Silent Crown

‘Knights Templar of Hospital’, that was what the adults called it. The child has only seen them once. It was a pity that they were stationed too far away from here. Typically, one would have to follow the path towards the west for half a month and pass through the vast desert before being able to find them in a small oasis.

The desert was full of danger. That was what the adults told him, so the child was planning to wait till he was older before going forth to find those majestic knights. Just like in the stories, he would serve as their squire, help them to sharpen their long swords, polish their boots, pick up some abilities and undergo tough training. One day, they would acknowledge him and that was when he would also become a member of the knights.

But he could wait no longer. He was still six years away from being 14 years old. He looked up at the burning sun as he waved the wooden sword in his hands. Six more years.

When he turned back, he saw a small black dot from far away. Someone was approaching. That person was riding on a horse but the clipping of the horse’s hooves sounded weak and tired. As they got nearer, the child realized that the person on horseback was very old. He was wearing an old and torn robe and looked like a beggar, as his beard was messy and his face looked dirty. He looked neither impressive nor strong. He did not look like a knight yet he was riding a horse. When the horse, which was covered with spots of mud and dust, came nearer, the old knight looked to be in terrible shape and was barely breathing.

“Water…” The frail old knight looked at him and pleaded, “Please give me a bowl of water.”

He ruffled around his robe and took out two copper coins that were covered with sweat and dirt. The child hesitated before accepting the coins and running away. After some time, he came back with a bowl of water. The water was taken from a well that was dug out from saline-alkaline soil so the water tasted bitter. Some of the water has been spilled along the way as the child ran all the way back. Nevertheless, when the old knight accepted the bowl of water, he treated it as if it was treasure and drank it in large gulps. He drank half of the water before hesitating and eventually deciding to get down his horse and feeding his horse the rest of the water.

It was only now that the child noticed that beneath the dirt and dust, the horse actually seemed to be dark green in color. Strangely enough, it was the same color as the old knight’s robe. The strange horse rolled its eyes and looked at the child before licking him suddenly. The old knight laughed and caressed the horse’s head, “It likes you.”

The child touched the saliva on his face and seemed to be in a daze. The old knight carefully licked the remaining water droplets in the bowl before wiping his mouth and beard clean. His voice was still hoarse, “May I know where is the next village?”

“Towards the north. It will take two days of travelling. It is very far away.” The child pointed into the distance and looked at the old knight’s bag of money, “You can take a rest first. You can stay in my house tonight. My house has a clean guest room and there is warm water and dinner. It will only cost five coins.”

It was an affordable price but the old knight hesitated before shaking his head and replying in his hoarse voice, “I don’t have time.”

With that, he patted the horse’s head and the horse slowly rode towards the north. The child was a little disappointed. It was rare to see any foreigners in this place.

“Are you leaving now?” He asked, “Where are you going?”

“To the next destination,” the old knight said, “And then the next.”

—

After three hours, a thunderous sound could be heard from far away. The ground shook. Burning metal armor formed silhouettes in the hot sunlight and the cloaks of the scarlet crusade blew in the wind.

The knights on horseback were covered in dust and their lips were dried and cracked. In the empty village, there was only a broken wooden worse. The little boy on the wooden horse was gone. There was a disgusting and filthy smell deep into the village. Green houseflies were dancing in the wind and there seemed to be the sounds of a beast that was chewing and crunching on something.

The swordsman that was leading the way dismounted from his horse and drew out his long sword before entering the village. Soon after, he came out with a small head in his hands. It looked like a small child but his face was covered with black spots and there was dried blood at the corner of his mouth.

“Captain Bain, we were too late.”

The swordsman replied hoarsely, “‘The plague’ has been here.” Amongst the knights, a silent man waved his hand and another group of knights dismounted. They walked into the village with ‘shower heads’ in their hands.

Very soon, a blazing fire rose from the village as the beast cried out in despair. Under the hot sun, the entire village seemed to be shining and looked as if it could fuse with the sun. Black whirls of smoke rose and looked like a pillar of disaster that was holding up the sky. The crows that have flown over from far could only fly around in circles in disappointment. They cawed and croaked with all their might, as if they were cursing.

“Let’s go.” Bain turned his horse around and looked at the imprints of hooves on the dry mud.

His voice was hoarse, like burnt metal, “Let’s move on to the next destination, and then the next.”

—

After realizing that the old nun could cook, Ye Qingxuan quickly discovered another strength of hers, which was that she was hardworking and skillful with her hands. Even in a place as desolated as the Ultimate, she continued to be able to make full use of whatever resources that were available to her, such as weaving the dried weeds in the corners of the walls into some sort of cushion.

As a result, the Masters finally departed from sitting on the cold floor and upgraded to sitting on the warm cushions. With food to eat and cushions to sit on, life immediately became happier and more bearable. Even in a place like the Ultimate, everyone could still afford to find some sort of comfort.

Even though she has lost the power of Schubert, it was clear that the old nun did not wish to become a burden that needed to be taken care of by others. Instead, she has decided to find ways she could contribute and be useful. She might not have done many things but the few things that she accomplished have always produced satisfactory results. Besides, one should not expect too much.

She might have been a granny in some cloister or a nanny that worked for a rich family, for she has proven to be capable of ensuring that this bunch of troublesome old men were well taken care of. Of course, Ye Qingxuan has also been given a cushion, and it was the best one too. He sat on the only intact stone chair in the entire hall, that has been padded with dried grass, and leaned against the back of the chair, which has been draped with the animal skin that the old men have gifted to him. With the light of the dawn shining in, Ye Qingxuan suddenly felt as if he was some sort of king in the mountains.

It was a pity that his subordinates were a bunch of frail and old men instead of burly and strong robbers… Old men again. He really had no idea why he seemed to have an affinity with old men. Ye Qingxuan sighed and lowered his head as he looked at the music theory pages in his hands.

After a few hours of editing, the prototype of the new Symphony of Predestination has finally been completed. It was only a few pieces of thin paper, yet it was covered in a layer of glow. After the structure has been sealed, the music theory no longer exerted any external gravitational force. The repetitive music theory on the pages have completely distorted the sunlight, binding them around the music notes.

This was the most precious thing about music theory pages. It could demonstrate, inscribe and seal music theories. This meant that this option was possible. Ye Qingxuan breathed a sigh of relief as a smile found its way onto his face.