Chapter 384: You are not human

Sir Arthur coughed, before explaining further.

"I'm not sure, but this is just one of the fronts we are expecting their invasion to come from. What is more concerning is this city, Higrove."

He pointed at their current city on the map, before continuing.

"As you can see, this city, albeit it's nowhere near the size of the capital or even the other towns ruled by the others in the big four or the stronger families of the nobility, is actually one of the most important ones just by its location alone."

He drew a larger circle around the city with his finger before going further.

"If you take a closer look, you can see why this place is so important. From the south, it gives access to the shore, and the connecting port city of Abell." He pointed at the small circular-shaped port just a couple dozen miles to the south of Higrove.

"Then, to the east, there's this Endless Forest that, if it were to fall to their hands, would provide the perfect natural cover to transport a massive amount of their troops without being noticed by the neighboring countries. Then to the-"

"Wait, for a bit." Before he could continue, Aiden spoke up. "You have been mentioning this 'Holy Kingdom of… whatever' for a couple of times now… even going as far as saying that conquering that place is the ultimate goal for this invading Empire… It may just be my ignorance speaking here… but what is this place and why is it so important?" He asked, from which the shy Galina and even Lily eagerly nodded. 

One being a creature shunned by the outside world, the other is a sheltered little girl brought up in the very woods they feared, they had no real knowledge of how this world of humans actually worked either.

"Seeing the confused, honest looks of them, Sara could only feebly smile at the old veteran adventurer.

Drake was about to speak but was silenced before he could do so by the elderly man. 

"The Holy Kingdom of Arboria is a sacred place for many. Ehrm… How should I go with this…" He mumbled to himself, uncertain how to explain the matter. "Arboria is the seat where the High Priests, appointed by the gods and goddesses themselves took their seat. It is a sacred, hallowed place to many. Whilst some of the gods have other shrines, like for example, Naone, who is considered to be the goddess not just for Nature and Life but subsequently to all kinds of elves and nature-loving sentient creatures as well."

He coughed, changing the topic and returning his attention to Higrove on the map once again. 

"Anyway, as I mentioned this city would be the most obvious choice as their initial target to begin their campaign. Since the city is currently without an official leader, this… upcoming stupid tradition… the War Games, serves as the perfect opportunity to gain a foothold without raising any suspicion."

He sighed with a heavy frown souring his outlook. 

"From our scouts and spies stationed behind the enemy lines, we have learned that one of the candidates has been in talks with them."

Understanding the meaning behind his words, Sara immediately sprung up. 

"Sir Arthur, I can say with absolute certainty that…"

"No need for that, Lady Examiner." Before she could finish the old man raised his right palm, silencing her in the process.

"We know that neither your mother nor his 'champion', my grandson is in cahoots with them. For one, your mother… she goes by the 'Mistress' or 'Masked Lady' nowadays right? Anyway… She would never do something like betraying the kingdom." He explained with a gentle smile, which faded to a heavier look a moment later.

"As for my wayward grandson…" He sighed, with a sad look, not wanting to continue the topic further. "Anyway, your side is clean Miss. What we are worried about is the others…"

"We only have Master Leon and that old man, the council's lead as opponents, right?" Sara asked. Someone in her position has to be well-informed on matters such as these. After all, knowing your opponent is half the battle."

"That is correct. At the moment, only these two sides are confirmed to show up to the game with their own armies to participate. However…"

He looked at the map with a stern expression as he spoke his next words.

"There are rumors of another participant joining in. This one is still shrouded in mystery, however. He or She as we don't even have that information is a strange one. This figure appeared only recently, coming from seemingly nowhere, making sure to stay under the radars. No one knows where he or she comes from, where the base is, or what size the army he or she will be using actually is. Actually…"

He looked at Sara with a forced, thin smile stretching across his face.

"Actually, one of my reasons coming to you, was to ask for an audience with the Mistress. I know that there is nothing, not even a mayfly could pass by her prying eyes in her own territory. If anybody, she should know something about this mystery candidate, and if he or she would be the traitor we need to look out for."

Hesitating only for a single second, Sara pushed his chair to the back and stood up. 

"I… I will contact the Mistress, and present your request, Lord Sonovan."

She gave a light, courteous bow towards the old man, before turning towards the door and swiftly alighting herself from the room.

"As for you, kid…" As soon as the door closed behind her, Sir Arthur looked at the golden-eyed boy once more, his smile stretched slightly further.

"Originally, I just wanted to see if you are truly as skilled as the rumors have expressed." He spoke with a playful smile. "I have to say…"

He stepped over, leaning closer to the boy before suddenly his smile turned into a delighted one. "…you are a truly amazing boy! That sword, the strength! Ah! It has been so long since I had this much fun and excitement in a duel! Ahahaha" 

A burst of boisterous laughter, a thunderous guffaw filled the room as Sir Arthur exploded with a sudden burst of happiness.

"Such speed... Power, strength… You are truly one of a kind!" He cheerfully exclaimed, not minding the shocked, stunned gazes of the youngsters sitting at the other side of the table.

"Although your martial and sword skills are still lacking, you are still just a little cub… a little kinling if I remember the phrase correctly, right?" He continued, raising Aiden's attention to the matter once again.

"What do you mean, Sir Arthur?" He asked.

"Ah, sorry, I didn't mean any offense, but you are clearly not human, boy." He explained with the same elated look, seemingly unaware or not minding of the growing heaviness in the meeting room."

A moment later, before anyone could ask him, he elaborated what he meant.

"That aura you have, it is quite unique and has that 'Dragon-like' pride to it. Also the fact of your explosive might… You have to be a half-dragon, or a descendant of one, right?"

Suddenly, as if the weights have been dropped from his chest, Aiden almost fell down to the ground as he slumped back with a relieved look on his face. For a moment, he feared that he saw behind the veils, and could pierce into his core directly…

Luckily, the old man could only feel his aura and recognize the similarities from his own experiences. Nothing more.

"Hmm…" He pondered about how to reply to the old man.

"As Sir Arthur have correctly guessed, my friend here, Aiden is something you could call someone as a distant relative to these mighty creatures." Seeing his friend's helpless state, Drake suddenly spoke up, going on with the convenient lie that was just thrown at them.

"Yes, my brother doesn't know his true parents. He lived with us in the forest. Granny and Master brought us up!" Lily added, her face also revealed her allayed thoughts.

"I see…" Sir Arthur thoughtfully humphed at the youngster's words, feeling convinced that his theory was correct.

He smiled at them, nodding at their words, before continuing further.

"Anyway… I am convinced you are skilled, strong and unlike my stupid grandson, you have an untainted heart. You are still pure. Because of the fact that Miss Galina seems to be attached to you and also because of this all…"

Suddenly, he stepped away from the table, and gave a deep bow at the youngster, shocking the group for the umpteenth time with his words and actions in quick succession today.

"I would like to invite you… No. I would like to ask if you could accept this old man's guidance and teachings? Would you be willing to become my… successors?"

Once more, an awkward, heavy silence descended on the room for but a few moments before suddenly they all exploded with utter shock and befuddlement.

"WHAT?!"