Chapter 26

Arrival at Aurareth City

The capital was breathtaking.

Everything glittered—windows enchanted to shift colors, streetlamps that flickered on without flame, pastries that floated behind bakery glass like sweet balloons. People moved with grace, especially the elves. Every one of them looked like they'd walked out of a fantasy calendar. Even the vendors selling fruit had tunics stitched with silver thread and shoes nicer than anything I'd ever owned.

I tugged my hoodie tighter around my chest.

They were definitely staring.

"Elven nobles," Elvie murmured under her breath. "Judging by the way they walk, they think the ground should kiss their feet."

"I mean, the ground is sparkling," Ella said, wide-eyed.

"I feel underdressed," Felix added with a grunt.

"We all do," I replied, brushing off dust from my jeans.

*****

The Castle of Aurareth

The castle gates alone were enough to make me stop breathing for a second—three stories high, with lion statues glowing faintly with protective magic. Silver-armored knights stood like statues, barely even blinking as we approached.

A steward stepped out.

"Dirk Robinson Jr., the merchant?" he asked, bowing slightly.

"That's me," I said, my voice steadier than I felt.

He led us through a series of halls that would've made any museum back on Earth weep with envy. Stained-glass murals showed legendary battles, divine beings, and a glowing tree that looked a lot like the one I'd just plucked a fruit from not too long ago.

The deeper we went, the more I could feel the magic humming through the marble floor.

Then came the throne room.

We stepped inside as the trumpets blared. A royal affair. The air was thick with enchantment, heavy and almost... reverent. At the far end, on a throne that glittered with embedded gems and mana circuits, sat King Ernest. Weathered, wise, and powerful—but kind, too. You could see it in his eyes.

Beside him stood Saintess Athena, glowing softly as her presence alone purified the room.

The six of us dropped to one knee.

"Rise," the king said. His voice had weight.

I stood, trying not to let my nerves show. My palms were sweaty inside my sleeves. Backpack? Still secure. My enchanted satchel practically hummed.

The king studied me, really studied me. Then he smiled faintly.

"So you are the merchant everyone's been whispering about," he said. "We have a lot to discuss, Mister Robinson."

No going back now.

I cleared my throat. "Yes, Your Majesty."

"I've heard tales. That your items heal wounds, restore mana... strengthen even the weakest of men. Is it true?"

I hesitated. "I... suppose it is."

His gaze sharpened. "Then tell me, merchant... what land are you truly from?"

My heart skipped.

And in that single moment—standing in front of the king of a magical realm, surrounded by elves and knights—I realized just how far I'd come from convenience stores and university exam halls.

"...North Pole," I said at last.

He raised a brow, clearly intrigued.

And I had a feeling things were about to get even more complicated. Of course, it was obvious that I lied but who cares? The king seemed to believe me.

As silence fell after the king's question about my origins, a familiar chime echoed in my mind, followed by the gentle pulse of light from my Guardian Screen.

[New Quest Available]

Title: The King's Favor

Objective: Accept the King's Offer and become a Lord.

Reward: Guardian System Upgrade

I blinked, momentarily stunned. A Guardian System Upgrade? That hadn't happened since the Divine Tree quest. I discreetly tapped the corner of my screen to review the details, heart thudding.

It was legit.

King Ernest stood, stepping down from his throne with a presence that quieted the entire hall.

"Mister Robinson," he began, clasping his hands behind his back. "This kingdom faces a grave threat. The demon lord's forces grow bolder by the day. We cannot afford weakness, and we cannot afford to ignore miracles when they appear."

He stopped in front of me.

"I offer you land, merchant. A border territory not far from Elvenreach, a few miles west of the very town where your shop has already proven its worth. It is fertile, mostly untamed, but rich in mana wells."

His eyes narrowed slightly, as if testing my reaction.

"You will become its lord. A baron, should you accept. The kingdom will aid in the development of the land—labor, materials, and protection. In return, you will supply your wares to our knights, armies, and naval forces. You will serve not by blade, but through the strength of your inventions."

There it was. A barter. A deal dressed in royal velvet.

I paused, then turned slightly to glance at Elvie, Felix, and Ella. They stood behind me—silent, waiting.

I cleared my throat. "May I consult with my companions first, Your Majesty?"

The king nodded. "Of course."

We were ushered to a side chamber. As soon as the doors closed, Felix whistled low.

"Baron Dirk. Has a ring to it."

Ella crossed her arms. "I say take it. You've already helped the kingdom more than most. And imagine the influence—your own land, your own laws."

Elvie, thoughtful as ever, frowned. "It puts you on the map. Every power in the realm will know your name. That brings allies, but also enemies. Still... it might be worth it."

I nodded, absorbing their advice.

"Thanks," I murmured. "Alright. Let's do this."

Back in the throne room, I stepped forward and met the king's gaze.

"Your Majesty, I accept your offer. I will become the Baron of the land west of Elvenreach, and support your kingdom with my supplies."

King Ernest smiled, nodding with approval. "Then it shall be decreed."

I reached into my satchel. "If I may," I said, pulling out a few items, "a small demonstration."

First came the bottled water, cool and clear. Then the plastic-wrapped mamon, golden and fluffy. Noodles. Sugar packets. A pack of hotdogs sealed in durable frost-charmed plastic. A canister of deodorant. A can of corned beef. And finally, a single chocolate bar.

Gasps echoed. The king stepped forward, taking the water first. His eyes widened at the crisp taste.

Athena tried the mamon, blinking in surprise. "Is this... cake? It melts on the tongue."

The hotdog drew laughter and awe from a nearby knight. "This one has cooling spells in the packaging," I explained. "Lasts for weeks." But it was the chocolate bar that made the room fall utterly silent. When the king took a bite, his brows shot up and he made a soft, reverent sound.

"By the heavens," he whispered. "What is this?"

"Chocolate," I said. "From my land, I mean, from the north."

A beat passed. Then King Ernest laughed—booming and delighted. "Baron Dirk," he declared, "your wares shall fortify my armies and sweeten my court!"

[Quest Completed] Reward Unlocked: Guardian System Upgrade

I felt it then—a surge of magic, my Guardian Screen pulsing with new icons. Things were just getting started.

That night, after the royal banquet and an overwhelming day of ceremonies, I finally collapsed onto the feather-soft bed inside the guest chamber of Aurareth Castle. The sheer weight of the day—the king's offer, the strange reactions to my Earth items, the audience in the grand throne room—had drained me.

But as I lay there, staring up at the ornate carvings of dragons and stars in the canopy above, something strange happened. A soft chime echoed in my head, followed by the familiar glow of the Guardian System screen appearing before my eyes.