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A series of diary entries from Molly's grandfather, often revolving around events in the world and the mysterious deity up in the mountains.

The King's Rule 

This war has been raging for 30 years. And the war 60 years ago lasted a full 8 years. You'd think that our rulers would be aware of the consequences of so much death and suffering, but instead they pass the burden on to their subjects. The Pucician Empire has decimated us to such an extent that there are hardly any people left capable of fighting; and yet the rulers of this world will fight to the death; not their own, of course.

The King's Rule was reinstated more than two decades ago at the behest of our King Raphael the Seventh. It is a relic of the last century; when the Coal Wars between Henesz and Kalolija got out of control. Every man and woman had to marry in order to have children. Children who would grow up to fight and die, or to have more children. The Coal Wars raged for almost a century, so this rule was an iron law to prevent the population from completely withering away. Anyone who disobeyed was tried as a traitor.

However, those who married and had children in accordance with the law were rewarded with money and food stamps, as well as the certainty of not having to go to the front. This kept the dwindling population at a minimum. A cruel rule nonetheless.


Makes me think of my friend Hannes. He came from a wealthy military family and went to the countryside to escape the family he loathed so much. He wasn't an outstanding farmer, but he was eager to learn and quite passionate. But when the war broke out, he was called back to the capital because of his powerful name and connections: "Al Gloria needs you," they said. "All of Astramere needs you!"

And then... he left when his family put more and more pressure on him. I never heard from him again, and I am sure he was among the first to fall. Of his family, only his cousin and a distant aunt are still alive, already frail and old. The rest of his once prosperous name was wiped out in the first brutal years of the war. His little village hut stands empty to this day, gathering dust and reminding us that no amount of money can protect you from the whims of kings.

We are lucky if our village continues to be spared. Many of the younger villagers refuse to enter into these marriages of convenience, but since we are a constant supplier of wheat, the royal authorities leave us mostly alone. But I can't even guess how long that will last; I need to hurry and find a husband or wife for Molly before the cancer consumes me completely.


Even though she keeps insisting that she wasn't made for love, she has no choice if this war doesn't end soon.

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