Sasrir fell silent, momentarily entertaining the thought, Should I actually protest to my original self? But he quickly snapped out of it, rubbing his temples. "The Lord has more important matters to handle…"
"Important how? Like, the world will end if he doesn't deal with them?" Alaric cut in, his words rapid, instilling a sense of urgency.
"Well, no, not quite…" Sasrir, caught up in the momentum, answered instinctively.
"Exactly! If it's not world-ending, it's not that important! He's just slacking off, trying to enslave his avatar!" Alaric pressed on without pause, placing a hand on Sasrir's shoulder with an air of indignation. "He doesn't respect you as an avatar, just treats you like a disposable tool."
"What? But I am a disposable…" Sasrir began, only to be interrupted again. Alaric looked at him, exasperated. "Don't sell yourself short! No one should be a disposable tool. Have you forgotten about equality? Mr. Sasrir, you've got to fight for your rights!"
Is… is that how it works?
Sasrir, dazed by Alaric's barrage, started to follow his logic. After a moment's thought, he shook his head with a wry smile. "Mr. Alaric, what are you really after?"
"Just think avatars deserve rights too." Alaric said earnestly, then blinked and added, "And, you know, laying the groundwork to poach you later."
"Poach?" Sasrir was genuinely stunned, pointing at himself. "Me? But I'm the Lord's avatar…"
"So what? Avatars can jump ship too. And I'm seriously short on people like you who can keep an organization running smoothly." Alaric said, utterly serious. Management and administration were talents, and Sasrir clearly had them in spades.
Of course, the real kicker was that Alaric wanted to stir up some fun. An avatar rebelling against its original self? That'd be a riot!
"…Thank you for the flattery, but I'm not planning to jump ship just yet." Sasrir said after a pause, unsure how else to respond.
"No problem, I'll ask again next time!" Alaric waved it off generously, then added, "But I meant what I said earlier, Mr. Sasrir. Don't you think you deserve some vacation time? No one should be content being a tool."
"..."
Sasrir fell silent again, opting to change the subject. "I heard you and the Lord are planning a reform in this era. Perhaps I can offer some help in that regard."
"Thanks, Mr. Sasrir, but I'm not handling the details... just the big picture. You'd need to talk to Red for the nitty-gritty. He's in charge of the actual operations." Alaric said, thanking him before promptly selling Medici out. "But there's not much time left today for a discussion."
"I can at least get a general sense of things…" Sasrir said, turning to Medici with a gentle smile.
Medici, now recovered from his earlier emotional turmoil, briskly briefed Sasrir on Loen's current state and his scouting results.
After a few minutes of discussion, Alaric checked his pocket watch. "Time's up."
"Looks like we'll have to continue next time." Sasrir said, smiling at Alaric. "Thank you, Mr. Alaric, for giving me this chance to see the future world and for looking after Medici."
"No need to thank me. See you next time, Sasrir!" Alaric waved, then dispelled the summon.
He turned to Medici, who looked a bit wistful, and grinned. "I recall someone telling me not to daydream."
Medici's expression stiffened. He ground his teeth but only managed a dry, "I'm just following the Lord's will."
"Oh, sure, sure!" Alaric's face screamed, I totally believe you. Then he added, "Don't worry, I treat my employees well. You'll get to reunite with family every three months."
Medici's brow twitched, sensing trouble.
"So no need to be sad. Every three months, I'll make sure you reunite with your mom." Alaric said matter-of-factly, then added as if struck by a thought, "Of course, Mr. Sasrir's a top talent. If he's willing to help me out, I wouldn't mind summoning him more often, so you'd have plenty of chances to see him."
"..."
His expression shifted between wanting to strangle Alaric and a flicker of anticipation. Finally, he said, "Sasrir's never going to work for you. Give it up!"
"Never say never." Alaric replied confidently, glancing at Medici. "And I know you're actually touched."
After all, their bond was over 70% now. Alaric could even borrow Medici's Weather Warlock-level powers. Among the big shots, aside from Azik, Medici had the highest favorability.
The former greatest conspirator was truly straightforward.
Of course, if you counted everyone, the Fool still held the top spot in favorability.
"…Shut up!" Medici couldn't help rolling his eyes.
"Fine, I'll respect your wishes." Alaric said, mimicking zipping his mouth shut.
…
Third Epoch, the kingdom ruled by the Ancient Sun God.
Sasrir opened his eyes, taking in the familiar surroundings, realizing he'd returned to his own era.
"What happened?" A familiar voice asked. The Ancient Sun God was watching him quietly.
Sasrir recounted the events in the Fifth Epoch, then looked at his original self, pausing. "Forgive my presumption, but I truly hope Medici isn't bound by the past. He deserves a future."
"I don't blame you. I, too, feel guilty toward that child… This is for the best." The Ancient Sun God said, seemingly sighing.
Sasrir exhaled in relief, but Alaric's words inexplicably resurfaced in his mind. On impulse, he said, "Lord, there's one thing…"
"What's got you so hesitant?" The Ancient Sun God asked, puzzled.
"Do you think avatars should have an eight-hour workday and vacations?" Sasrir asked after a moment's hesitation.
"???"
Even he fell silent, looking at the faintly intrigued Sasrir, already guessing what had happened. He rubbed his temples.
Alaric… truly a master at swaying hearts.
***
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