Chapter 316: The Path

To make sure this time their search will be thorough, Luna sent his head guard, Kastan himself. Unfortunately, the news was not what he hoped it would be.

"I am truly sorry, Master Merlin. I did not manage to find any news about a silver knight named Keane or a girl called Morgana."

Emery released a deep long sigh when he heard that. He was worried yet also hopeless about the situation.

Well, at least no news did not necessarily mean bad news, so he really should be grateful and just accept what the High Priestess said about Morgana.

Emery walked out of his deep thoughts, looked at the man standing in front of him and said with a smile, "Thank you, Kastan. For your time and efforts. I really appreciate it."

When Emery was about to leave, Kastan said something that made him stop in his tracks,

"Actually, Master Merlin. I have one piece of news that might interest you. Moreover, this might have a relation to what you are searching for."

Those words successfully piqued Emery's interest.

"What is it, Kastan? You can tell me."

"Here's the thing, Master Merlin. I heard Camelot City was currently preparing for their yearly event, a celebration of some sort. I know this might be a long shot, but I believe there is a chance for you to get more information about what you seek through this event."

Emery was confused as to how this event could have any relation with what he was looking for. On the other hand, he could see Luna becoming excited as well, as Kastan talked about this matter.

"Yes, Merlin! This could be a great idea!"

The still confused Emery became even more curious.

"What are you two talking about? What event?"

"It's-"

"It's the Knight's Tournament, Merlin!"

Kastan was about to answer but Luna beat him into it. Hence, he could only nod his head as an affirmation.

Hearing that, Emery finally realized now was that time of the year. The month of a tournament where hundreds of the most prominent and finest squires from all 7 kingdoms competed with the ultimate goal of being awarded a knighthood, the title of knight.

In fact, before he got into contact with the Magus Academy and magic, this tournament had always been Emery's dream since childhood. He had almost forgotten about it because of the Academy.

It looked like this could be a good way to gain inside information of the Logress Kingdom at Camelot City. After all, this yearly accolade was run by the Knights of Divine Order.

Emery also recalled one important piece of information his father had once told him. To make sure what he remembered was correct, he decided to ask Kastan about it, who was also a silver knight himself.

"Kastan, have you ever seen the Sword of Divine, the Excalibur? I heard that those who are knighted have all seen the sword."

Kastan was actually a little bit surprised by the unexpected question. But he quickly picked himself up and calmly answered Emery's question.

"Yes, Master Merlin. I have seen it. But we, silver knights, are only allowed to see it. We never had the honor to touch it. Nevertheless, it was the most beautiful thing I ever saw."

Emery could clearly see Kastan's eyes were sparkling when he said those words. This gave him more reason to join the tournament, to gain the accolade and see the Divine Sword with his own two eyes.

Suddenly it hit him that this must be the path that the high priestess told him about, the pat that would lead to the sword and hopefully Morgana.

Seeing Emery was interested by the idea, Luna interrupted, "Merlin. You do know that not everyone can join the tournament, right?"

Emery was brought out of his reverie by Luna's remark.

"Of course. I did know that." replied Emery with a smile.

There were only three ways one would be eligible to participate in the tournament. First, they were part of a noble's squires. Second, they were recommended by a gold knight. Last but not least, they were suggested by the king itself.

Those who wanted to join the tournament had to be between the ages of 16 and 21. Lastly, they must represent a kingdom.

The more Emery thought about it, the more excited he became. He was ready to compete with the best the 7 kingdoms had to offer and emerge victorious over them.

Alas, Luna interrupted him again, bringing him out of the reverie.

"So Merlin, my point is, if you wish to join, I can help you too!"

When he heard that, Emery immediately contemplated his choices.

To get a recommendation by a golden knight was no simple matter at all, let alone that of the king. Hence, usually only certain people managed to enter the tournament itself. Those who had some influence or renowned themselves.

Luckily, Emery had Luna, who was resourceful enough to have a way to make him a noble out of thin air.

"How are we supposed to do that?" Emery asked for details as he had absolutely no idea on what he had to do and required for this.

Luna crossed her hands, thought for a moment and then said, "It will be a bit costly, but I can take care of it for you. You will be surprised at how many missing lineages there are in the kingdom."

"Wait, missing lineage?! You mean-"

"That's right! Simply put, you will take over someone's family's nobility." Luna said with a wide smile.

Emery was speechless and dumbfounded by the outrageousness of the idea.

"W-Wow! Is that even possible?"

"Yes! A lower 5th or 4th rank noble shouldn't be too difficult to 'recreate'," said Luna casually, as if it was something ordinary.

Emery himself, or rather, his father's family was one of those poor 5th rank nobles. However, he knew that using his real family name would create many problems in the future. He had quite a few "acquaintances" in Lioness Kingdom, after all.

Changing his name was probably not enough, as some people might recognize him. But it suddenly comes to him an idea that puts a smile on his face.  In the end, Emery finally found a very good way to join the tournament. Not only would it allow him to keep his true identity a secret, he could also sneak into the Lioness Kingdom basically undetected.

On the other hand, Luna found this project very interesting. She not only could help Emery in his endeavor, but also have her own share of fun. Besides, this wasn't a very common occurrence.

After the matter was decided, they both immediately jumped right into the plan, preparing certain and must-have things that were essential for a knight. Emery would need a horse, armor, sword, shield and lastly, a family banner.

With Luna's help, Emery managed to take a certain noble name and to make things more believable in the eyes of the outsiders, he chose an identity of someone he knew.

---

A week later, a young man about 17 of age arrived at the gate of Lionarch City. A backpack was slung over his back, while an entire set of well-made equipment was covering his entire body. His bearing was steady whereas his aura was impactful.

Seeing the young man's attire, the guard stationed at the gate quickly approached him and asked, "Did you come for the tournament?"

Hearing the question, the young man looked at the guard with a calm gaze that strangely made cold sweat roll down the latter's back. 

An eerie silence ensued between the two of them.

The guard was about to signal his associate when the young man opened his mouth.

"Yes."

"Your name, please." said the guard, as he let go of the breath he unconsciously held back.

"Lanzo. My name is Lanzo."

Hearing the unusual answer, the guard awkwardly spoke once again, "Which family are you from?"

"The Dulat Family."

Upon hearing that, the guard quickly browsed over the list of names that was provided by the kingdom.

"There is no Lanzo registered here, as for Dulat family squire… the name here is not Lanzo… it's Lanzelot!"

"Ohh yes my mistake, I am Lanzelot, just people usually call me Lanzo"

The guard stepped aside as he said that. The young man nodded his head towards the guard, and also to his colleagues who watched him for a while now.

The young man walked through the gate and entered the city. He continued his walk until he found an inn.

Inside the room, the young man looked at himself in the mirror and saw the face of his dear friend, Lanzo.

Apparently, his once thought useless fey ability [shapeshifting] was very useful after all.

"Hope you are not Angry with me Lanzo"

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