Chapter 89

Many of Astrid’s suitors were from prominent families and clans that the City Lord could not afford to offend. Despite her parents’ high ranks, and their generations of lordship over Ur, these young scions could make things incredibly difficult for her family.

Viktor, in particular, was a cause for concern, and one that even her father was careful to not overly upset. His grandfather, a Rank 17 expert, had retired years ago, but his influence could still be felt. Although Erik and his wife were not afraid of an expert of his level, conflict between them would not result in anything positive.

‘I’m sorry Wil, I promise I’ll make it up to you.’ Astrid thought, the guilt pooling in the pit of her stomach. Despite what she was feeling, her mask of cold indifference was still in place, something she had learned from her mother.

“I apologize, Viktor, but my escort has arrived. But I’m sure that one of the other ladies here would make a superb partner for you this Night.” She said, brushing past him and walking gracefully towards the front entrance of the pavilion, where she saw Wil standing.

Behind her, Viktor was left sputtering, his shock at her abrupt departure turning to anger at his dismissal.

If it hadn’t been for Wil’s protective presence, she would never be so brusque with Viktor. It was like poking a hornet’s nest, nothing good would come from needling the arrogant young man.

Tall, handsome, and well dressed, Wil had many of the young women in the pavilion sneaking glances at him. He also had an air of danger about his person, with his high-ranking mana, and a sword belted to his hip. The white sword handle poked out from his black scabbard, and Astrid could see the symbol of Amora, a Hart, on the front.

Walking towards him, she could hear whispers around her as she neared the young man. The gossiping crowd were staring at the strange foreigner and chattering about the fact that the City Lord’s daughter practically ran to greet him.

“I’m so happy to see you, Wil. I’m in desperate need of saving.” She whispered, placing a hand on his arm.

Wil was momentarily stunned when he saw her. The silver haired Astrid was wearing a long, black dress, her hair pinned up in an elaborate hairstyle. She was one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen, and it took him a moment to process her words.

“You? In need of saving? I don’t believe it.” Wil joked, his words dripping with sarcasm.

“Very funny.” She muttered, looking back at the crowd, her hand still placed on his arm.

Looking with her, Wil could see a group of young men, all frowning or scowling in their direction. One, dressed in enough riches to make Quentin drool, and as flamboyant as Anwir, was flushed red with anger. With a loud curse, he began to march in their direction.

All around the pavilion, groups were stopping their conversation, intent on watching the drama. To Wil, becoming the center of attention for a group of strangers was off putting, and he was immediately on the defensive, his mana swirling protectively within him.

“Friend of yours?” He asked, keeping his face towards Astrid, but gesturing with his eyes at the angry young man.

“No, but his family is too important to ignore. I’m sorry Wil, but I’ve made it seem that we’re together.” Astrid moved closer to him and whispered.

“Your father already warned me. But I don’t know why you need my help, you’re plenty capable of stomping on them, and with your mother’s support…what could they do to you?” Wil asked, confused.

“You don’t understand, Wil. My father needs their support, without it, he will still be city lord, but the people could suffer. What if Viktor’s family withholds goods? Or they withdraw some of their troops from the expeditions into the wilds? People may suffer, Wil, all because of me.” She explained, and tears formed at the corners of her eyes, threatening to fall.

“I don’t like getting involved in politics, Astrid. I’ll save you from bandits or a Wyrm, but this is nothing but a quagmire. I can’t stay here for long, pretending to be your…husband or whatever it is you’re asking of me.” Wil said, his voice low as he watched the suitors drawing near.

‘God’s Bones, whoever she chooses will have to fight half the city!’ Wil thought.

“I’m not asking you to marry me Wil! Just escort me for the festival, maybe imply that there is something more between us. I just need time! If I’m stronger, my father will have less pressure to find me a husband to help rule Ur.” She paused, looking at her family behind her.

“I’m their only child, Wil, and there’s never been a City Lady of Ur. I’m going to be the first, but I can’t do that with a low rank.” She promised.

“I don’t know Astrid. You’re asking me to lie to an entire city! And I’m not from here! What are your father’s nobles going to think about all this? A foreigner comes in, snatches the princess and they are just supposed to swallow that? I’ll have every knife in the city aiming for my back.” Wil whispered furiously, shaking his head at the idea.

“Please Wil.” She said, looking up at him, and his heart broke. The world seemed to slow around him, and he thought of the Patriarch, and the promise to never fail those close to him again. He took in a deep breathe, feeling the resolve build within in.

“God’s Bones, Astrid. Alright, I’ll do it.” He promised, and Astrid’s face broke out into a smile that nearly stopped his heart.

‘Damn it, I have to stop walking through fire for a pretty face.’ He thought, chiding himself silently.

“You won’t regret it Wil!” She said, her eyes shining in the fading light of Secundus. Surprising herself, her head darted forward quickly as she planted a kiss on his cheek. That set the crowd off, and the young man approaching hurried his steps, his anger growing even hotter.

Eyes open wide, Wil stared at the beautiful Astrid, just as the enraged Viktor confronted the pair.

“How dare you disrespect me!” Viktor shouted, his voice cracking with rage. His face was completely red, his eyes bulging in a mixture of anger, disbelief, and humiliation. He had never been denied anything in his life! His clan doted on him, praising his skills and talent, assuring him that whatever he wanted, he would get. He was heaven’s favored son!

“You whor-!” His voice was cut off as a cascade of mana overwhelmed everyone. Wil let his Rank 10 mana, golden and powerful, rage within him. Whatever constraints he held were gone after hearing the insults directed at Astrid.

Everyone around him felt the pressure of his power crash down upon them. Knees hit the wooden floor, while those closest to Wil were pressed flat against the ground, unable to move. The atmosphere grew stifling, and the music came to a halt with a screech.

Those who were able to, fled from the vicinity, screaming in terror as the mad, savage foreigner’s unbridled power swept though the crowd.

With a roar, the golden mana formed a Dragon Turtle around Wil and Astrid, its massive shell protecting them, while it glared fiercely at everyone else.

The wave of mana spread out from Wil, reaching the city lord in moments. With a casual gesture, Astrid’s mother simply waved her hand and the mana rushing towards them halted, its power calmed, the pressure on the crowd was eased instantly.

Viktor stared, now ashen faced, at Wil, his own Rank 5 mana insignificant against the monster before him. They were nearly the same age, yet this foreign devil was 5 ranks higher than him! Even the city lord, one of the strongest people in Ur, was only Rank 13!

“You were saying? I missed the last part, something that began with ‘Whor’.” Wil said calmy, the Golden Dragon Turtle staring silently at the open-mouthed Viktor.

Stammering, he tried to find his voice, starting his words multiple times, before he could finally speak.

“My grandfather will hear of this! If you lay a single hand on me, I’ll have you, and everyone you ever cared about, flogged! I’ll have their skin flayed from their bones!” Viktor threatened, growing in confidence with every word. His grandfather was Rank 17, his strength was more than enough to deal with this savage. And the city lord wouldn’t dare to interfere, not if he wanted things to run smoothly in Ur.

Smirking, Viktor straightened his back, his arrogance returning in full force as he saw the people around him cower. With a gesture, his guards and followers gathered around him. Although they were only low ranked, the protection of his family name guaranteed their safety.

“Well, Astrid? I will forgive you if you are obedient. Come with me now.” Viktor commanded, and behind him he could see the anger on the City Lord’s face. Astrid’s mother looked like she was about to step forward to intervene, her face a mixture of pure rage and icy coldness, when Erik whispered something to her.

“Let the boy handle this, my love. If you step in, his grandfather will use the smallest excuse to interfere with our affairs. Don’t worry, I’ve already warned Wil about his matter.” Erik assured her, laying a calming hand against the small of her back.

Wil listened calmy to Viktor’s tirade, letting the young man’s anger wash over him, while the golden mana inside roiled and longed to erupt. The Dragon Turtle shield faded as Wil withdrew it. Seeing the group gathering around Viktor, Wil couldn’t help but smile.

“Oh? Your grandfather? Who’s that?” Wil asked, tilting his head in fake confusion, looking at Astrid for an answer. Playing along, Astrid whispered dramatically to him.

“The Clan Patriarch. Viktor is his grandson and apprentice.” Astrid explained, her hand still on Wil’s arm.

“Is he stronger than my master?” Wil asked, tapping his hand against his scabbard, drawing the crowd’s attention to the Hart on the front, embroidered in silver thread. He heard whispered from the crowd at his declaration, and Viktor former arrogance faded as he recognized it.

“No. Amora Magehand is stronger.” Astrid said, smiling warmly at Wil. She was enjoying this role, knowing that the climax was approaching.

“Well, then why the hell should I care if your grandfather finds out? Here, I’ll even give you something to show him, a little proof of our encounter!” Wil said, disappearing in a flash of light. Instantly reappearing in front of Viktor, his fist was already swinging.