing to keep the lives I swore to protect safe.” Duke Bartholomew remained silent for a moment, then, he spoke, “Even in the darkest of days, there will always be a light that guides people to the future. To your people, even in your darkest moment, chose to get back up for whatever reason you have within you to fight against those who sought to harm you. Even if that reason isn’t a righteous one, it’s a starting point to getting back on track. What I want to do is be a mentor to the you that sits before me, to guide you in the ways of nobility while also helping you work through these feelings of yours. Believe me, there is much I wish to do as well, but I cannot act since, much like you, my domain is still recovering.” He took a breath, then said, “You can commit to domain duties here while you’re training, I know times are tough, and I cannot force you to leave your domain functions for seven years. That being said, is there anything else you’d wish for when coming to my domain?”

  Duke Bartholomew was confusing, but he’d at least let me work on restoring my domain to proper functionality. Aside from that, I had one request, “Let me keep a ship on planet, I want it near wherever I’m training, I have a project I’m working on that requires a proper bay. I can supply my own resources to its upkeep, all I need is time to work on it, since it’s vital to the future of my combat prowess against my enemies.” Duke Bartholomew replied, “I assume, considering your particular skillset, this project must be a new mech, correct?” I was surprised he was so direct, but I knew any communications coming to or from my planets were secure, the protections I put in place make it so, “Yes, my mech was too weak to beat one of theirs, and it caused unnecessary sacrifices to ensure those on planet survived. I don’t want that to happen again, I don’t want to be forced to watch others die like that again.” Duke Bartholomew nodded, his expression seemed approving, “I’ll allow it; however, it mustn’t cut into your training, understood?” I nodded in return, “I understand, besides, I still don’t have all the parts I require, so it’ll take some time for them to be made and sent to me, I’m merely doing preparation for the time being.”

  After I mentioned that, we discussed what the training was going to be, and I learned one oddly unique piece of information, the Duke didn’t allow one’s family rank to be thrown around there. In his eyes, most of the individuals coming to domains were merely those whose parents held the power, not them themselves, so he wanted to instill a proper sense of respect for others into those who may have had a more spoiled upbringing. My case was odd, but that was just how the situation played out this time around. But what he stated for training was something I expected from this initial level of learning. However, I wanted to ask him something personally, “Duke Bartholomew, this doesn’t question doesn’t come from Baron… Viscount Flameheart, but rather Aurelian Stella Flameheart. Duke Bartholomew, do you support or work with Providence in any way?” Duke Bartholomew’s face grew stern, “Son, those brutes nearly killed my son and his family, the day I submit to them will be the day hell freezes over.” For a moment, I swear I felt a small smile break the emotionlessness I was stuck feeling, but when I went to feel it, it was the same neutral expression I wore every day. I bowed, “Thank you, Duke Bartholomew, I don’t believe we’ll have a conflict in that regard.”

  Duke Bartholomew spoke, “I hate to say this, though, I cannot vet everyone for being part of Providence, but I likely can’t stop them considering the power they hold. Just know that I won’t allow needless violence among you unless it’s directed against you, understood?” I asked, “What if someone is bullying another? Can I step in and attempt to break it up?” Duke Bartholomew nodded, “I’d be pleased if you would, just know no harm is to come to them unless they attempt to do so to you first.” I nodded, “I understand, Duke Bartholomew. You have my word that I won’t harm another soul there unless myself or others are to come under harm.” Duke Bartholomew seemed pleased, “Perfect, now, unless there’s anything else you wish to ask, I will see you when you arrive to my domain.” I shook my head, “I have no additional questions, if I have any, I'll be sure to ask when I arrive." Duke Bartholomew replied, “Understood, see you in a year, Viscount Flameheart.”

  As I returned to work, Edward said, “Things seem to have gone well sir, especially the fact that the Duke doesn’t want anything to do with Providence.” I nodded, but I wasn’t in the clear, “Ensure those on the ship that’ll remain there are top notch, Providence will wonder why I was allowed to keep the craft there, and I will not let them get any hint of my work aboard the ship.” Edward said, “Already done sir, we took no risks when choosing the men aboard the ship.” Edward leaned over and whispered into my ears, “Lady Joan says she chose “The Ravens” for extra security.” As he leaned back, I knew my secrets were safe. The Ravens wasn’t their title, merely their codename in conversations, meaning even Edward didn’t know who these assassins were. These assassins were those of a particular clan of Oni, to my surprise, it seems they were separated into groups before their cryostasis, maybe they expected something like this to happen. I replied, “Good, then my secrets are safe. Though, one thing continues to elude me.” Edward said, uncertain, “Are you referring to another behemoths mana core sir?” I nodded, “Yes, it’s almost like they’re nonexistent, which makes no logical sense.”

  My next personal unit requires at least two behemoth level mana cores to function, and if I can’t find a second one, then my new personal unit will be nothing more than a glorified paperweight. Edward suggested, “Maybe the Duke will know something sir, he does have a swath of planets under his jurisdiction, there must be at least one planet with a behemoth on it.” I thought for a moment, while that could be the case, I wasn’t sure if he would let me do so considering the dangers, “He might, he might not, I’ll bring it up when it seems appropriate.” One year, and I had to leave soon as to make it on time, “Make sure my guard is ready, I wouldn’t put it against Providence to try and attack me during transit.” Edward was quick to respond, “Understood sir, also, “that” project should be done by the time your stay in Duke Bartholomew’s training is completed, should we use it instead of sending a guard?” I thought, but I wasn’t sure at the moment, “Let’s put a pin on that, as much as I’d want to, it’ll have to depend on the situation at hand.” We had far to much going on, not to mention the active investigations into Providence leads, so we couldn’t just announce everything we did immediately. Either way, I had one year, then I’d be outside of my element, and I just hoped I could get through it without too many issues.

  ~~~

  To my surprise, everything from leaving my domain to arriving in Duke Bartholomew’s domain was entirely quiet. To my surprise, a thousand ships didn’t seem to be an easy target among even pirates, but I assume Providence may have been the reason for it. As I was working on the costs of minor repairs and refueling, a man bearing the Duke’s crest had approached me, “Are you Viscount Flameheart?” I nodded, “Yes, are you a representative of Duke Bartholomew?” The man nodded, “Yes, once you’re done with your fleet’s business, I will guide you to the meeting area.” As he moved to a location a bit away, a voice spoke into my ear, “He’s who he says he is, we’ll keep an eye on the ship, Forge Master. If you need any of us for any particular reason, one of us will be guarding you at all times.” I nodded, not speaking, but at least fooling others into thinking I likely had an idea I liked. These Oni assassins had learned a very peculiar type of magic, one that could warp one’s perception, making it seem like they weren’t even there, be it by sight or mana sense, none could see where they were unless they allowed it.

  Once I finished my work, and the fleet began to return home, minus my mobile workshop, I followed the representative as I was led towards a meeting area with others I assumed were nobles. It seemed like a location seemed like a place one would reserve for a party, but it was in their port for some reason I failed to understand. The representative said, “Once the rest of the nobles arrive, the Duke will speak to you all as you’re taken to the training location. Please, enjoy the refreshments, it must’ve been a long journey.” The representative left me to do as I wished, and I chose to take a cup and fill it with a random, non-alcoholic drink, and just drank it as I took to a distance away and observed the nobles present. Some of the nobles here were certainly with Providence, especially considering the fact this was the first batch of noble training students since Providence attacked, meaning there were people five years older than usual here awaiting their training as well. Some turned to look at me, but just as quickly as they did, they looked away with haste, I likely gave off an air that made me unapproachable, which I was fine with.

  Though, there was one thing I could subtly pick up, some people were already seemingly throwing their weight around, though some of them felt off. It almost seemed like they were pretending to put their reputation on others, though some were really occurring. One of the occurrences seemed to have a girl my age struggling against two people clearly older than us. I sighed, got an extra cup of my drink, and approached the two who were bullying the girl. As I got closer, I could already tell what was going on, the girl was a Baron while the two guys were Counts, they both outranked us, and I guess they were trying to get the girl to “go out with them”. With a bit of magic, I made sure the drinks didn’t fall when I let them go and put my hands on one of the two guys shoulders, “She’s clearly not interested, so take a few steps back if you don’t mind.” I used a bit of force to pull them away from her, but I found this reasonable for the situation at hand. I stood in front of the girl, her azure eyes looked to me with what I could assume was hope, her auburn hair nearly covering her eyes. I kept one eye on the two boys as I looked to her, “Are you alright?” I don’t know why I was doing this; what would I get out of this? But… I felt like there was a little familiar voice telling me to do it within me, and maybe I just wanted to hear it out.

  The girl nodded, and I put one cup into her hands and the other in mine, “Drink, it’s juice, you’re probably stressed, it’ll help.” As I took a sip from my own cup, one of the guys said, “Who do you think you are? Our fathers are Counts; you think you can stand up to us?” I sighed, “I believe Duke Bartholomew told everyone that our ranks mean nothing here, so, both of you have no right to do this to her.” The other guy spoke first, “Move out of the way, or we’ll just have to show you your place, weakling.” I figured out the two man hierarchy from that one comment, the other guy was akin to a henchman while he was the leader. I took another sip of the drink, then said, “We were also told no violence unless it was in self-defense, are you willing to break that rule?” I felt the girl’s hand on my shoulder, to which I turned to see her clearly in distress, “It’s ok… you don’t have to get hurt for me.” Something in her saying that made me feel guilty, that I somehow wasn’t strong enough to protect one person from two people on my own, that I couldn’t surpass odds that were clearly stacked against me.

  All I could see for a moment was Lily dying before my very eyes, and I couldn’t let this girl take a worse fate just because of me. If I let her go with them now, what would all my training have been for? I finished my drink, threw the cup into a trashcan from where I stood, and patted her hand, “I’ll be fine, because I won’t lose just because I was outnumbered again.” As she removed her hand, the two drew swords, and they weren’t fake blades either, “Then we have no choice, prepare to learn your lesson.” I sighed, my life was in danger now, but I wasn’t going to stoop to their level. I unhooked my sword and handed it to the girl, “Keep an eye on my blade, I won’t draw it against people like them.” After a moment of looking around, I saw a broom that was likely left there by an absentminded staff member. I looked to the closest person, who was looking at our confrontation, and said, “Disconnect the broom handle from the broom and throw it to me, be quick.” The individual seemed confused, but considering my circumstances, did it anyway and threw it to me. After a moment to get used to its weight, I coated it in mana, mostly to ensure it didn’t break due to the swords.

  The two boys chuckled, the leader saying, “You think a broom handle will save you? Your funeral.” I noticed everyone, including the ones who were trying to throw their weight around, all had their eyes on us. I sighed, this was likely going to get me in trouble somehow, but I wasn’t going to abandon this girl. I turned to her and said, “Stay behind me, no matter what.” She nodded, her eyes had tears, but I wasn’t sure for what reason they were flowing anymore. When I looked back, both had charged me at once, and their blades seemed unnaturally slow, not to mention I knew the exact style they were using, considering there were very few styles in the Empire. With one hand, I blocked both strikes, they believed a double attack from above would be smart, the broom handle didn’t even creek under their combined might. I yawned into my hand, then said, “Is this all? Your moves were sloppy, not to mention the fact you wasted too much energy on the swing.” I pushed both of them back, my magic making it simple to push them away, “You should try to put more effort into your training, this is a poor showing.” After a moment, they both got up and charged me again, and I could see every move with surprising ease.

  A right horizontal slash followed by a rising vertical, then a double horizontal slash from both sides, which all I needed to do was step back to avoid injury, but I made sure to put the broom handle between their blades to prevent both of them from losing an arm. I hadn’t even gone on the offensive, and they nearly lost an arm each, I needed to ensure they were at least disarmed before they hurt someone else or themselves. With a few swift motions, I slammed the club into both of their dominant hands, breaking them, but it forced them to release their swords as they clanked on the ground. I stepped forward, taking kicking both blades behind me to ensure they wouldn’t try anything if they had some skill with their non-dominant hands. I looked towards the front of the room, my eyes catching Duke Bartholomew, so I dispelled the mana on the broom handle and bowed to him, “Duke Bartholomew.” This managed to snap everyone out of their stunned silence, many quickly following suit in bowing in respect of the Duke. Duke Bartholomew clapped his hands, “Nice work, young Flameheart. You ended the fight without bloodshed, including preventing both of the instigators from injuring themselves, that is a special kind of talent.”

  He looked to both of the Counts, his voice stern, “Both of you, didn’t I tell both you and your parents that you’re forbidden to throw your weight around in my domain? Your names hold no power here, not to mention how disrespectful it is to try and use your family status in a foreign noble’s domain. Someone take them to a separate room; I’ll decide their punishments once I finish here.” I watched as guards took the two Counts, including their blades, and left the room. When I looked to the girl, she was crying as she took my hand, “Thank you, I mean it, thank you so much!” I shook my head, “There’s no need to thank me, I was just doing what a noble should do.” When I looked back to the Duke, he seemed to have a look of someone who just had an idea, but it he quickly returned to a normal expression. After a moment, I said, “If it makes you feel better, you can stick with me for now.” I could tell the girl was nodding, likely just relieved that I stood up for her. The Duke spoke for a bit, what he expects from us, his knowledge he wishes to impart, and the desire to see us all improve.

  The Duke motioned to the door, “I apologize, I forgot the last few nobles were stuck outside during my speech, please, come in.” As the other nobles, male and female, entered the room, one had turned to face me, or more likely, the girl who was still recovering by my side. As he approached, I noticed his uniform was function of form, not to mention the fact it had very little to style it aside the fabric itself. His eyes were a bright yellow, as if they shined like the sun, though his hair was a wheat blond color. His frame, while it held muscles, was more like mine, as they didn’t completely overtake our bodies, but we had enough to state we could pull our own weight. His expression showed concern as he spoke, “Olivia, are you alright? You’re as pale as a ghost.” The girl, who I now knew was named Olivia, replied, “Yes, I’m fine Alex, it’s all thanks to him.” When Alex looked to me, I noticed his eyes had that look of familiarity, like he knew me from somewhere, but he didn’t act on it. He took my hand and shook it, “Hey, thanks helping Olivia, she’s not the strongest individual. My name is Alexander Astra Lancaster, nice to meet you…” I didn’t want to be rude, especially to the son of the Viscount who I bought my tea leaves from, “Aurelian, Aurelian Stella Flameheart.”

  This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

  Before either of us could say anything else, Olivia said, “I’m Olivia, Olivia Astra Silverlight. Thank you for helping me, Aurelian.” I waved her off, “You don’t need to keep thanking me, I just did what anyone would do.” Alexander said, “That’s not really the case, especially after… well, everyone knows. Most usually keep to themselves, even when they seem like they’re conversing.” I nodded, “Yeah, that’s what I was originally intending to do.” These two were strange, considering the situation, I’m surprised Olivia was willing to trust a stranger for no reason. However, I found Alexander even stranger, no one looks at someone familiarly without a reason, and I can clearly say I never met him before. His looks make him stand out, even among a crowd like this, so it only makes me wonder just how he could look at me like that. Though, as everyone began conversing again, I realized the Duke was giving me that same look he had earlier. If he had an idea about me, I hoped it didn’t involve these two, because I didn’t need yet more innocent blood on my hands, be they against Providence or not.

  ~~~

  As I stood in my two-man dorm, I realized what that Duke was thinking about now as my roommate just so happened to be Alexander. As much as I didn’t wish for this, I understood this was likely some character building experience, but it didn’t mean I had to like it. Alexander, noticing me, said, “Hey, how lucky are we to be in the same room?” I waved him off, putting my few items onto my designated desk, “For me, this only means you could become a target, so don’t try to get close to me, got it?” Alexander replied, “You can’t say that when none of us know anything about your situation, it’s not like news travels quickly in the Empire.” I clicked my tongue; the one time I wanted information to spread and it didn’t. I looked to him and said, clearly, “I’ve proclaimed I’m going to fight back against Providence, anyone who gets close to me will likely be caught in the crossfire. I won’t cause others to suffer just because of my actions, not anymore.” Once I set up what little I needed, I began to work on domain issues, especially considering I couldn’t do any since we met up and began moving planet side. Alexander, clearly surprised, said, “You’re working on domain work? I thought you were just-.” I cut him off, “I had my own domain since I was ten, and my parents are dead, so yes, I need to ensure my domain doesn’t fall apart.”

  As I observed the five new planets under my control, I realized I had a message, so I made sure to read it. After a bit of the way through reading it, I slammed my fist into the desk, nearly breaking it, “They’re just letting me take complete control of these planets!? I understand if it were temporary, but they want me to incorporate them into my domain!? I can barely keep my own issues in order, so why this?!” One of the guards, those who ensure our safety, popped their head into the room, “Is all well in here, Viscounts?” I waved him off, “Yes, I was just delivered information that I couldn’t exactly agree with, you may leave.” Once the guard left, Alexander put his hand on my shoulder, “Breathe, making actions in anger will only hurt yourself and others, relax.” As much as I wanted to rebuke him, he was right, my emotions have been out of control since the battle, maybe recuperating could do me a little better. I pushed a few buttons, and I was soon speaking with Edward, “Edward, can you get me scans of the planets we assumed control over? We were given complete control over them, so I need to designate them in ways that best fit their capabilities. Also, assign some temporary officials so we can begin getting the political issue in order while we find those more suited to the position.” Edward replied, “Understood sir, right away.”

  As he hung up, Alexander asked with curiosity, “You’re requesting a planetary scan? Why do that?” I decided to explain my reasoning, taking a particular planet that became well known for it’s food, “This planet is well known for its food items, specifically seafood, it’s because the noble who took over understood that the planet was perfect for the job by a series of tests. I do something similar to them, and through that, I determine the best use for the planet and guide it to be the best it can be, making each planet akin to a machine, each part being valuable to the overall function of the domain, which is akin to a ship running as a collection of those machines. One is akin to fuel, food, another being metals and ammo, factories, so by working them in their best capacities, the domain runs perfectly.” Alexander asked, “Have you considered that those on planet may not like the way you wish to designate them?” I shook a finger, “That’s why it’s a specialty, but to ensure the planet can function when a crisis arises, I make sure it’s balanced enough to handle the needs of the planet. By making a planet designated in farming, we can ensure mouths are fed in the whole domain during peace times without issue, allowing for a decent stockpile to be made on each planet. It’s a lot of work, but in the end, it runs nigh autonomously… well, not literally, but metaphorically.”

  Alexander seemed to be in thought, then he asked, “Could I ask you for assistance on a matter then?” I cleared what I was doing, deciding to just go with the “building character” thing the Duke wanted from us, “I’m not all knowing, I may not know what to do, but you can ask anyway.” Alexander began, “It’s not an issue with my domain, we managed to do pretty well all things considered, the issue is Olivia and her family. The former baron of her planet gave their life in the fighting, ensuring that her family survived, which landed them in the baron seat that his loss gave way to.” I think I understood what he was getting at, but he continued, “In a way, they were ill-prepared to take the position, and now they’re struggling to get the planet they care for back into function. Is there a way you can help her guide her planet into recovery?” I thought for a moment, then looked to what I had to do. These planets were pretty well established, so I doubted I’d need to put too much work into it, but Olivia’s people were likely struggling to live every day. I sighed, “Tell her to bring me the information I’m sending you, if she fails to send it all, I may make a mistake.” Alexander took a look through the list, then said, “Isn’t this a lot of information a regular noble would prefer to keep quiet?”

  I nodded, “Yes, it shows how stable they are or not, but if I don’t get this alone, I may be unable to work my magic to the maximum extent possible. I’m not all knowing, but I can certainly make it run as optimally as I can get it, as long as I can see the whole picture.” I returned to my work, some issues were coming up in some areas, and I wanted to be ready to handle them when they became apparent, “Knowing is half the battle, and you want me to work my magic on her world, so it’ll be costly in the knowledge department. Trust me, I did the same thing with my world, and it seems like she needs the help.” Saying “trust me” felt foreign to my lips, I used to say it all the time with Lily, yet now, it was something I never said, as if the words never existed. Even now, her loss affects me, and I’m not even sure if I like the version of me that came from it. But I know one thing, if I let go of this version of me, I’m going to cease being the version of me that people need right now. They don’t need the me that was overconfident, foolish, and weak, they need the me that can do as needed, to be strong, to be unwavering, and I can’t do that with needless emotions getting in my way. But… do I really want to sacrifice my own wishes just to do this?

  ~~~

  After a few days of acclimating to our new lives here, I suddenly understood why the Duke had that look all those days ago, as I was now sat with Alexander and Olivia, his words explaining our days task, “Today, we’re going to see how well you and a team can colonize a metaphorical planet. Also, those you’re paired up with currently will be the teams you will be with for every group… project like this. So, even outside of these projects, I want to see how well your groups can work together.” After a moment, he spoke, “I want you to plan out how you’ll start colonizing this planet, you’ll have… three hours. So, that’s from now until dinner, be sure to check the rules that come with your planet. Begin.” As I took the rules in my hands, Alexander and Olivia took the hologram and pulled up our planet, but that was all that was shown. The rules were short, so I quickly typed up a message and sent it to the Duke, then I joined them in a visual observation of the planet. It seemed baren, while there was fertile land, the rest seemed to be mountainous, forested, or bare deserts, it wasn’t the best place to inhabit. At best, I assumed both of them would assume the planet was best used as a mining world and move on, but that’s where I disagreed.

  Olivia said, “I’m not sure about this planet, but I can expect the mountains to be rich in resources.” Alexander spoke, pointing an area out, “There’s a geothermal vent here, we have a lot on one of our newer planets, a great source of electricity. While there aren’t major sized oceans, the concept of lava and heat being turned into electricity means we wouldn’t have to worry about it if we build a generator there.” After a ping entered the pads we received, I began to go through what I received from the Duke, Alexander asking, “We didn’t send anything, what did we get?” I replied, motioning to their pads, “I requested a planetary scan, one where all scannable resources are sent to me, along with a planetary survey, to see where any locations of note are. By seeing this, you can get a perfect understanding of the planet, which I doubt anyone else considered.” When I looked outside of our group, I noticed people were placing structures down at, what I assumed, random. I turned back to the “results” of the scan and survey, “So, by seeing where everything is, we can safely say we can maximize all resources to the max. Give me a moment, then we can begin.”

  Once I finished, I pointed, “The fertile land has nothing of much note beneath it, we can turn that into farmland for natural food and animal growth.” Olivia began to designate the area as Alexander began to fill it with the proper facilities. I pointed to a mountain range, “This set of mountains has valuable resources within it, so mining facilities should line the range, with factories nearby so travel expenses are minimized. Oh, right, make sure there’s a geothermal plant on the vents, we can’t forget nature’s bounty of useful locations.” It was a simple stretch of teamwork, and both of them seemed to trust me on the matter, though maybe it was due to my time ruling my domain coming into play. Once all the major points were complete, I motioned to the desert, “Living spaces should go here, as there’s other locations with usability after establishment, we should leave the space open for the time being and use the free land.” Once that was finished, we had a decent little location, with all areas easily accessible from the main strip of homes, shops, and offices. When I checked the time, we were coming up on the time limit, which was surprising considering the fact everyone else was basically goofing off at this point.

  Olivia said, “You’re really intuitive on this stuff Aurelian, it’s surprising how efficient you made this planet.” Alexander nodded, “I know, and to know you were actively doing this for the past few days before now is actually pretty scary.” Olivia asked, shocked, “He’s been doing this, to real planets, since he got here?!” I nodded, “Yeah, to my surprise, the planets I liberated from their pirate attackers were apparently given to me… it’s been a mess since I still haven’t even gotten my planet back under control since the attack.” Filling the positions we lost due to the traitors was no easy feat, while we did have people to fill the soldier positions, it was the governmental positions that was a problem. Most of those who had the proper education and merit, not to mention being known among the people, all betrayed us for Providence, so it left us scrambling to fill the spaces. I finished, “It’s not hard, considering the information I have, but it’s crushing to know that filling the roles left behind will take years still.”

  Before they could say anything, the Duke said, “All teams, cease working, give me a moment to see how well you all have done.” This turned us silent, letting him oversee the work we’ve done. I could tell from where I sat he seemed displeased about some, neutral about others, and very few he seemed pleased about. When he finished, our planet was displayed on a large hologram, the Duke rising and speaking, “This planet was the best one I saw, and it wasn’t a close call mind you. Can one of the group stand up and explain your process?” Alexander stood up, his voice clear, “We owe our success to Aurelian, he has years of experience ruling his domain, he even explained the process to us in a way that was easily digestible.” As he explained, I noticed some people were glaring at me, I assumed they were either jealous of my work or were members of Providence, made to believe they were something special and would always excel over their peers. I sighed, understanding I’d need to carry my blade around now, even with my protection hiding close by, I couldn’t be left helpless in the wake of danger.

  The Duke clapped his hands, “Well done, all three of you, it shows that despite just meeting, you each had a hand in completing this task perfectly, the other groups have much to learn from you three.” He looked to his pad, then said, “Ah, I’ve been holding you all from dinner, please, go and enjoy yourselves, and remember to always keep an open mind.” As we all began to leave, Olivia and Alexander followed me, even when I walked a path that wasn’t exactly the quickest way to get food. I asked, since I was going to work on my project after dinner, “Why are you two following me? I’m not a sociable person, and I was going to work on a private project after… well, while eating dinner.” Alexander, a smile on his face, said, “We should get to know each other better, we’ll be working together for the next seven years after all.” Olivia nodded, “Yeah, knowing each other better means we’ll be able to work more cohesively! We should do it!” Something in Olivia reminded me of Lily, and I felt afraid of getting close to the both of them, the thought of parents losing their children, or them losing their parents, all because of me something I couldn’t go through again.

  I just began to walk faster, “No thanks… I’m fine, truly.” As I walked, it was as if I saw Lily out of the corner of my eye, and when I managed to see her, it was as if she was mouthing not to forget her. She had managed to go from the light of my world to the reason I can’t sleep at night sometimes, all over the fact I had lived, and she didn’t. I felt a hand on my shoulder, stopping me in my tracks, and when I looked, Olivia seemed concerned for me, “Aurelian, are you alright? You… you look like you’ve seen a ghost.” It was funny to me, but not in a way that made me laugh, enough to the point that I couldn’t even deny it, “Because I have… what everyone in my domain lost that day… it haunts me as well. What I’ve lost haunts me, and I can’t get close to others without it being a dagger to not only my own throat, but others. Please… don’t force me to do this, I can’t do it again.” I pushed her hand off my shoulder and kept walking, no longer feeling hungry as I took to leaving the area for a while to work on my project. Lily’s eyes keeping on me in fury, telling me to finish my project as soon as possible to bring about the revenge my domain sought.

  ~~~

  As I slowly guided my hand along the mana core, further crafting it into the most viable form, a voice spoke to me from the outskirts of the workshop, “I wondered why you didn’t come for breakfast, seems like you’re working hard… a little too hard.” As I pulled my hands away from the core, I looked to Duke Bartholomew, “I apologize, I lost track of time, this work is rather delicate.” The Duke sighed, “Aurelian, your friends are worried about you, and for good reason.” I clicked my tongue, a horrible habit I developed and can’t seem to drop, “They aren’t my friends, no one should be my friend, especially not now.” The Duke’s face shifted to one of discontent, “Aurelian, come with me, let’s take a walk.” I pondered if I should do so, but I do need to uphold the rules he set with me so I could keep working, so I took my gloves off and began to walk with him, “I’m a target, Duke Bartholomew, yesterday only proved it to me. People glaring at me, I know what I am in their eyes, someone they beat once and can beat again, or maybe someone they have the edge on, and are just waiting to tighten the noose. No one can like me, all I do is hurt.” The Duke sighed, “My boy, that’s where I find you wrong.” As we left, and I made sure to lock up the workshop properly, he spoke clearly, “What you’re experiencing is the inability to move on.”

  I shook my head, “I can’t move on, they’re still out there, and I know they’re waiting to strike again.” The Duke shook his head in return, “I don’t mean about Providence, that is a reasonable thing to not let go, I mean about resolving the loss you feel from… well, losing those close to you.” I shook my head, “No! If I do that, I’ll only make the same, complacent mistakes that I did before! I should’ve done something different! Made my defenses stronger, trained my soldiers more, figured out who those damn traitors were! It’s all my fault!” I could hear Lily and my parents, their words like whispers in my ears, “It’s your fault, so don’t you forget that.” It was like a sickening siren song, but they were right, it was my fault. I knew how things worked, yet I ignored it, hoping that my ignorance was indeed the bliss I sought, only to lose it all because of it. Suddenly, I felt a sharp pain on my cheek, the Duke had slapped me, “Snap out of it!” He turned my face to look at his, the look he held was one of concern, “You are not at fault, you hear me? You aren’t!”

  I swore that I heard a blade unsheathe, but it was quickly sheathed to avoid issues with the Duke. But the Duke continued, “Being attacked was never your fault, I had to say the very same thing to my son, and he’s barely able to contain the sorrow he has for the lives that were lost. You were never at fault for it, rather, it’s Providence that should be blamed for this, not you. If they never attacked, you’d be living your life as everyone else would, in peace. Don’t blame yourself for the actions of others.” Even as he said that, I couldn’t agree with him. I decided to rebuke this statement, “It’s better to be a warrior in a garden, than a gardener in a war, do you know what that means, Duke Bartholomew?” As he stood back up, releasing me, he replied, “Of course I do, but what does that have to do with our conversation?” I spoke, my voice clear, “I made a choice when I made everything I did to act as my domain’s defenses. I chose the cowards way out, doing just what I could in the moment, and not going above and beyond. I listened to the voice of a gardener, and now, I lack the proper arms to fight in this war. Sure, Providence didn’t need to do this, but if they didn’t someone else would’ve, and I would still be at fault for not preparing properly.”

  I began to walk to the residence, my exhaustion finally catching up to me, but I wasn’t going to miss any of the training, “Don’t bother trying to tell me what I know, Duke Bartholomew, I know full well that despite the blame I hoist onto Providence, I share that very same blame. Fate, as much as someone like you would think, doesn’t smile upon me. Rather, it holds a dagger to my throat, ready to snuff the life from my soul once more. It’s done it more than once, and at this point, I wouldn’t be surprised if death itself was breathing down my neck, ready to take my soul. So, Duke Bartholomew, don’t try to tell me where the blame lies, because it does have a rightful place on me.” I walked, I didn’t bother letting him rebuke me in return, no more was I going to entertain the fact that I wasn’t at fault for the death and carnage that came from my failure. I could hear the voices of the dead scream to me of my fault, they were right, and there was no way in any life that I could pay for the damage done to them and their families. All I could bring them in return was revenge, and I could only hope they’d be able to rest easy once I begin to do so.

  ~~~

  Aurelian Stella Flameheart, when I heard about him through the royal channels, I wondered why someone like him, who was a dime a dozen, so important to the Empire. Then, I investigated him, and I realized he was the only one who seemed to actually give Providence the same pain they delt him, but it came at a cost. His only friend, one Liliana Stella Drakon, lost her life in the fight, and his parents lost theirs in the defense of their domain. Seeing his response, one recorded and spread among merchants, I understood that he was suffering from his loss more than any other noble I seen, even the ones among my current roster of nobles for training. Though, I never expected to hear the words he said, despite everything, he managed to somehow always bring the blame back to himself. Watching him sit in class, clearly exhausted, I could only question his logic, “Why act like this? His grief seems so… strong considering his age and capacity, yet this seems like someone who’s seen something, or can do something.” Seeing that core in his possession, it told me one thing, he was powerful enough to bring a great beast down, one akin to the one that plagues one of my own planets.

  I shook my head, that was our issue, one for a later date, but the point I gained from it told me he was one who experimented. Mana cores had very little use, yet he was using one for a “project” of his. I recalled the mech that sat in the workshop, one that I believe seen the fight for his domain’s life, and it radiated mana, much like the machines that Providence used, but stronger. Looking to him, I asked myself again, “Just who are you, Aurelian Stella Flameheart.” A voice behind me spoke, “Someone afflicted by a devil’s whispers.” When I turned to look, I noticed they were wearing one of the clothes used for those who work out in the mornings, but those never had personal markings on them. Their head was covered enough to prevent proper identification, their eyes shaded by the mask he wore, I asked, “Who are you?” The individual replied, “You don’t need to know that, not now, just know I seek to help Aurelian Stella Flameheart.” I couldn’t understand what was going on, yet this person spoke like they knew, “Tell me, mysterious soul, why help him?”

  The individual spoke, “Because our future is tied to his survival, and if he fails to recover from these emotions of his, the Avalon Empire… no, the entire universe will not live to see the end of the millennia.” This was farfetched, “I fail to understand, why would the life of one mean the lives of all fail to survive the end of the millennia?” The individual spoke, “My… commander tells me that his life is key, he knows the ins and outs of the threat that beseeches us, and the enemy wishes for his downfall.” I raised a brow, “How would that be?” The individual replied, “I already stated how, but more than that, he needs to understand that he can grow and become someone better because of it. If his future doesn’t change, everyone’s futures will be bleak, and we won’t have the means to fight against an enemy that preexists us all.” The man looked to their wrist, then said, “I must go, I’m out of time, do as you must, Duke Conrad Terra Bartholomew, every little bit helps when it comes to helping those suffering, even if they don’t accept it immediately.” Then as I blinked, they were gone, leaving me alone with the words they said.

  They didn’t proclaim him a hero, nor did they proclaim him a villain, yet it seemed like they knew of his future to an unbelievable extent. From what I knew, there were some humans in times past that seemed to know the future, they were reincarnates. Yet that type of air… that wasn’t what I felt when they spoke, rather, it was as if he were told it to relay it to another, to me. I put my hand to my chin, once again looking to Aurelian, “Who are you to be foretold by someone with future knowledge? What are your secrets, that you aren’t a hero or villain, yet hold the key to our future?” While I wasn’t sure what to trust, I knew one thing, his emotional state was what chose whether or not we live, or die. I couldn’t, even if I hadn’t known this knowledge, to let Aurelian succumb to the demons of the mind, but only now has it made me understand that I want to know the future that one has foreseen come to light, “Just wait, Aurelian, I’ll instill within you the methods to grow beyond your grief. I only hope that those two with you will be alright with being unknowing helpers in my selfish whims.” I won’t let him succumb to his inner demons, I’ve seen too many people fall, but I won’t let someone like him fall, I swear it.