Town Of Memories P1

"King Kazuya, are you ready to go?"

A familiar voice interjected, but there was something different about the man's voice. It was more masculine and deep. Melina turned around, eyes wide as she spotted a young man around 190cm with violet-colored hair.

"Ark!" Melina exclaimed as she rushed over. Melina noticed it immediately, "You grew taller," she commented.

"Please, I was already taller than you before."

"The difference wasn't that much."

Ark laughed, "It's good to see you again Melina."

Melina nodded; she knew the Queen wanted to surprise everyone. But there's nothing wrong with telling Ark, or rather, "Your hair."

"Shaarya's tastes are ever changing, earlier this year I had red hair but now it's purple," Ark trailed off, "I like this color, so I hope she lets me keep it."

Melina rolled her eyes; this is one of the things that doesn't change. Even back when she was fourteen, the Head Knight with his strong and noble image let himself be ordered around by Princess Shaarya.

.....

Year 4023 Mist Kingdom Central Town

Due to King Kazuya's status, Melina expected them to take the carriage to Town. But it surprised her when they started walking, then again she knows the King isn't from nobility. When she heard King Kazuya wasn't a noble but still became King. Melina found a new form of respect for him. By the time they reached the town, a good hour had passed. Since it was lunchtime, the streets were lively and filled with energy... The weather was neither too cold nor too hot; it was just right.

"It's so lively," Miley commented. People were rushing about carrying things to stores or buying. A typical scene, but unlike before, something was different. "It's more organized," she noticed several guards disguised as regular people.

Ark nodded, "The reason why people like elder Nicholas could deal with foreign traders easily was due to the lax security in the markets. Of course, even now there are loopholes, but it's gotten a lot better. We've gotten guards who are common folk too, and wish to remain stationed in the markets rather than the castle now," he explained.

So that's why they can blend in so well, "The Queen's idea?"

"Both their idea. It was already like that before, but the two discuss all the suggestions from the people and elders together now. Before they looked at things separately and then brought it up after already forming an opinion, but now when requests come in, they sit down and discuss things. It's better this way since," Ark grins. "Look what good decisions they come up with."

Miley nodded, "The security at the gates too."

"Yeah, were you okay?"

"A guard recognized me thankfully. The pass I had expired six months ago, I should have sent word about my arrival so that I could get a new one."

"Ah," Ark nodded, "Old man Ghil."

Old man Ghil was somebody who used to lecture her a lot since she would try to sneak out often. During the case four years ago, and

"I was surprised; I thought he would retire. He's past 60 now right?"

"63, going onto 64. But when the Queen suggested it, he said we would have to drag him away forcibly if they want him to retire. It seems like he doesn't trust anybody new to guard the Mist Kingdom gates as well as him," Ark trailed off, "If he wants to guard though, he could move to the main gate. I'm sure the Queen would be more reassured that way."

"Knowing him, 'The enemy won't go for the main gate. They'll attack from the sidelines, their rats that way.'"

Ark laughed, "Correct, but," Ark paused, "I think it's mainly due to his age now. He can't move too far with that leg of his, and his house is in that side of town."

That leg, Miley looked down at the ground then, "I wanted to apologize to him. That time he protected me, and I had no choice but to leave him behind," Miley paused as she recalled the encounter from yesterday. She wanted to apologize but when he saw her again, rather than hold a grudge. Old man Ghil greeted her with the brightest smile, "He didn't hold a grudge."

"He woke up shortly after you left already and wanted to apologize. For not saving," Ark trailed off. He seemed hesitant to say the next line, and Miley understood why.

Miley shook her head, "I've slowly accepted her death. Back then it was painful for me. I cried a lot and broke down. Even after the battle ended, I was still unable to accept it for a while. Leaving the Mist Kingdom for Master's cure aside, I knew I couldn't stay here any longer."

The air was stifling and suffocating. No matter which corner of the Kingdom she went to, it reminded her of the girl named Priscilla Bennet.

"Later, can we go visit..."

Ark nodded, "I understand. I already told the King earlier."

Back then, she couldn't accept it the death of her friend and didn't attend the funeral let alone visit her grave. She was in so much pain and couldn't bear it. With her state then, nobody forced her. But the girls family came to see her once and bowed; they thanked her. It was during the time she locked herself up due to the shock.

"Old man Ghil, I'm glad he survived at least."

If they both died, she would never have gotten up again.

War? Why did she want it so badly before, why did she want to fight so badly? After the incidence then, Miley thought long and hard about it, "My blade, I want to use it to protect. But as much as possible, I want to avoid using it," Miley said. She still liked weapons, but she can no longer think of war and the battlefield in the same manner anymore.

"I've always disliked it, and after what happened with Shaarya before, it made it worse. But I love being a knight, you get to see the world a lot more and," Ark paused and suddenly walked away. Miley followed him and saw him walk towards an old lady who was struggling to put things in her shopping tray.

"Thank you, head Knight," the old woman thanked.

"Oh? Did somebody say Head knight?"

"Hello," Ark greeted.

"Perfect timing, I got some new apples."

"Forget your apples, it's lunchtime he needs something filling like my pie," another man shouted from the stall across.

"Oh hush you two, what the head knight needs is someone to accompany him," a young woman wrapped her arms around Ark's neck.

"Sorry, but my wife will kill me," Ark apologized, "Though she's cute when she's angry, I don't want to kneel on a washboard."

The woman pouted, "Just tell me straight!"

"My wife is the only one in my eyes, sorry your not my type."

The entire place burst into laughter, "Isn't that what you wanted?"

How blunt. But Miley understands what Ark was about to say now. Being a Knight, it enables him a chance to speak and get to know the townspeople. Of course, that's something a person can do as a commoner too. But like Ark said, "See different heights huh?"