‘By the Gods…’ Ted thought, sipping more of his grain wine. ‘First place! My Nobby!’

Nobby was busy being overtaken by all the boys and girls who were jabbering away asking questions about the tournament, though giving him no time to speak as they filled in their own answers by talking over one another. The adults were more shocked, almost not believing the matter, wondering if it was some kind of trick, but there was an Iyrman right beside the Half Elf who was acknowledging the words.

“Didn’t I tell you?” Adam said, drinking some of the grain wine, which had been mixed with fruit juice. “I’d make him into an Expert. Having him win the tournament was just a bonus, though he worked hard for it. Our Cousins were also a part of the tournament, the Iyrmen teens, and when they came across Nobby, even they couldn’t beat him.”

Ted wasn’t sure what he was hearing. He wasn’t dreaming, he was certain of that. Things seemed too clear, the faces of the pair ahead of him, especially the one smirking at him, and the sounds of the party nearby, even his own words.

Nobby. Beating Iyrmen. Winning a tournament.

Ted thanked all the Gods he could name within his heart, from the Major Divine to the Minor Divine. He thanked even the Minor God of Portermen, Lord Porter, for watching over the boy when he was young.

“I would let him stay here with everyone now that our journeying is done for the year, but…” Adam felt awkward saying any more. “I need him to be there for my children’s first birthday.”

“Yes?” Ted replied, wondering what was so important about it.

“Nobby may be a part of the business, but more importantly, he’s one of mine,” Adam explained. “His role in the future will be my number one enforcer, and the most important role he’ll have is protecting my children. I’d like him to be there for their first birthday, even if they probably won’t remember it.”

“I understand,” Ted replied, sipping more of his grain wine. “You have been paying us ten gold each month for the boy, as well as some more every so often. With that coin, we’ve been able to eat well enough, and send Anne to school.”

“You’ll still receive ten gold each month as part of his wages, but I’m also sending a bonus for the rest of the year,” Adam said. “I’ll also send Nobby’s winnings to you, splitting it apart into monthly payments once more. It wasn’t much compared to the greater segments, but it was still a hundred gold.”

“You said you’d change his pay once he became an Expert,” Ted said, cautiously. He had half a mind not to speak about it, but he was abuzz with liquid courage.

“Yeah, and I said that part of his payment would be taken out for the items we provide him,” Adam replied. “We’ll keep the pay as ten gold each month for the rest of the year, and then next year, or rather, next time we’re in Red Oak, we’ll sort out his payment then. Until then, he can enjoy his magical shield.”

“Magical shield?”

“I made a bet with a well known mercenary,” Adam said, smiling slightly. “Since she couldn’t pay up, she forked over her magical shield. I’ve handed it over to Nobby, and I’m sure it’ll protect him well enough.”

“What does the shield do?”

“It’s a Basic shield.”

Ted raised his brows in surprise. He had heard of magical shields. Some enhanced one’s senses, or provided other bonuses rather than protecting someone. However, a Basic shield was extremely rare, and well sought after. Great warriors often possessed magical weapons, but magical shields? It was borderline unheard of. Ted just bowed his head, understanding that a magical shield could require Nobby to work for Adam without pay for years.

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“I’ll set up the bonus before I leave, but even if Nobby isn’t working, you’ll still get paid monthly,” Adam assured. “I’ve set up the payment for the next… few years, so you probably don’t have to worry.”

“You’ve set up payment for a few years?”

“Ten gold a month for… a few years,” Adam said, trying to recall how many years it was. “Three or four?”

“Thank you,” Ted said, keeping his face straight. It was weird to hear that someone had set up payment for so long, typically they’d only set it up for the contracted amount, or for a year at most. However, it was a relief that Nobby had steady pay for that long, and it seemed that Adam intended to increase the pay eventually.

‘Ten gold should be enough for now…’ Ted thought. Even though most of the money went to Anne’s education, it was still enough for them to go out as a family to eat once a week. However, there were times when Adam would send a little more, so they could splurge a little more often.

‘We’re going to be gone for the rest of the year, so if something happens, I won’t be able to help out…’ “Nobby’s winnings, maybe they should be put aside?” Adam said. “I’ll set it up so that you can request for the whole winnings, in case something happens.”

“That’s…” Ted paused for a moment, having originally thought that Adam was trying to claim it. Even if he did, he was still paying them so much money so it wouldn’t be a huge deal. “You’re right.”

“Alright, I’ll do that before I leave too,” Adam assured. “Oh, right. Nobby will tell you about the adventures he went on with us. I would say that you should keep an open mind, and whatever Nobby tells you, it’s probably more fantastic than even that.” Adam smiled. “Speaking of which, I’ve brought over some souvenirs of the creatures we fought.”

Adam pulled out a piece of fabric that had been knotted and tied with hemp, handing it out to Ted. “Please hand them over to Anne when you get the chance. I’d recommend not opening it up until she’s back and after Nobby’s told you the stories.” Adam’s lips formed a wide, playful grin.

“Right…” Ted wasn’t sure about this Half Elf still, but from everything he had seen, Adam had treated him well.

“Oh, actually, I’ve got to ask Nobby to keep a couple of things secret, for the sake of our lives,” Adam said, before getting up to go and speak with the boy.

‘What?’ Ted blinked, before looking to the Iyrman, who nodded.

“Nobby, remember, don’t mention Umbra or the Gods,” Adam whispered into his ear.

“Okay, mister boss.”

“You can mention pretty much everything else, though.” Adam pat his back.

Adam and Jurot enjoyed the party, allowing them all to fawn over Nobby. The drums played lightly nearby while every chat about. A few people came up to Adam and Jurot, showing off their daughters, and their sons. Adam eyed up the kids, wondering if he should begin working on them to make a bunch of workers in the future, but he recalled that the fort wasn’t made yet.

“Do not worry, he is not like that,” Jurot assured the parents, who were awkwardly pulling the children aside.

“…” Adam realised why they were showing off the teens most, before he sighed. ‘I’m a wholesome Baktian boy, how can they try to corrupt me like this?’

Once the party was in full swing, Adam looked to Jurot, and nodded his head. Once they were done eating a bit of meat, they said their goodbyes to Nobby and slipped away. Adam noted a guard walking around the neighbourhood, keeping an eye out. The guard spotted Adam and Jurot, narrowing her eyes at them.

“Move along now,” the guard said.

“Of course,” Adam said, nodding his head, before making his way to the guild.

‘Purple armour?’ the guard thought, watching as the Half Elf quickly stepped away. “Hey, you there.”

Adam stopped, sighing for a moment, before turning with a gentle smile on his face. “Sorry, were you talking to me.”

“That’s right,” the guard replied, eyeing the pair up. “You the ones who placed in the tournament?”

“That’s right.”

“You were beaten by the King’s Sword’s daughter?”

“I surrendered to her and her cousin, yes,” Adam replied.

“You must be quite strong then.”

“I suppose I am, though I’m trying not to let it fill my ego.”

The guard smiled. “Iyrman, you were first, weren’t you?”

“Yes.”

She nodded her head, smiling slightly. “What are your names?”

“Adam Fateson,” Adam replied.

“Jurot, son of Sonarot.”

“Alright, good evening to you, and safe travels,” the guard said, tipping her helmet gently.

“You as well, thank you,” Adam said, waving at her, before turning and heading back. ‘I didn’t get in trouble? That feels nice…’

“Ted should be proud of Nobby,” Jurot said.

“I’m sure he is.”

“It was hard to see.”

“I’m sure he’ll do it once they’re alone.”

“I see…” Jurot remained silent for a long while. “Since I have come first, mother will be proud of me.”

“Yeah.”

“Father too.”

Adam gently nodded his head. “Yeah. I’m sure he will be.”

“Adam?”

“Yes?”

“Your children will be proud too.”

Adam smiled. “Ah, well… maybe I should have gotten first place after all?”