Chapter 98: SS33 – Amin – Providence

After ending the call with Amara, Amin sat up on the bed. 

Amara actually ended up making contact with us. 

The initial surprise over the fact that she was a human had already faded. However, the implications of that fact were instead what was on his mind.

The gods have indeed abandoned us. Alarice included.

Amin closed his eyes as he rested with his elbows on his knees. Strangely, he felt a sense of relief. 

We were taught to stand on our own by Alarice so long ago...but only we, her followers remember. Of course, we always intended to stand without the gods’ help, but...now it’s confirmed that we’re on our own.

{[Just look at them, they’re losing the war!] (Amara)}

Amin knit his brows as he recalled what Amara had said while she was ranting privately. The fact that the gods had brokered an armistice with the demons had already made speculations rise that the gods were on the defensive - and not as omnipotent as many were inclined to believe. 

Amara…

Amin felt complicated as he tried to imagine the lively woman that was supposed to be their new protector. He had a hard time putting her on a pedestal, like he first expected he might have done towards their new goddess. And most of that was because Amara didn’t fit the description of a wise, strong ruler that Amin had of the gods.

After all, the mental connection they had shared was quite intimate. Her personality had been disclosed to him, as he had received not just words, but also memories, thoughts...and emotions. It was all chaotic and undirected, which was the complete opposite to the figures of power he was used to. Despite that they had met only several hours prior, Amin thought that Amara was someone he understood just as well as those he had known for years.

I wonder how much she was able to find out about me. Not that it really matters.

The possibility of having a ruler suddenly influenced by a mental attack was always a source of concern. Therefore, all members of the royal family - and many prominent nobles - had to receive training against mental attacks. Both in order to prevent spying magicians from obtaining information and prevent the rulers from becoming puppets. As Amin had grown up in the shadows of the monarchy, he had received that same training - even if he only learned the basics, since he wasn’t expected to ever end up in a position of power. 

But that training wasn’t perfect - it was more about creating a disciplined mind. Secrets couldn’t be revealed if the one wasn’t thinking about them. Although mental-type magicians who were even capable of that kind of spying were notoriously rare, the threat they posed was to great to overlook. Magicians versed in the arts of mind magic often ended up having ties with demons, and there was even a king in the past that had become a puppet to such a magician. However, if one was sure of who they were and what they stood for, manipulation could be discovered and limited to a certain extent. 

I suppose my saving grace is that Amara is unable to speak with anyone else.

Although he wasn’t sure how much Amara managed to find out about him, he knew one thing - she wasn’t a magician that had been trained in the concept of mental attacks. At least, her undisciplined thoughts during the call made him suspect as much. 

“Haah.” Amin let out a sigh and shook his head. Even if he was tired, he took the time to compile what he knew about Amara.

From her way of speech and her attitude...she’s got to be a commoner. Which might make some people less inclined to respect her. Not that she seems to care that much whether people do...after all, she-

Amin frowned as he tried to recall all the things he had felt, as well as been told through the connection. Anger towards the gods. Frustration about being helpless about her situation. Hope, as well as a faint anxiety, about how he and the people of Teyrin would react towards her - even if she said she didn’t care. Guilt over having made Amin her mouthpiece. 

And a near obsessive desire towards a small woman with pastel pink hair, and large white wings. 

{[We were pretty close when we rolled in bed last night.] (Amara)}

Amin’s face heated up as he recalled the scene that had flashed through his mind as she said it. 

What kind of society is she from, really? Sure, I’ve heard women speak with such...confidence, but they were all found in brothels.

Or are commoners like that here too? I’ve never met one that is, at least...the commoners try to mirror the behaviour of the nobles, after all.

But noblewomen? Never. Yes, perhaps while gossiping about others...but not about themselves. 

I don’t know. Even if she is human, I somehow expected our protector to be a little bit more...refined.

Although… Amin smiled wryly and shook his head. She's interested in women. That might have something to do with it. 

The people that say that desire for someone of the same sex is the work of demons are in for a treat. It'd be fun to see them say that Amara is in league with the demons, when she symbolizes our fight against them. 

Not that I really believed it to begin with. Alarice never said anything on the matter.

...Alarice.

Amin rested his chin on his fist. If they have a bad relationship...who do I follow?

From what I know about Alarice, she only cares about the fight against demons. Amara...while she claims their conflict is because of her involvement with Ezme, I have a hard time believing that’s the full story. 

Amara probably did something else that she doesn’t want to admit. But…

Amin frowned as he tried to remember what Amara had said and felt at the time. No. Amara honestly believed the treatment she receives is unjust. 

Or is that only because she was angry over becoming our protector?

Amin let out a sigh. I don’t know. But maybe it doesn’t matter, since they both stand against the demons. 

But...although they have some similarities, they are hardly the same. 

Amin sighed. Really, Amara hasn’t taken her role as our guardian seriously. Yes, she’s been preparing but...I don’t think wholeheartedly.

The feeling I get from her...is that of a child that’s been given a sword. Happily swinging it around as if it’s a toy, but still weak and clueless about how to wield it...although, she says that she can defeat demons single handedly.

But she wants to completely forget the reason she was given the sword in the first place, because she’s unhappy that her daddy told her she’ll one day need to go to war.

...This is who I - we, need to rely on to defeat the demon lord?

Amin buried his face in his hands. Even if Amara held the stance that she wouldn’t help the people of Teyrin without receiving help in return, he knew that she was still anxious. Amara wanted their help, but she wasn’t going to put excessive effort into making them help her. 

She’s quite confident in the knowledge she possesses. Although she showed me her memories...without context, most of it was just confusing. Surreal.

...Is she really human? 

Amin uncovered his faze and looked out at the brightening sky through the window. As soon as he had found out that Amara was human, he had still expected her to in some way be different from the people he could see on the streets. After all, there had to be some reason she became their protector.

And sure enough, her background and the knowledge she possessed confirmed such suspicions for him. Amin also doubted that he had been alone with such thoughts - Andrew, the city lord, had been quite contrarious during the meeting. However, since Amin knew that a lot of the city lord’s troubles would be solved - the unrest of the people as a result of a lack of answers and increasing number of drawn conclusions. Merely by Amara making contact with them, he’d see the people soothed. So most of his actions were likely an effort to probe her.

Well, at least she’s not naive. Judging by how she reacted when she found out I was a spy, it seems she understands that human society isn’t like some idealistic dream that some others do. If she’d been someone that expected everyone to just hold hands, be friends and prepare to fight the demons...I’d probably laugh.

Amin thought that Amara’s stance on exchanging help with the people on Teyrin was a smart move, even if it was coincidental. Amara had made no secret of the fact that she wasn’t just unable to rule them directly, but she wasn’t allowed to either because of the rules of the armistice. Instead, she would take on the role akin to an advisor - an external guide, that they could turn to if they so wished. 

Amin had a feeling that even if the rule that forbade her from ruling them directly didn’t exist, she would have adopted the same stance. So in essence, she suffered no real loss because of it.

...She probably understands that I’m intending to use her.

Amin’s choice to act as Amara’s mouthpiece was twofold. The fact that Amara needed his help, and that he wished to help her prepare the people of Teyrin to fight against the demons, was only a small part of it. 

The greater part was to obtain benefits for the Alarice Kingdom, and for Her Majesty.

I’ll have to refer to Her Majesty’s judgement on what we should do. I have a feeling I’ll not just be helping Amara as her mouthpiece, but also have to spur her to do her job.

I wonder how Her Majesty will react when she finds out. I’ll probably no longer be able to operate in the dark. 

Amin closed his eyes as he thought he had a good picture of who Amara was, and thought it was time to inform the queen.

Normally, it would take weeks to send a message. But with this new skill that Amara gave me, it should be simple enough...although I probably can’t contact her directly. 

I wonder if the skill works even if I don’t know the name of the person I’m calling? 

...Let’s see if this works. Make A Call: Teacher.

As soon as the call connected, the image of scarred hands grinding herbs in a mortel entered his mind. Almost immediately the hands stopped and his sight was replaced by a dark, stone wall.

Amin smiled wryly at how quickly the old man had reacted. [Teacher. It’s me, Amin.] 

Teacher thoughts were still while he replied slowly. “I don’t know of anyone by that name.”

Amin snorted. [When the foreign princess visited three years ago, you gave me the task of breaking into her chambers. Of course, I know that ‘test’ was only an excuse so you could obtain another trophy for your collection.]

“Excuse?! Don’t toy with me, boy!” Teacher snarled and slammed his hand on the table. “It was an important milestone in your education!”

[Right, of course.] Amin chuckled. [You wouldn’t happen to be wearing them right now?] 

“Shut your mouth, boy!” Teacher growled and returned his gaze to the mortel and continued grinding herbs. “Now, how and why are you able to contact me like this? I don’t think you ever learnt magic.” 

Amin grinned as his teacher avoided the subject. [Amara has made contact. She made me her mouthpiece.]

The following conversation was short. Amin only briefly explained that Amara was a human, what she was like and what her stance was, and mentioned that in a few weeks they would be getting an invitation for the conference.

“Alright.” Teacher put his chin against his chest. “Does anyone know of your affiliation with us?”

[Only Amara is aware. And she can’t tell anyone. But the pope or the city lord might be able to connect the dots eventually.] Amin replied.

“Good. Keep it that way for now.” Teacher let out a sigh. “I’ll inform Her Majesty. You can contact me like this whenever you want to, right?”

[Yes.] (Amin)

“Good.” Teacher replied. ”Contact me again, same time tomorrow. Now get out of my head.”

Amin smiled wryly. [Yes, teacher.]

After ending the call, Amin let out a sigh and started to undress. Looks like I’ll have another long day tomorrow.

But...it might also be amusing. Even if she’s strange. Or maybe, because of it.

 

 

_______________

 

 

The following day continued the lengthy meeting. Amara elaborated about her plans, including some kind of cross-world teleportation gate network she hoped to implement in the future. 

She also explained that if she managed to make something like that a reality, she hoped that they would be able to move people between worlds freely - and more importantly, soldiers, when the time came.

Amara also wondered whether Aleesha and her companions would be willing to continue traveling to new worlds in her domain. The elf had first been hesitant, and said that she would need to discuss the matter with both the leadership of her people, as well hold a private meeting with Amara before she could give an answer.

And privately, of course meaning Amara, Amin and the elves discussing it alone. But since they had plenty of other matters to discuss beforehand, Amara promised that she would fulfill the request for a meeting later.

They paused the meeting for a break in the late afternoon in order for everyone to have a meal and stretch their legs, as well letting the elves refill their mana for their translation spells. As everyone except for Andrew were eating, who disappeared to handle some of his other duties, Amin noticed how one of the elves - Zandell, was looking at his plate, her nose wrinkled in disgust. “Is something wrong?”

Aleesha looked up from her own provisions that she was eating, her eyes moving between the elf’s expression and Amin’s plate. Seemingly understanding what was going on, Aleesha looked at her escort sternly. “Zanadell. You’re being rude.”

Zanadell met Aleesha’s gaze and snorted before averting her eyes as she forced her expression to soften. Although, her nose still twitched from time to time.

Aleesha smiled faintly and let out a sigh as she turned to Amin. “I apologize for her behaviour.”

“It’s fine, but…” Amin raised an eyebrow in confusion. “...What was that all about?”

Aleesha’s lips twisted as she fell into thought. “...The people of Whildernae cherish life above all else. All life.” 

Aleesha gestured towards his plate without looking at it. “Therefore, to have...meat...on your plate, is something that we would consider…”

As Aleesha’s voice faded while she was looking for the right word, Zanadell interjected with a mutter. “Murder.”

Aleesha glanced at her before letting out a faint sigh and smiled at Amin. “That would be the essence of it, yes.”

Amin frowned and glanced down at his plate. They don’t eat meat? At all?

Murder? That’s a bit extreme...it’s meat from animals, not intelligent beings.

“Ahem.” The pope suddenly coughed as he entered the conversation. “Then what about those fruits that you eat? Are they not considered life as well?”

Vandelor smiled with amusement as he spoke. “Sure they are. But they are supposed to be eaten. By eating them, we help life spread its seeds.”

After the other two elves nodded in agreement, an awkward silence fell into the room. 

“If it’s offensive to you, then you’re not really showing it.” Amin broke the silence as he looked at Aleesha before nodding towards Vandelor. “And neither is he.”

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“I’m the envoy of our people, so I must not let cultural differences on a diplomatic mission become a cause for strain between us. And Vandelor...has interacted with humans before.” Aleesha said with a faint smile before she paused. “After all, I doubt you would take kindly to foreigners arriving and suddenly begin dictating how you should live your lives, even if they have the moral high ground.”

Amin was about to reply when he suddenly received the call from Amara. [Amara? I thought-] 

Amara cut him off with an amused exclamation. [Stand at attention, mortal! Fluffles, the goddess of jealousy, has come for an inspection!] 

Amin furrowed his brow in confusion. [Goddess of...what?]

“Amin? Did I say something wrong?” Aleesha asked with an anxious expression as she tilted her head. 

Amin quickly shook his head and drew a breath to respond, just as the image of the short woman standing with her arms crossed flashed through his mind. [“He could be considered handsome.” (Ezme)]

Amin covered his mouth as he bent down to cough the saliva that had gone down the wrong pipe. As he was regaining his composure, another image entered his mind - this time, of himself, in the conference room during the night when Amara had first made contact. [“I suppose he could. Maybe even a bit cute when he’s blushing.”]

[I don't blush!!] Amin immediately retorted as his face heated up. Although he knew that was wrong. Everybody blushed.

But he was sure he didn’t look the way that appeared in Amara’s memory. [I don’t look like that when I blush!]

[Now, which one is it? And how would you know? Do you practise blushing in front of a mirror or something?] Amara teased.

“...It’s Amara, I presume?” Aleesha suddenly said, bringing his attention back to his surroundings.

Amin nodded as his face burned with embarrassment and frustration towards the woman in his head, averting his gaze from the elf that now probably had seen his embarrassing appearance that was at least similar to the image he had seen in his mind.

[“Are you jealous?”] (Amara)

What? Is she asking m-

Before he could finish the thought, the image of an angel averting her eyes flashed before his eyes. [“N-no!” (Ezme)]

[...Adorable.] (Amara)

Can’t deny th- Amin’s thoughts were interrupted as the sensation of the warmth from the goddess’ cheek against Amara’s cupped hand was transmitted through the call.  

[“I only want you, Fluffles.”] (Amara)

A shiver ran through Amin’s spine as he heard the voice laced with affection that wasn’t even intended for him. Realizing that Amara had no qualms about shamelessly flirting, with him as a witness, didn’t make the situation better. [Urgh, at least spare me-]

Another image of the goddess, this time with a strange smile, came through the call. [“You better.” (Ezme)]

Realizing that the goddess hadn’t reacted in any way he would have expected to the strange nickname, his jaw fell open. [-Wait, what?! She really doesn’t mind being called that?!] 

[Oh, you’re still here? Stop peeping!] Amara retorted.

[I’m not peeping! You’re the one who called-] Amin protested when he was interrupted.

[I’ll be exploring divinity for the next few hours, so don’t call me!] Amara’s playful voice resounded in his head, accompanied with the image of pink hair sprawled over satin sheets.

[Y-you…] Amin covered his heated face and attempted not to linger on the indecent scenery playing out in his mind. Realizing the implication of Amara’s words a moment later, he called out. [Hey! What about the meeting?!] 

As he received no reply of any kind, he realized Amara had cancelled the call. 

...Damned...is there no limit to her indecency? 

And is she really just going to ignore the meeting to indulge her carnal desires?! She’s completely hopeless-

“Amin? What happened?” Aleesha asked as she seemingly noticed that Amin’s strange series of facial expressions had ended.

Amin let out a sigh. “...Amara will not be available for the next few hours.”

Aleesha raised an eyebrow. “Why?”

Amin hesitated as he realized that all eyes in the room were now staring at him. “Well...she’ll be busy exploring divinity.”

The time it took to realize what he meant was different for every person. Aleesha was the first to pick up on the euphemism, and suddenly coughed awkwardly. 

“What?! Amara has a lover?!” Campbell suddenly exclaimed as he rose from his seat and stared at him. “Who? Is it of the gods?”

Right...I haven’t told them. Amin nodded. “Her name is Ezme.”

“Ezme? I don’t think I’ve heard-” The pope suddenly blinked a few times in realization. “Wait, isn’t Amara a woman?”

“...She is.” Amin let out a sigh and shook his head with a faint smile. 

“Then…” Campbell’s voice faded at the obvious conclusion and sat down in his seat with glassy eyes. “Huh.”

“...Is there something strange about it?” Aleesha asked in confusion as she looked between the two. 

“W-well…” The pope stammered at the unexpected question. 

Amin smiled wryly. “There are those who say that it is...unnatural to consort with those of the same sex. Some even go as far as to say that those that do are either possessed or wilfully working with the demons.”

Zanadell, who was normally as silent as a wallflower, suddenly burst out into laughter and ended up drawing everybody’s attention. “Haah...that’s stupid.”

“Indeed.” Vandelor spoke with amusement. “If Amara’s lover is one of the gods, and they are both female, then it really proves how little substance there is to such claims. How could anyone come to such conclusions, I wonder?”

Amin glanced at Aleesha, and saw that although she held the usual, diplomatic smile on her face, she seemed to agree with the opinion of the other elves on the matter. After coughing into his fist he spoke. “I don’t think most people believe that...perhaps just that it’s...strange, since it’s uncommon.”

Vandelor raised an eyebrow. “It’s strange because it’s uncommon?”

The pope suddenly cleared his throat and rejoined the conversation confidently. “For most people, it is difficult to comprehend the...desire, for someone of the same sex. Therefore, they find it strange.”

Vandelor tilted his head with an amused smile. “And therefore it's justified to demonize them? Because they can’t understand them?”

“I suppose it is not.” The pope admitted with a smile. “But fear is often born from a lack of understanding. And fear can make us do terrible things.”

Vandelor’s smile grew until it bordered on mocking. “I don’t see how others' choice of lovers can be a cause for fear. The only time one has a right to be concerned at all, is when you find the partner of someone you care about to be of questionable character. And even then, all you have the right to do is raise those conce-”

“Anac dolah.” Aleesha suddenly said sharply.

Amin’s eyes widened as Aleesha started speaking in her mother tongue. Although he wasn’t sure what she was saying, he understood that she was rebuking the other two - mostly Vandelor, who only gave a single, short nod. 

After saying a few more lines in her soothing voice, Amin almost felt regretful when Aleesha raised her hand to recast her translation spell. 

“I apologize for my companions.” Aleesha said with a faint smile. “Although I agree with their stance, it is not our place to tell you what is right and wrong. After all, I suspect many of your...views are different from ours as a result of the differences between our cultures. Cultures that have arisen over time by the nature of our race.”

“...It’s fine. And you speak the truth.” Campbell cleared his throat. “We humans have many flaws, and we often have a variety of different opinions on the same matter. I’m sure you elves too, are similar. Mistakes you have made, as a people, because you didn’t know any better. Or divided opinions on matters where you believe such divisions are illogical or foolish.”

As he was watching her, Amin noticed that Aleesha’s eyes widened. For a moment her mouth fell open to say something, before she composed herself and said with her usual smile. “Indeed.”

Aleesha turned her eyes to Vandelor, as if what the pope had said proved the point of whatever she had told him in elvish. Vandlor met her gaze and nodded as he echoed her words. “Indeed.”

“Well, then.” Campbell let out a chuckle as he leaned back in his chair. “Since Amara is human, perhaps she can at least tell us how society in her homeworld differed from ours...who knows what’s next? Maybe she will tell us that fornication is acceptable!”

Amin had an unamused smile on his face as the pope laughed awkwardly to himself. 

In the meantime, the elves looked at each other in confusion, Zanadell and Vandelor both shrugging before Aleesha turned her gaze back to Campbell and Amin. “Sorry, but...what is fornication?”

Amin and Campbell both looked at the elves with surprise, before the pope began explaining while coughing into his fist. “Ahem! Well...it means to have intercourse outside of marriage.”

Thanks old man. Amin smiled wryly as he noticed that once again the elves looked at eachother.

Wait...don’t tell me…

“What is marriage?” Aleesha asked as she tilted her head. 

 

 

_______________

 

 

“How irresponsible can you be?!” Andrew growled when Amara finally joined the meeting. “You’re supposed to be our protector! Even if you don’t care about us, it doesn’t justify you abandoning the duties of the position you’re in! Or are you so depraved-”

“Stop glaring at me.” Amin snarled back with his arms crossed. “I’m just the messenger.”

“That’s-right. I apologize, Amin.” Andrew let out a sigh to calm himself and averted his gaze.

Through the call, Amin sensed how Amara’s emotions were like a dark cloud. Although he felt it might be harsh, he thought it was important to second the city lord’s opinion in order to get the message across. [He’s right, you know. You need to take your role more seriously.]

[Shut your piehole, Amin.] Amara’s moody response immediately came as if his words had rebounded. After brooding for a little longer, she continued. [I don’t get to see her often.]

As Amin repeated her words with a sigh, Andrew immediately growled. “What kind of excuse is that?!”

[Why do you have tea and cookies on the table?] Amara’s response came.

Andrew frowned. “I don’t see how that’s related.”

[Indulge me.] (Amara)

After they exchanged glances, the pope cleared his throat. “Well...we need sustenance. It is so that we don’t need to leave the room to sate our needs, and would be able to continue until the meeting is concluded.”

[If that’s the case, why not have water and bread?] Amara snorted in Amin’s mind. [It’s not just for sustenance. They are there as a moral boost, so you can keep your spirits up through the dreary parts of the meeting. Right?]

“...I suppose?” The pope suggested in response.

[I don’t need to eat or drink. I don’t even need sleep. If I was skilled enough with magic, I wouldn’t need to bathe either. Should I abandon all the pleasures in life, just because I don’t need them to survive?] Amara snarled as her anger entered her voice. [Do you expect me to become soulless just because I was made champion? And unlike how it's for you guys, Fluffles isn’t going to meet me at home at the end of the day. She goes out for weeks or months at a time. Once she was gone for over a year! For all I know she could be gone tomorrow, and not be back for a decade! So you can be damn sure that I’m going to bang her every chance I get when she’s here!]

Amin had to calm himself before repeating the words as the anger he had felt from Amara during her rant affected him. When he was done repeating her words, the room fell into an awkward silence.

“Ahem.” Campbell cleared his throat awkwardly. “I suppose we aren’t suggesting you give up on such things.”

[If you did, I’d rather give up on you.] Amara muttered moodily.

Campbell smiled awkwardly and glanced at Andrew, who had leaned back in his seat with a thoughtful expression. “...In any event, we realized today that we don’t know that much about you, Amara. We have only discussed your plans for us and the reason behind the armistice, but not you. Would you be willing to tell us your story?”

[...There’s not really much to tell beyond what you already know.] Amara replied.

“I doubt that.” The pope said with a smile. “I’m sure we are all curious about what made the gods choose you as our protector...and the society that produced such an individual.”

While the others present nodded in agreement, Amara snorted in Amin’s mind. [Earth was abandoned by God and the angels.]

Amin’s eyes widened in shock as the words sank in. [...What? Abandoned?]

[And I was chosen because I didn’t believe in god. Or for thinking that if he did, that he was useless.] Amara continued.

As disbelief washed over him, Amin pinched the bridge of his nose. 

“Amin?” Aleesha tilted her in confusion over his actions. “What did she say?”

Amin let out a sigh. ...This doesn’t make any sense.

[You can say that again.] (Amara) 

Amin pinched harder as his emotions boiled over. [...Why would they choose you? Wouldn’t it have been better for them to get someone who wanted the role?]

[Wow, thanks for that. I can just feel the love and appreciation all around me.] Amara replied with faint amusement in her voice. [Anyway, I think that was the intention. But Fluffles ended up killing me by accident, and then they just rolled with it. And here we are.]

What the… Amin covered his face with his palm as he didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. What is this? A bloody comedy?

[Yep. Literally.] Amara replied dryly.

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