In less than six hours, King Kurtis eagerly returned to Neverport alone.
Many people commented that he had the face of a scared child when he rushed to the presence room on horseback. A few assumed he came to call off the ten-day invasion since it was pointless, while others assumed he was being pressured by his council to call it off.
All three of them sat together at the round table with a glass of ale to ease the awkwardness between Kurtis and Becca.
Philly and CJ stood guard outside the house, pretending to be vigilant, while in reality, they were listening to the conversation inside.
After Kurtis finished his glass, he turned his attention to Becca and said, "I was unaware that you and Axel were governing this land. If I had known, I would have brought some gifts along the way."
Becca sighed before replying, "I thought it wouldn't matter since you were dealing with me. Speaking of which…" She pressed her forehead against the table and continued, "I'm sorry, I prioritized my personal feelings over the safety of my village. I should have worked to negotiate a better deal with you instead of voicing my unnecessary opinions. Furthermore, I shouldn't have questioned your authority as a leader, especially since I don't know what your priorities are."
King Kurtis smiled softly, "Raise your head. I need to explain a few things." He said while maintaining a strong and firm expression.
When Becca raised her head, Kurtis said, "Sungalepore is facing a threat it has never encountered before. They call themselves the Lost Brotherhood. Recently, my subjects have been reported murdered within my kingdom. It started randomly, but their numbers have quickly grown with each passing day. I was left with no choice but to close my kingdom off from the outside for the time being. These mindless killers even spark a rebellion within my kingdom, a child who used rob people for his mother was found butchered. They take justice to a level that I can't agree to."
Becca remembered something due to the name sounding familiar, "Aren't they the same people who assassinate individuals who have committed wrongful deeds? I remember one of their members came here three months ago."
King Kurtis jumped up, slamming his hands on the table, and shouted, "AND DIDN'T REPORT THEM TO THE KINGDOM!!!" This completely startled Becca.
King Kurtis's anger instantly faded when he noticed Axel, who looked rather unhappy as he stared at him. "My apologies," Kurtis said. "Do you know where this person is now? We need to locate them as soon as possible." He then returned to his seat.
Becca crossed both arms and legs while staring at him, "The girl died, she was trying to hook up with me but after my waitress had already given her three glasses of poisonous beer. Afterward, we looted her and found nothing besides a couple of silver coins."
Kurtis bit his lip as he pondered deeply, "That explains a lot. I believe they are using villages like this as hiding places or even sanctuaries. The one you described probably didn't blend in with its surroundings, which explains why we never anticipated their attacks before the outside sanctions. Now, it's harder for them to find places to remain hidden"
Becca suddenly interrupted him with a question of her own, "What makes them dangerous? They are just normal people,"
Kurtis said, "No, they're dangerous because they use Hax."
Becca confusedly asked, "What's Hax?" Kurtis's eyes panned over to Axel to which she followed suit.
Axel sighs, "Hax is a body enhancer that replicates different monster's physical and biological features temporarily. The drug isn't complete which leads to deformities." He explain which shocked Becca, "Why would they even do that?" She said
Axel quietly laughed and responded, "Better question, how far are you willing to go? That's the question you should be asking yourself. Suppose they are willing to take body-enhancing drugs for a cause that they believe is righteous. Then you are dealing with more than a couple of killers." his response only made Kurtis more paranoid than ever.
Becca understood the situation and declared, "I have an idea regarding our negotiation. Neverport can help locate these individuals, and in exchange, you would need to send us a talented master builder and a shipmaster. If you want access to the mines, we can split the materials: you would receive thirty percent while we keep the rest."
Axel smiled warmly at Becca's plan. "With my new arm, I believe I can handle this task. I will start looking around Neverport, and then we can extend our searches."
Kurtis was silent for a moment. He understood that this deal seemed reasonable, and he had no reason to doubt Axel's powers, but deep down, he wanted more.
Since he was dealing with Becca and not Axel in this negations. He wasn't going to ask for something that he originally going to ask.
Swallowing his pride he said, "That's perfect, I can relocate three of my subjects which fit your needs. All I ask is that you get it done immediately."
Becca stood and extended her hand to him, "Certainly." Kurtis responded by getting up and shaking hands with her.
After the handshake, Kurtis bowed and said, "I will address your people about our agreement and assure them not to worry about my arrival in ten days. Until then, I must return home." He then left the presence room.
Becca sunk to a chair and table, "Thank god it's over " she moans.
Philly and Cj walked in, "Congratulations Becca, you showed him who's boss." The two said simultaneously.
She wasn't in the mood and continued to sulk about something that was on her mind, "I just wish he could answer my letters, maybe things would have been different."
Axel cleared his throat and said, "Usually, handwritten letters are not sent to the king unless they bear a seal from a royal family that only he is permitted to see. Most likely, his advisor read it and discarded it."
Becca was even more upset and embarrassed now, "So I yelled at an old man who didn't know anything." She slowly started sinking to the ground.
Axel's silent smirk only proves her suspicion.
"But that's not important now, how about the three of us go celebrate." Said Cj.
Immediately after Philly said, "I bet you guys that I can finish the keg in under five minutes," the excitement on Philly's and CJ's faces was radiant.
Becca jumped with excitement at the thought of drinking again. "Hell yeah, Axel, do you want to tag along?" That invitation caused discomfort for Cj and Philly.
Even after countless times of saying Axel could be trusted. They still wouldn't trust him.
When Becca noticed it, she shot them an angry glare. However, Axel simply stood up from his chair with a smile on his face, "It's alright," he said. "I prefer spending time with Ivy, and I need to start preparing for the magic reveal later today. I hope to see you there." With that, he left the room.