Chapter 313 (1/2)

Thondin looked at the large mechanical contraption that was before him and scratched his head. He started recalling how he ended up in this situation in the first place.

He was the oldest son from the Hillmane household. His father was already too old to compete for the position of a king and he didn't really want it either. Their noble house was considered to be on the lower end of the high noble families and no one was really considering them to win or even to participate.

Out of necessity, he was there during the meeting and his house would be bringing over a champion just so they wouldn't lose face. Even though he didn't want the position of the king his father that was on his deathbed pushed him towards it. His plan was to not stand out and just lose during the combat portion.

At least this was what he intended to do but fate had something different in store for him. After the meeting was over and the hero left with the winners he had stayed to discuss some business with the other noble dwarfs. It was a good opportunity to foster good relations as all the influential families were here.

Then the strange feeling washed over him, he felt like someone was watching him. Even on the trip back home, it felt like there was something in the air. He asked his bodyguards to check but no one could find anything so they just continued.

Back at home, he went over to his old father's bed chambers to disclose some information about his new business ventures. The old man was more interested in the heroes and the tournament where the king candidates would be gathering.

After a slow conversation and him lying about him taking this tournament seriously, he left the room. Thondin only used the bare minimum on the golem that his side would be using as he didn't want to get his family into financial problems. From his perspective, the power-hungry idiots could just fight for the position of the king.

In his eyes the family business was more important, he never thought that they had a chance of winning in the first place which made this the correct way to progress. With that, his family would be out in front while the others would put themselves in debt and overspend on their golems.

His well-thought-out plan didn't come to fruition as after leaving his father's bed chambers they heard a rumble. The guards were alerted to this and everyone rushed inside only to see his sickly father standing upright and filled with energy.

At first, they thought it was some kind of miracle, with a trembling voice he called out to him.

”Father… how can this be…what is that?”

While in a confused state he finally noticed that his father wasn't alone in this room. There was a small creature of about twelve inches floating around and giving off a golden light.

He wanted to order his men to capture it but was stopped by his father. With him back in the picture Thondin was put in the backseat once more. His father was still the one in the position of power as he had never given it up. Only when the family head died would the position be passed down.

”Halt, this is my saviour!”

The old man replied when asked about this being's origins.

”Saviour?”

Thondin asked while fearing that this small being could be a demon in disguise. There were rumors of such beings offering contracts with the people of the races. They would grant magical power, riches and even heal people at some cost. Mostly the person would give up their soul or give information to the demons involved.

”I know what you are thinking my son, but this is not a demon, it's a friendly spirit that is a part of the Hero party!”

”Greetings mortal, you may refer to me as Lightning Emperor, Leigong.”

Right after his father finished speaking the small humanoid gave his name. This was a well-known name in this world by now and was associated with the twin summoners that had defeated many demonic beings. Thondin also knew that they were in this city at this moment along with the party of the heroes.

”Leigong?”

”Show some respect boy, he cured your old man!”

Thondin was hit on the back of the head by his own father that had surprisingly a lot of strength left behind. It was as if he had never been sick, to begin with.

”Now give me some food!”

Things went by fast as his father took over. The two golden-haired girls that were the supposed twin priestesses arrived soon after. They were all allowed into the dining room with his father and himself.

”Thondin, The Lightning Emperor will help us achieve victory in this coming tournament, you will be the Dwarven King!”

Thondin after hearing this, promptly spit out the red wine that he was drinking.

”Me? The king?”

”Yes, I'd do it myself but these old bones don't have much life left in them. I can at least see this through while I have the chance!”

The old man's eyes shone brightly as he talked about putting his son on the throne. This would be a great honor for his own house. His name would be remembered as the father of a dwarven king, immortalized in the history books.