Chapter 66: There Is An Order To These Things
Ira sat in a cell that was specifically made to detain him and only him. Restrictive arrays lined the walls in addition to the shackles that were placed on him, reducing his total strength to 1/10th of its level, but that still was enough to kill most people with little more than a punch.New novel chapters are published on
The iron door to the cell suddenly opened and Irving, the aide to the Fourth Prince, entered along with a man with keys.
The matter has been investigated and although youve assaulted a man in broad daylight, youre free to go. The man said as if he was unsatisfied with the decision. It seemed like he had an important role in the matters of security. In fact, he was the captain of the diplomatic security team.
I wasnt before? Ira asked with a chuckle.
The Captain looked around at the arrays and then at the shackles placed on Ira. Are you really arrogant enough to think you could just walk out? He asked in disbelief.
Ira smiled at him as he stood up. Faint wisps of black mist emerged from his skin and then he pulled his arms apart. The chains snapped and the shackles fell to the ground with a heavy clink.
What time is it? Ira asked Irving who was stunned.
...Its quite late in the afternoon. The banquet will start in a few hours, so Id urge you to hurry. Irving said as recovered himself.
Thats more than enough time. Ira said as he left the dazed Captain standing in the room.
Sir Ira, I guarantee you that isnt anywhere close to enough time. We have to fix your appearance to match the dignity of the royalty. Irving said as he followed behind.
There were attempts to correct Iras mannerisms and give him a more noble and heroic temperament, but all of them fell short of the intended goal. The most effort Ira made was to button up his jacket as if to appease the constant nagging of those sent over to help him. They left the room and it was clear Ira didnt expect them to come back because he had unbuttoned his jacket. His actions caused an ear full of complaints that he brushed off with a laugh or a smile.
There were efforts to reprimand him for wanting to bring his companion who was dressed in a grey cloak, but after hearing about the Parvian man who spoke to his companion, no one had the heart to follow through with it.
After a long process that gave way to nothing but frustrations, Ira and Avery were left alone.
You werent opposed to dressing up for our wedding if I recall correctly. Avery said.
I dont love the Prince. Ira shrugged.
You know, Ira. This is an important event, its something that even my family couldnt neglect entirely. Avery reminded Ira.
There was one issue that she knew was destined to be brought up and that was the deaths of a hundred thousand Diavol soldiers. There was no one who knew that Ira was the culprit and if they did he would probably become the immediate enemy of all nations. It was likely they would press on even under the threat of the Valkyries interference. The main concern was all the different countries unifying under the threat of a common enemy. Even the Valkyries would find it difficult to face nearly a million soldiers. Especially after the Red Moon and Golden Aurora when talented individuals began to appear left and right.
The talking part is important, not the stupid banquet. Ira responded.
Not for people like this, they hold these types of events in high importance. Dont be too surprised when youre approached by dozens of people wishing to build a connection to you. Avery said.
Thats why I have you, right? Ira drew his sword and pointed at the air as he made a cold expression. Move. He said attempting to recreate Averys actions when he was approached by a woman on the street.
Avery smiled as she shook her head. I dont plan on revealing my identity until the talks begin.
Ira sheathed his sword and looked at Avery. I dont have a problem with skipping it, you know. We can just stay in the room if you want.
As much as I would like to, I want to observe what goes on during the banquet. Avery said.
That's surprising, especially since youve been more aggressive than me during the entire time we've been here. Ira seemed to realize something as he recalled his time with Avery. It was her choice to spend the most of their time in the bedroom, not that Ira had a problem with it.
My Mother and Grandmother want us to have a child as soon as possible. Avery said plainly.
Sylun Meldara, The Dark Elf Queen, witnessed what happened and looked at Ira as if considering something. Anyone with a Lycanthropic bloodline was bound to have a connection to the Red Moon. Iras bloodline appeared to be especially strong, so she guessed he would have more information than they did.
Send someone to inquire about him. If possible, try to make a connection with him as an ally. Sylun ordered.
It seemed everyone in the hall was busy exchanging information, inquiring about potential allies and enemies. Details about certain individuals served as the currency for the unspoken transactions that took place in the hall. There were two common methods of finding out information during gatherings such as the one taking place. One was the exchange of rumors and information and the other was to use a more direct approach which usually went as followed, Pawn makes a scene, Pawn either succeeds or fails, Pawn gets a superficial reprimanding in front of the spectators.
Why are you wearing a mask? Are you perhaps hiding something? An especially loud voice seemed to be following the latter method. It was most likely someone of a minor name who was a willing scapegoat wishing to please their masters.
The banquet quieted down as everyone focused their attention on the scene. Some had amused expressions while other wore faces of criticism. Rhys, the second strongest Mercenary in the Grenitian Kingdom was being confronted by an officer of the Telvian Empire.
Are you perhaps disfigured? If so then forgive me, but its a matter of safety, so if you could please take off the mask to show your disfigured face, I would be grateful. The Officer said with mockery. He bowed politely as if to apologize, but his actions didn't match his words.
Rhys felt all eyes focus on her but still took out her notepad to write before holding it up. [I prefer not to take off my mask.] There had been many times Rhys had heard similar words but she had learned to ignore them.
The Telvian officer squinted to read it before he laughed, A disfigured mute? I heard youre the second strongest in your country. Would the third perhaps be crippled and blind?
The Grenitian King and everyone around him frowned but didnt say anything. It was up to the First Prince to take care of. If the ruler of the nation, were to speak toward a small figure such as the Tel'vian Officer, it would damage the overall reputation of his Kingdom and reduce his standing in the eyes of everyone else.
The First Prince unexpectedly showed a very subdued reaction. Rhys had avoided joining his faction no matter what he promised, so he wasnt very interested in defending her, but he couldnt completely disregard her. The First Prince nodded to one of the men at his side enthusiastically stepped out to showcase his silver tongue. He cleared his throat.
Could you shut the fuck up? A voice that wasnt his rang throughout the near silent hall.
All eyes turned toward the source, a handsome young man who looked to be 18 or 19 years old with black hair and yellow eyes. It was none other than Ira who looked unfazed by what was happening. He regarded Rhys as a friend so there was no reason for him not to speak up. Its just that he lacked any charisma or charm that was usually applauded in a verbal exchange.
The Telvian officer looked a little unprepared for such a direct outburst, but he regained his calm and spoke. Are you not the strongest of your profession in your country? Who wouldve guessed youre ignorant man who is only good at cursing and violence.
This guyKeep talking and Ill break your neck. Ira said without much aggression and a friendly smile that made it seem as the threat was empty.
Would you really dare to use violence at an international banquet? The Officer asked tauntingly.
Ira sighed before he stood up. All eyes were plastered on him, ready to see what his next move was. No matter how daring they were, no one would use violence in such a place, especially under the gazes of so many and while so much was at stake.
Nearly everyone at the banquet had heard of Iras altercation with a Parvian Noble and werent too surprised at his current actions. Ira disappeared from sight, leaving wisps of black mist in his place and shocking everyone who was unfamiliar with his abilities. Then the sound of someone choking was heard which drew their attention and surprise. Ira gripped the officer by his throat and lifted him into the air.
You know, maybe I couldve come up with a bunch of clever stuff to embarrass you and get you to be quiet, but isnt this easier? Ira asked the officer whose face had grown red, not due to embarrassment, but obviously asphyxiation.
Unhand him!
Guards!
Put him down!
The Telvians erupted into shouts as their guards along with the Free City guards rushed forward. Though the first to rush up to Ira was someone unexpected. Cyprian Aurell arrived at Iras side and held a translucent sword made of spirit magic up to Iras neck.
I apologize for interrupting, but my name is Cyprian Aurell of The House of Swords. I have a few matters to settle with you in regards to what you did to one of the people under my House. Cyprian said as he held the blade near Iras neck with a resolute gaze.
Iras free hand shot up and gripped the sword directly while he focused most of his attention on the Telvian officer who was clawing at his arm.
Ill get to you after I finish with him so you'll have to wait just a bit. Maybe you should go find a snack or something in the meantime. Ira said as he disregarded Cyprian's words entirely.
Somehow, only within a few hours of starting, the banquet had turned into a standoff.