Ashes and Kingdoms

When I got out of the woods, Finn was alone.

Orgin chose to stay in the woods because he could no longer stand the journey home. Utier returned to the back of the junction again, and the blue fog quietly disappeared as well. Elesia flew back east over the sea because she was not yet ready to discuss it with Varys.

Standing outside the unpopular woods, Finn looked around. You can see signs of hunger eroding until the tree stands. The decaying branches are painful. When I took a step, the soil at my feet was already dry and white on salad.

Again, it's going to take a long time - that's what Utier said.

To live again in a hungry earth, we must first uproot the grass trees, once and for all. It is even later that humans can be used as fields and pastures. People who have taken refuge in the extended part of the Great Forest still have to live in the woods for the time being.

Finn looked up into the sky and spread his wings in his consciousness. At the same time, Lena materializes and rises with her fins on board. Like before, calling names, grabbing them somewhere, riding their backs - such steps were no longer necessary.

Wide vision. Finn glanced this way and north, looking around where Quanos and the Imperial Capital used to be.

That “hunger” is completely gone.

"Right. Don't worry now."

The two relieve themselves at the same time. The earth beneath my eyes is too quiet to feel any signs of life, but I know that it will all rise. I miss you now, but I have nothing to fear anymore.

Finn turned his eyes to go and looked for signs of familiarity. Signs of a small, light dwelling, dear family.

Eventually, under the light we found, Finn flew straight away. It's the city of Ordos, a square with a city hall. The flight was fast for just the two of us and it didn't take long to get home.

The square I aspired to was full of citizens, but when I heard the dragon's wings, everyone looked up to heaven and cheered for the place. Mac and Nellis, who were going through immigration procedures, leave the spot to help officials to rush.

"Brother Finn!

"Safe."

As they spoke, they rushed over to Lena, who folded their wings, and Finn, who stepped down.

but just a few moments later, we stopped for a little bit, as we were both suddenly pulled invisible reins.

Finn could see the two stunners more clearly than that look. I can see that Nellis had feelings almost close to fear, and why.

(I wonder how it looks)

The superficial layer of consciousness that fused with the dragon was already separated, but not completely back to normal. A complete return to human consciousness will never happen again.

(I'm sure it's not about 'something glowing is twisting' anymore)

He smiled as he remembered his nostalgic memory lonely.

"I'm home."

Serene, say in a voice ready for what comes next. No matter who you are, you won't be surprised. Or even if they both bowed their heads deeply together and thanked others.

In fact, there was an atmosphere that was about to happen in a few moments. Nellis' face is frightened out of awe, and pale. Finn looked into her heart and nearly opened his mouth to cut her out of herself.

That, right after.

"...... stupid!!!

With the supercrossbow rage, what a fist slapped into the dovetail.

The misplaced fins are as decent as they are, they don't just have to be let down, they fall into cobblestones. Speaking of women, Nellis is not a lady. Because he is a priest who performs powerful work, he does not insult the power of his fists.

"Ugh, ho... uh, you, what?"

Nellis yelled Finn, fine, as the surrounding citizens were drained of their liver and made a scene.

"What? This is our dialogue! How worried did you think I was? What do you mean," I'm home "? There will be some other way to do it and say it, fool!!

Her face is in a red tide and her eyes are in tears. Blinked emotions overflow with a painfully clear light.

(I made up my mind, so your brother said I wouldn't change anything. Something that doesn't make a difference, whether you know it or not, whether you're a child of a very bad person or whatever, I'll show you)

(I know, it's not the same anymore, your brother and I, we're all not the same anymore. But it won't change, it won't change, never!

Nellis squeezes the hem of her clothes with both hands, scolding her knee, which seems to creep with relief and enthusiasm, and she is jealous with her fins stared at. Finn was heartily impressed by his health and the strength of his willingness to change.

... Right, right. If you can stay unchanged, you don't have to change.

Nature and laughter bring back the old senses. He held down his belly and stood up, showing a great deal of tannin.

"What do you want me to do? You want me to hold you with my hands wide open, crying?

"That's not true, you're disgusting!!!

"... you should have snuck back through the back door"

When Finn looked pathetic when he was scolded, Mac finally, too, smiled the usual way.

"You were a little late to notice, brother. Welcome home."

"Oh."

Finn nodded small and gently stroked each of the two heads. As soon as you're done, you'll both be together.

"Stop doing that openly..."

How old do you think we are?

The duet of protests has no more strength or deliberateness. Oops, and Finn pulled his hand in, and did the trick of surrendering as it was.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Uh... uh, I'm going to report to His Majesty the Emperor for now, so will you both come when I can get my hands off me?"

Copy that.

"Yes, sir."

Damn, I can't help it - the answer to such a flair. Finn tapped the two shoulders gently,

"Thanks"

I thanked him with my thoughts and then I turned my back and walked out. I didn't have to look back to find out that the nervous Nellis leaned against Mac.

Finn had already seen where the Emperor and Little Senato were in the City Hall, but it also takes courtesy to visit all of a sudden without a trace. Finn asked for guidance and followed him after the servant.

"Lord Phineas! Safe!

It was Senato who raised his voice of joy first. Finn puts his mouth down and gives a compliment. I was reminded of my little grandson, who was in the memory of Big Senato, and his love for the child. Whether that was on his face, Senato, who welcomed Finn, had a slightly bewildered face and stood up without being able to continue his words. Varis walks over to Finn instead.

"You suddenly changed the atmosphere.... You succeeded, didn't you?

"Yes. The“ hunger ”of the Imperial Capital devoured itself and perished. You don't have to run any further."

To Finn's answer, the emperor and his adopted son all breathed relief.

"So can we go back north one by one?"

"Yeah. But it'll take time. The main body of hunger was stopped in the Imperial Capital, but some escaped and quite a bit of land was hit. I'm not in a state where I can plant crops...... I just have to plant strong grass trees on the edge of the wasteland on lean soil first and recover a little bit from it. They say dwarves can help with the job."

"Hmm?"

"Master Utier was returned to the depths of the Great Forest with the Fidae tribe, but their knowledge and moves are also handed down to the dwarves. Unlike the Fidae, the dwarves also interact with the outside world... so I can't favor the humans who have ignored me since the Great War, but I'll give them a hand in healing the earth because Goddess Naena will mourn."

Finn conveyed Avanez's statement in a grinning manner and looked back at Senato.

"Farnayne is with you, Your Highness. He said he would come and go with the West, but he wanted to see you again when he came here."

"Really?"

Senato's reply was short, but it was a less, rather odd, voice trying to restore calm. Finn pretends he didn't notice that and turns to Varys again.

"Master Elesia said to send a messenger once again. officially established borders, and the surrender of the remaining legions of soldiers in the territory, etc., also at that time."

"... well. Right, now that this is happening in my country, it's better for Nornicom to do it on his own. Either way, the fact is we don't have the power to negotiate anymore."

Varis said pale, taking a piece of parchment from the bookstand he was on his way to before Finn arrived.

"I guess I'll be heading back north after this"

"Yes, I'll stop by Comrith or Winnea and tell them to be ready because more people will emigrate from the country, and then we'll go back to Nanais"

"Right. Then bring this news to the respective Mayors and Legion Leaders. It's a Council decision."

……

Finn received the paper offered and ran his eyes - out of time.

Stunning, just over and over again, read the same wording back.

"The Diatius Empire waives all rights and obligations with regard to land north of the Purma Mountains"

The Emperor's signature and seal, and the signatures of councillors lined up beneath.

Even a bad dream seemed to me.

As a matter of fact, the north has already been semi-independent for four years. Until Winnea, however, they had also received the salaries of legion soldiers, and it was their own funds that had supported the reconstruction of Nanais.

That's it.

"... So, Your Majesty, the legion soldiers...? Citizens' rights, Nanais said."

"We have to do something ourselves."

Varys responded without hesitation and rubbed his face like he was tired.

"The country is now at its best just to heal the wounds. The number of councillors was also halved. There will be no stopping the outflow of citizens beyond this. I don't want to collect taxes anymore. Apart from paying legion soldiers, there is no money to turn to the maintenance of streets and water supplies. The early story is, it's broke."

…………

"That's why, of course, I got the opinion that we should get what we get from the North this time. If they disobey the Tenth and Eighth Legions of Comris and Winnea, there is no way to contain them. It's better to let go before you wear any more painful hands."

Hmm, and Varys snorts masochistically. Finn accidentally stuffed him.

"But we are citizens of the Empire! Even now, and always will! It is only natural to help because the country is in a difficult time!

"It makes me happy. But could you have said the same thing four years ago when you reached Winnea for help and nobody reached out to Nanice after all?

"-! That's..."

"Many of the people are no longer limited to the Empire. Because I can't go anywhere else, because I can't think of anything else to do, few people are hanging in shape-shaped empires and parliaments... but by now, anyway, the existence of a nation has only come to fruition with concepts. I don't have the power of reality. Wake up and think of ways to protect yourself. If this news is delivered... or not, the North will eventually change. I don't know if Winnea's army wants Nanice. Feast on the puppet emperor."

Even then, we cannot intervene. You'll pretend not to look.

Varis said like any other HR in an emotional voice. But when I looked up and looked straight at Finn, there was a warm tenderness on its face.

"That was enough, he did it for the Empire. Even with the special position of Dragon Hou on the sidelines, I can be proud of the Empire just for that one point that created a citizen like that. I don't think it's a corrupt, doomed country....... thanks"

"Your Majesty..."

"Come on, I almost did. Go home. And if it does, let me continuously inherit the spirit of the Good Empire Citizen that you embody. In the south, the hope is limitless."

Finn shook his head and responded with a strong tone to the words of Varis as he had understood.

"No. There is certainly hope here too. Both General Glaus and Lord Islev will support His Majesty, and Senato will lead His Majesty to the next world. Please don't give up, Your Majesty. I... no, I wish to remain a friend of His Majesty"

Unhesitatingly told straight, Varys chewed, blinking his eyes. During the bundle, he was silent...... then, he spilled his grin all the time.

"Then you're going to stop saying 'me' one way or another. Dragon Horse Phineas, you will probably be on an equal footing with the emperor of your country in the future. If you want to be my friend, I will be happy for you and for my successor."

Say, give me your hand. Finn gripped it tight.

After taking his hands off either of them, Finn noticed once again and bewildered himself, "Yes," he said.

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty. I can no longer return the Phalendyne."

"? With that said, you're wearing a different sword. You broke it."

"No, I was reborn in this sword. Master Deia gave me that the previous sword... is gone."

"Hmm, does that happen too? It doesn't matter, the Emperor has only kept Dragon Hou's for generations. I can tell you to give it back."

"I'll be awed."

Just then Finn lowered his head, a servant informed Mac and Nellis of his arrival.

The two had already been informed of the Council's decision and it did not come as a surprise that Finn showed the document. However, from now on, only my self was really bullied and I only consolidated my readiness.

They broke up after discussing a bit the response to those moving from their home countries to the north, the issue of future distribution of supplies, etc.

Outside the city hall, Nellis takes a deep sigh. Finn swallowed the sigh that was coming out of his mouth in a hurry. Not if you are feeling down all the time. Now we have to move on, rather than mourn the sunset of the Empire.

- And I thought.

"Ha... Now, for the time being, I can't even see His Majesty the Emperor's face..."

When I heard where the remnants of Nellis were, my knee was about to fall out.

"Do you want to take home one bronze statue in the square?

I've been sarcastic.

"Bronze statue. Please, just stop making Nanais build a statue of Dragon Marquis."

It was just bouncing back at us.

"You know as much as I don't make that happen..."

"I don't know, do I? It was made on its own without your brother's knowledge."

"Then I'll melt it down and turn it into something more useful."

Oh, boy. I slapped a nagging Finn on the back so Mac could comfort him.