Coming out of his house, Arthur peeked one last time at the home he had been living in all his life. Even if it wasn't a lord's mansion, it was the most intact and largest house in the village. His father had never been greedy and was always affectionate towards his own son. His mother would always make food and help him with things he had trouble understanding.
Arthur secretly reached into his armor and clenched the silver pendant that hung from his neck. The strange energy from it entered his body and circulated before returning. When he was little, this pendant had miraculously cured his illness that always kept him in bed. It periodically sent a strange strand of energy into his body that cured all wounds and illnesses while accelerating his growth.
Even though his muscles are toned and not large, they've been bathed in this strange energy every time they were injured. They became very compressed and strong, making his strength comparable to one of those huge brute fighter full of muscles that fight in arenas. His speed is at the limits of what can humanely be possible and he can react fast enough to dodge an arrow a few feet away from him.
It was all a result of this strange energy that would always originate from the pendant. It's been his greatest secret and reason why he can learn so fast and have a talent as a knight. Plus, it was given by his father so he was determined to protect it with his life.
He turned around and saw the royal guards waiting for him. Their armor similar his but with a lot more chain. They all guarded the carriage while soldiers with high quality equipment carefully looked at their surroundings.
Seeing me, the guards vigilantly looked at me. I took off my helmet and held it under my armpit. Recognizing me, they respectfully bowed forwards. The soldiers moved out of the way to form a pathway towards the carriage.
A fat, middle aged man came out in high quality royal clothing. Sweat and grease was visible on his face and sweat stains are everywhere on his body. He's certainly not handsome but he's definitely of royalty. Arthur remembered his father's teachings and respectfully bowed a little.
The middle-aged man seemed very pleased and patted Arthur's shoulder with his sweaty hands, making Arthur feel a little disgust.
"Now now. Let me introduce myself. I am Count Conan of the Dira Kingdom," he said, doing an etiquette gesture as he let Arthur enter the carriage first. Sitting on the fluffy seat, the guy came in and the door shut.
"I am Arthur, a descendant of the Knight Maximus Slater," he said bowing slightly.
"Aye. I still can't wonder why your father only gave you a first name," he said with a sigh and drank wine.
"Why might an esteemed Count of nobility like yourself come over for a small knight that is myself?" he asked with careful words.
"Years ago, King Gillet said words full of truth that someone with great talent as a knight has appeared within our Kingdom, and that he should be immediately brought over when the time is right. But before that, he should be nurtured with books and the way of a knight. Although your father fiercely opposed, he had no choice but to back down and obey the great King Gillet," he said with words full of praise towards the king.
"I understand," said Arthur with a nod.
"But with the war over our enemy, the Tintus Kingdom, we've lost too many soldiers and our great King is getting anxious. Although we intended to invite you to the castle and reward you, we had no choice but to do this early. I apologize for the sudden arrival," he said as he bowed slightly.
"No-no Count, it's not your fault. No need to bow," he said frantically, remembering his father's teaching.
"I thank you for such kind words. The trip will take a few days so please settled down with our finest delicacies," he laughed heartily and clapped his hands twice loudly. Several servants came inside and put food down on the wooden table that separated the two sides they were on. The foods were all on silver dining plates and the foods were mostly meat with traces of fruits. They were all arranged to look like fine dining. The silverware was carefully put down in front of them.
A servant put a white cloth on the Count's clothes and wrapped it around his neck, to prevent food from spilling. The servant awkwardly put the second one around Arthur's neck which made him feel uncomfortable. Then he bowed and respectfully exited the carriage.
"Let's get going!" yelled the Count to the outside. A whip sounded and the carriage began moving.
"Ha-ha! No need for etiquette manners. Let's indulge as we please!" said the middle-aged man as he quickly cut apart food and ate it.
Arthur observed him a little but decided to join in. He carefully ate portions and the fruits with good manners since that was what he was taught. The fat Count seemed to have gotten drunk and only mumbled incoherent stuff as he drank. Arthur ate until he was satisfied before cleaning his mouth.
"If you'll excuse me Count," he said as he bowed. The count seemed to not hear and had dozed off.
Arthur left the carriage while it was moving and decidedly walked with the group or royal guards and soldiers. A guard closed the door and some looked weirdly at him.
"Sorry, I prefer the fresh breeze of the winds," he said peacefully. The others stopped looking at him weirdly but gave respectful gestures.
Arthur watched as the village people cheered him on, with some had tears in their eyes. He couldn't help but feel his heart had saddened seeing the villagers slowly disappearing behind him.
Soon, they disappeared onto a trail in the wilderness before camping at night.
A few days later, they arrived at the castle which was very large.