Ethan prepared for the day with a mixture of nerves and determination. The name "Arthur Brightwind" resonated in his mind as a warning bell. He remembered the protagonist of Luz de Eternia: an idealistic gentleman, just and with a sense of morals as unwavering as a mountain. In the novel, Arthur had been Leonard's greatest enemy. But this time, things were going to be different.
"If I achieve that I do not see me as a threat from the beginning, maybe I can avoid one of the biggest problems of the future," he murmured as he adjusted the neck of his shirt in front of the mirror.
With a deep breath, Ethan left his room. His father, Duke Valefor, had already instructed Arthur in the Main Hall of the Mansion. While walking through the halls decorated with family paintings, he realized that several servants who passed by his side seemed ... less tense. They even offered shy smiles. The change after breakfast in the kitchen was evident.
"A small step at the same time," he thought, allowing a slight smile.
When he arrived at the main hall, the scene was exactly as he remembered the novel. Arthur Brightwind, the gentleman of the Order of Light, was standing in the center of the room. He was as imposing as Ethan had imagined it: high, with blond hair that fell into soft waves to his shoulders, blue eyes like a clear sky and a light armor that seemed to shine with his own aura.
Next to his side was one of his fellow fellow, Marcus, a fornid warrior who always seemed to be about to crush someone with his naked hands.
Ethan took a deep breath and entered the living room, causing everyone to turn to him.
"Oh, Leonard, you're here," said his father, Duke Valefor, with an authoritarian tone while making a gesture to approach.
Arthur turned his gaze to Ethan, and for a moment, his blue eyes seemed to analyze every corner of his soul. There was something in his gaze that radiated purity, but also determination.
"Arthur Brightwind," Ethan said in a calm voice, slightly tilting his head in a gesture of respect. It is an honor to meet you.
Arthur seemed surprised by courtesy. In the original novel, Leonard had received Arthur with disdain, as if he were above him.
"Honor is mine, young teacher Valefor," Arthur replied, slightly tilting his head too.
Duke Valefor observed the exchange with interest, but said nothing. He knew that his son was not known precisely for his diplomacy.
Ethan advanced towards them, keeping calm. He could feel a slight tension in the environment, but something inside him told him that Arthur had not arrived with hostile intentions ... at least, not yet.
"Please, feel." We can discuss what has brought them here more comfortably, "said Ethan, gesturing towards the nearby seats.
Arthur and Marcus exchanged a look, but finally sat. Ethan took the seat in front of them, with his father by his side.
"The order of light has sent us to discuss a possible alliance with the Valefor family," Arthur began, with his firm but diplomatic tone. With the growing tensions in the kingdom, we believe that working together could benefit both parties.
Ethan nodded, listening carefully. He remembered that this meeting was a trap in the novel. Leonard, faithful to his arrogance, had rejected the alliance, which eventually led to a direct conflict with Arthur and his group.
"I agree that tensions in the kingdom cannot be ignored," Ethan said, with a reflective tone. And although our family has not always been aligned with the order, I think this could be the time to reconsider our positions.
Duke Valefor looked at him in surprise, although he did not say anything. Arthur, on the other hand, seemed intrigued.
"That's an interesting perspective, young master," Arthur said, leaning forward slightly. I expected to meet someone more... rigid.
Ethan laughed softly, trying not to show nervousness.
—Times change, Knight Brightwind. And I think we all need to adapt if we want to thrive.
Arthur smiled, and for the first time, Ethan saw a hint of respect in his gaze.
As the conversation continued, Ethan noticed something strange. Thanks to his new ability [Empathic Sense], he could perceive subtle emotions in others. Arthur's presence was like a warm, steady light, but there was also a spark of caution in him, as if he were carefully evaluating him.
Marcus, on the other hand, was a wall of distrust. Every time Ethan spoke, he could feel the tension in the warrior, as if he was ready to pounce at any moment.
"Maybe I should take it apart a bit," Ethan thought, looking at Marcus.
"Marcus, isn't it?" —she said suddenly, turning to him.
The warrior blinked, clearly surprised that he was speaking directly to him.
—Yes, young master.
—I have heard about your exploits. You defeated a troll in the northern mountains, didn't you?
Marcus raised an eyebrow, but something in his posture relaxed slightly.
-That's how it is. It was... complicated, but we managed to put an end to the threat.
Ethan smiled.
—It must have been an impressive battle. I hope that one day you will tell me more details.
The surprise on Marcus's face was evident, but he nodded.
—Sure… if the opportunity arises.
Arthur watched the exchange with a thoughtful expression. He clearly wasn't expecting that kind of behavior from Leonard.
After a few more minutes of conversation, the system appeared in front of Ethan again.
Mission completed: First Meeting with the Hero.
Reward obtained: Neutral relationship with Arthur Brightwind established.
Ethan held back a sigh of relief. He knew he hadn't earned Arthur's complete trust, but at least he had avoided disaster.
When they finally said goodbye, Arthur shook his hand.
—Young Master Valefor, I must admit that this meeting has been… different from what I expected. I hope we can work together in the future.
Ethan squeezed his hand firmly, looking into his eyes.
"I hope so too, Arthur."
As I watched them leave, a new system window appeared.
New mission: Investigate the Strange Presence in the Forest.
Description: A dark energy source has been detected in the nearby forest. Investigate it before it's too late.
Reward: ???
Penalty for failure: Increase in dark activity in Valefor territory.
Ethan sighed, running a hand through his hair.
—They don't even give me a break, do they?
But inside him, a spark of emotion was beginning to grow. This world was dangerous, yes, but it also offered something his previous life didn't: purpose.