บท 18: Chapter 18 - Realization
Adarra was correct, she and her army did arrive around mid-afternoon. The camp was still being set up when we arrived to greet her.
"So we're last to arrive," Adarra mused, she was dressed in a tight-fitting silver and black dress. "Well, it doesn't matter. As long as Raymond has yet to take a side or fall to a bribe from any of my brothers," the word brothers was spoken in disgust, "then we're good."
She turned her gaze to me, "The meeting takes place tomorrow. You will accompany me and my advisors." It took all of my strength and willpower not to jump and shout in joy. Happiness filled me at those words, but just as soon it was joined by confusion. I hadn't expected to be allowed so easily to join her at the meeting. In fact, I'd been scared that I would have to sneak in because there was only one day left. Had she known that was what I wanted? It wouldn't surprise me because despite her... unusual nature, I could tell she was smart. Well, it didn't matter no. I was going to get my rewards.
Just then a soldier came running up to our group and stopped in front of Adarra, bowing to her, "My queen, the first prince has been spotted making his way to our camp. What are your orders?" Adarra raised an eyebrow in interest and a predatory smile, which sent a shiver through me, appeared on her face, "If he wishes to meet early then so be it. Let us hear what the man-child has to say." She giggled and although it was sweet and pleasant to the ears, it held a deadly undertone. The more and more I saw of Adarra, the more I grew worried for my safety, but it was too late to back off now, I just hoped she wouldn't stop me when I wanted to leave.
We walked through the bustling camp and to its edge which was closet to the city walls. Aldith, the queen's personal guards, and a group of soldiers bowed to the queen and positioned themselves on either side of her. A group of horses and a single large carriage were approaching. The men on horses wore armor extremely similar to Adarra's personal guard except there's was silver and red. It was becoming very clear that silver was this country's primary color. Adarra was silver and blue, the first prince silver and red, and the city guards silver and black. The two riders at the front of the procession each held a flag that bore the symbol of two red bird-like creatures crossing talons on a silver background. The symbol of the first prince. The carriage stopped a few meters away from Adarra.
The short man who stepped out from the carriage had to be the fattest person I had ever seen since coming to this world. He looked to be around 400 pounds and his greasy black hair was brushed back framing his flabby face and beady black eyes. His clothes, a red shirt, silver vest, and black pants, looked two sizes too tight and I actually had to hold back the urge to laugh. There was no way this was the first prince, was there? he looked to be in his 30s and he waddled! he actually waddled his way to us.
"Beloved sister," he said in a gravelly voice. "It has been too long since we have seen each other." Oh my god, he actually was the first prince. How was the guy even in the running? His eyes scanned over Adarra before moving over the rest of us, and I had the hold back the urge to grimace when his gaze fell on me.
"I disagree, brother," Adarra replied, not hiding her disgust. "I think it's too soon. In fact, just looking at you makes me want to retch and wash my eyes in pester piss." A few laughs sounded from Adarras soldiers and the first prince's face grew red with rage.
"You forget who I am, sister," he growled and lifted himself to his full height, which did nothing except make me want to laugh more. "I am Malorn, the firstborn son of the previous king, and true heir to the throne. You should show me more respect." Malorn soldiers smacked their fists on their chests and slammed their spears on the ground in support, but Adarra and her army looked unimpressed and I swore I heard a few more laughs.
"And because I am so merciful, I have come to you with an offer," he said, but Adarra still showed no visible reaction. "If you, beloved sister, surrender your army and forces, then I shall grant you mercy and allow you to rule as my right hand," he said the words as if he was being generous. There was no way Adarra was going to accept that, not from what I'd seen of her.
Laughter, cold and icy, rang out from Adarra. The wind picked up around her and for the first time since I had seen Adarra, she wore no smile on her face. she leveled an icy glare at Malorn, "You're more of a fool than I thought. You pathetic man-child." The first prince stepped forward and pointed a stubby finger at his sister, "No! you are the fool. I have the biggest army and the support of all the noble families. I tried to be kind as they suggested, but when you lie in chains at my feet, don't expect any mercy!" With that said he marched back into his carriage and a moment later he and his men were gone.
The following silence was defeating. My mind was on the first Prince's words. If what he said was true and he had the largest army and most support, then what was Adarra's plan. She didn't seem like the type to fight a losing battle, but then again wasn't the upcoming meeting to decide a peaceful solution and avoided a battle. But It didn't seem like Malorn was going to offering up a peaceful solution at the upcoming meeting. He would mostly just through his weight around, both physically and metaphorically. The queen's voice broke me out of my thoughts.
"Well that went well," she said, a smile back on her face. The wind had died down and Adarra turned to me, "What would you have done, Nathan?" she asked.
"I wouldn't take anything less than first," I answered truthfully. I hadn't been the most active person back on earth, but I hated losing with a passion, it was why I felt so uncomfortable in Adarra's presence.
She tapped a manicured nail on her chin, "Tell me, Nathan, have you ever heard of the Silvanore talonwing?" I shook my head, it sounded like some sort of beast, but I had never seen or heard of it.
"Well, you see the Silvanore is a beast that's known for its speed and intelligence. Unlike others of its kind it plans and waits for its enemy. It will never fight in a battle it isn't a hundred percent sure it would win, but... when it does strike, its enemies never see it coming." Her smile became ferocious and morphed into a savage grin, which didn't suit her at all and made me take a step back. It was clear from what she had said that she thought her chances of winning were very high but was it arrogance or confidence that made her think her chances were a hundred percent?
"Make sure everything is ready and in place," she said to Gisela and Aldith, who both nodded before she raised her voice and addressed everyone, "Get some rest, tomorrow is an important day and I want you all in top condition." Her personal guard and soldiers saluted, as she walked past them and back into the camp, which was now set up completely.. Aldith, the personal guard, and soldiers followed her but Gisela walked over to me.
"Nathan can you please not tell Adarra that I told you about the letter," she asked in a nervous voice. "I'm not fond of her... punishments." A visible shudder ran through her as she spoke the last word, and I wondered what sort of punishments Adarra gave, whatever it was it couldn't be good if Gisela was scared.
"Don't worry," I replied. "I have no reason to tell her, and I'll be out of your hair in a day or two."
She snorted, "As if." then for some reason her eyes widen. "I mean ermm thank you, I appreciate it." She didn't say anything else and practically ran off, shooting worried glances back at me. I didn't know why, but I suddenly felt uneasy for some reason, I felt as though I was missing something. I sighed and walked over to a nearby tree, sitting down and leaning against it. I needed to think about something else.
My summons. It had been far too long since I had seen any of my other summons apart from Rath. I knew it had only been a few days, but I had had my summons with me since I had arrived in this world. My summons made me feel safe and their presence, at least to me, was warming. I couldn't wait until this quest was over. After this quest, I would never again keep my summons stored for so long and would try and find a way to keep at least some of them with me no matter the situation. I would also find a new path and speed up my growth. Adarra had been a sort of wake-up call for me. I needed more power and summons so that if I came across people like Adarra, I wouldn't have to be so worried about my safety. My personal power was also an issue. I had no doubt that I'd eventually unlock powerful system functions and abilities that would allow me to fight alongside my summons, but I needed power now. Especially since seeing Adarra. It was as clear as daylight that she was strong and powerful, and she was only a low-ranked apprentice according to Dorand. Only a low-ranked apprentice and she was that strong. There was also the fact that Larra was just a weak and minor kingdom.
That wasn't the only thing. It hadn't really hit me until now, but I'd been acting like a fool ever since I'd met Adarra. She'd put me off balance and had kept doing so, and I'd just played along like an idiot.
Like a fool.
How many times had I turned my back to her? How many opportunities for betrayal had I given her. I gritted my teeth as I truly realized how idealistic and idiotic I'd been acting. I was meant to be a goddamn king wasn't I? not some puppet or a love-struck fool to be used. That thought set a flame in roiling in me and a wave of anger and determination washed over me burning away the weakness she'd set in me.
It took every bit of willpower not to summon Rathalos to torch the camp, but no I still had to play this smart. I'd foolishly placed myself in her power, and despite knowing I should leave, the rewards for the quest were ar to good to pass on. I would just how to act far more cautious.
And no more staying alone without a summon, I thought, that's an idiotic idea. I will not play the idiot any longer.
"Nathan," a soft voice whispered to my side.
A hand gripped mine, soft and warm, and I turned my eyes to see Leone sat next to me. When had I summoned her? She leaned into my ear, "It's not over yet, is it."
The words hit me like a physical force.
No. No, it wasn't over.
I'm was still living and I still had the system. It was time to stop playing the fool and time to start playing the king.
"You failed, so now try again," Leone whispered, gently squeezing my hand.
I had failed. I hadn't tried my best and worked as hard as I could. I had acted foolish and lazy.
Well! Not! Any! More!
I got up to my feet, leone doing the same. I felt a renewed sense of purpose that I had never felt before in my life. I would grow stronger and smarter. I would see my family and friends again. I would learn from my mistakes.
I didn't unsummon Leone as I walked back into camp.
Tomorrow couldn't come fast enough.
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