Humanity's Hero Of Despair

I blink away to the soft morning light spilling through the window.

For a moment, everything is serene.

The memories of last night's games and laughter linger like a distant melody. My room is unusually quiet. I look to my side. Ivy is already out of bed. She's probably downstairs talking to the others, I think to myself as I roll out of bed. My closet has little clothing, since many of them are still in my dorm at Keeper Academy.

It's not like I'm going to go back there soon.

Thankfully, I have some good clothes left. I throw on a t-shirt and some jeans. As I open the bedroom door, I hear my friends' voices from downstairs. It's nice hearing a lively house full of laughter and energy. When I lived alone, I didn't realize how different things could be. My footsteps are light as I walk down the stairs to greet my friends.

"Your wind magic I find is quite unfair in the game of tag," Estes says to Zephyr.

"You're just sulky because I tagged you first!" Zephyr says to Estes while sticking out his tongue. Neve laughs at the comment. My friends are hanging out in the living room, chilling on the chairs and sofa.

"Good morning, Nico!" Estes says as he waves his hand toward me.

"It's good morning Lord Lotus, you should know this by now Estes," Ivy remarks while smiling at me from across the room. That comment gets a few chuckles out of them. Personally, I don't think it's that funny.

Oh alright, maybe a little.

I settle into one of the remaining chairs. Somebody has already started a cozy warm fire, which I'm thankful for since the weather is becoming even colder now despite the sunlight. I never thought the day would come when I would chill at my family home with friends without a care in the world.

Much less have a potential girlfriend at this time in my life. I glance at Ivy, who is chatting up Neve about what the latest fashion trend is in Mistfall. She's such a beautiful person. We haven't exactly confirmed what our relationship status is yet, but we both know how much we care about each other.

Today seems like one of those carefree days.

I really should stop assuming things like that. A knock on the door jolts me back to reality from my daydreaming. Since Zephyr is closest to the door, he opens it for me. He speaks for a few minutes with somebody before closing the door. His expression is one of slight disbelief. Zephyr holds an envelope in his hand.

"Guess what, guys?" he says, while turning the envelope around to expose the royal seal on it.

"This is a letter from the royal family. From King Grey. The royal messenger said it's important for us to read as soon as possible. I know whatever is in this envelope will not give us a chill day."

We all agree and roll our eyes. Some of us sigh. When will we ever catch a break?

Zephyr opens the envelope and takes out the piece of paper. He reads it to us.

"Dear Baron of Mistfall,

We would like to invite you and your friends to the throne room for the official coronation of King Grey and other important announcements. The coronation will be held in the afternoon. We will serve refreshments on the side and provide live music. Formal attire is required."

Zephyr folds the invitation in half and looks at me for the next step.

I sigh and stand up from my chair. It's not like we have anything better to do today. "The King's coronation is a historic event, and he invited us. Considering he just lost his son as well, I think we should go out of respect for him. If not for the King, for Ignis."

They all nod their heads and understand where I'm coming from.

Last night seemed like an escape from reality.

However, eventually we all need to return to it. The next couple of hours feel like a blur as my friends and I get ready for the ball. Thankfully, my title as Baron comes in handy as people provide me and my friends with fancy attire we did not have handy.

Before long, we are all dressed and ready to head out. Our formal clothes contrast with our casual clothes in the morning. The air is slightly cold, but the pro is that the sun is shining. Everyone looks great in their suits and gowns. Ivy looks beautiful in her emerald gown. It reminds me of the Keeper Golden Ball.

You want to know another pro about being a Baron? A carriage is given to us as a surprise. We are running a little late to the coronation, so this saves us a lot of time than by walking there. Ivy and I hold hands as we all head toward the Tarondar Palace.

As we enter Stonelight Plaza, something catches my eye. The spot where the statue of the false hero used to stand is now occupied by a vast monument, inscribed with the names of each of the fallen during the conflicts with the Eradicators. The sight of the monument leaves us all in awe.

"Please wait a moment," I tell the carriage driver as we get out of the carriage to admire the monument on foot. The monument lists every person who fought for humanity in the conflicts. Whether it be mages, knights, or villagers, all names are included in it. It's beautiful.

We linger there for a few more minutes before we get back on the carriage and continue heading closer to the Tarondar Palace. As we reach the Palace and make our way into the throne room, music reaches our ears.

Soft notes from violins and cellos mix in with piano, ringing throughout the air. The throne room has been transformed into a grand open space. This is made possible by everyone's hard work.

The power of magic is amazing.

People are chatting with each other and dancing to the music. Their formal attire truly defines the atmosphere of nobility and class. The chatter and music are quiet as the coronation proceeds. Since the crown prince Ignis is dead, and the second prince Matteo is injured, it leaves only princess Leena to put the crown on her father's head. Everybody roars loudly.

King Grey raises his hand for everybody to quiet down for a moment as he gives his speech.

"Today marks a new chapter for the Kingdom of Tarondar. A chapter born out of the pits of hell we had to experience to secure our freedom as humans. A chapter born out of people's courage to fight oppression. We were the country to save humanity from all the corrupt light mages!" King Grey announces as everybody claps their hands. He continues speaking with a softer tone this time.

"It is truly sad how many people died in these conflicts to make the living have freedom. Never forget the dead. My son Ignis died a hero on the battlefield, as many others did as well. In recognition of this, we have built a monument in the middle of Stonelight Plaza in replacement of the false hero. If you haven't seen it already, you are welcome to see it whenever you can."

People are silent this time as they pray for the safety of their lost ones. King Grey speaks again to change the mood.

"It is my honor to announce my daughter, Leena, as official princess of the kingdom. My son Matteo is alive and well, but just needs time to recover. We promise to bring great prosperity to the kingdom!" the king announces loudly.

The people clap this time, but with a sad undertone. It's going to be awhile before many people heal from the situation. The royal party continues on for a little while before clearing up. King Grey finds me in the crowd and we step to the side to talk in private.

"I would like you, Lord Nico, and your friends to accompany me to Keeper Academy one last time. There is something very important I want to show you."

What the heck does he mean by that?