8/23 - Kingdom of humanity - night

Alexander, Richard, the loli witch, and I are on our way to a party like none other, plenty of adults and kids are dressed in fancy attire. They’re all walking up the stairs towards the castle grounds just as we are. I try to adjust my tie as I head up. Richard taught me how to tie my tie, but I think I made it a little tight on my neck. The suit itself isn't as constrictive as I thought it would be, though, I'd rather much be in my regular clothes.

"You need help with your tie," Richard offers his assistance.

"No, I got it covered, just need to loosen it a bit is all."

"I second that, my tie is choking me."

At this point, Alex and I are just going to take it off via ripping it off.

"You will keep that tie on, " Selena snaps at us.

"Why," I ask.

"Gentlemen show decorum when presenting themselves in a ball, and I will be escorted by said gentlemen."

Tch, what a pain in my ass. Making my final adjustments, I’m able to find a comfortable position for my tie. We finally made it to the castle grounds. As we approach the castle I spot a guard out in front of the entrance, checking something as the guests go up to him. Could it be invitations?

"Hey, we might have a problem up ahead. They're checking for invitations," I alert everyone.

"That's bad," Richard whispers.

"Calm yourselves. Such a trivial matter means nothing to me," The loli witch assures us. We approach the guard, I’m a bit tense about what would happen. Selena says she has it covered but she hasn't ported us inside yet.

"Invitation, please?"

"Your attention guard."

The guard looks down at Selena.

"We do not have passes, but will you let us in from the kindness of your heart?"

Selena seductively asks the guard. He stands still as she speaks, his gaze becoming unfocused as he stares down at Selena. After she was done talking, the guard slightly recoils.

"Even if you don't have invitations you can still enter, have a pleasant time," the guard says, acting as if he didn’t have an intense staring contest.

"Thank you, my kind sir."

Selena walks ahead of us as we gawk at the guard like he was a wax painting.

"Are you boys coming or not?"

The witch snaps us out of our speechless state. We caught up to her as she walked inside the castle. The ones who entered are being directed elsewhere. We follow them wherever they’re going. While walking there, servants are lined up, bowing to us from both sides of the hallway.

"This is VIP treatment right here buddy," I tell Richard, getting all giddy-up.

"Yeah, it’s kind of flattering, in a way," he replies with a shy tone.

"So this is what the castle on the inside looks like? Proxy," Alex calls.

"Yeah?"

"You think Quincy and Chip were able to make it in?"

That reminds me. Quincy said he wanted to sneak into the castle library with Chip since the security is going to be light tonight. “Chip said he was going to sneak inside with Quincy from the upper balcony on the east. I told him one of us would let him."

"Who's gonna let him in then?"

"You wanna do it?"

"Certainly."

"Kay then, Alex when you get the opportunity, sneak out of the ball and go and get those two inside of here."

"got it."

As we climbed up a flight of stairs, we went a bit further until we turned left, entering a big, spacious room that housed a throne chair far from the entranceway. There sits a person, he has blond hair that hits his shoulders like Alex, his facial details are that of a cocky kid who just couldn't stop smirking. He’s wearing a uniform that resembles an officer’s uniform. He was also wearing a cape that covers one side of his body.

"So that's king Relius," I ask.

"Yes, I think so. It's my first time seeing him as well," Alex adds on.

"He seems to have that kingly aura about him," Selena asserts.

"He sure does."

More and more people began to flood the ballroom in droves, soon after it was filled with people ready to mingle the king stood up. He was watching as the last batch of invitees came into the ballroom. Just as everyone is getting comfortable, the king clears his throat.

"Hello all, my fellow guest, I hope you all are feeling quite ecstatic being in this ballroom, for it means that you have made great contributions to the foundation and the prosperity of the kingdom, which is, to say the least, a more than a desirable thing."

His tone isn't condescending, or snarky, but calm.

"But every single one of you in this room are not the only ones who contribute to the prosperity of this kingdom."

Some of the folks in here begin muttering to themselves as to what the king means by that. Hell, I’m a bit confused about what he meant.

"Yes, you established your own business and manage them on your own, or with another, and while that is commendable, we also have to remember the men and women on the lower level that work under you as well. They venture out of the kingdom to keep up with supply and demand, but not only to benefit their employers but to their own as well. They work so they can satisfy their way of life for themselves and their families. You might ask why I bring this up? Well, it's because I don't wish for any of you or anyone else not here to forget the Godfrey era."

Everyone in the room takes on a dower atmosphere when that is brought up. Godfrey. . .

"Wasn't Godfrey the previous king," I ask Alex.

"Yes, he was. During his reign, the Kingdom was different from the one we are in now. Bandits from outside the kingdom raided the kingdom constantly, destroying homes, killing people, stealing from people. All the while the King was barely able to maintain the proper resources the kingdom needed. Some refer to it as the Godfrey stain era."

Alex's tone while explaining that is quite bitter.

"That era ended 10 years ago when my father was burned alive in the fire that engulfed half of the castle one night. Unfortunately, my sister was caught in the flames as well. Even if time flows on, I cannot forget the flame's fury as it burned my father and my sister alive in front of me. However, now is not the time to lament, even if my father was not the best leader he had hopes of a better future for this kingdom. He passed on his hopes of this kingdom turning into a paradise for those who reside in it to me. Ever since I sat on the throne I strived for just that. Of course, in the beginning, it was quite hard to set things right, however, we were able to set things right in the kingdom with enough hard work and time. Not only that but build up from the ashes of misery into the skies of prosperity. So again, you might be asking why I'm saying all this? The answer is this. . ." He bows to his audience. ". . .Congratulate not only all of yourselves but everyone else down on the lower levels, and to remember my late father and dear sister; I hope their souls find peace in the next world. And may you, the living, continue to keep providing towards us all!"

The crowd clapped for their king as was still bowing to his subjects.

"Guy sure is humble," I point out.

"I can't believe he's the one who had people working in the Hell Mine," Richard says, astonished by the king. “But the feelings I’m reading from his words.”

Selena darts her eyes at Richard.

"Boy, what did you pick up from his words," Selena asks.

"Every word he said was filled with conviction, no fear, no hesitation, no cynicism. Just conviction."

"How do you figure," I ask him.

"He can feel the true emotion in someone's words; like a mood ring but much keener. It's a form of detection, but special. I'd dare say it's a Personal skill."

"What's that?"

"In a person's life, people will pick up skills, whether it be shooting a bow, throwing a knife, or being able to read people, some people will either develop an affinity toward said skill if they excel at it, devote their time into it, or other reasons. Some will be born with such skill."

"So, I have one of these?"

"Yes, it dabbles in detection. Which reminds me, did you ever feel me use my Source outside?"

"I think so. It was when you talked to the guard. Your voice carried a hypnotic tone to it."

"Exactly, you were able to detect me using Hypnotic suggestion."

"Hypnotic suggestion?"

"It's a form of hypnotism that has to do with phrasing that comes off like a suggestion that the target came up and acts on it post-hypnotization," Richard explains.

Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

"That's pretty cool, don't do that on me,” I tell Selena.

"Need worry not, I wouldn't waste my efforts on you."

"You better not, Loli witch."

Servants come in with Table length carts, food, and drinks placed on top of them.

"Please, enjoy the banquet of food from our finest chefs of our kingdom, especially some of the finest from the lower level."

The tables are placed in the ballroom, connecting.

"Oh, and before I forget, the competition for this year's prize was drawn on paper, but those of you who wish to gaze upon it, then here it is."

A butler came out from the entranceway with a plate in hand and a cloth covering it. When the servant got in front of the king he unveiled the cup.

"This cup was crafted by a blacksmith who took interest in cup making. This was his final cup before passing on. Gaze at its glory."

The cup is colored in a gloriously warm, summer color that had an array of different flowers on it. The handle itself swerved down like it was the wind pushing forward in the warm spring. Damn it, it’s beginning to itch the inner artist within me.

"Such a masterful cup, such an elegant design!"

Selena is visibly happy with how it looked, she was practically ready to jump and down, but she composed herself before doing so.

"Proxy, I'm going to go let Quincy and Chip in now while everyone is distracted," Alex says.

"Okay, don't get caught."

"Wish me luck."

Alex hastily walked towards the exit without arising any suspicion.

"The cup has flowers on it," Nunnalé leans forward.

"I forgot you like flowers," Richard chuckles.

". . .It's not too important, I just felt like pointing it out. I won't speak out of turn again." She quickly went back to being stoic.

"It's okay, you don't need my permission to speak."

"But I don't wish to inconvenience you."

"You-"

"Such a typical answer from a doll," Selena chimes in. She didn't seem annoyed with her, rather she knew she was going to say that.

"Is there a problem, Witch of the Moonlight?”

"Nothing at all, I guess if you don't have a problem with it then I shouldn't say anything."

I think she's just acting catty for no good reason. Whatever, I'm going to go get something to eat.

"Richard, you want something to eat?"

"Sure, Nunnalé you want something?"

"I am not hungry."

"Okay, then see you two."

"What about me?"

"Wouldn't it be improper for a lady such as yourself to be eating in such a place," I mock her in a snotty tone.

"You truly are a mouthy little upstart. Thank your lucky stars that I don't punish you in such a formal ball."

"I am, don't worry."

Richard and I head to the food.

"You know that you're just asking for trouble, right."

"I'm not scared of her."

"But she kind of kicked your butt during your first fight with her."

"Well, I bulked up since the last time, and I know how to use a sword a bit properly now. Alex has been putting me through the wringer."

“Must be tough.”

“You have no idea, my arms, legs, and back kill me every time we get done with training.”

“What do you guys do?”

“50-push ups, 50-sit ups, and sparring for a good three hours. Oh, did I mention I do those 50s’ in a single set?”

“Sounds hellish.”

“You don’t know the half of it. But I have gotten better with a sword, so there’s that.”

We end our conversation as we reach the table. There are clean plates set on the table. Using those and the utensils here, we select what we want to eat. Richard takes a piece of cake and that was it. I on the other hand pick different meats, some coated in sauce.

"All I'm saying is this: don't pick fights you can't win, that's what I learned while living in this world," Richard advises me.

"And all I'm saying is that I'm stronger than I was when I was wet behind the ear. If I ever meet that armor dude again I bet I can put up a better fight than I did last time. Hell, I bet I can land a solid blow on what's his face."

"Who?"

"The one we went to the tower with."

"Legion?"

"Yeah, I bet I can beat him in a fight now."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah, that dude would be down on his one knee like, 'Proxy, you're the best fighter I've ever seen, take my sword, you've earned it'."

"Sorry, but I can't give you my sword, even if you win."

That voice. . . Turning my head, I see the familiar in front of me. It’s Legion and he’s also wearing a suit, with his sword sheathed by his hip.

"How have you guys been since our last meeting?"

"We're fine but what are you doing here," Richard inquires.

"I am staying in the castle as a guest of the king."

"Seriously?"

"It's only until I complete my mission, but on that note, why are you two here?"

"You know, for some good old royalty fun."

"I didn't know you owned a business in the kingdom?"

"We don't," I correct him.

"So you snuck in here?"

"Yep."

"You do realize that's against the rules, right?"

"Don't worry about it, boy scout. We won't cause any trouble."

". . .If you mean it, then I will overlook your uninvited presence."

"Thanks. Since we're reacquainted, wanna hang?"

"I don't have any current duties to do, so sure, why not."

Legion takes up a plate, putting vegetables and a bit of meat on it. We head back to the girls.

"I wonder. . ." Legion mumbles to himself. He shoots a glance at Richard. He seems puzzled by something only for his attention to go to Selena and Nunnalé.

"What the!?" Legion gasps as he looks at the girls.

"You ladies have Source," Legion asks

"Dear me, you can tell?"

"Yes, but there's something off with the girl next to you. Her Source is connected to Richard!?"

"Keen observation. This being known as Nunnalé is a Doll."

"Are you serious?"

"I am, can't you sense that?"

"I didn't know what a Doll's Source is like, I had no idea it was so dull."

"Such is the nature of a doll."

"Um, what are you guys talking about," Richard interjects.

"We're discussing how your Source is connected to the doll, I mean Nunnalé," Legion corrects himself.

"Connected?"

"You can't tell?”

"I didn't even know that."

"Wait, you still can't see Source?"

"He doesn't know how to."

"I see, so you're still having trouble using your Source?"

"Yeah, it's kind of embarrassing."

"Mind if I help you out then?”

"I'm afraid he's not at that point yet, he still needs to be able to control his Source properly."

"I see, that's the problem."

"I can heal, but I can't do it effectively."

"Have tried to find a-"

"Excuse me, but I must ask you not to teach him anything."

"Why would that be?"

Selena took a moment to promptly tell Legion why she wants me from learning nothing yet.

"...What a predicament, but I understand. So you're participating in the dance for the cup?"

"Yep, I've been working on my break dancing, so I got this one in the bag."

"Proxy, you do realize where we're at, right?"

"Yeah, so what?"

"It seems the word elegance is lost on you," Selena remarks.

"I think we're supposed to do ballroom dancing instead of freeform," Legion adds on.

"You serious, that's lame!"

As I expressed my disgust, the folks in the ballroom began to pair up with one another, standing still as if ordered not to move.

"Looks like it's about to begin."

"Count me out, I could never do those dances."

"Well, I need to win that cup. Nunnalé, can you aid me?”

"I shall win us that cup, Master. Richard."

The two of them went onto the dance floor.

"Well, if you boys shall excuse me, I'm going to go dine." Selena walks off by herself toward the table of food. I squat down on the ground with my feet flat on the ground.

"So Legion, you gonna dance," I ask him.

"I have no one to dance with."

"You can ask one of them." I point over to the girls ogling him.

"I don't think I would be much of a partner."

"Scared?"

"No, I have adequate experience, but nothing beyond that."

"Ah, then you wanna dance with me?"

"I think that would bring unwanted attention."

"Nah man, I mean a different dance."

I got up from my slav squat to meet him face to face.

"You want to fight, that’s what you mean?”

"You catch on quick. I was serious when I said I improved."

"I'm sorry, but I won't."

"Why not?"

"I cannot fight someone that I do not need to fight."

"Come on, it'll be fun."

"Fun, how so?"

"You'll get to fight me and have a blast while doing so."

"That didn't answer my question."

"You'll get your answer once we start fighting."

"But I don't wish to hurt you."

“You won’t.”

...

Moving through the halls, I need to head for the east-balcony. Along the way, I attempt to cut through a room that houses an empty suit of armor hung up on the wall with a shield held in the front. I see an iron plating below it. Sigurd is spelled on the plate.

"Who goes there!" A knight comes in with their hand on their sword.

"Ah, oh, I was. . . I got lost. I require the bathroom!"

"Is that so?"

"Indeed. . ."

The knight takes his hand off his sword and moves over to me.

“What is this?”

“A memorial.”

"They have a memorial for a single knight in the castle?"

"Yes, it does seem strange, but the knight here was respected by our previous and current king, so king Relius had a memorial commissioned for him in here. Of course, we do have a graveyard sight not too far from the kingdom, so the other knights that died years ago aren't forgotten."

"I see..."

"But the captain was something else."

"How so?"

"He was a knight beyond parallel, at the crack of dawn he would have us exercise and by the afternoon we would be dead tired."

I can't help but laugh a little at the thought of it.

"However, when we were in a desperate situation he would find a way to raise our spirits and make us fight onward. Then, he would treat us to a couple of rounds of the good stuff."

"Sounds like he was a great captain."

"He was indeed, but unfortunately, he was caught up in the fire that happened in the castle 10 years ago. He was killed by the outsiders on the knight of the king's death. Even after we went and pushed them out from the kingdom to their home base in Borghulda."

"Borghulda?"

"It's located far west of the kingdom. Took us a month to get down there and back on foot. It was not fun, let me tell you."

"So you all went towards the enemy's home base?"

"Indeed, the longer it took to invade them, the longer the battle would drag out. At first, it was a dangerous and perilous journey, we lost some men along the way. But the journey was well worth it, we dealt them a crushing blow in the war effort. However, I can't say it was a bad time with the captain there. He truly was a one of a kind."

The knight ends his reminiscing with a sigh and claps his hands together.

"Well, I'll leave you to do what you are doing. Please return to the party as soon as you get done with the bathroom. Have a nice time."

The knight left the memorial area. I look back at the plating, feeling a sense of respect toward the knight.

"So you took the fight to the enemy, despite the risk?"

He wanted to end the fight as quickly as possible, so he took on a risky endeavor. . . I should probably get a move on, Quincy and Chip are waiting for me.