21 MapleHorn Fortress (1/2)
We happily enjoyed our dinner at the tavern, where we lightly consumed Ameran Beer and got to hear some clever, enjoyable jokes. We were even able to get Syndra to join us since she had a 10-minute break every hour. I felt that beer had an ”acquired taste” but I still tried to participate in the festivities of the tavern. We told our tales of hunting mercenaries, summoning Titan, facing Belvath, and even the Juggernaut that we faced earlier today. The tavern patrons who laughed were the ones who were drunk and amazed at such a grand story. The other, more sober patrons just looked at us with amazement. If a lvl. 1000 Juggernaut were to attack this city, it would take everything that the city has to defend itself. Even then, I'm sure they could survive. That's just how powerful the rare Juggernaut was.
Eventually, we moved over to the bar counter, which was where Syndra was located. We decided to talk to her while she worked so we can learn more about her. With Arcana to my right and Daera to my left, I felt like I was living the dream! Two beautiful women who could kill juggernauts were my party members! I feel that I could relax here in MapleHorn and become a Merchant! I was a Finance-Management student after all! I also have the ”Create” skill so I may have to look into profiting from that! I could also farm monster components with Titan so I really do have some options. This town seems pretty easygoing so all I have to do is make sur-
”Princess Arcana! Are you there? We need to talk! The Queen is looking for you!”
A few dragons were flying around the Great Ameran Forest in search of Arcana. It seemed that one of them flew above MapleHorn.
”Ugh”, Arcana Said. ”I don't want to go back! It's so nice to be with Paladin Brice! That old hag is just going to work me to the bone again!”.
I was going to ask what she was talking about when a group of three dragons walked into the tavern. They were adorned with black armor that had gold accents on it. The crest that was on their armor was similar to the crest that I noticed on the draconic blades. It was easy to make a connection.
”Arcana”, I whispered. ”If you don't want to go back, what are you going to do? They have the skies and the ground littered with troops. Can't you say something that will make them go away?”
Arcana's face turned red in an instant for some reason and she began fidgeting. Initially, I thought it was the beer.
”Hey”, Arcana said. ”If I make them go away, will you promise not to be mad at me?”
For some reason, Arcana looked very cute when she looked at me. I thought it was possibly the alcohol that was messing with my vision. I didn't know she was even capable of such an expression. I initially thought she was going to sacrifice herself for the team or fight against the guards in order to stay with us.
Little did I know what was actually about to happen.
Arcana got up from the tavern's barstool and walked over to the 3 royal dragon knights. Since the bar was quiet, we were able to hear their conversation.
”Princess...I mean, Queen Arcana. Former Dragon Queen Umi has requested that you update your status. Have you summoned the Paladin? Was the reincarnation a success?”
Eh? Reincarnated? I thought I was summoned? No one told me I died...
”Yes”, Arcana stated. ”The reincarnation and summoning was a success. We also ran into Demon Lord-Lieutenant Belvath on our way here. It seems that Ringdrex knows about the Paladin God. I'll need to spend at least 6 months uninterrupted and with no contact with mother in order to properly support him”.
”Ok. We'll be sure to...wait. 6 months? Are you sure you need that much time? I don't think you need 6 months to support the paladin-”
Arcana quickly took the knight by the shoulder and began whispering the rest of their conversation. I wasn't able to hear what was said but the Dragon Knight's facial expressions went from shocked to amazed to joyous over a matter of 2 minutes. When they finally finished, the Dragon Knight was grinning from ear to ear. He was also directly looking at me.
”I'm so sorry to bother you, Paladin Brice! I'll be sure to leave you two alone until you come to the castle. It must be nice to be young! Make sure to protect our Queen! Welcome to the family!”, he said as the three guards left the bar.