21 Royal Courts Grudge (2/2)

”Yeah, and it was a good one too. It had me consider leaving the association,” answered Rydel.

”Then why did you stay?”

”Cause of the chief.” Suddenly, the indifferent Rydel became solemn and a hint of pride flashed in his eyes. ”When everyone was made an offer, you can guarantee that Zariff was given the biggest of them all. But the moment Arnole and the Royal Court showed up at the association building, he stood guard in front of the door and forced them to admit all benefits they had to offer him publicly.”

”After they gave in to his demands and announced them, shocking every civilian and adventurer to their core with jealousy, he flat out refused. Chief didn't even let them into the association building and forced them to find the other adventurers in private to make their offers.”

A genuine smile crept onto Jack's face as the story went on. He was going to speak but Rydel continued, ”The members who stayed behind and turned down the Royal Court were furious at everyone who left.”

”But the chief didn't let anyone lash out against any defected adventurers, saying that if they're hot-blooded and itching for a fight to let off some steam, then they can just look for him. He hasn't publicly admitted it, but a huge grudge has grown between him and the king because of this.”

”Sounds just like the old fart I know,” joked Jack. ”Well, I guess I've got to hurry up and level up. To be honest, I'll be leaving the moment I'm lv. 30 and can travel safely, but I'll stand by that old fart if he needs some help.”

He wouldn't admit it to Rydel, but his opinion of Zariff only went up every time someone talked about him. There was no doubt in Jack's mind that Zariff was worth more than just befriending, maybe even being a sworn brother. That's something he would think about, even if it was awkward considering his achievement to seduce Maura.

”I figured you'd leave when given the chance. Got any place in mind?” asked Rydel.

”Trodar.”

”Oh…” Rydel flinched back when he got the immediate answer. ”There's a lot of trouble around Trodar, why go there?”

”Cause that's where I spent most of my time as an ancient hero,” answered Jack.

He didn't mention his former guild or him helping set up the Trodan Council that ruled the nation. Those memories were precious and personal, plus he had no clue what might happen if people found out that he was such a major character in ancient Kartonia.

Someday he would be stronger and not fear any backlash, but if that was leaked and some enemy found out, they may not hold back and would do everything in their power to silence Jack before he became powerful.

”Trodar, huh?” Rydel stroked his chin in thought for a moment. ”I guess I'll have to join you.”

”Why's that?” asked Jack.

”Cause that's my home. I was born in the streets of Gilga,” said Rydel, gently staring back at Jack. ”You were an ancient hero of Trodar?”

Jack swallowed some saliva and chuckled nervously. ”Yeah, I was. Just keep that between us for now, okay? Few people know that I interacted with ancient Kartonia before coming here, but you're the only one who knows that I was an ancient hero. I didn't even realize that until you explained a few things to me.”

”Don't worry, I can keep a secret, but you'll have to answer all of my questions,” persuaded Rydel with an eager grin.

”I guess I can do that much. I'll try my best to answer,” said Jack.

Rydel tensed up slightly and leaned in closer to Jack, giving them a sense of closeness while they were seated on the two beds across from each other. With a mix of excitement and anxiousness, Rydel asked his first question, ”What happened to the Leisure Guild?”