Chapter 138: To Trust (1/2)
As he packed to leave, Arthur told his mother about the Medal of Heroism. Instead of being overjoyed, she looked worried. He tried to be as vague as possible regarding how he got it, but it seems this wasn't the source of her worries.
”Art,” She held his hand and talked to him in a quiet, unusual, tone. ”I'm proud that you helped our country, but please understand…” She paused. ”Not everyone deserves to be helped. Your father was the first person to step up if the need arose, but where did that lead him? To be kind to others is to be cruel to oneself, even unknowingly.”
Arthur saw the sorrow of a woman who had lost her loved one in her eyes. At that moment, he didn't view his mother as the nagging and authoritative figure but a fragile woman who had been too much. He couldn't say anything but nod and his mother smiled weakly as she rubbed his shoulder.
”My young hero!” She jested as she embraced him and Arthur bid his farewell. Before leaving, he reminded Oren to use the protection jade that he had given him.
He left his house, not planning to return anytime soon. After his exams, it would be the marathon of the end. It was the last period before he went to college and could get into higher-ranked dungeons.
He planned his breakthrough to be in a secluded place that was rich in mana. He had a few options but he decided to attend the ball first before going ahead with his breakthrough. He had no idea how long it would take so he told his mother he'd be staying at the Twilight workshop.
Arthur went alone this time as Master Ronin has already gone ahead of him. Luckily, he'd meet him there and accompany him into the ball. As he left the plane, Arthur took a cab and headed toward a hotel close to the palace and booked a room.
He never had formal attire so he needed to visit a tailor too, one that Master Ronin had recommended. He left after having a meal in his room. He couldn't just use teleport in the capital because he'll be fined for unauthorized usage. If every awakener did as he pleased, some civilians might get hurt.
The tailor shop was called Heavenly Fabric and was in the high-class district. Arthur much preferred the lower-district, downtown of the capital where vendors shouted and crowds filled the streets. Everyone here wore elegantly and spoke like they were sons of heavens.
He, however, needed a suit. He walked into the store and found a receptionist. The store was dimly-orange lit and deserted as if people feared going inside. The receptionist bowed to him as she asked if he had an appointment.
”Arthur Silvera,”
”Please wait,” She typed into her computer and her eyes scanned it before nodding his way. ”Dear customer, let me guide you to the nearest tailoring room. The master would be there shortly.”
Her attitude was more respectful than Arthur would have preferred but it was better than how most receptionists disregarded him for his clothes and looks. Arthur was raised in a poor environment, making him cringe at the fashionable attires some nobles wore.
He had to wait in a room with many mirrors and a circular pedestal in the middle. There were rolls of fabrics everywhere and a set of furniture where Arthur sat down waiting. It wasn't that long before the door opened and a person walked in.
”Yuran?” Arthur was stunned for a second before he stood up from his seat. The fragile-looking young man was the same as always, thin and kind.
”Hey, Arthur. I saw you were here, so I dropped by.” He grinned and walked over. The two hugged each other lightly before Yuran took a seat.
”What are you doing here?” Arthur asked with confusion.
”Well, I came here to tailor a suit. I finished taking measurements and picking a fabric so I was leaving until I spotted you going into this room. Thought you would need some company?”
”Haha, I did. It's been so long since we met.” Arthur laughed and looked at Yuran, inspecting him. ”You still look like you are fed up with the world.”
”Maybe I am?” Yuran sighed. ”I've heard about your achievements. I'll be going around telling people I'm a friend of the famous champion, Ghost!” Yuran dramatically posed and Arthur wanted to hide somewhere.
”Don't, that's embarrassing. I'm not a champion yet, though.”
”I've seen the videos. If you're not the champion, then I'm suing the association.” Yuran smiled lightly. Arthur smiled warmly at Yuran's overprotectiveness.