Gael arrived in front of a giant gate.
It took him two weeks of travelling at full speed from his village to the capital, the moment he made a decision he immediately departed from his home village.
The gate is guarded by steel plate armored men who hold long and robust spears that gave off a dangerous feeling, these men guarding the gate must be veterans that fought countless wars before, staring at the guards Gael couldn't help but admire them.
'they must've killed hundreds if not thousands of lives to reach this level' he wondered.
There is a long line of people wanting to enter the capital, some are normal people, others are travellers, some are here to seek refuge while the rest are merchants who travel a long distance to do business in the capital.
He waited a few minutes before he managed to enter the capital, the guards made a thorough background check on everyone that wishes to enter to avoid troublemakers from entering the capital.
The moment he passed through the giant gate what welcomed him is a completely different world, being a war dog he travels from one place to another, he's been to countless cities but nothing can be compared to the capital, the buildings are taller and more luxurious looking, just the sheer volume of people walking around exceeds the other cities combined.
He proceeded forward and he saw rows of shops and stalls that are busy handling countless customers, he walked around to see the products they sell and the quality of products here easily surpassed those from the backwater cities he's been to.
'this place is bustling, there's no doubt that this is the Kingdom Capital' Gael thought as he observed the so-called "shopping district".
'I should head to the palace' he continue on his way as he looked around the stalls.
It is already noon when he arrived at the gate entrance of the palace, the gate has a gold and silver color scheme with several guards guarding and patrolling the surrounding area giving the palace a maximum level of security.
When Gael arrive an old man wearing a black suit, white gloves, and a monocle welcomed him.
"greetings young sir, the Crown Prince and Mr. Black are waiting for you, follow me " Gael guessed that this old man is the Crown Prince's butler, because of the old man's attire and actions.
Gael silently followed the old butler, they entered a hall with a tall ceiling, that has four doors that lead to different locations, the old butler entered the left-most door and Gael quickly followed.
He looked around as he follows behind the old butler, the passage is adorned with silver and gold-coloured decorations, flaunting the wealth of the royal family, there are times that Gael is even tempted to snatch some items but he quickly discards the idea.
After a couple of minutes of walking, he arrived inside a spacious and beautiful room and in the room, two handsome young men were talking to each other as they enjoy a delicious cup of tea, the two young men are the Crown Prince and Marcus.
" you're here" the first to notice Gael's presence is the brown-haired and friendly-looking handsome young man Marcus Black, he is also Gael's former captain when they are still working as war dogs.
"come here sit with us, we are just talking about you " the Crown Prince remained seated as he signalled for Gael to sit at the empty chair beside Marcus.
" thank you your highness " Gael respectfully said as he take a seat.
" Now, tell me, have you made a decision? " the Crown Prince asked without hesitation, it is one of the qualities that the supporters of the current Crown Prince found pleasing, though there are times where pleasantries are a must but one should know where and when to be straightforward.
Gael is taken aback because of the Crown Prince's straightforwardness, while Marcus beside him just smiled.
" I accept your offer, I would be a part of your tamer squad " he took a sip of the tea served in front of him after answering.
" very well, all of the eight chosen members agreed, this is such a happy occasion, I would throw a party, but we have to keep your identities and the squad a secret, what a shame " the Crown Prince is happy and disappointed at the same time, happy because his tamer's squad became one step closer to completion and disappointed because he can't celebrate.
The Crown Prince enjoys throwing parties and socialising with others, but this time, the situation won't allow him.
Hearing the Crown Prince's words made Gael realize something, "all the eight chosen members agreed" meaning he's the last person to accept the offer.
'so the others also accepted huh? Well no one can't blame them the offer gives them more benefits than disadvantages, one being able to maintain their neutral stand despite working with the Crown Prince'
" We can throw a huge party once you ascend the throne and become the new king, your highness " Marcus reassured the party maniac, Crown Prince, that it will get the party he wants once everything is settled but it will be a tough and long journey.
" that is a promise right?!" the Crown Prince exclaimed excitedly when Marcus said he can throw a huge party in the future.
When Gael saw the Crown Prince's reaction, he started doubting his earlier decision to accept the offer to work with him.
' Did I make the right choice ' Gael shook his head on his mind, and took another sip of the luxurious and delicious tea.
" Since we now have the members, we need to prepare the necessities to make them into full-fledge tamers," Marcus said to the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince's excited expression from earlier turned serious as he nodded towards Marcus' words.
" how about me do I need to prepare something?" Gael asked.
" yes, yourself, we need you to be in your perfect shape when the time comes, but for now you can stay at the lodging that we prepare, we will summon you in due time " Marcus is one who answered Gael.
" Nicholas will lead you to your temporary room," the Crown Prince said, the old butler named Nicholas is still standing near the door.
" then I will excuse myself, Captain, your highness " Gael respectfully bid his farewell to the Crown Prince and Marcus.
Nicholas led Gael towards his room.
Along the way, Gael started to ask Nicholas some questions.
" Nicholas, can I leave the premises if I want to go outside? "
" you can but you have to ask for my permission first" the old butler answered,
" okay, oh right am I the only person out of the current members of the future Tamer squad in here?" Gael asked, since he's the last to agree to the offer the others might already be here.
" you're the only one here, the others expressed their willingness to join through letters since they have things to manage like their family and territory " replied the old butler.
" I see," Gael said.
" Can I access the library here? I want to read about, tamers and monsters while I am waiting since I have little knowledge about tamers" Gael asked, he lack knowledge about being a tamer so he wants to learn some things about being a tamer since it will be able to help him, one he becomes a tamer himself, though there is a limit to how much he can learn in a short amount of time it is better than nothing.
" you can access the first floor of the library, as your status as the guest of the prince, I will also ask the prince if he can grant you access to the second floor since the second floor holds the more detailed and insightful books and writings regarding tamers and monsters " Nicholas answered Gaels question.
"that will be extremely helpful to me, thank you so much, " Gael said, the old butler seems more friendly than he appeared to be, being the butler of the Crown Prince, he is one of the closest and most trusted people by the Prince, even the other nobles dare not treat Nicholas as a normal butler.
" no need to thank me, you will be a subordinate of the Crown Prince I should do this much to help you since you will be helping the prince in the future " Nicholas smiled towards Gael, his smile resembles those of a grandparent, maybe because he is extremely close to the Crown Prince that he treats him as his grandchild other than being his master.
Gael smiled back, before they know it they already arrived in front of his room, the door of the room resemble the door of the receiving area where Gael met Marcus and the Crown Prince, he pushed the door open and saw a spacious room, It has everything that a person might need, it is even bigger than Gael's home when he was a kid, there is also a big bed that can fit up to five people.
" This room is beautiful " Gael exclaimed.
" I am glad you like it, Mr. Marcus is the one who picked this room for you, " Nicholas said.
"Captain did? I must thank him when I see him "
" then I'll excuse myself so you can rest, you just came from a long journey, I will send a maid tomorrow to deliver the library pass to you, have a great rest " Nicholas bid his farewell then left, he must have a lot of things to as the Crown Prince's butler, he can't waste time with Gael for a whole day.