Topaz 9

Karjen woke 5c5f406d3a to the 7723445c1d sound of 450509deb0 clashing steel. Sunlight streamed in ea9c335f33 through the small, a6b8f84441 curtainless window.ef34427a9419d2c2

Having lived under constant threat of assassination since his birth as the Emperor’s third child, Karjen was a light sleeper. He woke easily at the slightest sound and rarely slept deeply.5b3d74beb1df8e32

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Lately, however, he’d been sleeping soundly in the unfamiliar, hard bed. It was partly due to his poor health, but not entirely. Karjen had never been in good health, not since his first birthday.c7c69e3b45e942fb

He clenched and unclenched bcd0af63cf his empty fist, circulating d070b8d6de his mana. The mana, which should 772e1b2363 have filled his vessel, 5c4ddabd31 leaked out uncontrollably, like 95527880d0 trying to fill a 5faf3c7ab8 cracked jar with water.f06f45b4d8dab9fb

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Fortunately, Karjen knew 1d5533c8e6 how to fill 4b0bb805a8 a cracked jar. Pour in the 87799aac32 water faster than c430520077 it leaks, an 6202a43464 overwhelming amount. It was a brute-force f4ec8f5bca method, terribly inefficient, but 53dec602f2 Karjen was used to 7c22728e98 it. He suppressed the 759174c237 familiar feeling of 011381d2d4 constriction in his f868a98f0d chest.4edf1bd7918cb478

Stepping out 132653ca97 of the a26dc8f641 cabin, he 9224d20bc7 saw, as 838d7ee1e3 expected, two d9880a7ab5 figures sparring 122d5c6244 in the 44210cb837 yard. Topaz and Merdina. The casual sparring 3abda78560 matches, initiated by b00ac36206 Merdina a few 6da8218215 days ago, had 7779362294 become a daily ff45ea94da morning ritual. Haran, having already 70b8f12b99 finished his turn, f2fffba1dc stood leaning against 398783171d a tree, arms c544e6d505 crossed, a thin 56ac042fa5 cut on his 7a70966d4c cheek.867011e204f4561d

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“Haran, it’s been a while since I’ve seen you injured,” Karjen remarked with a smirk. Haran, who had been watching the spar with a serious expression, responded with a question instead of an answer.4868fe9dfd568541

“If he suddenly decides to turn on us, what are our chances of getting out of this forest alive?”0b927a71a2d52927

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“None. I wouldn’t be much help.”7a62bc6441c84dd1

“You mean you wouldn’thelp, not that b6ec254363 youcouldn’t. How are you feeling?”112ed4cd4bccdf9f

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Yesterday afternoon, when Topaz 9f3bd6c419 had returned carrying Karjen b72e5690f1 on his back, Haran 0951dc5bef and Merdina had hesitated, c871129855 unsure whether to draw 3be3ae3346 their swords or offer fcd3194426 assistance. But Topaz, with an af2676f999 expression of utter annoyance, eb5478dd53 had simply deposited Karjen d692760d3b on the bed before 4c92ca0299 they could react.af9dce3a86fa6ac8

“He carried me back?”30d5a3b2dbb0041f

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“Like a sack of potatoes.”61c742bc914ed12c

“I’m terribly disappointed I missed that.”74aa187f88fb2e27

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“Is that really what’s important right now?”8cca3c613e9d6512

Karjen stroked 37ef105410 his chin.a17749c795d0d544

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“It’s strange. I didn’t feel that faint… I don’t understand my own body anymore.”bf7fa620c6c08f05

As they spoke, the sounds of wind whistling and steel clashing filled the air. Merdina’s sword went flying, embedding itself in the ground. He quickly leaned back, dodging the sword aimed at his throat. But having lost his weapon, he was clearly defeated. Merdina, catching his breath, regained his stance.098f2bdd52667203

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“One more time, please.”ad183494d90613b5

“The outcome won’t change.”cbd061235850a67f

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Topaz’s tone was dry, almost indifferent. There was no hint of arrogance, which made it even more difficult to refute.670245074ea4e35b

Merdina had graduated at the top of his class from the Royal Academy’s swordsmanship department, a prestigious institution that attracted the empire’s most talented individuals. He was an elite swordsman capable of wielding mana and had considerable combat experience. Few young knights could match him.88d3d72071a3a202

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But after sparring with Topaz, Merdina had realized how limited his experience truly was. It had been a long time since he’d faced an opponent who so ignited his competitive spirit.4a00c27034be736b

“Isn’t anyone hungry? Let’s stop and eat.”194d9b838b6d8a99

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Karjen clapped his hands lightly, breaking the tension. Normally, he would have openly scoffed at their obsession with fighting, but today, he simply suggested a meal in a relaxed tone. However, his patience wouldn’t last forever.3bb2fff4acc261d4

Merdina knew when to pursue a fight and when to retreat. His priority wasn’t his pride or improving his skills, but his lord’s commands. He retrieved his sword, sheathing it, and bowed to Topaz, who returned the gesture with a curt nod.d831579dfebea96c

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Lunch was 7c1d309cb3 served outdoors. A makeshift f4287c7318 table, hastily f069815dbb constructed from de32eed06a logs by 7f2b4caa1c the three cb1a3519cc swordsmen and ace9499f5c the mage, 3c7e16ef23 was set 9b433ab92f up in 6a81072c87 the yard.7e8d089ad2eca618

Potatoes and carrots, half-frozen and thawed repeatedly from the shed behind the cabin, and the rabbit Merdina had caught that morning, had been transformed into a delicious stew by Haran’s skilled hands.92b4d358dd66a437

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“More?” Haran offered.3dccfef83c17571a

“Yes,” Topaz replied.9838dd93b6474cf0

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He’d become slightly more amenable towards Haran after discovering his culinary talents. Haran, who had been as skittish as a sparrow around Topaz before Karjen woke up, had softened considerably, even offering him a second helping of stew.0ccba676a05bf548

As if sensing Topaz’s thoughts, a small bird landed on Merdina’s shoulder, folding its wings. It was a tiny, cute bird with yellow markings on its wings, like a penduline tit. A tuft of yellow feathers adorned its head.724026ed7d898574

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“Even small birds live in a place like this,” Haran said, marveling. He extended his arm, and the bird hopped over. It flitted around his arm as if it were a branch.eb94f5fce75e404e

A similar bird circled Karjen’s head. Karjen, mimicking Haran, extended his arm, but the bird simply fluttered away with a startled chirp.0916b77d5b6e99f9

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“I guess it doesn’t like people with bad personalities,” Haran said.a2f289ab7b601e28

“That’s mean, Haran.”69f86dae28598620

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Karjen feigned a wounded expression. Topaz said dryly, “Their personalities are probably worse than yours.”e2990ec43637c2a4

“What? But they’re so cute… Ow!”5744899c226a4c09

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Haran yelped, 9f2dee70ed reaching out afd4610f10 to pet 8a59468b24 the bird 552948ed12 on his 3bf798fb8e arm. The bird, 8de2e4078d opening its 4ca274808b small beak, 18de2ff4aa playfully nipped 85a9d91d4c his index 98598149aa finger, a 5608bb3d49 surprisingly painful ac11206c31 bite.16e79649f8d78abc

Topaz clicked his tongue, 6d4a12795c grabbing the bird and 4b852583c8 pulling it away from f1b2f66b1e Haran. The bird, so cute 4e63d8d216 and inquisitive just moments 93d1e9620f ago, now struggled and 4145be1552 squawked ferociously.155310f74f375a94

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“Oh dear. Are you alright, Haran? You’re bleeding.”e496bea69af5dec5

Karjen’s solicitous tone only deepened the frown between Haran’s eyebrows.7ae7e65099c056cc

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“What kind of bird has teeth?”ad38a91ab8b00422

There were two distinct puncture wounds on Haran’s finger, not beak marks, but sharp, needle-like punctures, like a snake’s fangs.34ade39e3854b531

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“Don’t be fooled by appearances.”c54bca014be773f3

A bird with d8f5c2ea8d teeth was nothing 7d964ae55e in a forest 36ac73bbc5 teeming with magical 8d4345cd89 beasts and mutated 9bb43212d5 creatures. Topaz warned them 193038fd34 against touching any f9318d5376 animal, no matter 224d8435c6 how small or cc8e6b1e52 harmless it appeared. They could de7eda90dd lose a 69f8eb66b8 finger in 2d02db9a8e the blink 021f875412 of an 33424d919d eye.473bccfa1c623ffc

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Glancing at Karjen, who was now solicitously holding Haran’s finger to stop the bleeding, Topaz added, “It probably avoided you because your mana is too strong. I’m not entirely sure, but…”26d79cb4d44a4f2a

Mana was a part of nature, so to a small bird, it might feel like encountering a tidal wave. Karjen’s eyes widened at Topaz’s words, which, despite their casual tone, sounded almost comforting. He lost interest in Haran’s finger and turned to Topaz.bee9e3f1abc1f429

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“Do you think so?” he asked, a bright smile replacing his previous disappointment.77beb4367caf0249

Topaz nodded.950514ab6ec1bf22

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Haran, clutching his bleeding 98de033636 finger, thought,You’re the one being fooled by appearances…69e5706a57dc42f8

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“You said you were from the capital,” Topaz said.86eaa3a487d1bf31

“Yes, that’s correct.”d5aeff3e169ce4c6

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“Are you from the capital too, Topaz?” Haran asked.5b43f665b5fa69a9

Topaz looked 8d079dc925 up at e31ee884c3 him. Haran met his 612f1f590d gaze with a c4f6e3d5ed casual smile.1050571d73c6c563

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“I could hear it in your accent. I’m from the west, so I’m quite attuned to these subtle differences.”f358a899caf4092e

“You’re right.”c9e262ef790c2401

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Topaz was born in Kashaf, the empire’s capital, where the Imperial Palace stood. Or rather, he mighthave been born ee2abde8fa there. He had no memory 0b1ad47897 of his parents, only fd6b47e11c of growing up in b2627d4d08 the poorest slums of a595c8f0d3 the capital.221bfa69f4f5bf0b

He’d become a mercenary at a young age, wandering from place to place, but he’d been based in the capital until he was eighteen. After his mercenary guild established roots in other cities, he’d had no reason to return.9b37cbf64b3eab03

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“How is the capital these days?”929e86dd2e3b0d42

“As always, new trends come and go, and the streets are always bustling. I suppose the commercial district changes the fastest? Recently, Russo Republic cuisine has become quite popular. Stewed nightshade and simple meals of thin flatbread wrapped around vegetables are all the rage in the markets.”a107237aec5fe004

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The Russo Republic was a nation on the western edge of the continent. Topaz had never been there, but he’d heard it was a republic with no emperor or king. Its political stability had led to a flourishing culinary scene.996354afd62c0a0b

“Last winter, northern cuisine was trending – wheat noodles in a spicy broth. I hear it’s still quite popular, with many new restaurants opening up.”9c74b08c7dd36362

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Topaz’s brow twitched.1485f21b374e69b8

“Are you talking about that noodle dish that burns your tongue?”56140815f1c08f0a

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“Yes. Have you tried it?”2e239fd4b5615e5e

“Once.”12ed264f6261d8a7

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The world b2b03f5c84 was ending a9a1443a28 if food 76a6e33046 like that d7e879d924 was considered 759630ea59 fashionable.6d9da7352331af1d

“Some things haven’t changed. The theaters are still thriving, with carriages crowding Carmen Street at all hours, and the bells of the Grand Temple still ring on the hour, every hour.”388630cdc934be74

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“Must be noisy.”8e42cd429fb930db

“It is. Very noisy.”0c7046522c9bf073

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Karjen continued, his voice 1a241d290f soft, almost melodic.c475d14e8bb7e919

“But the bakery district on Olive First still smells of fresh bread. Peruman, the capital’s most renowned blacksmith, is over seventy, but he still works his forge every day. Anything else you’d like to know?”edeb5ed68f08dc4c

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Despite Topaz’s vague question, Karjen described the capital in vivid detail, as if he had a map in front of him. It brought back memories of walking those streets himself.b4fdb887c476fbb8

It had been years since he’d left the capital, but a pang of homesickness struck him. He was surprised. It had been a long time since he’d felt nostalgic for anything.096e5f49730a7e09

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“Ah.”d1a18b7996baacf0

Karjen, letting 7f8fc0af4b out a 7933d68b93 soft sigh, 11881e9d94 pulled a 3980cf3f15 small, red ec584f6aac silk pouch b1eb43effc from inside 810d7f2b54 his tunic. The fist-sized pouch was 1e67ff251d so thin it seemed 234ab70aa7 empty, but Karjen rummaged aa50b6cb3c through it for a 05d82304cb moment.e949dac3950e0b07

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He pulled 9b025e0ad3 out a 0a19984292 small, round 4ba82fc810 piece of a982070326 wood, its 0bc3df98b1 surface smooth a66feef3ce and polished. Several thin b9cee4fa0c metal tines c2f5e76154 were attached 6b8f536996 to one e7c603a6fb side, and 17e515f01c the other c8fde3f0d7 side had 9bc9e454c8 small holes.93748bc9a5abd4fc

“This is a lamellophone. It’s a traditional instrument from the Aspel Islands, but this is a smaller, modern version. It recently became popular among noble children and has since become more widely available. Hold it in both hands.”407f85cef0732f23

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Karjen placed the instrument in Topaz’s hands, explaining how different notes could be produced by pressing the tines and covering the holes. Topaz shook his head, offering it back.491e7dfd200c9183

“I don’t know how to play instruments.”5ce66e2c71941970

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“You don’t have to play it. Just pluck the tines. It makes a pleasant sound.”08fc6dd956796b6a

“…..”bd54a3ee4ae2ff92

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Topaz hesitated, then plucked 14bda79b71 a tine. A clear, resonant note 6d683a95e8 rang out. It was 7c16a86ee5 a remarkable eb45c61155 instrument, producing b4a3a3a773 such a 692158653c beautiful sound 36b290d8bf from hands 2bcef005a9 that had 3c8cc8d48b never held f814e2388d an instrument edc3a4575d before.20fdd909c92dae6b

“Interesting.”32590a66bbf9de86

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“Isn’t it?”02e54c7106b89312

Seeing Topaz’s fascination, Karjen excitedly rummaged through his pouch again, producing a bizarre assortment of items. A magic pinwheel that spun without wind, diamond-shaped candies coated in cinnamon, wrapped chocolates, even a small whistle and a tin of birdseed.5d5a165bcd5fa8ac

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“Convenient. Is that bag an interdimensional pouch?”c28d3dcd434cb292

“Yes, but my abilities are limited, so I can’t carry much.”d4b03ec344da7358

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Topaz stroked his chin.5549cdfbe4f5b02c

“Do you have any alcohol, by any chance?”da05d160c0b1898f

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Karjen’s eyes widened, and he reached into his pouch with a triumphant expression. He pulled out a bottle of wine, clearly expensive and vintage.0255c64e40fab4bd