Hyperborea suffers from the typical syndrome of a "Winter Empire". It is located in the Northernmost continent. Winter is the only season all-year around. This climate forces people to move a lot, lest they freeze to death. The basic fitness of Hyperborea's citizens was higher than the other city-states. Their military might is considerably strong.
What they lack are farmlands. They could only plant a select few under the winter's harsh conditions. Hunting animals also has their limits.
Hyperborea's aristocracy had long set their sights on the south where there are fields suitable for farming. However, these aristocrats are divided. They are embroiled in internal affairs, determined to claim more power through civil wars.
Hyperborea's attention could not be turned to the south… until now.
They crowned Cerydra as the 'Highness' of Hyperborea. Under the guise of expansion, they sent her out to an expedition. They are not heartless enough, however, as they gave her a reliable army and sufficient supplies.
If she succeeds, she will expand Hyperborea's borders.
If she fails, she will become the scapegoat and be persecuted to death.
Hence, the entire expedition is akin to a fire pit nobody wanted to jump into.
"They like to belittle you, figuratively and literally."
"..."
Her face turned three points darker upon hearing Shi Tian's remark.
"Humph. Insulting my height is a crime punishable by decapitation."
"Um~! I'll gladly serve my head on a silver platter."
"...But I will pardon you once."
"All hail Your Majesty! All hail the Imperator!"
His theatrical acts made her scoff. Her eyelids twitched when she noticed the weird emphasis on "imp".
"You are truly a jester."
"No, no. A court magician. I prefer that title more."
The two chatted atop an open-air carriage. The attire Cerydra wore was overlaid with a fur robe. The mountain path they treaded in caused it to shake every now and then.
"Too bad I can't create Britannia's advanced machinery. Their seats must have been softer than this."
"Then I prefer you would create the Sword of Promised Victory instead."
Their idle chats lasted for one month. They crossed the mountains of Epos and arrived at the vast and fertile grassland of the south.
Cerydra did not hurry to strike. She embodied Shi Tian's teaching of "patience is a great virtue". Even when her men gradually became restless, seeking to start a fight, she withheld.
The intelligence network built by her worked at its full capabilities. Pigeons traversing the Titan Aquilla's domain descended every day on their temporary post.
One day, the opportunity arrived.
Loukas, one of the nearest city-states, fell into internal turmoil. The first of the three hundred rogues of Dolos (lit. City of Thieves), Hirendou, infiltrated Loukas. He was caught and sentenced to death.
How huge was their surprise when the man they executed wasn't Hirendou, but their very own Ruler. The city fell into unprecedented chaos.
"Listen! The time has come! Onwards!"
Six words never felt so powerful. The restless army was invigorated. Whether it was the ones who held to their honor, the ones who wanted to prove themselves, or the ones who simply wanted to fight…
All of them followed the young ruler's orders.
Loukas' military force was severely affected by its recent alliance with two other city-states. The half that remained within the city could not quell the chaos. Cerydra's interference was the final nail in the coffin.
Seeing her feats, they had no choice but to surrender. Some people were attracted by her future prospects and came to her side.
It was the beginning of Cerydra's lengthy march. City states fell behind their backs. To those who did not surrender, Thanatos' gentle touch awaited them.
For six months, she forged a road of conquest paved in blood. She did not hesitate to place the final chess piece to achieve a check mate.
She returned to Hyperborea along with her army. She marched in front of the city gates and confronted the indulgent "regent" king. He, along with everyone who knew Cerydra's true identity, was burned to death publicly.
From today onwards, she had become the true ruler; the Imperator respected by many.
Shi Tian watched everything occur on the sidelines. He could not help but feel sentimental.
"Why does it feel like watching my daughter grow up?"
Had Cerydra been here, she would have scoffed at his usual antics. The two of them played the roles of a straight man and a funny man very well. It wasn't only Shi Tian who has the talent of a jester; the other shortcake does too.
Unfortunately, everything is destined to fall in deaf ears.
"This world. Why does it feel foreign yet… familiar?"
*****
The army did not stay for long. Cerydra caught wind of an interesting event. Three city-states allied with each other to breach the Holy City at the center of the continent, Okhema. One of the city states was Loukas, whose half of the military force was spared due to their siege.
Cerydra took note of this 'grudge', intending to stir further chaos on the Okhema siege. She remained patient, however, as she focused on conquering the surrounding city-states.
One day, their army set a temporary camp near the ocean.
"What a busybody. No wonder Merlin is always off to meet some women…"
Shi Tian strolled the rocky seaside. The scent of seawater swept to his nose. It was distinct from the other places he had been.
He scrubbed his nose.
"If it's not for my condition…"
Nobody can see him except for Cerydra. Whenever she is there, he can interact with the outside world. Otherwise, he "turns" into a ghost—the kind people pass through without knowing. He could no longer interact with items outside Cerydra's vicinity.
His boredom led to him gazing to the ocean. A sudden thought popped up.
With a thought, his bulky white robe changed into nothing but a pair of shorts. The "staff" in his hand disappeared.
"I should float, right..?"
This thought was akin to a bucket of cold water. He did not want to risk harming himself for a quick swim. In the end, he found a huge stone where he could sit down. His feet reached the ebbing tide of water. Its coldness was transmitted to his skin. It prompted him to 'summon' his robes once more. It left his feet exposed to the water.
Shi Tian did not expect for new memories to resurface. It wasn't a "story" this time, but "music".
He wasn't surprised by its appearance. There have been several instances where he "recalled" some songs.
This time, it was entitled "Rubia". The sense of desolation and loneliness it carried made his heart heavy. It was as if it was specifically created for someone—and that someone is important to him.
With his child-like voice, it wasn't difficult to reach most of its pitch.
"Life blooms like a flower;
Far away or by the road;
Waiting for the one;
To find the way back home…"
Bubble-!
Unbeknownst to him, a big fish emerged to listen to his singing…
*****
A/N: Hysilens' transparent belly water sold me the moment I saw her drip marketing (E0S1 btw).