Chapter 120: For Every Moment Of Peace...

Chapter 120: For Every Moment Of Peace...

Randolph was in a line that seemed to stretch for an eternity, but luckily he stood closer to the front of it. Men of all ages were waiting but didnt seem impatient of put off by the endless line. The reason? King Windsor had called for all men, whether they had the talent or not, to take a simple test and if they passed, they would be rewarded immensely. Money, a noble title, a powerful weapon, and even an apprenticeship under Cyprian Aurell, a man who was renown for his sword skills.

Clark never even thought about going so Randolph was on his own and fell into a daydream. He wanted to surpass Ira, that was his goal ever since he was beaten by him.

Next! A guard shouted as he looked at Randolph who had become immersed in his own thoughts.

Ah, yes! Randolph stepped into the room and saw officials and priests lined up each side. A young man with bronze skin and dark hair dressed in white robes stood at the forefront. It was obvious by the sword on his hip and the well-disciplined look about him that it was Cyprian Aurell.

Randolph couldnt help but to compare him to Ira and found that Ira was more relaxed while Cyprian seemed to be constantly on guard though it may have been because he was in a foreign country. In recent days, it would be hard to see Ira actually on guard since the people who could currently challenge him were literally less than the number of fingers he had on both of his hands.

Then Randolph shook as he spotted someone familiar, it was Juliana, the girl he and Clark had stumbled upon one day. Next to her was her brother, Roy Fairfax, who was a paladin from the temple. Standing at Roys side was the old Grand Priest who went by the name of Karson. Since Randolph didnt know her complete background he was unaware of the family she hailed from. That was until he saw her next to Roy, a paladin who had some weight to his name, but with Ira around, all the leading figures in the Kingdom were basically children playing pretend when compared.

Juliana jumped as she met Randolphs surprised gaze which drew the notice of Grand Priest Karson.

Is something wrong Lady Fairfax? Karson asked as he eyed Randolph. He was one of the few who knew about Julianas abilities so he assumed she mustve had a vision of him.

N-No. Juliana shook her head with a wry smile.

Is this really necessary? Why not pick someone who already has talent and let me train them? I dont mean to be impatient but the present state of my country is quite worrying. Cyprian spoke tiredly.

Ah, yes, Lord Cyprian. If no one is chosen well settle it with some sort of contest. A representative of the King spoke before signaling for Randolph to approach.

All you need to do is place your hand on the metal. A Knight approached with a box in hand and opened it to expose a small rock.

...Just touch it? Randolph asked.

Correct. The Knight answered.

Randolph felt a heavy energy being emitted from the metal but managed to keep himself calm. He placed his hand on the stone and the Grand Priest leaned closer to search for the faintest change. After a few minutes of silence, nothing happened and a collective sigh echoed from all of those present.

It looks like he wasnt able to Just as the Grand Priest began to speak the piece of God Steel began to glow with a golden light that gave everyone the urge to kneel on the spot.

After a few seconds, the golden light dimmed and silence pervaded the room. Julianas eyes rolled back and her body twitched before she raised her arm and pointed toward Randolph. Her movements seemed almost puppet-like but no one seemed to think so.

...A young man chosen by the Gods. The Grand Priest politely bowed toward Randolph who gazing at Juliana with a concerned look.

A commotion filled the room as the selection process was immediately ended and the crowd lined up was made to disperse.

Ill be training you from now on, Cyprian said indifferently. He was skeptical as to whether or not the process wasnt staged, but it didnt matter to him as he wanted to return home as soon as possible.

T-Thank you, Randolph spoke nervously as he began to sweat. It was strange for him considering he continued to cross paths with people that were far stronger than him.

Ira held Raveria close to him as he stood in the undying garden and watched as Avery swung the burning red sword.

You want to take her with you? Avery asked.

Not just her, you too. Ira answered.

...If its what you want then Ill go. Avery nodded and sheathed her sword.

Is something wrong with you today? I say one thing and you repeat it and to be frank, its a little weird, Samantha. Ira pulled Raveria closer as if he was worried about Samanthas behavior spreading.

Home. Raveria tugged on Iras shirt.

Ah! Iras eyes widened in shock as Raveria finished speaking. It was due to the fact that he could actually understand her and it wasnt the usual incoherent speech she was used to.

You want to go home? Ira said with an expectant look.

Home, Raveria said with a giggle before continuing, Home, home, home.

Ira looked as if he was going to burst as he restrained himself from shouting at the top of his lungs. Avery also had a smile on her face as she listened to her daughter speak.

Well, I gotta go, Ira said as he prepared to depart but he suddenly stopped.

If Casper comes by tell him to report to any one of you. Also, tell him I said that after all this time away he better have something good. Ira smiled and didnt wait for a response before disappearing.

Instead of pouting as usual, Harper smiled while thinking of Raveria. She had only seen her once and already wanted to meet her again.

She was so cute. Amy grinned as she looked at Harper who nodded in agreement.

The group eventually went back to their discussions on what job to take next or if they even should after Ira clearly showed that he was planning on moving to the Dark Elf Empire.

Elsewhere, Casper was full of anxiousness as the days went by. He had learned absolutely nothing after Prince Hayden was confined to his room. No one spoke of that day and the Prince himself seemed to be in a state of devastation as his brothers slowly ate up his faction. After signing a soul contract, Casper needed to find some important information as soon as possible or the next time he met with Ira could be his last moments alive.

Casper told himself he needed patience, but unfortunately he was all out of it. He even thought of threatening the Princes life or finding a way to blackmail him, thats how desperate he was.

Suddenly, a pale and plain-looking maid approached the room carrying a platter and knocked on the door, Your Highness, Ive brought the fruit youve requested.

Casper narrowed his eyes suspiciously from within the shadows. He had been outside of the Princes room everyday since he was confined and he had never seen Hayden ask for fruit.

The door creaked opened and the maid entered along with a her shadow that seemed just a bit too large to be her own.

The inside of Haydens room was dark and messy due to lack of care toward anything.

As Hayden sat down in the chair he began to speak, I took a huge risk reaching out to you so if they dont agree to my terms then you should leave now.

Your Highness. The maid bowed as she opened the platter and revealed various fruits. She grabbed the least appetizing fruit and pulled out a strip of paper which she handed over to Hayden.

For the first time since he was confined, Hayden smiled, in fact, he started cackling like a madman.

Perfect! Hayden looked refreshed as he stood up, If Im to be King then Ill need to count on their support.

Dont worry, Your Highness. The High Chancellor gave his word that youll be allowed to keep autonomy since your offer was too good to ignore. As long as you look kindly at us when dividing the resources there is no reason we cant help you secure the throne. We can even offer you much more than that. The maid whispered with a sly look.

Does that include you? Hayden groped the maid who showed no signs of rejection.

If thats what his Highness wants. She used a cloth to wipe her face and it became clear her plain looks were a disguise as an attractive woman was revealed.

Casper didnt stay to spectate the conclusion and was already out of the room by the time she finished speaking. He finally gained a large piece of information for Ira so the threat of death lessened.