Chapter 224: Side Story 2: Farewell My Friend

"You wished to see me Count," Desmond said politely as he gave a bow to Esmond. The old man waved him off as he put the paper in his hands down. Pointing to the seat opposite him, Desmond smiled and sat down.

"I’ll cut to the chase. His Majesty is quite impressed with your work." Esmond said bluntly getting a small smile from Desmond.

"But, I failed to..." Esmond raised his hand stopping Desmond in his tracks.

"Mayor. This tragedy that has befallen the Royal Guard Commander was an unforeseen blunder on many parts, not yours alone. If it had been, me and you would not be having a polite conversation." Desmond nodded hearing that having an internal sigh of relief. He had been worried ever since the assassination attempt that he would be one of the many to get cleaned up afterward.

Even taking the meeting with Esmond had him scared out of his mind. "Now," Esmond carried on, "His Majesty right now is not in the best mindset to be able to talk to you, I’m sure you understand. But besides him, I was impressed with you. You are quick, skilled in management, and loyal." Esmond emphasised the final point with a deeper voice.

"You honor me, Count. And His Majesty." Desmond waved him off not bothering to accept thanks for truthful words.

"I’ll ask you this, either option is fine as your role in Far Mile is of importance as one of our key economic and trade hubs." Desmond leaned forward feeling a chance an opportunity. Esmond smiled seeing the display. it wasn’t bad to have ambition as long as it was contained. "In the future, His Majesty may have you moved to a more... important role, one which will put you in close proximity with the Prime Minister."

"As I said this isn’t definite. So I ask you to keep the choice in the back of your mind. Mayor, or a less enriching role but one with more power." Esmond watched as Desmond leaned back and rubbed his mouth. Getting up he nodded. "Your future is bright, don’t ruin it." Desmond got up and bowed as Esmond left the room.

Once out of sight he smiled nearly jumping in joy. He looked around and ran to a drink cabinet pouring himself one. Holding it to the sky he cheered himself before downing its contents.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alfred sat leaning forward as he looked at the door opposite him. His foot bounced unable to contain his nerves. The door opened after what felt like an eternity and quickly Alfred got up and grabbed him. "Tell me? Please." Alfred’s voice was a mix of desperation and hope, but the doctor’s glance away shattered it as he took a step back. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

"We tried everything Your Majesty. The infection, it spread." Alfred nearly crumbled hearing that as his arms fell to his side.

"May I see him, alone?" The doctor gave a small, weak nod as Alfred walked in. "Stay far from the room." He gave a final order before, looking at Chris. He saw puss on his wound as he breathed weakly, still asleep. His heart nearly shattered into pieces as he looked at his friend.

Having to hold himself on the wall his fist clenched in anger at himself as a few small tears left his eyes. "I’m sorry Chris." Alfred fell back as he grabbed his face, his fingers curling around his hair.

It was expected but he got no reply, silence filling the room. Alfred had hoped he would hear him speak, a miracle awakening his friend and everything turning out well. "What’s the point?" Alfred said angrily as he clenched his teeth.

"My knowledge of the other world. What is the point of it all?" Alfred slammed his hand into the wall behind him. "I can’t even create things to save you, Raven, or even help my son." Alfred felt his tears pour out. "I’m not a chemist, a doctor. I’m nothing but a history teacher."

Looking to the ceiling he felt he could see through it, at the sun that hung high in the sky. "Sol." Alfred called out, "If you’re real, tell me why. What’s the point of me even being here? I’ve tried so hard, but everything just keeps going wrong."

His plea fell on deaf ears once again as Alfred sprung up and waved his hand in anger. "FUCK YOU!" His eyes filled with hatred, "I just keep losing things. How much more before you show yourself and tell me what I did wrong to be sent here? How much more do I have to lose before someone tells me why I’m even in this world?"

Once again silence was the only response to his question as Alfred breathed deeply. "I’ll never forgive." The venom in his voice was suffocating. "If you’re real Sol. I will burn your precious Holy Land. Maybe then you will answer my questions."

Alfred’s eyes had long gone bloodshot. His body suddenly went weak no longer even able to contain his anger as he stumbled to Chris. Looking down at his body, he sighed. "My friend." His finger gently hovered over the wound, but he stopped himself and walked to his head.

Resting his forehead on his he smiled. "Thank you. For everything. I promise you. Your life. Your death. It won’t be in vain. I’ll create the future I promised. I’ll see to it." Alfred closed his eyes and rested for a second before pulling himself away.

"I’ve seen the other side. You will be fine." Alfred said bitterly as he struggled to leave. He didn’t want to. He wanted Chris to stand up and follow him out the door like he had done so many times before. He wanted his shield to protect him one last time but knew it wasn’t possible.

Gulping down the saliva in his mouth he eventually took a deep breath. "Goodbye, Chris. May your next life be better than this one." The tears didn’t stop but Alfred paid no attention to it as he looked at Chris one last time. His feet struggled to move, but through sheer willpower, he forced himself to walk. His hand clutched the door handle, wiping his face he nodded, opened it, and left.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Isra sat happily in her room playing with Edward. It was a short moment of peace she enjoyed when acting as regent with Alfred’s leave, but one she made sure to enjoy to the fullest. A knocking on the door interrupted her, however, and created a feeling of dread that she would have to return to work.

Standing up she quickly fixed her appearance. "Enter." Her voice rang out as a servant nervously handed a letter over.

"This came from Far Mile. General Flanders sent it." Isra nodded waving the servant off as she sat on the bed.

"Daisy, hand me the letter opener." The maid moved quickly, handing it to Isra. Looking at the letter she could see the urgency and speed William wrote with.

’Forgive me, Empress. I shall be returning to Brookhaven in the coming days and sent this ahead. I need you to prepare material for the press His Majesty has created. I can’t risk asking others for this.’

’But there is a greater matter.’ Isra could see the pen was held away longer after writing that as if William didn’t wish to write what was coming next. ’Chris, has been wounded and it is believed he will not live.’

Her hand froze as her eyes read those words. The letter nearly fell out of her hand and breathing got heavier. "Chris." She quietly muttered under her breath as she thought about the man but pulled her attention back to the letter.

’His Majesty is fine, but I’m sure you understand better how he will be after this. Forgive me for giving the news like this but you understand.’ Isra gulped as she nodded as if William had personally told her in person.

Dropping the letter to the ground she fell on her bed and looked up. "Alfred." The worry was evident in her voice as she smiled sadly. "I’m sorry."