Bruce and Arthur descended from the back of a wyvern after an extraordinary experience that left Bruce unable to contain his delight. It was unquestionably the most remarkable thing to happen to him since his arrival In this enchanting world. In that moment, he felt like he had cast aside the weight of his past, and he couldn't help but exclaim, "I'm living in a completely different world."
Arthur noticed Bruce's radiant expression and couldn't resist teasing him, saying, "Your face says it all, Ghost. You absolutely loved that, didn't you? It's the happiest I've ever seen you."
To which Bruce replied, "Yes, it's truly amazing. Thank you."
Eager to share his world with his newfound friend, Arthur suggested, "Hey, let's go. I'll introduce you to my family." Excitement danced in his eyes.
Arthur's anticipation to reunite with his family after their adventure in Pearl Village was palpable.
As they wandered through a bustling marketplace, Bruce found himself enchanted by the people conversing, buying, and selling various goods. It was like stepping into a vibrant marketplace teeming with exotic wonders. Bruce marveled at items he'd never encountered before and noticed merchants offering a dazzling array of weapons and armor. Yet, what truly piqued Bruce's curiosity was the prospect of tasting the local cuisine. His mouth watered at the very thought of it.
Guided by the tantalizing scent of grilling meat, Bruce couldn't resist following the aroma, and before he knew it, he had lost sight of Arthur amid his culinary quest.
In his pursuit of that mouthwatering fragrance, Bruce finally pinpointed the source and found himself elated to see a stall offering meat. Since his arrival in this world, his diet had been limited to bland bread and fish, so the sight of the sizzling meat filled him with childlike glee. He purchased a piece, inhaling its savory scent before taking his first bite, an experience that sent his soul soaring. It was nothing short of divine.
But one serving was not enough for Bruce, and he soon found himself buying more from another stall, savoring each succulent morsel. He devoured them with such enthusiasm that his mouth was still full when he eagerly reached for more.
He continued to sample various dishes until his pocket was deprived of gold, and the pouch Captain Morgan had entrusted to him was now empty.
As he savored the flavors, Bruce's attention was drawn to a young, emaciated boy, whose appearance hinted at a life marked by hunger and hardship. Unable to ignore the boy's circumstances, Bruce approached him and kindly offered a portion of his food. The young boy's eyes sparkled with gratitude, as he hadn't tasted meat in a long time. Bruce patted the boy's head and encouraged him to share the food with his siblings.
Stuffed and content, Bruce found a spot to rest. But as he settled in, he realized that Arthur had disappeared from view. Bruce muttered to himself, "I'm lost."
Observing the people in the market, Bruce couldn't help but be reminded of life on Earth. It was a bustling marketplace, bustling with activity. However, he couldn't ignore the heartbreaking sight of people suffering from hunger, some too weak to move, and others desperately pleading for assistance.
"Hey, there you are! I've been searching for you," Arthur exclaimed, out of breath from his search.
"I was so engrossed in the food that I didn't notice I'd spent all my gold," Bruce admitted.
Bruce followed Arthur as they continued their exploration. Along the way, he couldn't help but wonder why they had passed so many houses without reaching Arthur's destination. Puzzled, he asked, "Where are we headed?"
"Just follow me," Arthur replied.
Approaching a formidable wall, they encountered a contingent of well-armed soldiers guarding it.
Arthur engaged in conversation with a guard, presenting something to confirm their passage.
As they crossed the threshold, Bruce noted that there were even more soldiers within the walls, which clearly marked the boundary between the outskirts and the inner city.
"Welcome to the Stoneheart Kingdom," Arthur declared.
"So, you're saying the place we came from isn't the inner city?" Bruce inquired.
Arthur explained, "No, that area is for those who cannot meet their tax obligations. They're the outskirts."
Inside the kingdom, Bruce was struck by the stark contrast to the world beyond the wall. The inhabitants were cleaner, the houses grander, and the absence of beggars was notable. It was a breathtaking place inside the wall.
"Regardless of the world, it seems that fairness remains a rarity," Bruce mused to himself.
As they continued their exploration, they encountered imposing stone-built houses that differed from the wooden structures outside. They also caught a glimpse of a grand castle perched atop a mountain, encircled by yet another protective wall.
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
"This kingdom seems to love walls too much." Bruce remarked with a grin.
Arthur laughed, explaining, "The walls are for the protection of the king and the nobles."
"The scale of this kingdom is remarkable," Bruce observed. "There's so much to see."
As they walked, they approached a towering structure bustling with people entering and exiting. Bruce's curiosity was piqued, and he inquired, "What's that tall building over there?"
"Is this your first time seeing a temple?" Arthur asked.
"Is that a temple?" Bruce was astonished, as the temples he'd known on Earth were nowhere near as grand.
"Yes, that's the Temple of God Mha-el, who blesses us with strength, power, and courage. Many soldiers, mercenaries, and knights come here to pray for protection before embarking on their journeys," Arthur explained. "By the way, Ghost, which God do you serve?"
Bruce was unsure how to answer, as the God he had followed on Earth was unknown to this world. He simply replied, "I serve the most powerful God," accompanied by a mischievous grin.
Arthur was taken aback by Bruce's response, as God Mha-el was revered as one of the mightiest deities.
Curious, Arthur probed further, asking, "How large is your mana core? It must be among the highest, considering your strength."
Remembering the reaction of Captain Morgan and Princess Aetra when they discovered his lack of a mana core, Bruce decided to keep this secret and responded, "I have a normal one." He was determined to conceal the fact that he had no mana, as it might pose problems in this world.
"Incredible! How did you become so strong with just a normal mana core?" Arthur inquired.
"Through rigorous physical training. You see, I don't know magic, so I honed my body instead,"
Bruce continued his fabricated explanation, not wanting to reveal the truth of his unique situation. He said, "My training was incredibly challenging, something you'd never forget."
Arthur's curiosity deepened as he asked, "What kind of training did you undertake to achieve such strength?"
Bruce, remembering his past life's military training, replied, "It was intense, it's hell." The memories of those grueling days were still etched in his mind, a silent reminder of the hardship he had endured.
As they chatted and explored, the grand castle gate drew nearer and nearer. Amidst their conversation, Bruce's attention was briefly diverted by something he recognized, something strangely familiar.
An armed soldier approached them, sternly warning, "You can't proceed any further, commoner. This area is reserved for royalty. Step back, or we'll use force."
Arthur swiftly asserted his identity, proclaiming, "Know your place, soldier. I am Prince Arthur of House Pendragon!" He displayed a pendant that confirmed his noble status.
The soldier, now realizing his mistake, bowed deeply and apologized, saying, "My Lord, I beg your forgiveness. I did not recognize you. Please forgive my oversight."
Unaware of the exchange between Arthur and the guard, Bruce had spotted something intriguing and couldn't resist chasing after it. He followed a figure that led him through an alley, but just as he was about to catch up, it disappeared.
Returning to where Arthur was waiting, Bruce explained, "I saw something interesting."
Arthur, unfazed, inquired, "Where did you wander off to again?"
Bruce presented a piece of the tantalizing meat he had purchased and offered it to Arthur, asking, "I found something delightful for you. Care for a taste?"
A puzzled Arthur replied, "But didn't you empty your pockets?"
Bruce slyly confessed, "I took one from yours."
Arthur discovered one of his pouches missing and raised an eyebrow, remarking, "Were you a thief before?"
Bruce dismissed the question with a grin, saying, "Never mind that. Let's carry on."
Bruce entered the Castle alongside Arthur, and his amazement knew no bounds. The grand hall, adorned with the banners of the Stoneheart Kingdom, left him in awe. He had thought the exterior was impressive, but the interior was a whole new level of splendor. Paintings of important figures adorned the walls, and a massive table suggested it was where grand events were held. A rich red carpet guided their steps, culminating at a magnificent grand chair. Bruce had a good idea of who sat in that chair, but it was still hard to believe. In Earth, castles like this had become tourist attractions, no longer in use.
"I know you're important, but I never thought you were this important," Bruce commented with surprise in his voice.
Arthur smiled and replied, "How did you figure it out? I never told you."
"I'm not stupid. I already had my suspicions when we were at the stable renting that wyvern. What kind of businessperson gives away their products for free? Only if the person is important."
"Businessperson? You mean the merchant? You're quite observant," Arthur acknowledged.
"Why, don't tell me you're some kind of prince, and your father is the king, and your mother is the queen?" Bruce looked at Arthur, seeing a grin on his face. "Holy shit. You are!" Bruce couldn't believe it, but Arthur confirmed it with a nod and a smile.
"Hey, Arthur, look. I don't know the full context of how you ended up on that battlefield, and maybe I'll ask you later, but please, can you keep it a secret that I'm the one who saved the Pearl village like you always proclaimed because I really didn't. The credit should go to Commander Kilos and the soldiers who fought in that battle. Besides, I really don't like the attention," Bruce whispered.
"Don't be like that; you should be proud because you did save them. That's the truth. Don't you want the reward?" Arthur countered.
Bruce's intense gaze made Arthur feel a chill down his spine, "Why, are you proud?" Bruce's words sent shivers through him, as if confronting a formidable force he couldn't escape. It was akin to facing a relentless beast, and he wondered if he had pushed too far this time.
Bruce lightened the mood by tapping Arthur on the shoulder and saying, "Nah, I'm just messing with you, but please consider what I said." Arthur laughed nervously, feeling a brush with danger.
A servant approached the two. "Hello, Prince Arthur. You've been gone for quite some time. How's your journey? The Queen is really concerned because you didn't send her any letters before your departure."
"Yeah, I never found the time to send her a letter. Where is she now?" Arthur inquired.
"The Queen is having tea with the nobles," the servant informed.
"What about Father?" Arthur asked.
"The King is away on important business in another kingdom," the servant replied.
"And my sisters?" Arthur questioned once more.
"Princess Eleanor and Princess Arabella are with their servants. But we don't know where Princess Seline is; she left the kingdom a month after your departure."
"Ah, that muscle-headed sister of mine. She's probably off adventuring in the dungeon right now. Did Mother and Seline have another argument?" Arthur asked.
The servant nodded In response.
"Hey, Ghost, this is the head butler, Sebas," Arthur introduced. "If you have something you want to discuss, feel free to talk to him."
Sebas looked at Bruce and lowered his head in a sign of respect. Arthur then took his leave, promising to meet Bruce again the next day and instructing Sebas to provide him with the best hospitality.
"Greetings, Sir Ghost. I shall escort you to your quarters; please follow me," Sebas stated.
Bruce, walking alongside, inquired, "May I ask, do you know Commander Kilos?"
"Certainly, Sir. Commander Kilos was among the esteemed Templars of the Stoneheart kingdom, ranked just below Grand Master Hugues," Sebas replied.
Bruce went on, "Do you know, he's dead?"
Regretful, Sebas confirmed, "Yes, I have heard the sorrowful news of Commander Kilos's passing."
Bruce's curiosity continued, "Why did the King and Queen of the Stoneheart kingdom allow Commander Kilos and his troops to engage in that unfair battle?"
Sebas responded, "I lack the complete details, Sir Ghost, but Commander Kilos was the one who proposed the battle, believing that not defending the village would put us at a greater disadvantage with the Flame Dragon Empire drawing near. You see, Sir Ghost, that village, though distant from the Stoneheart kingdom, is still considered part of our kingdom. As a Knight Templar and a commander, he couldn't permit someone else to take it."
Puzzled, Bruce asked, "If that village is so crucial, why did the royals send only three hundred men?"
Sebas hesitated for a moment before replying, "Because the nobles did not support Commander Kilos."
Although Bruce didn't possess the entire narrative, he grasped the political intricacies. He recognized it as something relatable to Earth, where, even with noble intentions, one could receive no support if disliked.
Bruce inquired, "Could you direct me to Commander Kilos's residence?"
Sebas regretfully responded, "I'm afraid, Sir Ghost, that Commander Kilos was not a native of this kingdom. He was an orphan and not originally from here. You may wish to visit the Temple of God Mha-el to learn more about Commander Kilos, as that is where he spent his formative years."
Upon reaching their destination, Sebas indicated, "This is where you'll be staying, Sir Ghost. A servant will collect you tomorrow."
"Thank you," Bruce expressed his gratitude.
Bruce surveyed the room, which surpassed the luxury of the five-star hotels he had visited on Earth. He meticulously arranged his belongings and settled in for a rest. His agenda for the following day involved a visit to the Temple in pursuit of individuals familiar with Commander Kilos.