The Truth Behind the Kidnapping

There, there. You did well swimming all the way from the castle, my darlings.

Hahaha! Settle down now.

That took much longer than expected. It would have been quicker to go by land after all.

But we were rowing against the current, sire. On our return, it will be in our favor. And if we consider our return with a human in tow, it is the fastest and safest option.

If you say so.

Besides, the kingdom has deployed most of its soldiers to deal with the beasts wreaking havoc in Rinde. Meaning there will be fewer of them here.

Hmph. We could easily kill any soldiers we come across.

Still, I understand you have your reasons.

Come. Her home of Baruoki isn't far from the forest.

Poor things, you must be so exhausted from all that swimming. Why don't you wait here and watch over our boat?

Now then. I must prove myself to the Beast King so he'll keep me by his side forever.

I can do this! I CAN DO THIS!

I-It hurts! Please... L-Let me go!

A baby was found in the forest 16 years ago. Where is she now?

A baby? 16 years... You mean Aldo and Feinne?

Aldo? I've no business with him. Where can I find this "Feinne"?

The...the Mayor's house... Both of them should be there... Now let me go!

Arrrgh!

Come, Vares.

Is something wrong, Grandpa? You seem a little distracted.

It's nothing, really... I received a letter from the capital some time back. People are starting to worry about the beastfolk. Word has it their forces have united under a new leader, an individual they're calling the Beast King.

You'll give yourself wrinkles if you worry over silly rumors. Everything will be fine, you'll see.

Hmm... I can only hope you're right, Feinne.

I hate to shatter your self-deception, but our forces are already on the move.

Ahh!

Beastfolk?! What are you doing here?

It seems my name has already spread as far as tiny villages like this one.

What? You're...the Beast King?!

Well, "Your Majesty," what do you mean by barging into my home like this?

Don't flatter yourself, old-timer. I'm here for the girl.

Huh? Me?!

What do you want with Feinne? Now see here, mister, I don't know what...

You're beginning to bore me. Vares, if you will.

Nooo!

Stop... Get away, you fiends!

Ahhhh!

Who knows? Perhaps he would have made a worthy opponent if he were a few decades younger.

Stop right there!

And who might you be?

I'm that girl's brother, you creep! Feinne, are you okay?

Ah yes. Aldo, wasn't it? Sorry, boy, I'll be borrowing your sister for a while. I have need of her power. It's the only thing that can eliminate the scourge that is humanity from this world.

Are you out of your mind? There's no way Feinne has power like that!

I don't have time to stand and chat. The truth of the situation would be wasted on vermin like you.

We'll see about that!

Resorting to violence already? Do you value your life so little, boy?

Stand down, Vares. I need you to keep an eye on the girl.

As for you. It's about time you humans learned what true suffering is.

Step forward, boy. I hope you have something to back up all that aggression.

There's no way I'll let you take Feinne away!

Tch, things have gotten complicated. Vares, take the girl and go!

No, Feinne! Bring her back!

Ugh... Nrgh... Unnnghhh! *cough* *splutter* *huff* Gaaah!

It's okay, my darling chimera. I'm just feeling a little unwell right now. I will be all better in a minute...

Oh, how could I let this get to me? If the Beast King finds out, then surely...

Vares.

Y-Your Majesty! I was not expecting you so soon!

Was that your first time taking a life?

As much as it shames me...yes.

Pay it no mind. You are young yet. But if this does indeed lead to war, you will need to kill many more.

I understand, sire. I will not falter again...

Vares. Return to Konium.

What?! But why, Your Majesty?

You are not suited for this life. Go back home, take over your family farm.

No, I...

I can do this, Your Majesty! I can serve you well, I swear it!

Then kill Aldo.

I bested him earlier, but he still lives, and he is bound to come after the girl. He may not be much of a threat now, but I am sure he will get in the way of our plans if given the chance. Put an end to him before it's too late.

As you wish, Your Majesty. I will not let you down!

Very well. In the meantime, I will take the girl back to the castle.

I cannot disappoint my king again. Chimera, prepare for battle. I may need to call upon you if worse comes to worst.

Now to find a nice, open area for our duel.

Stop right there!

And who might you be?

I'm that girl's brother, you creep! Feinne, are you okay?

Her brother... He challenged the Beast King, even knowing he didn't stand a chance, to save his sister...

I envy you, Aldo. You risked your life for your sister, yet I was so weak that I needed mine to protect me. Still, that's all in the past now.

I hear footsteps... Aldo approaches.

In defeating you, I defeat my weakness and become a strong big brother myself. Don't take it personally!

Don't take another step farther! What have you done with Feinne?

Fool, His Majesty and the girl have already left this place far behind. Search the ends of the earth if you want, you won't find her. Not that I'm going to let you walk away from here. I was hoping you'd be stupid enough to come after me.

Where did he take Feinne? Tell me!

You're going to have to beat that answer out of me...if you can!

Now, quit messing around! Where's my sister?!

The Beast King's Castle... But you're too late. Before long she'll become our savior...

Huh? What do you mean?

Even if I told you, you're not going to live long enough to make use of that knowledge. Chimera, come!

Wh-Wh-What the heck is that thing?

I'll be taking my leave. Farewell, Aldo. I doubt we'll ever meet again. This is where your story ends. Try to offer my darling pet some amusement. Bwa ha ha ha!

There's no way he'd survive my chimera... Right? Oh, who am I kidding? Maybe I am better off returning to Konium...

Now I'm just going in circles. Guess I'll head back to the castle too.