Chereads / Just The Weapon Holder / Chapter 5 - A Thousand Pardons

Chapter 5 - A Thousand Pardons

The [Hero's Party] at least what was left of them, rapidly approached the capital or the apex of it, that is. The king's castle the greatest sight one could have the honor of seeing in Geonosia. The wide arches and golden doors seemed to span as far as they eye could see and courtyard which had a ginormous amount of space had been tended to extraordinary well. One could see this best however in the giant sculptures made of greenery that resembled the likeness of the [Hero's party.] Despite these conditions the party themselves seemed to carry the opposite of the sentiments around them as they approached those giant golden doors which shined and practically basked in the sunlight, exemplifying glory. Still the party found themselves in somewhat of a slump.

Matthew:"Man why did Mika have to run off like that? Doesn't she know it's bad manners to show up with almost half your party missing?!"

Leo: "Yeah, and after that spill she gave us about not helping Rowan what's her deal?!"

Tarran: "I have to say I agree with you two her behavior was extremely suspect…"

Leo and Matthew: "You agree with us too?!"

Leo and Matthew huddled together whispering amongst themselves.

Leo: "If Tarran's agreeing with us we've gotta be right, right?"

Matthew:"No, I don't believe it! This has gotta be a pipe dream or something!"

Tarran: "Would you two be serious?"

Elara: "Ahem!"

The young woman with ocean—blue eyes let out that noise and suddenly the [Hero's Party] gave their attention to the [Hero.] Elara Fey's eyes swirled with the properties of a hero, though there was something else inside of them which no one wanted to notice. Or perhaps she'd gotten rid of it so fast no one could. Regardless Elara Fey's ocean eyes flashed at the men, a hint of displeasure and something else inside.

Elara:"I'm sure Mika had a good reason for going, we just have to trust her though, since we're the ones here we should honor the king by giving him our full attention!"

"Matthew: Hmmm…..you say that but...YOU'RE TOTALLY TRYING TO RUN AWAY RIGHT NOW! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!"

At her words Elara Fey's body had started to move in the opposite direction. It seemed that the [Hero] was always one no matter what. As she tried with all her might to head off into the direction she'd just praised Mika for going——completely disregarding her own words as she did. 

Elara:"I can't help it! I know you guys said I shouldn't but I really wanna talk to Rowan! I really think it would help!"

Said Elara fey as she pouted as she was being held back by Matthew from reaching her intended target. At this attitude the current members of the [Hero's Party] could only laugh as the [Elara Fey] in front of them couldn't have been the leader of the [Hero's Party] or the [Hero of Geonosia] that everyone was talking about. In fact this pouty girl in front of them right now, was the one they'd gotten used to seeing as this was the Elara Fey who'd pout when all the marshmallows were out after a long day of fighting Hellspawns. And pouted after an exhausted [Rowan Agoul] wouldn't help her put her tent after she had made it fall down. One could say In essence this cute mess of a child was, the [Elara Fey] Rowan Agoul fell in love with.

Leo: "Listen, Elara we get how you feel but Rowan needs his space right now, besides didn't you just say we needed to focus on the king right now?" 

Elara: "Mmm!"

Matthew: "Leo's right just let it go! Besides are you forgetting you're the one who rejected the guy in the first place?" 

Elara:"Mmm!"

Tarran: "I have to say I agree you can't forget you're the one who did this to him after all, the best thing to do is just let him handle it."

Elara:"You guys are big meanies! Why do you have to keep reminding me of what I did to Rowan! I already know that! You guys are so mean!"

Matthew:"Uh Elara…calm down!"

The [Hero] at this very moment began to pout at the members of the [Hero's party.] At this very moment anyone privy to the scene that was going on right now they'd unanimously agree the girl before them could only have been the [Hero] Elara Fey. Simply because of how innocent the exchange that was happening between [Elara Fey] and the [Hero's party] was. She started to pat Matthew's back with such minimal forced it looked something akin to a toddler whining at her parents as she tried to get them to buy her a toy. Although it didn't seem befitting of a [Hero] to be this way the truth was this innocence could only have come from a [Hero.]

Elara: "No! I'm gonna beat you up until you say you're sorry!"

Matthew: "How is that helping anything?!"

Elara: "It'll make me feel better!"

???: "My,my, what have we stumbled upon?"

A voice hit the ears of the [Hero's party] and they instantly willed themselves down to the floor bowing their heads to the presence. It was clear that this presence was something that surpassed the [Hero's Party] the quality of their voice was something that transcended the very standing of the [Hero's Party] as well. That voice had an astounding level of Importance which was shown through the [Hero] who'd been the first one to bow down to it at all. It was telling since Elara fey herself was in a constant state of [importance] herself being the [Hero of Geonosia.] And while that achievement didn't pale in comparison to the standing of a king, it was something that was still at the mercy of his royalty. Though this was not the nature of the relationship between the [King of Geonosia] and the [Hero] wasn't a negative one.

King Alden: Seems the [Hero's party] finds themselves in a little spat!"

The man before them was none other than the head of Geonosia, the king of the land, Alden. One may not assume that though from his physique, as his broad shoulders dwarfed that of Matthew's and Tarran's with his traps bulging out of his attire a bit. He had a strong jawline as well, his neck muscles bulging slightly as he spoke, as to show off his athletic physique. One could also guess, from the scars on his face that he'd seen countless battles and it was only here—-aside from his gray hair that one could tell he was an older man. Regarding him being a king however, all one would have to do is inspect the clothing he'd worn. 

A deep purple robe draped over his shoulders with a golden symbols embedded into the fabric. It had been intricately weaved by the finest hands,and sat with abundant pride across the king's chest. Of course the center piece of the outfit was his crown which sat gracefully atop his head—-despite that it practically demanded the gestures that go with it. It's aura adding to the own heavy aura of the owner. Underneath that though, remnants of the king's warrior days could be seen as a gold armor peels out from under the robe.

Had one looked inside of it they would have undoubtedly seen their faces reflected back to them. Upon that, one might've thought this armor was new although that wasn't the case, only the most experienced fighters would've realized it. That is, the countless battles which that armor had seen, and the countless horrors King Alden himself had faced upon the battlefield.

Elara: "King Alden sir please forgive us, we were having a little spat but did not mean to disgrace your presence. We humbly apologize." 

Elara bowed but the king simply held us his hand and flashed them a smile. His golden eyes shining brightly.

King Alden: "Now, now it's quite alright. It isn't right for the [Hero] of this land to hang her head in disgrace. Especially with her party's noble deeds." 

Elara: "You are kind as always sir." 

Elara smiled at him which he returned, but a second a later he started to look around as he was searching for something. His eyes focused on the [Hero's Party] with a sharp intent as if he'd expected to find what he was looking for there. Though a second later he'd stopped and turned towards Elara.

King Alden: "Hmmm, I seem to recall there being more members in your party did something happen to them?" 

Matthew: "Oh no sir it's nothing like that sir! It's just are our [Arch Priestess] is running a bit late and we didn't want to keep you waiting." 

King Alden: "I see, I had hoped to have the entirety of the [Hero's party] here for today's events but I guess not. Oh well, it can't be helped."

Hero's party: He's way too non-chalant about this...

???:"My, My, that's a shame I was looking forward to seeing Miss Mika again, I guess our little chat will have to wait until next time."

Another prominent voice rung out in front of the [Hero's Party] though this time there was a definite difference between them. The voice was higher and a bit more seductive in nature, it was a voice that could've only belonged to a woman. Though this particular woman, wasn't that of "any woman" as the [Hero's Party] gave this voice the same precedence that they gave the kings voice. It as only natural since she was the Queen, after all.

Queen Seraphina: "It really is a pity."

Prince Gelderan:"Really mom, we didn't bring them here to talk. We need to keep our eye on the ball, no distractions today." 

Princess Sylphine: "You're one to talk you're just ready to get your hands on Elara. Looking to get all handsy with the [Hero] aren't you?"

As the Queen walked up, a young boy seeming to be in his early twenties and a young girl looking to be no older than seventeen stood next to her. The Queen's regal black hair expertly complimented her expertly crafted navy blue gown with slivers of silver woven into it. Her crown—-similar to her husband's had gemstones embedded into it—sapphires and diamonds to be specific. Her lavender eyes showing a bit of disappoint in them. The young man standing next to her was Gelderan, the Prince of Geonosia and next to him was Sylphine the Princess of Geonosia.

Gelderan, like his mother had jet black hair his eyes having a sharp focus to them. The same sharp angle could be found in his jawline which resembled his father's. His eyes were purple as well but had an intensity to them—-one that showed his aptitude for battle which was the same as his father's. He wore a silver and blue military type of clothing which was plastered with all sorts of medals. He was clearly a skilled warrior.

The young woman, Sylphine however sported a different look from her family. Her hair was a gracious platinum-blonde which flowed down her back, along with golden eyes that perfectly resembled her father's. She wasn't overly curvy and had a small and delicate figure,it was almost fairy-like. She wore a soft navy 

blue gown and was decked-out in jewelry which only made her look more regal. She seemed to carry some sort of staff with her which one could assume was for magic. 

Her clothes contained the artwork silver flowers in it, and took the forefront of attention in her outfit. Needles to say these three were definitely members of the royal family.

Matthew: "Ah Queen Seraphina, Prince Gelderan, and Princess Sylphine it's a pleasure to see you again. It's always an honor." 

Matthew bowed and the other members of the [Hero's Party] did as well. The Queen smiled at them and waved her hand dismissively.

Queen Seraphina: "Please there's no need for such formalities you're the heroes who fight for our lands after all. We'd be in a pinch without you."

Elara: "Still we greatly appreciate it. You are truly a gracious Queen miss Seraphina." 

Elara smiled but then twitched a bit as she felt a hand caress her's in a loving nature she looked down to see the Prince, Gelderan there.

Gelderan: "And you,are as beautiful as ever, Miss Elara. Your beauty enthralls me every time we meet, there's no end to your grace." 

Matthew, Leo, and Terran: "He didn't waste a second turning that on!"

Elara: "It's nice to see you again too Prince Gelderan, it's been far too long since we last met. It feels as if our meeting was ages ago." 

Princess Sylphine: "Oh please brother give it a rest! Could you wait until the rest of us are gone to start your marital endeavors!" 

Matthew, Leo, and Tarran: Marital?!

At this Elara who had flipped a switch and showed the regality of the [Hero of Geonosia] turned back into [Elara Fey] as a dopey look came over her face as she addressed the [Hero's Party.]

Elara: "Oh yeah this invitation was to our marriage, did I forget to tell everybody that?"

Matthew: "You might've forgotten to mention it yeah!" 

The party was in shock as Elara gave them a wry smile. Their minds immediately flipped to the [Weapon Holder] Rowan Agoul and they knew letting Mika leave to talk to him was the right choice. They themselves could hardly stifle their initial shock, so how could one expect the man known as Rowan Agoul to?

Elara: "Really? I'm sorry, it must've slipped my mind." 

Leo: "How does that slip your mind?! Man I suddenly feel bad for Rowan."

Tarran: "So his majesty is that true? Did you really invite us here to undergo their marriage?"

King Alden: "Yes that's correct, I had hoped to get you all here and announce it but it seems my daughter's big mouth has spoiled the news."

Princess Sylphine: "Sorry!"

Said Sylphine as she stuck out her tongue at her brother.

Tarran: "Not to sound rude your highnsss, but is it wise for them to get married right now? I mean, I know we've pushed the Hellspawns back but they're full of surprises shouldn't we be keeping our guard up?" 

Matthew: "Tarran!" 

Matthew pushed his elbow into Tarran and reprimanded him for what he'd just asked. Truly it was the type of question that under normal circumstances and conditions would have been, disrespectful to ask a king. Though Tarran himself understood this he'd still asked under the impression that his standing within the [Hero's Party] would allow him to do so. Of course this assumption wasn't incorrect however it could still be seen as a grave insult to do so.

King Alden: "It's quite alright, you're absolutely right Tarran. Even with the recent progress you've made against the Hellspawns,letting our guard down like this could be the last thing we need but…"

Alden cleared his throat before he continued and now the entire [Hero's Party] was listening intently.

King Alden: "It's essential that we don't lose heart and keep our citizens belief and faith in our country and in this world steadfast and strong. I believe a wedding is the best way to do that, not only does it give a sense of celebration but also a sense of peace we haven't had in a long time. And better yet, the bride is the very Hero of Geonosia Elara Fey herself." 

King Alden smiled and his eyes softened slightly.

King Alden: "I believe there is no better way to bring about reassurance. Does that answer your question?"

Tarran: "I see, forgive me for doubting you your majesty it won't happen again." 

Matthew: "Yes a thousand pardons for his rudeness." 

King Alden: "It's quite alright, I've questioned myself if this was the right choice, it was an apt question to ask, one expected from the mage of the [Hero's Party.]"

King Alden cleared his throat and turned to towards the guards standing behind him and then back to the [Hero's Party.] 

King Alden: "Now, why don't we all head inside? We'll start the festivities soon. Our bride and her guest of honor oughta get ready the ceremony must be perfect. we'll spread the word too!"

The Hero's Party: Right!

They all begin to walk inside heading towards the giant castle doors behind them which invited them in with a welcoming yet intimidating aura. Though this was the last thing on the party member, Matthew's mind and perhaps the others as well. As he watched Elara Fey converse with Prince Gelderan Matthew's mind could only think about the [Weapon Holder] Rowan Agoul.

Matthew: "I hope, you didn't cheer him up too much Mika. Cuz this is gonna hurt."

 

Thought Matthew, as his thoughts drifted to Rowan Agoul. The man caught in a situation of a thousands.