Chapter 139: The Ball (2/2)

”It was good to see you, Arthur.” Captain Ilia ignored him and offered another handshake. ”You did well to prevent the present calamity, I thank you on behalf of the people.”

”Not at all, Sir. I was doing my duty as an awakener and a citizen.”

Leaving Arthur and Alexander alone, Ilia left as other guests swarmed toward the two. Everyone was trying to meet him and bring him to their family, institution, or division. Despite wearing a smile of being flattered, Arthur shot them down and scowled in his heart.

'They're looking down on me.' He felt their true intentions. He had no idea how he can tell, but he did. It was a mystical feeling of being aware of others' existences.

'Probably a result of the Art of Creation.' Arthur thought as he bid Grandmaster Alexander farewell. More people rushed over to introduce themselves as if they were to bless Arthur. They talked about their guilds and families, their possessions, their artifact, and whatever could make Arthur feel awed.

They were trying to coax the naïve commoner into joining them. Arthur had to smile politely as he felt his mental energy drain faster than the time that he faced the skeletons. They were a more preferable company.

Before he could lose his mind, an arm slipped into his as the scent of jasmine permeated the air. A blonde head was by his side, a foot shorter. Her hair was shaped in a sophisticated style with dreadlocks on her back.

”Everyone, I must borrow this young hero since my grandfather wishes to meet him.” Wearing a sky-blue dress, Emma stood by his side as she rescued him from the hungry nobles. Before anyone can say anything, Arthur and Emma were already making their way outside the ball.

”Being the daughter of a wealthy has its benefits,” Arthur whispered and saw how Emma's mouth twitched. ”You've been promoted to a fly spray, the best there is to get rid of annoyances.”

Emma gagged a laugh with her hand on her mouth. Before anyone can spot them, they were already outside on a balcony, breathing the fresh air.

”I have an image to maintain!” She said in mock anger with a smile as she twisted his side. Arthur gestured in surrender as he felt his mood lighten.

”Good to see you again,” He smiled at Emma and she smiled back.

”Same goes to you, literally. I thought you would be dead when I heard you were in the fortress when the prince ran rampant.”

”Well, that royal family would hold you for treason if you mention that.” Arthur smiled as he surveyed the surrounding. ”Where's your grandfather?” They were alone on the balcony.

”He'll be coming later. He's quite happy that our workshop endorsed a champion candidate.”

”Everyone seems to forget that I haven't become a champion yet.”

”And you seem to forget how you wiped the floor with other contestants in the first two stages. Literally.”

Arthur had no comeback to that and shrugged. The two chatted a bit before they heard the music stop. It was a sign for the royal family to make an entrance. They headed back into the hall as the guests crowded, heading looking upward.

After a few moments, the royal family appeared leaning on the balustrade. The guests bowed in respect and loyalty. The king, the queen, the crown prince, and the princess surveyed the crowd before heading down the stairs.

Everyone went over to greet the king and his family, offering some gifts or praise.

Two men stood beside Arthur and Emma before he realized. They had giant statures like those of Halin with wild brown hair. They surveyed Arthur with such hostility that he prepared himself to throw fists.

”Dad, Granpa!” Emma's voice broke the tension as the two men broke into smiles and hugged her. Arthur could see that even though the two men looked similar, one of them looked a bit older than the other.