Chapter 378: The Patriarch (3) (1/2)

By the time Aiden's group made their way through the crowd and entered the arena, there were only quite a few people taking up spots in the upstairs balcony. Excited chatter and whispers, bets were taking place as everyone looked forward to the Tale of Revenge, the fierce might of the Roaring Lion, Sir Arthur Sonovan.

The man in question, however, as if oblivious to the crowd's words, was standing at the center, instantly revealing a warm-looking smile as the small group finally made its appearance.

His turquoise gaze scanned the group, ultimately resting on the golden-eyed, long black-haired boy at the center. Strangely, there was nothing but warmness coming from his look, Aiden could not find anything amiss. His presence radiated a positive feel, he looked like a gentle, kind grandpa and not a general, a commander of countless people, nor the arrogant leader of one of the strongest noble families in the kingdom.

”Welcome guys! First of all, let me thank you! I'm happy you accepted me as your examiner for this test!” As the group got closer, he exclaimed, his mighty tone filling the room and silencing the crowd upstairs in an instant.

He reached out with his trunk-like arms, gesturing for the group to step in and take their places.

”Aiden… right? Please, stay with the girl and come up together. I would like to ask you to listen to this old man's humble request!” Before the group could walk down and leave the applicant, Galina to face him, Sir Arthur spoke up, surprising the crowd with his humble, kind tone and strange request.

”What is going on? Does he want to shame and humiliate both of them?”

”A test? I thought this would be a duel!”

”What is going on?”

There was a growing displeasure and confusion spreading atop the balcony as they listened to the old legend's words. Many were now puzzled at what they actually bet on, and what they came to look at. Wasn't this supposed to be a big fight between the dark horse, the boy that came from nowhere and defeated his grandson? Was this only a test for a newly registered adventurer?

If so, many weren't too sure if they should be wasting their time here, yet they still did not want to leave. It's incredibly rare to see a legend, a hero in person. Such an event was already well worth it.

Aiden didn't mind the request, nodding he walked up with the masked and hooded figure to face the towering, robust man, whilst the rest of the group joined with Mary and the silently following pair of dogs took their places at the side. Besides the dogs and Lily, the others had a look of worry on their faces as they looked at their friend.

Though they knew he was strong, he was still facing against a walking myth, a legend this time.

As they lined up in front of him, Sir Arthur calmly looked at their figures, taking his time in scrutinizing both.

Eventually, his gaze landed on the masked feminine figure. With a calm, wide smile stretching his bearded face, he asked.

”Miss…. Ehrm Galina, right? You are the one facing the test this time if I am correct.”

Instead of responding, Galina hesitated, unsure of what she should be doing. Fidgeting, she turned to look at her Young Master for guidance.

Seeing her actions, Aiden sighed, smiling at her gently, before turning to look at the old man.

”Yes. She is the one, though she is a bit shy. After all, this was supposed to be only a test, not a grand event to be witnessed by such a crowd.” His tone was calm, however, in the end, the people could feel a threatening undertone causing many to shiver and take a step away from the railings.

”I can only apologize for this.” Shocking the spectators, Sir Arthur bowed his head, apologizing to the boy that tarnished their family name. ”I did not want to cause such inconvenience, I merely wanted to personally witness the genius that started to make a name for himself in this hidden part of the Kingdom.”

”If you would like, we can reschedule this matter and have it done in private.” Sir Arthur offered, the smile not leaving his face.

”No, there is no need. While it is quite inconvenient, I don't mind the flies.” Aiden shook his head, responding with a matching calmness throwing a jab at the prying, bored adventurers. Whilst there were a couple of frowns spreading at their faces, none voiced their displeasure, afraid to offend that monstrous boy and earn his ire.

After witnessing his debut yesterday, not many were keen on facing him and earning a similar fate as Sir Michael.

Sir Arthur on the other hand, smiled and nodded approvingly at Aiden's words. He too seemed to think similarly as him.

”I see. In that case, might I offer a change in the test?” He asked again, looking at both youngsters facing him.