SFS Chapter 73: The woes of fate and destiny I
Chapter 73: The woes of fate and destiny I
Chapter 73 - The woes of fate and destiny IFrom the minute Apphia saw Hael, she knew he could be a useful asset to their kingdom.
She had already dug into King Ceremus and learned about Hael's identity in the process. Though Leacus was a prospering nation, it lacked good warriors, unlike Trojas.
Most of the people weren't keen on becoming strong warriors, which meant that they were lacking in terms of physical power. Apphia thought that perhaps having someone strong in their ranks could motivate their people to grow stronger and not have to rely on their allies when they needed help. What she failed to realize was that Ceremus was a stubborn man—a man who did what he wanted and wasn't someone good to negotiate with. He was labeled a tyrant for a reason.
King Aeson turned his attention to Hael, the subject of the discussion, and realized that throughout the entire conversation, the young man only had his eyes on Ceremus. Not once had he glanced their way. A sudden idea came to his mind.
"Sir Hael," he said, addressing him directly for the first time. Hael's gaze moved to King Aeson, and the smile finally returned to his face.
"What do you think about all of this? Would it interest you to stay here in Leacus and serve the kingdom?"
Hael didn't even need to think about it. He shook his head, his expression stern and resolute. "I'm afraid I have no interest in serving anyone else but my king. I've sworn all loyalty to him."
The king and queen were taken aback by his firm tone, leaving no room for discussion.
"A-Are you certain? We could give you a few days to decide," the king said.
Hael shook his head once more. "I am certain. My answer shall remain the same even after a few days."
Aeson couldn't bring himself to argue back with him, and Ceremus, though still livid, had a pleased look in his eyes. The two men were finally excused and shown to the chambers that had been specially prepared for them. Though they had two separate rooms, they were quite close to each other, which Hael appreciated.
As they left, Hael followed Ceremus to his room, knowing full well that the king was still angry over the discussion they had with Aeson.
The fact that they would dare try and take him away angered him greatly, and he let his anger show as soon as the door closed.
"I would sooner go to war with Leacus than let them lay their grubby little hands on you!"
Hael let out an amused chuckle as he approached the king. "You would go to war with King Aeson for me?" he asked, his eyes
Hael and Loki made their return, and the four spent the rest of the day enjoying the sights before it was finally time for them to return.
Hael could tell that Ceremus was in a bad mood since Emani decided to join them on their day in town, but it seemed that after he returned from buying a few snacks for Hael, Ceremus' expression became downcast. So after the princess excused herself and he sent Loki to his room, he invited Ceremus to his quarters where they sat on the veranda, overlooking the setting sun.
He didn't get the chance to look at the sunset with Ceremus last time, a little habit the two had started to develop ever since the celebratory banquet for his bout with the king.
He was quiet as he stared out at the ocean, wishing they could board the ship and leave this godforsaken country.
"Is something the matter?" Hael asked as he studied Ceremus' face.
He said nothing before letting out a sigh as he supported his head with his hand. "Do you think I'm holding you back?" he suddenly asked.
The white-haired giant frowned. "What makes you say that?"
"I forced you to become my guard, forced you to live in the palace, forced you to spend less time with Anthanasia, and forced you to come on this journey with me. I've only ever implemented ideals on you," he replied, pursing his lips.
His frown deepened. "When have you ever forced me to do anything? Every action I've ever taken was of my own free will. I chose to become your guard, I chose to live at the palace, I chose to give and spend my time with you, and I chose to accompany you on your journey. I did all of those things because I wanted to," he said firmly.