Arthur's Point of View

Farro Estate

We entered the home to a wide-open entryway with golden chandeliers. It amazed me that hundreds of these types of buildings were built upon the mountain. Some magic tricks had to be involved given that there were large air-docks and warehouses built into the mountain itself.

“Wow. Nice and clean.” I stated as a few servants bumbled about doing various tasks. “The floor practically shines.”

Several of the maids and butlers smiled at me, but I ignored them as Aydalia smiled. “We try very hard to make sure our home is as welcoming as can be.” Then she gestured to me. “However, I’m sure it’s nothing compared to your home. We can see your estate from here.”

“Yeah… Not so much. I don’t have anyone keeping up with the housework.” I replied.

“You don’t have any help?” Momma Farro asked back, surprised, and I shook my head. “Why not?”

I shrugged. “Mostly because I wasn’t expecting such a large home. Something small would’ve been just fine. Second, I didn’t want any of the Priestesses’ agents spying on me. Third, I don’t use most of the rooms, so I’ve essentially blocked off most of the house.”

Lucia sighed. “You are unbelievable.”

“Thank you.”

Aydalia looked confused. “Why do you think the Priestesses would want to spy on you?”

I scoffed. “Because they’re the Priestesses, and they gave me the highest rank in their military.” Then I sighed. “Something that still blows my mind to this day.”

“That just goes to show they trust you.” Aydalia said as she gestured to me.

“A horrible decision really.” Then I shrugged. “Been doing my best to make them take their title back, but they seem very determined to have me keep it.”

Momma Farro looked at me while Lucia groaned. “Is that why you attacked Duke Jhaane Syltar? To stop your knighting?”

I quirked a brow at that. “Who?”

Lucia answered. “The Elf you murdered during your Knighting Ceremony.”

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“Oh!” Chuckling, I waved a dismissive hand. “No. I would’ve killed him regardless. Just like how I handled the rest of those slavers.”

“But to do so, so brazenly in front of the Priestesses…” Aydalia trailed off for a moment before gesturing for the servants to get back to work. “Were you not afraid to answer to them?”

“Pfft.” Lucia smacked my chest hard enough to make a ‘thwack’ sound and glared at me. “I mean, of course.” I corrected in an overly dramatic manner. “Both Arceana and Elincia are a force to be reckoned with…”

Aydalia looked between the two of us before she became quieter. “And what about before Rudnurth escaped and you demanded to see my daughter? Did you not think they would stop you from-“

Holding up my hand to silence her, the Elf glared at me slightly. “That was a misunderstanding. Your daughter doesn’t mean anything to me. She wasn’t the one I was looking for.”

The Elf looked pensive. “Then what about how you woke up screaming ‘Where is she’ over and over again?”

I frowned at that. “It wasn’t Ayda who I was referring to.”

“Then who was it?” Aydalia questioned further.

“That’s private.” Both Aydalia and Lucia were studying me. “Although I will say this, I hope I find her someday.” My tone darkened. “For nothing in this world would please me more than another fateful encounter with her.”

“I see.” Momma Farro said and then moved into a sitting room of sorts. “Please make yourselves comfortable.”

“Thank you.” Lucia and I did so. “Where’s your husband?”

She smiled at me. “He’ll be along. Don’t you worry.”

Interesting. “Is that so?” I replied in a questioning tone, and she just nodded. “Good. I hope to meet him soon.”

All of the servants were leaving the home. Clearly, these two had not been informed about my eyes as I could see all the magic signatures exit the front door or other side doors. One remained above us. Directly above us. If it wasn’t Papa Farro, I would be shocked.

“So, why don’t we get to business.” Mrs. Farro stated and sat across from Lucia and I. “Why are you here, Sir Arthur?”

With a smirk on my face, I leaned in. “To ask you some questions. Personal questions. Of course, I don’t expect you to answer or know everything. However, this is important to me.”

Her eyes narrowed. “What questions could you possibly have for us that would be personal and mean so much to you?”

“Do you know who your parents are?” I asked, and she seemed surprised at the question. “Your husbands? What about their parents, or rather, your grandparents? You Elves live incredibly long lives, and I am rather interested in your ancestry.”

I did my research on Aydan once I returned here. He was worshipped as a hero, but he was known as a hero, knight, and master of magic. However, there wasn’t a single reference of his last name in anything. Scrolls, books, maps, and more all turned up dry. He was Aydan only or had one of his titles attached.

“Why such a keen interest in our families?” Aydalia asked on guard.

“Would you believe me if I said that I believe I was a friend to one of them at one time?”

The female Elf looked amused for a moment. “You expect me to believe that a Human was friends with my father or mother?” She giggled at that.

I chuckled as well. “Unexpected, I know!”

“It’s impossible!” Aydalia replied, instantly full of mirth. “Although, it was amusing to hear someone suggests something like that.”

With a smile firmly planted on my face, I stared right at her. “I wasn’t really suggesting.” Then I gestured to myself. “I’m older than both your Priestesses combined.” Of that, I was certain.

Lucia gave Mrs. Farro a concerned look before she started giggling again. “That is too funny! Please stop, Sir Arthur! We are trying to have a serious conversation, and I can’t focus if you keep fooling around!”

“I assure you that I am completely serious.”

Aydalia stopped her fake giggling and studied me. “Then I must ask you to stop lying. A Human, older than the Priestesses, is such a blatant-“

“That’s because you assume, I’m a regular Human.” I told her, and then I leaned back and gestured to myself. “I assure you I’m not.” Then I pointed towards the ceiling. “It’s because of that, that I know your husband is above me, ready to strike at any instance.”

And calling him out got him to strike. A magical blade appeared at my throat as he teleported behind me. Lucia gasped in horror while Aydalia watched on carefully. No doubt they planned this and heard how I had threatened their kids time and time again. However, it did not appear that Lucia was aware of this.

“Tell you what,” I began as I spread my arms wide. “If you’re truly that invested in doing this, I won’t resist. Go for it. However, when you fail, and you realize your folly, you will answer all of my questions.” The knife got closer, and I rolled my eyes. “If you’re gonna do it, just do it!” I groaned out in annoyance.