Now was the moment of truth as the fries were getting cooked in the oil; my best guess was ten minutes for the cooking time. It was a blind guess as I was a ten-cent ramen specialist in my last life. I used ten minutes based on my experience from eating at various establishments that served fries. Luna, Lux, Ikol, and Duke Dawnsfield were looking with varying amounts of enthusiasm at the fries cooking. Luna was beaming as I made the fries for us, looking giddy that I was making something from Earth. The fries hit ten minutes, so I took the slotted spoon and scooped them out; they were a peculiar mahogany color as I set them on the plate. To finish the fries, I sprinkled some salt to complete them as I prayed these were done. Actually, it would’ve been smart to bite and try one to make sure they were cooked properly. Did I even know what properly cooked tubot was supposed to taste like? All of them were looking at me, clearly wanting me to be the first sacrifice, or snack-rifice in this instance. I grabbed one of my fries before praying to Kron that this was at least edible. Please be edible. Please be passable. I took a tentative bite of the fry. To my immense surprise, it tasted amazing. As I chewed, I realized the tubot itself became this fluffy, light flavor as the outside noticeably tasted like the oil with the touch of salt. The tubot became a vehicle for the flavor of the oil with this pleasant, subtle earthiness backing it as the tubots naturally were nearly flavorless, but it was noticeable.

  “Is that good or bad surprise?” Luna inquired. I slid the plate closer to myself.

  “These are awful. I will save you all the suffering of choking these down and valiantly eat them myself.” I lied as I popped the rest of the fry into my mouth.

  “The fry devouring gremlin wants them all for himself.” Luna declared as she grabbed a fry and ate it. Her face lit up as she reached for another.

  “Fry!” Ikol cheered as he tried one, instantly wolfing it down then juggling it in his mouth as it was piping hot. Lux and Duke Dawnsfield now swiped a fry each, looking pleased with the flavor.

  “These are amazing Nil!” Luna praised me. I felt oddly flustered when she complimented me.

  “Thank you.” I quipped as I stood there awkwardly.

  We ate the fries, each of us enjoying them. About halfway through we had to stop Ikol from attempting to chug the oil used to cook them. The fries actually came out edible! The ten-minute guess turned out to be accurate; I would like to say the fries were perfectly uniform, well cut, and fried to perfection, but there were many things to make improvements on. I was just happy they were tasty enough. Luna was hopping up and down in excitement as she stood next to me while she was giving me this happy look. She laced her hand into mine, intertwining our fingers as she leaned heavily against me. Her father looked at us but said nothing as the staff had finished setting up the picnic that was arranged for us. The meal was mostly explaining to Ikol that not all the sap on Tenebrae was tasty, it was specifically several trees in those sections. I’m not entirely convinced he believes me. Trying to explain things to Ikol felt like slamming my head into a brick wall hoping it would yield. After the picnic, we resumed touring the Imperial Botanical Garden, showing Ikol the more aquatic plants which resulted in fishing him out of the nearby ponds numerous times. The staff politely, but quite firmly, requested that we keep Ikol out of the water after the ninth time he dove in to smell some flowers that were not near the edge. Ikol was a wonder to witness as he clearly was used to Phestia. I cannot blame someone for not knowing a different set of customs; I repeated that to myself like a mantra. Lux clearly told him something as he slumped over before shuffling over to her as she glared intensely at him. Ikol never got further than four feet away from her after whatever she said.

  The tour concluded, and the five of us returned to the carriage. Luna and I leaned against each other, just enjoying the ride. Duke Dawnsfield didn’t say anything, which surprised me. I guess his issue was more with being left in the dark than us being a couple. It was so pleasant as we rode back. I was glad the fries came out well; Luna looked so happy I made her fries. I will need to fine tune the process; that was lucky they came out properly cooked. Or more of a tactical guess from how many that I used to consume. No, definitely luck. Couldn’t have any other explanation. Lux was looking intensely at Ikol who refused to make eye contact with her as his eyes were glued to the window as we reached the castle grounds, where Luna immediately tensed up. Duke Dawnsfield looked confused as I sensed it, someone with a lot of I did not recognize was in the castle. Now that I sensed a bit better, there were two unfamiliar signatures I couldn’t identify, but one was substantially weaker than the other. Luna looked tense as we got closer.

  Who are they? I probed, wondering why she tensed up.

  Magus Supreme Praecan and Ryker Krezkul. Luna answered like that clarified who they were.

  Could you elaborate please? I asked, hoping for some context.

  The head of the Institute of Mages. She is a powerful Magus who dies in a few years. Magus Supreme Praecan I never personally met, but she has a unique which makes her identifiable. Ryker Krezkul is the hero who plagued you last time who killed Ekard, Riva, and Julius before you killed him and left his corpse preserved on a pike in a to display for eternity; I could never forget his . Granted, you two met well after Argranz killed Magus Supreme Praecan and his revolution was put down. Luna clarified for me. Ah.

  I see. So, why would they be visiting? Would I want to befriend them? I checked. Luna leaned into me a bit more.

  No idea why they would be visiting. As for befriending them, Ryker was about as monstrous as you were. I wouldn’t intentionally burn the bridge until you have a reason to. Luna told me. Fair enough. Lux stopped glaring at Ikol as the carriage stopped, shrunk down, and hopped onto my shoulder. Ikol mimicked her and leapt onto Luna’s shoulder.

  The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  Who are the new two? Lux inquired as she wrapped around me a bit better.

  Magus Supreme Praecan and Ryker Krezkul. Can’t tell you more than that because that’s all I know. I explained to Lux.

  I understand. Ikol is having an exciting trip so far, but please keep him out of whatever shenanigans are about to unfold. Lux requested. I was not going to drag him into whatever what was about to happen.

  Do not worry, I have no intention of that. This is likely about to be messy knowing my luck. I sighed as we walked into the castle. Helga and Nautilus were waiting for us.

  “Crown Prince Nil, your presence is requested.” Helga told me in the tone that let me know the request was an order from one of my family members.

  “Do I want Luna and Duke Dawnsfield tagging along?” I checked. Nautilus moved her head back and forth as she debated it.

  “Prol’y no’ a bad idea.” Nautilus replied. Fine.

  We walked to the actual throne room, where my parents were sitting on their thrones with two people standing nearby. Magus Supreme Praecan was a race I did not recognize. Her skin was deep orange, matched by her bob-cut, ginger hair. She had ruby-colored eyes that were glaring at me as we entered. I noticed her ears were sharply pointed ears that were closer to a human’s in size than elves, but had a noticeably sharper point. Next to her was a human that was roughly my age who also glared at me. Ryker had short, blond hair, electric blue eyes, and fair, white skin. I was a bit surprised how plain he looked, as from what I knew he did I was expecting something different. I guess people don’t look inherently evil now in real life now that I think about it. Except the Void King, but that was him clearly trying to instill as much fear as possible. I looked calmly back at him, making sure my was well contained. Remember Duthane’s lessons. I need to behave and act like the Crown Prince. I was going to mess with them a little bit though.

  “Greetings Magus Supreme Praecan. I am Crown Prince Nil Sathanas Crowthorne.” I politely introduced myself with a polite bow, ignoring Ryker. She looked surprised I knew who she was.

  “Greeting Crown Prince Nil.” Magus Supreme Praecan replied as she politely bowed back.

  “Greetings Magus Supreme Praecan. I am Duke Allios Raphim Dawnsfield and this my daughter, Luna Odeus Dawnsfield.” Duke Dawnsfield stated with a polite bow as Luna did a curtsy. Both noticed Lux and Ikol, who hopped off our shoulders before Lux dragged Ikol through one of the back doors.

  “I am Ryker Krezkul.” Ryker said, looking at me.

  “I may have misheard, but are you the apprentice of Magus Supreme Praecan?” I checked, making sure I understood why he was here.

  “I am not.” Ryker snapped, with his voice barely containing his anger.

  “I was not being adversarial; I was trying to understand why you were present.” I replied politely. I still did not grasp why he was here with the Magus Supreme. I knew the Institute of Mages was rebuilding after the Void King did immense damage to them across the world and slaughtered a good chunk of their membership, but that didn’t explain Ryker.

  “A favor for an old friend.” Magus Supreme Praecan informed me. Luna, Duke Dawnsfield, and I all walked to be to the side of my parents.

  “Now, could we return to discussing your visit, Magus Supreme Praecan?” Dad requested. Ryker was still glaring at me. I wonder why he’s glaring. No fighting, yet.

  “It has been brought to my attention that the source of the that annihilated large swathes of the Institute of Mages and destroyed most of Modinar originated from within Speranza.” Magus Supreme Praecan declared, keeping a level gaze with my parents. Why was I here and not somewhere safer? Is that why Ryker was glaring? He was from Modinar and was angry at me for that? Hard to blame him if that’s the case.

  “Where did you hear something like that?” Mom asked, keeping her face neutral.

  “Nowhere. I traced the back and the origin point was roughly the Imperial Hunting Grounds of Speranza; it simply took a while because of the sheer damage it caused. I would like an explanation as to who unleashed such an unprovoked, excessive attack.” Magus Supreme Praecan explained as I could tell she was barely containing her wrath.

  “Nil, could you please call Krahinn?” Dad requested. Ah, that’s why I was here. He could explain how they were the unfortunate victims of a man who didn’t view them as more than a small price to pay.

  Krahinn, could you please grace us with your presence. We need a King of your stature to please grace us wi- I began as he materialized in front of me.

  “What do you want smart gip? Flattery is not your style.” Krahinn snapped at me. I gestured to our guests. Krahinn looked at my parents on their thrones and the guests looking mad.

  “Wow, you can feel the anger simmering. Don’t tell me, you needed me to maul a child? I would never.” Krahinn mocked. Of course he refused to be helpful.

  “Our guests here inquired as to who unleashed the attack that annihilated the Institute of Mages and the Modinar Kingdom. We were going to defer to your expertise.” I clarified for him. I could see it click fully in his head.

  “You want me to be the messenger. You could just say that.” Krahinn taunted. He was in a good mood today actually.

  “I would like an answer.” Magus Supreme Praecan demanded. Krahinn looked at her, his eyes ablaze for a second.

  “Do not press your luck, mortal. I am the King Krahinn, do not mistake us as being anywhere near the same standing. I will be nice, so to answer your question, you were simply pawns in the game of a being known as the Void King. Once the game got changed, he wiped the board so as to not interfere with what he wanted. I can guarantee that he felt maybe a flicker of joy of getting to display his prowess, but killing you was simply a step he needed to take in his eyes.” Krahinn explained, losing his normal condescending tone by the end.

  “Why are you explaining this?” Magus Supreme Praecan inquired. Krahinn pretended to think it over for a moment.

  “Because I can answer any question you may have about the Void King. Emperor Azzeck and Empress Senna could answer who, but the rest I am more informed on the subject matter than them.” Krahinn replied. Ryker was still trying to stare through my skull.

  “Why did he choose to do it here? What game is he playing then?” Magus Supreme Praecan probed as she suddenly flinched which made Krahinn chuckle. Her face looked neutral, but I recognized the face of someone who realized they were in the presence of a monster.

  “Did you enjoy looking at me with your ? Do not worry, I would make sure that kid would be a fine mist before you even got halfway towards finishing a .” Krahinn taunted her.

  “King Krahinn, why did the Void King choose Speranza? What is his game? Would you please inform me.” Magus Supreme Praecan requested politely.

  “Someone got politer. The object of his obsession is here, and his game is simply the extermination of his obsession. The Void King has a set of criteria that someone here happens to meet.” Krahinn answered mockingly.

  “And who might that be?” Magus Supreme Praecan probed as she looked at me.

  “Crown Prince Nil is indeed the answer, but I suspect you knew that before asking. The question is, why are you here? Confirm what you thought? Was it something more sinister? Or a different objective?” Krahinn probed. His eyes were glowing, as he was clearing gearing up to fight. Her gaze was intense as she thought of how to phrase her answer. I just wanted today to go well with Luna.