118 Three Days Come to an End (1/2)

The tense atmosphere in Reinolt City only grew as time passed. Everything felt like it was moving in slow motion for the citizens. They were too anxious to see an imminent confrontation between the Royal Court and the Adventurers Association.

Eventually, the three days' time passed and little to nothing had happened around the association building. The only thing known to the public was the departure of a covered wagon from the association building, but it didn't leave the city. Instead, it went deeper into the city center and entered the Salendar Manor. After spending a day there the covered wagon returned to the association building.

Everyone wondered what happened and what the wagon was hiding. When the Royal Court spies tried to inspect the wagon with magic, they were unable to learn anything. Clearly, the wagon was protected and no one was allowed to know what it contained.

As the sun passed noon on the third day, a crowd had surrounded the association building. It was waiting for the main event to begin.

However, the crowd had to wait even longer for anything to happen. It was near sunset and nothing had happened. People were losing patience. Some started to think that the Royal Court feared the association after all, and no one could blame them.

Then, the ground started to rumble. The sounds of horses trotting and armor clanging grew louder by the second. A large force of armored men was marching toward the crowd, which opened up and allowed them through.

”They're here!”

”Look, they brought the remaining troops!”

”And there are all the new recruits!”

During the last few days, though the association was silent, the Royal Court was actively recruiting new blood for their forces, more than making up for their recent losses thanks to some bold promises made to the public.

”Behind them are the captains!”

”Are those the Magic Corps? How noble!”

The crowd was in awe of the military presence before them. They felt so proud! It was rare to see a military parade, let alone such a show of strength. Everyone understood that the Royal Court was showing off, hoping to stifle the association's local branch with show alone.

Another ten minutes passed while the many rows of soldiers organized themselves around the association building. Arnole and the crown prince were riding on their stallions, trotting up the association's front door.

”Your majesty! Zariff! It's time to decide!” yelled Arnole. ”Come, this doesn't have to be a terrible thing. I can't see why we should be enemies. Let's work together to build up Reinolt as it should be.”

No response came.

”I'll give you till the count of ten to come out. One! Two! Three!”

Everyone's breath was getting heavier with each number from Arnole's mouth.

”Four!”

”Five!”

”Six!”

”Huh?” The front door slowly opened, startling the crowd and many soldiers. They expected to see King Leodoro or possibly Zariff, the Association Branch Chief. The young man in front of them surprised everyone. ”What's all the ruckus about? You want something?”

”Jack.” Arnole showed a smile that wasn't a smile. ”So, are you ready to join us? We're ecstatic to have such a promising new member. Though you're under-leveled, we've prepared a captain's position for you.”

Shock spread through the crowd. A captain's position? Was the Royal Court really able to snatch the Adventurers Association's rising star?

”What are you talking about? I was eating dinner when I hear a dog barking outside, so I came to shoo him away. Here, take a steak for your trouble,” stated Jack. A large, raw steak appeared in his hands as Jack threw toward Arnole. ”Go on, get going.”

”HUH?!”

All the people watching were dumbstruck. He called the chief officer a barking dog, he even threw him some meat? What's going on?

Arnole laughed at the sudden development. ”Come on, Jack. You know we only want to help you. What's so bad about the Royal Court that you stand against us?”

”Nothing really, just you,” quipped Jack without hesitation. ”I hate that you hide behind the scenes and put on a face for everyone to see, yet you never reveal how cruel you really are. How would the public act if they knew the real Arnole, if that's your real name?”