Triune: The broken path

"Hey Garrick, I need a favor," Kael said as they returned to their room.

"I'm listening, Crown Prince," Garrick replied. He seemed to be in a good mood, pleased that the arrogant princess had been taught a lesson.

"I need you to locate the secret intelligence organization in this kingdom. You have until dusk," Kael instructed firmly. Garrick nodded in understanding.

"Take care of yourself, Crown Prince," Garrick said before disappearing. Kael smirked slightly.

One thing Kael appreciated about Garrick was his unwavering obedience. He never questioned orders or meddled in matters beyond his station. Perhaps Garrick didn't see Kael as a friend yet, but that didn't matter. Kael had bigger plans in motion. The first step was to eliminate the Son of Destiny which he had did and kept him busy, but his next move was equally important.

Back in Eryndor, Kael had uncovered the existence of a secret intelligence agency that operated within every kingdom. This shadowy organization was so discreet that even the most powerful leaders seemed unaware of its true reach. Protected by aristocrats and royal families, the agency wielded significant influence, providing intelligence while remaining untouchable.

Through this organization, Kael had learned of a man in the Jimi Kingdom—a disgraced general now known as the "Drunken Warlord." Once a formidable figure, he had been reduced to a shadow of his former self, drowning in wine and obscurity. Kael knew that to find this man, there was only one logical place to start: an inn.

*****

At a Secluded Inn in the Jimi Kingdom

Kael entered the shabby establishment dressed as a commoner, his face partially concealed by a cloth. The inn was quiet, nearly abandoned. In the far corner, a single man sat nursing a jar of wine. His unkempt hair and disheveled beard gave him the appearance of a beggar rather than a once-feared general.

Kael approached the counter, glancing around for any sign of staff.

"Hello? Anyone here?" he called out. There was no reply.

"You're wasting your breath," came a slurred voice from the corner. "No one's been here for two years. The owners died, and no one's dared to take over while I'm around. Sit down, stranger. Consider this fate."

Kael glanced at the drunken man and sighed before making his way to the table. He sat across from him, studying the man carefully.

"Shouldn't this place be closed if the owners are gone?" Kael asked, starting the conversation.

The man smirked lazily. "It should be, but no one's bold enough to shut it down as long as I'm here."

"Interesting. You must be someone important to keep this place running," Kael remarked, a subtle smile playing on his lips.

The man chuckled. "Let's just say I have some...influence in this kingdom." He tipped the jar to his lips, only to find it empty. He coughed and set it down. "You're a traveler, aren't you? Your clothes give it away. Just passing through?"

"Not quite. I've been traveling for a long time and decided to settle down here," Kael said smoothly.

"Heh, I see. Starting fresh in a new place can be tough," the man said with a wistful smile.

"True, but that's not why I'm here. I came for a drink," Kael replied with a sigh.

The man laughed bitterly. "Bad timing, kid. I just finished the last of the wine."

Kael chuckled softly. "Not a problem. I always carry my own wine when I travel." He reached into the bag slung across his body and produced a large wine jar.

The man's eyes lit up with interest. "A good lad indeed! Care to share?"

"Why not? Let's drink," Kael said, pouring the wine. He kept his face partially hidden, only revealing his eyes and mouth.

The two drank and chatted, laughter filling the quiet inn. Eventually, the man began to open up, sharing his tragic story. He was once a revered general, but during a border conflict, his entire family had been slaughtered in a surprise attack. The devastation had driven him to madness, and though he led his army to victory, it came at the cost of his sanity. Since then, he had spent his days drowning his grief in alcohol.

"You shouldn't waste your life like this, old man," Kael advised, his voice soft and measured. The alcohol was starting to affect him, and his words were slightly slurred.

The man sighed deeply. "What do you know, kid? I have nothing left. No reason to live."

"Can't you marry again? Start a new family?" Kael asked, puzzled by the man's defeatist attitude.

"It's not that simple," the man said with a bitter smile. "When you truly love someone, you can't just replace them. Every moment, I see her face...my children's faces. The guilt...the blame...it never goes away."

Listening to this pulled a string in Kael's heart. This was love—true love. They say once a man truly loves a woman, it is for eternity, and they are right.

"Old man, I respect you. I hope one day I can find a lady I love as deeply as you love your wife," Kael said with a sigh.

"Ah, you will. The Jimi Kingdom has plenty of good women, lad," the drunken warlord said with a grin.

Kael lifted his jar to drink and realized the wine was gone.

"Sigh… Old man, I didn't plan to drink this wine, but... blech... since I met you, it must be fate. Let's share this wine together," Kael said, and the drunken warlord's eyes lit up with excitement.

Kael took out a small jar and placed it on the table. The drunken warlord stared at it in shock. In the world of wine lovers, the smaller the jar, the more expensive, exquisite, and elegant the wine.

"You… young lad," the old man stammered.

"It's fine, old man. Take it as a gift from me to you," Kael said with a meaningful smile.

The old man smiled without hesitation and opened the jar, but he was stunned again. The color, aroma, and visual appeal of the wine left him speechless. Even in his prime, with all his wealth, he could never afford something like this.

"Young lad, this…" the drunken warlord began.

"Haha, it's nothing. Let's drink," Kael said, taking the first sip. The drunken warlord smiled and joined him. Together, they enjoyed the rare drink, laughing and talking about everything.

Finally, the wine was gone, and Kael was preparing to leave when the drunken warlord spoke.

"Young lad, what you did was commendable. Ask for anything—I still have some influence in this kingdom," the drunken warlord said with a smile.

"Finally, after all that drinking, he's asking," Kael thought, relieved.

"Old man, what I want is big. Bigger than you could imagine. What I want… is your life. Will you give it to me when the time comes?" Kael asked as he stood up.

The drunken warlord's cheerful expression turned grim. Though he often said he had no reason to live, the idea of actually dying was another matter entirely.

The silence made Kael sigh. "I guess this plan failed," he thought, a bittersweet expression on his face.

"Thank you for your companionship," Kael said, turning to leave. The drunken warlord remained quiet.

Just as Kael reached the door and was about to open it, the drunken warlord spoke.

"Kid, I don't like owing favors, and I respect you for being direct. I've lived long enough—I want to see my family again," the drunken warlord said.

A dark golden crest was tossed to Kael, who caught it effortlessly. He examined it and saw the name engraved on the back:

"General Rygar Thorne."

"Lad, I expect you to take my life someday. Don't keep me waiting too long," the drunken warlord said.

"Thank you, old man," Kael replied with a smile, and the drunken warlord nodded.

As Kael left, he stumbled slightly, feeling dizzy. "I'll never try this again. I'm just glad the crown prince has a high tolerance for alcohol, or I'd be toast," Kael thought, walking unsteadily back to the palace.

Many citizens cast curious glances at him, and though Kael was an old soul, he still felt embarrassed.

Finally, he reached the palace gates.

"Go back! This is the palace," a guard said, preparing to push him away.

"It's me, the crown prince," Kael said, pulling down the cloth covering his face.

The guard froze at the sight of Kael's porcelain-like features and hurriedly bowed.

"Welcome back, Crown Prince. I hope you enjoyed your outing," one of the guards said.

"Yep," Kael replied, belching as he walked in.

**********

In the Princess's Chambers

A female warrior entered and reported to Princess Kim.

"Your Highness, the Crown Prince has returned, but…" The warrior hesitated, clearly nervous.

"But what? Tell me," Kim demanded.

"I'm afraid he seems to have visited an inn or a brothel… He came back to the palace drunk," the warrior said cautiously.

Kim's expression darkened.

"Alright, continue monitoring him," she ordered.

"Yes, Your Highness," the warrior replied, bowing before leaving.

Kim leaned back in frustration.

"This… Is this the man I'm supposed to marry in a month? No, that can't happen. He looks like a doll, but he's so foolish. If it were his companion instead, I could understand, but him? He's utterly reckless. Yet… can I go back on my word?" Kim thought, deeply distressed.

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