Chapter 28: From burden into a resolve

Ever since she was born, the little Akafuyu was already experiencing weak immunity to illnesses. In the early days, when she was still about three to four years of age, she could still play a whole lot without getting too sick.

But as the year passed, her health began to decline due to an unexplainable disease. She's too weak to even hold a wooden sword up, and her legs already fall in just a few seconds of walking.

A little Mylene consoles the little Akafuyu while she is lying in bed, holding a doll. It seems like the two were playing.

"Akafuyu, when I grow up I'mma be a doctor. So I can cure your illness, and everyone who suffers the same!"

Little Akafuyu replied:

"Hehe, then I'll be a strong warrior once you heal me. So that I can defend you and the other people when bad guys attack."

Such gallant conviction for someone their age.

Akimitsu was watching over them. After the two are done playing, he walks slowly towards the resting Akafuyu and holds her hand. He squeezes it tightly and puts it in his forehead as if wanting to carry the burden of her child.

Every father could not withstand seeing their child suffer. It would be better to have them carry those suffering rather than their children. But even with an overwhelming power, no one can fight an unknown disease.

Those who fell for desperation can only seek for a miracle. And that miracle was delivered unto Akafuyu when her father came back with a solution. A solution that they never knew where he got it.

— — —

"Hm? You mean you know the root of the problem Kiyoto-dono?"

Klauss inquired.

"I…I think so. After reading the research notes, my knowledge about masks grew. And when I saw Zaiaku's past…I knew there was going to be an effect on the Helm of Fervor."

Akafuyu assumes a thinking pose.

"Zaiaku, that was Juzo's real name right? What's the helm got to do with him?"

Kiyoto clenches his fist as he's about to tell Akafuyu something that might affect her whole life. But he knows that he needs to, or the helm will lose its authority, rendering Akafuyu powerless, hence losing her position as a Herald.

Klauss taps Kiyoto's shoulders after seeing him struggle about something. He might not know what Kiyoto is thinking, but Klauss just felt that he needed support. And so Klauss gave an approval as he tapped his shoulders and nodded.

"I'll get some more beans. Having more in stock won't hurt after all."

With that, Klauss left the two alone.

The whole room became quiet while Akafuyu became flustered.

"What's he planning now…I swear that familiar of mine."

"Miss Akafuyu…what I'm about to tell you might have a huge impact on your resolve. But I want you to persevere…"

Akafuyu looked at Kiyoto with curious yet foreboding eyes. She swallowed a bit of air and sat directly in front of Kiyoto and not on her chair behind the desk.

Realizing that Akafuyu is telling him that she's ready, Kiyoto began to explain everything he saw regarding Zaiaku's past that involves her father, Akimitsu.

As Klauss was about to return with the bag of beans on hand, he noticed his existence slowly fading due to the extreme weakening of the Helm's authority.

"....My Mistress…."

"No….my father…. can't possibly…"

Akafuyu's eyes, mixed with tears, widened in shock, her expression turned grim and her aura turned gloom.

"My life…comes with the price…of many more people's lives…" Tears began pouring down her eyes, anyone who can see her, can feel the despair she is currently feeling.

"Miss Akafuyu…"

Out of all the Heraldic Masks, the Helm of Fervor boasts the most potential in terms of portraying emotions into power. The flame it produces symbolizes the intense and passionate feeling of the wielder towards life.

But if the wielder that the Helm of Fervor acknowledges started to doubt itself due to an irreparable mistake, its power will be brought down in a catastrophic way. The previous Heraldic Mask will become just an ordinary prop for display.

Kiyoto tightly held Akafuyu by her shoulders.

"Miss Akafuyu! I might not wholly agree with the method that Sir Akimitsu have-"

"I cannot accept a life that's been saved by stealing the life of another." Akafuyu said with a pained and hushed voice whilst crying.

Kiyoto pulled her away and made her face him.

"That's a fact, but what then? Would you fall in despair now and let the city fall? Akafuyu, there are countless people who are grateful that you are well and alive today!"

Akafuyu stopped crying for a moment as she listened to Kiyoto.

"Your father took that burden to himself because he believes in your potential, that you'll be a better leader than him and the previous rulers."

"He…my father did that to-"

"And now if you look around you, you'll see the people not regretting to be a part of this city because you're their ruler. But it doesn't excuse the fact that some lives are taken…and that's why…"

"That's why you'll have to live with that burden and show them that the sacrifices that have been made are worth because you lived! Become the ruler where there will be no more lives to be taken! That's the path that your father sets out for you!"

Klauss stopped just in front of the door so as to not bother the two inside the room. He then noticed something.

"Hm? Oooh!?"

His existence is returning normally, and his powers seem like it's having a major boost.

Akafuyu closes her eyes, resulting for the leftover tears in her eyes to drip down her cheeks. She clenches her fists lightly, and she almost looks like she's gonna burst with an emotion stacked up inside her.

As if seeing a child needing consolation, Kiyoto patted her head gently.

"It's fine to cry some more, you can use my shoulders."

Akafuyu then unhesitatingly grabbed Kiyoto and cried a lot in his shoulders, letting out all of her despair and discouragement.

"Waaaaaaaaahhh!!!" *hic

A moment after, Mylene and Fudo were about to visit Akafuyu to mess around until they got stopped by Klauss who is currently guarding the door like a loyal attendant he is.

"Hey now, what's the matter? Since when am I not welcome to visit my dear friend?" Mylene asked Klauss curiously.

Klauss cleared his skeleton throat and pointed upwards with his skeleton finger, like suggesting something.

"I suggest you two come back another time. My Mistress is having a moment of peace and lov- uhum, quiet."

Mylene raised a brow. She smells something suspicious. She then grabbed Klauss by his skeleton shoulders and tossed him aside.

"W-wa-wait wait! Mylene-dono, now's really not a good time-!

"Whahaha! Let me in, let me in too!"

The jolly and eccentric Fudo has no care in the world and just joined in on the chaos.

As the door opened up, what the three witnessed was somewhat a refreshing sight to see. Akafuyu is currently resting her head on Kiyoto's shoulders who seems to be relaxing, while Kiyoto is letting her do what she wants.

It seems Kiyoto and Akafuyu haven't noticed them yet. Mylene on the other hand reacted, but in a quiet way.

"W-wh-what's happening!? Klauss explain!"

"Hooh? They're this far already eh? I should plan the next steps to advance this."

Klauss remarked as if not hearing what Mylene just said.

Mylene smacked Klauss's thick skull, which made Mylene hurt herself more than Klauss.

"Ow ow ow ow- you sturdy skeleton…what's happening with them, answer me!"

Fudo chuckled.

"Hehe, isn't that obvious Mylene? They're being lovey dovey!"

As Akafuyu started to move once again, Klauss was alerted and pushed everyone out, closing the door afterwards.

Akafuyu wiped her eyes and took a deep breath. She then smiled wholeheartedly in front of Kiyoto and touched his mask with her fingertip.

"Strange. Even though I can't see your face, it feels like I know your expression is the same as ever."

She knows that Kiyoto said all that for the people and for her sake as well. But it's as far as that. Akafuyu was already satisfied with the new answer that she got, but she feels it would be a lot better if….

"Then…"

Akafuyu stands up with pride. Her usual self has returned, although this time, she shines brighter than ever.

"...once you see me, as the ruler who's really fit to surpass all my ancestors. I wonder what you'll think of me in that day."

"Pfffft!!"

The three that are eavesdropping behind the door just blew off something out of there mouth after hearing Akafuyu's statement. It was obviously an indirect confession.

Kiyoto nodded and smiled, even though no one could see him doing so with that mask on the way.

The day passed peacefully, the Helm of Fervor, unknowingly to everyone, had regained its authority after the lingering regret of Akimitsu, turned into Akafuyu's flaming resolve. With the issue of the Helm getting cleared, a new challenge shall rise.

— — —

Few days have peacefully passed since then. Akafuyu became more cheerful and she seemed to be more dazzling than usual. She always asks if Kiyoto's free, by which he always does. He always got escorted by Mylene though.

A letter then came in Akafuyu's footsteps. It was a reminder about a certain meeting that will happen soon.

"My Mistress?"

Klauss inquires, as Akafuyu finishes reading the letter.

"Don't mind it. It's a reminder about that. To be honest though, I'm quite nervous. Since it'll be my first time attending such an important gathering."

"Hmm, would you mind me coming with you then My Mistress?"

"Well of course I'll bring you with me. But the meeting place is off limits, only us will be able to enter that hall."

"Hm. I see, then I shall be your escort until you reach the hall, My Mistress."

"That would do. Thank you Klauss."

Akafuyu then puts the letter on top of her desk. It was written there, the following statement:

"This is to remind everyone about our incoming assembly. I hope all of you can make it, as it's truly an important part of me to see you all in person, and in good health. My dear fellow Heralds."

~Kurai

Next Chapter: The Ten Heralds