CHAPTER 33: DEMETHER FLORAS (2)
"Instructor Rose?" I suppose there is not a lot of people who would play with me.
"Nope, do you have only Rose in your head Kiddo?" Ah, that voice. Secily!
"How are you, madam? You look wonderful."
When she releases me, I turn and bow while commenting on her dress. She is wearing a blue and light green dress. Also, it's tight. That dress is really tight, emphasizing her curves to the maximum.
"You think so? I always wear baggy clothes when working so…"
"You look magnificent, dear."
From behind her, a new voice comes in: a man also wearing blue. Why does everybody here wear something blue? Is it an emblem of their family or something?
"Is he the child Rose keeps talking about?"
"Yes, he is." The man, after asking Secily approach me and greet me by shaking my hand. His hand is delicate for a man.
"My name is DAVID SILONIA. I am the father of Romas, who is getting engaged. And you, young man?"
"Kevin, simply Kevin."
"I see. Rose told me a lot about you. And indeed, you seem quite mature for a child. Romas can't be compared to you, I suppose. Please, enjoy yourself, the main event will start soon so we must go. Dear?"
"Yes, let's go. Kevin, do try the food, it will change you from the garbage they make you eat at the castle."
***
Old man Excafol disappeared somewhere while I was talking with Secily and her husband. Now I am all alone in the middle of all those people. I don't recognize anybody here. But, it somehow has the same feeling as my birthday.
The food is even more amazing than what Secily said. I take two plates and fill them up with food. While I walk to a corner of the hall, I can hear people whispering 'who is this vulgar man?' or 'where are his manners?', but I don't care since I have no family here, nor do I have to answer to somebody for my behavior.
***
When I have finished the first plate, I notice that everybody is suddenly calm, there is no more whispering or talking. Then, trumpet sounds break the awkward silence.
"AND NOW WITH US: THE FOURTH PRINCE OF THE FLORAS KINGDOM: DEMETHER FLORAS!!!"
Everybody starts clapping while looking at the second-floor balcony. When I look there, I see a young man, maybe around 13 years old or so, greeting everybody. He is wearing a brown coat and blueish clothes.
The coat matches well with his brown hair and eyes. A fair white skin. So he is a prince of the royal Floras family, one of those who ordered to destroy my village. After about two minutes of clapping, the guy starts talking with Mark. And all of those who were clapping, meaning everybody except me, restart talking and whispering.
***
"Are you perhaps Sir Kevin, the apprentice of Madam Rose?"
Roughly 30 minutes after I had finished my second plate and while I was pondering whether to go and fill it again, a butler comes and ask me something.
"Hm, yes, I am. Why?"
"Great, your presence has been requested. Please, follow me." Who requested my presence? While I was planning to eat no less.
"Okay, let's go." Only one way to find out.
We go to the second-floor balcony and there, I see the prince sitting with Lanuvel and Romas, they are talking and laughing like there is no difference of status between them. They must have known each other for a long time.
Rose is also there, in a corner, talking with two women I have never seen before, but one of them looks quite alike with Rose. Mark is on the left side, talking with Borgas, the old man I saw earlier, Excafol and finally a tall guy. Looking closely at him, he seems to fit the description of the one I am supposed to kill.
"Ah, there he is. I am sorry if I have bothered you, but I wanted to have a look at the apprentice Rose is taking care of."
The prince starts talking to me while Lanuvel and Romas stand up from their seats. What is happening? "Don't worry. I was just hoping that maybe you could display a bit of what you learn with her. She is a famous warrior, so I am really curious as to how she teaches. Kalok, would you please be his opponent?"
Something has started without even asking for my approval. Is this how royalties act? They don't even care about what others think. Or is it because I am not a noble? Also, as I thought, the tall guy is my target, Kalok Isgard. I will have to review my strategy. He is too tall for me to reach easily. He must be at least 2 meters tall.
"Yes, your majesty. With pleasure."
Just like Lanuvel and Romas, everybody stands up from their seats and back away. Even the fucking prince who has instigated this is now standing next to Mark. Rose has also joined them to observe the match. They are behind the tall guy, so I can't see them that well while facing him.
"What weapon do you use, kid? Don't be afraid. I won't hurt you too much."
"Is that so? Well, Instructor Rose has taught me to use the raizen."
When I say raizen, everybody goes 'oh' like I said something out of the norms. Kalok stares at me for a while then simply grins.
"Well, even kids can joke. Bring us two wooden raizen then. Let's make sure you learn something useful and reflect today." Reflect? Did I do something bad?