Hero Stories: The Imperfect Successor

There was nowhere to rest, nowhere to hide.

From every tiny action to every breath, I was scrutinized and judged.

Everything needed to be executed to completion...and to absolute perfection.

For a ruler who leads his people, there is no such thing as freedom or compromise.

But...for me, it was...

Would you like me to bring you some hot tea?

You've known me long enough to know by now that it's of no use.

You've been having more trouble sleeping ever since we journeyed here.

It has nothing to do with that. I've never slept well, even before coming south.

It seems I spoke out of place.

I do understand why he's worried. The interval between my taking medications has become noticably shorter.

Nowadays, I feel like I can't even close my eyes without first taking a soporific.

No, it'd be more accurate to say that I cannot properly rest even after closing my eyes.

...

There is a noticable pallor in your usual complexion. Did something happen earlier?

...

You seem to have lost your appetite.

I feel more comfortable going into exams on an empty stomach.

Does it have anything to do with me being present at your successor training?

...Not at al...

...!

I've told you more than enough times that a leader who acts solely for their own desires does not deserve to hold such a position.

You know better than anyone why I'm here.

You have no idea just how heavy these meals weigh on me...

Yes, Your Majesty, I know.

Do not disappoint me or our people.

That no matter how much my teeth ground the contents, it would end up being no different from rocks and gravel.

I won't.

At least with food, you can empty the contents by regurgitating it...but how come there isn't a way to empty these words and emotions?

How convenient it would be to actually do something like that.

...I had my suspicions when the Sovran accompanied him here, but to think His Majesty would do it again...

Will he ever stop tormenting the young lord...? How much longer must this continue...

Rinat.

Yes?

Lower your gaze.

...

I never gave you permission to take pity on me.

...Forgive me.

You may take your leave now. I would like to get as much rest as I can.

Yes, I hope you rest well.

No one can find out about what happened today.

Please do not worry yourself.

...

If he ever finds out that I've been relying on these unlisted soporifics...

Neither I nor Rinat will get away unscathed.

He wants me to grow up, perfectly fitting into the mold of discipline he's created around me.

There's not even a hint of mercy when there's a blemish.

Such is the life of Remo's successor.

Rinat.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I was told you were seen leaving Brieg's quarters late last night. Is this true?

Yes, that is correct.

It was much too late to be a casual visitation, so what were you doing at that hour?

I had delivered the items he would need for today's hunting test.

They were the stamina supplements that you'd always given him.

*frustrated sigh* I've told him countless times that he shouldn't take them at night.

He missed his scheduled hours as we were traveling south, so he took them late. I'll make sure to be more considerate next time.

If you notice anything unusual, report it immediately.

Certainly.

Lord Brieg has arrived.

Hmm, the young lord looks a little thinner than he did during his previous test.

It is possible that the exam's setting affected him. It's his first time taking it here in the south.

...

Well... Let's hold off on the speculations until we actually see the results.

Of course, I'm certain the young lord has been training day and night to become the rightful successor to the throne.

You may begin.

...

Do you think it's even remotely acceptable to show yourself in front of your people, looking like that?

...!

Please let me out! I promise I'll do better!

...Urk...!

Are you all right? Maybe we should take a break...!

Do you wish me ridiculed?

...We will proceed as scheduled.

Krrr...

*panting*

I have to focus. I mustn't let anyone see me like this.

If I become undone... I...

Do not worry, Brieg.

As long as you play your part perfectly, you won't end up like the others.

U-Uff...

*roaring*

Brieg!

Ugh...

Stop! Lord Brieg has been injured!

He held out longer than I anticipated, but such an end result was expected.

Shhh, someone might hear you.

The worried stares, the knowing looks.

And...the first thing I looked up to see was...

...

...those contemptuous eyes.

Every single day, Father would leave for the temple, in the dead of night, to give his prayers.

Although it was so early in the morning that I could barely keep my eyes open, I insisted on tagging along because I was proud of him and wanted to be like him.

One early morning, after I fell asleep in the middle of my prayer, I opened my eyes and found my face nestled onto my father's broad back.

Mmf...? Father...

You're up? I tried waking you, but you were quite out cold.

His gait was composed, soft, and caring, his stride as gentle as a figure his size could possibly take.

You know you'd be sleeping much more comfortably at home, and yet... Are you still insistent on tagging along?

Yeah, I want to go tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow, and the day after that, and, and...I want to keep going.

Mother told me that you've been giving your prayers ever since you were a little boy too.

...

That way, I can become a priest that prays and lives for the betterment of the Shadow Elves, just like you, Father!

Then, as I lulled back to sleep, we arrived at home...but people from the royal palace were waiting for us.

Are you just coming back from your morning prayer?

Yes, we are.

As he was responded, I remember feeling his arms tense from underneath my thighs.

...Was there another failed attempt?

Oh? Did you think it'd be easy to find someone to succeed the throne?

...Father?

Is that the child, Brieg?

He's...still a little boy. He still needs to grow a little older.

The younger the child, the easier and more efficient it is to nurture them. Come now, let me see the boy.

After my father let me down, I glanced upward and met the eyes of the visitor. His gaze was fill of...curiosity, and excitement.

His Majesty has high hopes for your family.

Brieg, would you try holding this?

The man held out from his hand the hilt of a small dagger. Mother and Father gave me a nod, as if to reassure me.

And when I placed my palm over the hilt...

...!

I could almost swear the light in his eyes quickly turned to one portraying absolute delight.

...

Lord Brieg... Quite a bit of time has passed.

If you stay like this without even eating properly, it's not going to be good for your health.

You haven't even treated the wound you sustained earlier.

I will not move an inch until His Majesty sees me.

Why is this happening to me...! C'mon you two, reconcile please before I die of suspense!

His Majesty has already stated that he would see no one...

...

Lord Brie...

Return to your quarters!

*wheezes loudly as he falls over surprised, hand over his chest*

...

Whenever I delivered outcomes that were less than satisfactory, he'd punish me by keeping me in a confined space for hours that felt like an eternity.

Not wanting to see the other's face was mutual. However...

I know all too well that this is also part of my duties.

I didn't come all this way to see you make a fool of yourself.

I'm sure you saw how the people looked at you out there. They were all skeptical and anxious! They pitied you!

Yeah, I saw them all right...but no one could top your contempt-filled eyes.

Once a gem is chipped, it can never again dream of becoming perfect. Your results today is a flawless exemplification of that!

...

Don't kid yourself. I'm probably no different from a shattered gem that you wish to rid yourself of.

His Majesty has already departed to the north, along with the others.

These dishes are rare delicacies, but I see you haven't even touched them yet.

Is the reason you came here just to give me an earful?

The pills... Did they work?

Not even a little.

At the end of the day, the medication that I have given to you are only but a supplement. Your willpower is by far the most crucial element.

...My willpower?

You know, like forcing a food coma, or maybe taking a relaxing bath. We've gone through these options before, haven't we?

I had a flashback of my childhood.

Come again?

When I swung the sword earlier, I saw my younger self getting reprimanded by His Majesty. It was so vivid.

...

I'm not questioning the medication you gave me. These flashbacks...it's not my first time experiencing them but they've gotten worse as of late.

And that's what keeps me awake at night. Every time I close my eyes, I keep going back to that moment over and over again.

I haven't been able to put my mind at ease since I came to stay by His Majesty's side.

And each accumulated second of my time stuck in the past is probably what made the "me" I am today.

That is why. Those suggestions you give to me hold no sway over the predicament I am in right now.

Clear the dinner table. The smell of this food alone is pungent enough to make me sick.

There is one thing I must tell you before that.

Is it another new medication?

It may be something much more effective than that.

...Speak.

I heard Philemon is lodged up somewhere in the south right now. They say it is one of his destinations during his pilgrimage.

...! My...father?

And rumors have it that Nerea is accompanying him this time.

...

However brief it may be, I truly wish that this might give you the respite you require.

The fifth cabin past the black tree trunk.

That's where...they're...

Have they departed already? But...why...?

Brieg?

...!

Is that...really you...?

...

Mother... Father.

I, Philemon, a priest of Noias, humbly greet the successor of Remo, the leader of the great Shadow Elves.

...I humbly apologize for the show of impudence... It's an honor to be in the presence of Lord Brieg, successor of Remo.

...

I wonder... Is there was anyone in this world who could understand how much I wanted to be Brieg, the son of this priest, instead of some successor...

...You may stand.

Even now, despite everything that has changed.

Take these, they're the berries you loved when you were little.

These are the berries that only grow in Father's temple. Do you carry them with you when you travel?

I have always had them on my person, for there may had come a day when we chance upon one another.

To be frank though, it was something that I used as an excuse to keep me going... I never thought that it'd come true.

I did not know, either. That I wouldn't be able to see you ever again like this.

Oh...my dear Brieg.

Please, take my last comment as a childish outburst since we have not been able to see each other for such a long time.

I'm already well aware.

Being in the presence of your former son who's been adopted by the king, would appear to validate those who cast a disapproving eye on the whole arrangement.

...

But...seeing Father's reaction to me after all these years... Maybe coming here in the first place was folly.

Properly showing respect in etiquette is only natural when you meet royalty. I hope you can understand where he's coming from.

It's not that I don't understand. It's just... I felt like I had to swallow my heart.

...Ever since you were taken from us, it felt as if time no longer had any meaning, for both your father and I.

...

...But seeing you all grown up now like this... It truly has been far too long.

There has never been a single day...where I did not think about both of you.

And the times we spent together, as a family.

Those memories were the only thing that kept me going during my grueling labors.

I lived my life not as The Majesty's son, but as a person who had to prove others that I deserved such a title. To me, my life up until now...

I do not want to see such a incompetent side of you, Brieg.

Urgh...

Again. You will not be free to leave until I find the result satisfactory.

...

That was rather shameful of me. I should not have shown such a fatuous side of me, Mother. Not after how long it's been since we last saw each other.

Oh, sweetie, looking at you so worn-out and thinned tells me how much hardship you've gone through...

...

Brieg, you don't need to change yourself to meet the expectations of those around you.

Huh?

One of the greatest traits of a true leader is inspiration. Even after being swept off your feet, having the power to stand back up is a powerful motivator of hope.

A leader's actions should empower others to be more resilient and teach others to never give up.

Her eyes... They glistened with a light that I had never received all this time. Faith.

That is who you are meant to be, Brieg.

...That was all I needed.

...Mother.

Whenever you got teary-eyed like this, I would always carry you to the garden and comfort you in my arms until you fell asleep.

Now that you've grown so big, I guess that will remain a precious memory of the past.

Mother, would it be okay if I rested my eyes for a bit, right here?

Here? Won't it be uncomfortable for you?

When I closed my eyes as I gently placed my head on my mother's lap...

I would like...to hear a song. The one you'd always sing.

My, could it be that your childishness actually grew alongside your stature?

For the first time ever since I was snatched from her embrace, I was at peace.

...Mmm...

I guess some things never change. You've always been difficult to rouse awake.

Where...did Mother go?

She's gone to prepare your favorite meal. While you might not have much time left to spend with us, I'm certain you can find time for a meal.

...I figured that your time at the palace has not been easy for you, to say the least. Rinat would often send word...and it wasn't that hard to put the pieces together.

And I assume it's taken a heavier toll on you emotionally than it has physically.

Then why? Why did you send me away to live this life?

...

You knew I'd have a hard time. No...if you knew that I was living such a difficult life, then...!

This was never a role that I could fulfill to begin with. Why...why did it have to be me?

Do not worry, Brieg.

As long as you play your part perfectly, you won't end up like the others.

Whenever I use this power that was forced upon me, it causes me to writhe in agony!

Whenever I close my eyes, thousands of eyes are focused on me. Whenever I try to block out the noise, those inveigling voices invade my senses.

Even now, I still cannot fathom why! Why did it have to be me?!

Brieg... I was given no choice in this matter.

...This was something that someone as insignificant as I could not even begin to grasp. I did not understand why it had to be my one child, a son I love more than myself.

However, if those in authority declare it to be true, then we must comply. We are merely devoted individuals who yield to Noias and the laws of our people.

...!

Ever since you were taken from us, I prayed with all my soul with only a singular prayer in mind.

"To grant power and authority to those who are deemed truly worthy."

And thus, I decided to put my faith into both you, who was graced with this power, and our lord Noias, who bestowed it.

This power you harness... No one knows the potential it harbors, neither you nor me, or anyone else for that matter.

That is something that only Noias knows, and hopefully, something that you will soon be able to understand once you trust yourself. So, do not restrain yourself.

...When that time comes, will I know what I should live for...?

If the road that I stand on will inevitably lead me to the throne, will understanding myself better allow me to take the road not taken?

Brieg, do you remember the day you stayed back at the temple by yourself to pray?

What did you pray for, Brieg?

I prayed for Mother and Father to be healthy! And...maybe that I'd grow a little bit taller!

You prayed for all the Shadow Elves again today, didn't you, Father?

Is there nothing you want for yourself, Father? You always pray for other people and not yourself.

In the end, prayers for our people are no different from any prayer for myself.

Always remember this, Brieg. All the duties you'll be undertaking moving forward...

Should be for our people as a whole, of which you are a part of.

Although the shape or method of that concept may have changed, I truly hope that you do not forget the importance of it's core.

You are, and will always be, my son.

Oh my, it's already this late. I must've lost track of time preparing everything.

Don't worry, I'm still good for time.

But, I think we may have kept you for a little too long.

*sniffs the air* It's been so long since I last tasted your cooking, Mother.

Well, since you probably eat much more fancy food, I doubt my cooking will be to your liking any more.

I've always had this issue where I'd get a massive migrane from even smelling any of the palace dishes...but I don't feel that from Mother's cooking.

Curious.

Maybe it's because I'm hungry right now.

Give me a few seconds. I'm almost done.

Okay.

So the talk you had with your father, did it go well?

...

Well, you certainly look a lot more relaxed than you did before.

Our conversation certainly did lift a weight off my chest.

Your father looked a lot more happier than he used to, too. It would be nice if we could spend more time like this from time to time.

I will try to make time whenever possible. Please keep contact with Rinat as you have been up until now.

...Sure.

Lord Brieg.

...You're...

...By whose order did you shadow me?

We have not been tracking you. We asked Rinat as to your whereabouts and came searching for you just now.

It is only natural since you have been absent for some time now.

I was spending some time to myself since I completed my training. Is it such a thing to fault me for that you must come looking for me?

I will return as soon as I have finished what I must here. Return to the palace before me.

I'm afraid that we cannot. This is a direct order from His Majesty.

...! Does he know about my whereabouts as well?

Brieg, honey, I think you shoul...

Regardless of the relationship you shared in the past, I suggest you act appropriately. The young lord is the future successor to the throne.

...

...Lord Brieg, please return to the palace.

I haven't yet bid farewell to Father. I cannot leave just yet.

My lord, your "father" is in the north right now.

...!

His Majesty has commanded us to return with you back to his side immediately. Even as his successor, it is best you comply with his order.

This is still not enough! You are yet undeserving of the title of my successor.

Tsk, I guess my expectations for your "noble" blood was overstated.

Ugh...!

...Urk...

Brieg!

...!

The weight of the punishment for physically touching His Majesty's family is quite severe, ma'am.

M-my apologies... I just...

...Take your hand off of her.

...

I will not repeat myself!

Ugh...

*panting*

Mother, are you okay?

...I...I'm all right. Brieg, what about you...

Brieg!

...Father.

What...what have you done!

They were the ones that were threatening Mother. But do not worry, they will survive...

...!

Are you saying you hurt your own people just because you couldn't control your emotions?!

Was all that time spent training meant to teach you to harm those you are destined to lead?!

Did you even think about what His Majesty Remo would do when he hears about this?!

...

...No, there is no one to blame but myself. I should've sent you back as soon as you got here...!

Return to where you belong! We will not be seeing each other ever again!

Return to your quarters!

...If that is what you wish.

Brieg...!

...

I shall never set foot anywhere near you again.

Priests Philemon and Nerea.

On the days that I finished my successor training, one recurring nightmare would haunt me without mercy during my slumber.

It left me with a strange feeling, more intense than usual. And when I opened my closet and went through the deepest parts for the first time...

...Clothes...?

There were clothes and dolls that I had never seen before.

...I wonder whose these are? I thought this room was for the successors only...?

...!

I believe I already lectured you on how vital it is to be sleeping at the designated hour, but I see you disobey me yet again today, Brieg.

Sovran Re...mo... No, Father.

I found these things here, Father. ...But, they aren't mine...

Hmm, I told them to clear every inch of the room, but they made a mistake.

A mistake...?

Just think of those baubles as remnants of past efforts to find the successor who can fulfill the role in all perfection.

All of them came from good families too, not to mention their excellent mana. Well, none of them had ever amounted to yours, though.

...!

Do not worry, Brieg.

As long as you play your part perfectly, you won't end up like the others.

You will not be permitted to go anywhere without my permission.

Rinat, you will record every moment of Brieg's life and report to me every hour.

Everything that Brieg receives goes through me first, be it a harmless letter to anything that eventually will come into his hands.

Should you make a mistake again, then I assure you, there'll be consequences.

...Understood.

I was wondering what he'd use as an excuse, but I think he came up with a pretty good one.

A leisurely respite for the successor who's worn out from the harsh training sessions and successor classes.

...How banal. I'd expect no less from His Majesty.

This is nothing compared to how reckless and stupid you've been.

But the only reason I'm letting you off this easy is...

...

Because I'm proud of how much you've grown. Don't you ever forget that.

The only reason you're not making a bigger deal of this and tormenting this adopted son of yours...

Is because you're satisfied that I single-handedly defeated your royal guards.

You don't even care that I brought harm to our own people.

So many nights have passed since then that I could barely remember that I was, in fact, the son of a priest.

The promise I made to my father was beginning to fade from my memory.

Then I heard the news that my father was executed by Remo's order.

...

...The Sovran just left the palace, Lord Brieg.

I didn't have to ask. I knew what Rinat meant. He was telling me that I could just cry my heart out without worry.

But...what was the point?

That matters not.

...Lord Brieg.

His Majesty was scrutinizing my face as he was delivering the news about Philemon.

If there's ever someone who will not align to you, you must remove them at the root of the cause.

...

Every spoken word was meticulously devised as a test for me. He wanted to remind me that I now no longer had any ties to some priest.

It seems we must find another to fill the position.

The test was to prove my loyalty to the king who suspected his adopted son of treachery.

And he, who watched as his master plan come to a conclusion...

...

Smiled contently.

...I must not. If I choose to see my mother...she'll...

She's waiting for you.

...!

You may never have the chance to see her again. His Majesty has made sure that he relocates you somewhere far enough that it would be impossible to ever see Nerea again.

I have already informed him that you'd be out for longer than usual.

...Rinat.

...

I'll be back as soon as I can, so that you can avoid any punishment.

*panting*

...

...Mo...ther?

Why...can't I sense anything? Whenever I got closer to Mother, there was always this feeling of warmth.

Even that familiar voice that would greet me at the slightest sound of my footsteps...

...

...Mother.

And as if to jeer at the vain promise that I had once made, to never return to their side...

...!

There she was, my mother, her eyes closed as if she was in a deep, peaceful slumber.

...

Lord Brieg, please...you must stop consuming more.

...!

...I hear Rinat's voice loud and clear.

I prepared a warm bath for you, so before you take your medication...

...

Lord Brieg! His Majesty told us not to let anyone in!

Get out of the way.

We cannot.

MOVE!

You were such a clever boy ever since you were a child, always knowing what you were allowed to do and what you weren't.

I wonder where that little boy went.

Was it you? Did you do that to Moth, to Nerea?

Answer me!

Sovran Remo!

*coughing*

...

Haha, that's actually pretty good.

It's not your fault, really. If there's anyone who should be held accountable, it should be your servant who failed their duties.

...What?

I already took care of the one who clouded your judgement and led you away from your path.

You require someone who can truly realize the perfect you.

...Rinat...

Lord...Brieg...

...!

I-I'm sorry...

...

There's no one who can empathize with me when I cannot fall asleep anymore. I haven't been able to sleep...

For a few nights now.

*dry-heaving*

...

What...is this?

A letter that was not reported to His Majesty? But why...?

...

"It's not hard to read someone's facial expression to tell if they're enduring many sleepless nights."

"I'm sending you this letter out of pity, if I dare say."

"What good is it to surround yourself with people if none of them see you eye to eye?"

"It only makes you feel more alone."

"If there are thoughts you've never shared with anyone, screaming from deep inside you..."

"Come see me."

...Har...setti?