“Had an ol’ buddy once, we went out hunting a famous duelist. I forget ‘is name. ‘Elnis’ or something?”

         Puffrel blinked. “Sir Elinoss.” She corrected. “Gale, please inform him that he should always refer to me properly.”

         Gale opened his mouth to speak, but the figure raised his hands, revealed a metallic prosthetic on one and a large, black-gloved hand on the other. “No need. I know how to properly refer to the royals. ‘Was only explaining my logic before I addressed you, ‘majesty.”

         It did a slight bow of courtesy, but kept his face looking up just enough so that he didn’t leave himself open. He brought himself back up again.

         “Elinoss was a cocky bastard who still believed in honor. ‘Course, we did too back then. So my buddy ‘cided to challenge 'im to a rapier duel.”

         The figure laughed quickly. “Now, that old bastard was good, but after keeping Elinoss on the backfoot he got cocky. ‘Started bein’ flashy, stretching his reach, usin’ moves he didn’t know.”

         It drew his stance up straighter. “So Elinoss did the only logical thing, and pressed the advantage on a wide overswing. Took him right there by the neck, he did. ‘Twisted the damn blade too, just to make him suffer.”

         It took another slow breath.

         “So, I plunged a dagger into his throat and cut it quick. Then targeted the heart. Didn’t stop stabbin’ till he was done movin’.”

         It focused on the princess. “So, ‘lest you want to get killed like that, you’ll be best to master your form. Ya only break the rules intentionally and purposefully, ‘majesty.”

         “What do you want?” Gale retorted quickly, standing in between Puffrel and the figure.

         “Nothin’ but to support a good Samaritan to teach the future queen. And also…”

         He directed his gaze over to Puffrel. “Out of curiosity. Why you takin’ advice from a Metori? Aren’t they all your slaves after the war?”

         “Gale, please inform this that as a bodyguard it is your duty.”

         Gale was quiet for a moment. “As a bodyguard, it’s my—”

         “It’s good to know that you’re a bodyguard, friend, but I meant why. ‘Thought the royals kept them under a tight leash.”

         “They do.” Gale whispered, but Puffrel didn’t seem to notice, her eyes fixated on the figure. Studying it.

         “World hates Metori. But especially the royals most of all, seein’ how they nearly cut off yer' bloodline. So why do you trust them, ‘majesty? I’m asking you.”

         “Gale, please inform him that I don’t address peasants.”

         Gale was in shock, still pondering what he said. What it meant for his brothers. “She says—”

         “Thanks friend, but I heard.” The figure replied, kneeling down on one leg to get on the same level as Puffrel. “You say that, but you refer to your slaves directly?”

         He raised his gloved hand at Gale.

         “And by name too?” He slowly cocked his head over to the princess. “What, you startin’ to care for ‘em or somethin’? Does your father know, ‘Majesty?”

         “Gale, please tell him to mind his place.”

         Gale was quiet, lost in thought.

         “Gale?”

         He remained still.

         “With all due respect, ‘majesty, give him some time. He’s learnin’ new things, and learnin’ them so far from the pen you usually keep ‘em.”

         “Gale.” She repeated.

         Gale looked to the side slowly. His voice was nearly a whisper. “She… she asks that you mind your place.”

         The figure nodded. “’Course, friend. That’s why I’m kneeling.”

         The figure took a slow breath once again.

         “I just figured that if I was so lucky to be graced by the sight of the World Princess, I should take the opportunity to ask—"

         “Stop it with your games, bounty hunter.” She whirled toward the figure, now dignifying him with a sharp glare to the figures' visor.  We all know your story, Red Cloak. And you never ask questions without a motive.”

         “No one does, ‘majesty—”

         “YOUR majesty.”

         “—and my current motive is curiosity. Sincerely, I’d like to apologize if I have ever ‘ffended you of anythin’.”

         Puffrel looked down at him. “You didn’t answer my question.”

         The figure breathed again. “Neither did you, ‘majesty. And while I will always hold respect for the royals, I reserve my own right to not have t’answer you.”

         The figure rose.

         “Welcome to the world, folks.”

         The figure turned around to leave, the head arching to keep an eye on them until he was far enough away and down to a pathway, sight lost on him as he walked down a hilltop.

         “Insubordinate piece of shit.” Puffrel scoffed, crossing her arms in frustration. “I believe it’s best if we head back inside for now, Gale.”

         Silence.

         “Gale?”

         “It’s beautiful.” He said.

         She turned around towards him, and looked where he faced.

         Slowly shreds of grass drifted toward a nearby river, half-lit by the waxing crescent moon up above. Roses and flowers were arranged, but imperfectly. Scattered here and there, some colors looking rather weird put next to each other. Past the river was an open field with a few trees, and a mob of deer rushed past that area, leading fauns and children as their hooves kicked up dirt and granite. Looming behind the plains were mountains, but they were different from the view Gale saw at the estate. The valley’s stuck out more, the top looming over base, the mountain caps empty as a lion climbed down a long ridge to reach the ground. A few bats could be spotted if you looked carefully enough, flying out of what was probably a cave, its darkness tucked at the mountains base.

         The air was clear yet clearly colored by the grass, the cool water, and the night breeze that rustled pollen past them. Even the animal’s musk was noticeable, but the wind gently pushed the stench away.

         They could hear the flapping of wings, the gentle breeze singing a tune, the calm waters slowly drifiting down the river.

         The air pressed against their bodies as the sturdy soil held firm, the grass providing a hint of softness as it fell beside them.

         It was imperfect.

         It was beautiful.

         “We need to go, Gale.”

         Gale took a moment to look around, spotting hints of lights on the distant horizon, roads leading to new frontiers. He took a step forth in his wanderlust, but the limb locked still. He reached out gingerly, but his hand seized up halfway.

         He sighed, turned around, and walked back to the doom of the town.

Disclaimers mentioned in previous chapters have ended here. See previous episodes for earlier chapters.