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Chapter 21: Appreciating the Present

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“Alright, candidate Krone, we’ve seen your Air Sliding. No need to waste time. Do you have anything else?”

Medron asked. To his sides, were Kent and Natalia.

They intentionally took charge of the second room, knowing both Julia and Krone would be here.

Krone nodded.

In front of the judges, he stood still.

Haa…

White mana came out.

A layer of white mana covered him, soon around his green spear as well.

It was around one centimeter deep.

Swooshh…

He swung it around, swirling it many times around his body; showing admirable skill in handling the spear. The mana coating around him only shivered, not losing its form.

Meanwhile, the spear was moving as if it was latched onto his hand, unable to get away.

Impressive.

Meh, I’m not shocked anymore.

Kent smirked while Natalia shook her head. They had seen him used The Flow before, so while this level was impressive, they no longer had any surprise.

Soon, he stopped.

“Mana coating; Aurelian Arte, solid beginner level. Very good. Your third Arte?”

Medron commented. He also had seen him during sparring from the distance. He had seen his mastery of The Flow, so he had high expectation from him.

Him asking for his third Arte; there was a hint of expectation there.

Krone stood still, taking a few second before answering.

“… That’s all I can show you, Honourable Judges.”

“Huh, what?”

His answer baffled Medron.

He had answered it nonchalantly, as if it was natural.

“Why, don’t you have any other Arte?”

“I do indeed, I just don’t find it appropriate to show them here.”

He said them.

That implied he at least had two more.

Krone had shown them his maximum ability for Air Sliding before, so during this test, he intended to show them only the basic of two other Artes; Aurelian Arte and Arte Instana.

Aurelian Arte was an Arte converting mana into Aura, it was a basic Arte even young soldiers could use. He however, had reached a level beyond these knights.

Yet he decided to show only the basics.

In contrast, Arte Instana was a hard-to-learn Arte, a piercing drill using a spear empowered by mana. Normally, only Squires or Knights could use it. Those who could do it among the youngsters were so few.

He did want to show the gist of it, just having a grasp of this difficult Arte at his age would be a huge merit.

He however, decided there was no need.

Why?

That was because of a pair of eyes looking at him from the third floor.

Unpleasant pair of eyes, fixed on him.

As if ready to devour him, at any moment.

The Arte Exhibition room was a mere partition, thus there was no cover for above.

It was meant to be, since they would be observing the candidates.

‘Arren Logansha, go look elsewhere damnit! What are you, gay?’

“Are you serious, candidate Krone? This test is important, you do realize that?”

“I’m aware, but I do have my reasons. Please pardon my rudeness, Sir Medron. I mean, Head Judge.”

“Reasons, eh?”

That was it.

Medron decided not to force the youngster. He figured he must have been instructed by his master. Showing too much could also be disadvantageous in the future, so it made sense to hide some skill or an Arte for emergency.

Personally, he was intrigued.

Professionally, there was no need.

Thus, he let it be.

“Alright then, good job. You may go now.”

“Before that, Sir Overseer, I have something to give you.”

“What is it?”

“A request.”

Krone took out a small note from his chest.

Medron gestured him to come close and hand it. With the boy addressing him with his position, he knew it would be related to that.

He took it from his hand, read it for a while.

‘Wish?’

Reading on, his face turned serious, he stared at the boy.

The fierce face of a veteran knight, staring intently at a person, would intimidate anyone without guts.

Krone however, maintained his disciplined expression.

His back straight, eyes to the front, hand to his back, as if ready to bear responsibility for what he did.

With the sudden change of atmosphere, Kent and Natalia trembled.

Oh great. Is it a favour, or something inappropriate?

Just what did you do this time, Krone? I really need to lecture you later!

“…Sir Kent.”

“Ah, yes, Sir?”

“Burn it, right away.”

He handed the note to him.

“Eh, yes.”

Kent did not read the note, immediately sparked a fire on his hand, burning the note to a crisp.

Medron sighed, turning to Krone.

Their eyes locked.

“I know you’re simply concerned for your friends, but I cannot help you with anything. Your performance is yours alone. But you don’t have to worry, I am the Overseer of this test, I’ll always be fair.”

“…I understand Sir. Thank you.”

While they were saying so, Krone observed Medron’s eyes.

What he said also gave hint, a clear hint.

Concern? What concern?

Ha!

If anything, he should have said the hell you’re thinking?!

But as he said, there was nothing to worry about.

He knew the old man was sharp enough.

“You may go.”

“Sir! If you’ll excuse me.”

He walked out of the room.

‘Thanks, old man.’

===

“Huh.”

Athea came out of the room, eyes sharp.

Yet her steps were not the same, a little shaky.

She had to answer some questions without revealing her identity, so it was tough.

‘Wonder if they buy it…’

She knew these knights were sharp.

She might have fooled the church, but these guys were on a different level.

The questions they had asked proved it.

These guys were not playing around, they meant business.

Serious business.

‘It’s faint, but I can sense suspicion; I might just fail this time.’

She sighed, her eyes moved towards the opposite room to her front.

Someone had a thumb-up raised for her, with a clear gaze noting his awareness of her being.

Seeing this, her heart eased, somewhat.

‘That’s right, no worry. Useless.’

Soon, the Arte Exhibition ended.

A staff member, accompanied by guards, came out for an announcement.

“Alright, that’s it for Arte Exhibition. Good work. In a while, you may go to the dining hall for your dinner. You are free to go anywhere, aside from restricted areas in the base. Assemble in the square by nine!”

He ended his announcement.

Some candidates were glad, while most were anxious.

The result would be released as the clock tower hit nine o’clock, in about two hours.

‘Hm, I said the middle.’

Krone stood in the middle of the hall, with his green lance on his shoulder.

Standing erect, eyes closed in meditation.

Those who witnessed him, would ponder the hell’s he’s doing.

Well, he was waiting.

Soon, his team members saw him, moving.

Doran’s steps were shaky. With his back latched with a green shield, he looked like a certain something trying to walk on two feet for the first time. His pursed his lips together, eyes glimmering. Despite his large build, his expression screamed naivety and self-doubt.

Those who saw him, raised their brows.

To his side, the twins had light steps. Smiling ear to ear, their blonde hair and bright yellow tunic shone like two suns. These two, they brightened the already bright hall with their good cheer.

Those who saw them, had warm smiles.

Further to the side, Athea had steady steps. Eyes sharp, hands moved in unison with her steps. At a glance, she gave the impression of what’s done, done attitude. Her red clothes and paddings complemented the idea.

Those who saw her, held their breath.

Krone had his trademark smile, filled with confidence.

Coming closer to him, they felt relief and calm.

As if they had just found their lifeline, their alms.

…

As they walked out of the hall, they witnessed the shining sunset.

Orange light was passing through the gaps between the clouds. It covered the whole West, filling the ocean’s horizon up to where the port was. Shadows of buildings, and light passing the sails of metallic sea cruisers hit their sight.

To the east, stars started to present themselves, blinking.

Sounds of seagulls echoed a harmonious melody, a comfort for appreciating ears.

Woah.

Ah…

Beautiful.

It was a pleasant, inspiring moment.

…

“Alright, shall we go?”

Enough appreciating, it was time for dinner.

They wanted to spend time together, yet some had their own plan.

“Sorry guys, Krone, we have to go meet our mom. It’s getting dark, she must be worried.”

“Em, we’ll come back earlier, but please don’t wait for us.”

“Eh, it’s fine. You go meet your mom.”

“Um, um!”

“…No problem.”

Nodding, the twins ran over to the gate, side by side.

Many candidates did the same.

“Ah, I should go too, my relatives must be worried.”

This time, Doran made an apologetic look, hand to the back of his head.

Krone laughed a bit. Hands on his shield, he pushed him away.

“Just go and meet them. Don’t worry, I’ll finish your portion for you.”

“B-brother, please leave some meat for me. I won’t go for long!”

“Scram, you beast.”

“Eheheh, if you’ll excuse me, brother, Athea.”

He scurried to the gate.

Looking at him, he wondered what the hell he’s thinking, choosing this clumsy guy.

Doran was half-way to the gate before he stopped, turning.

“Bro, leave some meat for me!”

“Shoo, shoo!”

He shooed him away.

Doran’s shout was loud enough for many to hear, prompting attention.

Other candidates turned to look, intrigued.

Stepping to the side, Athea put some distance away from him, turning as if she did not know him.

Fortunately, his skin was thick enough to shrug off the embarrassment.

Soon, the interest dissipated.

“That’s cruel, sister. Leaving your brother alone in disgrace.”

“I don’t have such a brother.”

“Geez, that’s mean. Anyway, dinner?”

“…Sure.”

As they walked to the dining hall, Krone asked;

“No one’s waiting for you?”

“Pointless. I told the Sisters not to wait.”

“Sisters? Who?”

“From the cathedral. It’s near.”

“You mean the Aurenburg Cathedral, just across the street? You live there?”

“Yes. Three, no, four months already.”

Krone had new information, yet it did not come in as a surprise. It just supported his earlier deduction.

===

“For such a sumptuous meal, we’re grateful to you, O’ Creator. Let this be the better part of us. Amen.”

“…Amen.”

They sat side by side, his spear to his left.

On a plate, Krone had a pile of fruits; strawberry, blueberries, slices of apples, oranges and melons of red, yellow and white. On another plate, slices of bread, a cup of rice, slices of meat with red sauce, veggies and two barbequed fishes and a parade of prawns.

“…You didn’t hold back.”

Seeing his pile of fruits, Athea’s eyes twitched.

Compared to what she took, his was at least five, six times.

The dinner was also meant as a mean to appreciate the candidates, so it was also a buffet.

There was no cake or luxurious dish, but the fruits and dishes aplenty.

Of course, a candidate would usually hold back. It would do no good to leave unfavorable impression to those who might be watching.

Well, the one in front of her was way beyond usual anyway.

His teeth ground a slice of apple, merciless.

“Mo, it’s, mo,”

“Finish that first.”

“Um. It’s free, Athea. If I didn’t take it, someone else will.”

“Right.”

She did not bother saying more, taking a sip of her chicken soup.

However, her eyes observed the surroundings.

There were eyes around the dining hall, fixed on them.

Specifically, onto him.

Candidates and officials alike were observing him from a distance.

The long table they took seat in, had obvious gaps. Left and right, empty seats.

The nearest candidate to them sat several seats away. Though they seemed interested, none take the initiative to get any closer.

‘Are they being considerate, cause we’re having dinner? But, it’s not mere interest, there’s even hostility in those eyes… What are they planning?’

“Don’t bother about them.”

Krone’s voice caught her attention.

“Enjoy the meal, enjoy the present. What will happen later, no worry.”

“…Right.”

“Take it slow, be conscious. The flavors will be better.”

“Really,”

‘He’s more concerned about a meal. Hm, since he’s not worried, I shouldn’t. He’s sharp enough.’

Athea focused on her meal.

Taking his advice, she slowly took a sip of her soup, tasting what other flavors existed.

Tasting, while being conscious of every detail.

...

...

She took another sip.

...

...

“Huh..?”

“See?”

It was a strange new sensation.

She was able to enjoy different flavors, invading the soft part of her mouth and throat.

She could even feel them seeping into her inner organs.

What was the feeling?

Fulfilling.

She had a revelation.

Having a meal was not merely to satisfy hunger, but also a time of appreciation. The things she missed before, she noticed.

'How did I miss all this before?'

The soup.

The fat filled her mouth. The spices made their way into her viscera. The aroma came along, burrowing itself into her head and senses.

She had a jolt.

Simply, an art. The soup was the work of an artist.

She took the fruits in.

Their gentle sweetness, along with the juiciness of their fibre, complemented each other.

Their juice cleared her throat, cleaning what was left of the spices, leaving behind sweet and fragrant aftertaste.

Arts? No, not merely arts; these were created by a master artist!

Fascinating.

Truly fascinating.

Where did these flavors hide before?

No, they had always been there, so it’s not their fault.

'It's mine. I didn't appreciate enough.'

It was her fault.

She had been missing on all these details, all these time.

As she realized this, she noticed a glee to her side, as if scoring a victory.

Her mouth tsked, she still admitted;

“…It’s as you say.”

“Yes. Don’t be moody and just appreciate what you took into your being. That’s the right way.”

“What do you mean, moody… hmph.”

“No offense there, heh.”

They finished their meal, yet the twins and Doran still not in sight.

Fortunately for them, plenty dishes still available.

Krone and Athea stood up.

Seeing they had finished their meal, some made their move.

However, a teen in blue coat approached them, faster.

Confidence screamed along with his steps, yet his face revealed no arrogance.

He stepped close to his left, near his spear.

He put his right arm slanted on his chest.

A salute.

A formal military salute.

“Pardon me for intruding.”

The teen had a steady, confident voice.

His eyes were fixed on Krone, and he returned his gaze.

Athea had her sharp eyes on him, as if ready to jump at any sign of hostility.

Krone however, had this smile plastered on him.

Pure, innocent smile.

Devoid of any aggression.

A smile a benevolent adult would gave to a new toddler.

“Yes, may I help you?”

“Nice to meet you, I’m Ron M. Shamanov.”

“Nice to meet you too, I’m Krone Kozak, and this is my, friend, Athea Rhemon.”

He nodded towards her, she did the same.

Yet he did not beat around the bush, returning to him.

“Krone Kozak, could you spare me some time? I wish to talk.”

Hearing this, he smirked within.

Outside, he simply raised his brow.

One brow.

“Of course. I can appreciate a good talk anytime, Ron Shamanov.”

…

[There are things in life we never truly able to value, until we lost them, forever.]

- Shurran Algate, Kharlussian Minister of Defense, Knight’s inauguration speech.

=== Chapter 21 End ===