Chapter 357 - 310 : Vermillion Bird 1 (1/2)
After dealing with the snake woman, Arthur traced back Lucy and teleported next to her. She wasn't where he left her but inside Amidel's castle. More precisely, she was sitting on the same table he sat at five years ago when he threatened the city lord.
Surprisingly, the atmosphere wasn't awkward or silent as Emily and Kithel were also present. The little girl grew to become a pretty young lady and the big brother looked more composed and mature than before.
The Kang family rarely had visitors so with the arrival of Lucy, Emily became super excited and tried multiple times to inquire about the visitor's origins and adventures outside
Unfortunately, she was facing a tight-lipped Lucy who silently drank her tea and waited for Arthur to come. As for Kithel, he was interested in Lucy but not in a romantic way. He couldn't sense the depth of her power and so the young man became eager for a little spar.
Amidel tried several times to signal his son to remain silent and not say anything unnecessary, alas, the fighting spirit of acted on its own and forced him to say these words
”Miss Lucy, I heard about your achievements and I would like to exchange some pointers with you.”
Sadly for him, Lucy completely ignored what he said and stared at her cup of tea with an absent-minded expression. This caused the lively Kithel to feel awkward and a bit dejected to be treated like air. He wasn't stupid and he knew that she's stronger than him, nonetheless, he was a person who gets through real-life experiences and sparring with her is bound to help him break through to the next grade.
Seeing her uninterested look, Amidel found her more difficult to handle than Arthur. He displayed a friendly smile and said
”I have always been fascinated and intrigued by Astria, your homeworld.”
As she heard his words, Lucy scornfully retorted
”Fascinated, you say?”
”Yes, especially when the catastrophe befell on us.”
He paused for a second before resuming
”I wonder who is the one who summoned the Celestial Tribulation?”
His smile grew wider as he intensely gazed at her, trying to read her face but to avail. Her indifference and expressionless face allowed him to see nothing and only try to make guesses.
”When Arthur comes, ask him whatever you like.”
Lucy finally decided to stop bothering with Amidel. Although Arthur didn't specifically warn her from this city lord, he still told her to remain cautious as his identity remains unknown and he's not just a simple city lord.
No sane Sovereign would intentionally live in this wasteland where the density of Nether Energy is thin. It literally is the worst place for Sovereigns to be as they need huge and pure quantities of Nether Energy, something this desolate wasteland cannot provide.
..
Fortunately, Arthur arrived a few minutes later. He appeared right next to Lucy and comfortably sat on the chair after exchanging simple greetings with the three others in the form of a simple nod.
”I presume 'that matter has been taken care of?”
Amidel shifted his attention to Arthur and said those words while still showing a rather friendly yet annoying smile.
”Though she escaped, she will die soon.”
”Hmm, I'm rather curious about your relationship with one of the Heavenly Snake Clan.”
Kang Amidel read no change in Arthur's expression which showed that the latter already know about the woman's origin.
”For you to force 'her' to talk, your methods must be quite painful.”
Arthur shrugged and replied
”I don't need to force her.... just like I can't force you but do know, Kang Amidel, I only have friend or enemies, nothing in between.”
The Sovereign heartily laughed while adding:
”Then I suppose I'm your friend since I'm still alive?”
”For now. But if I find anyone out of place in Astria then know that I'll be coming for you.”
”Hahahaha that won't happen.”
Very soon, the food was served and the delicacies were eaten by both parties. In the midst of their meal-time, Emily who fears Arthur due to an unknown reason, mustered her courage and asked him:
”Sir Arthur, where is Swain?”
”He's recuperating back on Astria.”
When she heard that, the usually lively Emily became a bit sad since Swain was her only real friend and she expected to see him when she saw Arthur and Lucy.