My Fate as a Cannon Fodder

Chapter Fifteen: Pent Up Rage

The scroll has given you both an advice and a warning actually.

The black jaguar's serious voice from earlier continued to echo repeatedly inside Serenity's mind. She already has asked the system what did the scroll meant by this only to be answered with an 'I don't know,' by the system. She has a vague guess about the meaning of the advice and warning given to her but the reason why is still a mystery.

"You seem preoccupied Aryn."

Serenity was snapped out of her reverie when a voice suddenly sounded out from beside her. She jumped back in surprise when she noticed the king standing beside her.

"When did you get here?"

"Don't tell me you didn't realize i've been here escorting you to the library ever since we entered the palace?" The king teasingly asked.

Serenity's eyes widen due to surprise, "I thought you already went ahead to tell the princes that i'm coming, your majesty." She lied knowing that she did forgot about his existence.

"Hm? Really now?"

Letting out a strained laugh, Serenity only decided to ignore the king. It's not her fault that what happened with the scroll earlier caused her mind to continuously wonder about it.

Right now, both Serenity and the king are currently walking down the winding hallways of the large Castle Valhaven, finding the library where the three princes are currently waiting for them. The king did not even wait for Serenity to come tomorrow and immediately dragged her to the palace after successfully solving the riddle.

"I've always wondered," Serenity piped up causing the king to look at her, "Why do you bother to educate the other princes how to rule a kingdom? Aren't you afraid of them fighting for the crown prince's position?"

The king paused and then let out a small smile, "I've always thought of this but I trust my sons. They should realize that they shouldn't vie for their older brother's position just for greed and risk the kingdom. They should know firsthand how much a ruler shoulders a lot for its country. Which is why I ask you to educate them regarding about the kingdom's affair for them to know that ruling a kingdom isn't easy."

Serenity was suddenly reminded by the protagonist, Winston Valiant. Maybe the king did notice Winston's intentions and wanted for him to realize it through these type of lessons.

"Also, the main reason why I ask you to do this it's because i'm just making sure. I've always worried about my first son's safety. So if ever something were to happen to him, atleast one of the other three princes could easily replace him."

The once joyous atmosphere immediately became gloomy causing Serenity to scold herself for asking such a question. It's a good thing though that they already reached the library causing her to sigh with relief.

"I've already informed them about your arrival. You can just go in right now." The king said whilst pointing at the door.

Serenity only looked at the king and muttered, "Sorry for earlier."

Laughing loudly, the king patted Serenity's shoulders reassuringly, "It's okay. I know you meant no harm when you asked the question earlier."

He then pushed the doors to the library open and gave Serenity an encouraging smile before walking away, "Good luck."

Walking inside the library, Serenity stopped in her tracks due to what she saw.

In the middle of the library is a scenery that seems to be ripped straight out of a painting. A long couch with a deep wine color is in the middle and seated on it are the three princes. Behind the couch is a floor to ceiling window which gives out this bright light causing the princes to look even more ethereal if possible.