Chapter 101 Fake

Clap. Clap. Clap.

Alden clapped his hands, slowly and calculatingly, gradually forcing the others to support him until the whole area was covered in applause.

"A personal gift from Mr. Solomon, that's really what our hero deserves, isn't it?" Alden exclaimed with an excited expression.

The applause intensified as if to signify his agreement.

"However, forgive my impertinence, but I cannot stand by at such an important moment." Alden smirked as his ring shone brightly.

In his hand appeared a long sword with many jewels, a magnificent guard, and a shining blade that seemed to be made of the finest metal.

"This is my gift to Zayne, on behalf of the Redfall Family!" Alden exclaimed proudly, holding out the sword to Zayne.

Solomon glanced at the sword, smiled slightly, and took a step to the side, he seemed to realize what Zayne had not yet understood.

'Damn... I already have a sword, what's the point of giving me another one? Does he really think I'll use them both?' Zayne muttered inwardly in confusion but didn't refuse and took the sword in his hands.

[The Prop Festive Sword.

This sword is absolutely unfit for combat as it is made of soft but beautiful metals and is a very fragile construction made for beauty rather than for battle.

It is not recommended for use anywhere except at official events].

"Agh... That's..." Zayne's eyes went wide.

Alden quickly stood beside him, narrowed his eyes, and whispered, "Yeah, that's right. After all, we're in public now, so beauty and pageantry are more important than practicality." Alden narrowed his eyes, "Just raise your sword and let people enjoy the show."

Zayne quickly realized what the point was and did as Alden said.

The gleaming sword caught all the attention of the crowd, and when the blue moonlight fell on Zayne a few seconds later, everyone froze, just enjoying the view for a while. They looked as if mesmerized, to them Zayne was really the chosen one of Fate, the hero who saved them from disaster.

For the inhabitants, it was a sight they would remember for years to come as one of the most beautiful and majestic things they had seen, but for the Players it was different. Within minutes, videos started posting on websites that were quickly gaining views.

'Damn... I can't say this makes me uncomfortable, but I didn't expect to be the center of attention again... Do these players have nothing else to do but film me? What's wrong with them?' Zayne complained inwardly, slowly lowering his sword.

Clap.

Alden clapped his hands together and said, "Well, the main show is over, now, please everyone continue to rest until morning! Don't deny yourselves anything! Tonight's feast is provided entirely by the Redfall Family with the assistance of our friends at Lareso Family!"

"Yay!!!" The crowd cheered.

"Let's drink to our hero! Today is a great day for the whole town!"

"I agree! That's what I came here for! I want to remember this day for a long time, I'll tell all my friends about it!"

[Your reputation is increased by 800! That's the maximum limit for the initial stage!]

[Your reputation has reached the first stage!]

[Rumors of you have spread throughout the Lax River Region, giving you special advantages! Merchants, blacksmiths, nobles, and even ordinary farmers will offer you more options and treat you with some respect for what you have done!

However, those who are not at all happy with your achievements have, on the contrary, increased their anger against you. You can't be a hero to everyone, because then there will definitely be those who consider you their enemy].

'I see... It makes sense... I may be a hero to them now, but this world is wide, and even in the villages there are hundreds of people among whom there may be followers of Chaos, isn't there?' Zayne pondered, aware that his reward had certain drawbacks.

"Alden, I hope there is a place for me at your table?" Solomon asked though the answer was quite obvious.

"Hah, of course, you didn't even have to ask that. I suppose you want to sit next to your daughter, don't you?" Alden smiled slyly.

Solomon only nodded silently.

...

"Father!" Rea stood up abruptly as Solomon approached the table.

Solomon put his hand on her shoulder, "We definitely have a lot to talk about with you, and not all of those topics are pleasant, but certainly not today. Right now we should be enjoying our food and wine like normal people."

Rea for a while just blinked silently with her eyes wide open, not knowing what to say, then she quickly nodded her head.

Solomon nodded and sat down next to her.

Alden and Lucia were well aware of Solomon's status, so it was a little surprising to them that he behaved modestly without losing his majesty in his simple movements.

'Solomon... I didn't expect him to come today, but it's for the best. Moreover, it seems that after what Rea has been through, their relationship has begun to improve. Damn, too much good news lately, it's really alarming.' Alden muttered inwardly, taking a sip of his favorite wine.

Gradually there was less food on the tables as well as wine, but that wasn't a problem since, by then, most of the people were completely full. Everyone was just enjoying pleasant conversations on a lunar night.

"By the way, although today was a big day, something interesting will happen tomorrow too, won't it?" Lucia asked with a slight smile as she glanced at Alden, "You must have had time to take care of that too, right?"

"Hah... you overestimate me, I only gave a few orders, but you're right about something." Alden smirked slyly.

"Hmm? What are you talking about?" Roland asked in confusion, shoving a large piece of meat into his mouth.

"Yeah... I don't understand anything either!" Geir exclaimed, trying to cram the massive pie into himself. They were probably the only ones who were still eating and it seemed like they weren't going to stop until they were sure they hadn't missed a single crumb.

The others, including Zayne, nodded.

"Damn, Lucia, I was going to leave it for tomorrow, but since it turned out this way I have no other choice." Alden sighed while shaking his head, " In general, it is obvious that not only people from the villages but also merchants and blacksmiths have come to our lovely city today."

Everyone nodded with meaningful looks.

"A feast in honor of Zayne is certainly a good thing, but we should not miss such a great opportunity that has arisen for our city, so tomorrow night we will hold an auction." Alden put his hands together as a satisfied grin formed on his face.

"An auction...?" Zayne muttered in disbelief. He himself had never been to auctions, as it was entertainment only for rich people, of which he was obviously not one.

"It's just as I said, and of course, you are all invited, especially you Zayne, you will have a seat next to me, and I assure you, you will be impressed!" Alden tilted his head, holding it up with his hand.