Chapter 337: Livia (1/2)

Arthur waved at the Duke of Contracts, who was glaring at him from his mansion's window.

They didn't stay at the mansion because the duke wouldn't let them after yesterday's events, so they had to meet the convoy at the mansion's gates instead.

”Why did sleeping in the inn feel better than the duke's house?” Gala walked over to stand beside him with a yawn.

”Maybe he placed a curse on us.” Arthur shrugged.

”To curse a witch? He should be wiser.” Dia smiled and shook her head.

The Knight of Courage walked over to them wearing her blue armor. The way she looked at Arthur changed after he took hold of ten Blessed Spirits. This time, she knew that he had the power to benefit the kingdom.

”We'll be departing toward the capital immediately.” The Knight of Courage said with a smile. ”The people are gathering in the streets to send you off.”

”I hope no rocks will be involved.” Arthur raised his brows.

”Not this time, no. Since you are the safe keeper of those artifacts, you are the one responsible for feeding them. We'll also use the Knight's Barrier to avoid such a thing.”

”I'm relieved then. Protect me well, Knight of Courage.”

The Knight looked at him with a complex gaze before turning to leave. They were led to their carriage, and their trip toward the capital began.

The wheels rolled on the cobblestoned roads, leaving Contracts City. As Courage said, the people cheered on the streets as Arthur's carriage passed by them.

”Lorius yesterday, a Seika today.” Dia looked at the people with a complex gaze.

”Everyone seeks a better life. Maybe tomorrow I'll be Lorius again.”

”So, you plan to enjoy being a Seika until then?” Gala smiled, but Arthur shook his head.

”The only reason I tried appeasing the people is to make the king agree to build the tenth city,” Arthur said while looking out of the windows.

”Are you after wealth?” Dia asked, trying to probe his intentions.

”No, I'm after the change. I want to change this kingdom as much as I can for the better.” Arthur said with a smile.

'This way, if Solomon truly cares about his people, then he will save the past me even if I send him into the trial.'

It was a twisted way of thinking, but Arthur believed it was alright as long as everyone wins. Well, everyone except Solomon, because he'll be dying.

Arthur and Solomon were like day and night. They might meet, but one's survival means the other's death. If there were a way to save both of them, then Arthur would try doing it.

Soon, the carriages of Hidden Gems joined them. Gruen boarded their carriage, sitting next to Arthur. The three of them looked at the dwarf with expectations.

”Man, why is your face as blank as ever?” Arthur sighed and lightly nudged him. ”Tell us, what happened?”

”Hm? Seika, when did I get here?” Gruen snapped out of his daze and said with surprise. The three looked at each other and snickered.

”I guess you hired a new staff today.” Gala grinned and hugged the dwarf. ”Congrats, Gruen!”

”Ah, thank you, Lady Gala.” Gruen blushed and thanked them with tears in his eyes. ”If not for you all, I would have never been able to be with her.”

”The duke will know that she ran away with you as soon as he notices her disappearance. You'll need to work hard to strip him of his wealth.” Arthur smiled. ”And not to mention, we need to awaken your affinity so that you would create items for me.”

”Yes, Seika.” Gruen grinned. ”I'll follow you forever.”

'Forever, huh?' Arthur smiled and didn't reply. 'My time here is nearing its end.' He never thought about what would happen to Gala or Dia once he leaves. Maybe, he simply ignored thinking about it.

***

Unlike what they expected, there was no attack on their convoy or an assassination attempt. The Knight of Nobility and the Knight of Honesty, who joined them later, didn't even try provoking them.

Their trip was uneventful, but Arthur enjoyed it immensely. He got to see farms that stretched forever, tried the local delicacies of villages, and saw bizarre creatures that were of the True Rank.

He got to see the strength of the Knights as well firsthand. Thus, Arthur got to get a better measure of the world's strength.