AND SO THEY BARK

The world's mind. Such was the title given to him, the ninety nineth king of Velmoria--and by far the most influential one to have ever step into power.

Undisputable knowledge, terrifying authority and a tough yet just character. King Luceryn Tylvannis had built a name that was hard to rub off of history books, a man of little words and uncountable actions...makes sense why the whole palace was in a somewhat controlled state of chaos.

Walking through the halls would be enough to rise anyone's tension, the number of times I almost bumped into maids and council-men who had been too immersed in their thoughts would need a notebook to keep track of--heck even the knights seemed to be flustered. I'd turned to look at one and they immediately stiffened up, as though one mistake would send me reporting a life-ending case to the man-in-power himself.

"Pretty welcoming..." I let out, partially talking to myself as I navigated through the chaotic halls.

"It is expected, your father is a feared man. Both in Velmoria and in Calyndria altogether." The messenger let out, her words flying around me.

I'd have panicked but from how everyone was reacting, I'm doubting they would have noticed the mysterious golden text were they to even have the capability of doing so.

"Feared across the globe, must be a bore to him." I let out, scratching the back of my head, "...having that much authority is more of a bother than an advantage."

Perhaps to me. Leadership was never something I adored--imagine having people look up to you for advice, solutions, matters concerning the land you govern--heck even a small role like the representative of a class in middle-school was a role I heavily rejected.

"Not everyone has an eye for a quiet lifestyle, master." She responded calmly, "For a man blessed by an Architect, a quiet lifestyle isn't something he can afford."

I tightened my jaw for a second as I listened to her words before quickly calming myself down. Had she taken another shot perhaps I'd have lost my cool.

What she said was true though. Blessed by the Architect of wisdom and crowned as the king of an almost collapsing kingdom, he really didn't have time to think about living a peaceful life. Perhaps it's what had him grumpy and pissed all the time. Regardless, whatever was to be said today wasn't something I was concerned about.

You see, like the king, I too had matters to attend to. Especially since it was clearly getting in my way of having a peaceful quiet life.

That being said, I took a deep breath before watching the doors in front of me swing open.

The feeling that the entire hall gave off was pure, unfiltered tension. The kind you'd get right as you hear your name being called to have your interview done. No? Not relatable? Well that was practically it, just slightly bumped all the way up the scale. And it seemed I had the late invitation or perhaps my walking was sluggish, because all my siblings had already taken a stand in front of the king himself; who calmly sat on his polished throne.

"My king." I let out, bowing respectfully.

My greetings were responded with a mere grunt as he waved his hand for me to join my brothers in their stand with the doors finally slamming shut.

It took at least five to ten minutes before he would finally rise to a stand. As though he'd been waiting for any possible eavesdroppers to get rushed out of the perimeter by the knights on duty.

"My boys...my sons." He let out, taking calm calculated steps towards us, "...my failures."

"The shame you fill me with continues to grow on a daily basis. Each day I am reminded of your incompetence and foolishness."

King Luceryn paused, his gaze darting towards our eldest before slowly closing the gap between them until what separated them was an index finger's distance worth of space.

"Even you, he who was once termed as 'Velmoria's pride' has come to become one of my biggest regrets." Swiftly, he turned back to his throne, his movements slightly faster before finally taking a seat; authority dripping off of him as he stared down at us.

"The one to blame is none but me. It seems I haven't raised you all to be worthy of my place as king. But now that I grow old, something has to be done."

Stroking his beard, he let out a deep sigh...oh and I could smell it. His breath? no, far from that in fact. It reeked, even before its own scent could make its way into the room. I am no fool nor am I an Otaku, but from the moment he brought up the whole topic, I could smell it from a far.

 I've read my fair share of mangas in the old high-school days, back when I actually started getting what could be called an addiction towards them. This, at the current moment, felt like something ripped straight out of those drawn pages. The king wants a worthy heir to the throne so he's going to make us fight a dragon or figure out a solution to some political mess. Or perhaps he'll send us on a random quest that has no solution.

"Even before he speaks, messenger, I refuse." I let out inwardly, my message clear.

"Understood, the affairs of the kingdom aren't what the Architects sent you here for in the first place. You need not worry, master." She responded, her words in line with my own for the first time since my whole rebirth.

And as expected, the king's next words were the exact bullshit I was absolutely against. A sub-plot I was, without a doubt, going to ignore valiantly.

"Five years from now, from amongst you a king will be chosen through a test that will be officially held; regardless of whether or not I live long enough to see that day." He let out, his hand stretched out with three of his fingers pointed up.

"You shall only be allowed to participate once you have satisfied the trial's three requirements..."

The prince must have power equivalent or above that of an A ranked hunter, must be connected to a different kingdom through marriage and the prince must pay a total of three hundred gold coins off of his own income. A test of power, politics and income. Had I been watching this through my usual TV screen, I'd have applauded in respect, not many could come up with a concrete test of this level. Though, you wouldn't expect less from Calyndria's mind, the man blessed by the same wise-ass that stuck me into a magicless body.

With this though, I was slightly at ease. In terms of power, I was at the bottom of the barrel; as for income, I hadn't secured a solid source capable of producing such an extravagant entry amount. A fee like that could feed half the kingdom for half-a-week.

On politics though, color me surprised, this book-worm apparently had an engagement.

Anabelle Varentis was her name, the second princess of Varentis; a vast coastal kingdom with a powerful naval fleet. Our love tale was more or less one-sided, clearly being showered with random affection for the sake of the kingdom itself, everyone wants a taste of power; what better way of getting it than to get engaged to a powerful kingdom.

Normally, I wouldn't be worried about this, but since I was 'oh so graciously' blessed by the architects, there was no telling just how far my own power could go. in terms of being equal to or more powerful as compared to an A rank hunter, that would be unrealistic had I not been blessed. As for money, there was no telling how much I'd make along my journey.

And if I unfortunately happened to tick all the boxes for this, the king would for sure not take no for an answer.

A long sigh escaped me at this thought. The chances of all three boxes being ticked were slim, but far from none; for me to focus on the quest at hand, I'd have to get rid of any speedbump riddling my path--this was for sure one of them. As such, the decision I'd make was one that I had decided on long after hearing the king's words...

---

The journey to Varentis was a three day trip so thank the heavens I'd left immediately. Cart rides were a first for me but I was clearly not going to like any more of it, you can hardly believe the relief I felt watching the calm sea through the window.

Fortunately for me, the trip had its advantages tucked underneath the clear disadvantages. I'd taken that time to read up on dungeons and guilds, along with every essential information needed. Wasting three days to get here and spending three more days to get back wasn't efficient, I was already late on my other-worldly quest and I wasn't planning on spending another day planning.

Lucky for me, Varentis wasn't just known for its attractive beaches and beautiful climate--it was a famous spot for hunters. The more the people it attracts, the more negative magic it emits-bringing forth the rise of dungeons. I could see why the divine beings had chosen this as my starting priority, training while figuring out why magic's waste birthed dungeons...something they hadn't installed within the world itself. Leave it to man to fuck up divine works.

"Sir Aeron, we've arrived" The coachman let out, sliding open the window that separated the both of us.

"Thanks a lot..." I responded, stretching as I alighted from the cursed means of transportation.

Swiftly after, I dug into my bag before tossing a coin bag I'd designated for him. Enough cash to make the journey worth it whilst keeping enough for equipment. He calmly nudged onto the tip of his cap with a smile on his face as a thank you before quickly making a U-turn and disappearing out of the palace's view.

"Prince Aeron Tylvannis..." An elderly voice let out, the person's steps echoing as they travelled down the flight of stairs, "...we are honored to have you within our walls."

White blazer and pants, black belt and shirt, grey yet superbly well kept hair and beard along with a pair of clean glasses...one hell of a stylish butler. An elf to boot, or so I thought once I'd taken a look at his pointed ears. Willing to bet he wasn't a vampire considering he was standing before me in broad daylight.

"Sorry for suddenly popping up...is Anabelle home?"

"No apology required, our gates are open to you at all times." He responded before stretching his arm towards the main entrance, his head lowered, "princess Anabelle is waiting for you at the gardens."

For a lesser known kingdom in terms of ranking, Varentis sure did feel a lot more royal as compared to my own spawn point. The halls were riddled with paintings of its past rulers, well lit by the numerous, well-decorated chandeliers that made the insides look a lot more like daytime than the own sun did. Maids and guards? every one of them looked like they'd spent more than enough time--no, spent more than enough money on their uniform and equipment. Makes you wonder why a heavily political kingdom like ours still reigns above them.

Sightseeing aside, I made my way through the halls with the help of the butler before finally entering the well kept garden. The view alone was one to die for, I'd been here before--well, Aeron had, but each time it simply felt greater than the last. This one especially, something about watching the waves crash below you as you enjoy being surrounded by various flowers had me at ease. So much so that I had unknowingly lost track of my own surroundings.

"I swear you always seem to enjoy the garden more than anything else..." A familiar voice broke the moment, forcing my gaze towards where it came from.

There she was, a decorated watering can in her hands along with two maids on both her sides who she quickly dismissed after handing over the watering can itself.

"Bummer, I've never had you looking at me with such admiration."

"Nature and mankind are on different levels, I find it hard to compete with them when they were made for beauty."

"So you've said, multiple times as well." She responded, brushing past me as she approached an exposed part of the railing; gesturing for me to follow.

"Whatever had you visiting to day perhaps was on my side as well, I had something to discuss with you. Considering Aeron himself took time off to visit, I'm guessing you weren't here for a small chat either."

"Let's call off the engagement." I let out, straight to the point.

A short silence passed between us before she finally turned back to me with a smile drawn on her face.

"Although I'm surprised, perhaps the heavens sent you here to make it easier. I had the same idea in mind."

Yikes. Wasted three whole days in an attempt to do something that would have occurred naturally, I was more pissed about the fact that I had to endure three days on the road. The one to blame was me, had I sent a letter I'd have been registered under the guilds in Velmoria two days ago.

"If you don't mind me asking, what brought this up for you?" Anabelle questioned, curiosity clear in her tone. Justified, although she herself had planned on breaking the news.

"Father proposed something I have no interest in, unfortunately it involves being connected to another kingdom through marriage." I calmly responded, closing the gap between us slightly.

"You're not after the throne? King Luceryn Tylvannis' trial requires you to be engaged to any kingdom, does it not?"

The trial's news had made it to Varentis already? News travels fast around the world, even without social media. Heck--I bet it would have been slower with social media. That being said, I don't recall having a messenger in the meeting, news about this would have taken far longer to be released with the only ones knowing being us princes...yet a kingdom far from ours knew it.

"Odd, I don't recall mentioning the trial."

For a moment, it seemed as though she was about to say something before hesitating. After a short moment, she let out a sigh before turning back to face the breathtaking view.

"Lucien informed me about it through his usual letters."

Her words did catch me by surprise for a moment. Lucien Tylvannis, one of my many brothers, among the one's Aeron would have preferred staying away from. Crude yet clever, an absolute opposite of me in every way to boot. Also part of the portion of my siblings that seemed to be against me in every way. Why would a termed 'kind-hearted' princess be communicating with a brute like him?

"I'm surprised the two of you are contacting each other..." I let out before taking some steps back, my hands tightening the singular strap on my bag, "...but that's none of my concerns, I'm glad we could sort this situation swiftly."

As the words left my mouth, the door behind me swung open, the elven butler showing a cornered expression as he stared at me.

"Th...this way, prince Lucien..." He let out, seemingly causing Anabelle to turn away from me, her gaze lowered.

You had to have been dumb to not piece together what was unfolding. First sending letters now making an actual visit--double yikes. Aeron had been played, for how long was what I both didn't know and care about as I watched the well chiseled familiar figure step into the room, pushing the butler out of his way.

"Could it be? It is...what's our family's ass wipe doing this far from home?" 

Crude and ill-mannered, Lucien's calling card. His voice could be identified from miles away--that and his ever-present stench of alcohol, the guy loved his booze a lot more than his own self.

"Its a pleasure meeting you too, brother" I responded, attempting to walk past him. My movements were halted when he suddenly placed a firm grip on my shoulder, a wide grin on his face.

"What? Going so soon?" He let out, bringing himself closer before wrapping his hand around my shoulders, "...you haven't even given us your blessings. Or didn't you know, we're getting married soon?"

Whether it was by accident or as a random bodily reaction, a part of me felt slightly triggered for a second. His tone, his voice, the alcoholic stench around him...everything had me clenching my fist ready to send a stray one straight for his face. Calming myself, I shrugged off his hand before continuing my walk to the garden's exit...as expected, he wasn't pleased.

"Ah, you're even more boring than you were back as a child." He paused for a second before letting out a chuckle as he approached Anabelle who tried her best to keep her distance.

"...maybe its because you can't go back crying to your mother like you used to."

For a moment, only a moment--a familiar wave coursed through my body, my movements making a complete stop. Unknowingly, my jaws were tightened as well and my brows were furrowed...why? I can't quite place a finger on it, but something about his words had me ticked off--seriously ticked off.

"Digging up tales of the past, are we now, Lucien?"

"They're the only things worth digging up...or do you prefer actually digging her up."

Again, for a second time, the sensation made its way all around my body. It was all too familiar--this anger. It was clear he was trying to spark it up, bringing up stuff about Aeron's long gone mother was clearly out of line and he knew it. Even Anabelle couldn't help but stare at him in disappointment--not that it mattered. In fact, all this wasn't supposed to have an effect on me in any way. I was simply an outsider living in another person's body...so why did it piss me off this much.

"I'm not going to stand here playing your games, Lucien." I commented, continuing my walk with a forced calmness, "...if insulting the dead is part of your many kinks then enjoy it when I'm gone instead."

Bingo, easiest way to hurt someone who's trying to piss you off is by simply going against their expectations. Well, I say that after struggling to keep my cool too, making it ironically the hardest yet easiest thing to do. Either way, it was a critical hit...it was, is the main point. They always have a comeback, don't they?

"Pathetic, its why you're no fun to bother anymore. Probably what makes you unfit to be king too."

A laugh escaped him after completing his sentence, freeing Anabelle from his grasps as he stretched both his arms out pridefully.

"...I guess its why both dad and the entire family have never had any hope in you either...you're a waste." He let out, "I'm sure your excuse of a mother would have been ashamed of you as well...a commoner playing prince."

You have to give the guy some credit, when it comes to pissing people off, he truly didn't miss. The fact that I'd fully turned to face him with a face tainted in both disgust and rage was enough to prove that. I didn't know exactly what sent my blood boiling or why it did so, but one thing I did know was that I severely wanted to send his lower jaw flying. The urge to shut him up was one thing that critically fueled my anger even more.

What was it? unfit to be king? Because my father and siblings had no hope in me? To hell with all that...I don't know exactly what had me making this mental decision after turning it down almost immediately when it actually was brought up, but what I did know was that I was set on it more than the Architects' quest itself as a set of words left my mouth automatically.

"Mark my words, brother...I'll have all of you in the ground for this. I swear on it too." My voice was almost a low growl, part of me wanting to release a shout but my logical side taking over, barking louder than a dog puts you below it. 

The barking dog itself simply showed a grin as it stared at me. Almost as if he were outwardly saying 'do your worst'.

With that being said, I simply turned back and made a march out of the area. A new quest in mind and a sub-quest noted down...one that I hadn't planned on before but was seriously set on doing now.