The portcullis was raised, and a column of Soldiers marched out. But they were not there for Alaster, even if the city had suddenly turned against him, they knew that so few would not hinder him, let alone defeat him. They were there to keep the crowd back.
The soldiers put on a display, but they were unneeded. As excited as the crowd was to see their Hero return, they kept a respectful distance from both him and the City Lord’s Castle. The soldiers parted to allow Alaster through on Nightmare.
Stopping just before the open portcullis, Alaster turned Nightmare so her flank was presented to the crowd, and waved. The crowd grew frenzied. Cheering, screaming, someone even cast a spell that conjured flower petals in the air, causing them to gently float down.
The portcullis slowly closed behind Alaster as he rode through. The large steel reinforced gate closed as well, but it did little to stop the crowd’s noise. It flew over the tall walls unimpeded and despite losing sight of their Hero, they continued to celebrate.
Despite not understanding the craze, Alaster suspected that the city would throw a minor festival for the rest of the day.
Before, Alaster had only his own strength to leverage. Now, he had the hearts of the people. He could not help but smirk at the thought of the Nobles who already did not like him seething at the thought. An extraordinarily powerful Expert that now had the influence of a city. They would either fall in line or hide. None would dare to openly defy him anymore.
The barracks of the City Lord’s personal guard lay to the left of the gate and Alaster spotted many Guards, off or on duty, streaming out to catch sight of him. The Guards on the walls struggled to keep to their patrols as they wished to see him.
Despite the attention, Alaster turned his attention to the people coming out of the Castle at the moment.
Alaster felt his shoulders relax as he caught sight of the only people he cared about in the city.
Isabella ran out wearing dirty pants and tunic, her golden hair tied back in a low ponytail. She had likely recently been at one of the Hospitals around the City. Alaster had no doubt that she was seen as some local saint by the people as she offered her healing services to everyone, and her Magic was quite potent for each individual.
Lady Siphas came out next, looking as beautiful and graceful as ever. She wore a blue dress that showed off her figure while remaining elegant. In her arms, Alaster spotted a small bundle with two small flabby arms reaching up.
The next two to exit the Castle were the reason for his visit. Astrid and Arthur. Astrid looked just as she always did, slim and toned, beautiful with a hint of wilderness in her eyes. She wore a set of rough adventuring gear, likely recently returned from a hunting trip.
Arthur stood next to her, his hand resting on her lower back. He wore an extravagant set of rich Noble clothes while still remaining comfortable. Something that a Noble would wear when they were sitting for long periods of time.
Alaster resisted the urge to glare at the man. Something he was only capable of through Azemar’s teachings.
Through Fenrir, Alaster knew that Arthur was simply a strange man who had been taught from birth to see everything and everyone as a tool and that the effect Astrid had on him was slowly reversing it.
A few of Fenrir’s Shadow Assassins were still in Onigas. Alaster could feel the connection, but it felt dull. If he focused on them, they turned just as clear as his own Shadows. But if he was not paying attention, it turned muddy. Even the commands were dulled. The Shadows were slow to respond.
Luckily, Alaster had his own Shadows present in the city. There were only a few left over from the Siege, but Alaster had been releasing more ever since he entered the city.
He did so out of habit. He did not expect to learn anything new. After all, during a Siege where it was expected the city to fall, people reveal their true selves. Still, Alaster sent out his Shadows, slowly gaining eyes and ears across the entire city.
Isabella ran down the stairs with great speed, not bothering to slow down, she barreled into Alaster, wrapping him in a hug.
“Alaster! You’re back!”
Alaster grinned, his helmet peeling away to reveal his face.
“How are you Bell?”
“I now have three healing spells. Two are Adept with one almost Expert!”
That truly was impressive. For someone so young to have a Spell reaching Expert. It was only made less so due to the Spell being able to be used in perfect safety and so often.
“Impressive! Are you still sneaking out to heal?”
“Nope! Dad finally officially allowed me to go. Though he still assigned me guards. They are so slow!”
“Be nice to them, they have to make sure the area is safe.”
In a way, Alaster pitied them. They now had his old job. She had already been a handful when she was still young. Now that she had gained her System, she had grown only more energetic and excitable. She saw how much she could grow and was determined to do so. Alaster could imagine her rushing from Hospital to Hospital, doing what she could for the patients there before quickly moving on.
Astrid stayed close to Lady Siphas as she slowly descended the stairs, somehow remaining dignified even as the bundle in her arms gurgled and giggled.
“Isabella, you are in public. Please behave darling.”
Isabella let go of Alaster and stepped back, “Sorry mother.”
“And who is this?” Alaster asked, stepping closer to Lady Siphas.
She smiled wide, “This little bundle of joy is Johnathan.”
Alaster’s gauntlet melted away as he offered the little baby his finger. He immediately grabbed hold of it and began to giggle even more. Drooling all over his blanket as he did so.
“Wow, babies are gross.” Alaster muttered to himself.
“I know right!” Isabella exclaimed in agreement.
“Oh, hush you two. Both of you were no better. Every baby is like this.”
Alaster leaned in closer, speaking only to Lady Siphas, “Is he yours?”
It sounded harsh even as he spoke, but he was not sure how else to ask.
Lady Siphas chuckled, “Yes. A mysterious Mage showed up at our estate one day offering to heal me. She was a small elven woman who came in, healed me, and left, all in the span of an hour.”
An image of a particularly energetic little elf popped into Alaster’s mind. But he ignored his suspicions. If she had not introduced herself and her connection to him, he would follow her wishes.
“That’s amazing. So, you and Lord got right to work?” Alaster teased.
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Lady Siphas smirked while Isabella began to gag. Astrid slapped his arm.
“Oh shut up Alaster!” The woman cried while Alaster mock recoiled from her.
“How are you, Astrid?” Alaster asked, his tone turning serious and caring.
Her chastising smile turned bright and wide, “I’m getting married! I’m great! I know you are a distrusting man, and that this must have been quite the surprise, it certainly was for me, but I am happy. He is a good man, who just struggles with people. He reminds me of you in that respect.”
Alaster snorted in amusement, “If you say so. But just know that if, at any time, you want him gone, I don’t mind making him gone. Its not like anyone in this city could stop me.”
Astrid laughed like it was a joke, but Alaster meant it.
She waved over her betrothed, who descended the stairs and quickly joined them.
“Its nice to see you again Alaster.”
“And you Arthur.” Alaster replied curtly. He still did not like the man, but if Astrid asked him to give the man a chance, he would.
“Ladies, may I speak to Alaster in private?” Arthur asked, with all the grace Alaster would expect from a smooth tongued Noble.
The women looked at each other for a moment before shrugging and walking away. Isabella asked her mother if she could go to another Hospital while Astrid played with young John with her fingers.
Once they were alone, Arthur motioned to a bench under a nearby tree. A bench that Alaster noticed no one was near. Curious, but on guard, Alaster followed the young Noble. The two men sat down, one a Noble dressed in fancy clothes and the other dressed in intimidating armor.
Alaster turned his head towards Arthur, waiting for the man to speak, something that took several minutes.
Arthur started with a heavy sigh, and as he did so, Alaster saw the young man’s shoulders slump, as if a heavy load was laden upon them.
“You know, I knew that you would turn up for our wedding. You care too much about her to not. In that regard, you and I are very much alike. We both struggle to care about those we do not know, but for those we do know, we care deeply for.
So, I knew that if I proposed to her, you would show up. But I want you to know, that this was not why I proposed. I truly do care for her. But I needed to speak with you, so I proposed earlier than I otherwise would have, as well as rushed through the preparations. Because this is an urgent matter.
But it is a heavy one. I do not know you well, but Astrid cares for you, so I do as well. Even if you don’t see me as such.”
“Speak what burdens you.” Alaster commanded. He had never been one to have patience during a conversation. Something that Azemar had struggled to tame, and something that Alaster himself struggled to keep control of. Much to Alaster’s growing annoyance, Arthur continued to skirt around the topic.
“While we were getting to know each other, we got to talking, Astrid and I. Of course we did. We first started with lighter topics, such as our favorite foods or music. I learned that she particularly likes the violin and wishes to learn to play someday.
Gradually, we began to discuss heavier topics. Topics such as family and loss. It was during these talks that I learned her to be an orphan. But it was also during these talks that I learned how the two of you met, and just how deeply you influenced her.
She told me how you saved her from Goblins, protected her even at the risk of your own life. Then, even when it slowed your own progression, you stayed with her, nurturing her Abilities until she could stand on her own. You were the reason she became such a desired individual for any Novice Party and later on, the Siconian Military.
This got me curious and slowly, I began to investigate you. I want you to know that I did this out of curiosity and not malice. Eventually, my investigation led me to the Siphas Family. Now, by this point, I had already grown quite close to the Siphas Family.
Not only are they highly influential in the city, as well as close friends to the City Lord and his family, but after you left Astrid here, they took her in as a sort of adaptive daughter. They helped introduce her to high society, serving as a buffer as well as filter.
It was during these parties that I first met her. While my father pushed me to pursue Lady Iris, I found myself drawn to Astrid. Luckily for me, the two Ladies were dear friends, rarely separated. So, I was able to converse with Astrid while appearing to my father to be pursuing Lady Iris.
I eventually found myself visiting the Siphas Estate under the guise of business discussions, but in truth it was just to see Astrid more.
Time passed, and I eventually asked Lord Siphas about you. It took some time. Many months, in fact. But once he saw my true feelings for Astrid, he relented, and told me more about you.
I doubt that he told me everything, which I do not find fault in him for, nor should you.
However, what he did tell me was enough for me to do my own investigation once more. I found your home village, and my agents were able to learn quite a bit, from a distance of course.
Despite attempts to keep it secret, my men kept a close ear and eventually overheard some of the elderly discuss it amongst themselves, reminiscing over events they wished to have changed or prevented.
I know what happened to your family.”
The once protective shade of the tree turned dark and cruel.
“Speak your next words carefully.” Alaster growled.
“Calm yourself. Right now, we are simply two men having a calm talk before I get married. I would wish it to continue appearing as such, as would you.
I know what happened, as well as why. My curiosity grew. While I do not know where your sister is, I believe I found the identity and location of one of the men directly responsible for the death of your parents.”
“You what?” The shade seemed to surround Arthur, not touching him, but also preventing his escape.
“I offer this information freely. Take it as a gift for someone who once protected someone I now love. However, I do ask one thing. I will tell you what you seek regardless of your answer.”
“What is it?”
“While the Siphas Family have practically taken in Astrid as one of their own, they are not her true family. She has none, being an orphan. She tries to play it off as something she cares little about. But as our wedding day approaches, I see it weigh heavily on her.
The thing I ask, is two in part. But both serve a similar purpose.”
The darkness slowly drew back, “Get on with it Arthur.”
“Despite the long periods of time you have spent separated, Astrid still looks up to you. More so than anyone else. She has no father, so instead I ask you. Will you give me your blessing to marry her?”
The darkness dropped.
“Excuse me?”
“You may not know this, considering you have spent so long away from normal society. But it is customary for the man to ask the lady’s father for his blessing on the marriage.”
“What is this blessing? A spell or ritual?” Alaster asked in full sincerity.
Arthur looked at him blankly, “Wow, you really don’t know anything about normal life. No, its not anything like that. In truth, it is just words. Permission, so to speak.”
“Astrid does not need my permission to marry you.”
Arthur dropped his face into his open hands with a groan, “By the gods you are clueless.”
Arthur looked up, “Marriage is a lifelong commitment. Imagine that you are living a normal life. Your parents are still alive and well, your sister is out playing with her friends. Wouldn’t you want your parents to agree with your decision? This blessing, traditionally given by the father, is this agreement.
It’s the parent’s way of saying they approve of the marriage. Some relationships are broken up by the refusal, while others are not.
In truth, even if you don’t give your blessing, we are still getting married. That much is obvious just by how much pushback we have received by the Nobility of the city and we are still going through with it.
But Astrid has been feeling the absence of her parents even more recently. I figured getting the one person she trusts and respects the most to give his blessing would help her. Make her feel better.”
Alaster nodded along with the explanation before taking a moment to think, “You know, since we sat down, nearly every word out of your mouth has in some way, been about Astrid and her wellbeing. I do not understand much of relationships, and especially not of marriage customs, but I can see that you do care for her.
So yes, I give you my blessing, with the same warning I gave her. If she ever wishes you gone, you will vanish, and nothing you or the entire city could do would stop me.”
Arthur laughed, “For someone who doesn’t understand, you certainly dropped into the stereotypical father role!”
Alaster simply looked at the groom in confusion as he laughed, “What was the other part you wanted?”
“Another fatherly role in the marriage. I want you to walk her down the aisle.”
Alaster stared at him, prompting Arthur to continue.
“Right. When the ceremony begins, I will be standing next to the Priest of Love and Promise at the head of the room. The guests will be seated on either side of the room. Once the music begins, the doors will open and the bride and her father will slowly walk down the aisle. In this case, you would be walking her.
At the head of the room, you would pass her to me, sit down at the front, and the priest would begin his speech. Understand?”
Alaster nodded as he spoke, “Seems weird, but most traditions do.”
“Will you do it?”
“If she wants me to.”
Arthur smiled wide, a true smile. A smile that he would never show to a potential tool, pawn, or enemy.
“I promise you, she will be ecstatic. Now, about the man. No one else knows about him. Even the agent who found him does not know the purpose behind my inquiry. In this envelope, is his name, current occupation, place of residence, and what city he lives in.” Arthur pulled out a folded pale brown envelope, sealed with a wax stamp.
The groom handed it over, “I only ask one thing. Do not open it until the wedding is over.”
Alaster took it with a firm grip, “Why?”
“Because if you open it, your attention and focus will be on him. Astrid deserves your full attention on her wedding day. So promise me. Promise me that you will not open it until the day after.”
Alaster’s grip tightened, crumpling the paper slightly as his eye involuntarily twitched. However, he took a deep breath and calmed himself. Desposting the envelope in his Ring of Holding, Alaster spoke, “Fine. You are right. I have waited years. And I’m sure the man would appreciate one more day of peace before I get to him.”