On the cobblestone path, Alex and the team stood in front of a luxurious three-story building made of white marble. A crescent moon and a palace were on the signboard that says Moon palace.
Entering the restaurant, Alex saw glowing magic orbs on the ceiling that illuminated the black marble below. The large room was decorated with all kinds of art and glass furniture. Alex felt like he was inside a palace. A few people also dined in the restaurant.
The team took the grand staircase to the second floor and entered a private booth. Alex saw a chandelier filled with magic orbs illuminate the elegant room. From close, he could see the magic array connected to the orbs.
Alex sat between Miss Rose and Varis. Alex did not know how Varis was going to eat, but the team did not mind, and there was no sign telling them pets were not allowed. So Alex did not dwell on it.
"I want to thank all of you for your help in this mission. Especially Alex and Varis, I want to thank you both for all your help. Both for the Etherisium Plants and acting as a scout," said Miss Rose.
"Your very welcome, Miss Rose. I think Varis played a vital role," said Alex.
"Of course, Varis is the best. You guys don't have to use the honorifics anymore. Call me Big sister Rose or Rose."
"Big sister Rose," said Alex smiling broadly. Varis also chirped on the side. Alex felt fortunate to have someone familiar in this strange world.
They were interrupted as a maid walked in to take their order.
"Everyone order to your heart content. It is my treat," said Rose
As everyone kept ordering, Alex took the menu and saw the list of things. Roasted fire hog, Tochitura, Roasted duck, Mittei... all kinds of meat were on the menu.
Alex licked his lips while the Varis started to drool. He ordered eight dishes and two soups for both of them.
"Sir, it will take an hour. You can order drinks in the meantime."
An hour! Are you kidding me? They are not even that many customers to serve. However, the others were not surprised.
"Cant you make it any faster?" asked Alex.
"Sir, the chefs are already doing their best."
"It's normal, Alex. In some places, you have to wait two to three hours," said Tom.
Soon, the drinks came. Alex ordered the Freswale, a nonalcoholic drink. He never had alcohol before and did not want to test his limits here.
As they were drinking, Declan adjusted his spectacles as he spoke.
"Mr.Ryder, now that we are familiar with each other. Tell us about yourself," said Declan in a serious voice. Without his dark hood, his voice was no longer cold as before and certainly was not mysterious.
"Me?" asked Alex.
"Yea, we barely know about you," said Declan, with a knowing smile.
Alex looked around, and everyone was looking at him curiously. In the end, he told a story that he prepared earlier.
"Well, It's a sad story. My parents died when I was young and left me with a large property. My uncle, who came to the funeral, stayed back to take care of the property and myself. However, he was not a good person.."
Alex said how he was locked in his room and was not allowed to go out. His uncle slowly embezzle his properties while he was not allowed to practice magic. In the middle of the story, Alex peeked at Rose and saw her slightly sad.
She bought it. Alex soon finished the story while looking at the bright chandelier above, which made his eyes slightly moist.
"I don't want the money or properties. I want freedom. So, I ran away from home and ended up here," said Alex while wiping off the fake tears.
"Good Story," said Declan skeptically. But Alex did not care about that guy.
"I am sorry, Alex. You had it harder than me. At least some people supported in my family," said Miss Rose softly.
As Alex was puzzled, and Tom filled in the details.
"Ms. Rose's parents also died when they were young. With her outstanding talent as a Wood Elementalist, she was declared the future head of the family. But her uncle, the current head was reluctant to pass it on to her," said Tom in a low voice.
"I am sorry, sister Rose," said Alex while feeling bad he had to lie.
"It is Ok. I am fine now. I have a great teacher and great friends. Everything will be settled eventually," said Miss Rose.
"What about you Alex, what are your future plans?" asked Rose.
"Well, I want to promote my Rank and become a Professional. But I don't know which profession to choose," said Alex honestly.
Now that he sold himself as an orphan without any magic knowledge, Alex had no qualms to ask questions.
"Well, It depends on the person and elemental affinity. But based on your fighting style, I would say you are suitable as a Ranger."
"Can I become a Legend?" (Ranks: Rookie --> Professional --> Elite --> Master --> Legend)
Simon, who was quietly drinking on the side, choked at the question. Ignoring him, Rose answered Alex.
"Of course. Ranger is a high-level profession. You can become a legend as long as you work hard."
This time even Declan snickered with Simon. Seeing Rose staring at them, Declan spoke casually.
"Miss Rose, a Ranger does have a chance to become a legend. But not every ranger becomes a legend. Take Simon, for example, who is a Professional Ranger. But he can only become an Elite Ranger in this life," said Declan matter of factly.
Everyone looked at Simon. He was blushing red, either due to embarrassment or anger, or maybe both. As he perceived their strange gazes, Simon gave Alex a look of hatred. If eyes could kill, Alex would be dead.
'What did I do? This stupid guy should start blaming someone other than me, an innocent bystander,' thought Alex.
"Alex is way more talented than Simon, " said Rose, not considering Simon's feelings.
"I agree. But sadly, Mr. Ryder is already old, and his best time had already passed."
Alex wanted to argue he had been here for only one week. But he controlled himself and changed the subject.
"Ok, so where can I promote to Professional."
"Of course, you can come with us to the Free city Tyros. There you can go to the Martial Palace to promote your profession. We will be leaving early morning tomorrow."
Alex remembered the names Free city Tyros and Martial Palace. As Alex pondered which profession to choose, he heard Tom's voice.
"Miss Rose, Alex would need a Wind horse if he comes with us tomorrow."
"Oh, I almost forgot, you need a Wind horse to ride with us tomorrow. You should buy one today itself."
"I don't ride. I have never been on a horse."
All of them looked at him with big eyes. Rose quickly thought of a solution.
"I am a lousy rider myself. Tom and Gary would be wearing heavy armor, and it would be inconvenient. Then you can ride with Declan or Simon," said Rose. As Alex was thinking of ways to reject it, Declan came to the rescue.
"I don't think that is appropriate. I am not a knight, and Simon's wolf is a little mad. It might bite his leg off." said Declan sarcastically.
"Miss, I think it would be better for Alex to ride a caravan. There might be a few hours delay, but it would be safe," said Tom.
"That's a good idea."
As they discussed the caravan details and some of the precautions to take, their food arrived precisely after an hour. Alex and Varis were starving. They immediately started digging in.
Varis ordered a lot of Roasted duck, which seems to be his favorite. Alex ordered the Fire hog meat and soups. The team had a great time as they ate their dinner.
***
Enjoy the extra chapter. Please Rate the book( hopefully 5 stars). Thank you.