At Helion Kingdom
"I can't believe he's still not back! The Global Summit is coming, and we need to prepare a lot of things for us to be ready," Mona weakly burst out as she slumped onto her seat. She had to manage everything about the event, but she at least wanted her son to be at his best during the Global Summit. Unfortunately for her, Amon hadn't even bothered to see his wardrobe for the fifteen days event yet.
"It'll take at least seven days of travel for us to reach the place where it will be held, and we're supposed to leave early tomorrow!"
"Please relax, Aunty," Lera commented with a smile. "I'm sure Brother Amon will be back in due time."
Mona smiled back at her niece-in-law. Lera had been by her side ever since she lost her parents. The girl's parents died fighting against Devon's tyranny together with the rest of Azarel's relatives, leaving her as the only one left of Azarel's bloodline aside from Amon. Thankfully, Devon didn't see Lera as a threat to his rule since she didn't inherit a substantial amount of demon blood from her mother. She was more human than a demon and thus did not possess any threat to Devon, unlike her sister.
"Right, I'm sure Amon knows what he's doing," Mona mumbled with a pout while gently massaging her temples. "Still, I just can't help it. This will be the first time that he will face other rulers, and I want him to look perfect for the occasion."
It was imperative, after all. Their kingdom already didn't have a good reputation, so it was all the more reason for her to try her best to make a good impression in the upcoming Global Summit.
"Hmm… Come, Aunty. Let's have a walk outside for a while," Lera suggested.
Mona sighed. But before she could deny her, the young woman had already quickly pulled her along with her to walk outside.
The older of the two sighed in resignation as she felt Lera hug her arm. "Have you heard any news about your sister?"
"I will find out soon, Aunty," Lera hummed. "I'm positive that I'll find my sister soon…"
"You're turning thirty-one this season, Lera. Your sister is already twenty-nine," Mona murmured, gently squeezing Lera's hand on her arm. "I can only hope she's doing well."
"She is, Aunty. I can feel it," Lera reassured her with a smile. "Now that Devon's gone, we can finally look for her with ease."
After a while, Lera stopped walking, and Mona did the same as they came across a beautiful sight.
"It's magnificent," the younger woman murmured as she stared at the sun set.
"Indeed," Mona hummed with a hopeful smile lingering on her face. Another sunset, and then another sunrise soon after. "And finally…"
Mona breathed out in relief as she saw the approaching figure of his son. But just as quickly, her smile was replaced with a frown when he saw his injuries up close.
"You're hurt!" she gasped as she immediately ran towards his son to inspect his wound.
"It's just a scratch, Mother," Amon answered with a smile.
"What do you mean 'just a scratch?!' I'm not blind, Amon!" Mona scolded. "What happened?! How can you let this happen when the Global Summit is just a few nights away?"
"Mother, I told you I'm fine," Amon calmly reassured his mother with his usual smile. "I'm well enough to travel, and I won't get sick that easily. Trust me, we'll be present at the Global Summit, so please calm down."
Despite his words, Mona clicked her tongue in both worry and annoyance, "Have Casimir look into that wound this instant. We have to make sure that you'll be in your best health since this will be the first time you'll be showing yourself to the other kingdoms." She let out a pout as she then explained, "Look, I know I'm repeating myself and overreacting about this, but I only want you to be at your best in every aspect that you can be. Despite the previously horrendous reputation of our kingdom, we've been given a chance to correct it."
"I understand, Mother, so how about we go and take a look at all the clothes you've been talking about before?" he suggested to his mother with a soft smirk. "Let me put them on as soon as I got cleaned up?"
Amon then gave Lera a knowing look, asking her for a bit of backup.
"Oh, Aunty, come now and let Brother get cleaned up first," Lera quickly followed up as she pulled Mona away with her. "Let's go to the chamber where all the clothes are!"
Amon chuckled as he watched the retreating back of his mother and cousin, the latter of which gave him a wink telling him that she got his message. That was one problem over, at least.
"Sire."
A sudden voice interrupted Amon from his thoughts. Turning to his side, Commander Rendon, the one handling his northern troop cavalry, approached him with a curt bow.
"Welcome back," Amon greeted as he patted Rendon's shoulder.
"Sire, we already cleared the pathway for the journey tomorrow," Rendon reported. "Everyone is also already properly stationed as per your instructions."
Amon nodded. He had instructed Rendon to oversee their route on their way to the Global Summit. The event was agreed upon to be held inside the Haven Forest which was located between the southern and northern borders of Ebodia and the Kingdom of Zion and Rabian respectively. He wanted to make sure that his family and subjects that would accompany him would have a safe journey ahead.
"Sire, here is the map detailing both the vicinity and the insides of the forest," Rendon added as he handed him the respective documents.
Amon nodded as he received the papers. "You should go and rest now, Rendon. Tomorrow, you'll be going on the same journey as us," he said with a smile. "Also, apologies in advance for this inconvenience."
"Please, Sire… Don't say that. It would be both a privilege and an honor to accompany you all the way," Rendon eagerly stated. "Besides, I am the best when it comes to directions within our kingdom, so you'll find no better man than-"
"Hah! Look at our commander boasting again!" Casimir interrupted. "Sure, sure. You're definitely the best with directions and tracking, but did you remember to purchase the things I asked you to for our King?"
Amon smiled at the exchange. Casimir was Rendon's father, so he was already used to the usual banter between father and son in front of him. He honestly envied their relationship. He didn't have any recollections of his own father, and even if he was lucky enough to have had it, then he doubted that he and Azarel would have as good a relationship as Casimir and Rendon.
"Of course," Rendon snorted. "I bought those famous Os coffee beans, Father."
"Os coffee beans?" Amon unknowingly voiced out with a frown.
"Yes, Sire. It's the one I mentioned before knowing how you love bitter-tasting beverages," Casimir answered with a smile. "I believe it will be to your liking."
'Os… Coffee…' he inwardly mused. Somehow, it sounded familiar to him.
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