Chapter 317: He Who Served You (2/2)
”Existence is unfeeling.” Arthur touched the sphere that held Rega within it and channeled his art. His powers of creation, along with his mana, fused with the sphere and began recovering Rega's body.
It took a few moments for Rega to wake up, opening its marble green eyes and looking at Arthur with both confusion and longing.
”Who are you?” Rega asked. Arthur was stunned.
”Are you kidding me? I thought you knew who I am.” Arthur laughed. ”Did you fool me just to help you?”
”No, I know you, but I don't know who you currently are,” Rega said, making an uncomfortable void reside in Arthur's chest.
”Where do you know me from?”
”You can't remember?” The spirit tilted its head. ”You lived here all those years ago. This world was your only home.”
”As the scholar guardian?” Arthur thought to himself, but the spirit appeared more confused.
”The scholar... guardian?” It repeated as if trying to recall. ”I know him. He was the one who...”
”Who?” Arthur leaned closer, feeling that a question about this mystery was about to be answered.
”The one who served you thousands of years ago.”
”No, what?” Arthur shook his head. ”That doesn't make sense. What are you talking about?”
”Who are you?” The spirit appeared even more confused. ”Why are you asking this?”
”Answer me. What do you mean by that? Who was the scholar guardian serving?” Arthur grabbed the spirit's shoulders, who looked frightened by his actions. With a defeated sigh, Arthur let go of it.
”Please tell me,” He said pleadingly. ”Stop giving me more questions to answer. I need to know something.”
”You never told me who you are.” Rega shook its head. ”I only know that this tree is your home, and it will forever be.”
***
Arthur appeared in his room after teleporting through the city. It was night, a day after the calamity struck the city and an hour after he met the Knight of Courage.
He sat in his room, pondering with his eyes closed. A knock arrived on the door before Dia walked in. Arthur turned her way and closed his eyes again.
”How did you know that I was back?” Arthur asked.
”The bond goes both ways,” Dia answered before sitting in front of him. ”I think you'd rather have Gala here since she knows what to say.”
”No, it's okay. I'd rather stay alone, to be honest.” Arthur answered and felt her go stiff. ”I'm kidding. It's alright.”
”Do you tend to tell the truth as jokes?” Dia asked him, going straight for the kill. Arthur opened his eyes and looked at her with a tired smile.
”So, you want me to shoo you away instead?” Arthur placed his right hand under his chin, leaning on the armchair.
”No, I want to be of use.” Dia stood up and walked toward him, standing only a few inches away from his chair. Their legs were almost touching. ”How can I make you feel better?”
'She misunderstood the reasons completely.' Arthur looked at her silently. 'Wait, is she...'
”Are you offering yourself to me?” Arthur asked with uncertainty. Seeing Dia nod with the resolution of a warrior, Arthur almost laughed out loud. ”I see.” He stood up.
Dia had a more petite frame than him, making him look down to meet her eyes. Arthur held her chin between his index and thumb but saw no reaction from the aloft princess.
”You are willing to do this just to make me feel better?”
”Gladly, if it means keeping our goals the same,” Dia said with an expressionless face.
”You fear that I changed, that I would want to stay here to fix the city and to help these people.” Arthur smiled. ”The offer is tempting, but ask me again when you have me in mind instead of your kingdom.”