Hero Stories: Clouded Foresight

Oh no no no...

*sobbing*... our emperor!

...

Hurry. We still have a long way to go until the Summer Shrine.

I'm coming.

We cannot afford to slow down even a little. Do you want to interfere with the emperor's final procession?

I'm sorry...

The emperor shouldn't have passed away like this... Especially in a secluded place that was full of Wicked!

I heard the emperor was making unreasonable decisions... Why didn't any of His Majesty's advisors try to stop him?

The imperial palace is supposed to have some kind of shaman capable of seeing the future. How did she not foresee such a tragedy?

...

No, Your Majesty! You must not go!

You dare tell me what to do? A mere shaman!?

Now is not the time. You have to be more cautious! If Your Majesty goes now, you may perish...!

I heard you were a pilgrim talented at foresight, so I employed you as my shaman.

But all you have done is lead me to miss opportunity after opportunity with your constant warnings of danger!

I'm beginning to doubt you have any talent for precognition at all.

I would never deceive Your Imperial Majesty!

For Your Majesty's sake, I think it best to wait for a safer opportunity...

Enough!

Just how much longer do you want me to wait? Wicked infighting is weakening their hold on Shadow Mountain! We'll never have another opportunity like this!

Must we spend our entire lives cowering from them?!

O-Of course not, but...

I won't be able to sleep comfortably until I cut the throat of our enemies myself.

If you insist on standing in my way, you will not be forgiven! Now begone!

...Your Majesty...

I should have been more forceful in stopping him... Even if I lost my life for it.

I knew what was coming, and yet I still allowed it to happen because I was intimidated.

I haven't been here in so long. Not since I was appointed as shaman.

The weather here is as warm and pleasant as always. On His Majesty's final journey...

At least one thing is going our way...

Who cares about the weather! This is already the most chaotic funeral in the entire history of Theranhad!

Well, it's not common for this many people to be gathered, even for an emperor's funeral.

I hear more than half of them are heirs to the throne and their retinues. Have there ever been this many possible heirs?

It was unavoidable. His Majesty was always so obsessed with fighting the Wicked, he never had time to worry about having any children to succeed him.

Still, he could have at least given some hints on who he'd like. How irresponsible...

So many people I've never even seen or heard of before are suddenly deciding they're rightful heirs to the throne...

We're in a position to choose the next emperor for ourselves, but still...

For the sake of the empire, the next emperor should be chosen before the mourning period ends.

It's clear to everyone, even without foresight, that this mess will not be resolved until the last possible day.

We don't have the luxury of mourning His Majesty when we must focus on what comes next...

But those two are right. If the next emperor is not decided soon, the public will begin to ask questions...

I need to find a way to be helpful. I need to find an appropriate successor...

Why now, of all times, can I not see a thing...?

Isn't that the boy Zahhak chose as heir?

Seeing as he's travelling with him, it would appear so.

I heard that Zahhak travelled far to bring him back himself. I was looking forward to seeing who was worth such effort...

But he really is little more than a boy...? That's who Zahhak wants to rule the empire?

How can some random child like that have any hope in the struggle for the throne, even if Zahhak himself chose him...

Was his judgement clouded by the shock of the emperor's passing?

Zahhak selected a new heir himself? And a young boy, at that? Where has this come from?

You can stay here for now. The ceremony will begin tomorrow, so take this time to rest.

Okay.

...!?

Ahhhh!

Please, no!

I don't want to die!

...

...Sharun...

*gasping*

What was that vision? There was...so much blood.

Is there going to be another war? But why was there fighting inside the Summer Shrine?

Why...why was he calling my name?

Zio, you're awake?

Ah, yes. Did you sleep well, Advisor?

There is much to do today. Preparations must begin early.

What do I need to do? Since we arrived so late yesterday, nobody told me anything...

There is no need for urgency. You will learn what you must do when the time comes.

For now, you need only make sure you are careful with what you say and do. This is the funeral for the emperor, after all. And you are a potential heir to the throne.

I'll do my best.

You can wait in your room when you're ready. I'll come back to see you when the sun rises.

...

He's so docile and meek.

He doesn't fit the violence of the visions I had yesterday at all. Why was he there?

He does seem dignified for his age...but even so he seems too passive, and too naive. I'm not sure he even fully understands the situation he is in.

How can such a boy involve himself in a struggle for the throne? Was this even his choice, or did the advisor drag him here?

But why would Zahhak even choose him, a distant relative living far away?

Nobody knows or has even heard of him. What hope does he have of succeeding?

...Hello.

Ah...!

Forgive me, I did not mean to surprise you. It's only that...you kept staring, so I thought there might be something you wish to say to me.

O-Oh, no, not at all. I should be the one apologizing. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. It's just that...

I've never seen you around the palace. I suppose I got caught up wondering who you are.

Ah, well that's because I've never been there.

Though I am related to the late emperor, I spent my whole life up north. We had no contact at all.

I never expected to find myself here either. To be honest, I'm a little nervous.

Ah...

You're the emperor's shaman, aren't you? I've heard about you from the others... You must have been working there for a very long time.

Yes... It has been quite some time now. I was still a young girl when I was brought to the palace.

Then you must be very familiar with the palace! I hardly know anything at all, myself. May I ask you a few questions?

...By all means.

I thought he would keep to himself, but he's surprisingly proactive. I didn't expect him to take the initiative to talk to me first.

Perhaps he calculated that getting close to the palace shaman would be advantageous to his claim? Does he want to make use of my foresight?

Surely not...

No matter how mature he may look, this child knows nothing about the imperial palace. I can't give him too much credit.

But...what if Zahhak put him up to it?

Zahhak would certainly be aware of me and of the advantages of having a shaman on their side.

Yes...and he was in that vision as well, standing beside the boy.

Does Zahhak seek to make use of the boy's naivety and royal blood to get what he wants for himself?

Ah, this is...

The entrance to the Summer Shrine. I was preoccupied by our conversation. I didn't realize how far we had walked.

Me neither... I was too caught up with asking questions about all this.

We're not allowed outside, are we...? Should we go back?

...

He wants to go outside, but he's cautious of something going wrong if he does... Something about him seems...repressed.

I'm sure a little stroll nearby will be fine.

Really?

There's still plenty of time left until sunrise. You want to go outside too, don't you?

Ah... Was it that obvious?

I have been feeling a little suffocated, to be honest. I've been meeting so many new people, but since there's a funeral going on, the mood is so solemn...

I was desperate for a little fresh air, but I was warned not to act recklessly since I'm a potential heir. And I don't know my way around here anyway.

Everyone will be too busy preparing for the funeral to concern themselves with your whereabouts. Besides, I'm familiar with the surrounding area.

Okay, then I'll rely on you! Do you come here often?

Before entering the palace, I came here sometimes for training. It has hardly changed at all since.

I see...

...Does this place feel stuffy to you too?

Me?

I wondered if that's why you were so eager to accompany me. You look as if a weight has been lifted from you.

Actually...I was watching you yesterday during the procession from the palace to the Summer Shrine. You looked so unhappy all day.

...I did?

Oh, don't get me wrong, I didn't mean anything by it! Just that you caught my attention with how sad you looked.

I'm embarrassed you could tell how I felt...

I didn't mean it like that... It's entirely understandable that you would be sad.

How could you not be after the man you served for so long has passed away? And then there's everything all the others were saying...

No, it was careless of me to allow my emotions to be so obvious.

I have no right...

Why wouldn't you? Because you're a shaman?

I was unable to prevent his death despite knowing the tragedy that was coming. All because I was too scared to displease him...

If I had more courage, the empire wouldn't have been thrown into turmoil like it is now...

It's my fault His Majesty died. I deserve to be hanged for treason...!

You may be a shaman, but you're also a Human being. Just because you are able to take a small peek into the future, doesn't mean you know everything.

Even if you do know the future in advance, that doesn't guarantee your choices will always be the right ones.

Anyone can make mistakes and feel regret and sadness.

Just being a shaman doesn't strip you of those rights. Isn't it more important to work out how to handle it next time it happens instead?

...

Admit your mistakes, don't forget the past, and do whatever you can to ensure you don't make those same mistakes again.

How else can we find a better path? If not, you'll be stuck making the same mistakes forever, and eventually be culled off.

...You have a strong heart.

I'm ashamed that I underestimated you just because of your age. The immature one here was me.

No, I'm not strong. All I do is follow others.

I'm still trying to find my own path...

...I overheard that Zahhak was the one who brought you here.

Yes. He suddenly showed up one day telling me I was an heir to the throne, and I should come with him back to the palace.

I was so shocked. I had no idea I had royal blood before then.

No idea at all?

I was living on a plateau outside of Theranhad. I hardly even knew what kind of country this was.

His Majesty had already passed away, and I had no time to learn anything about the palace. I had no choice but to follow Zahhak.

But when we arrived, it turned out there were so many other potential heirs besides me.

I see.

My heart sank when I saw them all. As you know, I don't have much power of my own...

Everyone was staring at me. It's like I'm being driven to the front lines without any weapons or armor.

Honestly, I was really scared. Until I talked with you.

And yet you're still here. Does that mean you still want to try to become the emperor?

Well, I've already come all this way.

There must be a reason Zahhak chose me. I don't know what it is, but I'll try to live up to his expectations.

Of course, I hope this can all end safely. I don't necessarily think I need to be emperor.

I'll try my best, though. As long as you work hard, you can expect satisfactory results, right?

The palace is far more brutal than you realize...

What does that mean?

This competition for the throne... It won't just end peacefully with a small fight to decide the winner, with everyone accepting the result.

Without an official heir, this is the most chaotic time in the history of the Theranhad.

His Majesty had no choice but to neglect his management of the imperial palace because he was leading efforts to eradicate the Wicked.

And he always had Zahhak beside him to help. Zahhak was always His Majesty's favorite.

Everyone blames this tragedy on the emperor's stubbornness, but I find it hard to believe Zahhak had no influence at all on his decisions.

...

You shouldn't put all of your trust into him. You need to find your path on your own.

That path might not necessarily lead towards the throne.

...Sharun...

...!?

Watch out!

Huh!? What's going on...

Are you all right?

Tsk. Dammit.

Why...? Who's that?

I told you that the competition for the throne wouldn't be resolved peacefully. Though I didn't expect things like this to happen so soon...

This is a small part of what you will have to go through if you wish to sit upon the throne.

As a shaman who's supposed to be capable of predicting the future, I figured you would end this more quickly...

If you value your life, tell me who sent you.

Shouldn't a shaman like you already know that?

You seem to think you can afford to be conceited right now. I'm giving you one last chance.

Ha! One last chance?

The only conceited one here is you!

Sh-Sharun!

Urk!

...Zahhak?

What are you doing out here, Zio?

...

I told you to be wary of others and wait in your room, did I not?

S-Sorry...

I brought him out here.

Sharun...?

Zio was worried about leaving without permission, but I convinced him it would be fine because I know the area well.

If you must blame anyone, blame me.

...That was foolish of you, Shaman.

If you were so certain of the danger, why did you leave Zio unattended?

It would seem you have not adequately educated him on the current situation.

...How ridiculous. If you are so curious, why not look into the future for your answers?

Come, Zio. We're going back.

...Okay.

You have to keep your mouth shut until the time is right. Please refrain from acting rashly from now on.

...I know...

Sharun...

Yes?

Don't worry about me. I'm fine. If anything, I should thank you for easing my own worries.

Ah...

And thank you for protecting me. I hope to see you again soon.

Zio... Don't forget what I told you earlier, okay?

I won't.

...

Wait. I want to talk with you.

What is it?

You told me to look into the future, so I'll tell you the future I've seen.

Not for you, but for Zio.

So, you have seen something, huh?

When I first met him yesterday, a certain scene came to my mind.

It was of a Summer Shrine stained with blood. The sound of metal upon metal, screaming, and a vision of dead bodies...

I don't know who was behind it, but one thing is for sure...

It was a cruel act committed with the goal of removing any rivals to the throne.

...

When I talked with Zio, he didn't appear to have much interest in the throne.

He was simply doing as you asked him by coming here.

No interest in the throne, eh?

How naive of you. I did not force Zio to come here. It was what he wanted.

He's a young boy who can't even parse the politics of the imperial palace.

You just want a puppet on the throne whose strings you can pull yourself, don't you?

While the emperor devoted himself to eradicating the Wicked, the lines of authority became muddled.

The succession has been thrown into disarray, and there are countless duplicitous men just waiting for the moment to seize the throne given the slightest opportunity.

The birth of a new regime, unbiased and untainted, will help stabilize the country and reform its outdated institutions.

It is a pity that you did not see the brighter future awaiting our empire. You always have had eyes only for misfortune.

...

Instead of making such presumptuous remarks, why don't you use your time more effectively by looking more deeply into the future.

...*sighing*

Zio wishes to follow such a heartless man? All to become nothing more than a puppet...

A new regime in the face of uncertainty? Everyone knows such drastic change cannot come without conflict.

I don't know what it is he's thinking, but I refuse to allow the future I saw to come to fruition.

Oh? Sharun, is that you? It's been too long! Are you here for the funeral?

...Why are you here?

Why else? As a close aide to the late emperor, it's only right that I attend.

Nobody would've missed you if you decided not to come. The nerve you have, really.

Well I think I'll be more helpful than some whimpering little child that can't keep up with the procession because she's too busy crying.

Watch what you say.

Oh, I'm sorry. Do you not like being called "child"? Forgive me, no matter how many times I see you, you still just look like a kid to me.

I've wasted enough of my time with you. Get out of my way.

Explain this for me, at least... I heard you've already chosen an heir?

Excuse me?

Why are you pretending to be surprised? I heard you picked him out and have been with him since the morning.

But he just looks like a boy to me... Is he really destined to become emperor?

Rumors are bound to be exaggerated. Especially at a time like this.

Oh, is that so? But there are multiple witnesses who saw you two together.

If a potential heir to the throne is seen talking closely with a shaman who is capable of seeing the future, isn't it only natural for people to make assumptions?

You shouldn't have behaved so carelessly.

Is that supposed to be some kind of warning?

A warning? How upsetting! I'm saying this because I'm worried about you. The mood around here isn't very pleasant.

There are some who may suspect that the emperor's tragic death was the result of being misled by a certain shaman.

Of course, I'm not claiming you hid anything on purpose, but what if the boy gets hurt because of you?

...

She's not wrong. I allowed myself to get too caught up in my emotions and acted carelessly this morning. But...

Why not garrison in the northeastern highlands of Shadow Mountain?

I went on a short expedition there recently. There is no shortage of places to hide and watch the movements of the Wicked.

I see... In that case, instruct the soldiers to do so. Your judgment has never failed me before.

Are we ready for battle, Zahhak?

Yes, Your Majesty. They are all awaiting your orders.

Will you not be joining us, Zahhak? I know you have been waiting for this day as much as I have.

As much as I would love to see Your Majesty's will come to fruition, I'm concerned about the situation in the palace during your absence.

I will return and ensure that palace order is maintained.

As reliable as always. If we are successful here, I will ensure you are both rewarded appropriately.

I am humbled by your praise, Your Majesty.

...

...Am I the only one who should be on guard? You know better than me who is responsible for the emperor's death.

Me? I don't know anything. Why does any of this matter, anyway?

How could it not when nobody was closer to His Majesty than yourself and Zahhak?

You may be able to hide it from others, but I know how heavily you encouraged the emperor to attack the Wicked.

You have quite the imagination, Shaman. Do you have proof for any of this? All Zahhak and I have ever done is follow the emperor's orders.

I barely managed to survive that tragedy myself, and now I must face these hurtful accusations?

There are eyes and ears all over the palace. You cannot hide from all of them.

Now, not only has Zahhak brought Zio here, but you came straight to talk with me about Zio as well.

It is clear the two of you intend to use him. Just like you used the late emperor.

Pah! Is this some kind of witch hunt?

I don't know who the next emperor will be, but I'm telling you now, I won't let you use Zio for your own purposes.

Don't act too rashly, or you will regret it.

Enough of your nonsense. I'm too busy to stand here talking with you.

You sure are arrogant for a girl who cannot even control her own emotions.

Whether you can look into the future or not, in the end, you're still nothing more than a foolish Human.

Is this really the closest thing the emperor had to a will?

Yes... Because His Majesty died so suddenly without leaving anything behind, we'll just have to base it off his writings from when he was alive.

Hmm... Typical. There's nothing here about his wishes for the succession. I was hoping he would at least have left some kind of secret message.

Well, too bad. The ceremony has already begun, and everyone is waiting to hear His Majesty's will.

Then we'll just have to go back and read something...

Ahem... Your attention, please.

I have here the late emperor's last will and testament.

...

Do you remember the role you are to play?

Once the funeral has ended, the heir to the throne will be appointed and a ceremony will be held to pray for their good fortune.

Don't worry, I won't forget. I already knew that would be my responsibility as palace shaman.

Usually, your prophecies would be consulted and a ceremony would be held for the heir appointed by the emperor.

But this time is different. This time, the officials will gather to decide the next emperor instead.

As imperial shaman, you will attend this meeting and assist in the selection.

Understood.

Can you see anything about what comes after?

The next emperor...

...

Why is nothing coming to me?

The future has never been so closed off to me before. The more important the matter, the clearer the visions usually are...

Strange...

P-Please... Spare me...!

...Sharun...

All I can see is that same gruesome scene from before...

...It would seem that strange ability of yours cannot be manifested at will.

In times of great uncertainty, it becomes harder to be sure what the future holds. No matter what I see, you would do well to tread carefully.

Remember what I told you about before. I saw the Summer Shrine stained in blood...so be careful.

Who did you see there?

The potential heirs. Zio was among them. And you, too.

I see.

...

How could he be so calm when I just told him the danger he's in?

Does he know something? Or does he already have some kind of plan?

I never thought I'd see the day...

Never before in history have there been so many potential candidates for the throne. And we are charged with choosing one amongst them without any help from the previous emperor.

What's more, not a single one of them knew this would happen, so they didn't even get a chance to prepare.

...

But surely with so many candidates, there's bound to be at least one decent person between them?

I thought we could at least rely on Zahhak's opinion, only for him to bring some child from the middle of nowhere!

He has no political base whatsoever, and his family have been cut off from the imperial line for centuries.

Explain yourself.

In a time, such as this, who better than an emperor with no biases towards any one particular faction?

It is the safest way to protect the empire from those who seek to exploit this instability for their own gain.

Are you trying to suggest the late emperor's closest relatives have only their own interests at heart?

I regret that you heard it that way. I simply wished to select the most politically neutral candidate possible.

And of all those candidates similarly lacking in political ties, he is of the closest relation to the late emperor.

That does nothing to change the fact he is uneducated. I cannot understand why you would select such a child.

How can we be sure it is not yourself who seeks to exploit this situation for your own gain by appointing an emperor you can control yourself?

I appreciate your constant dedication to Theranhad, but I too struggle to see any innocent motivations here.

The empire's fate hangs in the balance. This is not an easy decision to make.

Whoever is appointed faces similar issues. None of these candidates have been properly educated to succeed the throne.

Indeed, a history of any such education should only draw suspicion.

Ahem... Is it so wrong to prepare for any eventualities in advance?

Do I sense a guilty conscience?

What?!

I seem to remember seeing your son reading from books on imperial rule before the emperor passed away...

Are you trying to accuse me of something!?

Not at all. Simply saying we must examine everyone's motives closely.

I hardly think you're in a position to be making accusations. You yourself started visiting the palace considerably more frequently while the emperor was away fighting.

Furthermore, isn't it strange that your nephew, who I'm sure nobody here has ever seen hide nor hair of before, has suddenly appeared at the late emperor's funeral?

I had legitimate business at the palace during that time. And of course, my nephew and I are both in attendance here. Are we not relations of His Majesty?

It seems to me this is nothing more than a cheap trick of yours to cut down on the number of your son's competitors.

I dare you to repeat that accusation!

Enough! We do not have time for your petty squabbling.

...

Do you have nothing to offer, Shaman? Are you still yet to see anything?

Ah, well...

Telling them the truth of what I've seen will only raise tensions...

Especially as it provided no answers to who the next emperor is. I can't just choose one among them myself either.

If a new emperor isn't appointed soon, matters will continue to deteriorate. Why now, of all times, is my gift failing me?!

I'm sorry, but it is still too soon...

Too soon? Too soon?! The coronation is supposed to be tomorrow, for goodness's sake!

To make matters worse, some of us are too busy promoting our own candidates instead of trying to reach a unanimous decision.

That's it! I'm leaving!

Do whatever you please! But don't expect me to sit quietly!

You'll regret your foolish decisions in the end! You'll see!

He always was so hot-tempered...

He's not up to something, is he?

Is that any reason to be so prickly? If anyone is going to regret their decision, it will be him choosing to exclude himself from this meeting.

...

How can he still look so relaxed at a time like this?

It's almost as if he already knew this would happen. As if it's all going exactly as he wanted...

Who did you see there?

Most of them were the potential heirs. Zio was among them, too. And you.

I see.

A calm demeanor throughout the meeting, maintaining total composure while everyone else is arguing...and standing quiet in the midst of a future civil war.

Does Zahhak want this? Of course, with Zio so weak, it would be best to have his competitors sort themselves out.

But any fighting will certainly drag out for quite some time. And there's no guarantee Zio won't be engulfed by it.

As much as I would love to be proven wrong...

I must find Zio.

Zio!

Oh, Sharun? Have they reached a decision?

What are you doing outside? Especially after this morning!

Umm... Zahhak told me that the candidates are expected to wait out in front of their respective accommodations...

He did...?

Is something wrong? You look nervous... Have you seen something bad in the future?

...

Listen to me well, Zio. Things are moving in an undesirable direction.

The meeting has been called off, and there are indications there might be a fight over the throne.

W-What? But why...

But what bothers me most is Zahhak's attitude throughout this all... He was entirely calm, as if it was all going as he expected.

His position must give him authority, but he seemed to have no intention of doing anything.

I may be overthinking things, but it seemed like he was waiting for tensions to boil over.

Surely not... Why would he? Everyone's just on edge, is all. They might calm down soon enough...

It seems unlikely. Some families have already declared their displeasure.

And... I kept this from you at first because I didn't want to worry you, but when we first met yesterday, I had a short vision of the future.

Many of the candidates were dead or dying. And you and Zahhak were standing among them.

...!?

If you and the royal family are to be safe, we cannot allow that to happen.

I'll do what I can to help get you somewhere safe.

...But how?

Try not to let Zahhak see you and come to the path behind the dormitory. You should recognize it from this morning's walk.

I'll show you where to go from there. There's a path few know about that should get you away from the shrine quickly.

Are you sure...?

You might still be in danger from those who wish you ill. But at the same time, the chaos of the fighting might be the opportunity we need.

It's too early to tell for now. The funeral still isn't over yet. But I should have a little free time afterwards.

I'll see you then.

...

...What's taking him so long? He returned to his room quite some time ago.

It's not difficult to find the way here. Surely, he can't have gotten lost...

...

Could Zahhak have intercepted him and convinced him otherwise?

...No. Even Zahhak doesn't know everything. He can't have known about a conversation he wasn't present for himself.

But if Zio told him what we talked about... Perhaps he might find Zahhak more trustworthy.

Either way, I need to hide Zio away before tomorrow. That should be enough to disrupt whatever Zahhak is planning.

Should I go to Zio's room, just in case?

No... No... Calm dawn, Sharun. Rushing will only make failure more likely. Doubting Zio won't help anything either.

There aren't many paths between here and there, so we might run into each other anyway.

Argh!

Wasn't that a scream...? It didn't sound like Zio, at least.

It came from inside the shrine... From the direction where the dormitories are.

...I don't like this. I should get over there.

*gasping* N-No... Why are they fighting already...?

How awful... This is more than a brawl between factions. This is a civil war.

They're indiscriminately attacking anyone who isn't on their side.

No closer! D-Do you have any idea who I am?!

Shut up! You attacked us first! We won't let you have your way!

Y-You barged into my room fi, Aaargghh!

They're not fighting to kill, but to survive.

Did someone take advantage of the tension and nervousness by fanning the flames of conflict?

But who? Was it the general? Why would he do this? He didn't seem to be preparing for anything, other than having his second son taught about leadership...

Not to mention, such long-term planning doesn't fit a man as aggressive as him...

...

...Could it have been Zahhak?

Was this his intention all along? To foster conflict and misunderstanding so that all of his competitors take each other out?

It would explain why he was so calm during the meeting. But what about Zio?

Zahhak kidnapped him! That's why he couldn't meet up with me!

I need to do something! Before it's too late!

Zio!

...Sharun?

Why are you here? I was waiting for you!

Argh, it doesn't matter! Just come with me! Now!

...It's too late.

What?

It's too late to escape.

W-What do you...

What was that noise?!

Ahhhh...!

So many dead bodies... And they're all candidates for succession...

...

Zahhak... Zio... Why are you doing this?

I'm fine, Sharun. Do not be afraid.

It is all over now.

...Urgh...

I can't stop thinking about those awful memories, and my head has been killing me all day.

Is it because another war is about to break out, just like back then? Or because, once again, all I can see are the horrors of what is to come?

You look unhappy. You cannot afford to let yourself be distracted. If there are any mistakes...

Wouldn't it be strange for me to look happy considering the battle that is ahead of us?

Don't worry about me. I'm just...reminiscing.

Hmm? About what?

...The previous emperor's funeral.

Is that so?

The whole thing was so unprecedented. The palace tried hard to handle everything before what happened became known...

It is a shame that it became difficult not only to accompany you to the Summer Shrine as an escort, but to even enter at all.

Do not waste your time thinking about useless things. We were ordered to complete preparations so that we could embark as soon as the weather is clear.

Did that come from the emperor himself? Or did you merely tell His Majesty to say it?

From the emperor, of course. You are always far too suspicious...

...

Is this the bright future you had in mind, Zahhak?

Was murdering all the other candidates and forcing Zio onto the throne really the best thing for the empire?

...

I told you the future I saw in an attempt to protect Zio. And you knew that! Yet you used it against me...

The future you saw was inevitable. If I hadn't done it, somebody else would have.

If chaos was allowed to persist, and the empire fell into the wrong hands, then that would have been the end.

This was the safest path for maintaining the empire.

But why must you...

Nobody can escape destiny. The future was fixed, it could not be diverted.

If you cannot change the future, all that is left is to minimize the damage as best you can and not regret anything.

That is how you avoid repeating the mistakes of the past.

Today is the result of that choice.

Is that what you are doing now, too? Preparing in advance for the inferno I've seen coming?

That is His Majesty's wish.

Fine, if that is truly what His Majesty wants...

Then I will endeavor to fulfill his will, to wash away my past failings.

...

How was Sharun?

It appears that she's still unable to recall what truly happened that day.

Hmm...

That's good. Then there is no problem.

...Yes, Your Majesty.

It seems the mental block I put on her that day remains in place.

She was already full of such guilt, all I had to do was add a dash of confusion here and there.

I suppose I have her own weak nature to thank for making my life easier.

...

Even if I had not manipulated her memories myself early on, I'm sure she would have repressed them herself for being too painful.

Regardless of her abilities, she is incapable of controlling her own emotions. It's to be expected that she can only see very narrowly.

Perhaps that is why it was so easy to pull the wool over her eyes. *chuckling* Such a halfwit.

However, there is the possibility that one day she may overcome that mental block and remember everything about what really happened.

Even now, she regularly recalls that day and the funeral. This matter requires constant observation.

Which is why I have you by my side.

...

I look forward to continuing our fruitful relationship, Zahhak.

Carry on playing your role as the heartless loyalist willing to do anything for the sake of the empire and its sovereign.

Only then, will you be able to get what you want.

Very well, Your Majesty.

Urk...

...Zio? What's going on...? Did you control my men to do all this?

Oh, Zahhak. You came?

Why now? This is how matters were meant to proceed anyway, but it is too early...

I grew tired of waiting.

The time they would all bring about their own destruction was nigh, but they were all hesitating out of fear.

And then that shaman began interfering and nagging me. This is the surest, quickest way to settle everything.

Besides, if only one heir is left alive, the succession crisis fixes itself.

If you proceed like this, it may come back to bite you later.

Ha! And who, pray tell, will do the biting?

Look around you. Any who might seek revenge against me lies dead on the floor.

...

Anyway, you came just at the right time.

Bring me a change of clothes. It would be best to clean up before that shaman turns up.

As you said, it will help nothing for her to see the sweet and innocent little boy she knows slaughtering his rivals.

Zio!

...

...Sharun?

Why are you here? I was waiting for you!

Urgh, speak of the devil... She must have realized something was wrong and came looking for me.

Well then, I suppose I don't have a choice. She'll just have to be taken care of...