--- Roric

I'm bored.

After enjoying a long, deserved bath, Roric was presented with new, clean clothes and told to wait in an area intended for the palace's personnel. The boy found a terrace with a bench and just sat there, glancing at the people who passed by from time to time. Still, after the first hour or so, he began to feel the need of stretching his legs.

What if I just... Take a stroll around? It's not like they would allow me in the presence of Elise or her father, by the looks of it. I'd better ask someone.

Since he had a good sense of direction, Roric had no difficulties in finding the same corridor that had brought him to those quarters. A quick round of questions with the servants and a couple of guards, those who had taken his sword into custody, was enough to confirm his initial impression. Even if Cremont hadn't excluded a slim chance of the young warrior being called by the higher ups, everyone strongly suggested him to just go for a walk instead. That day, he had to take it easy.

"The King will probably take his time, kid," said the armoured man standing next to the side door. "General Cremont told us you were free to go out, if you wished to do so. He wanted you to have this, for that reason."

The man handed Roric what at first seemed a silver coin, but it was way too heavy and decorated to be one. It had to be some sort of token that worked as a permit to enter the upper quarters, and it was obvious that only selected people were allowed to carry it. Guests of the royalty like him were also included, clearly.

I'll have to thank Cremont the next time I see him. Once we got back to his beloved city he turned out to be a much friendlier person than what I initially thought. He must have missed this place.

"Alright," replied the boy. "I'll be careful not to show it around too much, then."

"Do as you may," commented the guard. "Want some tips? Stay away from the slums when you are alone. And if you go through the harbour, try not to steer away from the main roads."

"Will do. I'll be back in a couple of hours."

With those words, Roric was allowed to exit and have his first good look to Cassidia.

***

Just by traversing the plaza of the palace, washed and clean as he was, the young warrior found that his presence would go almost unnoticed. The nobles and the soldiers probably thought he was just an errand boy or a messenger.

Yeah, it's way different compared to two hours ago. We were on the road for so many days that... Well, our looks must have reflected it. And not in a good way.

Walking without a hurry, Roric took the road that led to the southern gate and waved at the guards as he passed by, showing the token and getting a firm nod in response. As he went downhill, he found himself lost in thoughts.

I hope Elise is alright. I wouldn't know what to say to a father I've never met. What kind of person might he be? Judging from what Virgil said he is a good king, at least. I can already tell by looking at his city. Roads this tidy would be worshipped like deities in the Free Kingdoms.

He wandered left and right across the merchants' quarter, and even stopped to take a glance to some of the monuments and architecture. During his brief stay in Rayol, sadly, the boy hadn't found the time to put enough attention into those things. However, even to his untrained eye a few minutes were enough to realize that everything in Cassidia was far newer than in the Republic.

Albeit more populous than the northern capital, the city seemed also way happier. There were less traces of social disparity than in Rayol, and as he proceeded Roric was surprised to notice only a single cutpurse.

I am quite curious about the cathedral, but from here I only have a short walk to the harbour. I wonder if the waters of the sea are really salty like they say.

He had to try at least a sip, having come from half the world away.

***

Yuck, disgusting.

The gross taste kept reminding Roric of why the people of Cassidia didn't drink that water.

I guess the cathedral was a better choice.

Massaging his stomach, the boy followed the main path until the sacred temple came in view. It took him a long time to get actually close, actually, because the sheer size of the building made it difficult to tell the exact distance, but when he stopped before its facade, the view rewarded him generously.

Huge statues of what Roric assumed to be important priests guarded the entrance, directly below layers and layers of painted ornaments showing masses of people in prayer. From the main door came and went believers of any social stature, even plain beggars. A group of young clerics, guided by an elder, passed near the boy while discussing religious matters.

Looks like the priests and their students live here, in the cathedral. Maybe there's a complex on the rear that provides housing for them.

For one moment, Roric asked himself if there were other Elementals hiding somewhere in Cassidia and what their standing was. Still, he remembered Tolwin saying something about them not being liked there. The kingdom had fought them in a distant past, and the Order of the Light was also prominent in its lands. It was better to keep a low profile, for now.

I'd like to learn a thing or two about the Mages, but it's too late to go to the other end of the city and have a look at their tower. Maybe some other day. Now I have to get back or the gates will be closed. I don't want to be left outside.

After one last glance at the beautiful cathedral, the young warrior headed once again to the palace. All things considered, he could say to like Cassidia so far. But was it really a good place for him to live in?

***

The next morning Roric woke up early and immediately got dressed, refreshed by his first full night with a real bed. He was almost ready when someone knocked at the door.

"Just a second," he announced. "I'm coming."

Much to his surprise, when he opened, the boy found himself face to face with Elise. The girl noticeably breathed of relief as their eyes crossed, but then what came out of her mouth was just a hearty hello.

"I... Elise," babbled Roric. "You... How did it go? With your father, I mean."

"He is... Great!" she exclaimed. "He wants to meet you, as soon as possible. We came to get you, in fact."

"Really? He wants... Wait, who's we?"

In that moment the young warrior noticed a blonde lady waiting at the first corner, just a few steps from his door. She glared at him, for some reason.

"She is... My lady-in-waiting, Annette," whispered Elise. "An assistant for me, or something like that. A trusted person. I told her we are friends, but she doesn't like the idea of royalty messing with commoners."

"How noble of her," commented the boy, already guessing that the woman had some kind of peerage. "Let me put on my shoes. I'll be here soon."

Elise nodded, and patiently waited for him on the door. When he finally came out, the lady grabbed the girl's arm and pulled her away, as if she intended to protect her from him.

Tch. Weird people. Yet, I'd better not make a fuss of it.

They went through a series of corridors that Roric quickly memorized just to pass the time, since nobody would start a conversation. Ten minutes later, they were standing in front of a door guarded by two armoured men. Elise was immediately recognized by the soldiers, who bowed and let her knock.

It's almost weird how everyone treats her respectfully now. Back in Fradot she was also well-accepted, but nobody...

Then, Roric thought of those times when the villagers would listen to anything she had to say. Like she was their princess. A shiver ran up his spine, as he remembered the dead people on the muddy street.

Yeah... Right.

The girl ordered Annette to wait and invited her friend to follow. Once the door closed behind his back, the young warrior found himself in a wide study. Every bit of space on the wall was covered with paintings, tapestries and flags, not only from Cassidia but also from many places Roric didn't know about. Those must have been all memories from the glorious past of war King Sebastian was famous for.

Right behind a massive wooden table, by the way, was the man himself. He was relaxing in a comfortable chair, casually listening to what another man what saying. The first thing the boy noticed was the striking resemblance between Elise and her father. Not only the eyes, various elements of their faces and expressions were also similar. And they both had something in common with the nobleman who was standing in front of the King at that very moment.

"Ah, Elise. My dear daughter," said Sebastian, stopping the person with a gesture.

Noticeably irritated by the sudden interruption, the other man turned away in silence and went on his way, only stopping to gave one suspicious, unfriendly glare to Roric, then making his exit with heavy steps.

He too has green eyes. I wonder if he is a relative. He made me shiver, for some reason.

Nonetheless, being in the presence of Cassidia's ruler, the boy thought it would be appropriate to bow and quickly offered his homages to the King.

"I can see you've been a soldier, in the past," observed Elise's father. "You bow just like one."

"You speak the truth, Your Highness."

"May I ask you how it happened?"

Roric looked at the man right in the eye. "Mercenaries sheltered me after I lost my parents. A commander named Lowan led them. I served in his company for three years until their final battle... It's a day I don't remember fondly."

There's no need to hide this anymore. I'm sure those news never reached the South.

"War can be unforgiving, I know it well," agreed Sebastian, patting his left leg. "Elise told me that you are a good swordsman already, despite your young age, and that you've faced many enemies for her. Without your protection my daughter wouldn't have made it home. You have my thanks."

"It was my duty to Dominic too, Your Highness," replied the boy. "I had promised him to keep her safe, and so I did."

The monarch shook his head. "Still, most people would have fled in the face of that peril. Don't be modest, Roric, and walk proud. Your courage is commendable."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Elise, who until that point had only listened from the other side of the room, stepped up.

"Father," she said. "If you don't mind, I would ask you to give him hospitality. I think he fully deserves it, even if someone is bothered by his presence."

Tapping on the edge of the table, Sebastian relaxed on his chair.

"The fact he deserves it is beyond any question. He's a brave lad and your friend... But even while being the king of this country, I can't speak for the entirety of the court. We have had many guests here in the past, some of them low-born as well, yet their stay wasn't taken for granted at all. It will take time for the palace to get used to him."

Impressive. He isn't against me living in his palace, even if I'm not a noble.

"I can bear a bad eye or two, Your Majesty," stepped in Roric. "I'll sleep among guards and servants, if it's necessary."

"That's not what I'm saying, Roric," answered the King. "Bad eyes aren't the only thing you will have to face... But this is a matter for another time. You'll find about it soon enough."

After those words, the man took pen and paper and began to write.

"I'll sign an order at once. It will give you access to every part of the palace an ordinary guest could get into, given the restriction that you won't bear arms while you are in here."

"What about the other matter, father?" asked Elise, a little nervously. "Will we be allowed to see each other?"

Sebastian stared at them both, with a dubious expression.

"It's fine, as long as you have my authorization and don't do it in public or too often. That should keep the opinion of the court at bay for now."

"Thank you, kind Lord," said the boy, with another bow.

I never expected a noble to be this kind and reasonable.

With one last smile, the man stood up. "Roric, it was a pleasure to meet you. Enjoy your stay. Now, I have some matters that require my attention. Elise, we'll speak again soon."

"So long, father."

They all left the room and the King limped away, accompanied by his personal escort. Lady Annette rushed at the princess' side, staring at Roric in a menacing way.

"Your Highness, are you sure this is... A good idea?"

The girl turned to her. "He saved my life twice, I told you. As long as I hold even a stray of influence on this palace, I'll never drive my best friend away."

"But the nobles-"

"Screw the nobles!" exclaimed Elise. "They can say whatever they want. Roric is like family to me, and he will remain."

"What about the man who was there when we entered?"

"He is my uncle, Darius. Father already talked him into this. He is still not convinced, but as far as I understand he is just a very pragmatic person. I'm sure he will accept you, in the end."

She has been so nice to me. I wonder how many girls would have the guts to walk these lengths, once given a position like hers.

"I... I never got the chance to properly thank you, Elise."

"It's Your Highness for you," intervened the lady-in-waiting. "And-"

"Calm down," said the girl, with a smile. "He can speak to me as he likes. You were saying?"

"Nothing," Roric promptly lied. "I'm just happy to be here, that's all."