Chapter 427: A small reunion (1/2)
Turning his attention to the calm, and gently smiling youngster, Sir Arthur's stern look slightly eased up as well. His tone, though still authoritative, carried a slight undertone of warmth.
”Aiden, I… No!” He gave a light cough, grabbing more of the audience's attention deliberately. ”WE all have to say thanks to you, and commend you and your friend's efforts in apprehending such a high-profile target.”
He pointed towards the chained captive next to the young man, as he continued with the same theatrical display.
”Please, although we do not like to sound disrespectful, we have to ask you to go ahead and recount your steps throughout the day. To gain a better understanding of your eventual capture of this…” He glanced at the middle-aged man with a slight frown flashing through his face, he forced the words out of his mouth making sure to keep his disposition. ”…this, individual. We would like to know every detail you can remember, starting from the point that we are all clear about.”
Glancing at the door where the familiar faces of the City Guards stood guards both from the inside and outside: Hephas and Ovid inside the room, whilst Miko and Lyno outside the room, holding back the increasing mob.
With another theatrical cough, Sir Arthur continued on.
”From the reports of the active City Guards and then the subsequent check-up with the local branch of the Adventurer's Guild, we already know that you guys took on the official quest to cull the growing population of Skinks in the Sewer System beneath the city. This early morning, after getting ready and as I presume to take your sumptuous and filling morning meals, you guys made your way to the guarded entry at the edges of the Slums District. After a short discussion, you guys eventually made your way behind the grated gates and was not seen or heard from till this late afternoon-”
”Khm!” Captain John suddenly coughed, interrupting the decorated war hero's speech. ”Dusk would be more precise, Sir Sonovan.” He spoke up in a plain tone.
Sir Arthur gave a light smile and nodded in the man's direction, before returning his gaze at Aiden. ”Yes, thank you, captain, you are indeed right… So, you returned at DUSK…” He gave more emphasis on the corrected word, before ending his introduction. ”…with this man as your captive. Please, tell us what happened during the missing hours of the day. How did you end up this way? What happened?”
Finishing his speech, he leaned back on his chair and folded his arms patiently waiting for the youngster to start recounting their journey.
Whilst the General at his left, the butler, and even the Captain on his right followed his stance and was looking warmly at the boy, the representative of the nobles of the city, the blonde slick-haired young master didn't share the same sentiment.
Feeling annoyed by being mostly ignored tonight, and his proud, high standing not being counted, he grew tired of this farce with this peasant-looking boy. His face contorting to something akin to anger, he slapped his hands atop the desk as he jumped up.
”Start speaking you… dirty peasant or I will have you flogged for wasting our time!” He cried out with a disdainful look and contemptuous tone.
However, before he could continue and explode on the youngster even more, suddenly a cold, heavy pressure descended on him, coming from his right. With shivers running through his back and with a trembling look he slowly looked to the side only to be met with the cold and solemn look of Sir Arthur.
”I would ask the Young Master of the Davenmere Family to mind his manners and sit back down. I would also like to remind you that while the Davenmere's might be a prominent and respected family in this part of the Kingdom, they are merely a moderately sized noble household, nothing in front of the Great Four or the Royals. Your actions and demeanor represent not just your house, but the entire nobility of Higrove. If you do not wish to fall out of grace, think deeply about each and every action you will take tonight.”