Chapter 74: Start of the meeting.

Chapter 74: Start of the meeting.

I leaned back and let out a long breath, relaxing the tension in my muscles that I had gotten used to for once. Staying on your toes all the time was advisable, especially in dangerous environments, but Helios, if it didnt feel good to let go sometimes.

As I brought my hands to my side and rested my head on the couchs armrest, I closed my eyes and remembered calmer times, back when my goals had been simpler and more straightforward.

Right when I was about to fall asleep, the door swung open and a hyperactive rabbit entered. Or, at least, thats what I thought. Blinking away my confusion from just waking up, I realized it was just an energized Cerion that had entered, babbling about something pointless again.

...oh, by the way, Arthur! Its nine oclock right now, so the tournament booth will be open right now! The sign-up period lasts for a week, so it shouldnt be too busy how about we sign up now?Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

I sighed and nodded. It seemed my quiet morning would have to be pushed back to tomorrow. This afternoon, Cerion and I would be meeting up with those old men in the palace, so my rest would have to wait.

Slowly, I raised my body, pushing myself upright. I put on some basic commoners clothing, brown cloth pants with a white shirt. With my armor still in the middle of being repaired, and with there being no need to arm myself properly anyway, I decided not to worry too much for once. Some simple leather boots would have to do.

We exited the witch hunters underground compound through one of its many hidden gates, ending up in a small deserted alleyway. As we joined the main road that was lit up properly by the days bright sun, Cerion started to shine. No, really. I had to squint to see his armada of golden ornaments glean in the sun. For a moment, I looked down at my own clothing, and realized that I was severely underdressed as compared to my companion. Well, I wasnt the type to care too much about how other people saw me anyway. Only their actions towards me mattered, not their thoughts.

About an hour later, we arrived at one of the tournament's many sign-up booths near the arena. For a moment, I observed our future battleground. It was obvious where the dungeons arena had gotten its inspiration from. The royal arena in front of me was all arches and carved pillars. The statue we had seen belowground was absent, but the rest of the building was remarkably reminiscent of the arena we had explored before.

Cerion spent a moment looking at it as well, and smiled at me when he noticed I had made the same observation as he had. Still, talking about our dungeon exploration out in the open wasnt a good idea, since the royal dungeons were normally used exclusively by their owners, the royal family.

We joined a long line in front of the booth and I mentally prepared myself for a long wait. Any queue, even the ones a few people long that formed in front of the bakery back home, would do its best to move as slowly as possible, as a general rule.

Cerion didnt seem to understand this, because his large smile remained ever-present. Boy, would he be in for an unpleasant revelation.

~scene transition~

A few hours later, my friend looked so grim, that I imagined him going to war with a similar glare. Seriously, for a moment I was scared he would abandon all of his sensibility and jump in line, loudly shouting about who his father was, and how he was rich or something. At least, thats what arrogant people did in the stories.

He held himself back though, grimacing each time the person at the booth asked another inane question to one of the potential applicants.

Eventually, though, our turn came. Cerion walked to the booth briskly and put both hands down on the counter in a hurry. With an awkward smile, I joined him, waiting for the middle-aged lady with glasses behind the counter to finish writing whatever document she was holding.

For a few minutes, we just waited for her to finish, until Cerion cleared his throat loudly and started to introduce himself as if the lady was already listening.

Hi there! My friend and I would like to sign up for the tournament! Both the single and he began enthusiastically.

He was interrupted by a snort coming from the ladys direction, who put down her document and raised her eyes above the rims of her glasses.

Yes, dear, I know. Everybody here wants to sign up, no need to state that again. Name? she asked brusquely.

I just sighed and nodded, gesturing at them to lead the way.

A little while later, we found ourselves at the gates of the palace grounds, which were surrounded by a marble wall so tall only the largest parts of the palace could be seen above it. They werent as tall as the city walls, but they were thick. So thick, in fact, that it took us a full thirty seconds to reach the other side.

Are those walls hollow? I asked in shock.

The knight in front just shook his head and continued to march with us in tow.

As we entered the palace grounds, we were surrounded by a large garden that stretched out as far as the eye could see. Neatly trimmed roses and bushes adorned the sides of the white-tiled pathway that lead to a denser small patch of forest. The trees around us had all kinds of colors, reminding me of an enchanted forest. It looked pristine enough to house fairies, though it was too clean to come off as natural.

The walk through the gardens took a solid half hour, proving just how large it was. By the end, we hadnt even reached the palace itself yet. Instead, the knights had led us to a separate mansion, out of the way from the other buildings. It was filled with large windows, both in the walls and the roof, which led in sunlight from outside, lighting up the single large corridor that, in turn, led to a single set of doors. As we arrived at the two doors, the leading knight turned around to face us.

I suspect the two of you will be the last to arrive. Make sure to be polite to each of the people you will be meeting. he spoke, before marching off with his merry band of knights, not even leaving behind a single guard.

Well, it wasnt like guards did much in this world, when all the truly powerful people were more than strong enough to protect themselves.

Cerion looked uncomfortable, probably expecting a servant to announce our arrival or some other ostentatious thing.

Shrugging, I threw caution to the wind and just opened both doors myself, swinging them open simultaneously.

Stepping in, I found 4 double couches facing one another, forming a square. On each couch, a person sat. On the left, a stoic middle-aged man with blue hair was seated. Cerion lit up as he saw his father, happy to reunite with his only family, though he stayed at my side until they reacted.

On my right, the hunched-over figure that I recognised as the guild head sat, holding a mug that wafted with the familiar smell of hot lemon tea.

Right ahead, on the couch facing the entrance, I saw a man I hadnt seen in a long time. I hardly remembered what he looked like at all, but now that I stood face to face with him, I recognised him immediately. It was my uncle, Robart. He smiled slightly when he took note of our presence. At least, it seemed like he did. No doubt, as a tier 6 classer, he had noticed our arrival long before.

It seems our young friends and family have arrived. Good to finally meet you, young Cerion. As for you, Arthur, it is good to see you again. It has been a long time. he said, not unkindly.

Duke Rass slightly nodded at Cerion, while the guild head cackled loudly and slurped loudly as he brought his mug to his mouth.

I am sure both of you are already acquainted with Duke Rass and Guild head Rashid. Come here, Arthur, let me introduce you to our final, somewhat anticipated guest. he continued.

I walked over and stood at the side of his couch, taking note of the final person in the room. A man of large stature with a wild blonde mane and deadly red eyes grinned back at me as he leaned his head on his fist. He was wearing a red robe with golden accents, as well as large golden shoulder guards that were only barely visible under his golden mane.

He had a certain, arrogant, yet humorous air around him, as if he didnt take anything too seriously. Despite this, his figure demanded a certain amount of respect.

Arthur, Cerion, meet his royal highness, the king of Roa, Randrusal Roa.