‘I would literally kill someone for some coffee right now,’ Sai thought as he gave a loud yawn.
Living for about a month in the new world, really made Sai miss the little things. The convenience of a hot shower, the smell of coffee and he definitely missed the internet and its endless entertainment.
His body felt stiff and he just woke up from a very peaceful night of sleep.
Slither was watching him, which was weird since it was normal for the snake to sleep until dusk. Sai believed that Slither was actually nocturnal.
“Your up early,” Sai said to the snake.
“I got some big news,” Slither said, approaching Sai and getting on the bed. “Master Rowana is arriving this evening, she was able to secure a mithril sword and she prepared to use it to free you from the mithril cuffs.”
“I am going to be free,” Sai whispered softly. He didn’t believe it at first. Then the excitement and joy he felt was overwhelming. “HAHAHAHA! This is great! She did it! She really did it!”
Sai leapt off the bed and grabbed Slither. “Do you know what this means!” Sai asked with the widest smile in the world. As he spun the snake around in circles, dancing around the room.
“No! Let me down! Let me down! I will bite! I will bite you!”
“Freedom!!!”
Chomp!
Slither bit Sai who was drunk on happiness. His fang wasn't able to pierce Sai's ultra hard skin.
Sai's overjoyed smile never left his face.
----
Sai was humming a joyful tune. “Last Friday Night,” Sai started to sing as he bundled all of his possessions into potato sacks and wooden crates.
“Would Rowana be against me taking the bed?” Sai pondered seriously.
Sai made few plans before leaving with Fairy Godmother Rowana.
Go shopping for more enchanted items,Magic Orbs and other supplies.
Raid the Queens Palace library for useful books.
Thank Erisenda and Mary for their help. Enjoy time with Roy and Ray before he leaves.
Sai had a lot to do before departing.
Mary the Maid entered his room while Sai was making plans.
“Hero, you are invited to attend the Lord Gathering,” Mary said. “The Princess says your attendance is mandatory.”
“Mary, do you know the saying to make a God laugh is by telling them your future plans?”
Mary shook her head.
Sai shrugged his shoulders, “There's also another famous saying. No plan survives contact with the enemy.”
Sai decided to start with the letters before getting ready for the Lord Gathering.
----
Sai was looking for Erisenda. He had a few letters he wanted to give her before he made his departure.
Sai found Erisenda having tea in the dining room.
Next to her was a knight suit. It was in impeccable condition and looked brand new.
“Hello Sai, I heard your stay in the manor will be ending soon,” Erisenda said with a serene smile.
Erisenda was acting weird. It was almost like she was happy.
“Hello Erisenda, you also seem to be in a good mood,” Sai asked, confused.
“I saw a raven today and I believe it is time to make my next move,” Erisenda got up and moved toward the armor and caressed the metal plate. “I would like you to wear this armor for the Lord Gathering. It belongs to my late husband Philip. I hope you can give him the armor and wear it.”
“Are you sure?” Sai asked, confused.
“I am not letting go of anything,” Erisenda said softly, she moved to Sai to caress his face. “I would be happy If we had a son like you.”
“I’m just doing what I can to survive.”
“In my eyes your still a young man lost in the world. you've been struggling under the pressure of the King’s daughter. You kept your sanity in check in the Time Chamber. I’m sure you will grow into a valiant and powerful hero.”
“Thankyou,” Sai was trying not to cry. “That means so much to me.”
“You shouldn’t push yourself so hard,” Erisenda patted Sai’s head. “You can keep the armor.”
“Are you sure you should be giving me this?”
“Consider this a farewell present. Please accept,” Erisenda said with a fierce look in her eyes.
“Ah okay,” Sai agreed. “Can you give these letters out before I leave? I want to say farewell to everyone that welcomed me.”
Erisenda gave a serene smile. “Of course Hero.”
----
Sai wore the knight armor of the late Philip. The armor fitted like a glove and he didn’t feel restricted while moving. Sai suspected it was enchanted.
When Sai finally arrived at the Royal Palace. A line of carriages were dropping nobles and other guests off at the entrances of the Royal Palace.
Sai walked toward the entrance of the Royal Palace and showed the Palace guard his invention. He was led into the Royal Palace and a servant escorted him to the Great Hall.
A separate servant at the entrance of the Great Hall took his invitation and announced loudly his arrival. “Hero Sai Giri!”
Sai entered the majestic Great Hall, capturing the unwavering gaze of the nobles. Under their watchful eyes, he couldn't help but remark, "Seems like I've become the focus of their attention."
Sai spotted the banquet and decided that he was going to pig out and enjoy all the entertainment that this party can offer him.
When Sai moved to get food from the banquet table. The nobles at the Great Hall would part like the Red Sea.
There were all kinds of delicacies at the banquet table. Sai decided to pile sandwiches, cookies and cake onto his plate.
He found a nice wall where no one was located and moved toward to chow down.
He looked around the Royal Hall. Trying to find anyone he knew.
He spotted Jasmine talking to Duke Galen.
He spotted Duran Lockstrong the merchant staring daggers at the Duke and approaching the pair.
He spotted Minster Brian talking to a group of nobles.
It was only later that a group of colorful individuals entered the Great Hall. Every individual in the group was above level 30.
A young pair of twins, a girl and boy. They were level 32.
A woman that had the appearance of medusa with pink snakes as hair. Her level was 36.
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A sickly man that was bone skin, sunken eyes and hair that was turning white. He was level 48.
The sickly man that was higher level then the Knight Commander made a direct path toward Sai.
The sickly man had a foul smell, he smelled like rotten meat that was outside for weeks. Sai nearly gagged but kept himself in control.
When the sickly man was a few feet away, Sai asked. “Hello, my name is Sai. Is there something you want?”
“I want your body.” The sickly man said, staring intently at Sai.
“What?”
“Grow strong Hero. I will wait until your life ends. Until then, farewell,” the sickly man said before going back to his group.
----
Sai was enjoying himself. The food was good and the music in the air was sophisticated and refined.
The nobles around him were avoiding him like the plague. Which he found strange.
Jasmine and her group started to approach Sai.
Sai fixed his hair and approached Jasmine with a charming smile. “Hello Jasmine, did you miss me?”
Jasmine eyes wavered before greeting. “Hello.”
“Dear customer. I hope you didn’t forget our deal,” Duran said in a sing-song voice.
“I haven’t forgotten anything. I thank you for all your help,” Sai smiled thinking about all the money Duran gave him. ‘Thankyou for donating to this poor unfortunate hero. You can kiss your money goodbye.’
“Hahaha,” Sai started laughing and clapping Duran’s back enthusiastically. “Your a great guy Duran!”
Sai was approached by a young woman, her sleek black hair cascading around her black-framed glasses. She has a petite figure reminiscent of a Victorian doll. Her extravagant ballroom dress, adorned with red and black hues, accentuated her presence. With a graceful bow, she introduced herself, "Pleasure to meet you.” In a dry tone she then said. "The esteemed Hero, or shall I say, the newest addition to Jasmine's ever-expanding harem..."
Jasmine fixed her hair. “Davina, you joke too much. I don’t have a harem.”
Davina looked at Jasmine, then looked at Duke Galen, then her eyes went to Merchant Duran, finally her eyes landed on Hero Sai.
“Then all these gentlemen are your friends?” Davina raised a single eyebrow as she asked skeptically. “You don’t have any romantic relationships for any of these men?”
“Well... It's complicated,” Jasmine said.
Davina let out an exasperated sigh. "Oh, Jass, darling. As much as I adore you, it's time you faced the cold, hard truth. You're a seductress extraordinaire! I mean, seriously, with a mere smile and a few sweet words, you've managed to bewitch every eligible bachelor in this nation and beyond its borders. It's like you have a magical power of irresistible charm!"
"My love life is none of your business," Jasmine replied.
“Your new husband needs to learn what he is getting into,” Davina replied. “Gentleman, how much do you love Jasmine?”
“I will give her anything she desires,” Duran said, giving a charming smile.
“I will do anything for her,” Galen said sternly. “Your greedy merchant bastard don’t stare at her with those lecherous eyes!”
“It was love at first sight,” Sai said while snacking on a cookie. He was greatly enjoying the show.
Galen glared at Sai. “I will end you.”
“You shouldn’t threaten me when you're punching distances,” Sai replied while raising his fist.
“Your a brute! You don’t deserve to marry a gentle woman like Jasmine!”
“Haven’t you learned your lesson? If violence doesn’t work. Use more violence,” Sai replied while smiling happily.
“I will pay you handsomely if you punch the Duke in the face,” Duran said.
“I will do it for free,” Sai said with a cheer.
“No violence!” Jasmine said in a commanding voice. “Stop acting like children and behave like grown men!”
Sai, Galen and Duran stayed silent.
Davina said, “Hero, your new wife has a boat load of lovers. If this is not going to convince you, I will need to bring up the other men in her life,” Davina narrowed her eyes at Jasmine. “Jass, sweetie. Tell me about your relationship with Dirk Goldfields.”
“The noble from Emerald Country?” Duran looked surprised.
Jasmine twirled her hair. “We have similar hobbies. We are very good friends. He’s from a foreign country, we can’t be together.”
“Eldrin?” Davina said the name like a question.
“We have a very strong bond.”
“Thadran?”
“I helped him once! We don’t have a deeper relationship than that!”
“Corvas Redoak?”
“It’s complicated.”
Duran looked surprised, “Isn’t he the Griffon Rider?”
“Draven Bridgewater?” Davina asked.
“How did you find out!” Jasmine looked shocked.
“I don’t need to be a detective to know he heads over heels for you! Moving on, what's your relationship with Kaelar?”
Duke looked confused. “My butler is in love with Jasmine?”
Jasmine looked defeated. “I am not trying to seduce anyone.”
Davina shakes her head. “From all the gentlemen I listed. Who haven’t you intimately kissed on the lips?”
Jasmine opened her mouth once, then she closed it. Her eyes didn’t even look at any of the people around her. She stared at the floor quite intently.
Davina turned to Sai, “Your new wife is quite beloved by a lot of men. I need to let you know before you marry her.”
“This is crazy,” Sai said unconsciously.
Sai was shocked, but also curious. How did all these men end up falling in love with Jasmine? Indeed she was breathtaking beauty, but was that enough to charm all these men to fall head over heels for her.
‘No. No. No. I am thinking this in the wrong way. What is her personality like!?!’ Sai had a shocking revelation.
Sai coughed once in his hand. “Jasmine, I would like to know what your hobbies are? I am asking this to get to know you more. Also because everything I learn about is well... Unflattering.”
Jasmine seemed to compose herself. "I love to cook, especially desserts like cupcakes and brownies. I do like reading in my spare time, I am very fond of Whispered Secrets of the Enchanted Rose."
"Your perfect," Sai said honestly. "I read all the volumes of Whispered Secrets of the Enchanted Rose. Honestly it is a masterpiece. Homer is my favorite character."
While trapped in the Time Chamber, Sai few joys was binge reading the trashy romance called Whispered Secrets of the Enchanted Rose. At first he hated it. But the book grew on him like moss.
Duke Galen then muttered, “You are already on the list. I am just going to move you up in priorities.”
Davina seems to grit her teeth. “Oh no, she got him!”
“Davina,” Jasmina said softly. “Why do you embarrass me like that!”
Davina raised her hands in the air. “Your seductive powers are causing quite the trouble! The ladies are quaking in their boots, terrified that you'll snatch their boyfriends with just a smoldering look. It's a scandalous situation, darling, because you've earned the coveted title of "Most Hated" among the noblewomen in the Principality. Talk about leaving a trail of broken hearts in your wake!”
Duke Galen raised his voice. “Enough. I don’t want to hear anymore about this. It sounds to me that your jealous of Jasmine's beauty and charm!”
Davina gave a flat look to Galen and was going to say something. However someone arrived that made Davina pause.
Princess Ophelia has arrived.
----
Princess Ophelia was beautiful.
Princess Ophelia's silver hair was styled in an immaculate hair bun. Nestled upon the glorious bun was a crown befitting her royal status.
She wore a stunning ball gown with its flowing silk fabric and intricate lace details.
The princess's makeup was a masterpiece, enhancing her natural beauty with skillful precision.
Sai was stunned by Ophelia's beauty. He was left speechless.
Ophelia gracefully approached the Duke, her steps imbued with a sense of purpose. In her hands, she carried a pristine white basket. In the white basket was a decorated egg resting upon a plush pillow.
Sai recognizes the egg as the one that Ophelia decorated last night.
Princess Ophelia extended the basket towards Duke Galen Winterstorm, her gesture brimming with elegance. With a regal poise, she addressed him, her voice carrying a delicate yet resolute tone, “Northern Duke Galen Winterstorm, will you do me the honor of accepting my egg?”
A profound stillness swept through the Great Hall, enveloping all within its embrace. As if every individual present was unified in holding their breath collectively. The noble guests, the diligent servants, and every soul in attendance fell into a profound hush, rendering the hall devoid of even the faintest whisper or rustle. An eerie calm that amplified the significance of the impending event.
Duke Galen looked like he was resigned to his fate. He took the basket that held the decorated egg.
Princess Ophelia's smile was radiant when she saw Duke Galen accept her egg.
Duke Galen's grip faltered, and the basket slipped from his hands. The sound of the basket meeting the ground resonated through the hall as it tumbled downward. The decorated egg jolted from the plush pillow and was hurtling towards the floor. On impact the egg emits an undignified splat as yolk and eggshells cover the floor.
Princess Ophelia’s smile disappeared, she looked at the broken egg in disbelief. Soon her face was one of horror.
Duke Galen gives a bow. “My hand slipped.”
“Why?” Princess Ophelia asked as her voice broke.
Duke Galen was silent.
The silence spoke volumes to Ophelia. She stared at the broken egg on the ground and dejectedly turned around and started to walk away.
“That was humiliating,” Sai commented a little too loud. He instantly regretted it as soon the words slipped from his mouth.
“Who dares to mock me,” Princess said as she turned around to glare at the offender.
Sai shut his mouth.
“Servant,” The Princess says with venom. “Do you want to be punished?”
‘The smart thing to do is to plead for mercy,’ Sai thought. However, emotion does not follow reason.
Sai harbored a deep-seated resentment towards the Princess, a festering emotion that had taken root within his heart. To him, she appeared more like a monstrous figure. She subjected him to the demeaning role of a slave. Her oppressive nature extended further, compelling him into an unwanted marriage and subjecting him to severe punishments for the slightest disobedience.
Sai summoned his inner resolve, steeling his courage. His desire to inflict harm upon the Princess burned within him. If physical strength alone proved insufficient, he would resort to the sharpness of his words, wielding them as a weapon to wound her deeply. “Watching you get rejected by a man that you worked so hard to gain. It was super hilarious!”
“SHUT UP!” The Princess was beyond mad as she pointed her ring at Sai. The Princess activated the Death Enchantment on the Mithril Cuff that was attached to Sai.
“Aurgh!” Black mist was summoned from the mithril cuffs. Sai's lifespan was chipping away as he felt excruciating pain like his skin was being burned by acid. He fell to his knees.
With a menacing tone, the Princess confronted Sai, her words laden with bitterness. "You are not a gallant knight, a loyal servant to the crown, or even a lowly slave. You are nothing but a burdensome weight upon me!"
Sai struggled mightily, however he got up. He moved toward the princess, he took a deep breath and then spat in the princess's face.
To Sai delight, the shock on the Princess’s face was worth it. Watching as his saliva dripped from her face was healing toward his very abused heart. “I hope you die alone and miserable.”
A tornado of flames appeared around the princess. The ceiling was getting scorched and people were yelling in distress.
“Do you want me to kill you!” The Princess' voice roared in the flaming tornado. “Tyrant Sword!”
A flash of steel so fast that Sai couldn’t follow hit him on the side of the head.
Sai was knocked out.
The Princess glared at Sai's unconscious body. She looked at her surroundings. Her Great Hall was ruined. Her dress was ruined. Worst of all, she couldn’t kill the culprit that created the mess.
“I hate you. I hate you! I HATE YOU!” The Princess screamed as flames erupted around her.