Episode 22 I Want It

Eyseck found himself amid the splendid memorial park, a place of undeniable beauty that conveyed both reverence and sadness in its design. Meticulously groomed gardens and winding pathways led to a central focus—a bronze statue of Queen Regina's sword, its blade firmly planted in the pristine marble floor, underneath were her remains. A plaque at the statue's base bore a solemn inscription, reading, "Here lies the end of an era."

Queen Regina's sword, once a symbol of her authority and, at times, her tyranny, now stood as a testament to the past and the dawn of a new chapter.

As Eyseck's gaze wandered beyond the statue, he couldn't help but be deeply moved by the row of bronze plaques lining the memorial park. These were more than mere markers; they were memories etched in metal, bearing the names of those who had endured suffering during Queen Regina's reign. The park served as their final resting place, a poignant reminder of the pain and hardships they had faced.

Eyseck was awed by Queen Reina's determination to reshape the legacy of a troubled past into a space for reflection and healing. It was a powerful demonstration of Queen Reina's commitment to her people and her dedication to creating a brighter future.

In this park, amid its beauty and symbolism, lay not just the conclusion of an era, but also the promise of a more compassionate and hopeful one.

As Eyseck sensed Sebastian's arrival, he turned, not entirely taken aback by it. The park had recently been completed, with its grand opening ceremony planned for the following day. He knew Sebastian's aversion to crowded places, which explained why he had opted for a quieter moment to explore the park.

Sebastian's arrival was met with a nod of acknowledgment from Eyseck.

The park was, after all, a place of reflection and solemn remembrance, and Eyseck couldn't fault Sebastian for seeking a quiet moment to take it all in.

Together, they moved through the park, each lost in their own thoughts, the sprawling memorial bearing silent witness to the transformation that had taken place in Proxima.

"The Queen asked me to be her consort, a part of her harem," Eyseck said.

Sebastian was slightly off guard. He blinked and sighed, responding, "Well, lucky you."

The atmosphere shifted as Eyseck pressed on a delicate subject, "I have been meaning to ask… What did you exactly think and feel for the previous Queen, Sebastian?"

Sebastian couldn't help but return a playful comment, "Oh? Are you suddenly interested in my personal life, dear Eyseck?"

Eyseck, however, maintained a stern expression. "Let me remind you that I have a sniper right across the park."

Sebastian chuckled, shaking his head. "You need a new joke." His gaze turned to the sword, forever embedded in the marble floor at the final resting place of Queen Regina. "I was appointed as her secretary when Regina was teetering on the brink of madness."

Eyseck fell into a contemplative silence, struggling to understand why he had been so devoted to a Queen who had seemed utterly mad.

"Have you ever wondered what it's like to touch a god's face?" Sebastian mused.

Eyseck arched an eyebrow. "I did not know you subscribed to some sort of religion, Sebastian."

Sebastian continued, "Well, Regina was my religion. She was my god. That's what I felt about her. With her gone, I don't feel... complete. I feel lost."

Eyseck pondered Sebastian's words, his eyes fixed on a drifting leaf carried by the gentle breeze. It seemed that even the hardy Yodor trees, known for their resilience and low maintenance, were showing signs of changing leaves. Yodor trees, like everything else, needed care and attention.

Sebastian offered a wistful smile. "Those are simply my musings," he said and continued down the pathway. "Watch out, it might happen to you too, naive Eyseck."

Eyseck's determination was unwavering. "I'm luckier than you," he declared. He knew his Queen was human, with her pains and worries. He could still feel her trembling shoulders as she had wept in his arms that day, the setting sun casting a golden hue around them. "My Queen is... Unlike yours."

Sebastian arched an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his expression. "If you say so."

Eyseck didn't back down. "For one, I was actually asked to be part of the harem despite having no lineage or property," he stated with pride.

"Did you say 'yes'?"

Sebastian's playful comment left Eyseck momentarily stunned, causing a blush to creep across his face and ears. He stammered, "I—I—"

Sebastian, however, couldn't contain his amusement any longer. He laughed heartily, pointing at Eyseck like a teasing child. "Look at you all red like a Pome fruit! I need to take a picture of this—"

Their jovial moment was interrupted as Captain Yoldie made her appearance, coming from the iconic sword. Sebastian quickly adjusted himself, shifting into a more formal demeanor. "Greetings, Captain Yoldie Sheridan. Hail Proxima."

"Hail the Queen," Yoldie replied. "I see you've decided to visit Regina's grave, Sebastian?"

Sebastian simply nodded, and it was then that Eyseck realized his companion had left a bouquet of white flowers in front of the sword, a silent tribute to his departed Queen.

"Captain Sheridan," Eyseck greeted her with a nod, his respect evident in his eyes. "I commend you on your recent victory. Nobody else could have brought us to victory like you, Captain."

Captain Sheridan looked at them with a knowing smile. "Thank you. The park is beautiful, I can tell the Queen had spent a lot of nights thinking about the best solution."

Eyseck smiled. She had been working extremely hard day after day.

The next day, Eyseck entered the throne room to find Queen Reina already present, a collection of documents floating atop her desk. Her focus was deep, and she momentarily looked up and greeted him with an unexpected formality.

"Good morning, Secretary Steward," she said, her voice holding a hint of unfamiliarity. Her addressing him as "Secretary Steward" made  blink in surprise. She had never used his title and last name before.

Eyseck approached her desk, realizing that she was deeply engrossed in her work. It seemed she was as busy as ever, her attention split between multiple documents. He took a moment to gather his thoughts before broaching the topic.

"About what you said the other day—" Eyseck began, only to see Queen Reina flinch at his words.

"I—I'm sorry," she stammered, a hint of vulnerability in her voice. "I know now it was an inappropriate joke."

Eyseck's disappointment was evident in his response. "Was it a joke?" He turned to leave as a sudden reminder of an impending appointment flashed in his mind.

As he moved, he felt a firm tug on the hem of his coat. Startled, he turned to find Queen Reina's hand grasping the fabric, her voice trembling as she continued, "You can see it as a joke, but... I..."

The unfinished sentence hung in the air, leaving an unspoken tension between them.

"Queen Reina," Eyseck finally said, his tone carrying an unusual weight. It was different from their usual interactions, and she couldn't help but be taken by surprise.

He continued, "I don't like it when you don't say my name like you usually do."

Reina, somewhat bewildered, responded, "You don't? Wh-what would you prefer?"

"Well," Eyseck closed the distance between them, placing a hand gently on her desk as he leaned in, his voice soft and insistent, "I prefer that you say my name."

Reina's eyes widened in response to the unspoken feeling in his words. "You do?" she replied, her voice had a hitch of uncertainty.

"Yes, I do."

In the heart of Proxima, a week-long celebration unfolded with resplendent grandeur, marking a historic occasion that had captured the imaginations of the entire planet. The Queen had married her secretary, Eyseck Steward, and the realm was awash with festivity.

Images of the newlywed couple graced the headlines of every major news outlet, their beaming smiles capturing the hearts of the masses. It was like a fantasy. A story of marrying a Queen which Proximans secretly harbored.

The Queen's radiant gown and Eyseck's tailored suit were as iconic as they were elegant. The people of Proxima, regardless of their age or status, joined the celebration with fervor, filling the streets with laughter and music.

Some, hidden behind the anonymity of the virtual world, debated whether the Queen had wasted a coveted position in her harem for the sake of a mere secretary. Opinions ranged from unwavering support for the Queen's choice to skepticism about the political implications of such a union.

Debate and discussion swirled around the decision, while the celebration continued to brighten the realm. Despite the naysayers, the majority saw the Queen's marriage as a symbol of love and unity, a testament to her commitment to a more inclusive, compassionate era for Proxima.

The purple Yodor trees turned a light shade of orange as the seasons changed.