Ashes and Kingdoms

When the white dragon giant descended into the square as the little bran rain struck on the wind, people gathered even though they were wet.

The most rushed fauna shelters from the rain with a blanket on Nellis. Finn made sure Mac and Nellis stood on the ground before coming down himself, but at the same time, he was conscious to cover up as much light as he could that filled his body and mind.

But Fauna soon noticed a change in her son, as Finn did on the day he bonded. I look up as I wipe Nellis' hair, and the next thing I know, I try to burn Finn's care - stay put, stop moving.

It's the same reaction as Nellis, even though he doesn't have the priest's eyes. Finn opened his mouth quickly this time, although he affirmed what she noticed with courtesy. Fauna can't beat me up.

"I'm home,... Mother"

It lights up a little on the boulder, and I can catch the word. Still, it only worked to loosen Fauna's expression.

"Welcome home."

Expanding her soft grin, Fauna reached out and paid for the rain grain dripping from her son's forehead.

"Come on, come on, don't stand there. Get under the roof. Or is there something I need to tell you right now?

"Oh, no, not now... I don't. But, yes, could you please let everyone know to gather in the capitol?"

The second half of the word was directed at the surroundings. And the men looked at each other, and bowed, but each to call a close one, scattered in pieces.

Oandus, who came out in the wrong place, looked at what was going on.

"Phineas! I'm glad you're home safe. What's all that fuss about?

"I have important news. Father, please come to the capitol."

Finn answers, walking out toward the city hall. Oandus rushed after him.

"Mother, come too."

Nellis pulls Fauna's sleeve. Right, Fauna replied, but it didn't move right away. Make sure Finn doesn't turn around, then spread his hands and hold Mac and Nellis together for a long time.

"Both of you...... thanks"

The voice of gratitude was small and faint.

"Thank you so much for bringing that kid back"

"Auntie......"

Mac gave back his embrace to comfort him, then said a little bitterly.

"It was Nellis who brought him back. I couldn't do anything. Whatever happened to my brother, I decided to follow him... but I couldn't think of bringing him back. It's good to have Nellis."

"Nothing. I didn't mean to."

In his usual habit, Nellis denies his true intentions with a disgusting face.

"I'm just asexually angry, so I just punched him"

"Did you hit him? Nellis, are you a child..."

"Come on, let's go. It's gonna get wet."

Pulled, Fauna walks out shaking her head for good. I thought I'd get married and grow up a little bit, but it seemed like I wanted to.

After all this time, almost all citizens were gathered in the capitol. I am delighted with the return of Dragon Hou, but I am anxious to know what news.

When Finn stood on the stage, he slowly cut them out, waiting for them to quiet down together.

"This is serious news, please calm down and listen. … the emperor of the country and the Council have decided to abandon all lands on the north side of the mountains"

One breath of silence. And twitch. I have been informed of the water in my sleeping ears and Fentas and Kveris are also circling their eyes. Finn raised his hand and quieted the field before the furious question pushed him.

"From now on, this is no longer imperial territory. The auditor won't come, and neither will the taxpayer. Nor are they conscripted into battle on the national side. Instead, no more grants come in, and we have to do everything ourselves: maintain water supplies and streets, secure grain reserves and buyers for the murders, and maintain security. That's what I'm saying."

"Is Winnea the same?

Fentas raises his hand and asks in the midst of a blur. Finn nodded.

"Yes, I also delivered the news to Comrith and Winnea. Things are the same at their place. Commander Ansius was overjoyed when he heard about it and threw out Auditor Simulus. I've never seen such a happy face."

Finn stands aside and clasps his shoulders. Whoever had been caught nasty in the previous assault was all gargled. So auditors are a little helpful too. Finn saw the tension on the ground relaxed and went on to talk further.

"The Corps was originally stationed in Comris and Winnea, so there seems to be no anxiety in terms of policing or in terms of the workforce. As an imperial corps, it will be dismantled, but few will be able to return to their home countries and get their pensions, so they will move into the corps of virtually every city as it is. I was asked that it was a policy to coordinate between the city council and the corps to provide autonomy as an urban state. The surrounding countryside and so on, of course, they will look after you. So... for the moment, both of them promised not to take military action."

"Is it good to see that there will be no interference with Nanais?

Kveris anxiously confirms. "So far," Finn replied honestly.

"You won't be able to get around to building a kingdom in the north until you have a new system in place and settled it first. Even if I cared about that, I wouldn't even try to rule over Nanais, I think. Actually, some legion soldiers are on their way here. No, say you want to join the Tenryu Squad, not march"

Well, Plast leaked his voice. I like the sound of it. Mac proudly supplemented it from the side.

"There are quite a few people in Comris and Winnea who haven't forgotten how grateful they were to be helped by Tenryu Hou. Besides, being abandoned by your own country means you're not bound by imperial law either. If you quit the Corps before retirement, you won't be punished."

To that explanation, Finn had to laugh bitterly. It would not actually be legal for each of them to resign at their own convenience, as they would use the previous law just to rewrite it a little. But now I'm confused, so I can leave the army.

Of course, there will certainly be a benevolence to Finn. But is it true that the mood pushed my back that I don't need to be foolishly honestly tied to an organization that isn't strange when it crumbles?

Either way Finn didn't talk about it, he said to Plast.

"If they come, reconstruction in the east will also proceed, and those in the south, may be able to expand their safe lands more. I'll take care of the neighborhood.... By the way, what about Captain Valt? Is it still the east?"

"Oh. Never come back. Looks like he got along well with his late wife over there."

"... what?

"You're going to get married, or this previous supply unit brought a message. Eastern commander or guardian, you should give him the proper title to settle over there."

Plast says only pale. Behind it, as usual, the twins of Ewarez and Eugenis duet "No Good". While Finn is out of time, he pinches his mouth with a sledge that he thinks Kuveris is fuzzy.

"Then our“ territory ”is going to be quite vast. No matter how autonomy proceeds in the future, the idea of just one city in Nanais creates inconvenience. We'll need to shape ourselves as a slightly wider nation."

With that said, he poured a far-reaching knob on Finn. Many eyes gather in Finn with the same expectations.

Finn, who was pompous, turned back to me and looked around a little bit. No way, are you serious? Seriously, are these people trying to wear themselves to the Lord?

(... apparently, yes)

Without having to rely on the dragon's vision, every face obviously, even naturally, awaits the birth of a new Führer. Finn rubbed his eyebrows and suffered a headache, taking one breath before raising his face.

"Even so, I'm not the one to take that former seat"

I say it out loud. Yeah, and ignoring the spilled dissatisfaction, Finn continued to be powerful.

"I am indeed a dragon marquis. There is also a title of nobility. We want to continue to protect Nanais, and if you all want, let's do so much as go out and negotiate with others as representatives, as we have done before. But I'm not going to dominate Nanais and move politics."

"Phineas, you won't have to be so vigilant," Oandus snapped. "I'm not asking you to be a dictator. Kings, emperors, whatever, but it's just that we need someone who deserves that kind of seat."

"Then that would be more appropriate for your father."

"Hey, stop it..."

"No joke, no modesty."

Finn shook his head and got a sinking look. I didn't want to tell you, but I have to. We need to be clear here and now.

"Please understand. I'm a dragon marquis, and I'm not like a normal human being. I've said he's just a powderer's son, and I still hope he is... but he's not. I can't remember what normal people looked like anymore. Even if I remember, I don't feel it. I can't remember what it's like to have no vision, no wings to fly through the sky, to fall into the heat and freeze in the cold. Such a human being... No, such a dragon marquis must not stand on a man. So I will never be king or emperor. … please understand"

A trembling voice echoes the quiet capitol.

A hazy oandus drew his son to embrace him, despite his public presence. Finn keeps his whole body stifled, and he doesn't even wander.

"I'm sorry, Phineas.... really, sorry. Forgive me."

When Oandus apologized in a low voice, Finn shook his head slightly. As I said, there is nothing to forgive.