"It was no trouble," Arthur responded calmly to the outcast's owner.
"Oh, do not indulge him!" the owner replied hesitantly, still bowing his head in Arthur's presence.
He added that for outcasts, just being allowed to come close to nobles in the kingdom was an excessive privilege.
He implied that outcasts should not experience such interactions, reinforcing the strict social norms and divisions within the kingdom.
"Stand, please," Arthur said gently, requesting the outcast and his owner to stop bowing while speaking to him.
He asked the owner to ensure the well-being of his outcast and not to abuse his power over him.
"Of course. If that is your lordship's wish," the owner quickly responded to Arthur's request.
"Don't work too hard. Remember, it is for the good of the kingdom that you serve," Arthur added kindly.
The outcast was visibly moved, almost to tears, by Arthur's compassion. He and his owner then excused themselves, returning to their duties.
Erica watched this exchange with a smile, admiring Arthur's kindness and fairness towards everyone, regardless of their status, whether soldier or outcast.
Arthur's actions reflected a sense of equality and empathy, rare qualities in a noble of his stature.
As Arthur and Erica continued their walk, they encountered more outcasts within the kingdom.
The existence of outcasts was tied to their inability to harness the power of the fragment stones effectively.
From birth, individuals were tested with these stones to determine their fate.
If a fragment stone turned blue in their presence, it meant they could lead a normal life within the kingdom.
However, if the stone turned yellow, they were labeled as outcasts.
This designation was permanently marked with a sword tattoo on their necks, serving as a lifelong identifier of their status.
This system of determining one's place in society based on their interaction with the fragment stones highlighted a rigid and predetermined social structure within the kingdom, where one's entire life path could be decided at birth by a simple color change of a mystical stone.
Although Arthur found it difficult to accept this system, he felt powerless to change it, as it had been the established norm across the entire continent ever since their realm received the blessing of the stars.
This longstanding tradition, deeply ingrained in the societal fabric, posed a moral and ethical dilemma for Arthur, highlighting the challenges of reconciling personal beliefs with the realities of a deeply entrenched system.
As Arthur and Erica approached the throne room, they passed through a gate guarded by sentinels who bowed to Arthur before opening it for them. Upon entering, they first walked through the garden maintained by their father.
"Nice and quiet in here, isn't it?" Erica remarked, admiring the serene beauty of the garden, a sight she had seen many times yet never grew tired of in their kingdom.
This tranquil space, nestled within the grandeur of the royal premises, provided a peaceful contrast to the formal and often intense atmosphere of the court.
It was a testament to the King's appreciation for nature and beauty, an aspect of his personality that perhaps influenced the ambiance of the entire kingdom.
As Arthur walked through the garden, he noticed Artemis standing off to the side, looking despondent.
"Arthur… I.." Artemis began, his voice filled with sadness.
Arthur approached him, inquiring if he was nervous about the approaching war.
"The soldiers will expect the Chyrum to help them. But I don't know if I can," Artemis confessed, revealing his self-doubt and awareness of his physical weaknesses.
"Don't worry, Artemis. Father will guide you. And I will protect you always," Arthur comforted his brother, offering reassurance and support.
He promised to protect Artemis no matter what happened, showing his unwavering commitment to his brother's well-being.
Artemis thanked Arthur, visibly comforted by his words, and then ran back to his room.
Arthur, feeling a renewed sense of urgency, quickened his pace towards the throne room door, ready to discuss the serious matters awaiting him with their father.
As Arthur neared the door to the throne room, he passed by his mother, who didn't acknowledge him.
She was busy instructing her maids about taking good care of Artemis, emphasizing the need to ensure he didn't go out alone, especially when unwell.
Arthur chose not to react to his mother's indifference and instead bid farewell to Erica, who accompanied him until then.
Erica turned towards another part of the garden, where her room was located, and her maids were waiting for her.
This moment further highlighted the complex dynamics within Arthur's family, especially the stark contrast in how his mother treated him and Artemis.
It also showed Arthur's maturity in handling such situations, focusing on his responsibilities and duties rather than dwelling on personal grievances.
Upon entering the throne room, Arthur was greeted by the sight of his father, the King, seated on the throne, deeply engaged in conversation with Commander Lord Van about a matter of apparent importance.
"You commanded my presence, Your Grace," Arthur stated respectfully, kneeling before his father on the throne.
"Alright, you can stop licking my boots. Your mother isn't here," his father replied, indicating that Arthur didn't need to kneel and could speak more casually, especially in the absence of his mother, who was known to disfavor him.
Arthur rose from his kneel, acknowledging his father's request for a more casual interaction.
The King's remark about his mother's absence suggested an awareness of the different treatment Arthur received from her compared to his father. This difference in parental attitudes was a significant aspect of Arthur's experience within the royal family.
Ready to discuss serious matters, Arthur stood attentively, waiting for his father to address the reason behind his summons to the throne room.
The King's expression turned grave as he began to discuss the pressing issue at hand.
"In just these few circular stars, the plague has taken nigh on all of the northern reaches," he stated solemnly.
He further explained that it was only a matter of time before the plague crossed their border, wreaking havoc and destruction.
The plague, as described by the King, was not only devastating the land but also annihilating plant life and life forces in the affected areas. Additionally, it was causing the emergence of various kinds of creatures, adding a layer of complexity and danger to the already dire situation.
Arthur listened intently, understanding the gravity of the situation and the potential threat it posed to their kingdom and its people.
The King's briefing highlighted the urgency and the need for swift and decisive action to counter this looming threat.