5 years later...
It's been five years since l've been invited inside the Rivers household, l was told to stay put until the father of the household or king of the family gave me my assignment. I arrived here to prevent my mother's execution, tagged along with the king's guards; Reid, and Diana. Who brought me safely.
"Yawn! Good morning to myself."
It's been a long time since l've seen mother's face, spending equal time in the household and back home shouldn't be that way, sometimes l wonder how she's doing without my presence?
Enough with that, Reid said she's joining my absent father in another nation to avoid the father of the household to send Knights searching for her, her safety matter the most. Can't imagine losing my number one supporter again, that's the reason l took all her burden into my own hands.
It's crazy how in my new life l was blessed with family wealth, stingy mother... Wait, if she didn't leave the family and met my father then l would never have been born!
"I'm feeling thirsty,"
I hopped off my kind sized bed feeling slight exhaustion, l found my room spotless excluding the bed. The window had a lovely view, birds soaring the clear blue skies, bright variations of flowers across the castle walls, and a different species of dogs l was yet to see.
You must be asking yourself what Castle l'm talking about? Let me elaborate.
This huge Castle is called Septar Veyrin, home to the royal family of the Rivers household. The name known among the 'war leading powerhouse' during the great war, known to be the strongest family in the entire world. According to an old tale l read, the Rivers were capable of holding large amount of divine energy than any normal being, it is said their blood makes them unique from everyone else making them posses great talent and blessed with powerful gifts. Before the great seperation the Rivers household were one big family until a single mistake occurred that divided everything.
They were four leaders in the household, Mark; Philip; Grey; and Peter, but only one could become King, they were in disagreement on who to choose and trust to become the next ruler, tension rose every single day until Philip decided to take his part of the army and leave the household because of a rumour that spread. According to the rumours, Peter had the potential of being the next ruler because his father was the current King, so there was chance for the other three to win so they gave up trying.
After Philip left the household without informing anyone, Mark and Grey decided to take their Army and leave the household unnoticed. Before this event took place, each of these leaders had armies under their commands, they could decide to take their Army or not, under these circumstances they chose to take their Army.
The household started losing population, the Rivers name was slowly dying as their strengths weakened. Soon after, the three leaders that left the household changed their names indicating they weren't part of the original household ( according to Peter) The Rivers household later changed into different names following their new leaders: Philip S. Rivers; Mark V. River; Peter A. Rivers; and Grey I. Rivers.
At that time, Peter was crowned King of the Rivers household. The other three were furious yet chose to mind their own business since they had nothing to do with it anymore, because Peter didn't have the power nor rights to command the other branches of the household. Till today, the seperation and hatred continues to flow.
Since this Castle Septar Veyrin belonged to Peter, and the current King of the household was Vladimir, that meant my full name is...
"Arthur A. Rivers." Not sure if it's the good side or not, can't really judge if we are the one to blame... Tongue slip, they were envious that's why. The book l read didn't have more details about the four leaders, l was probably reading the second volume or the third, if they truly is the first then l would like to read it one day.
"Man... Family problems even exist in this fantasy world, what's difficult about loving each other? Guess we will never know."
"Why the hell are you talking to yourself? Humans are fascinating creatures, Meow!"
Now who's disturbing my peace of mind? I turned around and found a golden wheat cat yawning on my bed, his evil grin and nasty expression gazing at me, it was Storm that had awoken.
Sometimes l forget that l brought a cat along, this old soul of mine be forgetting stuff pretty easily.
"I'm talking to you, human!"
"..."
He continued firing shots at me while l ignored him and stepped out of my room, needed to quench my thirst. As l stepped out, l was greeted by a beautiful woman with blonde hair, her gentle smile pounding my heart as she smelled of flowers, wearing a black and white attire. Apparently slightly taller than me.
"Good morning Master Arthur, hope you had a wonderful sleep."
It was the house maid, she was always the first person l met after l stepped out of my room, pretty creepy if you ask me. "Good morning to you, Lilia." But it was always refreshing seeing her everyday working so hard, " the plate you're holding with rice and beans seems to be directing towards my room, let me guess..."
She cocked her head in confusion and replied, "l'm sorry Master Arthur, this food is being delivered to King Vladimir."
That bustard, l thought.
"Ah! Don't look angry Master Arthur, l've already prepared your food downstairs in the dinner table." Lilia added widening her smile.
"What's a beautiful woman like you working at such miserable place? You're off suited to be a business woman, or probably a pilot, if this world has planes."
"My, my. Someone seems to be quite energetic, did you dream about a girl you liked?" Lilia asked as her face drew closer to mines.
I can feel her breath, so sexy. Hey! That doesn't sound like a nonchalant dude like myself, "what if that dream girl might've been you, wink!"
I don't have a memory of ever flirting with anyone, was l really distant to a relationship? Lilia raised an eye and burst out laughing. That probably went bad, should've have something different.
"You may be strong physically, but your flirting skills need a bit... no... way more work."
"Atleast pretend to sound positive for once, do you want me to grow up with less confidence towards female? Infect, your negativity is the key to achieve positivity...?"
"... hmm."
Yeah, l'm useless, worthless, scum, and a piece of shit. How the hell did l embarrass myself infront of a hottie?
Lilia continued bursting into laughter, "keep working really hard, then maybe I'll accept you one day."
Now that's new, "trust my process."
"... Look at the time, King Vladimir must be waiting patiently for his food."
It's impossible to have a beautiful lady bringing food directly at your room when the likes of Vladimir exist, it's a man's paradise by the way. I simply nodded in disappointment and waved Lilia goodbye, she returned the gesture and dashed away.
This was a huge Castle, it's like a mall but ten times bigger, while Lilia needed to deliver food from one point to the other must be tiring, Vladimir better give her a raise.
"Meow," l felt weight on my head. "Let's go munch some goodies! Hurry up Arthur!"
Storm and me arrived at the dinning room, my stomach made growling noises. The dinning room had a huge table in the centre that stretched pretty far, simple terms, think of twenty Arthur's stretching out their hands in a straight line, that's how long the length of the table was.
According to stories of the past, since this Castle was the original Rivers household before the great seperation, this table had stacked of chairs. How many would you say? According to estimation, they were around a hundred chairs. Now they're all down to ten, talk about downgrading.
"Whoah! That maid human left me more fish than usual, what's on your plate?
"It isn't difficult to pronounce Lilia if you can speak human language, Plus Lilia served me... Rice and beans..."
This household's dilecasy was fried rice and beans, it's like they have forgotten they're royalty and can order a large piece of chicken or something, now l'm sounding ungrateful.
"Yikes, won't catch my paws with that disgusting food."
"You don't have to make it worse Storm, l'm still eating regardless!"
That's right, l was munching my food like it was the last day on earth, why am l even complaining when this food is good, l thought.
"!?" This Castle serves expensive food every single day, for breakfast, we have the Rivers combo consisting of mashed potatoes, rose soup, eggs, and a loaf of bread. I won't go into further details, the only time we eat rice and beans is when...
"Every single generation l witness are either scumbags, or just worthless!"
An old man l despise in the household, his wrinkle face just sends shivers down my spine, every single word uttered by this man is of pure haters towards me.
"Eat up...or the food will get cold..."
A bold man with a long white beard that reached his chest, wearing his purple dress like clothes that reached his feet, gripping on a wooden stick, and his height approximately four feet—Neptune Rivers, the previous King of the Rivers household, and Vladimir's father. Which also makes him my great grandfather. Ever since l arrived in the household, he's been trash talking about me like l committed mass murder, his cunning look brings me bad odor.
"...? You don't even have the slightest respect to greet your elders, am l supposed to be teaching you about basic etiquette?! Fix that demonic looking face of yours if you're planning on becoming the next ruler... Urgh, that face always reminds me about that worthless, talentless, run away child Aisha!"
He kept rambling on and on about how he hated both my mother l, it was getting pretty old repeating the same lame excuse, five years around this guy was hell. I didn't like how he spoke about mother, l think he should be the one learning about basic etiquette. He was the type of evil guy that would live long while the good ones die early, wonder what type of sorcery he used to keep himself alive for this long.
According to Reid, Neptune lost his title of King after a decisive battle between Neptune and Vladimir, with Vladimir easily overpowering him. From that day on, the man's been going through mental issues like forcing everyone in the household to call him King.
"Are you listening!"
Huh, Uhm, sorry old man kinda lost in thoughts. "Good morning... Neptune..."
"What!" Neptune's face widened in shock, as he grind his teeth sounding like cutting metal." Look at me when you're greeting! Damnit, damnit, this is stupid, humiliating, terrifyingly annoying!"
That's it, l've had enough. "I'm trying to eat old man! Keep your whining for another time, what's so difficult about peace when you can—"
"Die..."
"Eck!"
A knife came flying at my face in a blink of an eye, it was going to penetrate my skull until it stopped. My heart didn't skip a beat because it was happening so fast blood dripped from my forehead, the blade didn't cut me but the impact alone did it's worse, the one that stopped the flying knife was...
"Were you planning on killing my grandson, father?" A voice echoed throughout the dinning room.
Vladimir, the current King of the Rivers household had appeared with a serious expression. Another mad machine has appeared, can't catch a break in this place. At the corner of my eyes l saw Storm with his paws out in battle stance, guess he could've saved me if it wasn't for Vladimir's sudden appearance, thanks bud. I winked at Storm but he returned with a disgusted look, this cat.
"Return the boy from where he came from, that's an order."
"I'm sorry father, but your orders mean nothing to me. It's best you keep your disrespect somewhere else, just not at the household."
"That'll happen if this boy disappears out of my sight, who does he think he is coming inside the household according to his demands and bringing alongside his party guests. This household doesn't run a playground, Vladimir!"
Neptune stood up from his chair with his expression getting worse, it was clear there wasn't any reasoning with him right now, his face just showered with hatred. Better to keep my mouth shut and let the adults to their things.
"Sooner or later, l'm going to die and they'll be no one to take the crown as the next King of the household," Vladimir sighed deeply, "this boy has exponential talent that could soon surpass my own, not only that but his intelligence has proven to be greater, one could call him a genius."
Neptune had a perplexed face and snapped, "talent my ass... intelligence means nothing in the battle field. Back in my glorious days, my competition in becoming the next King were a bunch of nobodies that were very clever passing every single test given to them, l was always behind, but when the time came for next ruler...guess who became King?"
Sounds like those videos in the internet talking about D level students being inventors, though results may vary.
"This isn't the glorious days, besides," Vladimir closed one eye, "those were during the dark ages where strength meant more than mere knowledge, today's generation is different. This boy had the guts to stand for his mother, that's why l see potential in him."
As Vladimir kept glazing me... Neptune didn't have the slight interest, come on man, l'm getting glazed from a man known to hunt demons like it's his part time job or something, I thought.
"But you're promoting a kid with a dark soul, everytime l glare at this kid he embodies pure darkness. Just who are you boy!" Neptune shifted his anger directly at me.
"I don't know what you're talking about..." I added calmly.
"Don't act confused, just tell me how much evil you've done that made your soul so dark? Kids are born with pure souls yet your soul is different."
Hmm. That's how he views me, he sees me as a monster. Even if l was reincarnated that didn't mean l was granted another soul to inherbit this new body, this soul of mine is the evil l've done in my past life. A soul that can never be purified, one that would be stuck in total darkness, l would be lying if l said l've changed these last few years. Crazy how l'm still the same—the same Ethan Carter, and not Arthur Rivers... Am l even considered a part of the family?
I'm just seen as someone soon to be a ruler of this household, who can l believe at times like these?
Still, I'll pretend all he's saying are just ramblings and nothing more." I still have no idea what you're talking about, old man Neptune."
In order to fight a negative attitude, you must influence a positive impact. Neptune frustrated by my words stepped out of the dinning room as he groaned loudly, Vladimir speechless, who seemed to have nothing to say patted my shoulders.
"Old man Neptune," l called out.
Neptune turned his head as veins popped out, "what do you want, child?"
Raising my chin high and fist on my shoulder, "allow me to surpass your expectations." I understand his hatred, how could some random from a run away mother suddenly appear in the household and chooses to become the next King right away, l didn't choose to be the next King! How come they say it so causal...? Enough complaining and keep going. I thought.
"My name is Arthur Rivers! A man who will surpass his own expectations, and bring peace among the seven great families after becoming the King of the Rivers household... I won't be able to do it without your support, old man Neptune." I announced confidently," but l still hate you either ways."
"...?"
What's with the weird look? It was like an unprepared speech, most protagonist have their iconic saying that gets remembered, guess l still have work to do.
Anyway, Neptune slowly soften his grumpy expression, did my horrible non sacarstic speech really moved this prehistoric fossil?
"Hmm. I'll keep eyeing on you, girl. I'm expecting more from you...but that doesn't change the fact you came from a run...away—"
Neptune dropped on his knees coughing violently, two maid appeared and slowly lifted Neptune out of the dinning room.
Expecting more from me...?
Another world yet repeating the same cycle over again, can l really live up to my own expectations?
I turned my attention towards Vladimir who was marching out of the room, as he reached for the door—he met his gaze with my own.
"You have a dark future ahead, Arthur. Keep in mind that this world isn't for those pretending to be innocent, if you really desire of peace then start dreaming how you'll achieve such feat."
"King Vladimir..."
"You've potential Arthur, don't waste it on pointless things that won't benefit anyone including yourself. Otherwise you'll wish everything should have been different if you had taken a different route. Don't live on 'if only' live on 'I'll do it' then compare the results." Vladimir concluded walking out of the room.
"I still have a chance," l clenched my fist as a tear dropped.
Sigh. Well, that's enough mature talking for me. I still have goals to accomplish and dreams to make a reality, there's no time for me to slack off and bring in the past. Things changed now, partly, but that didn't mean it was the same anymore. Ken's probably out there getting stronger and awaiting for my arrival, once we meet again, l won't lose to him.
"Your typical protagonist line...ouch!"
"Hey blonde human, you're still bleeding on your forehead. Tryna' die at the spot without achieving anything?"
Huh? Speaking about bleeding, didn't Neptune aim a knife directly at my head... Damnit!
"Why didn't you tell me earlier stupid cat!"
"Do l look like your spouse? Guess not,"
"Wh-what? How does that correlate?!"
"Meow or whatever, humans love panicking at the slightest inconvenience. It isn't that deep, just calm down and... Whawww!!"
I almost forgot something marvelous that happened, "thanks for trying to save me earlier, that actually meant a lot."
"I-l didn't want to save you Meow!"
Hold on, male cats have tsundere syndrome? Weird world. And l can see you blushing stupid cat.
It was time to explore the Castle even more and enter certain rooms l wasn't able to, that's because l've been busy with training and educating myself about this world. Enough talk then, the maids are busy with work so l'm sure they won't mind me entering restrictive areas.
****
It is said that this Castle was the original home to the entire Rivers household, how could such Castle fit an entire nation? I'm stupid...only a specific relative were allowed in the household, for example: my mother's bloodline were the only people to live inside the household, while others lived on the central part.
"What the hell!"
The household had two sections of stairways, one stairway resided on the eastern wing that led to my room, including Vladimir's office. The eastern wing staircase was built to walk on a straight path, plus the eastern side only consisted of bedrooms. The western wing itself had an entirely different design, the material used to make this staircase was...
"Glass?!"
I don't think it's normal glass, probably reinforced glass. They were a common design type people tend to pick after buying a mansion in my old world. Didn't know this world was this advanced, like l said, it's my first time being in the western wing.
I realised something about this staircase, it wasn't straight like the eastern wing, this staircase had a spiral shape. Creating a spiral staircase using glass? This is a strange phenomenon. So l took one step forward.
I arrived at the second floor where l encountered a beautiful decorated floor with Daisy's in clay pots hanging on chains, there was a red carpet and a bunch of pictures framed on the wall. From afar, l could see... A dragon's statue?
"So cool! And it's made of gold, is it pure gold? I've held real gold in my old world so l don't think it will be difficult to differentiate between... Whoah! It's real gold."
Who wakes up early in the morning and says they want a gold statue of a dragon. Surprisingly, this wasn't your typical skinny looking dragon with a happy smile, the details put on this statue has to be studied. It's fierce wings pointing high and extraordinarily long neck, while it's legs held an egg.
"I wonder what more amazing stuff l'm about to witness, probably an actual dragon."
I entered one of the rooms that happened to catch my eyes, slowly marching inside, l was embraced by a sea of books. This was probably the household's library. The room was huge, four times the size of my old home back in Leaf, in terms of width, it was like placing a three row of the dinning rooms table. That's how big it was. The book's were neatly stacked in shelves, the air around had a pleasant aroma.
On the centre of the ceiling had a creative design of a regular Chandelier, this one was made using a sunflower, how cute was that. Though, l'm not fond of flowers so l think my excitement was exaggerated there.
The library had hanging lanterns that had a bright colour of blue, it was like entering those enchanted rooms from fantasy stories. And at the centre of the room was a single wooden table and chair. Lovely spot for reading novels if l do say so myself.
Like l previously mentioned, during my long period inside the household, l've been studying. Not directly entering the library because this is my first time, l would often request books from Lilia who would immediately send it to me, now l understand why she takes so much time. Poor girl, l didn't mature yet the Castle's structure.
"Believe me when l say this, Storm." I breathed.
"...That you're worthless?"
"No...that was harsh."
"Cats don't have all day, pack your paws up!" Strom bluntly spoke.
"A library with this much books is my dream paradise, get the drums rolling!"
Storm gave me a disgusted look as said that, well it is true that l'm addicted to books, something l can never overcome.
That's enough with the library, l stepped out and went straight for the room next door.
The room next door was slightly opened, so l peeked through. From the looks of things, the room was entirely made of gold from the ground all the way to the ceiling. Apparently, the ceiling had swords and shields hanged by metal chains. The centre of the room had a large table with papers scattered throughout, as l squinted my eyes even more, l saw a big vault like structure purley made of gold.
This gold obsession is getting out of hand, l wonder what's kept inside that vault. Money? Jewelry? Secret papers from the government? Or probably a dragon was locked inside and needs a heroine to save it from it's harsh state. Somewhere along the lines, anyhow, this room looks restricted and l should maintain distance and mind my own business.
"I didn't see anything, l didn't see—"
Dum-dum, my heard pounded.
Thud. I heard a sound inside the room, was someone inside? Yeah, l'm not experimenting. But wait, isn't that...hmm.
"Sigh. It will take ages investigating the entire household, how long did it take to build such a massive structure. If my brain served right, it is believed the household was built after the first great war."
The first great war was during the period of the creation of the world, did some gods battle each other? What were they even fighting for? This world's history has crazy lore behind it, as usual, no matter which world you find yourself into, the subject of war being a major topic will never cease to exist.
I wasn't planning on exploring the entire household today, just a portion was fine by me."Won't hurt to check out the room next doooooor..."
At a glance, the room next door was shining so bright it caught my attention. As l got in, l was met with a large sword sticked on the ground. That wasn't the only cool part, on the right side of the wall had beautiful designs and variety of swords. On the left side had a single armor stand coloured in red. The Pauldrons side had a white fur around it, the breastplate had a dragon symbol, obsession getting out of hand here. Overall, this room had the fantasy feeling. It's every man's dream to atleast wear an armor once in their life time. I wonder what sort of history is behind this room, almost everything in the Rivers household has a history of its own.
Why's my hand having a mind of its own? It keeps directing towards the armor, why won't it stop. It's not like l want stop or something, but l can't resist the urge to...
"What the hell are you doing here, Master Arthur!"
Uh-oh. Seems my time has come to an end, "oh why hello there." I mumbled pretending like nothing happened.
"Hello, Master Arthur...did you know this was a restrictive area? No one besides King Vladimir and Master Neptune are allowed to enter, including myself of course." Lilia stated while pulling my ears.
That's painful you know? And besides, why only those two punks are allowed to do fun staff only, talk about trash house rules.
I advised Lilia to calm down as we both stepped out of the room, she silently shut the rooms door and deeply stared at me. Uh, where's this going? I'm getting uncomfortable, what's with the creepy smile.
"Uh, like l said earlier, l happened to stumble upon this room by mistake...and..."
"Guess I'll report this to Master Neptune..."
What the hell lady! Now you snitching on me?
"Out of all the people, you chose that prehistoric fossil?"
"Double strike!"
Crap!
"That's unless," Lilia let out a creepy smile and whispered, "follow me."
Hmm. I like where this is going. I shall humbly accept your request my beautiful lady, what kind of man would l be rejecting suck magnificent offer. Not because l'm trying to avoid you reporting this to that prehistoric fossil.
Lilia held my hand as we reached for the household's exit door, we are doing it there?
"You're going to like it, eh-eh-eh!"
"Definately...huh?"
As we stood outside, l saw a Pegasus drawn carriage and a man in black suite standing right beside it. Who's this buffoon? Lilia let go of my hand as she bolted infront of me, stretching out both hands as she shouted.
"We are going shopping!"
Oh. The hell am l getting upset about, l'm actually going out of the Castle after five years of solitary. Since we're going shopping, that means we heading at...
"The outer part, Forum Apertum!"
The man in black suite was going to be our driver, his name is Fred Rivers. Lilia and l mounted on the Pegasus drawn carriage and were ready to set out. And the Pegasus was beautiful as usual, it's been a while since l last saw it five years ago.
"SKRREEE-NEIGHH!"
The Pegasus took to the sky and flew South. Strom and l gazed down on the window in awe, it was Storm's first time since the last time he slept during the ride.
The Pegasus landed gently on a less populated area, the people around didn't seem amazed by this beautiful creature, l guess they see it everyday. Lilia and l disembarked the carriage, Fred waved goodbye as the Pegasus took off in the sky.
"Wasn't he coming as well? I thought he'll be our bodyguard or something," l muttered.
"Bodyguard?" Lilia tilted her head," l've got you, you will protect me!"
Ehehe. Can say no to that." You're right! Now let's get going."
We were currently inside the market zone also known as Forum Apertum, a famous destination where you can get the rarest item, ranging from expensive jewellery all the way to enchanted swords. It was a great place for merchants to open up business, though crime rates around these parts were really high.
Compared to the inner part and Central part, the outer part was a Lawless zone. Anyone could enter without a pass, Knights were known to avoid such areas because of how dangerous it was. Couple of reasons could be,
"Higher close contact of physical divine energy. Populated areas are known to produce high energy attractions, resulting in areas being too dangerous." Lilia pointed out.
"That's true," monsters were attracted to physical-divine energy, so populated areas like these were like their feeding ground.
My hometown was less populated, the area was mostly covered in natural-divine energy so monsters weren't really interested in hunting the place. But if that's the case, Vladimir wasn't just the King of the Rivers household but also the ruler of Grassy moss, this country. Why isn't he doing anything to avoid such crisis?
"That's an interesting question, Master Arthur. Now how l can l put this... Aha!"
"...?"
"First and foremost, this country isn't called 'Grassy Moss' that's the name of the continent we live in, this country's actual name is 'Valkorim'"
"Wait... really? I read that in a geography book, the hell you got that name from?"
"The world map was last updated twenty years ago, after Vladimir was crowned King, he changed everything including the country's name and continent."
"Vladimir did that?!" Didn't know that was possible, being able to change the name of a country according to your own accord...hm.
Just how much power did Vladimir hold? He must really hold connections with the higher judges, what other amazing stuff has this man truly done? Tongue slip.
Anyway, the reason why Forum Apertum was a Lawless zone's because of the lack of development. Vladimir viewed the outer part as something not worth his time, he also wanted to give opportunities. What a nice guy, that also meant these shops weren't taxed. Talk about getting away from the government.
Forum Apertum still belonged to him regardless the circumstances, the outer part was a way to show his kindness.
As much as l hate him, he deserves a point for such generous act.
"Wow! These vegetables look fresh and juicy, we're going to buy a lot. Master Arthur, get ready to carry so much stuff today!"
"Leave everything to Master Arthur!"
The store owner was giving us the deep stare, especially at Lilia. We both know she's beautiful, but cut the creepy act worthless pervert!
The street was so noisy, l could one survive such a place without going insane?
As Lilia finished buying a bag of vegetables, we set out for our next destination. It was difficult passing through the crowed space, l held Lilia's hands so she wouldn't get lost. We managed to reach a place less crowded to catch our breath, l wasn't used to such a place since l'm used to quiet places. The household was quite, my hometown was quite, so l still need to adapt to new environments.
"Do you have to do this every single time you need to buy something? Because this seems overwhelming," l breathed.
Lilia put on a doubtful face," maybe l'm just different."
What type of answer was that?
After calming down, we stepped inside a bigger shop. Cling! This shop had unique items they were selling, most shops had one thing in common but this one was a hybrid version. You could find canned food in book shelves, or a pile of meat hanging on the ceiling.
"Strange shop..."
And to make it even more weird, the shop was dead empty. Cool thing was every items being sold were extremely cheap.
"A full set iron armor costs 100 Gil! You could find this 500k Gil on a regular shop, what's the catch?"
I stared at the store owner as l asked that question, the man just stared at me with a smile. Even the owner isn't a reliable source, as someone really obsessed with money, l wouldn't think of selling a full set iron armor for that price. That will only lead to a severe loss, and no profit will be made. Unless all these stuff are stolen...but that wouldn't change the case.
I continued scanning the shop, each asli had different items that were mouth catching. I also happen to find a familiar lantern, " the Holy light."
It was an item that repelled evil spirits like monsters, and the guy sold it for 30 Gil. This was a valuable item that needed to be charged a higher price, what the heck is wrong with this guy. Then something caught my eyes.
It was a ball like stone with a moon or banana painted on it. I could see a high level of divine energy swirling around this small stone. I immediately took the item towards the shop owner, "sorry dude, but the heck is this stone? It has high energy stored in it, does it contain power or—"
The man quickly shrugged his shoulders with an emotionless expression.
This guy's getting on my nerves, like answer the frickin' question, you're selling these items yet you are clueless?! What does he even know at this point, it's hopeless to even reason with this guy.
"I'll be getting this, thank you." Lilia said as she placed a box on the counter.
"Okay, all that will be 900 Gil, thank you." The shop owner responded with a smile.
Huh? This is disrespectful, what did l even do to deserve this? Yeah that's it, l won't buy anything from this stupid shop owner.
Cling! I heard the shop door open, as l gazed to see who it was, there was nobody that got in. Strange, l'm sure l heard someone get in...
By the corner of the shop, there was a presence of another person inside. Locking my eyes as the person moved around without making a sound, was he stealing? The store owner and Lilia didn't seem to notice, so l went to confront this burglar.
"Boo!"
Seems my suspicion was right, the burglar dressed in all black was stealing items and putting in inside a bag. The burglar was taken back by my appearance, before l could react, the burglar disappeared.
"Wh-where did he go? He was just...Nevermind... I caught him."
I felt his presence again, but this time at the entrance. I bolted towards him and managed to grip him before he could escape, did he really think he could get away from me?
"Here you're... This must be everything he stole, next time hire a security guard or something."
I handed the stolen goods to the store owner, his eyes widened in shock as he took the bag. "Thank you, young man."
"No problem, imagine if l wasn't around? You better keep your store safe from burglars otherwise it will get worse."
The man nodded with a faint smile.
"Well, we got what we wanted. Goodbye old man."
That concluded our shopping spree, it was time to head back to the household. Damnit! I didn't get myself anything, no worries though because there's always next time. Forum Apertum was a slightly fun place, I'd give it a solid 6/10. That's because it's a beautiful place with a unique sight, after l've finished everything in the household, l might come back here to get mother something. I wonder how she's doing...
The sun was setting and the market place was getting less populated, it started getting a bit quiet. All l could hear was Lilia humming a beautiful tune while l held heavy bags. It feels like l've achieved my goals of living a normal life, this sensation between Lilia and l taking a walk feels strange, how long has it been since l've had a normal day of peace? Lost track of it after arriving at the household, life outside the household is beautiful.
"Something the matter, Master Arthur?"
"Huh? No, not really... Just worried about the near future, it feels foggy."
"Life can be cruel at times, but staying positive is the best medicine. Just cheer up!"
"What's there to cheer up? I haven't done anything worth cheering up."
"... didn't you help the shop owner earlier? That's something to cheer on about, just imagine if you weren't there at the time?"
That was nothing, what did l benefit from stopping that burglar? Anyone could've done that and receive praise from the shop owner...am l being too expect full?
"A minor save could impact an entire story, keep your chin high."
I see, maybe l'm just expecting too much. Calm down Arthur, if that save made that man happy then l should also be happy as well. The world doesn't revolve me, so keeping my chin high should be a priority. I'm learning to use my own wings. Just was because in my old life l was expecting big things to happen to me, things that meant nothing. But this one was different, showing kindness doesn't mean expecting anything.
"I'm feeling happy again, thank you Lilia."
"You're welcome, Master Arthur!"
"Just marry me already."
***"
As we kept walking, we stumbled upon a crowd of people in one particular place, most of which had worried faces and some were placing their hand on their mouth with a disgusted expression. What's happening?
I told Lilia to wait for me while l found out what was happening, pressing my body forward from the crowd, l managed to view the scene properly. There was a person dressed in red lying on the ground as there was blood pool around him, not only that, but l felt my stomach growl from the gruesome sight. The person on the ground didn't have a head.
"Gross!"
Apparently, there were Knights at the scene advising people to stay away. The situation must've been serious that even Knights showed up in a Lawless zone. I asked one of the folks and they said:
A couple of hours ago, there was two people dressed in red arguing in the streetss. They were so loud that it caught the towms folks attention, the argument was a heated one, words of hate were being said. Then things escalated, the two people begun battling each other with the intent to kill. It was a one sided fight, the man was being overwhelmed by a number of chains. Soon after, the man was pierced in the heart by the chains which made his head explode. According to the towns folks, these weren't ordinary people but an infamous organisation which resulted with the Knights to act on. The man that used chains had a glowing red eye, and disappeared after killing his friend.
A dangerous organisation that happen to pass through forum Apertum, l'm happy we didn't stumble upon them otherwise my head would have exploded. A world with magical phenomenon tends to have evil organisations behind the shadows, and it's something l want to avoid as possible.
This is my life in another world, my journey has yet to come.