"Daggo, let's have one more practice session with the armor before we head downstairs to meet the King!" Tristan exclaimed, eager to refine his skills.
Tristan meticulously reviewed every feature for the next two hours and analyzed past fighting footage.
As he observed the older Tristan Moonstone's techniques, he understood why Prince Alexander had questioned his speed and swordsmanship. The older Tristan Moonstone was slow and inconsistent in his swordwork and footwork.
When confronted with the same attack from the dungeon the previous night, the older Tristan Moonstone struggled to evade the blades, resulting in severe hits on the armor. His marksmanship with the pistol was also lacking compared to Tristan Quinn's skill. Tristan hoped to test his own marksmanship in this realm.
Tristan was so engrossed in studying the fighting footage and exploring the armor's features that he would have missed lunch if Daggo hadn't reminded him.
"Daggo, can we test the armor's wall-climbing feature by exiting through the window?" Tristan inquired with curiosity.
"Certainly, sir. I will prepare a climbing route that leads to the closest door to the dining room," replied Daggo.
In less than three seconds, the map route appeared on the helmet's screen. Tristan swiftly followed the course, leaping out of the window. Claws emerged from the armor's gloves and shoes, enabling him to crawl up the castle's stonewall, step by step, until he reached the top wall of the primary dining room gate.
Tristan landed with a roll before the gate, surprising the kitchen staff and servers. The commotion caught the attention of Barotheon and Leylla, who had already arrived.
The staff respectfully bowed as they witnessed an armor adorned with the insignia of Cresentia's Eighth Prince entering the dining room.
"Tristan!" Leylla's voice echoed through the room as she ran to embrace her brother.
"Hello, Lil' Sister. Let me take off my helmet first so I can hug you back," Tristan responded, removing his helmet and embracing his dear sister. With Leylla in one arm, he approached the Second Prince. The tall, sturdy man was also clad in armor similar to Tristan's, with a sword and pistol at his side. A red-capped covering adorned the back of his armor.
"Hello, Big Brother... Prince Barotheon," Tristan greeted, feeling slightly uneasy around his other siblings, except for Leylla.
Sensing Tristan's discomfort, Prince Barotheon's kind heart sought to put him at ease. He spoke reassuringly, "You're looking much better than yesterday, dear brother," patting Tristan's shoulder.
Meanwhile, the entire staff had gathered at the dining room gate, lining up on both sides. Tristan, Leylla, and Prince Barotheon walked together, gradually approaching the gate.
As the King made his entrance, the room fell silent. Suddenly, thundering trumpets broke the silence, announcing his arrival. Two soldiers marched before King Darianus, carrying the flags of Cresentia and another kingdom. Queen Thalia followed closely behind her husband, with Crown Prince Adrian by her side. Walking alongside him was a strikingly beautiful lady.
Unlike the other women in the room, she wore tight pants and warrior boots adorned with a sword and pistol on her hips. Her slim pilot's jacket was worn over a tight white shirt, and her long, thick brunette hair cascaded freely over her shoulders. With elegance and confidence, she walked through the lines of servers in the room.
As the King entered the dining room, Prince Barotheon warmly embraced him, and Tristan and Leylla followed suit, hugging their parents. Adrian shook hands with Barotheon but ignored Tristan's outstretched hand. However, the lady beside Adrian was different. She smiled faintly and gazed deeply into Tristan's eyes as if examining his soul.
"So, you're Tristan. The first time I saw you, you were lying in your bed unconscious. I'm glad you are well awake, Tristan. You looked much better with your eyes open," she spoke with a lovely and endearing voice.
Her voice had a captivating charm that caused everyone in the room to turn their heads in awe, including Tristan. He stood there, struck by her presence. Fortunately, a booming and familiar voice broke the silence, saying, "Aha! You've met the princess. Nice."
Prince Alexander had quietly positioned himself behind Tristan, his sudden arrival unnoticed by the others. He now wore a different attire, no longer in armor or regal robes from the dungeon. Instead, he donned a leather jacket over a shirt paired with ordinary pants. His sword was slung across his back, and a pistol adorned his belt, accompanied by several small blades.
Prince Alexander patted Tristan's shoulder and introduced him to the captivating lady with the lovely voice standing before them.
"Tristan, meet Princess Valeria, the Crown Princess of Sovrantia. Sovrantia is our ally in safeguarding our kingdom from the evil kingdom of Narak and its allies," Prince Alexander explained.
"Narak Kingdom has repeatedly attempted to enter and conquer the land where the Forbidden Gate lies. Tristan, you would know this if your memories hadn't been wiped out by the deadly horn of Drakkarus. The beast was likely sent to attack us by the Naraks," Prince Alexander continued, revealing crucial information that shook Tristan to the core.
"Enough for now, my brother. Let us eat first and share the details with Tristan when our bellies are full. Now, let everyone take their seats, and the food is served," a commanding baritone voice from the King demanded, capturing everyone's attention.
Within moments, everyone took their seats, and delicious food and wine flowed abundantly. As the dishes were set on the table and glasses were filled by the servers, the King raised his glass and proclaimed, "Long live Cresentia and Sovrantia!"
"Hear, hear!" echoed throughout the room.
Amidst the seemingly peaceful meal, Tristan struggled to find calmness in his mind. He attempted to digest the information shared by Prince Alexander and decipher his own role in the apparently hostile relationship between Cresentia and Narak.
Thoughts raced through his mind as he wondered, 'How dangerous are these people from Narak? And why do they seek to conquer the Forbidden Gate?'