The door to the pub opened with a loud creak, and once we stepped through, I realized the room was crowded, matching the rowdy noise I heard when we were outside. It was packed to the brim with men and women of various ages drinking, playing card games, et cetera.

Between all the shouting, cheering, delirious singing, and all of that mess… The cacophony of sounds was starting to grate on my ears. It wasn't to the point where I couldn't handle it; it more so annoyed me than anything.

Despite the crowd, several seats by the counter were empty. Could that be reserved for us? I didn't have to wonder for long as Mom and Dad walked over and sat there without even uttering a word. Fray and I followed suit.

Aunt Diane was still arranging the bottles on her shelves when we sat down. She widened her eyes as soon as she turned and saw our faces. "Oh, you guys are here already?" she said while cleaning several glasses. "Sorry for the loud noise, didn't expect this many guests…"

"Don't worry about it, Diane!" Mom said, waving her hand. "The louder, the merrier!"

It could be slightly less loud though.

"My, my, it had been a long time since I saw you dropping by, Fray," Aunt Diane eyed Fray with a gentle smile. "Finally decided to try out some drinks?"

Fray scrunched her face. "N-No thanks."

"Aww, that's a shame." She turned her gaze towards me this time. "And who do we have here? Long time no see, Feyt! Gotta say, Ricent's been missing you lately."

"I-Is that so?"

I was glad he didn't forget me.

"Why yes, ever since he heard from your mother that you're dropping by at New Year's, he couldn't contain himself. He bought so many games to play with you."

I blinked, caught off guard. I didn't think he would anticipate my arrival that much.

"If you'd like, you're free to go upstairs. He's cleaning the windows right about now, but tell him I'm letting him rest for the day."

"Really? Then I'll do just that!"

The less I stayed in this rowdy room, the better.

"Go on up, Feyt!" Mom said. "We'll be here."

I nodded. "Thanks, Mom!"

I dropped out of my seat and headed towards the stairs. Behind me, I heard their conversation.

"Now, Diane, give me the usual! I want to share some with Fray!" Mom said with giddiness.

"What?! I already said I won't drink that stuff!"

"Come on, Fray! Loosen up!" Father continued. "I thought you liked trying out new things?"

"Like I said, no!" She slammed into the counter as she leaned over. "Please just give me some milk, Aunt Diane…"

"My, my…"

Well… I'll leave them be for now.

What mattered to me most for now was to see Ricent. Considering how tall I had gotten, I wondered if Ricent had grown, too. Perhaps he changed his hairstyle? Maybe he even adopted a calmer personality?

My curiosity grew with every step I took. Eventually, I reached the top of the staircase. A low humming sound came from the hall. I took a nearby turn and saw a young man cleaning and wiping the windows.

A floorboard creaked beneath me, and noticing that sound, the young man turned to face me.

His eyes lit up instantly.

"Feyt?!"

I opened my mouth, uncertain whether to smile or brace myself. "Hey there—"

He dropped his towel and rushed towards me. I took several steps back from the sudden motion, thinking he was gonna lunge, but he stopped short, his hands clamping firmly onto my shoulders.

"Feyt! You're finally back!"

The sheer joy in his voice hit me harder than his grip. For a second, I forgot what to say. His excitement was warm and excited as always, but almost overwhelming. In a way, it tightens my chest with relief to know that he was still the same.

"Y-Yeah…"

Guess the 'calmer personality' theory is out the window.

—

I sat in Ricent's room, just like I used to whenever I visited his house. The space was as large as I remembered, but a lot busier—almost chaotic. Toys were scattered across the shelves, mismatched stacks of cards were balancing on the desk, and a half-built wooden puzzle was abandoned in the corner.

"Your room's gotten… quite busy," I said, glancing around.

Ricent was already on his knees, elbows deep in a box. He barely looked up. "Busy? Nah, I know where everything is!"

"Uh-huh…"

"So, Feyt—how have you been?" His voice was muffled as he dug deeper into the box. "Is the capital fun? They must have tons of games there, right?"

I scratched my cheek. "Not really. I was stuck doing training most of the time."

"What~?!" He whipped around, pouting. "You're telling me you didn't explore at all? Not even a little?"

"S-Sorry to disappoint," I said with a small smile. "But hey, I'll bring back a game or two as souvenirs next time."

That instantly revived him. His eyes sparkled like I'd just promised him gold. "Really? You'd better keep your word!"

Are games the only thing he thinks about?

"Don't worry, I promise!"

"Alright!" he celebrated. Then, his head disappeared back into the box. A moment later, he shot up with a triumphant shout. "Found it!"

He slammed a board down between us, dust puffing into the air. The surface was painted in a neat checkerboard pattern, though the paint was fading. From the box, he pulled out little round disks; half carved from dark wood, the other half pale wood.

"I just got this game from a merchant from Ortensia! He said this is a popular game there! Here, let me teach you!" he said eagerly, already setting the pieces into place.

I leaned back on my hands, watching him place every piece at the very center of each box like a perfectionist. "Looks interesting," I mused. "What's it called?"

"'Warring Knights'... or something. But basically, it works like this—"

As he started explaining the seemingly complex yet fundamentally simple set of rules… From the moves, the kills, the pieces moving diagonally…

…Wait a second.

This is just checkers, isn't it?!

—

Ricent and I played 'warring knights', and do not be deceived by the name, it was literally just checkers. Though I never really got into checkers so I never knew any strategies, so in the end, I actually had fun playing it.

But as our games went on, my attention was split into two as trumpets blared across the party venue.

"Announcing the arrival of Prince Key!"

The venue roused immediately, chairs scraping back as nobles and attendants alike rose to their feet. All eyes turned toward the grand entrance, where the doors opened wide with ceremonial grace.

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Prince Key, the Golden Prince, strode in with the same confidence he displayed at his birthday party months ago. His posture was straight, his steps measured. Even from afar, I could tell he commanded attention without even trying.

The crowd bowed, including me and my family.

He acknowledged the gesture with a simple nod, continuing until he reached the stage at the front of the venue. Turning, he faced us all, and when he spoke, his voice was exceptionally clear.

"People of Setus," he began, "I would like to welcome you to this New Year's celebration. It is joyful to me to see everyone gathered around for this momentous occasion. For that, I thank you." He gave a small but respectful nod. Then, he continued, "It has been some months since that incident. An incident that shook not only this city, but the hearts of all who live within these walls. It is a memory not easily forgotten, nor should it be."

A solemn quiet fell over the hall. From my sidelines, I noticed Mother shifting in her place, Father, and even the always professional Leila as well. Remembering the scene still seared clearly in my mind thanks to my eyes… I couldn't blame them.

Prince Key let the silence linger for a moment before his expression softened. "And yet, even in times of uncertainty, it is in our gatherings, our joys, and our bonds that we find strength. It is for this reason that I wished to hold this celebration! To let out our fears and welcome a bright new age!"

His smile widened. "So tonight, I ask of you only this: put aside your worries! Eat well, laugh aloud! Let us remember why we stand, why we endure!"

In the corner of my eye, I noticed the clock on the wall. Its hands were closing on each other, and a second later, it finally hit its peak.

It was New Year's.

"Here is to another year of the prosperous kingdom of Setus!" He raised an open hand as he raised his voice. "Now, please! Enjoy the feast!"

At his words, a round of applause echoed throughout the venue. At the same time, a line of attendants entered the hall, each bearing trays that reflected the chandeliers' warm glow.

One by one, warm, steaming dishes were set upon our tables: from roasted meat, heartwarming creamy soup, and toasted loaves of bread, they filled our tables to the brim with a vast selection of food. It truly defined the word "Feast."

Around us, the quiet from earlier began to loosen. Conversations restarted, silently at first, then louder as the food worked its magic.

I shifted in my seat, watching the trays pass by and the trays that were placed on our table.

So this is what "lightening the hearts of the people" looks like.

Honestly, it's working.

It still irked me how I wouldn't be able to drink, though. In a world of magic, people seem to really care about underage drinking.

Prince Key took his seat at the head of the hall, his table decorated with a similar, but obviously more premium selection of food. He looked completely at ease, as if charmed by the food itself.

I leaned back slightly as another platter was set down near me, the steam curling upward. Well, dangerous or not, I suppose I might as well enjoy the meal. Better than sitting here staring at the wine I couldn't drink.

I do have to wonder, though… where were the rest of the royal family? More specifically, where was the Third Prince? The man who invited us here in the first place.

I took a bite out of the meat I had elegantly sliced onto my plate. It melted in my mouth like butter, and it tasted divine. In an instant, my worries melted away.

—

That melting sensation carried over to my other self, who made a critical mistake on the board.

"Aha!" Ricent yelled as he slammed down a piece, swallowing a piece of mine whole. "Got you!"

The sight slapped me back to reality. "W-Wait, what?!"

Can't believe I actually lost…

I slumped down in disappointment as Ricent celebrated loudly.

When his celebration finally went down, he turned to me and asked, "Another round?"

"...Sure."

We reset the board, his hands quick yet accurate as he set the pieces into place.

As we played, my mind wandered.

I hadn't heard about Ricent's life outside of him loving games. I knew he worked with his mother taking care of the pub, and he was surely going to take over in the future, but I also remembered that Aunt Diane was also saving up for a Talent Scroll for him.

Outside of that, though? How much did I know of him?

As my only friend, it would be… embarrassing if I didn't know anything about his life.

The thought made me frown. I stared at the board, then—while trying to sound casual—decided to test the waters. First up, the most glaring and obvious question.

"Hey, Ricent," I said as I moved a piece. "Do you… have anyone yet?"

He tilted his head. "Huh? What do you mean?"

"You know." I avoided his eyes, pretending to study the board. "A girlfriend. Or something like that."

Ricent froze, staring blankly at the ceiling like the question was some kind of riddle.

Seriously? This isn't the sort of thing you need to think about, y'know?

Finally, he shook his head. "Nope."

A small breath of relief slipped out before I could stop it.

Then Ricent leaned forward, casually adding, "Though… Emma did say she loves me."

My fingers twitched. "Emma…?" The name echoed in my head. It sounded familiar. Where had I—

And then it clicked.

Emma. As in Emma, the village elder's daughter.

My thoughts scrambled.

Wait, wait. If that Emma confessed to him, then… wouldn't he be a hotshot in the village after all?!

Wait, wait, wait. He did say 'but…' at the end of his sentence there. Does that mean something happened with the confession?

One small theory popped up in my mind. It settled into my mind like a puzzle piece waiting to be placed.

"Oh, I see…" I sighed, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry to hear that, but it's alright. If she confessed as a prank, don't let it get to you. It happens, y'know—"

"Huh? A prank?" Ricent blinked at me, utterly confused. "It wasn't a prank… I think?"

I paused. "...It wasn't?"

He scratched his cheek as he explained. "Yeah. I was busy playing ball with the others back then when she told me that, so I kinda ignored her. Haven't really met her since."

"...You ignored her?!" I was gawking at him at this point.

He nodded, completely unfazed. "Yeah?"

The grip I had on his shoulder tightened. "Are you an idiot?!" I instinctively shouted.

"W-Wha— H-Hey, my shoulder! My shoulder!!"

—

First floor of Pub Diane.

The crowd had mostly cleared up, with most going home with drunken steps. Compared to the loud and celebratory atmosphere of the capital, the village was starting to rest for the preparation for another day of work.

Despite this, one family still sat at the counter, with the owner of the pub catering to them.

"Hey, Teffa. You sure you haven't had enough already?" Diane said, eyeing the several empty bottles sitting by the drunken woman's side.

"Not even—hic—close!!"

Fray, who sat beside her, nurturing a glass of warm milk, held her head. "Seriously, Mom… how much can you drink before passing out?"

Rayn, Teffa's husband, also held his head. "She never passed out from drinking, not even once, believe me."

"More! More!" Teffa said, slapping the counter firmly like a child demanding food.

Diane smiled awkwardly as she poured another bottle.

…

With Teffa busy drinking and Fray trying her best to focus on her milk, Rayn decided to strike up a conversation with Diane.

"So, Diane…" He said. "I heard you're saving up for a Talent Scroll?"

Diane froze mid-polish, the glass stilling in her hand. For a moment, she just stared at it, as if weighing whether to speak at all. Then, with a quiet exhale, she set it down on the counter. A wry smile tugged at her lips.

"Yes, I have…"

The sudden tone change caught Rayn off guard. "What's wrong? You look concerned."

Diane stood still for a moment, as if questioning whether she was allowed to speak or not. But before long, she caved.

"Actually, I was about to order one a few weeks ago. But when the letter came telling me of the price… I was devastated."

"The price? Don't tell me…"

"Indeed," Diane nodded. "Another price increase, and not a small one either."

"Those damn bastards!!!" A sudden shout beside Rayn shocked both of them. Teffa, in her drunken state, slammed down on the counter. "They've been stuffing up all their pockets with these prices!! Where's their sense of manners?!"

"Haha…" Rayn laughed awkwardly. "She has a point, though," he said as he turned back to Diane. "So… how big was the price difference?"

"Around a hundred gold."

"What?!" That number pushed Rayn's eyes wide open. "That's ridiculous…"

Diane nodded. "Even after all the profits from travelling merchants, investments in Vollum, everything… I couldn't possibly scrounge up another hundred."

The room fell into silence. Rayn was thinking of ways to comfort Diane, but then suddenly, another shout.

"Then we'll help ya' out!!" Teffa shouted. She slapped Fray's back suddenly, the latter nearly spitting out her milk. "My dear daughter here has been raking it in! Not to mention, Feyt got his scroll from that duke in the capital! We have plenty!!"

Diane let out a small, shaky laugh, running a hand through her hair. "Honestly, Rayn, maybe it's time you let Teffa off the drinks. She's clearly saying things she doesn't mean."

Rayn sat silently, thinking through Teffa's drunken words. Then, he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the counter. "Why not?"

Diane blinked. "What?" Her voice was sharp with disbelief. "No, no—absolutely not. There's no way I could accept that."

Rayn raised a hand. "Listen… Fray's errand work has been bringing in more coin than ever, and Feyt… well, he doesn't need a Talent Scroll anymore. The funds we've been putting aside could go to you."

Her eyes widened, lips parting—but no sound came out.

Rayn continued gently, "Besides… you've been a dear friend to this family for as long as I can remember. Always looking out for us, even when you didn't have to. Let us return the favor."

For a long moment, Diane just stood there. Her hands gripped the edge of the counter, and her eyes were narrowed as always.

"Diane!" Teffa suddenly leaned forward again, cheeks flushed red. "You've been helpin' us all this time! So don't you dare turn this away, got it?!"

Diane laughed despite herself, a weak, disbelieving sound that melted into something softer. She pressed a hand over her mouth. "You two really…" She shook her head, voice cracking. "You… really mean this?"

Rayn nodded.

"Yeps!!" Teffa raised her mug in triumph, nearly spilling it over the counter.

"And don't mind me, either," Fray said, wiping her mouth from the milk. "I already told them I don't want any scrolls."

Rayn turned to Diane once more. "So, the three of us have agreed. I'm sure Feyt up there will too. How about it?"

The silence stretched. Diane's shoulders lifted as she drew in a long breath, and when it left her lips, it was almost a whimpering sigh. "…Fine," she said at last. "The least I can do is offer free drinks for you guys..."

"Yay, free drinks!!" Teffa whooped, throwing her mug into the air like a victory cry.

Rayn nodded. "I'll give you the gold next morning, I'll put in some extra for the appraisal too. Do let us know if Ricent got any good Talents, though, kay?"

"Of course," Diane nodded. "Thank you… truly."

—

...Yeah

…I heard all that.

"Another win!!" Ricent yelled, clearly not hearing what I was hearing.

Another win, indeed…

I couldn't tell him what I just heard, in case Aunt Diane was setting it up as a surprise. I could only put on a bright smile as we reset the board once again.

I truly hoped he had a good Talent, perhaps even a Magical Talent. Despite how rare it was, I was hoping so badly. As my only friend on this side of my life, I wanted the best for him. Having a friend like him in the academy with me would also be the best-case scenario.

Though, I made sure to not keep my hopes too high-up, as I wouldn't know the results until much later.

For now, I decided to just enjoy this game of checkers as the new year unfurled its curtains.

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