Arthur's Point of View

Capital of Vithari - Dwardew

“Isn’t it?” I asked back. “So, what’d you need? Aside from a more fashionable sling?”

Her broken arm was in a sling with a custom brace, and she looked like an absolute wreck of a human being. “There is going to be a meeting held soon about what to do. Both the Queen, Prince, General, the Dwarven Advisor, and the Druid leader are going to be there.”

“Fun! Let me know how it goes!” I gave her a dismissive wave.

It wasn’t surprising that she stood there, giving me an unimpressed look. “We are also attending, Arthur.”

“When you say we, I’m assuming you mean you and Kheri. I have more important things to do, Elincia.”

“Such as?”

“Such as not attending a pointless meeting when we both know I’m going to be the one dealing with all this shit. The Dwarves haven’t pissed me off yet, which is a miracle, to be honest.” Then I gestured to myself. “But if we’re being completely honest, it’s probably because I haven’t had the chance to make an ass of myself yet.”

Typhon was offended on my behalf. “You are the farthest thing from an ass, Arthur.”

I rolled my eyes. “Not literally, Ty. It was a figure of-“ Stopping myself, I continued on. “Never mind.” Then I turned back to Elincia. “Do you really want me there?”

“The Dwarves and Druids may have information that might help you. I think it essential that you attend.”

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Quirking a brow, I wasn’t convinced. “Information that they attained but were unable to use effectively… How good could it be?”

“Maybe it helped them survive this long.”

Damn. That was a good point. “Doubtful.” Not that I would admit it. “Besides, I haven’t been granted access to their records and library yet.”

Elincia shook her head. “What is your obsession over this library of theirs? If this was that important, you could have used our own private library.” She told me.

My skepticism was growing the longer this conversation went on. “This coming from the same woman who took a book from me, didn’t want to return it, and did once she cleared it with her sister. A book you didn’t even find, I might add.” Then I slowly gestured to her with an amused expression. “Why would I want to borrow your library if you went out of your way to censor a book you had no idea what it contained?”

That got her lips to snap shut. After all, I was right. Elincia stood there, seemingly lost on how to proceed. I had a feeling that she knew this was a losing conversation for her regardless. Especially since she was going to abandon Ventari and return back to Lestrania. The only goodwill that’s been garnered this trip was because of me, and I’m a dick at the best of times.

“Your insight into these situations would probably be invaluable.” Typhon suddenly said. “It only makes sense that you attend. It also wouldn’t hurt to show some interest in the locals. Especially if you plan on working with them in the future.”

Standing, I put Defiance on my back and ruffled Ty’s hair. “Very good. That’s the correct way of thinking.”

Elincia looked put off. “If I had said that, you would have just countered it like everything else.”

I nodded. “You’re not wrong, but neither is he. Difference is, I want to reward him for thinking about the situation from different perspectives.” Then I shrugged as I walked up to her. “Besides, you and your sister refused to help. I don’t think Ventari thinks of you as the Lestranian representative in this case. Then again, I told her I was here for my own interests. So, you know,” I bobbed my head back and forth. “Who knows what she thinks about Lestrania at this point.”

“Your disregard for others is always so interesting to hear out loud.” Kheri commented as she came down the hall. “The crew is recovering. Several are injured, but none fatally so. Everyone should make a full recovery. Captain Allen Harlow wants to speak with you when you have a moment.” She informed me. “Never thought a lower ranking officer would ask me to relay a message…”

I ignored her last comment. “Thank you for letting me know. I’ll speak with him once the meeting ends. It’s also good to know everyone made it.” I told her.

“That man has been rather distant and unresponsive towards my orders.” Elincia commented.

Kheri looked at me, and I shrugged. “Do you want him to be punished?” The Zugal General inquired.

The Priestess shook her head. “No. He was commissioned by Sir Arthur. There would be no point.”

Both women discussed how to deal with his attitude for a moment before I cut in. “Remind me to take Harlow and his men under my command once we return to Lestrania. Might even have him retire and offer him a position in my private forces.” I told the two as I gestured to Typhon to follow me before walking past them.

“You have a private force?” Kheri asked skeptically.

“With how you two are acting, I’m going to need to make one.” Was my unimpressed response.