Prince of The Abyss

Aether threw the coins in the air, catching them in his hand as they fell. ’6 silver and 72 bronze coins. Funny, only this much is close to a Withered gold coin. Just goes to show you the economy. If I were to go to the Withered and trade them all for Withered money, I would have quite a lot, but I haven’t gotten my authorization yet.’

Nobles could go into the Withered whenever they wanted, so he thought it was going to be the same for him. But no, the King had to accept his request personally; only then would he be allowed to leave the Blue Rose. It was pretty annoying; he didn’t know what they thought he was going to do, run? Why would he do that?

Walking over to a shop, Aether spotted a small pastry from the window, the same one that had stopped him last time. Maybe he had a soft spot for them. He sighed, not able to control himself. The doorbell rang as he entered the shop.

It was the first time he entered one with money, as ironic as it was. But he wasn’t lying. Ordering the dessert, Aether sat at a table, looking through the window, as his meal slowly arrived.

Grabbing his fork, he started eating with a smile on his face.

...

To think his life would change so much in little time... he should get to it. It wasn’t the first time something like this happened.

Not long before, he was eating bread in the Withered to survive, at most some meat when they had some good prey, and now, he was sitting in a nice shop, eating for no reason. All because of one class rank-up...

His fork lingered in his hand as he stopped for a second. ’If that was the change it had made for me, would it also do the same for the people of the Withered? I know me being a Vessel also played a bit part, but at the same time, would it? Would it help them?’

Many didn’t know what stood beyond the wall, what happened in the other district; ordinary people never questioned it, if the ones beyond it lived as well as they did. Even the life of the lowest noble in the Blue Rose lived far better than any Withered person. No matter how high they were in the Withered.

Serathia, or Sera, for short, was the only Kingdom divided into two districts; not his home Kingdom, or any of the others, were separated, all united; it made him wonder what had gone wrong. Was it really all because of Praise? And the Blue Rose’s obsession with the fact that they were blessed by it while the Withered were not?

How would they even know, though? After all, many of the people today haven’t witnessed it, and if it was really that far back, maybe no one in the Blue Rose was there to see the so-called blessing happen. So were they only believing words?

Aether continued eating, savouring the dessert. ’Maybe I will also visit some more Kingdoms in the future. I’ve been to others with my father, but only for a short time, and never got to explore them. Plus, I will meet up with some old friends. If they even remember who I am.’

It was obvious, at least in his eyes, he had been slowly forgotten, or rather, everyone believed he was long dead. It was obvious, after all, he had lived in the Blue Rose for some time now, and no one questioned who he was. Even if people had known who the Prince of the Caelurea, or Cael Kingdom, was, no one recognized him; no one even said he looked like him.

So who was to say it wasn’t the same thing for all the Kingdoms? ’Though if I were to go to another Kingdom and introduce myself as Aether Moirai, it would be pretty weird, maybe... I should think of a last name to use,’

...

Maybe Aether Thusia? Has a nice ring to it... Sorry, Elpis, might have to steal your last name.’

Finishing the dessert, Aether wiped his mouth. As he leaned back on the chair a little longer, he had no hurry, nothing to do at the moment. He had sold his materials, only keeping the anomalous material from the white stag; he was waiting for his permission in the Withered, and was leaving the Anchor for last. So at the moment, he didn’t have much to do but explore the Blue Rose.

’Maybe I could try to get another Skill? I didn’t know what relic to get, but maybe I can get a skill... but then again, what skill, and what for?’

Aether frowned, resting his head on the table, watching as people passed through the city.

...

But suddenly, a familiar figure passed; Aether’s eyes widened as he saw a girl pass by, someone with blonde hair, just like his, and green eyes, sparkling with light. He recognized her quite easily, yet at the same time, he just couldn’t believe it. It didn’t feel like it was real.

...’ Sister?’

The girl stopped, almost as if she had felt someone’s gaze on her, looking around to see where she was being spied from.

Aether quickly summoned his mantle, covering himself with the hood, as he turned his head away completely, staring in the opposite direction. He felt her gaze on him, but at the same time, she didn’t know who he was, so she just ignored him, continuing to walk away.

He sighed as she passed. He was relieved..., but at the same time, he didn’t know... why hadn’t he wanted her to see him? Was he scared she might not remember him? But what did hiding help with... was it better to hide than face the truth?

’It’s... not the time. I will meet her one day, face to face, and see if she remembers my face,

....

but that time is not now...’