Miguel's eyes softened as he slowly drew back, catching the shock plastered on Aries's face. The corner of his lips curled up subtly, blinking ever so tenderly. As he did so, Miguel was slowly pulled back into the memory of the past.
****
Miguel never expected to have a great friendship with the king of Rikhill. Alexander was a great man. Although Alexander was the king that defied all concepts of a ruler Miguel had, the man was a great person.
Alexander might be the king, but he didn't stay on his throne where he couldn't see beyond the palace walls. Alexander believed a king wasn't just someone who owned the throne, but someone who understood his people more than anyone. Thus, he would regularly leave his throne to live a life closer to his subject.
This was the reason, throughout Miguel's stay in the land of green, he spent a fair amount of time to know what Alexander was truly like. Not just the king, but the people of this land and all those trading with them.
"It saddens me that a good friend is departing tomorrow." Sitting on one of the stacked crates in the corner of the fort, Alexander cast his dear friend a look. "So, are you going back to your motherland?"
Miguel was also sitting on a crate much lower than Alexander's. His gaze scanned the surrounding.
The sun was already about to set with the golden rays shining upon the land of Rikhill. But alas, the fort was still very much alive and active. Some caravels just came docking by the fort. Others were just starting to unload their ships.
This was a sight Miguel had grown used to after two months of stay. Regular and new partners would come, showing many lands wanted to trade with the land of Rikhill or simply wanted to treat this land as their trading place with another kingdom.
The trades in the kingdom don't only offer direct trade with Rikhill, but trade with other kingdoms as well. They simply had to pay a small fee for that. Therefore, it gained its reputation as a trading center.
"What a bafflingly amusing place," murmured Miguel after a minute of silence. "This land is small, but it didn't feel too crowded or too all over the place."
"Heh," Alexander smirked proudly. "Because people always come and go. Moreover, with a proper system everyone follows, things are more organized."
"The land of Rikhill, hun?" Miguel rested his leg over the other, leaning his back against the wall of the storage room. He looked heavenward, staring at the beautiful orange sky with a subtle smile.
pandasnovel.com "You can stay as long as you want," Alexander offered while staring at Miguel's side profile.
"Before stepping on this land, I've been through different kingdoms. Some of them were in civil war, struck with famine, and all sorts of repercussions from human disasters. Therefore, my impression of humans reached rock bottom." Miguel's smile stretched. "But after staying in here, listening to human woes, adventures, different practices and cultures, and their continuous will to seek the betterment of their lives. The outside world was truly vast."
Alexander chuckled. "That is correct. I won't deny that there were parts of this world that were unfortunate to have ridiculous people in them. However, this world is vast."
"There were certain areas that lived in darkness where the light of hope couldn't pierce through." Alexander's face softened as he looked at the activity in the fort. "That is why I was hopeful that as these trades expand, it could eventually reach those places."
"Those lands were hopeless," humored Miguel, casting Alexander a side-eye. "Until now, you are an idealistic man. You cannot save the world, Your Majesty."
"I know, but at least, if I can offer an opportunity for them to take the first step — their stepping stone — what's so bad about it?" Alexander shrugged, facing Miguel squarely with a grin on his face. "After meeting different people from different parts of the world, I realized one might lack something in one area, they were riched in another."
"For instance, the land of Rikhill is riched in mineral resources, but we lack certain things. If what a nation has was needed by another…" he explained enthusiastically, going on and on. The lively tone of his voice and how his face brightened up only showed his dream of attaining world peace.
"... that being said, it will also connect all parts of the world. Just think, if everyone were trading fairly. Wars will cease to exist and everyone is connected! We'll have a better understanding of one another and who knew? Your Motherland might reconsider joining the rest of the world!" Alexander clapped, only to realize he had been running his mouth due to his excitement.
"Ahem! Apologies." Alexander cleared his throat, his fist in front of his lips. "It seemed I got carried away. But yes, that's the goal."
"Haha. What a foolish man." Miguel shook his head, making Alexander frown. He looked away, gazing at the horizon where the sun was going down. His eyelids dropped, maintaining his subtle yet sincere smile.
Alexander was truly a foolish man. However, Miguel wished nothing but the best for this foolish king's success in his life's purpose.
The two of them chatted until the sun was down, cherishing their moments together before Miguel's departure. They even shared booze; Alexander sometimes acted like a pirate, setting up a small bonfire in the fort and throwing a party for the reason that his dear friend would depart tomorrow. He planned to send Miguel off in high spirits.
When dawn rolled in, some people were passed out everywhere. They surely drank until they dropped. Meanwhile, Miguel and his men prepared to set sail, loading crates that were containing important goods.
"I am amazed how you hold your liquor," praised Miguel to the man who was sending him off.
"Don't mention it. This is a skill honed for many years." Miguel waved dismissively, and then grinned from ear to ear. "Will you come back again, my friend?"
"I am not sure. After all, I don't remember having a peaceful nap during my stay because you keep bugging me."
"Eh… don't be like that."
"However, once I finish my expedition, I might drop by to see if your goal had any progress."
"Of course it will!" Alexander exclaimed with certainty. "Just wait!"
Miguel chuckled, turning his back against the king. "Don't worry. I have all the time in the world. It doesn't matter if your mission lasts for a century. I'm certain I'm still alive that time… though I'm not sure if you are."
Alexander blinked, watching the retreating Miguel get on the ship. It took him a minute before realizing Miguel's remarks, which made his face turn red.
"Hey, what did you say, you jerk!" Alexander threw a huge feat while the ship started to leave the fort. After yelling and calling Miguel all sorts of names, Alexander panted.
"Hey!!! You better come back!" Alexander yelled once more, garnering all his reserved energy on the departing ship. "It doesn't matter how long it takes! Take care on your journey, my friend!"
Miguel stood by the dock, watching how Alexander's figure turn small and small as their distance grew farther and farther. The corner of his lips curled up. If not for his keen ears, there was no way a normal person would hear what Alexander was yelling.
"I'd see you again…" he whispered with a subtle smile. "... my friend."
Little did Miguel know, the effects of staying in the land of Rikhill were just about to set deep in his bones.
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