Once the banquet concluded within the grand halls of Daichetus Kingdom Palace, the atmosphere grew more somber.
With a gentle, soothing voice, the Queen inquired, "Theo, why didn't you intervene earlier?"
The King, speaking with a regal tone, replied, "You're well aware of the consequences of meddling with those who possess the Goddesses' Blessings, aren't you?" He scoffed before adding, "Perhaps it was simply fate."
The Queen acknowledged his words with a subtle nod, murmuring, "Fate, indeed."
Curious, the King asked, "What are your thoughts on Sucura?"
After a moment of deep contemplation, the Queen responded, "It's as if an enigmatic, intangible force has consumed him."
The King nodded in agreement. "I felt his aura diminish after he stood up, perhaps divine retribution after exiling him. When I used my skills, I didn't detect any evil intentions from him."
The King sighed inwardly, deciding to shift the focus. "Let us set that aside for now and address more pressing matters. Sebastian, what is the current state of affairs within our kingdom?"
Sebastian the Knights with etched face, he curtsied and stood knightly and said, "We have recovered some evidence about the lunatic cultists that attacked the Village of Meroeda, they're believers of the Primordial Devil's Moon, Your Majesty."
With a graceful wave of his hand, the King gestured for Sebastian to continue.
"The Eastern Empire of Azantria's movements have become increasingly alarming, as they are not as aggressive as before. The incomprehensible creatures of the Accursed Forest are growing more erratic in their behavior. Meanwhile, the demons' advance to the North has halted, suggesting they are conserving their forces."
The King frowned, visibly troubled by the mounting issues facing his kingdom. Sweat beaded on his brow as he asked, "Is there more?"
The imposing knight simply nodded in response. "The Holy Triumvirate Empire has tightened its security; something significant must be happening there, Your Majesty."
"Shouldn't they be sending an important letter soon?"
Sebastian responded, "We have only received a notification indicating that additional details will be furnished once their empire regains stability."
"And what of our spies?"
"They have all been killed."
"How does the multiracial country, the Overlords of Guadiczech, stand all on these matters?"
"They remain neutral, Your Majesty."
Inwardly, the King lamented, 'I just want to take a vacation and escape these problems.' With a regal tone, he commanded, "Prepare for a meeting one week from now. Summon all the Magistrates and key figures."
"Yes, Your Highness," Sebastian replied, bowing before taking his leave.
***
Earlier in the banquet, Katherine Schwertzine [Seduction Route].
Katherine looked at Sucura with an inscrutable expression.
"Why are you looking at the fallen hero, Miss Katherine?" the handsome man inquired affectionately. He was dressed in a blue and white ensemble, adorned with a fur cloak.
"Is he an eyesore for you? Should I deal with him?" he asked, his tone tinged with jealousy.
"I thought I saw something intriguing," she sighed."Never mind, they are all rather dull. Let's take our leave now." Her every movement exuded a hypnotic allure, reminiscent of a captivating succubus.
"Yes, Miss Katherine," he replied, his ears flushed with a crimson hue.
***
Sucura strolled through the market, his visage artfully concealed by an ornate half-mask and a draped towel obscuring his head.
The bustling market teemed with life and energy. Vibrant colors adorned the stalls, where merchants proudly displayed their exotic wares. The air was filled with a cacophony of voices haggling over prices, punctuated by the occasional laughter of children darting through the crowd. Aromas of freshly baked bread, sizzling meats, and fragrant spices wafted through the air, enticing passersby to indulge in the culinary delights. Amidst the lively atmosphere, minstrels strummed their lutes, adding a melodic backdrop to the thriving marketplace.
Following the banquet, a knight had discreetly handed him 3,000 gold dai coins from the King – payment for his previous services and a subtle hint that he should leave the kingdom.
"How much for these fruits?" Sucura inquired, eyeing the unusual violet-hued produce.
The adorable child behind the stall flashed a bright smile and replied, "7 copper dai coins."
'So honest and brimming with enthusiasm. How endearing,' Sucura mused.
"I'll take five of those."
"Okiee!" the girl chirped.
As she handed him the fruits, Sucura gave her 1 silver dai coin.
"Keep the change." he calmly said as he walked away.
Her eyes widened with delight. "Thank you, Mister!" she said, offering a half-bow and beaming with happiness.
'I contemplated presenting her with a gold coin as a token of my heartfelt appreciation. However, I hesitated, as excessive generosity could inadvertently draw unwanted attention.'
'For some inexplicable reason, I suddenly find myself missing my fluffy gray cat,' Sucura thought as he savored the fruit. 'This fruit has a taste reminiscent of an apple.'
He sighed inwardly, 'Now, onto more pressing matters: what course of action should I take regarding the man-loathing elf moon princess?'
Once he had finished savoring a single fruit, Sucura carefully placed the remaining ones in his backpack for later.
Sucura spotted an antique store and, intrigued, made his way across the street to enter it.
Upon stepping inside, the aroma of aged parchment and polished wood enveloped his senses. A man stood behind the counter, meticulously wiping an artifact with his handkerchief. The store showcased a variety of items, some protected behind glass cases – armor, orbs, swords, books, and an assortment of unique objects.
"Welcome, dear customer," the man greeted, not pausing in his careful cleaning of the artifact.
Sucura acknowledged him with a subtle nod and proceeded to explore the store, examining items that piqued his interest.
After fifteen minutes, Sucura approached the man at the counter and inquired in a serene tone, "Do you have any talking rocks?"
"3 silver dai coins per rock," the man replied, beaming a smile.
Sucura's eyebrow twitched, suspecting the man was trying to take advantage of him, perhaps assuming he was a foreigner. "Make it two, and I'll buy twenty of them."
The man arched an eyebrow, curious about Sucura's need for so many talking rocks, but he quickly dismissed the thought – a customer was a customer, after all. "Alright, deal."
As he exited the store, Sucura gazed up at the breathtaking tangerine sky, feeling the chill of the approaching night.
He soon arrived at the Golden Peacock, the second most expensive inn in the capital. Upon entering, he was greeted by a resplendent light that flickered across the immaculately clean interior.
"How much for a stay per day?" he inquired at the counter.
The lady behind the counter flashed a professional smile. "Our regular rooms are 1 gold dai coin per day, while our special rooms with a private bathroom are 5 gold dai coins per day."
Sucura winced at the prices, feeling as though he had been stabbed. "I'll take the special room," he said, reluctantly.
The lady retrieved the keys and handed them to Sucura. "If you require any special toiletries, you can purchase them for a few silvers at the counter. Your room is on the second floor, far right, room 205."
Sucura acknowledged her with a subtle nod and made his way to the second floor.