Chereads / Lumen Homestead (BL) / Chapter 20 - Agreement

Chapter 20 - Agreement

"Sorry for blurting that out in the open," the draconian said while looking ahead, "I didn't anticipate that you would be such a famous celebrity in this little town."

Zeke took a few deep, gasping breaths while still gathering himself from the surprise adrenaline that the draconian put him through. He looked at the guy slightly miffed at the whole commotion, ready to complain but decided against the idea of pissing off this clearly capable dude. They are in fact in an alleyway, alone.

"I didn't know that the townsfolk would react like that as well, I mean I got the same reaction back in the farmer's guild but from the normal folk as well?" Zeke explained shaking his head in disorientation.

The draconian checked to see if anyone followed them one last time, sighed then looked directly at Zeke, "I apologize sincerely, I am ignorant of the current affairs of this realm and seeing you has clouded some of my firmer judgements it shall not happen again."

The green-eyed draconian's eyes shimmered with noble regret that Zeke couldn't help but be swayed by the apology, in any case it wasn't entirely his fault as well, Zeke and his farmhands knew very well how something like this would eventually happen but—

"It's alright, I am at fault too for getting myself mixed into the crowd, I should've been a little more discreet," Zeke wiped his sweaty forehead, "I will inform my farmhands of this peculiar development."

"Hm. Understood, and it seems the commotion and what you said proved that you are indeed the farmer of legend," the draconian spoke rubbing his chin, "that is rather careless don't you think? What if I am some sort of unscrupulous man? What then do you think would happen?"

"I—I," Zeke replied in an attempt to refute what the draconian had just said.

He closed his eyes in contemplation, then immediately opened them while nodding to himself.

"Rest assured I have come without such intentions, in fact I am rather disoriented at the moment," the draconian said, "I have just arrived in this world, and I would like to think that seeing you at the earliest possible moment is a stroke of luck."

"In any case, I would like to make a request for you to bring me in this homestead of yours, preferably somewhere without prying eyes and ears."

Zeke blanked out for a moment then proceeded to process what the draconian had just proposed, "and if I somehow refuse?"

Zeke cringed inwardly at what he just said, for all he know this guy could be a lot more dangerous that he looks and even if he is capable of fending for himself the aura of the guy is just on a whole 'nother level. Sensing the draconian's mana it seems that his magical faculties are also out of this world. Zeke is basically helpless.

"We both know you wouldn't do that, I can tell that you're a sensible person, or are you?"

The glint of imminent danger from the draconian's eyes and the loosely said warning is enough to make anyone shudder in fear, and admittedly it is slowly affecting Zeke as well.

"What is it that you want with us?"

"I believe I have just given you the terms for us to have a civil discussion about the goal that I came here for, please abide to this selfish request of mine and you shall be enlightened further," the draconian said without any haste, speaking each words with calm demeanor, and in a calculated manner.

It seems that Zeke has no choice but to give in to the draconian's request, he doesn't really look like someone who would do him and his farmhands any harm, and the feeling that he got from the square, the feeling that there is something crucial about the draconian, so he decided to follow that intuition.

"Alright," Zeke replied.

"Splendid, ahem, where are my manners, allow me to formally introduce myself, I am Avin Ruthexard, Sacerdotis of the 6th army in the realm of Draconians, Ballax," the red draconian, Avin, bowed slightly with the grace of a knight in par with that of Magnus, "that is all I can divulge at the moment, for the sake of our budding trust, we can further discuss upon this topic once we arrive safely at your homestead."

Zeke has too many questions in his head, like what 'Sacerdotis' meant for instance, but as Avin had said, it is not too safe to talk about such matters in their current surroundings. So, Zeke decided to save all those vital questions for later.

"I see, allow me to introduce myself as well, I am Zeke Ivo, farmer of the homestead. I believe you know the last part of information already," Zeke responded while scratching his nape absentmindedly.

"I do indeed," Avin looked around for anyone who might be eavesdropping once more, "now that the coast is clear, let us depart, do not worry I will protect you if the need ever arises, I swear that on my oath as a.... Hm. As a 'knight'."

Zeke stared directly at the man's vibrant emerald eyes, searching for a hint of deception of any kind. He found nothing but determination and honesty instead.

"Okay, I will hold onto that promise, still this shall come as a surprise for my farmhands," Zeke said contemplating on what to do next, "alright, let me explain to them how we wound up in this situation first and foremost before you spout any words, can you do that for me?"

"As you command," he replied gracefully, bowing slightly and tilting his head downwards.

Zeke didn't know what to do with the sudden formality of the red draconian so he nodded, "so, shall we?"

The should be 'day-off' of Zeke was cut off shortly by this mysterious draconian, nevertheless, he couldn't help but wonder what the draconian, Avin, really came here for. If anything, he knew for sure that it has something to do with him being the fabled farmer as that is the only reason he would be approached by such a noble figure, and of course the only thing that he has asked him so far.

The walk to the farm was fast, Avin has been silent ever since the both of them left the town. Zeke glanced at him from time to time to check whatever the draconian was doing and see that the knight was entirely focused, both eyes looking forward, vigilant about everything that comes to pass his way. He barely even payed attention to Zeke as he was solely focused on the job of escorting him, not that Zeke needed it.

"Here we are," Zeke said as they went pass the wooden arch which indicates that they are in the vicinity of the homestead, "I know the situation is rather bizarre at the moment but please make yourself comfortable, I don't want to be a bad host."

Zeke smiled at the draconian, trying to put the knight at ease. He doesn't want anyone to feel excluded on his farm, he made a promise to himself that he will welcome anyone who would set foot on his lovely homestead, stranger or not.

The draconian took his time to absorb his surroundings, Zeke could see the refreshing breeze of the farm affecting him, the inviting weather calming him, and the growing crops which you and your farmhands are taking great care of surprising him.

"This... this is," the expression on the draconian's face is that of astonishment, "I've learned about these things, these 'crops' that you people call, but seeing it in person is a different experience. I can feel the entire place brimming with so much life and vigor."

Zeke glanced at him and saw him covering his mouth with his clawed fingers, his eyes were wide and his whole body was shaking.

"Are you okay?" Zeke asked thoroughly concerned about the man.

He almost went to the draconian's side to see if he needs any assistance when the draconian insisted that he was fine.

"Don't worry about me, it's just... I have never seen so much creation my whole life, back in my world we—we never had any of this."

The draconian slowly composed himself as he try to inspect the surroundings once again. "This is truly magical, I am thankful I get to see such beauty and magnificence in this life of mine."

Noticing the confused stare of Zeke the draconian managed to give him a swift smile, "I apologize for the delay, well shall we proceed again?."

Zeke highly bewildered by what just happened proceeded to just nod, he did say he was going to explain everything once they arrive at his house so he just decided to add that whole event of the draconian as another question for him later.

They are almost at the door of Zeke's house when he saw both of his farmhands, Wulfric and Hawke not far behind them, both with perplexed expressions on their faces.