Chapter 412 He Isn't Hallbjorn
[Sometime before he met the Fjordhelm royal family]
Archer flew to Stormhold and decided to leave the treasure behind, using the knowledge he obtained from consuming the Fjordhelm commander's soul.
The king ordered not to attack him and let him pass to the capital, so Archer decided to do that.
After flying for a couple of hours, he saw a city in the distance and approached it even further before landing about ten minutes from the gate.
He began to stroll in its direction, nonchalantly dismissing his wings and retrieving a piece of bread from his Item Box to munch on.
Archer approached the wall and marveled at the towering stone battlements rising twenty meters into the sky.
At this moment, a shout rang out, commanding, "Halt right there, young man!"
Once Archer heard that, he stopped walking and looked up to see dozens of guards looking at him until an older man appeared from a human-sized door in the gate.
The man walked up to him and gave him a small bow, which confused him, but the older man spoke. ''The king wishes to meet you, young master.''
Archer acknowledged the man with a nod and then followed him through the gate. While they were walking, all the guards on the wall watched them closely.
He couldn't help but notice the hushed murmurs and inquisitive glances among the city's residents.
As they continued into the city, he paid little heed to the lingering gossip of the human soldiers.
His gaze was fixed on the medieval/Viking-like town that stretched before him, and his eyes widened in wonder at the quaint and charming sight that unfolded with each step.
Stone houses with wooden roofs lined the narrow streets, and people wrapped in heavy clothing bustled about.
Sturdy beasts of burden pulled wagons laden with goods through the cobbled roads, adding to the city's rustic charm.
The older man, who had led the way, turned to Archer and extended his hand in introduction. "I'm Torgeir Hedeby, Commander of the city guard."
Archer gazed at the man and couldn't help but see the resemblance to a Viking warrior in his metal armor.
Torgeir possessed blonde hair, crystal blue eyes, and a towering stature, forcing Archer to look up at him in awe.
He took the man's hand as he replied. ''I'm Archer Wyldheart.''
The blonde man gave him a friendly smile before continuing to walk through the streets.
His attention was drawn to a quaint stall tended by an old lady surrounded by an array of peculiar snacks and treats that seemed straight out of a fantasy tale.
With a twinkle in her eyes, the old lady beckoned him closer. "Young man. You look like someone with a taste for adventure. Would you like to try something truly magical?"
Intrigued, Archer stepped closer to the stall and asked with a curious smile. "Magical snacks?"
The stall lady's eyes sparkled, her face crinkling with a warm, knowing smile before she started speaking.
"Absolutely," she said. "These snacks are a culinary adventure like no other. We've got Dragonfire Spice Nuts, which will set your taste buds ablaze; Faery Berry Tarts, so delicate they'll make you feel as light as air; and Enchanted Chocolate Truffles that could whisk you away to another world in a single bite."
Archer's eyes sparkled with fascination. "Tell me more," he urged.
The old lady leaned in and began to spin enchanting tales of each snack, their origins, and the whimsical experiences they promised.
When she spoke, his imagination ran wild, and he couldn't resist trying a few of these fantasy snacks, eager to savor the magic they held.
As he conversed with the elderly woman, Torgeir turned and noticed that he vanished before looking around.
Torgeir spotted him speaking to a stall owner, so he approached them and stood there to listen.
"I want to buy everything here. How much?" Archer exclaimed with a mix of curiosity and excitement in his voice.
The old lady astonished him but quickly responded, "Give me fifteen gold, and it's all yours, young man."
Archer nodded, reaching into his pocket to produce the coins and handing them to the woman. He stored all the food in his Item Box.
His actions left Torgeir and the old lady in bewilderment, their eyes wide in amazement as they tried to fathom where all the purchased food had disappeared.
With a sly smile, Archer bid farewell to the now distracted stall lady, who was now preoccupied with counting the coins.
As they continued their stroll down the winding streets, the guard commander couldn't help but inquire, "Why did you spend so much gold on food?"
Archer turned to the man, a gleam of enthusiasm in his eyes, and replied, "I have a deep love for food, especially cuisine from different kingdoms. It's a way to experience a taste of their culture and stories."
Torgeir found himself at a loss for words as he overheard the traders discussing the white dragon from the mainland, painting a picture of ruthlessness and evil.
Yet, as he observed Archer, he only saw a friendly, somewhat peculiar young man who smiled warmly at the passing citizens.
He couldn't help but notice the women of Stormhold stealing glances at the boy.
Torgeir sighed resignedly, aware that Archer possessed an uncanny, magnetic charm that effortlessly drew people in.
Leading them to start conversations and connections wherever he ventured. Torgeir stopped with his stupid thoughts as they got close to the palace.
As Archer savored the new and delicious food, he couldn't help but feel the weight of the numerous gazes fixed upon him.
The lingering stares from both men and women left him perplexed.
Amused by Archer's confusion, Torgeir let out a hearty laugh and enlightened him, saying, "Boy, you may not realize it, but you're a rare sight in these parts. Your exotic charm and handsome appearance have left these people quite captivated."
Archer regarded the older man with narrowed eyes before responding, "I'm aware of my unique features, but there must be other unique people like me in this city."
Torgeir shook his head and explained, "Your snow-white hair, your incredibly rare violet eyes, and the presence of horns and a swaying tail are exceptionally unusual. You, my boy, are a true rarity in these parts."
The two continued their journey until they reached the imposing gates of the palace. The gates were swiftly opened as they approached, and the guards saluted Torgeir.
Upon entering the palace grounds, Archer immediately noticed the numerous training fields spread across the area.
He couldn't help but wonder why there were so many of them until Torgeir explained. "Princess Thyra likes to train with the royal guards, so the king had these fields built for her."
Archer understood and followed them to a spacious meeting room filled with sofas. After finding a comfortable spot, he dismissed his tail and settled in.
With a sense of anticipation, he indulged in his Chocolate Truffles. Each bite was a delightful experience, and he couldn't help but savor the magical taste.
As he indulged in the truffles, Torgeir watched with amusement as the young man lounged on the sofa, seemingly lost in chocolate.
After a while, Archer's attention shifted as he heard two pairs of approaching footsteps. He quickly finished the last truffle and turned his gaze toward the door.
The room fell silent, and the door opened, revealing three figures who entered. Archer's eyes fell upon the man he assumed was the king.
This kingly figure had light brown hair and striking red eyes. He stood as tall as Torgeir, though he lacked the same muscular build.
The king sported a beard of the same distinctive color as his hair, adding to his imposing presence.
Archer's gaze shifted to the girl; he was momentarily taken aback but quickly composed himself and examined her closely.
She possessed short royal blue hair that framed her pretty face and extended beyond her ears.
Her striking red eyes mirrored the king's, and her physique was built like a warrior who had seen many battles.
While the girl and the king continued to stare at him, the third person, a young-looking man who looked like a butler, stepped forward.
The young-looking man met the king's gaze with unwavering certainty and addressed him, saying, "Your Majesty, he isn't Hallbjorn. There's a resemblance, but this boy is different."
Archer watched the exchange with keen interest, intrigued by the mention of "Hallbjorn" and the scrutiny he received from the royal duo.
The king shook his head and spoke. ''I'm sorry for my behavior. You just reminded me of my son, who passed away many years ago.''
When Archer heard this, he sat up properly and answered with a smile. ''No offence taken. I was told no one else looked like me.''
He looked at Torgeir with narrowed eyes, causing the man to gulp, but the girl finally came to and spoke. ''No one speaks about Big Brother anymore. It's a sore subject for Mother.''
Archer grew curious, but before he could talk, they decided to introduce themselves. The king stepped forward. ''I am King Harald Eriksson and this is Princess Thyra Eriksson.''
[Should we reach 1,000 golden tickets, a widespread release will be scheduled]
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