Glen vividly recalls the young lad engaged in a charade that he chanced upon while visiting those parent - less children upon his return to Dude with Luther and the others, subsequent to the conclusion of the demon invasion. The youth had masterfully veiled that haughty air of regarding others as mere insects beneath the eyes of a deity. Glen had presumed that, upon accompanying the refugees to the royal capital, he would stir up some commotion. Yet, to his astonishment, here he was now, seemingly a fully - fledged knight.

Was he some powerful figure indulging in a dalliance with the mortal world? Or was I simply over - thinking? … Glen maintained an inscrutable demeanor as he stood alongside Hopdo before the princess's desk.

"I never anticipated that the author of such captivating tales would be so youthful. On reflection, it is only fitting that stories brimming with childlike innocence should emanate from a writer of your ilk. Might you be so kind as to regale me with the process of your creative endeavors?"

The princess retained that affable and courteous smile throughout. However, her words gave Glen the impression that she was akin to a journalist.

"Certainly, it would be my distinct honor," Glen feigned a profound sense of privilege. "Each of my stories is rather uncomplicated, and the moral lessons they impart are readily comprehensible. Perhaps events of a similar nature occur with regularity in our daily lives. I merely transpose them into alternate settings and endow them with different characters …"

Glen expounded upon whatever came to his mind, and both the princess and Hopdo, who stood nearby, listened intently.

Although Hopdo had heard much of this during their initial encounter, he feigned a sense of novelty, as if hearing it for the first time.

Upon the conclusion of Glen's discourse, the princess nodded, as if enlightened. Glen had no inkling of how she had construed his words. In any case, he was merely attempting to get through this ordeal, so he deemed it sufficient to merely perfunctory her .

"A most engaging exposition. I fancy I shall have to peruse your stories several more times upon my return, Mr. Glen."

The princess lowered her gaze for a few seconds before raising it once more.

"I never dreamt that my stories could capture the attention of a princess. To be quite candid, I remain rather nervous even now."

"Rest assured. We shall encounter one another with greater frequency in the future, and you shall gradually grow accustomed to my presence. I shall not wield my status to compel you to undertake actions that are contrary to your will. You may repose in this assurance."

Meet frequently? I shall return home post - haste once my business here is concluded. You shan't see me again, save for when it is time to collect the funds … Glen mused inwardly while continuing to feign compliance outwardly.

After responding to several more inquiries from the princess, she at last broached the matter at hand:

"Pray forgive my loquacity. I had well - nigh forgotten about Mr. Glen's admittance to the club. Here are all the requisite documents for the formalities. I have already attended to all other aspects on your behalf. All that remains is for you to complete the entry of your personal information."

Glen accepted the documents and swiftly scanned through their contents. It resembled an information registration form, yet it was quite simplistic. The information solicited was minimal, encompassing merely details such as name and address.

The sole element of a more sophisticated nature was the signature section at the base, which was inscribed with magical runes.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Glen, having amassed a modicum of magical knowledge, discerned that it was a form of contractual magic, and of a highly advanced nature at that.

Without much deliberation, he inscribed his name, Glen, upon it.

The magical runes emitted a scarcely perceptible flicker of fluorescence, signifying the activation of the contract.

He proffered the document to the princess, who perused it cursorily, nodded, and then bestowed a smile upon Glen. "Welcome to the club, Mr. Glen."

…

Emerging from the club, Glen clutched a plump cloth bag emblazoned with a distinctive insignia to his bosom. With great effort, he managed to suppress the corners of his mouth, which were all but eager to curl upwards in elation.

Subsequent to completing the information entry, the princess had someone escort him to receive the funds, amounting to a total of fifty gold coins.

For an ordinary middle - class household, this sum could be considered a veritable fortune. Although Glen could already be regarded as a minor affluent individual, the sight of this substantial bag of resplendent gold coins nonetheless left him feeling somewhat giddy.

At present, he was incessantly pondering how to allocate these funds.

Should he procure a residence in the principal city of Kelladria, or perhaps utilize them to expand his farmstead? It was a matter worthy of careful consideration.

Hopdo expounded upon some insights regarding painting, and Glen was mindful to interject with appropriate responses.

Suddenly, the thought of the knight in the retinue of the Third Princess crossed Glen's mind. He temporarily set aside his exuberant musings and inquired of Hopdo, who was by his side:

"The two knights in attendance upon the princess are quite youthful. Are they both charged with safeguarding Her Highness? Might their prowess prove insufficient?"

Hopdo had been awaiting Glen's response to his recent musings regarding color transitions. Caught off - guard by this seemingly tangential query, he was momentarily rendered speechless. "Why do you pose such a question? Is this a matter that warrants our concern? We ought to simply focus our energies upon our creative pursuits."

"Beyond the realm of creation, one should cultivate other interests. I am merely inquisitive by nature and find myself irresistibly drawn to delving into the depths of various matters."

Glen proffered an explanation.

Hopdo nodded. He himself harbored hobbies beyond the realm of painting, and thus harbored no suspicions. After a moment's reflection, he decided to share with Glen what he knew:

"As far as I am aware, the two knights in the princess's entourage are at the very least of the third rank. In a locale such as the principal city of Battersea, this suffices. Do not be deceived by their youth. Their might is beyond your imagination.

"The youngest among them, you have doubtless heard of his illustrious name, Cadmon Carlo, also known as the Sword of Divine Radiance. He is the most prodigious talent to emerge from the Knight's Temple selection. Can you fathom someone attaining the rank of fourth - level knight in merely a matter of months? Good heavens! This surpasses even the legendary Second Princess of the kingdom! Even the most outlandish rumors suggest that the Second Princess achieved the rank of third - level knight in a span of two years. And this Sword of Divine Radiance … Were it not an incontrovertible fact, I would deem the one apprising me of this tale to be bereft of his senses!"

The Second Princess of the kingdom could be considered the most enigmatic figure within the Zern Kingdom, and a byword for genius among the kingdom's youth. Tales and rumors regarding her abound.

"Are you referring to the one who still bears the visage of a child?" Glen sought confirmation from Hopdo.

"Indeed, that comely young man!" Hopdo affirmed with a nod.

What a so - called prodigy. He's merely a powerful figure condescending to engage in a facile pursuit … Glen scoffed inwardly. He was all but certain that the individual in question was surely some form of avatar of a powerful entity.

"Someone of such caliber ought to be highly esteemed, no? Why, then, would he assume the role of the Third Princess's protective knight?" Glen pressed on with his inquiries.

"That, I cannot say. I, too, was taken aback when I first beheld him in the company of the Third Princess. Presumably, it is a directive issued by the Knight's Temple. One should not be surprised by any task they might assign. Well, let us refrain from dwelling upon this matter. Let us resume our discussion of creation. Where was I just now? …"

Glen had little choice but to acquiesce.

Thus, engaged in continuous conversation, they journeyed back to Hopdo's abode in the deer - drawn carriage.

Upon Hopdo's alighting from the carriage, Glen remarked, "I fear I have imposed upon you today. I must take my leave now."

"Mr. Glen, there is no need for such haste, surely? Linger for a couple more days. I have dispatched a missive to Celati. He is most eager to make your acquaintance!"

"I truly regret to decline, but I have numerous pressing matters awaiting my attention. I must be on my way."

With that, Glen flicked the reins, and the large deer resumed its trot.

Hopdo could only bid him farewell.