"What?!" Rian exclaimed, immediately rising in shock and fixing the three men with an intense gaze.
The trio of men appeared taken aback; their gazes turned towards Rian with a mix of surprise and confusion on their faces.
"Brother, is there a problem?" The portly man scratched his head, his confusion evident in his question.
He couldn't comprehend why this stranger had suddenly erupted and was now scrutinizing them so sharply.
The other two men at his side also seemed intrigued; their attention focused on Rian, silent and expectant, as if awaiting an explanation.
Yet Rian paid little heed to the fat man's inquiry.
Ignoring the question hanging in the air, he strode away from his desk, closing the distance to the table where the trio was seated.
"Could you guys repeat what you were discussing?" Rian's abrupt movement caught the three of them off guard; there was an air of urgency in his request.
Perplexed, the trio of men exchanged bewildered glances, thoroughly confounded by the stranger's words.
Before long, the fat man mustered the courage to pose another question, his countenance a portrait of perplexity as he regarded Rian.
"I apologize, but I'm at a loss, my friend. Could you clarify what exactly you're referring to?" he inquired.
Realizing that their previous exchange had been conducted in hushed tones, it hadn't occurred to them that Rian might be alluding to Lucia's daughter's engagement.
Growing increasingly frustrated, Rian's patience began to wear thin, prompting him to elaborate with a weighty undertone.
"Allow me to make myself clear. Could you guys kindly recount your discussion regarding the engagement of Princess Lucia? To whom has she been betrothed?" Rian's disbelief reverberated in his voice, the intensity of his desire for confirmation evident as he sought validation from this trio.
Even though he understood the implausibility of this situation, considering his status as a high-level elemental saint endowed with extraordinary senses, he couldn't dismiss the possibility that he had misheard.
However, disbelief spurred him to press the three for an explanation.
Instantly, the trio found themselves taken aback, their eyes widening in astonishment.
In their perception, their conversation had been carried out in hushed tones, barely audible beyond the confines of their immediate vicinity.
Now, this stranger was unexpectedly probing into the very topic they had discussed so discreetly.
Only one conclusion presented itself: the man confronting them was, in fact, a high-level elemental.
"Brother, I urge you to remain composed." The portly man offered a conciliatory smile as he rose from his seat, assuming a respectful stance before Rian.
Gradually realizing that this stranger was no ordinary individual, he abandoned any inclination for jest.
"Please allow me to elucidate." Unaffected by the fat man's demeanor, Rian pressed for a prompt elucidation.
With a nod from the portly man, an exhaustive account of the matter was meticulously presented.
"As you might already be aware, the imperial family has formally announced the engagement of Princess Lucia."
"This news has stirred the entire empire, spreading like wildfire." The portly man resumed his seat, his tone weighted with solemnity.
"However, here's the twist: apart from the Luvic nobility who were present at the grand assembly in the palace, nobody is privy to the identity of Princess Lucia's fiancé. And me, fortunate to have a sibling in the empire's military, who happened to be privy to this classified information," he continued, a touch of pride gracing his round features, his cheeks almost mirroring the plumpness of buns.
His companions flanking him nodded in a blend of admiration and respect for his accomplishment.
Meanwhile, Rian remained silent, poised for what would follow.
"Subsequently, I came to learn that the fortunate gentleman destined for Princess Lucia's hand is none other than the scion of the illustrious Asvold family—the young master Arthur Asvold!" The portly man's astonishment was palpable as he uttered the name Arthur Asvold.
One could argue that Arthur Asvold was the most handsome man throughout the empire and an idol to women far and wide. The news was undoubtedly awe-inspiring.
With this revelation now confirmed, Rian heaved a sigh, his head shaking ever so slightly.
"The unexpected alignment of fate, binding young master Arthur and Princess Lucia in engagement," Rian ruminated internally, his thoughts swirling as he turned away from the trio without a farewell.
Observing Rian's abrupt departure and his bewildered expression, the portly man scratched his head, perplexity etched across his features.
The two companions flanking him mirrored his confusion.
Before long, Rian had made his way to a secluded corner of the tavern, grappling with the torrent of information he had just absorbed.
"So, young Master Arthur has also arrived in Arkham," Rian mused silently, the question lingering in his mind as he took a sip from his glass of wine.
Having failed in his initial task on the very first day and having recently arrived in Arkham, Rian found himself at a loss for how to connect with Arthur in the future.
"Furthermore, I am uncertain whether the aid young Master Arthur mentioned is still awaiting my arrival." Rian's gaze swept across the surroundings, absorbing the vibrant tapestry of the bustling crowd and the harmonious cadence of laughter enveloping the tavern.
Lost in his contemplation, an imminent presence drew near, registering acutely on his perceptive senses.
"Who?" Rian pivoted, his attention drawn to an individual concealed beneath a hood.
In response to Rian's query, the figure unveiled itself, revealing an exquisitely beautiful woman.
With raven-black tresses framing her features, her countenance was flawlessly chiseled.
A glacial demeanor in her gaze lent an air of allure.
Her physique bore graceful curves, a blend of allure and elegance that captivated all who beheld her.
"Who might you be?" Rian's inquiry, tinged with perplexity, was accompanied by a surge of internal curiosity.
The woman met Rian's gaze, a faint nod underscoring her response as she spoke.
"Are you Rian?" Her query was delivered with an air of nonchalance as she took a seat before him.
Affirming her question, Rian nodded, conceding, "Indeed, I am Rian. And may I inquire about your name?"
His observation honed in on every facet of her aura in a quest to ascertain her strength.
With the realization that she knew his name, he surmised that she was the individual Arthur had entrusted him with.
A subtle smile graced the woman's lips; her nod was a tacit response to Rian's question.
"I understand... Then allow me to introduce myself," the woman uttered, extending a thin and exquisite hand.
"I am Carina—stepmother to Arthur and the third wife of Duke David Arthur," she introduced herself with a smile, her identity now laid bare.
Rian, taken aback by this revelation, grappled with how to respond.
"Young Master Arthur's stepmother? The wife of Duke David?" With his own hand extended in a handshake, Rian found himself entwined in a whirl of astonishment.
Carina's casual nod affirmed his incredulity as she continued, "No need for surprise or formality due to my position."
"Regardless, we shall proceed with the mission Arthur entrusted to us—swiftly establishing an organization."
Cutting straight to the chase, Carina didn't indulge in unnecessary circumlocution, elucidating her intentions directly.
With a pause, she signaled a passing waiter, placing an order for drinks and light refreshments.
Though Rian remained in the grip of astonishment, he recognized that this wasn't the time for obfuscation.
"Absolutely," Rian concurred, reaching into his pocket and producing a folded piece of paper.
The paper held Arthur's intricate plan, meticulously transcribed by Rian to ensure utmost clarity.
"Please peruse it, and you shall gain an intricate understanding of young Master Arthur's comprehensive strategy." Rian offered the paper to Carina.
"Allow me to examine it." Carina accepted the paper and devoted several minutes to a thorough perusal.
Once finished, she closed the document, drawing a deep breath as she expressed her admiration.
"Such an ingenious plan!" Carina marveled, her incredulity palpable, as she returned the paper to Rian.
"I concur," Rian chuckled, securing the paper back into his pocket.
Suddenly, a waiter arrived, bearing an array of victuals and beverages, which were promptly laid out on the table.
"Your order, madam," the waiter acknowledged with a slight bow before departing.
Carina began to eat, savoring the food and drink, while Rian leisurely sipped the wine in his glass.
"By the way, I must extend my sincere apologies for not arriving at the agreed time. Numerous obstacles hindered my punctuality." Rian's apology was heartfelt, considering that Carina, in accordance with the meeting time Arthur had set, likely frequented the tavern.
Upon hearing this, Carina simply shook her head, responding with nonchalance, "No need to fret; after all, I'm also savoring my time in Arkham. Your delay doesn't greatly impact me." She shrugged lightly, displaying no concern over Rian's tardiness.
"Thank you," Rian acknowledged her understanding, initiating a seamless continuation of their conversation.
They delved into topics such as their past roles as assassins, their initial encounters with Arthur, and a host of other details.
Given their impending partnership and the necessity of maintaining trust, disclosing their backgrounds was imperative.
"An assassin organization that engineers artificial elementals?" Rian, upon hearing Carina's narrative, couldn't conceal his astonishment.
Such an endeavor ventured into the realm of taboos, with Rian's knowledge restricted to a single organization that pursued this concept—the light-eating organization that had previously targeted him!
"Could you elaborate in greater detail?" Rian inhaled deeply; his curiosity ignited. He yearned to glean comprehensive insight into this matter.
This content is taken from fr(e)ewebn(o)vel.𝓬𝓸𝓶