After two days of travel Sleph could finally see the walls of the capital in the distance. The walls of the capital were ten meters high and three meters thick, made from granite and reinforced by magic. Towering spires could also be seen at regular intervals along the walls. Along with small dots moving about, which were the soldiers who patrolled and defended the city walls. At the main gate of Averran, a long line of carts and carriages could be seen. Most of the line consisted of merchants, with a few people who've come from neighboring cities. There was even the occasional wandering knight, seeking a worthy master. But of course -as a duke of the kingdom- Sleph wouldn't have to wait in line amongst those commoners.
News of their victory had already spread throughout the Avernus Kingdom, so without a doubt, word had definitely reached the capital. As Sleph's convoy reached the city gates, the guards bowed respectfully and allowed them pass. Looks of awe and respect followed them, not only from the guards but the merchants, commoners and knights who were in lengthy queue. The knights and cavalrymen who were escorting Sleph were beaming with pride, with their chests puffed up and heads held high. But Sleph the man of the hour, retained his usual cold gaze in his carriage and awaited his audience with the King.
There was a lively and jovial atmosphere in the capital. Cheers and laughter followed the group as thousands had lined up on either side of the capital's main road, which led to the royal palace. People from all ages had come to see the hero of the kingdom. Especially the children and young maidens. The children carried their wooden swords, swinging them in their air while staring intently at Sleph's carriage. While the maidens had become infatuated and mesmerized by him, especially those who had seen or heard of his appearance. He was the idol of many across the kingdom, many of them strived to be just like him. Yet Sleph deemed such things trivial and paid no heed to them, as his only reason to live was to reach the peak of swordsmanship.
The procession had finally reached the gates of the royal palace. One of the knights manning Sleph's carriage quickly dismounted from his seat and opened the carriage door. Sleph walked out and began to make his way into the palace. His fair skin and silver hair were a sharp contrast to his black silk shirt and black trousers. The shirt was close fitting and outlined his well-defined muscles. His sheathed rapier hung from his belt. Everything about him, screamed elegance. If the maidens from before saw him right now, they would definitely throw themselves at him.
The wall surrounding the royal palace albeit smaller than the one around the capital, was much more heavily defended. With knights and mages at regular intervals. Yet in front of Sleph they were nothing more than cannon fodder.
The palace itself was five stories, made of marble with gold trimmings. Like the capital walls, the entire palace was reinforced with magic. The palace was resplendent, it was the heart and pride of the kingdom.
At the front door a group of nobles accompanied by their knights and the Royal Guard came to welcome him and escort him to the throne room. The nobles led by a marquis walked towards Sleph while the knights remained at the door.
"Your grace, we welcome you back to the capital and congratulate you on your superb victory against the army of Nordalen." spoke the marquis in a flattering tone.
"Your grace, recently my daughter has reached a marriable age, her looks are fine and she can bear you many offspring. She would make a perfect concubine, don't you think, your grace?" said a count as he attempted his widest smile.
"Your grace, please accept this sword as a token of friendship. I had the best blacksmith in my county forge it. And maybe we could discuss the sword over dinner sometime." said a voluptuous countess seductively.
Sleph knew they were trying to lick his boots yet he didn't so much as glance as them. He was a duke and one of the strongest swordsmen in the north if not the strongest. Did he need the congratulations and welcoming of a lowly marquis when he had the King's instead. Did he need the daughter of some feeble count when even princesses would throw themselves at him. And did he need the sword of a blacksmith who could only stay in some backwater county when he had a sword forged from the best blacksmith in the kingdom. But most of all, Sleph no longer had any materialistic desires. The thing he yearned for was something they could never give him, not even the King could fulfill his wish.
Sleph brushed past the group that were still trying to gain favor with him and continued towards the throne room. Along the way he met many butlers, maid servants and Royal Guards, they all bowed towards him, many even kneeling. But almost as if he couldn't see them, he continued on his path, his pace remaining unchanged.
Soon Sleph arrived in front of the throne room. Once the two Royal Guards stationed outside saw him, they opened the massive throne room doors. As Sleph stepped into the throne room one of the Royal Guards bellowed "His grace Sleph Ferrum has arrived!"
The throne room was even more grandiose than the rest of the palace. The wealth contained just in this throne room was simply lavish. It could put to shame many of the weaker kingdoms. But this was befitting of the north's strongest kingdom.
Sat atop the lofty throne -embedded with exquisite jewels- was the current king, Fenrir Avernus. He was accompanied by several ministers, the Captain of the Royal Guard and the kingdom's only Grand Mage. Sleph continued his saunter until he was only ten meters away from where the King was seated. And, he began to kneel. Yet he didn't lower his head. This blatant sign of disrespect irked the others present, all besides the King himself. The King's calm gaze observed Sleph, noticing Sleph's disregard for his status yet taking no action.
"Your majesty, I have slain every last capable swordsmen the Nordalen Kingdom has to offer. The mission you tasked me with over a year ago has finally been completed." spoke Sleph.
"You did well to complete my mission in such a timely manner, Duke Ferrum. As promised, you will be given leave to allow you to further your comprehension of the sword. But. Instead of the four months I had originally planned to give you, I've decided to extend it to six, as we face no further obstacles in our conquest of Nordalen. As well as the fact that, the stronger you get, the stronger our Avernus Kingdom gets." replied Fenrir.
"I thank you for your generosity your majesty." said Sleph calmly.
"Good, now everyone leave us" said Fenrir while gesturing at those beside him.
Many of the kingdom's upper echelon loathed Sleph, for his nonchalant attitude and the fact that the King refuses to take action against Sleph's 'rude' behavior. And their displeasure only increased when he was given six months worth of leave while they had to work grueling hours, especially since the Avernus Kingdom would soon be gaining the territory of Nordalen. Yet in the presence of the King, none of them dared to display their vexation.
After everyone beside Sleph and Fenrir left the throne room, Sleph slowly raised himself off the ground. No longer bending his knee towards the King and the King no longer perched upon his lofty seat. Their facades disappearing...