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Chapter 141: Good Night, Norn
"Cough, cough…" Norn's grip on Kurtz's wrist was surprisingly strong for a dying man. "I never thought… I'd see you again." Each word came between labored breaths.
"Sorry I'm late."
Kurtz took his friend's hand, feeling how thin it had become. The life in Norn was fading fast, like a candle burning its last bit of wick.
After a moment of silence, Kurtz spoke carefully: "Norn, that magic we talked about before…"
Years ago, they'd discussed it by a campfire, the magic that could steal life from others to extend your own.
A dangerous magic Kurtz possessed but had never wanted to use. He'd promised to teach Norn if he ever wanted to learn, but the cost was terrible. Human minds couldn't handle living for thousands of years, and absorbing life force risked corruption.
He didn't want to watch his oldest friend become a monster, but he also couldn't bear the thought of losing him. These conflicting feelings made him bring up the offer again, despite knowing what Norn would say.
The answer was the same as before.
Norn shook his head before Kurtz could even finish. The desperate hope in his eyes flickered out, replaced by calm acceptance.
"No need, Kurtz." His voice was weak but determined. "I know you mean well, but no."
With effort, he turned toward the window. Sunlight streamed through, illuminating the palace gardens where roses bloomed despite the season.
"I was born in this world, grew up here, fought for it, and I'll return to it." His voice grew stronger with each word. "My life's been good enough. I don't need anything more."
He looked at Kurtz, then Serie, before his gaze drifted to the horizon. For a second, Kurtz could swear Norn saw someone else there, another old friend waiting.
Norn hadn't told anyone how sick he was, not even Somo. He'd planned to die quietly, maybe leave Kurtz a letter. But seeing him here now was more than he'd hoped for.
"It's enough," Norn said with a peaceful smile. "You told me once that humanity's strength comes from how short our lives are, which makes us treasure each day. I've burned through mine pretty well, even if it wasn't perfect. It was a great life. And now it's time to rest now."
"I understand."
If that's what Norn wanted, Kurtz would respect it. However, there was still one thing they needed to discuss.
"About Eric…"
Norn's breathing hitched. His hand tightened around Kurtz's, eyes suddenly fierce despite his weakness.
"I know. I know everything!" The words burst out of him. "If I'd seen the signs earlier, if I could've brought him back before it was too late…"
"It's not your fault," Kurtz said quickly. "Nobody expected the Goddess to target him. All we can do now is help him find peace."
Tears ran down Norn's face. "Please, Kurtz. End his suffering. Let him die as Eric, not trapped forever in that thing's body."
The words hung heavy in the air. Norn had finally made the choice he'd been avoiding for years, maybe hoping for a miracle that wasn't coming. At least he could carry this burden himself.
The room went quiet except for Norn's rough breathing. Kurtz stared at his friend's anguished expression, the silence stretching until Serie shifted uncomfortably.
Finally, Kurtz nodded. "I promise. Eric will find peace."
Norn's body sagged with relief. "Sorry to ask this of you. But the choice is mine to make." His expression softened into contentment, his desperate grip on Kurtz's hand finally relaxing.
He looked out the window again, where the sky was darkening. "Kurtz?" His voice was small, uncertain. "Did I do okay as king? Did I let everyone down?"
It wasn't about power or glory. Just one man wondering if he'd done his duty, if he'd managed to light the way forward, even a little.
Kurtz met his eyes without hesitation.
"Norn." He squeezed his friend's hand. "You did great. Better than great. Now you can rest."
The path ahead would be long and difficult, but Kurtz wouldn't walk it alone.
Norn's last worries melted away. His smile was deep and genuine, a man at peace with his choices.
"Good. That's… really good."
His voice faded with each word. His eyes began to lose focus.
"Thank you, Kurtz. Thank you, everyone."
The final words were barely a whisper.
Norn's hand went cold in Kurtz's grip.
In the 11th year of the Elric Calendar, the first Human King died.
Kurtz held his friend's hand for a long time, looking at that peaceful smile. The room grew dark as evening fell.
Finally, Serie sighed softly, the only sound to mark a king's passing.
[End of Chapter]
(T/N: In the Memory of Norn, we get a bonus chapter.)