Chapter 90

Materializing in the space in front of Viktor, Wil’s arm was already moving before the arrogant young man could react. Enhanced by his Rank 10 mana, his fist created a loud whistling sound as it moved through the air.

Only inches away from Viktor’s face, Wil stopped the blow, letting the momentum disturb the air around him.

A fierce gale of wind from the strike ruffled Viktor’s clothing and hair, before Wil’s fist stopped, hovering just in front of his nose. Lowering his arm slowly, Wil had a smirk on his face when Viktor fell backwards, landing heavily on his backside, his face completely white.

“Oh, come on! I wouldn’t hit you, not at a party, and certainly not just because you insulted someone I care about. What am I, a barbarian?” Wil joked, stepping forward with his hand out, offering to help Viktor back to his feet.

The stunned young man stared blankly at Wil, the overwhelming pressure that the adventurer had been exuding disappeared in an instant, the pavilion returning to normal.

The crowd watched, shocked at the change in the foreigner before them. The young man, handsome and talented, had attacked a clan’s scion over an insult, only to reign himself in and claim to be joking! Where a fiercely protective warrior had stood only moments before, now he was a jovially partygoer, offering to help his opponent off the ground!

Viktor, recovering swiftly, knocked the proffered hand away, his face still a pale white as he climbed back to his feet under his own power.

“My grandfather will hear of this!” He threatened, before straightening his clothing and making his way towards the exit. His group of followers were tight on his heels, seeming eager to leave the mad foreign devil behind.

“I look forward to it!” Wil shouted, giving a small wave, before turning back to Astrid. The beautiful, silver haired woman still stood next to the entrance of the pavilion, shaking her head at him.

“Too much?” He asked cockily, walking towards her with a grin.

“No, not enough. You should have hit him. He’ll be tattling on you to his grandfather anyway, the least you could have done is give him a black eye to show off.” She said, meeting him halfway and snaking her arm around his.

“I wasn’t joking. I’m not going to hit someone over an insult.” Wil said, lowering his voice as his face became serious.

“You’re a strange person, Wil. You’d fight a Wyrm to save a stranger, but won’t fight back if someone offends you? You won’t fit in here in Lund if you don’t protect your reputation.” Astrid advised, leading them across the pavilion to her parents.

“I don’t have much of a reputation to protect.” Wil muttered, remembering his past in Illyria. A wastrel and drunk, he had irreparably damaged his name out of spite and a desire to spare a loved one from his father’s plans.

“You do here, Wil! Everyone will know you. They’ll know what a fantastic kind of person you are, with a heart of gold. The things you’ve accomplished, what you will accomplish, make you amazing, Wil.” Astrid stated, her face blushing a bright red as she processed what she had just said.

Wil paused, stopping right in the middle of the pavilion. He turned to look at her, staring silently at her face as he ignored everyone around him. They were making a scene, the pair of them together, standing close, with her hand on his arm. Astrid would be self-conscious, if she couldn’t see the struggle on Wil’s face.

“I don’t care about my reputation, Astrid. People’s opinion of me, their judgements, ‘Face’ and social standings, I could give a shit about it.” Wil cursed, drawing in a deep breath, and running his hand through his hair.

Astrid was confused for a moment at what Wil was saying. She had been raised in the city lord’s palace, where politics and intrigue were rife. Even her parents’ high ranks couldn’t keep protect her from it. The opinion of the nobility, the wealthy merchants, even the adventurer’s entering the wilds, her reputation was important.

It was an edge in negotiations, a layer of protection from danger. Look at Viktor, his grandfather’s reputation allowed him to act like a complete ass wherever he went, and no one would risk offending his clan, all from their reputation.

“I don’t understand, Wil.” Astrid confessed, searching his eyes for answers.

“When I was young...” He started, pausing again, before continuing. “My mother was never healthy, she was always sickly. I don’t remember why, but her health had always been delicate. When she was at her worst, my father kept us from seeing her.”

“He told me that it was to keep us from catching her illness, but I knew the truth. He didn’t want her weakness infecting us, not her sickness. He wanted me to act more like him, ruthless and strong…” Wil explained, his eyes distant. Astrid could see that he wasn’t seeing the present, that he was lost in his memories.

“When she died, he forbade me from attending the funeral. I was upset, my mother had just died! But my father didn’t want me to be seen at her funeral, crying and sad. It was a weakness, he said, and he didn’t want his house to be seen as ‘weak’ to the other nobles.”

“His ‘reputation’ is the reason that I couldn’t say goodbye to my mother!” Wil hissed, his eyes squeezed shut as tears threatened to leak out.

Astrid, not hesitating for a moment, wrapped her arms around him, her head pressed against his chest. She was surprised when she felt him return her hug, his face buried in her hair.

“I’m sorry, Wil. I didn’t know, and I shouldn’t have dragged you into this. For what it’s worth, I think your one of the strongest people I have ever met.” She whispered.

By now, many in the crowd were looking at them. The pair were speaking in whispers, their heads close. Rumors, which had been building before, were burning through the attendees.

Aware of his surroundings, Wil quickly controlled his emotions, dropping his arms from around Astrid and stepping back. Looking at the crowd, Wil plastered a fake smile on his face.

“Well, no more heavy talk! We’re at a party, so we should enjoy it. Let’s give them something to talk about, shall we?” He joked, his emotions hidden well as he held out a hand to Astrid. Placing her pale white hand in his, he grasped it tightly, smiling widely as he led her to her parents’ side.

“My lord, Lady.” He greeted them, giving them both a deep bow, his left leg forward and his right hand over his heart. Aware of the eyes on them, he did his best to convey his respects. Beside him, Astrid gave a deep curtsey, her eyes shining with amusement at the stunned look on her father’s face at her display.

“Hmph. You should have taken his head off. My daughter’s escort shouldn’t allow any insult to her person.” Astrid’s mother chided. Her anger had faded slightly, although she was still furious over Viktor’s words. If it hadn’t been for the young man’s grandfather, she would have blasted him into oblivion.

“Fate will catch up to him before long. Besides, I think I damaged his reputation enough that he may think twice about repeating his mistakes.” Wil commented, standing up straight. Next to him, a servant brought a tray of wine glasses. Grabbing two, Wil gave one to Astrid, before taking a sip from his own.

“I wouldn’t be too sure. People like him are cockroaches, they keep coming back no matter how hard you stomp on them. He’ll make trouble for you, mark my words, and he won’t be alone.” Astrid’s mother advised.

“And if he does, I’ll deal with it like I always do. With my charming personality!” Wil joked, leading Astrid’s mother to scoff.

“With Amora’s protection, and your own strength, I have no doubt you can handle yourself, Wil. But Viktor isn’t your only concern. Look around.” Erik told him, gesturing slightly to the surrounding crowd.

All around them, gathered in groups, were young men, all eager to catch Astrid’s eye. Even though she had made it clear, through her actions, that she was attending the festival with Wil, they wouldn’t let an opportunity like this to pass by.

“It’s going to be a long night.” Wil whispered to Astrid.