42 The Next Destination

A week of encrypted radio chatter and scavenging runs resulted in Jack hauling a salvaged arcanite engine to the defence tower. David, ecstatic, immediately set to work, installing the crucial component into his vessel with the help of his former DebrisX crew. Jack, weary to the bone, found a stone ledge to rest on, watching his large friend work.

The familiar quiet of the tower greeted him, the atmosphere serene under the bright sun. A flock of songbirds soared high in the distant sky.

At first glance, nothing had changed, but then he noticed it: crates and supply boxes were scattered across the clearing, organised as if in preparation for a move.

Are they heading back to a major city? Reinforcing the war effort? Jack mused. He recalled snippets of rumours about the great war brewing in the west. Some whispers were more alarming than others, suggesting the Dunkelheit Empire planned to strike at Poranthis, a country neighbouring Germund.

A successful campaign would dramatically increase their territory and power.

"It's always those who hold power who hunger for it most," Jack thought grimly, his fingers unconsciously tracing the lines on his palm.

He was so lost in thought that he didn't notice the young woman approach until she sat beside him, an arm's length away. The silence that followed was heavy, broken only by the distant clanging of metal. Jack took a long sip from his water bottle, the simple act a flimsy shield against the growing awkwardness.

Finally, she spoke. "Who are you?" Her red eyes narrowed, studying him with an unnerving intensity.

What is with this girl? After a moment to steel himself, Jack forced a smile. "Nice to introduce myself properly. I'm Jack Squire, formerly of DebrisX."

Aurelia crossed her arms, her gaze drifting towards the bustling crews. "I'm Princess Aurelia Sol Solara," she replied bluntly. There was nothing regal in her posture; her gestures were almost boyish.

"Oh." Jack nodded, then turned his attention back to the work, hoping that would be the end of it.

"What?" she snapped, making him jump.

"What?" he echoed, confused.

"Aren't you going to ask why the princess of Solis Aeternum is in this rural backcountry?"

"It's clearly a royal expedition, and I shan't pry into such private matters," Jack replied, attempting a regal tone of his own. It was a poor effort, but the message was clear.

Aurelia shook her head, a strange, ambiguous expression on her face. She closed one eye, as if sharing a secret. "Well, I might tell you."

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"Oh."

She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to an eager whisper. "I'm going to tell you." Her eyes shone with an almost fanatical light. "We're going to stop the war!"

Jack stared at her, unblinking. As far as he knew, her empire, Solis Aeternum, was neutral. Its political power was negligible compared to giants like Dunkelheit or the Osten Empire. What an absurd claim, he thought.

"Good luck with that, Princess," Jack replied, his tone just dismissive enough as he gave a polite nod. Why is she talking to me? I'm just trying to mind my own business here.

"Ugh! You're not taking me seriously, are you?" Aurelia said bitterly. His dismissive tone reminded her of her father, and even Friederich, her prime guardian.

"Of course not." He lied. Never in his sanity that a war could be stopped by a lousy child.

Changing the subject, Jack pointed at the supplies. "Are you all moving out?"

"Oh, that? Yes. Triss and her Novitcius mages finished their mission here and are being stationed in Poranthis."

"And you, Princess?" Jack probed. Their eyes met, and he realised in that instant that hers were a vibrant, fiery red — much like his own, or more precisely, like his son's in the digital ink photo.

Aurelia seemed dazed for a moment before she snapped out of it. "I'm going too. David is giving us a lift. From there, I'll… I'll stop the war. Once and for all." Her voice, once so steady, faltered, and her gaze fell to her fidgeting fingers.

She was struggling to conceal the truth. Her innate ability, the grand mana reservoir, had been exposed during the channelling ritual with Triss. While the chance of being found by enemies was slim, Friederich's paranoia had won out. After a long discussion with mostly him rambling on and on, he insisted they seek asylum in Poranthis for the time being.

She's so eccentric, Jack thought. And she overshares everything. That trait won't serve her well in the game of politics.

"What about the guy I saved?" she asked, tilting her head. "His name is Rhok, right?"

"Ah, yes. Just like Triss said, he woke up the next day. He's been working at the carrot farm ever since."

Rhok Wagner had been granted clemency after swearing to defect from the Dunkelheit Empire. Lupus, however, still didn't trust him and insisted he wear a Slave Circlet. Jack had initially disagreed with the measure, but conceded it was the right call to ensure the townspeople's safety.

So far, Rhok had proven to be an honourable man with an impressive knowledge of Armatus technology.

"I'm glad…" Aurelia trailed off, a hand rising to her sternum. Jack watched her carefully. Despite her peculiarities, she seemed to be a genuinely kind person, a rarity among nobles.

Jack rose slowly from the ledge. "Well, I wish you the best of luck, Princess."

His words were cut short by another voice. "Aurelia. Are you prepared for departure?" Friederich called out as he strode towards them. He shot Jack a brief, sharp glare before motioning for the princess to follow.

She scrambled to her feet. "I'll visit Hasenwald before we leave, so s~see you later!" she called out, her voice rising an octave higher than intended.

With a final, flustered wave, she turned and hurried after her guardian.

Jack watched them go, a long sigh escaping his lips.

... Phew… What an exhausting experience. Those royal families are full of weirdos.

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