Has This One Abandoned the Way of the Sovereign?

I waited, looked at a few more people at the cafe. Couples, old people, really just a bland variation knowing it. Didn't capture the diversity that Komarine or Bortabelle did, unfortunately. Because in those cities, you could tell everyone had a different path of life. A different walk.

Here?

There's two directs walks. Wealth that was handed to you through generations, or rich value that one gaine themselves. There's no in-between. I could see it perfectly on their face, because it reminded of some of the players that were handed out crazy items.

It should go without saying, we called those players, Boosted Merchants.

They had someone, high-level, and were boosted through levels. So, in a way, what they achieved with the build doesn't match their experience. I once fought someone in PvP who had no idea to work their [Dragon's Authority]. 

It was one of those cheesy, glitchy Fae dragon builds. Smaller hitbox, faster mana and health regen. Annoying "DPS Support" type of builds. Probably saw one of their favorite content creators go over the build and never actually spent time with the build.

That's usually the consensus.

That's also why the low-tier corners of PvP feel so alien compared to the competitive scene. Over there on that side, people have actually spent time with the builds. Even if it fell out of the meta. Not everyone has the same playstyle, so you can't force it. Not to mention the insane skill gap—but that's another conversation for another day.

And my build never fell out of the meta, call that longevity.

I looked at the menu, rich stuff that you would find nowhere else in Aurea Islands. Big thing is that I don't have any currency. Vaniti is currently the uh…breadwinner, of us two. Ranger money is crazy, I've heard. But she's not with me right now.

So I guess I'll continue to sit here like some weird and foreign figure. Anyone confuses me for a beasthuman anyways I think I'll be fine.

As I sat, comfortably, a few waiters and waitresses usually gave out orders to those sitting outside on the chairs and the furniture. Since I've never placed an order…nor do I know how to, I guess nobody would come up to me.

"Hey, sir? This is an order for…"

Well, I guessed wrong.

He trailed off, I didn't notice him at first. His cap or visor completely casted a shadow over the upper portion of his face. He carried a silver plate, and with it was a few edibles. Bagels, donuts, soft pastries.

All yummy.

I would feel bad to take this from someone…though.

So, I shook my head. Have to clean the reputation of the Sovereign of Calamity, Strife, and everything nice one way or another.

I raised my hand, "Ah, no. That's not mine—"

Stopping mid-sentence only because his expression, changed. Last minute. He wasn't smiling anymore. No, it was different.

He put the silver plate down in front of me and pulled out a chair, he sat across from me, and then slowly took off his cap.

When I saw his face in it's entirety.

My eyes widened, and my tail uncoiled around my waist. Pure shock.

"J-Jonah…?"

He nodded.

With a sleek smile.

"I know…I know—shocking, I get it. But for now…?" He trailed off, reaching his hand out for me in a complete friendly gesture.

"Don't be a hero."

But…Jonah was different now. His hair was no longer black, dyed blonde. I could smell it, almost. Those clothes.

They aren't his.

I crossed my arms over my chest, regaining composure.

"Illusion Magic. Seriously?" I deadpan.

He laughs, scratching the back of his head. "I had no other way to approach you, of course. You know how hard it is just to enter Royalia? Let alone Aurea Islands?"

I furrow a brow. "Yeah, and I also know that you're a bounty hunter with some wild childhood beef and a vendetta for the next great thing. So, if you're plan was to try and catch me off guard and end it right here."

My eyes narrow down to him.

"You're sorely mistaken."

His face lifts, mouth slightly parting—as if he never expected me to gain this information.

Then, he takes his hand back. Open palms faced towards me. Most likely trying to pacify.

"Okay. Okay. This only fulfills my suspicion even more that you're working in Sultan's camp." He says, but it doesn't land nice in my ears. Suspicion? Jonah, whether you knew I was helping him or not doesn't sway me not one bit.

"But, go ahead. Intrigue me. Are you working with Lucen to take Sultan off the spot?" I ask. Jonah shakes his head, even scoffs at the thought of it.

"I'm on no one's side, of course. I'm on my own, what I do…effects no one."

I shake my head. "Wrong. Affects a nation, actually. Let these people do their election. If your bounty was to sabotage it, then surely you must've been paid already."

"So why? Why stay here?"

"You're hurriedly getting into the thick of things, huh? You waste no time…" He groans, but then shakes his head.

"I, have no ill-intentions against you. You seem like an understanding person…erm…" He trails, inviting for me to hand over my name.

I don't.

He coughs to cover it up anyways.

"...thing is, I know when I'm outmatched in every way. Our last fight proved it."

"If it did, why are you still here?"

"That's the thing. I don't want to be. I'm just…too curious for my own good."

Then, he adds on.

"Tell me, do you truly believe what Sultan and…and Kogarasu tell you?" He asks. Genuneinly, this time. No lingering tone. Nothing indicating harm or any delirium. Just an honest, basic question.

Should I answer? Do I need to?

I'm Ryuuzen Valeflame. The least of my worries should be anyone trying to use me as an advantage.

I shake my head, "Of course not. This isn't my first rodeo."

He looks slightly shocked, then cracks a smirk.

"Good. Because this has nothing to do with me, there's no money, no bounty, no contract."

"But…I've seen what Senator Sultan and Koga is trying to do. It's a bit…extensive, but it's there."

I furrow a brow, tilt my head. "What…is Sultan trying to do?"

He looks around, not worried, but cautious. As if saying this could land him in trouble. Then, he speaks in a quiet, whispered tone.

"He's not what you think he is. Under the charismatic…charming for the old ladies, and politics? He's a man of corrupted ideologies and sin."

I scoff, "That told me absolutely nothing, Jonah. Sounds like you and him are of the same coin, just different sides."

Jonah shakes his head, presses a hand to his chest. "That's the thing, I can admit when I am the pawn. When I am being used. Sultan plays dress up and dictates the nation's future in twisted methods…!"

"Twisted methods such as…?"

"...dealings with the underworld. That's one."

He says it, as if it's supposed to be some major truth bomb, but honestly? This isn't anything like what I was already speculating before. I've never trusted him, not entirely.

"...forcing complete political rule over the senate. Becoming an entire Jester for nations abroad, and even…even…"

"Cooperations with Ancient Dragons."

For once, I think I actually sat up in the seat. Looked at Jonah directly. He didn't notice anything different. But the way he said it. His tone.

It didn't sound safe.

Not right after we just had an entire Dragon Carnival—no.

It sounded dangerous.