Chapter 432: Point Zero (1/2)

”This time, I didn't push you to do it,” Gala would have said if she was here, but she didn't live long enough to celebrate her win. ”You are a helpless romantic even without my help,” she would grin.

Arthur sighed as he hid his face with his hand, remembering what happened in the sea. There was something very shameful about giving in for his heart, as if something was constantly pointing at him and laughing, reminding him that that he screwed up.

”However,” Arthur slept on the desk with his forehead resting on it, and his mind replayed the sensation. ”It felt good.”

He didn't say that sensually, but it was a foreign feeling for him. For the first time in his life, he kissed someone with whom he felt deeply bonded. If Arthur had to name that feeling, it would be...

”Point Zero,” he muttered as he tried to relive the feeling of being infinitely close to someone. A  single event tore down the walls that separated them, and there was no more distance between them, both physically and emotionally.

There was no guilt in his heart nor regret. He was still living the high of her love and the taste of her lips. They were cold yet sweet. Then, as he was reliving the feeling, a knock came on his door. Arthur jumped in his chair as his heart raced.

”Come in,” he allowed, but the person behind the door wasn't the princess. Instead, it was the Mad Prince. ”Can I help you?” he said in a little unenthusiastic manner.

”Were you expecting someone else, Seika?” the Mad Prince raised from her bowing salutation. ”I'm sorry, but I need to ask you something.”

”Yes?”

”What is our next plan of action?” the knight asked, standing straight and looking ahead. Arthur looked at her silently before shaking off the past events from his mind.

”I got a name from Randolph, and we need to investigate that matter. But, first, I'll need you, Veran, and Kaza to infiltrate the noble's estate and find out who is the corrupted one among them. Veran can help you with that.”

The knight nodded, but Arthur noticed that she had something to say. As he waited for her to say what was on her mind, the knight worked to annoy him by constantly fidgeting.

”Is it about the names?” Arthur asked after thinking for a bit, and the knight nodded. ”I never got to know your name, so how do you want me to address you, exactly?”

”Give me a name,” the knight went on one knee with her arm in front of her. ”Give me any name you desire, and so I can be your knight.”

”I thought you abandoned your knighthood.”

”Knights abandon their names out of loyalty, not pride,” the Mad Prince explained. ”We seek names to honor our lords in battle and for them to be our bond with you.”

”I understand,” Arthur sighed. ”Prepare for our return to Hidden City. I'll grant you names in front of the Divine Tree.”

”As you wish,” the knight jumped with a big grin before she excused herself. Arthur looked at the departing knight hopping away.

After leaning back in his chair, Arthur relaxed somewhat. The first stage of preparations is approaching its end, and the next will be a safe but exciting one. But, first, it was creating artifacts for his city, as many as he could.

***

Solomon was creating the artifact to defy the world, and that should have something with his arrival at the trial. As long as he made Solomon trust him, then Arthur could find a way back home.

Hidden City's walls appeared in front of them as they rode on Mei's back, and the giant whale followed the girl's instructions to bring them home. The roots closed off the river's path, but the roots opened as soon as they felt Arthur's presence.

”Welcome home,”

Rega whispered in his mind as Arthur enjoyed the feeling of returning to his city. The princess stood next to Hana, and their eyes met briefly before she hurriedly looked away.

This was something unexpected. After their few kisses, the princess began to avoid him as if he was the plague. Arthur didn't want to be melodramatic and run to her, so he gave her the space she wanted.

However, Diana Eister seemed surprised by what she demanded of him once he gave it to her. Now, Arthur wondered if she could handle something more than desiring him, not that he was sure he should.

Nothing changed from before, not even his feelings about the matter. All he knew now was that he wanted to experience Point Zero once again: no physical or emotional barriers.

However, it was an expensive dream, and he wanted neither of them to get hurt. As they followed the river toward the Divine Tree, the group again appreciated how convenient the ride was.