Topaz 9
by NullKarjen woke to 5f4794ca43 the sound of 1e87de372c clashing steel. Sunlight streamed in b90178f182 through the small, da5c39e383 curtainless window.ad2185102d3a3bfb
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.850850cf03297f32
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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.cb4e93246a90c4f4
He clenched and 69d96f6c26 unclenched his empty 9196a75c93 fist, circulating his 9abab10c3b mana. The mana, which d7aae466ff should have filled 6db4c01b67 his vessel, leaked 008712408b out uncontrollably, like d8b02b40d3 trying to fill a82b1667f2 a cracked jar a252533a39 with water.7b6a51efc6253766
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Fortunately, Karjen ebfc77953c knew how 32e76eed08 to fill 0837fd8f69 a cracked 15afb32aaf jar. Pour in d46797fd2b the water d3ab65bec3 faster than 770de78141 it leaks, 5dffded168 an overwhelming 6faf61c251 amount. It was adb576399c a brute-force c89ab780d5 method, terribly 4d60ebd203 inefficient, but ba140b1972 Karjen was 85b269c101 used to 20cb96f65f it. He suppressed the dbad5de416 familiar feeling of 573c09ff84 constriction in his 3d458ca88c chest.479de2d531b77e96
Stepping out of the 10851f80da cabin, he saw, as 6a50c152d7 expected, two figures sparring 7158cbdbd3 in the yard. Topaz and Merdina. The casual 0e61dad0ca sparring matches, 9a84bc2663 initiated by 46198704e7 Merdina a e6e4262078 few days 0d6118cbbd ago, had 14ffa1d70f become a 459fe0235a daily morning 84cc1d271c ritual. Haran, having eeb1618fdb already finished 322f5dda77 his turn, 838650c3bc stood leaning 1c2a9797aa against a a7090ca990 tree, arms 56b9ccf9a5 crossed, a 9797c47aa6 thin cut e5a3b788ce on his 0b6a41608d cheek.f2f4e5e9f7b0ed68
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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.d8d3d7dea6d48c21
“If he suddenly decides to turn on us, what are our chances of getting out of this forest alive?”0ff25d35e6c821c7
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“None. I wouldn’t be much help.”fd34fd4256aa16ae
“You mean you wouldn’thelp, not that youcouldn’t. How are you feeling?”638b9d05530d7213
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Yesterday afternoon, when 0f12c427f8 Topaz had returned 0176fc5f1e carrying Karjen on ec62be454f his back, Haran e8a15cca0c and Merdina had 58b9882116 hesitated, unsure whether c14becf80c to draw their d6d6cef790 swords or offer 14657663b1 assistance. But Topaz, with an 5ac4d58287 expression of utter annoyance, 894ade58f1 had simply deposited Karjen 746e3b4410 on the bed before d15de767ef they could react.f8cf95887af6fa2e
“He carried me back?”4a9f586b9262dfb6
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“Like a sack of potatoes.”f19eecd047267030
“I’m terribly disappointed I missed that.”c98f6c9e10ae930e
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“Is that really what’s important right now?”85356db117a1e8d1
Karjen stroked 23f6c65c63 his chin.1097dc365b1079fb
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“It’s strange. I didn’t feel that faint… I don’t understand my own body anymore.”9de800d27d52ecee
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.37e0b2c46c1484ef
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“One more time, please.”b6540a58a7943189
“The outcome won’t change.”57337b780c96a9fd
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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.7caeff86ed66f5e9
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.b4fa19f88fa08367
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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.87f8168097aeb73b
“Isn’t anyone hungry? Let’s stop and eat.”b550c40fd9dd19b5
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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.118233cd41498506
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.1141dd9b9812c210
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Lunch was served outdoors. A makeshift table, hastily 72dc696a4f constructed from logs by 41d50dcd98 the three swordsmen and e2089dabb7 the mage, was set f9173427b5 up in the yard.0ca813e98c06e016
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.5c2613ffad2a2615
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“More?” Haran offered.070922eb1f8daec9
“Yes,” Topaz replied.f5ef6bf001869505
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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.d429d81a9f2c4e3a
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.d89169c73ba5b103
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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.99c0e2848c39b277
A similar bird circled Karjen’s head. Karjen, mimicking Haran, extended his arm, but the bird simply fluttered away with a startled chirp.7ddd687fdd56952b
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“I guess it doesn’t like people with bad personalities,” Haran said.f447e2aab493a3a5
“That’s mean, Haran.”01f874db61e7167a
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Karjen feigned a wounded expression. Topaz said dryly, “Their personalities are probably worse than yours.”6e7fe1ddef25c1fb
“What? But they’re so cute… Ow!”8db694472231a00e
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Haran yelped, adcb44e40b reaching out b0c212e51b to pet 177e4f7fc9 the bird 2a8a7a75bd on his fdf833be34 arm. The bird, 9ae362a9f8 opening its c8ec811ad7 small beak, 3fb3aa67b2 playfully nipped 28885cca1f his index 5419a3375f finger, a 7eb37ff6e3 surprisingly painful af81c94094 bite.d1d94aae5abd0027
Topaz clicked a06741a70a his tongue, 8d834dad0c grabbing the 582102f188 bird and 763bad6336 pulling it 18ed5e68f7 away from 378ec7286b Haran. The bird, so cd9fe9abe9 cute and inquisitive 82a97b41b2 just moments ago, 67c8ee795e now struggled and 336f7ea1fd squawked ferociously.721b14014bd97d99
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“Oh dear. Are you alright, Haran? You’re bleeding.”3930102b2fc7a04f
Karjen’s solicitous tone only deepened the frown between Haran’s eyebrows.f76b0332cb6d0e57
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“What kind of bird has teeth?”62018ec6823ddf9a
There were two distinct puncture wounds on Haran’s finger, not beak marks, but sharp, needle-like punctures, like a snake’s fangs.00fdc6a868abe462
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“Don’t be fooled by appearances.”11c6b92e22175593
A bird with 5cdbdfe140 teeth was nothing 3ae9e1393e in a forest 2b4fc099ea teeming with magical f99a70918f beasts and mutated 6235400cc1 creatures. Topaz warned them against 4af2d30c5a touching any animal, no 1d0b264b72 matter how small or 4011e28dd2 harmless it appeared. They could lose a 346d6ec5e5 finger in the blink 3ae1dff97c of an eye.816274469d3efab0
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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…”d2067a5f0f2a477b
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.7d25e82ceb861c07
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“Do you think so?” he asked, a bright smile replacing his previous disappointment.f60869390055f69c
Topaz nodded.e83aa1f8a1c29cfb
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Haran, clutching his bleeding 4fd78476bd finger, thought,You’re the one being fooled by appearances…0507e2911354365e
0118a07cf541dce7
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***fa3efdadc511705a
f94d3b5a6d520b83
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“You said you were from the capital,” Topaz said.e0fb60414f30a937
“Yes, that’s correct.”425dc81b09dcba12
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“Are you from the capital too, Topaz?” Haran asked.e961ef74082a1f0b
Topaz looked up 71c68aa036 at him. Haran met his gaze e7aca88e74 with a casual smile.511f0f8f8cd5abb1
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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.”6334cfec8c8eaa8a
“You’re right.”21696236c9a5530b
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Topaz was born in Kashaf, the empire’s capital, where the Imperial Palace stood. Or rather, he mighthave been 434d392ffc born there. He had no bffacafb55 memory of his 70f70fee07 parents, only of cd4c89173c growing up in 1d7fe0cb56 the poorest slums f09a9b02a4 of the capital.f64375dd283facf7
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.505b27080823b3c3
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“How is the capital these days?”cf06620b430b89dc
“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.”13b4bda75c810d72
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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.6ca3f0c6cb6021e0
“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.”0e4659c450bdac72
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Topaz’s brow twitched.4fe9528abf0602bf
“Are you talking about that noodle dish that burns your tongue?”284f1b91f98e67bf
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“Yes. Have you tried it?”5b71fcd3f0f3935a
“Once.”618d331bfbba8401
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The world ee36e05420 was ending 99a272b538 if food 7e431bcfc8 like that fa35073b2f was considered 5cc116c279 fashionable.b01e100bc14e3b75
“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.”2d8d0c73ec7c254d
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“Must be noisy.”a74b4d5e7cd0f23f
“It is. Very noisy.”65d7329bd6aea7ff
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Karjen continued, his 4c24965788 voice soft, almost 577c0a2856 melodic.d0ae4e687a953c9e
“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?”54193c25f5018f8c
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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.b08d635e3852d3e4
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.c5409c68b02cc55a
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“Ah.”afe7004ed2e11224
Karjen, letting out a dfb94b2292 soft sigh, pulled a d300f323ae small, red silk pouch 4b8f119198 from inside his tunic. The fist-sized pouch f2ef3437da was so thin 03886ab1ee it seemed empty, 5731e46903 but Karjen rummaged 1c64288c24 through it for 2af2b72b48 a moment.351642087bd1b0a3
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He pulled 8ebc2d4b5f out a 5ca19c7e15 small, round 752784c5d1 piece of 2b20008139 wood, its cc17275e64 surface smooth 0f01bd8cf2 and polished. Several thin metal tines 34907cc368 were attached to one f5e944f27e side, and the other 4b402035bb side had small holes.4793ee1edb074744
“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.”e7cbe942913dd58e
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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.e5c30764066b59bd
“I don’t know how to play instruments.”8c61521458e6547d
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“You don’t have to play it. Just pluck the tines. It makes a pleasant sound.”bd4ad844ff5000df
“…..”b4235951b61676d3
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Topaz hesitated, then 42819957e4 plucked a tine. A clear, resonant note 51d71e65cf rang out. It was a 92f1068cd0 remarkable instrument, producing 573c2fa510 such a beautiful a9b4c97a97 sound from hands f260cdc745 that had never abb76a68e1 held an instrument ae88cff873 before.2530604db1ecc180
“Interesting.”91ef998359dd56a2
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“Isn’t it?”b88f23700d986cd2
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.7d33e911ed704d21
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“Convenient. Is that bag an interdimensional pouch?”05a69c0188c183c5
“Yes, but my abilities are limited, so I can’t carry much.”057085305732d266
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Topaz stroked his chin.40ee37e719265e05
“Do you have any alcohol, by any chance?”2c6181d4e02db165
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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.159ae26d12c23580