They followed the lords with anticipation and dread in their chests. Zoan was left in charge with the kids, figuring that they didn’t need to be there to face whoever was coming. And according to Cloud, it was precisely who they feared.
Apparently Cloud only just remembered his master’s latest enjoyment–pranks. It happened so late before Cloud left Arcelot along with Val that he completely forgot about this little habit he made.
Apparently he only got better after sending a message on the very day of his departure. Just to give Cloud a headache when he was considering what to do.
Just by that alone, Zeke could tell what kind of headache this Cronus was. As he approached the entrance to the improved well-structured gate, there was already a lot of commotion. Several guards looked nervous as they ran around, giving out orders to be as respectful as possible.
Right outside the town, Zeke could spot a small platoon with nearly all of them decked out in heavy plated armor. Not only that, his Mana Manipulation skill could pick out the extreme amount of mana output coming off of their armor, proving they were heavily enchanted out the wazoo.
Finally, there were two more individuals that stood out from the rest of the platoon. Their presence alone was enough to set his teeth on edge, his shoulders slumping from sudden pressure.
The first was a beautiful woman that he couldn’t even fathom with his young mind. Tall, almost six feet in height, wearing a well-crafted fur-lined robe that fitted her body in a sensual manner . Her curves could easily be seen, sending a young man’s thoughts running, but they also displayed class that made you believe thinking such thoughts was a sin. Her face defied all common sense, nearly ethereal with no hint of blemishes as her long crimson red hair reached to her back and covered one of her entrancing eyes over her face.
Her snow-like skin and pleasant smile felt like she could see the entire future with ease, and even if problems arose, she would still be smiling. As for her partner, that one truly made him pause.
Clearly, the word ‘handsome’ didn’t do him justice. Taller than his partner by an inch or two, he had long snow-like hair tied into a wild ponytail behind him. He wore an immaculate black robe, his forearms exposed with leather bracings covering them. His breeches had metal plates covering his thighs and his boots, as though ready for a long worn-out journey.
He was a mage, but clearly–he was more. That’s the feeling Zeke got after witnessing this man in physical form. It wasn’t their appearance that made them stare in awe–it was their overwhelming powerful auras.
After witnessing both Myra and Piker’s beginning auras after advancing into Journeymen, it only made the auras of these two stand out further. If Cloud and Val were natural rivers, with Myra and Piker being equivalent to a beginning stream…
Then these two were rampaging waterfalls that could drown the whole town.
Off the side, he noticed Mikella looking a little pale, just the same as he was. Sweat poured from her forehead while Zeke’s back was slick with sweat just from their presence. It was a lot to bear, strangely enough, even after all he went through.
Cloud, on the other hand, appeared more troubled than fascinated, and Val remained just as impassive as they arrived. Clearly, they were used to them, and they were not happy to see them here.
The two sides faced each other, including the otherworlders behind them. Cloud figured that it would be better to just bring them as they were the reason his master came to visit. Zeke also knew that it was so that there wouldn’t be any form of trouble while inside the town. That, and he really prefers this master didn’t see Clara and especially Zoan.
They stood there, quietly gauging the other as Zeke nervously glanced over at the platoon behind the master. All of them were clearly Journeymen, and not the hacks that the former Lord of Bastion sent before.
True Journeymen, all prepped up and armored as though ready to fight to the death. If they wanted to, they could easily raid this town to the ground with barely a thought, even with the town’s barrier in place. That already put his body on edge.
Finally, the man in the lead of the platoon, the so-called Cronus, spoke up.
“Cloud! I’m so glad to see you again after all these years. You look really well considering the location you’re at,” Cronus said, his voice light and jovial. “Valorie, you became even more beautiful than the last time I saw you. I suppose becoming a mother really changes things, huh? You have a glow around you that just explodes maturity and life itself.”
Val remained neutral, almost as if unable to comprehend his words. She inclined her head, not speaking a word.
“Master, I’m glad to see you in good health,” Cloud inclined his own head, his face neutral as well. “While I appreciate you visiting us to see how we are, I do have to complain about your… timing. Not to mention, bringing your army along like this is only just making the people within the town nervous. We have been through a lot over the past year.”
“Oh, these fine gentlemen and ladies behind me?” Cronus asked, his chin gesturing at his entourage behind him. “Don’t mind them. I also made sure to go with the proper procedures to come in peace from a distance. I’m not so foreign to not know these simple matters, Cloud.”
Zeke noticed what Cronus was saying. He saw that at the very back of his platoon, Cronus’ men had a banner of sorts flying behind them. It was a simple banner, flowing along with the wind as it flapped and coiled to reveal a simple white banner with a golden colored dove in mid-flight.
According to the customs within the kingdom’s domain, showing a white banner with a golden dove is a sign of a peaceful visit, no matter the reason. While such a thing could easily be a lie, the fact that they have done so in the first place, looking so impressive looking, is probably the reason why none of the guards look ready to fight to the death, or in this case, pray to the heavens above for salvation as the platoon approached.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
“Truthfully, we really weren’t able to come in time before then. There were plenty of events that we had to oversee to ensure stability in our country. I hope the two of you can understand,” The woman said, her voice the definition of melodious. “I know that you two have been through some harsh times, but at the same time, you have grown so much since then.”
Cronus nodded. “Precisely right, Isabelle. You could say this was all part of the plan. But I digress. We’ve come here not to disturb you or the town, but to discuss some important matters. As well as…”
Cronus shifted his attention to the otherworlders, his eyes narrowing to a sharp pierce. Zeke and Mikella had to stand still at the gaze.
It felt like lead was plastering all over their bodies, making them heavier. The sheer presence of this man exuded pressure unlike anything Zeke ever felt. Even facing Zyler as an opponent was nothing compared to just being in a direct line of sight in front of Cronus. That’s when he knew the difference, as though it was night and day.
Compared to Zyler, or any other Journeymen, this was a true Master-tiered mage. Not even a broken one like Roderick, but a true Master who has managed to break through the requirements. He knew there was a solid difference between the two stages, but he hoped it was just a small margin.
This was a damn gap between heaven and earth.
“These two interesting kids that you took in,” Cronus said. The way he smiled looked predatory. “I’m dying to know about them.”
Cloud took a moment to respond, looking over at the otherworlders, then back to his master. He bowed his head slightly, his eyes closed.
“Of course, master. Please, come this way to our home. I apologize for not making it more worth your visit.”
“Oh, don’t be so formal. This was a sudden visit,” Cronus waved it off. “Besides, I’m more excited to see little Ana. I hear she is just an exact copy of her mother in her young years. This I have to see for myself.”
“As am I,” Isabelle giggled, the very picture of feminine grace. “I’m always fond of rowdy children. Much more pleasant than noble children. They always felt so stiff and uncomfortable.”
The two proceeded forward, the platoon deciding to stay behind rather than to keep going. One of the platoon members, the supposed leader, made a command to stand halt beyond the entrance. Zeke looked back to see them changed to a new formation, this time making rows of themselves stand in front of the entrance as though ready to fight a defensive war.
“Why aren’t those guys coming to keep watch on the guy?” Mikella asked Zeke, her curiosity too strong to be ignored. “Is he that strong that they’re just really here to make an impression?”
Zeke took another glance at Cronus, who even now retained all the attention of the nearby citizens by his presence alone. He even noticed some of the plants in the pots around the window sills and gardens actually perk up at his presence, almost becoming alive by the essence he poured off.
“Maybe it’s also to not make anyone here nervous,” Zeke answered back. “I don’t think I'd like to see a whole army coming into town anytime soon.”
“Ooh… good point.”
After a moment, the group arrived at the home. Nothing of importance came in after. The master and his partner came inside without issue, and everyone settled at the household within the living room. The master and partner took stock of the house for a moment, then sat back down on the sofa. Zeke and Mikella did the only thing proper and stood by as the lords got to their own special sofa. At first, Zeke was nervous that Cronus would just do whatever he wanted in the house, but he quickly became surprised at how polite the master was, even when he was quite literally the leader of a whole country.
Cronus took another moment to look at the house while Isabelle looked fondly around.
“Oh, where is Ana? Don’t tell me that she’s gone?” Isabelle said, nearly saddened at the idea already.
When the lords looked at each other, they didn’t look apprehensive. They look more confused if anything before Val called Ana out. Val went ahead beforehand to tell the kids to go up their rooms while the adults talked, hence the hesitation. So when Val called, Ana came walking forward.
When she appeared, she stood straight and walked with a careful gait that was unlike her. That completely threw Zeke off as he feared she would just run in with her usual excited behavior. She walked towards her mother, her steps confined and careful. It nearly broke his heart to see how nervous she was.
“Y-Yes?” Ana said, even trying to sound as formal as possible. Zeke supposed even children can feel the intense aura the Masters were putting out, though he could tell that the moment Ana came in, the Masters of the house instantly turned down their aura output, making it a lot easier to breathe in. Still, their presence alone demanded outright respect. Val smiled softly as she introduced Ana to the two..
“Aaah!” Isabelle cooed, her hands pressed together. “Ana! I’ve been dying to see you! My, how you’ve grown up! You’re so tall! How old are you right now?”
“I-I’m… I’m twelve,” Ana said, nearly shocked at the pure giddiness Isabelle was pouring off herself.
“Twelve, eh? You’re so close to reaching maturity. Tell me, are you excited to receive the system’s initiation?”
“Y-Yes!” Ana nodded. At this, she responded more like herself. “I want to get the system so that I can help Mommy and–umm, Mom and Dad to protect our home!”
“Ooh,” Isabelle had that look in her eyes of a proud mother, something that Val easily showed herself. She smiled, more subdued this time. “I’m sure you will be as strong as your mother and father someday. Valorie, do you have any intention of letting Ana come to Arcelot to receive education?”
On that, Val nearly froze in place. Ana looked back at her mother in surprise, but she remained quiet as Val took a surprising amount of time to answer back. Thankfully, Cloud answered in her stead.
“We actually plan on teaching her ourselves. While I agree that Arcelot’s education system is nothing short of amazing, it can be…”
“Cut-throat,” Cronus answered so simply, it nearly froze Zeke. “I understand. Considering you two, however, I believe there really won’t be any issue for her to make a living there.”
“Well, Master, that is still quite a long way to consider,” Cloud said, already trying to steer the topic away from his daughter. “Did you not want to talk about your actual business?”
“My, how rushed you are. Do you want to get rid of me that fast? Including my darling Isabelle?”
Cloud looked more displeased and guilty, especially after seeing Isabelle frown so visibly at him that nobody here believed her to be actually sad. If anything, she seemed playful and enjoying every moment of it.
“Master Cronus, if I may,” Val stepped in this time, speaking for once. The way she’s been silent this whole time bothered Zeke, but even now he saw her still shifting in place, almost nervous. “We only wish to continue since despite our similar positions, you clearly have more important duties waiting for you. We don’t want to keep you here any more than necessary.”
“Hah, I suppose,” Cronus let out a huff, almost exasperated at his fun being cut short. He turned to the otherworlders this time, Zeke and Mikella standing stock still. “So tell me, Cloud. Were you ever going to tell me how you have visitors from another world living in your house?”