103 Inspection before entry (2/2)
Naturally, Gray prepared the seal in advance, using it on his two Godly items, the \u003c Peacekeeper's Tunic\u003e and the \u003cCodex\u003e, and his two Epic items, the \u003cRobes of the Lunar Mage\u003e and the recently acquired \u003cRing of Chaotic Fortune\u003e. The ritual was done months ago during his apprenticeship as per advice by Rarsu, with the ring having been done just two nights ago during camp.
At first, Gray was having second thoughts if he should apply the seal to the \u003cRobes of the Lunar Mage\u003e, but if someone were to read the item description that involves the Demon Wolf God Fenrir, then he's bound to be the center of unnecessary attraction, most notably the Paladins who'll inevitably question him if he's affiliated with one of the Demonic Gods. The same reasoning falls right to the \u003cRing of Chaotic Fortune\u003e as well.
The rest of his unusual items are deemed okay and won't be questioned too much since he's a Mage, so it's fine for him to allow the guards to inspect his Inventory.
As the gang went out of the carriage to present themselves, the guards' eyes widen with surprise, most strikingly at Gray and Selena as they gazed the rose badge that both siblings have been wearing at their robes.
”Welcome to Flocaster, my lord, and his esteemed companions.” One of the guards quickly recovered from his shock to not look stupid in front of the group. ”If we had known that you were actually waiting in line like the rest of the good folk, then we could have immediately allowed you to be inspected first, so his lordship did not have to go with the trouble.”
”It's quite alright,” Gray assured to ease the atmosphere and begin telling them the same reasoning that he provided to his companions. ”It's not that big of a deal. In the end, all of us are going to get in, right? I don't see the reason why anyone would be making a fuss out of this. Besides, we have already transverse from Chadena to here in a total of five days. An hour of more waiting is not the end of the world, hahaha.”
SPEECH CHECK: 51
SPEECH REQUIREMENTS: 30
\u003cPERSUASION SUCCESS!!\u003e
RECEIVED 90 XP
The elf's light-hearted response was heard by the commoners who were behind him and his group, and indeed, they were rather delightfully surprised by a noble who's actually willing to wait in line like the rest of them, unlike the other nobles who they grew accustomed to.
Word spread rather fast among the common-folk in the proximity, and they surely all saw the elven Baron in an excellent light. They certainly had a favorable first impression about Gray and reacted well to how he admirably presented himself to the public. All eyes focus entirely on him, intrigued, and wanting to know more who this kind and esteemed Baron is.
Gray simply sighed as he thought that this was nothing new, having experienced the feeling of fame in the past when he was in Chadena. The elf is a respected individual known by many of the townsfolk, known as Rarsu's apprentice, and also introduced a foreign and catchy dance move known as the 'Gangnam Style' in the Fighter's Retreat. Not to mention, the information of his Baron rank spread swiftly among the citizens like wildfire right before his very departure.
Oh, the memories...
”If that is his lord's wish.” The guard did not question Gray any further. Although, he also thought about the elf positively and could not help but be impressed by the virtue and humility that the elf is exhibiting to all of them despite his significantly higher position.
Anyways, the guards requested politely for the gang to introduce themselves and show their respective Inventory so the guards can verify each of the contents and to write it down on the manifest that one of them is holding for future reference. This is to ensure that if someone from outside committed a crime, especially here in the bustling distractions of the festival, then the information that was written can be used as a clue for investigation.
The guard blinked his eyes with surprise upon hearing the elf's name.
”You're Lord Gray Allister?” The guard asked. ”The honorable headmaster is expecting you then as his distinguished guest. You are requested that you head on to the University without delay so that he can welcome and provide you and your companions respective rooms to stay.”
”That's certainly kind of him.” Gray nodded in agreement, relieved that the issue of lodging seemed to have been resolved. ”Very well.”
The guard smiled in return and begun his inspection of the elf's Inventory.
”I see, so his lordship also owned some items that are magical of nature.” The guard commented as he saw various parchments of Exolvs and potions in the elf's Inventory UI. He also checked Gray's equipment, and indeed, the seal performed its intended effect, masking the sensitive items so the guard won't be having some suspicions about who he really is. ”Hmm, I believe you are good to go, my lord. I'll next inspect the rest of your companions and the inside of your carriage. After everything is clear, all of you can be on your way inside.”
True to his words, the guard and his partner did so. The rest of the inspetion went along smoothly, with some questions from Isamu's legendary scarf and an assortment of magical items from Selena and Lily. After a few minutes, the pair deemed that the gang is all cleared up and good to enter.
”Welcome to Flocaster.” The guard officially welcomed the gang. ”I hope you find the town to your liking. The festival will begin in around two days. The Bardic University is located at the High Quarter of the town.”
”The High Quarter?” Gray asked.
”It's one of Flocaster's districts, similar to how Chadena divides its territory, my lord.” Ivan intervened. ”I'll tell you more about the subject matter while we make our stroll throughout the town.”
”Will do.” Gray nodded happily. ”Thanks for the information, good guard.”
And with that, the gang entered the gates of the illustrious town of Flocaster, excited on what the City of Jewels has in store for all of them.