kscans

WARNING!!! Wall of text incoming.

CHAPTER 8 PATARAPOZA – Episode 4 Middle Zarkos

1

In early June, Bard and his companions arrived in Mageia territory. The journey from Fyuzarion to Mageia took a little over two months, which was somewhat slower than Bard had planned. Of course, traveling from the foothills of Fyuza to Mageia in just over two months would be considered fast by general standards. However, this journey avoided mountainous areas and stuck to the plains, following familiar roads. In reality, Bard had been the one slowing down the journey. They had kept the horses at a moderate pace and taken frequent breaks. The decline in his physical strength was undeniable.

Along the way, they stopped in Krausk, where they heard that Count Huddle Zoruarus had passed away on October 23, 4279, just a day after the death of old man Pinen. Huddle had lived for a year after reuniting with Karz and sending off the knights Kizmertel and Noah.

While in Krausk, they also learned something disturbing. The entire Majuestz territory had vanished. Majuestz was the land governed by Lord Enzaia. It was located north of Krausk, but Bard and his group hadn’t passed through it on this journey. In a small plain area surrounded by mountains, there had been a town where the lord lived, encircled by six villages. Now, both the town with the lord’s mansion and the six surrounding villages had been reportedly dispersed and vanished. In the past, at Lord Enzaia’s castle, his younger brother had impersonated him and carried out harsh policies. When Bard and his companions passed through, they helped to free the real lord, and the rebellious younger brother fell to his death in a raging flames. It was also in Majuestz that they met Yueitan. They encountered Maura of Lujura-Tiant and the spirit Sui there as well. How could such a prosperous territory disappear in just over ten years? Apparently, the lord’s wife’s clan had tried to retire the lord, who had become strange due to illness, and install the lord’s son as the new ruler. The lord and his close advisors resisted this, leading to a war. After pushing back the wife’s clan at great cost, they did not give up. They repeatedly sent troops to look for opportunities to attack the lord. To counter this, the lord increased his military forces, which required money. Taxes increased year after year. Finally, unable to bear it any longer, the people began to flee. By the time anyone realized, the town and villages could no longer be maintained. Once it reached this point, even the remaining people fled one after another, until finally the Majuestz territory became a land without inhabitants. It sent chills down Bard’s spine.

The forest god Ubanu-Dodo is said to test those who try to enter the forest and grant three blessings. To those who demonstrate enough power to please Ubanu-Dodo, he allows them to take the forest’s bounty. To those who demonstrate enough power to surprise Ubanu-Dodo, he allows them to live in the forest. To those who demonstrate enough power to frighten Ubanu-Dodo, he serves them as a follower and allows them to freely use all the forest’s blessings as they clear the land. But there is another side to this legend. Once Ubanu-Dodo has become a servant, he occasionally tests whether the master still possesses power befitting a master. If the master has the strength to endure this trial, nothing happens. However, if the master has lost their power and cannot withstand the trial, Ubanu-Dodo will shows an enraged face, bares his enormous fangs, and devours the master completely.

Majuestz could not withstand Ubanu-Dodo’s trial. That’s why Ubanu-Dodo showed his enraged face and devoured the Majuestz territory entirely.

The image of Lord Enzaia’s castle floated through Bard’s mind. Was that old-fashioned, magnificent castle still standing at the foot of the mountain? Or was it now standing shrouded in mist like a ghost castle, with vines and tree roots growing all over its floors and walls?

Speaking of Patarapoza, the King of Evil Spirits. Lately, when Bard thinks about its existence, he sometimes feels extremely belligerent. Couldn’t they just fight it and defeat it? Would Parzam provide troops? Would Goriora provide troops? Jog would probably join the fight. What about the Zoe clan? What about the Jameen? What about the Manuno? They could probably mobilize some forces from Fyuzarion as well. The Tercia family would probably lend their knights as well. Couldn’t they gain the cooperation of Shinkai? If they could secure all of these allies, they could form a great army.

Even if they had the military strength, they couldn’t just fly to the Island of Captivity. The only way to do that would be to get the cooperation of the Dragonoids, but they are said to be cursed so that they cannot go to the Island of Captivity. Besides, the Dragonoids can’t be trusted. In that case, the army would have to assemble in Pakula and advance through the gap in the Great Barrier. Outside the Great Barrier is a dense forest teeming with countless demonic beasts. Moreover, the forest is as vast as the central part of the continent. It would take a long time and great sacrifices to get through it. Even if they made it through the forest, they would reach the Great Sea (Yug). How would they cross the Yug? They would have to cut down trees and build ships. That is, they would have to take shipwrights with them. Once they set sail, which way would they go? Even if they could reach the Island of Captivity, they would probably lose a significant portion of their fleet. And even if they landed on the Island of Captivity, how would they find the King of Evil Spirits? Even the dragonoids couldn’t find it. Thinking through all this, the idea of forming an expedition army seems highly unlikely to succeed.

Not good. Not good. The option of relying on the power of many to fight against the monster is simply not feasible. What about a smaller group then? Bard, Godon, Karz, and a few other elites could somehow make contact with the Dragonoids and have them take them to the Dragonoid island. From there, they could build small boats to travel to the Island of Captivity. Perhaps Yemite’s keen senses could detect the King of Evil Spirits. But even if they found it, what then? If attacked, even if it was sleeping, it would surely wake up. What would happen if the King of Evil Spirits woke up? Bard might be fine, but all of his companions would have their minds taken over by the King of Evil Spirits. Bard would end up facing all his companions as enemies.

Wait a minute. What about the Gerkaast? The Gerkaast is said to have the power to counter the Dragonoids’ mysterious eye power. Perhaps a Gerkaast’s army could stand against the King of Evil Spirits? No. When the Dragonoids once attempted to rebel against the King of Evil Spirits, it suddenly awoke and effortlessly dominated the minds of all the Dragonoids, causing them to kill each other. Even the Dragonoids were powerless against the King of Evil Spirits’ powerful magic. Not good. Not good. This won’t work. He must conclude that it’s impossible to defeat the King of Evil Spirits by force.

Bard must face the King of Evil Spirits alone. Or even if he brings companions, they must not try to fight the King of Evil Spirits. What they seek is dialogue. They must find out the truth of this world.

They passed through the territory of Grand Duke Egzera, and traveled south through the territories of Goza and Tuorim. In Tuorim, they paid their respects at the monument of the three siblings. While prosperous towns and villages were disappearing, this monument remained unchanged. Several people were praying at the monument, but none recognized Bard’s true identity. Bard and his companions entered the territory of Grand Duke Podmos and arrived in Mageia.

The territory of Mageia was peaceful and prosperous. The villages seemed to have grown larger than before, with more houses. They were raising Colcordur in various places. Seeing this, Bard felt his lips curl into a smile. He had already heard from Godon before that were importing Colcordur from Krausk, breeding it, and turning it into a specialty product.

Surely Godon would treat Bard to his proud Colcordur dishes tonight. The drink would undoubtedly be clear Pran liquor. Even though Godon had given up on growing Pran after several failures, he was still supposed to import Pran liquor from Krausk every year. It was going to be an enjoyable night. As they approached the lord’s castle, Bard’s expectations grew higher.

But what awaited Bard at the castle was the news that Godon had already died last year.

2

Last year, there was a big earthquake that caused a landslide. Some of the people were buried alive, and Godon immediately went to rescue them. After saving several people, another earthquake struck. Godon was crushed by rocks while shielding a villager. It was a very Godon-like way to die. The one who told Bard about this was Middle Zarkos, who had become the new lord. Bard asked about how Kainen and Eureka were doing. Eureka was Godon’s sister, and Kainen was her husband. Middle is Kainen and Eureka’s child.

“They have both passed away. My mother five years ago, and my father this January. They both died of illness and passed away peacefully without suffering.”

Bard visited the graves of the three. In the frontier regions, when people die, whether commoners or nobles, their remains are buried in the mountains or fields. A very simple wooden grave marker is erected. This is because the human body should return to the earth. It’s considered good for the grave marker to fall down and rot quickly. If you build a grand tomb, it’s believed that the soul will be held there and won’t be able to go to the Garden Of The Gods. However, in the case of nobles, that is, knight families, they build a stone memorial tomb on their estate or sume such place to pay respects. The body is not buried there, but some of the deceased’s belongings are. This is a kind of charm to make the ancestors come to the grave and watch over the family’s prosperity.

Though Godon, Kainen, and Eureka have all died, it would be wrong to say that the Zarkos family is in decline. Middle’s younger sister, Leilia, married Tyguert, the real son of the late Seifert, in October 4276. Tyguert had been assigned as Bard’s attendant during his stay at Lordvan Castle during the Frontier Martial Arts Tournament. He was a young man with a strong character, possessing both kindness and strength. Tyguert succeeded his unrelated older brother as Count and was appointed as the governor of Casse. Leilia rules the house and raises the children as his official wife. Middle also married. This was in the year 4277. His wife is Susia, the youngest daughter of Viscount Ist Hallin of Bador. Ist Hallin had strangely ended up being in charge of Leilia’s etiquette training, and due to a misunderstanding, Godon had stormed into Ostosa territory to take Leilia back. After that, Godon and Ist became close friends who understood each other deeply, leading to the arrangement that Ist’s daughter would marry Godon’s nephew. The sophisticated maids that Susia brought with her, seemingly out of place in the countryside, have added a touch of elegance to Mageia Castle. Her first son was born in 4279. Bard had heard all of this from Godon himself. Since then, they had a first daughter in 4280, a second son in 4281, and a second daughter in 4282, so the couple must be getting along well. It’s a consolation that Godon, Kainen, and Eureka lived to see the birth of these children and doted on them plenty before they died. (t/n: i just noticed that i put comma in most years, like 4,270 instead of 4270. the perk of working in finance dept =)

Casse is a strategic point west of Parzam, and the governor system is an attempt to keep powerful cities under the direct control of the king and have them ruled by proxy knights. It’s not a position entrusted to anyone other than a knight who has the utmost trust of the king. Moreover, Ist Hallin is a knight who continued to protect the previous king, Wendelland, during his time of misfortune, and was heavily relied upon after Wendelland’s ascension to the throne. The current king, Julelan also trusts him deeply as a feudal lord. There has never been a family east of Ova with such strong kinship and close friendship with such powerful houses.

That’s why today’s Mageia Castle has a vibrant atmosphere that reflects the Zarkos family’s prosperity.

That night, they stayed at the Zarkos family castle. For Middle, Bard is the guide of the knight’s oath. They are also companions who traveled together to Krausk. During the journey, Middle received various teachings from Bard. In Tuorim territory, he also heard the story of the three siblings who avenged their parents, visited their mound, and shed tears. Middle received edification from Bard and gained a solid foundation as a knight. Perhaps because of this background, Middle’s treatment of Bard is filled with deep respect. However, there was something slightly off about his treatment of Karz and Seto. An attitude that seemed to say, “I am the lord and important, so treat me with respect,” was evident in the edges of his behavior. During the meal, he asked Karz,

“Sir Karz, what do you think of the taste of our house wine?”

Karz silently swirled the wine glass in front of him to indicate his satisfaction. But Middle continued,

“I cannot understand unless you put it into words.”

At this point, Bard intervened, saying, “Lord Middle, Karz lost his tongue in an adventure and cannot speak.” Middle replied,

“Oh, I see. My apologies. Still, you should have told me about this.”

But such things don’t need to be told explicitly. One should observe and understand.

Neither Colcordur nor clear Pran liquor was served at dinner. Instead, they were served overly sweet wine and tough beef. It seems that Middle thinks that Colcordur is commoner food or just a product to be sold. He also seems to think that Pran liquor is a barbarian’s drink, and wine is the drink of nobility.

Eight knights of the Zarkos family were also present at the dinner. Four of them were those who had accompanied Middle when Bard went with him to Krausk to purchase Colcordur. The other four were also familiar faces as well. They were all promising young men whom Godon had promoted and nurtured as Middle’s close aides. Now they were fine knights in their prime. Middle Zarkos must be 32 years old now, and his close aides are close to that age as well. Besides these eight, there are four other knights who are currently away on missions.

“Ha ha ha. With twelve knights, even just paying their salaries is quite a challenge!”

Middle laughed. He said that while the number of villages in Mageia’s territory remains the same, the population had nearly doubled. In addition, two neighboring towns have requested to be incorporated into Mageia’s domain. Mageia is now experiencing a time of prosperity.

But how much does Middle truly understand? These twelve knights were discovered by Godon and raised to knighthood through the efforts of Kainen and Eureka. These two towns joined Mageia’s domain out of admiration for Godon’s virtuous reputation. In other words, the prosperity of the Zarkos family that Middle now enjoys was brought about by Godon, Kainen, and Eureka.

Middle’s attitude toward Karz was very concerning. It wasn’t out of consideration for Karz’s feelings. Karz isn’t the type to care much about such things. However, when this castle was once under the control of Godon’s uncle Kritop, it was Karz who rescued Middle. Back then, Middle clung to Karz and relied on him, but has he forgotten that debt of gratitude now? If he remembers, he should at least address him as “Lord Karz” and treat him with more respect. This is for Middle’s own good. If one treats their benefactor coldly, they will lose virtue. When virtue is lost, people will leave. If people leave, the domain cannot be maintained.

His attitude toward the knight vassals was also concerning. Saying things like “It’s hard to pay the salaries of twelve knights” in front of them is not appropriate. There’s arrogance in those words. The arrogance of thinking that he’s the one who pays their salaries. But that money is collected as taxes, and it can’t be obtained without the work of the people of the domain. Aren’t these knight vassals working tirelessly so that the people of the domain can continue their work? It is said that good vassals should be treated with respect, but that’s not quite right. It’s by treating them with respect that they become good vassals. For every ten kindnesses shown to subordinates, only one may be returned. Therefore, to gain subordinates who will work selflessly for the lord and the people in times of danger, one must show a hundred kindnesses. Besides, Mageia is now prosperous. The more prosperous a domain becomes, the easier it is for vassals to feel that their rewards are inadequate.

But is this what it means to be the lord of an independent domain in the frontier? Is this what it means to be someone who can give orders without being questioned by anyone? Middle, too, may have unwittingly fallen into the trap of self-righteousness and arrogance.

Bard suddenly remembered the towns and villages that had disappeared. He had seen them with his own eyes on his journey here. When human settlements succumb to the harsh nature of the frontier, they perish. However, when people unite their strength and live with strong hearts, even small settlements do not perish easily. Rather, decay is in the hearts of the people. When a lord misgoverns, becomes lazy, or is consumed by power struggles, towns and villages lose the pillar on which they should rely. At such times, even prosperous towns can quickly decline and perish. The domain of Mageia is now thriving. It is greatly prosperous. However, behind that wealth, it cannot be said that the seeds of decline and extinction are not sprouting behind this prosperity.

3

That night, Bard had a long talk with Middle. It seemed that Middle also had things he wanted to discuss, for he approached Bard first.

“Lord Bard. Do you remember Bench Zarkos?”

Of course, Bard remembered. He was the son of Godon’s uncle Kritop and a knight. He was Godon’s cousin. Although he had been involved in Kritop’s rebellion, he had quickly fled somewhere when Bard and Godon, along with Gerkaast and others, had captured the castle.

“Did you know that Bench returned to Mageia’s domain after the rebellion was suppressed?”

Bard didn’t know that. Godon hadn’t mentioned it.

“I was certain that my uncle would execute Bench. But to my surprise, my uncle forgave Bench and even gave him a mansion. Bench didn’t help with any of the affairs of the domain, but he didn’t cause any trouble either. He was very quiet during my uncle’s lifetime. However, as soon as my uncle passed away, he immediately bared his fangs. He skillfully incited the vassals to join his side, hired thugs from somewhere, and started a rebellion. Bench claimed that he was the rightful lord of Mageia. I appealed to the Grand Duke, but he said he wouldn’t interfere in the Zarkos family’s internal conflicts. In the end, I was able to lead my close aides to defeat the rebel army, capture Bench, and execute him. But this should have been settled during my uncle’s time. My uncle was really too kind-hearted and caused trouble for those who came after him.”

I see. It seems that Middle has some dissatisfaction with Godon. He feels that he had to suffer because Godon took in and left behind Bench, who should have been eliminated. Although Middle probably owes Godon a hundred or a thousand debts of gratitude in various other aspects, he tries to look at Godon only from this one point of dissatisfaction. That’s why Middle evaluates Godon Zarkos as a troublesome soft-hearted person. But is this really the case? Does this incident show that Godon was soft-hearted? Doesn’t it rather show his magnanimity? Bard chose his words carefully when he spoke to Middle.

Lord Middle. Godon forgave Bench and welcomed him. You say that was because he was soft-hearted, don’t you?

“Yes. There’s no other way to put it.”

But you see. Although Bench Zarkos was the son of a rebel, he was still of the same clan. Is it right to take the life of a kinsman solely because he might rebel in the future?

“But he did rebel, didn’t he? That’s the kind of person he was. Besides, he was older than me, which made it difficult for me to deal with him. If Uncle Godon had dealt with him, such an internal conflict could have been avoided.”

Hmm. I can understand what you’re saying. But by keeping Bench alive, Godon preserved a possibility.

“What kind of possibility?”

The possibility that the few remaining members of the Zarkos clan could work together to support the domain. Preserving that possibility was Godon’s magnanimity. Don’t you think your Zarkos ancestors would have been pleased to see that?

“I don’t know what our ancestors would think. But I believe there was no possibility that he wouldn’t rebel.”

So, how about looking at it this way? During Godon’s lifetime, Bench didn’t bare his fangs. But when your time came, he did. Isn’t that because you lack something as a lord compared to Godon?

“Th-that’s… Uncle was an extraordinary hero. While he was alive, even Bench couldn’t bring himself to rebel.”

Preventing rebellion is one virtue. By not allowing Bench to harbor evil intentions, Godon accumulated virtue in heaven. And by allowing Bench to live and giving him the opportunity to do work that could benefit people, Godon again accumulated virtue in heaven. Don’t you agree?

“I don’t understand much about Heaven. But if you say so, hasn’t my uncle lost his heavenly virtue by creating the possibility for Bench to rebel after his death?”

Haha. That’s a bit of sophistry. But since you say that, let me ask you this. Was Bench’s rebellion really a bad thing?

“Wha-? Of course it was bad! Lives were lost, fields were ruined, and a lot of wealth was lost.”

But you and your close aides gained experience and became stronger. The bond between lord and vassals must have deepened. The people of the domain, seeing your actions, must have deepened their trust. Am I wrong?

“That’s just how it turned out in the end! Events like rebellions are better off not happening at all!”

That’s true. It’s best if there are no rebellions. Human lives should never be lost unnecessarily. But you see, people cannot escape hardship. If you resent Godon for leaving seeds of hardship, you’re wrong. Think about it. Is there a parent who picks up every stone in his child’s path just because he loves his child? Even if they wanted to, it’s impossible to remove all the stones that might cause them to stumble in life. Besides, it’s not even right to remove them all. People grow by stumbling over stones. How could someone who has never fallen even once be fit to be a lord? Even if what Godon left behind was a stumbling block for you, know that it was for your growth.

“…Do you think that Uncle Godon… that he spared Bench’s life with such considerations in mind?”

I’m saying you should try to see it that way. The meaning of things changes depending on how you perceive them. Godon is dead now. He’s not in this world anymore. What’s the point of always complaining about what he should have done or what he didn’t do to someone who’s gone? You must stand as a strong lord in your own right. You were given material for your growth, and yet you speak of this event with complaints about your uncle. That’s not right.

“Are you saying that I should be grateful for Bench’s matter and consider it good training?

Things that clearly appear as training in front of your eyes are not much training at all. The real training comes in the form of hardship itself, sorrow itself, suffering itself. It’s exactly those things that would have been better if they hadn’t happened. It’s about enduring and overcoming them, and then looking back later and realizing, “Ah, that was good training. What’s the point of grumbling about whose fault it was or what caused it when an unfortunate event has already happened? Try to be grateful. “Thank you, Uncle, for leaving Bench behind.” Bow to the vassals and people who died because of the rebellion and say, “I am sorry, it was my lack of virtue that caused the rebellion. Take the unfortunate event that has already happened, look at it carefully, and think about what you should do to prevent it from happening again. Your world will open up from there.

“I don’t really understand. But I’ll think about it.

Middle was silent for a long time. Then he suddenly smiled and murmured softly.

“Uncle Godon always talked about the three siblings of the Tuorim domain.”

Ah yes. He often talked about them in front of everyone.

“Oh, no. I’m not talking about the storytelling feasts. Much later, when we were alone, he told me something.”

After that, Middle recounted his memories.

4

At first, Uncle Godon was impressed by how the three had chased away the thieves. However, he was surprised to hear that Lord Bard had invited them to dinner. He thought this was going too far.

At the dinner, Lord Bard served dish after dish without hesitation, using the many items my father and mother had lovingly sent as gifts. When Uncle Godon saw this, he became angry. He had wanted Lord Bard to eat this food himself. He began to think, “Are you going to waste Kainen and Eureka’s thoughtfulness?” As he thought this, feelings of hatred toward the three siblings welled up inside him.

“Filthy old people. They smell terrible. They eat without restraint. The reason they live in poverty is because they don’t work. I don’t know their reasons, but they live in the mountains like savages, not taking up real jobs to work for society or pay taxes. If everyone were like that, the domain would fall apart. They don’t understand the hardships a lord has to face in ruling his domain. There’s no need to serve delicious food to people like this.”

That’s what he thought, he said. And he said he couldn’t understand why Lord Bard would treat such people to dinner. He was especially uncomfortable with Lord Bard letting the old people eat and drink from his own dishes. He even thought that perhaps Lord Bard got along well with people of low status because of his own low birth.

That’s why it was such a shock when he learned their true identities and deeds. They weren’t old people at all. They were young people, led by an 18-year-old. And there was a good reason why they were hiding in the mountains and living in poverty. It was because their parents, who had helped the poor, had been brutally murdered by none other than the Lord, and their own lives were in danger. Moreover, even in their lonely and difficult lives, they never lost their high aspirations. They vowed to overthrow the tyrannical lord and carry on their parents’ wishes. After enduring hardships that made them seem old, they finally achieved their goal.

The first thing Uncle Godon thought of at that moment was the previous night’s dinner. No wonder they had said it was delicious. When he learned that they were actually young people, Uncle Godon’s first thought was that he wished he could have given them even more delicious food.

But after a while, Uncle Godon realized. “I didn’t try to give them anything delicious. Lord Bard actually gave them delicious food to eat.”

Uncle Godon realized that he had been looking down on them. Even though he thought this trip was to help the common people, in his mind, these three weren’t part of that group. This was because he had judged them based on their appearance. He had thought that they weren’t worthy of being saved or protected. He never imagined that they had been forced into this situation by the Lord’s harsh oppression. In truth, they were the very people he should have saved.

But Lord Bard did. He looked at them warmly, invited them to dinner, and gave them everything he had without hesitation. Lord Bard was able to do it. I couldn’t. Lord Bard probably couldn’t tell that they were actually young people. He probably didn’t know what kind of lives they had lived. He probably didn’t know their aspirations or what they were about to do. So why was Lord Bard able to do that? How can I become like Lord Bard? Uncle said that he kept asking these questions in his heart as he continued on the journey.

He said he found the answer when Lord Bard performed the oath ceremony for Lord Karz at the waterfall. Lord Karz used to have a different name, didn’t he? Lord Bard took away that old name and gave him a new one. He made him swear a new knight’s oath. In doing so, he broke the shackles that had been binding Lord Karz’s heart.

Seeing this, Uncle Godon realized. “I can’t do something like this. I can’t even think of doing something like this. Even if I thought of it, I could never carry it out. I can never become Bard Rowen. So he decided to stop trying to become Bard Rowen and instead try to be the best Godon Zarkos he could be.

That’s what Uncle Godon told me. At the storytelling feast, Uncle Godon said that traveling with Lord Bard had helped him grow. It was really true. The journey with Lord Bard had opened my uncle’s eyes.

It was the same for me. Although it was short, the journey to Krausk with Lord Bard helped me grow immeasurably. No, it would be presumptuous to say that I grew. It was a journey that ignited my desire to grow. I wanted to be a lord who could protect his people. I wanted to become a lord who understood the suffering of his people and vassals. Yes, that’s right. I made this wish in front of the monument of the three sibling. I feel like I had completely forgotten about that.

5

He didn’t know. He didn’t know that Godon was thinking such things. That he was troubled by such worries. But now that he heard it, it’s just like Godon to worry about such things.

Ah, Godon! Godon! Godon! I was the one who envied you. Your cheerful way of speaking. Your straightforward nature. I was so envious, so very envious. How much of a help you were to me. How much of a comfort you were. You were a magnificent knight. The fact that you were none other than Godon Zarkos was a blessing to me, to everyone.

Bard said to Middle. That feeling of wanting to protect your people. Don’t forget that feeling. That feeling will be your guiding light. Imagine you’re lost in the forest on a starless night. If you spend the night in the forest, you’ll become prey for the beasts. But you don’t know which way to go. At such a time, if a torch is lit on the castle tower, what then? If you keep moving towards that light, you’ll eventually reach the castle. Even if you wander left and right, you can keep going because you believe that this is the right path. Never extinguish that light in your heart.

Middle Zarkos wept. Bard moved closer and stroked his back gently, as one would do for a small child.

“I… I was anxious. I don’t have Uncle Godon’s martial skills. I don’t have the competence of my father and mother. How could someone like me manage the prosperous Mageia domain? I was so anxious, so very anxious. But a lord can’t show weakness to anyone. With no one to consult, I… I…”

“Hmm, hmm,” Bard nodded. “You’re doing well. Godon, Kainen and Eureka are watching over you.”

“Will I be able to? Will I be able to become a good lord?”

“Of course you will. You’ve already started on that path.”

“Oh, I hope that’s true. Lord Bard, please show me the way.”

“Then make gratitude your foundation. If you build your heart’s castle on a foundation of resentment, dissatisfaction, and doubt, it will be fragile and easily crumble. Build your heart’s castle on a foundation of gratitude towards people, things, and events. If you do so, that castle will become infinitely strong and prosper greatly.”

“Gratitude… as a foundation.”

Middle raised his tear-stained eyes. The cloudiness had already disappeared from those eyes, and a calm light now shone in them.

The night was uncomfortable. He felt like he heard that voice again.

“Bard Rowen… Bard Rowen…”

The next day, as Bard and his companions were leaving, Middle, along with his wife and child, saw them off at the gate. Then he bowed deeply and said,

“Lord Karz. Please forgive me. I hope this experience will not deter you, and that you’ll come again to taste our wine.

Bard and his companions were able to leave the Mageia domain in good spirits.

Godon, perhaps we were also drawn here by you. Was that alright?

Godon Zarkos’ smiling face could be seen in the sky.