Chapter 96: The King

As Tristan and Layla, led by the Kingsblade, walked through the palace, they could not help but think the place was indeed befitting of a royal presence. Crossing through its hallway, Tristan noticed its walls were made of exquisite carving stones.

Looking up, Tristan's sight was welcomed by a lofty, curved ceiling adorned with many small statues and what appeared to be artworks. The charm and allure of this place's interior would definitely make anyone back on Earth slack jawed.

After passing through three different doors and dozens of fully armed guards, the two siblings finally arrived at what appeared to be the royal chamber. Well, if the regal atmosphere and artistry ornaments weren't enough to hint of that, Tristan must be an idiot.

The moment Tristan walked past the door, his attention was immediately caught by the throne situated at the end of the chamber. It was imposing, magnificent, and sublime.

Tristan could see one man sitting on that crystal-like throne, with several different figures standing on his left and right sides. All of them were doing the same thing, watching the incoming Tristan and Layla.

Tristan, Layla, as well as the group who escorted the two, stopped in their walk several meters away from the throne. Immediately after, the old man Tobias bowed slightly, while Captain Raika knelt on the ground. The two and the other Kingsblade gave their respect in the presence of the king.

"Kneel!" Said one of the figures standing next to the king.

Not to make things awkward because of such a small insignificant thing called pride, Tristan kneeled and his sister also followed.

The serious atmosphere was extremely uncomfortable for him. When Tristan was about to say something, Raika opened his mouth.

"Your Highness, I have brought upon you the people you seek."

Another moment of silence transpired. Then, the king finally spoke, "Thank you for your service, Raika."

The deep and composed voice made Tristan take another look at the figure seated on the throne - the man who people called as the King of Arcadian, King Callan.

The man looked to be in his 50s. He had golden hair, with a hint of silver on its tips. His features were masculine and defined, and coupled with his low-cut beard that had the same color as his hair, the man looked exceptionally graceful.

The king had broad shoulders, and brought the kind of majestic aura that only a royal could have on him. However, with a careful observation, Tristan was surprised to see that the king was not really a human. To be exact, he looked like part human and part elf. 

Half elf, would probably be the word he was looking for.

While Tristan was observing the king, the latter also did the same to the former. With unhindered interest in his eyes, the king looked directly at Tristan.

"With your form, you must be a high elf.. I wonder where you really come from?"

The situation, as well as the formless pressure King Callan imposed on him, forced Tristan to subconsciously speak more politely than he normally would.

He was silent for a moment, thinking about the king's question. After a while, knowing that the king realized he was an outlander - people from out of this world, Tristan had no other answer to say. Hence, he opened his mouth.

"I came from a planet called Earth."

"A planet called Earth? Hmm.."

The unfamiliar name that came out from Tristan's mouth piqued the king's interest. Hence, he continued his inquiry.

"We never had an elf outlander before, so I really am interested to know more.. Where is this planet called Earth? I have read from the ancient text about the 8 high elves clan, which one is this Earth?"

The question asked by the king now became even more confusing for Tristan. He subconsciously looked towards Layla. Maybe she had a more creative approach to this matter.

However, before Tristan or even Layla could answer, the old man Tobias suddenly spoke.

"My king, I believe the elf might not be an elf at all."

"Oh?!"

The king stood up from his throne and approached Tristan, and once more, he observed the latter closely - from top to bottom, leaving no spots overlooked. Then, he noticed Tristan's human part of his face. Therefore, he became even more curious.

"Fascinating indeed."

The king then continued the line of questions.

"Within just a few days, I have read so many unusual reports about you. I would really like to know more about you, but unfortunately, my aunt has a high interest in you first. Therefore, we shall continue our conversation soon.. Tristan." 

Shifting away his attention from Tristan, the king began talking to his subordinate.

"Raika, I need you to escort him to the Vanyar Kingdom in order to meet their queen. However, remember to tell the queen I need him back in one piece."

The captain immediately nodded and accepted her new mission.

"Yes, my king."

In the meantime, Tristan was annoyed that the king began making decisions for him without even asking his opinion. Hell, they did not even have a conversation earlier. It was a one-sided questioning session. 

But what truly enraged him was his next sentence.

"As for the girl.. She's a talented A aptitude magician, isn't she? I will leave her in your care, Tobias." the king said as he stared at Layla.

This was definitely something that Tristan could not accept, not in this lifetime or the next. He absolutely would not let the king separate him and Layla.

Tristan placed his burning gaze on the king who stood only a few steps from him.

The bracelets might stop him from using magic, but Tristan still had his battle power which he was highly confident of. He wanted to capture the king and 'request' a better decision.

Glancing at his sister, Tristan's gaze was firm.

It was not the time to be indecisive.

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Written by Avans, Published exclusively by W.e.b.n.o.v.e.l,