The carriage door opened by itself, giving us a first glimpse. Two almost endless rows of knights waiting for our arrival. At the far end, a distinguished man holding a scroll took a breath to shout.
― Serentin ― To all the knights, pay attention. The very Lord of Steel, the disciple of the ancient Grand Master of the Blacksmiths' Guild, companion to the outstanding researcher of the University of Anita, Madame Astrid Blackforge, before you Durman Blackforge ―
― Durman ― Wait until you are called. ― He whispered to us while stepping out of the carriage.
The door closed again and we could only wait for Serentin's call.
― Serentin ― He will open the door and give way to Astrid Blackforge, researcher at the University of Anita, great mage and runic carver, sister of Mia Blackforge, without memorable parents. ―
The door opened again after a few moments.
― Serentin ― To all the knights, pay attention. The disciple of the master of the Blacksmiths' Guild and companion to the outstanding researcher of the University of Anita, Miss Dalia Blackforge, before you Neo, without family name. ―
I stepped out nervously, saw Durman and Astrid waiting with their backs to us. I looked for the other carriage and walked as normally as I could to it.
― Serentin ― He will open the door and give way to Dalia Blackforge, researcher and delegate of runic carvings at the University of Anita, great mage and runic carver, adopted daughter of Durman and Astrid Blackforge, true daughter of Mia Blackforge and Tomas Lusmanr. ―
I opened the door and helped Dalia down. I don't know if it was the moment or the formalities, but a chill ran through me, she looked stunning. I tried to tell her, but she shushed me with a whistle and we lined up. With Durman and Astrid.
― Serentin ― To all the knights, pay attention. The companion of the Administrator of the Merchants' Guild, the incomparable Miss Selene, before you Hunt, without family name. ―
Hunt got off the carriage and walked firmly to the other carriage.
― Serentin ― He will open the door and give way to Selene Gaveil, possessor of unparalleled knowledge, from Seritano and sister of the despicable Sena Gaveil, without memorable parents. ―
Selene got down from the carriage and a knight closed the door.
― Serentin ― He will also open the door and give way to Sena Gaveil, the vile traitor, thief, and guild master, without memorable parents. ―
They lined up behind us and Durman, with a quick turn of his head, checked our positions before starting to advance between the rows of guards until we reached Serentin. He indicated we should wait in the lobby until called.
The lobby was empty. On the way to the great door, a servant, a Nerint, approached Durman to say something I couldn't hear, but later he told me: apparently, our attire was inappropriate and the reprimand would be severe. Especially for the ladies dressed in black, which was forbidden. But Durman answered loudly.
― Durman ― Myself and my lads will take responsibility if anything happens. ―
He turned and winked at me.
The servant said nothing more and disappeared behind a side door. Shortly after, his voice echoed loudly on the other side of the hall.
― Serentin ― Everyone present, pay attention! The very Lord of Steel, disciple of the ancient Grand Master of the Blacksmiths' Guild, Durman Blackforge, will accompany this banquet with the outstanding researcher of the University of Anita, Madame Astrid Blackforge. —
— Serentin — To everyone present, pay attention! The disciple of the master of the blacksmiths' guild, Neo, without family name, will accompany the outstanding researcher of the University of Anita, Miss Dalia Blackforge. —
— Serentin — To everyone present, pay attention! Hunt, without family name, will accompany the Administrator of the Merchants' Guild, the incomparable Miss Selene, and Sena Gaveil, the vile traitor, thief, and current guild master. —
The great door opened.
Durman walked straight, with Astrid on his arm. Slender and imposing, she wore a tight black dress that flowed like ink over the marble floor. The white collar contrasted elegantly, and a white waistline delicately highlighted her figure. Then she stepped aside, allowing Astrid to advance alone to the center of the hall. She turned around and finished with an impeccable bow. The sound of her heels echoed gracefully through the room.
All eyes focused on her. Many ladies covered their mouths in amazement; others looked at her with disdain, and some with a bitter mix of disgust and disappointment. But the expressions that prevailed were those of awe and admiration.
When Astrid positioned herself in front of Durman, Dalia appeared defiant, like a spark. Her dress seemed "normal" at first, until she began to walk, and then the inner white stripes showed, alive, like secrets that could not be hidden. Dalia walked with a firm step; some girls her age watched her with contempt, others simply ignored her. But she walked with strength, unmatched, as if no gaze mattered.
Then it was Sena and Selene's turn. Sena wore a dress that looked like black silk armor, with barely visible white details on the cuffs and a subtle opening on the chest, like a held breath. Elegant. Firm. Beautiful. They began walking at the same pace, but Selene stopped, letting Sena advance alone. Selene, for her part, wore a mix of the first light of dawn and the night that still lingers. Black on top, white on the skirt that fell like a promise.
The rhythm of their steps, their hairstyles, and the shine of their dresses attracted everyone's attention, men and women alike. The reactions from the ladies were similar to those caused by Astrid, but this time, there were few admiring faces.
When Selene and Hunt resumed walking together, the white of her dress continued to capture all the attention. Then Hunt made his move: he kissed her hand before letting her go, causing a murmur of surprise among those present.
When we were all ready, the atmosphere changed radically. The door closed. Durman went one way, Astrid the other. I followed Durman and we met Mateo Oak and his wife.
— Mateo — Pray tell, Durman, what attire is this that you have chosen to don upon this distinguished occasion? —
— Durman — Mateo, what a curious question indeed. Does my chosen vestment displease you so profoundly that you find it necessary to voice such concern? —
They started speaking in a pompous and exaggerated way. In the background, I saw Ruki and Miranda, who seemed to be having fun. When I was about to join Durman's conversation, Dalia tugged me.
— Dalia — Do you mind accompanying me? I want to talk to the Administrator of the Runic Carving Guild. —
●— Sure. —
She took my hand and we wove through the crowd toward the opposite wall, a large stained glass window. There we met Camertestunos Morentumanis, the Camer, as Dalia called him.
— Camer — How are you, little one? — he said, trying to place a hand on her head, but Dalia dodged it.
— Dalia — It's been a long time since we saw each other, I want to introduce you to my... my boyfriend. —
— Camer — So finally a man has managed to get into that cold heart of yours. Who do I have the pleasure of talking to? —
●— Neo, nice to meet you. — I extended my hand to greet him and he did the same, and I squeezed his hand just like they taught us before.
— Camer — What a strange way to greet, you have, young man. —
We kept talking about how nobody really greets in that peculiar way they taught us, apparently that Teodoro guy wanted to laugh at us (well, what can you do). We kept talking about runes with the gentleman until a group of girls arrived.
Don't care her name 1, Dalia's student: "Dalia darling, who's this handsome guy?" she said in the nastiest way she could, a slut would be more discreet.
Don't care her name 2, also Dalia's student: "Come on handsome, come with us and leave that nobody." Said slut number 2, pulling my sleeve.
Don't care her name 3: "Leave her, she's a bitter one, doesn't sleep with anyone." Said as if that was bad.
Don't care her name 4: "Look at that dress, looks like it was made by a one-handed man. It's disgusting."
(●— Writing sluts or whores? I think that's ugly, right?
(■— Listen — sigh — bro no, it's not right.)
(●— Well… dear students of Dalia.)
Facing the comments of the "dear students of Dalia," Camer said nothing, just watched shamelessly. (But this guy won't say a thing. How disgusting the nobles' behavior is.)
●— Thanks a lot for your nasty advice and requests, but I'd take Dalia a thousand times over any of you. — I said with a face of disgust, then hugged Dalia with one arm and turned around.
— Don't care his name, I don't even know who he was — said the so-called fake blacksmith. —
— Dalia — I'm sorry — she said withdrawn and sad — I didn't want you to see them. They are daughters of some counts or viscounts. —
●— Ni-te, unpleasant people exist everywhere. —
— Dalia — Ni-te? —
●— Don't worry, I'd rather live the rest of my life alone than trade you for any other. —
I kept throwing more burned-out compliments, the kind you see on social media, and little by little Dalia blushed and we had to go to our table to sit. Where I "ordered" her to sit on my lap so we could talk more calmly.
— Astrid — Babe, what's wrong with you? — she said very worried — You're gonna sit down again? Neo, do something. Come on. —
— Dalia — I'm fine, I just don't like being around so many people, you know. —
— Astrid — It's okay, you just have to… —
The announcement of another couple interrupted Astrid, who excused herself and went to check. Meanwhile, Dalia almost started crying, she felt insufficient and didn't want to be here. But little by little I cheered her up as best I could.
After a while Astrid came back with a lady. Miriam, the university director.
— Miriam — So you're the guy I've heard so much about —
●— I guess that's me, I hope they haven't told you any nonsense or lies about me. — I forced a laugh, making her and Astrid laugh too.
— Miriam — I don't know what you've done to Dalia, but lately she hasn't stopped outdoing herself, with the magic stove and the analyzer glasses, these new ones she's really outdone herself. —
After bragging about Dalia's new inventions, she started bragging about her own research, which seemed like child's play compared to Dalia's. Eventually Astrid took her away to talk with other people.
●— Wow, that's impressive, you got the director herself to congratulate you, that's a big achievement. And she even had to brag about her little inventions so you wouldn't outshine her. Actually, I think you'd be a better director than her. —
— Dalia — I don't know how you do it, how you talk to them so naturally —
●— I guess you get used to talking to people, and just so you know, I also find it "disgusting" to talk to people. —
— Dalia — It's just that I don't like it, you know, it's like... —
●— Relax, I get it, I also prefer to be in the workshop making things. — With my left hand, I took hers, one resting on the other, and with my right arm, I pulled her closer to me. — But there's something about you that's been bothering me since we got here. — She pulled away and gave me a dirty look :( — What do you mean you're a university researcher and professor? —
— Dalia — Well... you're not the only one with secrets, you know... — I let go of her hands to tickle her ribs trying to make her laugh. — Stop, stop — she said laughing.
●— It's that smile of yours that makes me fall in love with you every time I see it. — I said, resting my forehead against hers, looking for a kiss.
— Dalia — No, we're in public. — She said pulling away.
●— I don't care, let them see and envy whoever looks, because I have the most beautiful girl in Anita sitting on my lap. — (Got my kiss :) )
We stayed at our table, talking just the two of us. It was the first time in my life I was at a banquet-type celebration accompanied by a girlfriend, and it was amazing. Being with Dalia, watching and gossiping about one and the other, while I felt her warm company, filled my heart little by little. I don't know, but this feeling this girl gives me paralyzes me. (And it scares me. But I don't want to reject it.)
==-+-+-H-+-+==
Our group separated, naturally I stayed with Selene, she introduced me to many barons, a few viscounts, and a couple of counts. Apparently Anita is more impressive than I thought, it's the fifth most important city in the kingdom, and only the marquis has the power to govern the city alone, while other cities ruled by counts need one or two viscounts to govern half the city. Well, others use barons to control cities and do without the viscounts.
It was just how I imagined, a bunch of rich kids, highborn, pretending to be vegan, laughing at the people of the city... I guess classism and social bullshit exist everywhere.
But the moment came, after a few hours of introductions and dancing, during which I saw Dalia and Neo dance erratically (that bastard dances so badly), although Dalia found it funny how Neo awkwardly moved to the rhythm of the music.
The marquis Ignar Tervain came out to speak, gradually the noise died down to a small murmur that ended with a toast on his part.
— Ignar Tervain — I hope you're having a good time. As you know, my youngest son is coming of age. And as everyone knows, this year my oldest son will take over the Tervain house. —
The marquis's youngest son, Amisair, grabbed a glass of wine and drank it all at once, while his older brother was already walking among the people.
I didn't have to wait long to meet the older son. Alistair, he introduced himself politely, spoke decently, and seemed to command respect. Of course, he greeted Selene first and then me, though reluctantly. That bastard wouldn't stop staring at Selene's chest. Once I could maybe understand, twice is gross. But just staring nonstop? That's over the line.
Selene didn't do anything, kept talking calmly, though she squeezed my hand every now and then. I wasn't sure what she wanted to tell me exactly, but we managed to get rid of that creep when a third guy called him from behind.
The guy pushed between us, forcing us to let go of each other's hands, and when his disrespect couldn't get worse, I saw him grab Selene's ass. She was shocked, startled, but said nothing.
I grabbed the hand he used to do that and squeezed it hard.
■— Excuse me, I think what you did was wrong. — Selene looked scared, like telling me to stop, but this wasn't over.
— Alistair — You can let go, dirty pleb — he said, pulling his hand away. — That filthy woman dared to come dressed like that to my brother's banquet, what else can I do but treat her like a slut? — He finished with a slap from the back of his hand.
(#●— Remember, if someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek too. —#)
(#■— Why? —#)
(#●— Just do it. —#)
(#■— Okay. —#)
Just like Neo told me, I offered the other cheek, and the guy's anger grew so much it looked like he was barking at me.
— Alistair — How dare you even think we're equals. Dirty pleb... —
I let him bark a little longer and turned to go back to Selene, not wanting to give him more attention. But he decided it would be funny to grab Selene's hand and lift it by the wrist. Selene's feet left the ground and she was struggling, but said nothing.
I know violence isn't the answer, but at that moment I couldn't help it. I clenched my fist as hard as I could and got ready to punch him in the face. Selene tried to grab my arm and just as my fist was about to hit, I locked eyes with Neo, who shook his head no. But I couldn't hold back all my strength and still hit him, dropping Selene, and I caught her in my arms.
— Alistair — How dare you. — He said, wiping blood from his nose. — Don't you know who my father is? —
■— What's wrong? Didn't your mom tell you yet you're gonna run crying to mommy? — I said, setting Selene down. I didn't notice a crowd had formed around us, leaving us alone in the middle of the room. Selene was still holding my arm.
— Alistair — How dare you say that — he spat blood right in front of me — I challenge you to a duel here and now. —
■— How pathetic. Did you hear that, babe? This guy thinks he can beat me. — Selene could barely speak, but her expression said it all. But at that moment my anger blinded me.
The guy drew his sword and laughed at me publicly, between slanders and other insults, saying I'm no man because I don't have a sword.
■— I don't need to carry my sword everywhere for people to fear me. —
The guy got mad and lunged at me, swinging his sword from above, probably aiming for a direct hit to my head. I stepped to the side at the last second (thank god for quick thinking), and his sword hit the ground with a loud clang that echoed through the room.
■— Haha, I guess I missed you. Wanna try again? —
— Alistair — BASTARD! — I shouted, pathetic like I could really hurt him. This time he grabbed the sword with both hands, preparing an upward strike. I kicked the sword and his balance went out the window, just like his dignity. He fell flat on his ass. Some laughter broke out from the crowd. Definitely Neo's doing.
He got back up again. Tried to stab me straight on. I moved away just in time, and the guy went flying — only to get a flick on the head.
— Alistair — BASTARD! —
■— Didn't your dad teach you any other words? Oh… sorry, I forgot you don't know him and just go around asking. —
The guy got furious. He unleashed level 1 mana — his aura was obvious. He coated his sword with mana, turning it into a flaming sword. He attacked from above, right side, with force.
(#●— You won't be able to stop that with your hand, it's a reinforced sword, but our swords are better. —#)
(#■— 👍 —#)
I stood still in front of him, waiting for him to get close enough to hit me. I pulled my sword out of the subdimension like it was a katana, and sent his sword flying — it got stuck in the stone ceiling.
■— Hey, where's your sword? — The guy was kneeling at my feet, helpless. I wasn't gonna kill him, obviously.
(●— I don't know about that, heh —) (■— You shut up.)
The crowd was shocked or just wide-eyed at what had happened. They couldn't believe it. Then a shout broke the silence.
— Ignar Tervain — Guards, arrest him. —
A group of guards surrounded me, swords raised, but I got Neo's message.
(#●— Turn 180 degrees and look the marquis straight in the eye. —#)
(#■— 180 degrees… you mean pi radians, dummy. —#)
(#●— M'rideantiss, 180 grids sibnirmil. —#)
Just like Neo told me, I turned and locked eyes with the marquis. A sudden weight pressed on my back — it was Neo coming out of the subdimension through a portal. He had his sword raised. The marquis was so focused on me he didn't notice Neo was covering my back.
— Ignar Tervain — Guards, level 2 mana allowed, kill or arrest them. — He said as he realized Neo was behind me.
A strange aura started rising among the knights — they were deploying their mana. The process was slow so we decided to wait. I looked up at the ceiling, then when I looked down some glasses appeared in front of my eyes. (They were the Noin snake scale glasses), all for the show. Neo was preparing to release his mana, follow his instinct, and I slowly started releasing mine too.
But a flow of external mana distracted everyone — knights and us. It was all the guild masters, furious.
Durman stood at the front, with Justo (Guild Master of the Hunters) and Tor (Guild Master of the Adventurers) behind him. The other guild masters were there too, all emitting mana as a protest against the marquis's declarations.
(■— Powerful Neo, analyzing everyone in an instant.)
Traders: 👩 Sena Gaveil and 👩 Selene Gaveil
Blacksmiths: 👨 Durman Blackforge and 👨 Ruki Emerbrand
Public Works: 👩 Myrla Crestell and 👩 Nira Dalven
Carpenters: 👨 Mateo Oak and 👨 Cedor Fixlin
Lumberjacks: 👨 Tharn Axebright and 👨 Rulgar Treekrend
Hunters: 👨 Justo Varnhelm and 👨 Luthen Bowrune
Medics: 👨 Solomon Virsten and 👩 Salvia Nurmena
Farmers: 👩 Brachas Verdural and 👨 Vundar Mapthorn
Adventurers: 👨 Tor Gravestep and 👨 Meldric Steeltrail
Construction: 👨 Tony Brickforge and 👨 Rumek Mortline
Food and Hospitality: 👩 Savian Hearthmor and 👩 Breena Tavrun
Wizards: 👩 Zeythur Arkamant and 👩 Rybelm Cindravein
Runic Craftsmen: 👩 Camerestunos Morentumanis and 👩 Kelpler Glypharn
Miners: 👨 Drovak Pickmar and 👨 Narvek Stonestak
Tailors: 👩 Lioren Stitchvale and 👨 Tarnis Hemcut
Durman pushed his way through the guards to enter the circle, while the nobles, other guests, and servants quickly abandoned the room.
— Durman — Marquis Ignar, a hand that offends a woman in public is unworthy of bearing a sword or ruling a city. Alistair has brought dishonor upon the steel he carries. —
— Sena — Selene Gaveil is not just my sister. She is my administrator, of the same blood as I, and the dignity of my guild. To touch a woman like that in public? Do you think we will forget? —
— Zeythur — Your son has broken the pacts of coexistence. And now you seek to punish those who defended honor. Has your lineage become blind to justice? —
— Camer — The guilds will not respond with silence. If you ignore this crime, you will find yourself ruling over bones and ashes. Without guilds, there is no city. —
— Ignar — He is my son! You are workers, not nobles! —
— Durman — And without us, your son would die in the first skirmish beyond these walls! It was my hammer that forged the sword you now bear. The same hammer that can undo it. — He said, glaring furiously.
— Myrla — We must reach an agreement. —
— Ignar — I DO NOT CARE ABOUT YOURS... —
A sword pierced Ignar's chest from behind. His younger son, Amisair, had taken advantage of his father's momentary distraction to kill him in cold blood. With a single movement, he discarded his father's body and stood before everyone. The few nobles left in the room were terrified. The guards looked as shocked as everyone else.
— Amisair — I cannot allow two men like you to fall into the foolishness of an old man. — He said, looking at Neo and me while we watched what had just happened to his father. — Come now, don't hold it against me, you know how nobility is. — He glanced at his older brother, who didn't know what to say or do. — Well, Neo, disciple and master of Durman, and you, Hunt, math teacher and new owner of the Orlan company. — He took a deep breath and shouted — From today, I declare you my assistants. As the new marquis, I will need help. —
●■— No, thanks. —
Alistair, furious, grabbed a sword from one of the knights and charged at us, while the younger son also came toward us.
— Alistair — Sons of bitches, how dare you kill my father! —
— Amisair — If you don't want to, I will enslave you and make you do my will. —
Neo spun behind me and faced Alistair, while I took on Amisair.