Directionless Voyage – Chapter 3: Altair Nova

The scene begins as Zain and his two companions prepare to enter the room.

One of the palace guards knocks on the door of the king’s chamber—a grand and luxurious room with a plaque that reads King.

From inside, a voice responds, "You may enter."

The two guards step inside, accompanied by Zain and his companions. As they enter, all three men bow in respect, and the king bows slightly in return to welcome them.

The king then addresses his guards, "You may leave us."

The two guards exit, leaving only the king, Zain, and his companions in the chamber.

Zain is the first to speak, "I have come in the name of the kingdom of Verdesa to thank you for providing us with supplies to continue our journey."

Altair Nova waves a hand dismissively, "There's no need for such formality, Zain. But I must say—you've grown a lot since I last saw you. That attire suits you well. I’m eager for you to meet Karl. He’s now a general… actually, the supreme commander."

Kargalan leans slightly toward Lloyd and mutters, "Do you think Sir Zain knows the king?"

Lloyd, also observing their interaction, responds in a hushed voice, "It’s like they’ve known each other for a long time."

Zain nods at the king’s words. "You're right, Your Majesty. By the way, where is Karl? I haven't seen him since I arrived in the country."

Altair Nova replies, "He's on his way. The moment he heard you were coming, he couldn't wait to see you again. However, I assigned him a task—he’s escorting someone here. We recently captured Rine Kagero."

Zain's expression shifts to one of surprise. "Rine Kagero?"

The king nods. "You know him, don’t you? His wanted poster is spread across all the nations. In fact, that poster originated from our country. We've been searching for him for two and a half months now, and we finally caught him two days ago in a neighboring country."

Zain's brows furrow slightly. "I was just there recently… and I got lost. But someone gave me a map, which helped me find my way to—"

He suddenly stops speaking, his eyes widening in realization. His companions notice his abrupt silence and puzzled expression.

The king, sensing something, asks with slight concern, "Zain? What’s wrong?"

Zain, still in shock, murmurs, "Rine… he has slightly grayish eyes and black hair, right? He’s not very old—just a teenager."

Altair Nova raises a brow. "Yes… I’m surprised you could tell, considering his wanted poster isn’t even in color."

Zain clenches his fists slightly, his mind racing. "So it was him… No wonder he seemed familiar. What a fool I was…"

Taking a deep breath, he regains his composure and says, "You captured him yesterday, right? Then there’s no danger anymore."

Altair nods. "Yes, the threat has been eliminated."

Zain, still puzzled, asks, "But what could a teenager like him have done to be classified as an A-rank criminal? I know there are many young criminals with exceptional strength, but… he didn’t seem powerful at all."

The king studies Zain for a moment before asking, "Did you meet him?"

Zain hesitates before replying, "Yes… two days ago, in that neighboring country. He was the one who gave me the map. I had a feeling I knew him, but I ignored it. I apologize—if I had acted differently, you might not have captured him. It was purely by chance."

The king interrupts him, "There’s no need to apologize. We caught him regardless, and he’s on his way here now, escorted by Karl. He will receive his judgment soon."

Zain, still unsatisfied, presses further, "But, Lord Altair… you still haven’t told me why he’s considered a criminal."

The king’s expression darkens slightly. "It’s a long story… but he murdered my deputy and fled."

Zain’s eyes widen. "You mean… he killed Garell Crown?"

The king sighs with regret. "Yes."

Zain is momentarily stunned before speaking again, "Lord Garell Crown… he was incredibly strong. How could Rine have done it? And more importantly, why?"

Altair Nova exhales slowly. "That boy isn’t from our country. I suspect it was an assassination. That’s why I intend to interrogate him before passing judgment."

—

At the gates of the palace, a carriage comes to a halt. The doors open, and Karl steps out, dragging a bound prisoner behind him—Rine Kagero.

The palace guards bow respectfully to Karl. One of them speaks, "Sir Karl, there’s a guest with His Majesty. I believe his name is Zain."

Karl smirks slightly. "So, you’ve arrived… cousin."

Turning to the guards, he orders, "Open the doors. Let’s not waste time."

The massive palace doors swing open. Without a word, Karl pulls Rine forward, leading him inside. Their footsteps echo through the grand halls as they make their way toward the king’s chamber.

Upon reaching the door, Karl knocks firmly.

Inside, Altair Nova glances at Zain and says, "It seems Karl has arrived."

"Enter."

The door opens, and Karl steps in with his usual air of authority. Behind him is Rine Kagero, bound yet walking steadily.

Zain's eyes widen slightly as he recognizes Karl. Then, breaking into a smile, he opens his arms. "Karl! It’s been a while."

Karl grins back, embracing him. "Indeed, Zain."

Rine watches them with a deadpan expression, thinking to himself, Are these idiots really having a family reunion while I’m shackled? And here I thought I had a chance to escape that prison… Guess my time is up.

Lloyd, still processing everything, turns to Zain. "Sir… you know him?"

Zain sighs. "I suppose I should have told you earlier. This is Karl… my cousin."

Kargalan, looking between the two of them, mutters comically, "I can tell. They’re both terrifying—even with those smiles."

For a brief moment, Zain and Rine’s eyes meet.

Rine flinches slightly but quickly lowers his gaze to the ornate floor, remaining silent.

Zain, too, says nothing, thinking to himself, His case isn’t my concern.

Altair gestures for everyone to sit. "Make yourselves comfortable. You too, Rine."

They take their seats. Karl and Zain sit beside each other, while Lloyd and Kargalan sit together. Rine, however, is placed directly across from the king’s grand wooden desk, inlaid with silver.

Karl, with an exaggerated frown, complains, "Where’s that fight-loving nuisance? I thought she’d be here."

Zain chuckles. "Oh, you mean Selina? I saw her leaving earlier, but I barely recognized her. She’s changed a lot."

Altair Nova nods. "I sent her after a high-ranking A-rank criminal spotted in the capital. She should be bringing him in soon."

Karl smirks. "I almost pity that guy."

The king and Zain share an amused look, both knowing Selina’s aggressive nature.

Meanwhile, in another part of the city, a man is on his knees, pleading desperately. "Please… have mercy!"

Standing before him is Selina, dressed in the uniform of the royal forces. She tilts her head slightly, unimpressed. "You're an A-rank criminal? Seriously?"

Surrounding them, civilians and guards watch in anticipation, the streets filled with murmurs.

End of Chapter.

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