Arcane Era-Chapter 87: The Banquet (Part 1)

"My name is Nimrod. Nimrod Vi Sarvosia... and this is my wife, Sarah Vi Sarvosia."

King Nimrod wasted no time and began introductions while remaining on his lofty throne. He had a look of pride on his face as he stroked his beard, his skin gleaming with luxury while his body was adorned with all the finest jewels of the land.

He had a piercing dark gaze, and despite sounding calm, his tone seemed to carry a hint of coldness. Without giving a chance for the Ak’ashi team to speak, he continued with the introductions, pointing at the children behind him.

"My first son over here is Raimund, then right there is Jesse. And then that is my daughter, Jericho, and our last child Liam." He beamed, quickly turning to the team before him. "I believe you have already been introduced to Laus. In any case... once again, I welcome you all to Sarvos."

"The pleasure is all ours."

Kamara bowed deeper, also realizing the significance of the King introducing the members of his family. He wanted a similar line of action from her and the remaining members of the team. This was simply natural, so she proceeded without wasting a second.

"My name is Kamara, and these are all fine members of our Guild. Over here is Theo, this is Arlet, this is Kaycee, and this is Liyah. The five of us have been dispatched by the Ak’ashi Guild in response to your request."

Theo and the rest bowed deeply once their names were called.

None of them had practiced this beforehand, but it seemed like the proper thing to do, so they simply followed Kamara’s lead and did as she did.

Theo, despite bowing his head, was in deep contemplation as he subtly stared at the elevated platform where the throne stood. He suppressed his complicated expression, remaining calm as he quickly analyzed.

’I thought the Main Royal Family consisted of five: the King, Queen, and five children.’ A brow rose as the thoughts flowed. ’Raimund is the first prince, Jesse is the second prince, Jericho is the second daughter, and Liam is the third prince... but where’s the first princess?’

Of course, Theo didn’t say anything, but he glanced at Kamara and hoped she would speak up.

Sure enough, she did!

"May I ask where the first princess is? I was told your majesty has two fine daughters, yet I only see Princess Jericho." Kamara asked in a polite manner, but this was also a kind of probe. "I hope all is well with Princess Anissa."

Upon hearing this, King Nimrod’s face grew pale and he let out a sigh. "Unfortunately, all is not well. The first princess was captured by the Revolutionary Army... those bastards!"

"Ah... they used such unscrupulous methods?!"

"Indeed! We never expected such an assault." He grunted, slowly easing his dejected look as he cast his gaze on the members of the Ak’ashi Guild before him. "But now that you all are here, perhaps there’s hope to turn the situation around."

"We will do our utmost to complete our mission."

"Hmm..." Despite hearing this, the King’s expression did not change. Instead, a small frown formed on his face as he looked at Theo and the others. Somehow, he had an expression of disappointment etched on his mildly aged face.

"I’m surprised the Ak’ashi Guild sent so few people, even involving children in this war. Surely, your Guild received my request and understood the severity of the matter, right?"

Despite hearing this clear affront to the Ak’ashi Guild, Kamara remained calm, her smile even shining brighter than ever. "The fee your Nation paid only covers this much, your Majesty. In fact, the Guild sent me—a Captain—in consideration of our pre-existing relationship with Sarvos, and our interests in ensuring peace comes to your Nation."

"Tch..." With the finances of Sarvos being directly attacked by Kamara, Nimrod was forced to click his tongue and take a step back, despite being slighted by her response.

The expressions of the guards turned sour, but they dared not speak.

"If you desire a greater service, then you can always increase your fee and request for a change in members dispatched." Kamara concluded politely, "Of course, you’ll have to cover the pre-existing transportation and service charge of the current members dispatched..."

"No need, no need." Nimrod waved rather quickly. "It was just a casual comment, do not take it too seriously."

Despite Kamara openly chiding the King, no one could do anything about it.

She was a Captain of the Ak’ashi Guild, and her skills were unquestionable. In fact, among the members of the Ak’ashi Guild, she was one of the more famous ones, and her methods were very efficient. Her track record showed that she had never failed an assignment before.

That alone gave the Sarvos Royal Family confidence... but also brought about great fear.

’They sent someone as powerful as this... it looks like tailing them and suppressing them won’t be easy.’ The Head Chancellor sighed to himself, shaking his head slowly.

At the moment, they could do nothing but endure the situation and welcome the Ak’ashi Guild.

"We shall hold a feast to welcome you to our Nation! It will be in honor of the Ak’ashi Guild, and also a preemptive celebration of the victory you will usher us into."

"We will be honored to attend." Kamara bowed once again.

It seemed that both speakers were very aware of the tension existing between Sarvos and Ak’ashi Guild, but they chose to bury it under flattery and pleasantries.

************

Later that night...

Theo stood on the balcony outside, his arms resting on the railing as he took a good look at the world beyond the buzzing palace. At the moment, a glorious feast was being held in honor of the Ak’ashi Guild, but he couldn’t stand being there so he came out for fresh air.

The complicated expression on his face was more evident and less suppressed, though it remained hidden under his black mask, and his two fists were clenched very tightly.

Music played in his ears, laughter echoed in the air. The sweet and delicious aroma of all kinds of foods wafted all around him, and all manners of luxuries pervaded the prestigious atmosphere of the Royal Palace.

However, all of these things disgusted him.

’Wasn’t Sarvos supposed to be experiencing recession? Just how many resources were thrown into this useless banquet?’ Theo asked himself, his gaze traveling to the dark world beyond the luxurious place he stood in. ’How much food is being wasted? How much money was spent? All of this is... is unacceptable!’

So many people were currently suffering on the streets due to the financial crisis that the Nation was experiencing, yet these selfish people were busy partying away and enjoying all manner of nice foods without limits.

It left a bad taste in Theo’s mouth.

’I suffered on the streets all my life, while people like these had the time of their lives. I can’t accept it! I can’t accept any of it!’ He growled.

What made matters worse was that when he tried his best to survive, he was hunted down by the same authorities, sent to prison, and eventually transferred to refill Ne’sh in perpetuity. All of his punishments were dished out by people who could not understand his suffering.

Not only could they not understand, but they were actually the cause.

’In the past, I did not blame them and chose to take full responsibility for my life, but now?’

After seeing how the Ak’ashi Guild was being run, and just how much work Lord Shen put into the management of the Guild, he could not help but have a change in perspective. A leader was responsible for the state of their territory.

As such, the Sarvos Royal Family had failed the entirety of Sarvos.

They had failed Theo.

’And I will never forgive them!’