Chapter 47, Debt unknown

Zelaria

“Greet his majesty, William IV Russell Flowheart, The sleeping death, Eye of the deep surge and the king of Riverflow!”

The prissy older man to the king's right side grandly proclaims.

“What a daft fucking name.”

Ari bursts into fits of giggles and I have to fight to keep my expression neutral, barely able to keep my lips from curling upwards as I look at the bearer of said name. He’s tall, I’ll give him that, but otherwise not very impressive.

The crown looks as natural on his head as his name is fitting, that’s to say: not at all. He keeps staring at me and I notice with a start that everyone else is also staring at me as if waiting for something. Are they waiting for me to introduce myself? Or to bow? This is not my king though…

“Well met… I think? Name’s Zelaria. You were looking for me or something? Charles over there didn’t tell me anything else.”

I shut my mouth before I can say anything else, realizing that I might have either spoken too much, said something wrong or completely misunderstood why I’m here. The looks of disbelief on Charles’ and prissyman’s faces isn’t a good sign either way. The king is just looking me up and down, his expression unchanging for ten whole seconds, no one saying a word.

“Ahem, I’m a busy girl and I’m sure you are as well, not a girl, obviously, but busy with the invasion and everything. I would very much appreciate you speeding this up um…”

Do I call him Your Majesty or do I have to say that ridiculous name when addressing him? Fuck, this is confusing but I better take the long and safe route.

“-Your Majesty, William IV Russell Flowheart, The sleeping death, Eye of the deep surge and king of Riverflow? Wait, if I have to address you like this we will be here all day. Can I call you Will or something?”

“THE AUDACITY! INSOLENCE!”

The shout from the indignant right-hand man at least has the king jerking from whatever fantasy he was in, looking up to my face again he slowly frowns, clearly processing what had just been said. The silence hanging in the air thickens with every second, the tension palpably growing until he finally speaks.

“You may address me as ‘Your Majesty’. Why aren’t you kneeling?”

I blink. Did he expect me to kneel?

“I’m not kneeling as you’re not my king, your majesty. Will a bow suffice?”

All color seemingly transfers from Charles’ face to Prissyman’s, one going chalk-white and the other beet red. What is wrong with them? The king seems to consider me for a few seconds before I feel him identifying me. I try returning the favor but am rebuffed.

[???]

What is this? Why isn’t it giving me anything? He can’t be that high leveled or something, right? Is that even possible?

“He might have some sort of artifact obfuscating him from our [Identify] general skill. Or it might just be a perk from his class. He’s a king after all.”

“That’s so unfair, Ari. Is he weak and ashamed or strong and shy?”

The king seems amused at my attempt at identifying him and chuckles softly, drawing looks of disbelief from both men at either side, the royal knights behind them stirring slightly.

“You may bow, Zelaria.”

I bow with a flourish before standing back up again. This time waiting for the king to speak so as to not actually fuck this up. I have no idea if he can kill me with a snap of his fingers and Rolas did call him vicious.

“You’ve been hiding in that hole for a long time but you eventually returned here. A bit too late to provide us with the information I’ve sought, but there might still be something of use coming out of all of this, don’t you agree?”

Don’t I agree to fucking what? This is clearly some sort of verbal trap.

“I don’t know what you’re suggesting, your majesty.”

“Oh, really? Didn’t you sell the information on the invasion to Birch?”

“Um. Yes?”

Where is he going with this?

“An adventurer coming out from a region killing whole expeditions, not only unscathed but with more information on the enemy than those above level 500 while still being on their first class evolution. A little over two months later and the adventurer has climbed to the threshold of diamond rank. Said adventurer also happens to have taken up a lot of resources and time from those above their station without giving anything in return. Where do you think I’m going with this?”

His previously jovial tone turns cold at the last sentence, taking me off guard but merely making me blink in surprise. It’s all to clear what he want’s from me though.

“You want me to either fight, gather intelligence on the invasion, or maybe both?”

“Good! You’re not stupid at least. You’ll go and join up with Julie and Howard, your old friends from what I’ve heard. Together with everyone else still fighting the invasion you will put a stop to it.”

Is he for real? He can’t get me to kneel but he’s sending me to war? On what fucking basis?!

“Calm down, Zel. Accept the mission or we might actually get killed here. We can always make a break for it when we’re at the frontlines.”

Ari’s words of logic have me drawing in a deep breath, holding it a second before slowly letting the air out again. It barely works in calming me down but I’m at least clear headed when answering.

“Alright…”

“UNDERSTOOD, YOUR MAJESTY!”

The prissyman practically shrieks, eyes popping at my casual acceptance of a task personally provided by a king.

“Understood, your majesty.”

I repeat the words, if in a more reasonable volume, with a shallow bow just to be sure.

“Do good and you will be rewarded. You’re dismissed. Charles will see to it that you get to where you need to be, quickly.”

The king stands, robes fluttering as he sweeps from the room, casting a last glance at me before he’s out of sight. His prim, right-hand man follows just behind, scowling at me like I stepped on his cat or something. An ashen faced Charles steps up beside me, unsteady on his feet as he looks at me, eyes vacant as if lacking a soul.

“How did I do? It could have been worse, right?”

He just blankly stares and I grin, motioning him to follow as I walk towards the double doors we’d entered through. Having the responsibility of seeing me to my destination he has no other choice than to keep up with me.

It seems I have no other option than seeing the frontlines for myself and can neither avoid Julie now that the king has declared as such. I’ll just have to give them all the slip if the situation becomes too dangerous. Where will I go though? I’ve never really put any serious thought into my next destination, barely knowing the surrounding kingdoms. I’m going to need to find a map…

“Can I take you directly to the frontlines or do you have something urgent you need to do in the capital beforehand?”

I look at Charles as we step down the stairs from the front of the palace, statues being replaced with trees, bushes and flowers of exotic scent and appearance.

“You fucking me is urgent, Zel! Tell sir snatcher that you need to lock yourself in a room for a week and not to be disturbed.”

“Hush, darling. I’d like nothing more. You know this.”

I sigh, glancing up at the afternoon sun as I mentally check the inventory of my arcane spatial ring.

-Arcane Spatial Ring-

Funds:

Copper: 326

Silver: 286

Gold: 27

Tools:

Adventurer Token

Crude Core Grader

Pipeweed:

Candied Peach [30 Grams]

Devils Haze [120 Grams]

Fuchsia Grove [220 Grams]

Harmonic Honey [280 Grams]

Refreshments:

Empty

Trophies:

Steel Dagger

First ever dungeon loot, practically worthless with a plant monster motif.

Mixed Monster Cores:

Monster Core Grade 0 - [0]

Monster Core Grade 1 - [0]

Monster Core Grade 2 - [0]

Monster Core Collection:

Monster Core Grade 1

-Rusted Pangolin Core (Floor Guardian)

-Vicious Corroder Core (Floor Guardian)

-Onespike Bash-head Core (Floor Guardian)

-Scaleflesh Vinoria Core (Floor Guardian)

-Spitterleaf Lasher Core (Floor Guardian)

Monster Core Grade 2

-Unending Hex Luridea Warrior Core (Floor Guardian)

-Mutated Sticky Brawn Kudzu Core (Floor Guardian)

-Swarm Sceloporus Champion Core (Roaming Guardian)

Monster Core Grade 3

-Deranged Liana Goater Core (Floor Guardian)

Posting Items:

Empty

Misc. Items:

Adventurer Badge

Medium Health Potion

Honeysuckle Scented Candle

Enchanted Silver Armband

“I’d like to buy some more pipeweed but I’m guessing you don’t see that as urgent? What about food and drink?”

He considers for a moment before nodding.

“There’s of course rations to be found at the frontlines but most going out there bring with them what they can beforehand. It isn’t that far from the capital I’m afraid and a few adventurers have gone back here to restock on supplies, not feeling like the things provided at the frontlines are good enough. You might as well get it over with now.”

He sounds a bit disgruntled at the lack of discipline in the adventurers but there’s really nothing to do about it. I can’t see many joining in the fight if the guild were to suddenly restrict their freedom. If they wanted discipline they should have sent an army. Or had they already done that?

“What about the army? There’s surely some kind of military force in the kingdom, is there not?”

He sighs.

“Sure, we have a military and some of it has been sent to reinforce the adventurers, bringing some order to the chaos. Or at least trying to bring some order… Most of the military force of the kingdom is focused on the undead invasion though as the lack of adventurers there has led to a weak line of defense. I’m not even sure if we’d be able to resist a full scale assault of the undead as things stand now.”

“Is it really that bad? Is this kingdom just that weak or what?”

He nearly misses a step, quickly righting himself with wind magic before casting me a reproving glance.

“You shouldn’t be calling the kingdom weak when walking through the palace grounds, Zelaria.”

“He’s probably right, Zel.”

He continues before I can answer either of them.

“But you’re not far off the mark as things stand now. We’ve never been that strong compared to our neighbors but it hasn’t really become an issue before now. We had the undead invasion under control, if barely, and the kingdom is small, providing little temptation for conquest as any force looking to occupy this land would have to fight the undead to keep it. Now though? We’re stretched too thin and adventurers, like you for example, are our only hope.”

We continue towards the central wall and I let our conversation die down, thinking of his words. He’s putting a lot on my shoulders by calling ‘adventurers like me’ the only hope for a whole kingdom and I can’t think it was said without reason. It’s true that I’d planned on just running away at the first opportunity that presented itself, not looking to tangle with whatever troubles are brewing here.

I have no obligation to anyone in this kingdom and me staying here to fight, alongside Julie no less, can’t make a great impact on the overall situation. I’m not that strong, not to mention that I’m no one’s subordinate or puppet.

Walking through the inner district, opulent mansions hidden behind walls with large gardens, richly decorated shops and even an auction house passing us by, I take it all in curiously. I would have liked to spend some time exploring the different luxuries provided but I don’t think Charles would approve, he looks antsy and keeps urging me to hurry it up.

He suddenly stops outside a grand looking restaurant, ushering me in as he remains outside.

“Hurry up and get what you need inside, I really don’t have time to wait for long.”

“Why here of all places?”

We’d passed a couple restaurants on the way but he kept walking without even giving them a glance.

“The food here is good.”

And that was all he said before turning around, clearly telling me to get a move on.

Sighing, I step through the luxurious double doors. The wave of amazing smells tickling my nose and the dignified clamor of the occupants are the only things I can focus on as they close behind me.

I eventually notice the waiter standing just inside the door, eyeing me up and down as if unsure if I belong here.

“Have you reserved a table, miss?”

“Um. No? Charles out there said to get my provisions here but this doesn’t look like a place taking orders to go.”

“Charles, miss?”

“Charles Windsnatcher or whatever. He’s waiting just outside.”

The waiter immediately perks up at that.

“He’s a regular and we do allow him certain privileges. Very well, I’ll get you a menu and you’ll order what you want and we can package it for you. You’re not him though and will have to pay extra for the effort on our part.”

“Alright…”

The waiter walks away before quickly returning with a menu, taking my order after I’ve settled on a few dishes. I have no idea what most of them are, funny sounding names without descriptions the only thing to go on, the waiter having to irritably explain what they are.

I pick three servings of honey marinated lamb with steamed potatoes and red wine sauce, four servings of peppercorn roasted beef tenderloin with an unknown vegetable and sauce, three servings of lemon-garlic baked chicken breast with fried potatoes and two servings of some strange bread the waiter recommends.

“Well chosen, miss, that will be 12 gold and 86 silver.”

…

12 GOLD?!

I scowl at Charles as I exit the restaurant, a lot poorer but with a lot of fancy food in storage.

“You’ve robbed me.”

He scoffs.

“As if. Since you had enough to pay I can assure you that the price was worth it. They’re really good at what they do. Come on, we don’t have all day.”

We continue walking through the wide, luxurious streets, fancily clad rich people hurriedly making their way between their destinations all around us. No doubt anxious at the current state of the war, maybe even preparing to abandon the capital like some have no doubt already done.

As we reach the inner wall Charles stops and turns to me.

“Come here and hug me tightly.”

“Excuse me?”

I stare at him in confusion and I’m not the only one. A few noble women and men look at Charles with ill concealed curiosity or disgust. He sighs before answering.

“I need you to hold on to me, I’m not having us walk through the whole outer district.”

“Why would holding onto you solve that?”

“I’ve seen how he looks at our ass, Zel. He might want to get a feel for the rest of us.”

I mentally roll my eyes at Ari. I’ve seen him looking as well but I can’t imagine he’d perve on me in public like that.

“I’ll fly you to the frontlines. I’ll need to make sure you get there, and fast. I’m not running or taking a carriage, that’s out of the question.”

I stare at him for a few seconds, the nobles having stopped to listen in our conversation seemingly losing interest as they walk away.

“Sure!”

I jump straight at him, clinging on to his front with my legs curled around his waist as he freezes in shock.

“What are you doing?!”

I lean back, my arms around his neck as I look at his flushed expression, his eyes darting all over me as my arms squeeze my bust. He asks me to hug him tightly then gets embarrassed? Alright, fine. I might be teasing him a bit but his obvious interest in me is fun to play into, the less than satisfactory reception at the Adventurers’ Guild still weighing on the back of my mind.

“Am I doing it wrong?”

“I meant from the back… whatever. Just don’t let go.”

“I won’t. Now, how will this woooo-!?”

And we’re off.

I repress the shout of surprise as we go from a standstill to rushing over the inner wall at breakneck speeds, the guards on top pointing excitedly at us as we zoom out over the outer district. The wind whistles in my ears as I hang on underneath him, my back towards the ground. Is this why he’d thought I should be on his back?

Craning my neck I look down upon the houses quickly passing by, making out a few people pointing up at us. I yell in his ear over the flapping of fabric and rushing wind.

“DO PEOPLE ALWAYS POINT LIKE THAT?”

“YES. I’M NOT SUPPOSED TO FLY IN THE CITY.”

“THEN WHY?”

“I’M FOLLOWING HIS MAJESTY’S WILL AND I CAN’T BE BOTHERED TO CARE ANYMORE.”

Not even half an hour after passing the outer wall of the capital I see the first signs of battle in the distance. The whole horizon to the west has been completely transformed and I can’t believe what I’m seeing. Replacing the open plains are now mushrooms of all kinds of different sizes, purple and white as I’ve come to associate with these cursed creatures. On some of the taller and more deformed looking mushrooms are specks of red-violet hidden in white, the splinters of rhodolite bound by mycelia.

Our speed and altitude has me doubting my vision but I think the fungus forest is expanding fast enough to be seen, mushrooms sprouting from the ground as the rhodolite intermittently pulse with the sickly purple cursed mana.

A few kilometers away from the encroaching infestation are a sea of tents and mobile buildings on wagons, adventurers, soldiers and other personnel walking between them. There are also wagons going between the army camp and the fungi forest, carrying rested warriors in and the wounded, dead or tired out.

Charles speeds down towards the camp, landing just outside with a slightly harsher impact than was called for. I lose my grip and smack into the earth on my back, groaning before looking up at him with a scowl. He stares at my chest though and looking down I see my bust, uncovered and my nipples screaming for attention.

“Did you land that hard to get a good look or what?”

He looks away, hand on his neck as he tries avoiding my gaze.

Whatever. Pulling my croptop up to regain my modesty I stand and brush off the dirt and dust, looking around at the crowd goggling at me and Charles.

“Show’s over, folks. Get back to killing mushrooms.”

Most people do as I say, getting back to what they were doing but a few continue to stare and one actually approaches. He isn’t looking at me though.

“Sir Windsnatcher, an honor to see you here. Are you here to join in the war efforts?”

Charles looks at the speaker, a short, bald young man clad in chainmail with two ashen, wooden wands strapped to his belt, recognition flashing in his eyes before answering.

“Helmer! Good to see you. No, I’m afraid not. I’m just here to deliver Zelaria to Julie and Howard. Do you know where they are?”

He gestures at me and the young man, Helmer, looks me up and down before identifying me, confusion evident on his face. I reciprocate.

[Storm Dualist (Wind Mage) - 262]

“It’s sad that you personally can’t join in the battle but I suppose you still have urgent matters in the capital. I’m not sure why you’d personally escort her here though but it’s none of my business. Julie and Howard are still resting in their quarters.”

The last sentence is said with a tonne of meaning and Charles places a hand to his forehead before letting out a deep breath.

“Alright. We’ll have to interrupt them. I can’t wait for them to finish as I have to get back.”

“I can guide her to them if you’d like.”

Charles considers Helmer’s offer, eventually shaking his head as he looks at me.

“No can do, I'm afraid. I’ll have to at least see Zelaria to Julie and Howard or the king might place blame on me if… she weren’t to get there.”

I shuffle my feet guiltily, having already made up a plan to ditch this Helmer fellow as soon as Charles is on his way back to the capital. Helmer looks between us with furrowed brows.

“If you say so… Come with me.”

I study the various people and tents as we walk through the camp. Some of them are obviously for adventurers, being a chaotic blend of colors and sizes. The others are more uniform in size, made of cloth and treated leather reinforcements, banners depicting squiggly lines of azure on an emerald backdrop hanging all over the place. It’s the Riverflow kingdom's symbol and these must be their soldiers.

I look at the soldiers, wearing steel armor of different conditions and sizes, shortswords, maces, bows and what else hanging from their waist or back. They’re all looking quite grim and I can understand why. Them being here might not be entirely voluntary, unlike the adventurers of different appearance, mood and level walking around next to them.

Deciding to extort some information out of Charles for his part in undressing me I look at him before asking.

“How did you get a skill for flying, Charles? I’ve always wanted one.”

He ignores me until I stop walking, squeezing a breast in each hand to remind him of his dues and my ability to slow him down.

“Fine, I’ll tell you.”

I happily skip up to him as we continue walking, smiling at him innocently. He glares, kicking a rock on the ground in agitation and accidentally sending through a tent flap. We both ignore the yelp of pain from within.

“I just kept practicing with my [Wind Manipulation], trying to make myself levitate with wind alone until I finally became good enough to be granted a skill for my class, making flying a viable way to travel. It took a few years of practice.”

“That makes sense, Zel. We should try the same with telekinesis, practicing until we get good enough to be awarded a skill.”

“Yup. We should probably wait until we’ve made it out of here or reached the next evolution though, not having any skill slots and all that.”

We walk for about five minutes, crisscrossing between tents, wagons and other structures on wheels before coming upon a large, gray tent reinforced with cured leather, runes shimmering with power running along the sides.

“I’ll leave you here then, sir Windsnatcher. I still have a few things to do myself but feel free to come join us here with the intent to fight the enemy whenever you’re free. I think a lot of adventurers would have their fighting spirit roused with you, Julie and Howard working together. I would appreciate it immensely anyhow.”

“I’ll see what I can do. Thank you, Helmer.”

Helmer takes his leave, Charles and I standing alone in front of the tent entrance staring after him. Finally he turns to me and beckons for me to enter.

“Fine.”

I roll my eyes while clenching my fists, trying and failing miserably to play off my nerves as mere reluctance.

“This is going to be so awkward, Ari.”

“I’m here, don’t worry about her. Just don’t let Julie get to you and we’ll get Charles off our back in no time.”

“That’s right… Just be myself. Thanks, darling.”

Mentally preparing myself like I’m about to enter the lair of a [Basilisk] I whip the cloth covering the entrance open, stepping through.