Chapter 78

Before long, Coen had already disappeared from his sight after blending in with the busy crowd.

Toren was left astounded and confused.

The city did seem quite prosperous and abundant compared to before when the villages used to be bleak and run-down.

The narrow pavements are even filled with joyous children and what once a dull night became festive, awake, and bright.

Toren was not able to catch up to his brother since he had seen him at the public market.

He just went on 'round the bright places, exploring and relishing the time that was never given to him. He felt envious of people living in that specific time.

They were free and joyful.

Lovers marry whoever they love with everyone's approval and blessing.

Children could play without worrying about rasping swords and booming gunshots.

Men could work to earn money without needing to slave themselves for other's benefits.

And most of all, painters could paint without the need to escape anything or anywhere.

The troubles they carry became an individual burden. The anxiety reduced to what life could minimally give.

Somehow, the world seemed to have finally toned down from what once felt like a raging bonfire.

When Toren passed by a memorial park, the graves that were drilled on the tombs were all too familiar to him.

There was a special area from the distance where soldiers and important people who died from war were honorably buried. Toren recognized most of the names.

Some were the priestesses and priests who performed the religious rituals during prayer meetings, some were the members of the secret organization, some were famous soldiers from the country, and some were from the opposing country's.

Even Captain Brochille's name showed up at the center of his troops.

Toren's relationship with the captain, he thought, may have started to be quite threatening and intimidating, but he was truly thankful of him.

They both respected each of one's boundaries, both never drove each to the edge despite having the ability to do so, and both became useful for each even once.

When Toren had to run away from En family's household, the captain offered a small, dusty shelter. And afterwards, Captain Brochille was given honorary credits for introducing the greatest painter of that age to serve the colonist emperor.

There were still evident marks that were left by the colonists.

Some of their cultures and traditions were drilled onto the townspeople, accepted and celebrated with nothing heavy in their hearts.

The tornado that once broke out and destroyed the crops of people's hope became a soft, comforting breeze at the crevices of their lifestyles.

Everything had truly changed.

But if there must be one thing that remained until the end, it would be Coen's loyalty.

Whilst moving around through the towns and villages, Toren was able to witness the most patriotic soldier of the country.

The very person who experienced the war firsthand – now fights in open with his own artillery.

Even by his own, Coen was always seen following rules, complying to orders, and being disciplined for the people. He was still, in his own nature, the soldier that his father had always wished to see.

Muren wanted to create the most loyal soldiers for the country to fight against invaders by a deep-seated conditioning.

And by some unfortunate outcome, he eventually made one.

Standing several years beyond how loyalty was meant to be, Coen dedicated himself to be according to the form of Muren's desired man.

And it was somehow accomplished by his first son – his most committed child.