Reborn As A Maid

Chapter 169: Chapter 169 - Invitation ( Part 1 )

The news announced by Queen Lilia Kingheart quickly spread throughout the whole continent much faster than people could expect.

Royal messengers traveled day and night, riding horses soaked with sweat. Wyvern riders flew through mountains and oceans, crossing villages and cities. Merchant caravans delivered the proclamation everywhere they went, carrying the parchment full of hope and promise.

In just two weeks, every kingdom got to know about the event.

The Greatest Fight Tournament.

The first tournament in history open to all fighters of every country without any exceptions. Champion would receive unheard fortune, recognition from the Kingdom of Seraiya, and the place among the queen’s honored champions.

This was the chance of a lifetime for many.

In the Kingdom of Valen, the crowded Adventurer’s Guild was buzzing.

A young swordsman threw the official note onto a wooden table and shouted excitedly: "It’s real! We can finally take part!"

Experienced adventurers leaned closer to look at the royal signet, their eyes reading the neat writing. One of them laughed loudly, making wrinkles appear on his tired face. "The queen is really serious. See how big the amount of the prize money is."

Another scratched his beard with deep thought, frowning. "They are even covering costs of traveling for qualified competitors."

The conversation started in the guild; some were hoping to become famous, others to get some money, while few wanted to fight against the best fighters of their time.

Far to the west, a retired knight carefully polished his old sword, its blade shining in the afternoon sunlight.

His daughter looked at the invitation, speaking hesitantly: "Father... are you really going?"

The old warrior smiled, making wrinkles appear on his face. "I thought that my days of fighting are behind me." He put on the old armor slowly, making it creak. "But I would like to test the strength of this generation."

The girl hugged her father warmly. "Come back safely."

"I promise."

Deep in the eastern mountains, the group of hunters was sitting around the campfire, their faces lit up by flickering flames.

The leader opened the proclamation with care, his rough hands touching the royal seal. "So... the nobles want our help finally."

The young hunter grinned with white teeth. "They will regret inviting us."

The old hunter laughed heartily, making his chest shake. "Maybe. But this will be fun watching their faces."

Hunter after hunter decided to travel to the kingdom of Seraiya, their campfire glowing until the morning.

In a secluded monastery situated amid the snowy peaks, martial artists finished their morning meditation, the fog of their breathing forming on the frosty air.

The grandmaster of their school silently held the royal invitation, his old eyes studying the elegant writing.

One student asked with respect in his voice: "Master... should we participate?"

The old monk smiled, making wrinkles appear on his face. "We’ve been avoiding the affairs of the world for generations." He looked at the mountain peaks, covered with swirls of clouds. "But strength hidden forever helps no one."

He passed the invitation to his most talented disciple carefully, moving slowly. "Go. Fight in the name of our school."

Across the southern deserts, mercenary companies got the same news, their camps being full of activity.

Around the campfires, rough warriors were arguing excitedly, their voices reaching distant parts of the desert.

"It’s a waste of time."

"No. The reward alone is worth the journey."

"And imagine defeating the royal knights."

Their captain laughed, opening his face, covered with scars. "We are going. At least for fun."

Even in noble estates, the preparations began.

Young heirs, having spent years on perfecting their skills with sword, got the chance to get the glory by their own merits rather than by blood. Now they were training harder than ever, the sound of swords echoing during the night.

Blacksmiths were working overtime, their hammers striking hot steel. Armorers received more commissions than they have ever done, their workshops swarming with orders. Stable masters were selling the best horses, increasing the price every day.

All roads leading to the Seraiya kingdom were becoming busier, the travelers dreaming of glory.

Inside the Royal Palace of Seraiya, Arthur Queens was looking at reports from every neighboring nation.

He smiled faintly, his eyes glancing at the growing pile of papers. "They are coming."

Lucas Queens looked at the pile with frown on his face. "How many confirmed participants?"

Arthur adjusted his glasses, the silver frames gleaming in the candlelight. "Already over three thousand."

Lucas almost dropped the paper in his hand. "Three thousand?"

"And these are the officially registered ones." Arthur nodded, frowning slightly. "Much more will register once they reach us."

Lucas laughed, surprised and impressed. "This may become the biggest gathering of warriors in history."

Arthur answered quietly, his voice full of strategy. "This was always the plan of Her Majesty."

Meanwhile—in a ruined watchtower, a few cloaked people were silently reading the same invitation.

Unlike others, they had no national emblem. Their faces were hidden under dark hoods, hiding their identity from anyone.

One of them silently put the piece of parchment away, speaking softly: "So... the queen is collecting heroes."

The other nodded silently, making fast and precise movements. "Our master will want to know."

Without saying anything more, the mysterious people disappeared into the forest, leaving no trace of their existence.

Far away, on the peaceful road winding through green fields, Jennie, Roxy, and Snow were walking further to the south.

They had no idea that invitations signed by Queen Lilia’s royal seal were now heading to every part of the continent.

They didn’t know that destiny was starting to bring thousands of warriors to a common destination—a tournament for the whole world, a gathering of champions in secret, and the first step towards the unified resistance of humanity against the coming Demon War.

The sun was high up on the southern sky, pouring its golden rays onto the southern plains.

Jennie, Roxy, and Snow were moving along the trade route toward the next town, their feet striking the ground with even steps.

Everything had been quiet for once: endless fields of golden wheat were waving under the wind, and people were greeting each other with friendly smiles.

And now, after weeks of battles, this place seemed unreal.

Snow stretched his jaws with a loud yawn. "If every day is like this, then I would easily forget that demons exist."

Roxy smiled brightly, showing her perfect teeth. "Do not jinx it."

"I agree," Jennie said, and the sound of her voice could be clearly heard on the field.

As they were approaching the town’s gate, something caught their eye: there was a crowd gathered near the Adventurers’ Guild.

There were knights standing next to the hunters, mercenaries, mages, and even monks among them.

Many large colorful banners were hanging on the walls of the building; it was possible to read them from a distance.

REGISTRATION FOR THE GREATEST FIGHT TOURNAMENT

Snow raised an eyebrow. "I think, that we have come to a good place."

As the three friends were getting inside the guild, they saw how overcrowded it was.

Everyone was stamping papers, asking about what should be done, answering questions, and filling the space with the smell of paper and ink.

The receptionist, noticing Jennie, smiled warmly at her. "Good morning. Did you come for the tournament?"

"No," Jennie answered.

The receptionist, looking at her, started searching for something in huge piles of envelopes, which were in front of her. "But there is an invitation, actually."

"For me?" Jennie was shocked and surprised.

"Yes. It is in the record," the receptionist confirmed and gave her an elegant white envelope, sealed with the royal seal of Seraiya.

Written across it in silver ink were the following words:

To Raven, the White Sword Hunter.

Jennie stopped, feeling that this name was strange to her.

"...Raven."

Nobody called her like this for several months now.

Roxy looked curiously at her from behind, her eyes sparkling. "Ohh... So this is your title, huh?"

"I never demanded a title," Jennie said, feeling embarrassed.

Snow snorted, looking at her. "’Never demanded’, you say? What do you expect when you defeat monsters, save villages, and fight against a Demon General? What else should people call you?"

Jennie blushed, feeling embarrassed. "Anyway, nobody calls me like this."

The receptionist smiled at her. "You do not know, but your deeds were known throughout the kingdom. The White Sword Hunter is very popular."

Nearby adventurers turned their heads toward Jennie and stopped talking suddenly.

"Did she say Raven?"

"The Raven?"

"The White Sword Hunter?"

Whispers spread across the hall and dozens of people turned their heads toward the three friends.

Jennie sighed. "I think we have attracted attention."

Jennie cautiously opened her invitation and saw that it was written on high-quality paper with beautiful handwriting.

To the honorable Raven, the White Sword Hunter,

By the order of Her Majesty, Queen Lilia Kingheart, you are invited to take part in the Great Fight Tournament in the Kingdom of Seraiya.

Your deeds inspire many people in the whole continent, and your presence would be a great honor for both the tournament and the crown.

We would like to see you there.

May fortune guide your blade.

Below there was the royal seal, made with crimson wax, and below, there was the following signature:

Arthur Queens

Royal Hand of Seraiya

Jennie was amazed. "They called me personally..."

Roxy, whose emerald eyes were shining brightly with enthusiasm, said. "Jennie! We should go there!"

"To the tournament?" Jennie asked confusedly.

"Of course!" Roxy put her hands on her waist, trying to look important. "I will take part in it too."

"Do you really want to take part in the tournament?" Jennie asked with a smile.

"Of course!" Roxy proudly raised her head. "I have been training every day. I will show everybody how strong royal mage I am."

Snow laughed and swished his tail. "I would give anything to see the judges’ faces."

"Are you coming too, Snow?" Roxy asked with a playful look in her eyes.

Snow proudly raised his head. "Naturally. I will also take part."

The entire hall fell silent.

Jennie was staring at him with an open mouth. "...Snow."

"What?"

"The tournament is for people."

"And where does it say that?" Snow looked at her with an offended look.

Jennie pointed at the board with announcements with her finger. "It says there ’for human participants.’"

Snow walked to the board with loud steps, ignoring people. "I demand the equality of treatment."

Employees of the guild watched with amused expressions on their faces.

Snow cleared his throat and said dramatically. "I have defeated demons, I have protected the villages, I have rescued children. I deserved a contestant badge."

The receptionist tried to hide her smile, but failed. "I... terribly sorry... But there is no such category as ’legendary wolves’ for us."

Snow looked at her with disappointment. "Species discrimination. This is outrageous."

Everyone burst into loud laughter.

Even the strict knights could not resist and smiled. One of the oldest adventurers wiped the tears from his eyes with amusement. "I have never seen a wolf, who asks for the registration of a contestant before."

Another one laughed and slapped him in the knee. "Give him a medal instead."

Snow looked at Jennie. "Tell them..."

But she could not stop laughing. "Sorry, I cannot..."

Roxy patted the head of Snow gently, sinking her fingers into his fur. "You will be our official supporter."

Snow sighed dramatically. "So... I will not get a contestant badge, I will not receive the prize money, I will not get a trophy." He looked upward with despair. "Today is the most depressing day in my life."

"But I will make you a badge," Jennie said with a smile.

Snow’s ears raised instantly and his tail stood. "...Really?"

"A special one."

Roxy added. "It will say ’Greatest Wolf in the Tournament.’"

Snow seriously thought about this. "...Acceptable."

They laughed at once, happiness echoing from within the guild hall.

Other adventurers smiled, all the curiosity that was in them earlier replaced with love for each other. For just a second, the world belonged to no Demon General, no Divine Sword, and no coming war.

Just to a girl, her best friend, and legendary wolf having a peaceful afternoon together.

They did not know that the invitation sent to the White Sword Hunter, Raven had brought them on the path to the tournament which would decide the future of the whole continent.

Outside the guild hall, the sun was slowly setting.

Somewhere up north, Queen Lilia Kingheart checked out the increasing number of tournament participants, not knowing that the legendary Sword King whom she had been admiring all her life was already invited by her personally.

Somewhere in the darkness, dark forces lurked – observing, planning, and preparing for the time when the gathering of humanity became their biggest weakness.

The scene was prepared.

The participants were gathering.

And the first act of the upcoming performance was about to start.