The Emperor's Heir

TWO

Vin avoided his treacherous younger brother in the days that followed. It wasn't difficult because Havan's parents were no longer alive. When Vin reflected on the subject, he was saddened that he couldn't even have parents in the second world. Suran and Rezzan, his cousins, were there to keep him company.

Vin had expected to be preoccupied with court matters, but the affairs of this particular empire appeared to be well-managed. He wasn't even summoned out of the house. Every day, his brother passed by in his finery, doing nothing but strutting around like a peacock. Vin didn't bother with the extravagance; he always wore plain robes. When Vin wore anything luxurious for no reason, he felt like a pointless trophy on two legs.

He bemoaned inwardly that there was no technology in this world. However, that didn't matter when he saw real magic right in front of his eyes.

Suran was holding some nuts one day while they sat on a bench in the courtyard. Suran wanted to eat roast nuts, but instead of going inside to the kitchen as Vin expected, she simply muttered under her breath right there, and the nuts began to emit smoke. Vin, who had previously stated that he, too, desired roast nuts, was taken aback and simply stared. Suran looked at him, and Vin could tell she was expecting him to do the same. He knew he couldn't, so he claimed he no longer craved them.

Vin thought this magic would come in handy with some foods he had developed a taste for since arriving in this world. Vin, it should be said, loved to eat and could never stop himself in front of food.

This became a problem later. Vin had walked out of his room that night, making his way to the kitchen, where the Cook was currently absent. Vin usually gets hungry around this time, so he couldn't help himself. When he entered the kitchen and found no one there, he was ready to cook for himself. But then he noticed a pie on the counter. Vin didn't give it much thought; he simply picked up the pie, but before he could bite into it, the plate slipped from his grasp. He stood there watching the pie fall to the ground, face down. Vin sighed and cursed his misfortune. He considered eating the parts that had not been touched by the floor, but Vin was interrupted by a mild grunt. He noticed it coming from behind the door of the food store's.

He paused for a few moments, perplexed by the presence of the pie at that hour. Vin quickly realised that he had been set up with food. Why would a plate of pie be left untouched on the counter? Everyone in the damn palace compound was probably aware of his late-night snacking by now. His brother had obviously taken advantage of the situation. Vin felt like a mouse who had almost gotten caught in a trap.

He quickly exited the kitchen and ignored whoever was in the storage room, but he had no doubt that it was Jardius. Nonetheless, what could Vin do about his brother? He had no idea how to use the magic that was available to him. He had no recollection of Havan's life. Vin had no choice but to be cautious.

He sighed upon returning to his room. He noticed a single drawer in the corner and went to investigate. He'd noticed it at first but ignored it. Now he needed something to keep him occupied before he could fall asleep. So he yanked on the handle. Unfortunately, nothing came of it. Vin searched the room for the key but came up empty-handed.

The man had hoped to divert his attention away from his hunger, but he now had nothing to do. He sighed and collapsed onto the bed.

***

Vin was cornered by his brother not long after the pie incident. Jardius stared at him for a few seconds before exclaiming, "Why don't you die already!" He didn't seem to be waiting for an answer, because Vin noticed a red ball of fire appear in his hand. Jardius threw it right away. Vin escaped, but more were soon to follow. His brother appeared to have had enough of his constant perseverance. He didn't appear to be able to die.

Vin ran around the courtyard, noticing that no one else was around. He kept missing Jardius's fireballs and couldn't fight back. Vin noticed that he seemed to have lost his murderous brother after running for a while. He was still looking to see if the coast was clear when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

He jumped, turning around in terror, but it was Rezzan, his cousin, who greeted him. He was concerned as he observed Havan's expression. His cousin had been acting strangely recently. He appeared to have difficulty remembering basic information. Rezzan observed that Havan appeared to be eating a lot these days as well. And, unlike the Havan he knew, who was usually slow to speak, he now spoke without hesitation. Rezzan was intrigued by the fact that he was in a state of panic at the present. He inquired, "What's the problem, Havan? You appear to have seen a spirit."

"Jardius is attempting to kill me," Vin responded, out of breath. He kept looking around for the hater, but he couldn't find him. Vin knew things were only going to get worse from there. He was suddenly irritated with his new life. He'd die soon, simply because his brother desired a throne that Vin couldn't care less about.

Rezzan, who was also surprised, looked around. "If he is now doing it openly, this could end up really bad for you," he said, shaking his head in sympathy, "what do you want to do?"

Vin paused for a moment, shaking his head, as something behind Rezzan caught his eye, frowned, and spoke "I'm not sure. I had no desire for the throne in the first place."

Rezzan's eyes were wide open. He seemed to think for a while before speaking "I have a single solution. Leave."

"Leave?" Vin asked his cousin.

Rezzan gave a nod "Yes, please leave. Jardius will most likely have you dead by the end of the week, so your only option is to flee." He went on with pity in his eyes "Your skills have always been inferior to Jardius's. You will not be able to match up in the least."

Vin was irritated when he learned that he was weaker than Jardius. "Why would you say that I am weaker?" he wondered.

Rezzan responded nonchalantly, "You hardly ever tried to excel in magic when we were children, and as a result, Jardius is stronger. Suran even mentioned that you're not using magic anymore these days," he sighed.

Vin was silent because he had no excuse to give Rezzan for that. He very well couldn't say that he didn't know how to use magic. He considered Rezzan's suggestion to leave. It appeared to be reasonable. But, in such a world, how would he survive on his own? He already had a good life as an heir to the throne; did he really want to throw that away? But, on the other hand, it's better to be alive than dead.

"What are you thinking?" Rezzan inquired.

Vin responded, "I'll be leaving. However, I have nowhere to go and nothing to live on."

Rezzan responded with a nod of his head, "I'll give you some money that will last you a month. Within that time frame, you should be able to find something to do."

He is grateful to his cousin, Vin stated, "Thank you very much, Rezzan. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have met you here."

Rezzan shrugged, "It's no problem," he smiled, and went on, "I'll take you to the river tonight, and a boat will take you to Larea." Vin nodded, Larea being one of the Aris Empire's far-flung cities. He'd be hard to find if he got there.

They left that night. Vin was tense. They couldn't let anyone see them, so they hid behind black cloaks, their faces hidden beneath hoods.

The boat was waiting at the river docks, and the man who would be assisting Vin didn't ask any questions. They left right away.

Vin didn't sleep at all during the long journey. When they docked the next day, it was late in the morning. Larea was a bustling merchant city. At first glance, there were a few inns visible. Vin went to the first one he saw. He stuffed the money Rezzan had given him into the pocket of his robes. He had dressed simply, with only plain, neutral colours on his body. Vin had paid for a room at the inn, and when he saw the bed, he didn't hesitate to fall into it and embrace beautiful unconsciousness.

Later that evening, he awoke hungry. He was curious about the delicacies available in this city. Vin made a list of everything he needed to do. He couldn't live on Rezzan's money for long, so he had to get a job. Vin had saved everything for the next day. He took a bath, changed into the same clothes, and went into town. Vin didn't hesitate to buy what looked very delicious after seeing a lot of the food displayed by the sellers. A few minutes later, as he strolled, he was carrying a full sack. His money had shrunk significantly..

Vin returned to the inn, but he was pushed down by two young males before he could cross the threshold. They kicked him first and then asked, "Where's your money?"

Vin replied, "I have nothing, leave me alone." Vin concluded that it was all bad luck. His money, which he had kept in his pocket, was quickly discovered and taken away. They tried to take the sack of food as well, but Vin, this glutton, despite his pain, had enough energy to protect the delicious food he had just purchased. The other males appeared to be in a hurry, no doubt due to the fact that this was happening right in front of the inn. They left Vin clinging to his sack. "Perfect," he thought.