Arthur's Point of View

Over the Middle Ocean

“I think I understand you a little better, Arthur. This has been a most fortuitous night.” She then leaned on my shoulder, which surprised me, but I thought nothing of it. “As for your request, I will help Typhon. I will also help you with anything you might need in regards to his training or care.”

With a nod, I replied. “Thanks.”

It wasn’t until Allen shouted and we heard the sailors getting more uppity that we turned to them. I gestured to the group at the fire, and Elincia rolled her eyes before heading over. Following, I eyed the High Elf for a moment, wondering why she seemed a little annoyed. Eventually, I assumed she was tired and stepped next to the group.

“Sir Arthur, a question if you will!?” Allen inquired.

Many seemed to grow quiet at that while a few snickered. “By all means.”

“Many of us have been sharing some stories.” The Captain of the White Revenge chuckled. “We have been discussing lovers of past and present. Many here, including myself, think you might have a story or two to share. Surely, given your status and heroic deeds, you must have some more recent additions to your number of conquerors.”

“The only thing that fucks me now is life.” I answered. “Bitch is about as rough as they get.”

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Everyone went silent at that. “Ah…” Allen let out. “Apologies, Sir. We didn’t mean to upset you.”

I shrugged. “You didn’t. I was merely stating a fact. My time for lovers is nonexistent. When would I have time to get close to someone in such a sense?” No one answered. “Maybe it was when my arm was cut off? Perhaps before I fought the Leviathan?” Crossing my arms, I looked across the group. “No, that’s right. I was dealing with other shit.”

“Arthur.” Elincia chastised.

“What?” I asked her back evenly. “I’m not upset. Just stating the fact that I literally have almost zero time to myself. That, and I wasn’t exactly expecting this question.” Then I pointed at Allen. “Also, I don’t kiss and tell.”

“Surely the great Arthur Pendragon has a past flame that must be worth mentioning?” Ventari pressed with an even stare.

It was obvious she wanted some manner of information on me. “Past flames…” I said slowly. “Past failures.” Sitting down in front of the fire, I looked into it. “They died. One was murdered and the other…”

Everyone around the fire went silent at that, and even Ventari turned away from me. “I shouldn’t have pried.” The Dwarven Queen said apologetically.

I shrugged. “I’m sure Elincia and Arceana have had similar situations themselves.”

Ventari turned away from me and to the fire. “I cannot imagine what it must be like to lose someone like that. My husband and son mean the world to me.”

“I’ve heard rumors that the Dwarven King was infatuated with you when you were both young.” Allen quickly brought up, trying to steer the conversation away from me.

“We were friends. He would sneak out of the palace often, and on one of his outings, I beat him up, not knowing who he was. A young prince who bawled because he lost to a girl a little younger than him.” I quirked a brow at that. “Then again, I did hit him in the head with a wooden plank, so it might’ve been that.”

“I’m surprised you weren’t killed or executed.” I commented before gesturing to Elincia. “Had someone likely tried to do that to Lucia when she was younger or Typhon, I imagine it wouldn’t’ve been a pretty sight.”

“Why do you keep trying to make me sound like a terrible person?” Elincia questioned in a fake offended tone.

“Don’t you have children fighting rings or something?”

The Priestess looked aghast at that. “Of course not! What in the world are you talking about!?”

I shrugged. “Heard you had your students fighting each other from a young age.”

Rolling her eyes, she replied. “Training cannot be surmised or counted as children fighting rings.” Then she gestured to me dismissively. “Ignore him. Tell me more about what happened between you and the king while you were young.”

Ventari snorted. “Well, I was brought to the palace and before the previous King and Queen. His mother was amused while his father looked more annoyed than anything.” A soft smile came to her lips. “I still had the same wooden plank in hand since it was the offending weapon. Since I was in trouble and knew I was in trouble, when they presented the prince, I hit him again.”