Erick's POV:
The noisy room fell into a hush. Amin sat in the center of that oddly shaped piece of furniture, and beside him, Sheccid, still blushing, glared at him, her fist practically steaming. When I glanced timidly around, all the wives were whimpering, each with a large bump on their head. Some were still clutching their heads, letting out soft sighs of pain.
- The first one really is a tyrant.
A small whisper echoed through the room, amplified by the room's natural sound. Sheccid shot a murderous glare in that direction, causing one of the wives to squeal.
- Why me too…?
Beside me, wife number 15 was moaning softly, tears welling in her eyes, also with a bump on her head. I could only feel sorry for the shy girl next to me.
- C-come on, Sheccid, you don't need to be so harsh with the girls, they just…
Before Amin could finish his sentence, Sheccid's glare silenced him.
- I'm not against them showing you affection, but think about your body first before doing stupid things.
With a sigh, Sheccid murmured to Amin, though the echo did its work again, making it slightly audible in the room.
- Prince Amin, don't you think you should get on with the subject already?
- Yes… I suppose we've eased things up enough.
"Eased up?"
Even Ifrit seemed perplexed by Amin's words. Although he wanted to refute them, his expression told me that the time for stupid arguments was over.
- As you may have heard, the Water Hero is officially dead. What you have before you is merely a ghost.
- Yes, I've heard that from Sheccid. I assumed you faked your death for some political reason.
- …Wow, you're smarter than I expected.
With a calculating smile, Amin looks at me as if his gaze could pierce right through me.
- If you're born a prince, it's something you learn sooner or later.
- After all, almost all heroes are born in castles and palaces.
Pleased with my answer, he looks around before continuing.
- Listen, I know you don't care much about politics or the fight for the papacy, but I'd like your help with something. My death had two reasons for being the way it is.
He interrupts his speech as he raises his arm, two fingers pointing upwards.
- The first is so I can retire from my position as a hero. As you know, I wasn't originally like those self-conscious people who want to throw their lives away for an epic tale of their deaths. My original plan was to let you fight the witches while I supported you from behind.
A few voices and whispers of surprise surrounded us. Amin noticed, but simply sighed before continuing.
- I know perfectly well that was pathetic of me, but… since you arrived, I've started to see the title of hero in a different light. Strange as it may sound, I even came to admire the chivalry you displayed during the meeting before the fight. You were the one who ignited my desire to be a hero in the first place.
Astonished by his words, I stared at Amin in puzzlement as he paused for a few moments, as if pondering his words.
- But, after nearly dying, I realized that the title is too great for someone like me. In my current state, I wouldn't even be of any help in a battle, so I decided to withdraw and help my people from the shadows through Sheccid.
He glanced slightly upwards, meeting Sheccid's eyes. She returned his smile kindly as they held hands. While it might seem like a tender image, a doubt gnawed at me.
- If you truly still want to help your country, why fake your death? If you had wanted to retire, you could have simply done so.
He gives me a hard look, as if carefully considering his words before speaking. Then he raises his arm, a single finger extended.
- That's the second reason. I don't want to give Liberio any more power in the succession battle.
- Cardinal Liberio?
- Listen, kid, as strange as it sounds, the cardinal in charge of my country and the Storm Kingdom isn't a good guy. While I didn't used to care what that pig was planning, his actions are becoming increasingly suspicious. Before the Storm Witch arrived, he insisted I go to Granest to support the Lightning Hero. If I simply retire and contribute in some way, that pig will find a way to increase his power. That's why I can't afford to be used any longer.
His withering glare made him swallow unconsciously. It was clear his relationship with Cardinal Liberio wasn't the best.
- Even now, that pig is still sending his messengers to mobilize our army toward Granest.
- He's really been a real headache.
Beside him, Sheccid says this while clutching her head as if she had a migraine. The hero smiles melancholically, his eyes filled with guilt toward his wife. She simply returns his gaze while stroking his head.
- That's why I want to ask you a favor.
- ...You want me to go to Granest?
A smile spreads across her face, clearly pleased with my deduction.
- Exactly. I don't know exactly what he wants me to do, but if you go and steal any credit he might get, that would be best.
I can't help but sigh. Even though I still didn't want to be a hero again, it seems this favor isn't something I can simply refuse.
- Alright. I'll do what you ask, but in return, I need a favor.
- A favor?
- The reason I originally wanted to talk to you was to ask you something. You see... before I woke up, I had a dream. One where I appeared in a cabin I recognized. It was where I recovered from my injuries after fighting the Lightning Gang.
Before I could continue, a pressure hit my chest. The feeling that I was forgetting something hit me again. As if there were a giant hole in my memories that refused to be filled. I shook my head and continued.
- I was there with someone… no matter how hard I try to remember, I can't recall who she was. I only know that when she disappeared from my side, I panicked and practically destroyed the cabin. When I ran outside, the scenery had suddenly changed to a swamp. I don't remember ever being there. As I looked around, a strange light, both white and black, suddenly illuminated the sky.
The mere memory of it sends shivers down my spine. I struggle to get the next words out before being interrupted.
- A black and white light?
When I come to, Amin is stunned. With some difficulty, Amin turns toward a high window overlooking the outside.
- I had a similar dream too.
- What?!
- I was looking out that window while doing paperwork and watching my wives clean around me. Then screams of panic filled the castle. Before I could ask what was happening, a black and white light appeared through that window, splitting the sky before crushing the horizon.
I stared at Amin, perplexed. I couldn't believe what he'd just said.
- What does this mean?
Amin gazed at the horizon, his eyes filled with worry.
- That's exactly what I'd like to know, too.
The room suddenly tensed. No one present made a sound. Amin sighed as he turned to me.
- I was hoping that was just an overly realistic dream, but if we both had a similar dream, that changes things. Sheccid, I need you to send a letter to Apella. We'll be calling an urgent meeting between the heroes and cardinals. If what we both saw is a prediction of the future, that light isn't something we can leave uninvestigated.
- Understood, Prince Amin.
Without further ado, Sheccid leaves the room at a brisk pace. Her footsteps echo in the room for a few moments before she disappears behind the large twin doors.
- As for you, Erick, I need you to go to Granest.
- Granest? Shouldn't we be focusing on the light?
- ...
He looks at me for a moment. Silence fills the room before Amin speaks again.
- That won't be necessary. If you go to the meeting, who knows what Liberio will do in Granest. Count me in to deal with it.
- ...Alright, I'll leave for Granest immediately.
Amin's gaze hardens before he lets out a sigh.
- Get well first, you little idiot hero.
- Huh? Wasn't Granest urgent?
- Do you know how far it is from here to Granest? In your current state, you'd die before you could even set foot on its territory, much less its royal capital. Rest here as long as you need before you leave. I'll do my best to delay the army's departure as much as possible.
- But...
- No buts. Besides, you'll sadden the child if you're that reckless.
His words hit me like a ton of bricks, like a piece falling into place, memories that had been empty magically filled.
- ...You?
- I'll tell you everything I know when you've recovered. Now, take him back to his room.
The servants surrounding me take me by the arms again and lead me out of the room. I can only stare in bewilderment at Amin before disappearing through the twin doors.