New way of life

Studying, something I thought I will never do again. I actually don't remember that much from my years in public education system. Only thing I do remember is that it was a pain in the ass. And with Anton, it's no different. Their language is more complicated and in-depth than I initially thought. And, while it didn't bother me that much, as Imperial language was much more complicated, the thing that annoyed me most were the letters and their pronounciation. It was something I have never seen before, so getting used to using them proved to be hard.

Anton also started teaching me about social hierarchy here, in this Kingdom of theirs. Hanatia was it's name, if I remember correctly. It was basically the same as in The Empire. Monarch and his family first, then nobles, merchants, craftsmen, serfs and slaves. There was just one small difference – we didn't have serfs. He also showed me a map of their world a bit. It was different from maps I saw in my time. It was as if someone drew it with their own hand, clumsily and inaccurately. But I still couldn't keep my eyes off it. It had a strange charm to it, this map of theirs.

After asking Anton, he revealed that that map actually was hand-drawn. I was surprised a bit, even though I said it looked like it a bit. He also told me that he was the one who drew this map, and that it is a bit inaccurate.

One day, when I returned to my room, I found all of my weapons and belongings gone. It wasn't really hard to find out that it was Anton who took them. I actually couldn't care less about the fact he took them, I just found it frustrating that it was without my permission. I wasn't even angered at him, just frustrated. He said he wanted to examine them. My armour and my gun. It seems there isn't anything like these in this "world." It wasn't that surprising, actually, it wasn't even bit surprising. But it made me feel the loneliness I felt after the conversation with Anton, where he told me about The Empire. It did feel lonely, being the last of your kind, stranded alone in different time and, in some way even, world.

When thinking back, it did come as a surprise to me, when Anton suddenly proposed this deal. I thought that I would start at square one, trying to find my own way in this unknown world. But Anton let me in, and even offered his help. I never thought people here would be so kind – no, they most likely are not. It's just Anton, whos getting what he wants through this deal. So if I say it as it is, there is no kindness in his act, just a selfish reasoning. But, then again, theres nothing wrong with that. And I am happy for this act. So there's nothing to worry about. Right?

After around half a month spent at Anton's, I started to get a better grasp on their language. It sounded crude at first, but once you got into it, it had more poetic ring to it that one would think. Anton told me that poetry is actually pretty common among the nobles of the realm. Interesting. We didn't have any poetry. At least not one I can remember. I wonder why, even though I knew of it's existence, I never thought about why we never had one. Strange right? Well, nevermind. As I was saying, once I got into it, it was as if this language was made for poetry. So many words to express your feelings, so many syllables and letters, and that sing-songy tone to it – I could never do it. I could never speak like a native. I mean, I don't even think Anton wants me to, but when I think about it, Hanatian language is so fresh and cheerful, compared to the majestic and serious Imperial. Thinking about it, Imperial wouldn't be bad for poetry either. At least that's what I, a former soldier, think. But those two languages were uncomparable. If I had to make some sort of comparison, I'd say Imperial would be an eagle, always looking majestic and serious, and Hanatian would be hummingbird, always looking cheerful and playful. It was an interesting liguistic matter. And as I said, I just couldn't rewrite the serious tone my nationality gave me. I would always sound like a foreigner. But that's completely okay. Because I was one. And proud to be.

On that note, learning Hanatian led me to being finally able to have normal conversation with Hromesh. Till now, we were communicating through Anton, but now, I'm able to talk to him without any problems. Well, almost. I still was a begginer, so my ability to lead a conversation was minimized, but I could talk about everyday topics, like weather and such. It wasn't much, but it was honest work. I would also sometimes help him prepare meals. He was surprisingly good cook. He told me Anton is old for this. So old, that last time he was cooking, his hands shook so much that knife he was holding in his hand flew off and buried itself in a wall. I couldn't imagine it, but maybe it was better I didn't. As for my cooking skills, as a former soldier, I had to learn to cook one way or another. At least the basics. I don't think my cooking is bad, but it sure isn't master-chef level. If I had to rate it, I'd say it's edible. Hromesh said it's great, but I think he was overrating me. To be fair though, I did found Hromesh's company pleasant. After we overcame the language barrier, he came out to be quite the talkative one. He knew his way with words and could certainly lead entertaining conversations, even for a linger time.

If I had to somehow sum up my life here up to this point, it'd be quite calm. Calm and soothing. I haven't been in such a calm and friendly environment in forever. When I thought about it, I didn't even remember my last moments in The Empire. But I do have my memories, some blurry, but some still crystal clear. For example, I still remember the day I was recruited in the army. Oh, those were the times.

One day, Anton sent me on an errand. Buying groceries at the market. I was a soldier, not a manservant. Whatever, I thought. But I didn't know where the market is, since Anton never showed me. So he, in spite of how annoyed he looked, came with me and used this trip to show me around the city a bit. I bet he would've sent Hromesh, if he wasn't away at the time. Once we exited the house, we walked few minutes in silence, until Anton broke it.

"Got any ties back in The Empire? Any relationships, or unfinished businesses?"

I thought for a bit. What I was really angry about is that I couldn't remember any personal info that would distinguish me as a person. I couldn't remember how many friends I had and their names, even though I'm certain I had them. My family members, too. Family members. Did I have a wife? I feel like I did, but I can't, for the love of god, remember.

"Not really." I casually shrugged his question off. "And even if I did, I can't remember." I added, feeling a bit bad after that half-assed answer.

"So you can't remember?" he asked and raised his brow. I just nodded.

"I can help you run your mind again and remember. I know a tricks or two about mental athletics." he said and giggled, happy with his own joke. But his offer interested me. Do I want to learn everything back? There's no saying what will come and what will I remember. But then again, I can't be sure that these memories will come back naturally, and I want them back someday. This was, for me, at the moment, the most reliable way.

"I'll think about it." I said, not really knowing why I didn't accept at first.

After we reached the market, Anton showed me around a bit. He showed me from which stand he buys what and he introduced me to the shopkeepers, who knew him and Hromesh as a regular. They all looked at me in an awe, surprised at the colour of my hair, and mainly, my height. Ah, I sure did stand out. After buying what we needed, we proceeded back towards Anton's house. The market Anton was regular at was the one near the gates. This would ensure that he could find all sorts of interesting things there. But it would also ensure we would be going through some slums. It was not uncommon to find few beggars along the road, together with lots of guardsmen. On the side of the road we were going on, guards were kicking out – literally – a small girl. Her age was barely in double digits. I think she was begging in front of some shady business and the owner wanted her gone. They were beating her up until she gave up and left. We just went around, not interfering into any of this. Few minutes later, Anton asked me something.

"I thought you would help her. Why didn't you?" His question came as a surprise to me.

"I'm a soldier, not a hero." I answered. I was in similar situation before more times than you would think. And the answer was always same. I just learnt to accept that I can't just help everyone and save anyone. This is something army taught me. I have long learnt how to restrain my emotions so they can't ruin anything.

"It seems I was mistaken in you." Anton said.

"Is that a bad thing?" I asked.

"I'd say so, yes. You are aware of your own position, that is certainly good."

He was right. I was foreigner here, so even if I tried to help her, they would track me down quickly, and it wouldn't end well for me. I never actually realised how vulnerable my position here is.

After coming back to Anton's house, Hromesh was already there. I didn't know where he went, but I wasn't of prying into someone else's business, so I didn't ask. He took care of the groceries I bought and Anton sat down into his chair. I helped Hromesh a bit, then took a glass of water and sat down on a different chair, close to Anton. He continued the topic of my memory.

"So, do you want to try it? Making you remember, I mean. If you say no, I won't force you, but know that we both have a lot to gain from this – it might even contain clues as to why has The Empire collapsed."

This intrigued me, and after giving it a bit of thought, I decided on my answer.

"I'm in."