Chapter 205: Invitation
We walked a little farther away from the group of contestants. Reymond, now in his original attire, not as the Champion, was accompanied by his knight, Sir Dave.
I think, after what happened in Daisy Town last month, this was the first time I spoke to him personally. Of course, he visited me when I was in the infirmary, but at that time, it felt more like an official visit.
"You must have heard already about what the palace did to cover the real story of what happened back there?" he suddenly asked.
"Yes," I nodded. He must be referring to the cover-up story that Reymond was the one who defeated Azul, not a G-rank like me.
"Sigh. I actually want to be honest with you. I haven't been having a good sleep since that day. And now, I want to come clean with you. I'm someone who really hates taking credit for what other people did. And I truly don't deserve it. What happened there is a feat that deserves at least a medal of appreciation from the kingdom."
I looked at Reymond. He was wearing the face of someone struggling. He must have felt really bad toward me.
"However, Reid is forcing me to do this. My brother… he is someone close to me by blood, but ideologically, we are very distant. But I don't want to save myself by blaming everything on him. After having a deep thinking, I finally understand. We, as members of a noble house, must uphold our honor. In this era of nobility and power, only honor and strength will make people listen to you."
"But still, I feel bad about what has happened. That is why the real reason I wanted to talk to you is to give you an invitation."
"Invitation?" I asked, confused.
"I've already discussed it with Reid. I want to invite you to become an honorable knight of the House of Rose. This invitation also extends to Bob. Both of you will receive handsome wages."
"A-a knight?! Us?" I was shocked. My mind immediately recalled the scene of a knighthood ceremony, where the king places his sword on the shoulder of the newly appointed knight.
I would look very cool in knight armor. But Bob, though… he would probably look like an idiot wearing it. I can already imagine it.
It sounded very nice. But there was something I needed to reaffirm.
"But don't you think it would be too suspicious? Suddenly, two adventurers receive knighthood out of nowhere. People will talk," I asked.
"Yes, I know about that. But there is an easy way to keep their mouths shut."
"Easy way?" I asked, confused. What is the easy way to shut all people mouth? Is it possible?
"Perform greatly in this tournament. Or better, win it. Then people will have no reason to object."
Win the whole tournament? It's easier said than done. Still, I hadn't decided whether to accept his invitation, even if I somehow won. There were many things to consider.
"I will think about it. For now, I want to focus on what's in front of me first," I said.
"Good. That is what you should do. I think I've taken too much of your time already. All the best for you and your guild. Make Rose City proud. Godspeed."
Reymond walked away with Sir Dave, but suddenly he stopped and turned back to me.
"Ahh, one more thing before I forget. Princess Reika is quite fond of you. If you have free time, come visit the palace and have a talk with her. You are cordially welcomed."
"S-sure!" I stuttered. Where did that even come from?
I then joined William and the others. It was minutes before the start of the Last Man Standing event. My mind was still thinking about what Reymond had said.
"Why did Prince Reymond call you?" Maya asked.
"Nothing. Just a word of encouragement," I answered shortly. I had no plan to tell them about our conversation.
"Ahhh, shoot! I forgot to ask about Azul!" I got so caught up in the chance of knighthood that I forgot the most important thing.
"Are you alright, Alan? Are you nervous?" Evelyn asked me.
"Err… yeah, yeah. A little bit," I replied.
Damn it, focus, Alan! There's no need to think about it now. No one knows what will happen in the future. Just focus on the present.
The staff then signaled all the participants to head toward the entrance. It was starting. The contestants in front of us began marching into the arena.
Clap!
I slapped both my cheeks, leaving them red. William and the others looked at me, confused.
I forced a smile onto my face.
"Let's do our best, everyone."
"Yeah, let's go!" Evelyn said.
We then walked into the arena, greeted by massive cheers from the colosseum.
---
Reymond arrived at the VIP lounge and sat in an empty chair between Reid and Reika, who stood up to greet him respectfully.
"What an amazing fight, Brother Reymond! I really enjoyed it," Reika said with a bright smile while looking at his oldest brother.
"Thank you, Reika," Reymond smiled.
"Did you talk to him? What was his response?" Reid asked calmly while looking at the arena.
"He said he wants to focus on the tournament first. He will consider it after everything is done." Reymond replied.
"I see. Then let us now enjoy the tournament ourselves," Reid smiled.
At the other side of the lounge, Kelar glanced toward the duo. His fingers played with the ring on his hand. The ring had a crystal embedded in it, glinting under the sunlight.
' What are those two planning?
Well… whatever they intend to do, as long as it doesn't affect my plan, so be it.'
He then focused on the arena below as the participants walked in. The crowd became increasingly excited.
(Please welcome all the participants!)
Clap! Clap! Clap!
All the spectators in the VIP lounge clapped their hands.