In the end, Lyra decided to use the rest of the week to teach Zaos how to greet others and how to keep an elegant enough posture. Since he didn't have the mental age of a kid, he learned those fast enough and still had the chance to keep his training and studies. However, he had to do it alone since his mother had some things to prepare, and Drannor's family was also doing the same.
In any case, Zaos didn't complain since he had the chance to test the effects of the focus amulet. His recovery speed and his time of training doubled thanks to those, and most likely, he would improve even more in both aspects thanks to it.
Health: 72/72
Mana: 102/102
Stamina: 82/82
Strength: 36
Magic: 51
Endurance:41
Resistance: 51
Focus: 01+ 01
Sorcery Lv 09, Swordsmanship Lv 07, Shield Mastery Lv 06
Lesser Heal, Heal, Holy Light, Detoxification
"I didn't find any mention of this screen in the books, so I guess this isn't a common thing," Zaos nodded to himself after checking the screen in the corner of his vision. "Maybe it is something related to that voice and my mission in this world… Regardless, I guess it is time to see if this princess is someone who deserves my protection. Not like my strength is enough to protect anyone, and not like a five years old girl can become better or worse in a few years."
Since Zaos was too focused on his training and studies, he didn't know much about the outside world aside from the things he learned in some books. Perhaps it was time to expand his horizons now that the focus amulet will make his training more efficient. In the end, he decided to do that after the birthday party. After all, he will conclude if he should follow the unknown voice or look for another job in such an event.
"Hopefully, I won't die if I decide not to become the princess' watchdog," Zaos thought.
Things proceeded almost exactly the same way as on the first birthday of the princess. Everyone was wearing some fancy clothes. Zaos's family went walking to the castle since it was close, and Laiex liked to walk, apparently. Regardless, for some odd reason, the number of visitors seemed greater than the last time. Aside from that, Zaos also saw a massive crowd a few hundred meters away from the castle that couldn't approach due to a line of guards that was protecting the perimeter.
Zaos also didn't notice the last time, probably because he was too small, but the capital was quite massive. Not only could he find countless buildings that were pretty tall in all directions, but he also couldn't see a single mountain in the distance. Meaning the capital had grown to an impressive size or could increase even more.
"Yeah, I can no longer focus on training and studying," Zaos thought. "Investigating the outside world will certainly improve things and perhaps I will find some other ways to increase my strength and my knowledge regarding magic."
"You are looking a lot at the city, Zaos," Lyra said. "Do you want to visit some place you have heard about?"
"No, I just want to see the outside world," Zaos replied. "While books can help me imagine how some things are, I believe that I should check them by myself."
"It has been a while since I left the residence, but I guess walking around the city now and then should be fine, right, dear?" Lyra asked.
"If you are planning to do that, talk with the guards a few days prior," Laiex said. "You aren't a mage specialized in combat and Zaos is too young to protect himself in case something happens."
While Laiex wasn't precisely in favor that his son had a sheltered life, he couldn't be reckless either. Apparently, the capital wasn't one hundred percent safe for his family members, and there was a small chance that something may happen. Most likely, one could ask for a massive ransom in case Zaos gets kidnapped.
"Defeating an adult even after all those years of training is probably impossible, but I should be able to find a way to surprise some possible enemies with magic," Zaos thought. "Let's make a mental note to learn an offensive spell useful for combat next before this trip to the capital."
Although many people with fancy clothes were in front of the castle, the royal guards were stopping the vast majority. Apparently, they were people from several backgrounds who have been ascending socially as of late and want to get closer to the royal family and to the princess since she was the only heir to the throne.
The castle's interior didn't change all that much from the last time, so the only difference that Zaos noticed was that the people seemed even more curious about the princess than before. Zaos heard that from his mother earlier, but it looked like she didn't make any appearance in the last four years.
While they were waiting for the royal family's arrival, Lyra and Laiex walked around the throne room, greeting all their acquaintances together. There were too many faces and names to remember, but Zaos managed to greet them properly with a smile on his face.
After a while, Zaos found Drannor doing the same with his family. It was convenient being part of such a famous family, but that comes with a price. Zaos's destiny was pretty much decided, and in the near future, he won't have much freedom to do whatever he wants.
After a couple of minutes, things got quiet when those who were invited to the party heard that the royal family was coming. Just like before, the saloon split in two when they heard their footsteps… Still, in the end, Zaos and everyone else frowned when they saw the princess walking as if she was sucking some lemons. She looked really mad since her cheeks were puffed and red. It was really a pit since she was wearing such a beautiful blue dress. After a few seconds, the king and the queen appeared, the king looked tired, and the queen looked annoyed… It looked like every family had their own problems.