What in bloody hell— No wonder he was roaming around like a dog.
Morris kept scanning the crowd until his eyes met Lancelot's. A proud smile spread across his face as he waved his hand downward, signaling him to wait.
Lancelot forced a smile back, trying to swallow his rising anger. It can't get any worse, right? He reached into his pocket and pulled out the small metal stress ball his father had given him after the last incident — something to help him control his temper.
The crowd cheered as the royal party stood before them. It was something Lancelot had always dreamed of experiencing one day, but his status made that dream feel like a cruel joke.
Still, a small spark of hope refused to die inside him.
And today, that spark threatened to ignite into a flame.
The king raised his hands, and the square fell silent. He smiled warmly at his subjects and spoke with a clear, audible voice that carried to everyone.
"My loyal subjects! What a great honor it is to stand before you and announce such wonderful news. Truly, it is a wonderful day to be alive."
Lancelot cringed internally. A great honor? What lies. Who would feel honored living in this godforsaken town? And why even make the announcement here of all places? His mind raced with questions.
"I know how busy and productive the good people of Cyndor are, so I won't waste your time," the king continued. "Let me introduce to you the hero of our mighty nation — the one who dared to infiltrate that wretched realm of the end, Urathos, just to save my one and only child. All out of pure kindness."
The crowd gasped in unison, the sound so loud it startled Lancelot. Only then did the weight of the achievement truly hit him.
From the stories his father, older brothers, and the townsfolk told, Urathos was a dragon so terrifying that even speaking its name felt dangerous — as if it might summon the beast itself.
Its wings were said to reshape the land with a single flap. It was the living embodiment of the apocalypse.
All hope had vanished the moment people laid eyes on it. Only the mercy of the gods had banished it to another realm where it could be contained.
The tales had always sounded exaggerated to Lancelot. The more he heard them, the more outrageous they seemed. Yet he couldn't deny that every version shared the same chilling core.
He sighed, trying to push the memories away — especially the one from his sixth birthday that still lingered far too clearly.
Well… I'll be damned.
The king raised his hands again, silencing the crowd.
"Time is of the essence, so let me get straight to the point. I present to you — Borris Baskerville, the duke's first son and the new Second Greatest Adventurer!"
Borris stepped out of the carriage to thunderous cheers. He looked nothing like the scrawny Maelick from earlier. He resembled his father: slicked-back oiled hair, a small pointed goatee, and a slender mustache. His physique was strong and upright, and a crooked smile hinted at mischief.
He wore shining silver armor with a white cape bearing the family crest. Borris waved to the crowd before kneeling before the king.
The king turned and accepted his royal golden double-edged sword from a pillow held by the Crimson Knight.
"Ah! Thank you, Valor." The king took the blade and turned back to Borris. "It is my honor to dub thee…" He rested the sword on one of Borris's shoulders, then moved it to the other. "Second Greatest Adventurer, Borris Baskerville!"
The crowd erupted. A new hope had risen across the land. It was magnificent news. Wonderful. Excel—
A loud pop echoed from the crowd.
Everyone nearby jumped, including the knights, who instantly went on alert. All eyes turned toward Lancelot.
"Sorry! I got a bit… excited!" he called out, raising his hands.
"Well, that was a bit alarming, wasn't it?" the king laughed heartily — the kind of laugh only the rich seemed to master. "All is forgiven, young lad!"
The people around Lancelot stared in shock. Not only had he crushed the solid metal ball with pure brute strength, but somehow none of the shards had injured anyone nearby.
A miracle, really.
Lancelot took a deep breath and looked down at his hand. It was bleeding, but he didn't seem too concerned. He carefully picked out the small shards, wincing slightly, then wrapped the wound with a cloth from his pocket.
"Uhm… son, do you need some help with that?"
Lancelot turned to see Mr. Richard looking worried.
How ironic, he thought with a quiet laugh.
"I'm good, thank you for your concern, Mr. Richard. It'll heal pretty soon, just you wait!" He flashed the same reassuring smile he always used to keep people from worrying.
Mr. Richard sighed, still concerned. "You never fail to surprise me, my boy." He laughed and patted Lancelot on the shoulder.
Lancelot joined in, though his laugh came out awkward. Socializing had never been his strong suit.
A few voices buzzed around him. "Freak." "What's his problem?" "I told you to keep your distance. Now you see what I mean."
Of course, he was used to it… even if he wished he wasn't.
When he looked up, he found Valor staring directly at him. Their eyes locked, and for a moment it felt like the rest of the world had faded away.
He thought he might be imagining it, but he swore he saw a flicker of worry in those usually harsh eyes. They softened, just for a second. Then she looked away.
Maybe I really am imagining things.
Lancelot turned back to the king, who was finishing his speech.
"…and to those who can make it to the capital, you are all invited to join the feast. I wish for every citizen of this kingdom to share in this memorable day — the day a saviour was born."
Saviour? The word didn't quite sit right with Lancelot.
"Valor, please find the best, fattest bull in this town and bring it back with us. It will serve as a token of gratitude to these outstanding townsfolk for their cooperation and warm welcome. We'll acquire the rest from the royal farms."
Token of gratitude… Lancelot clicked his tongue. What nonsense. The king clearly looked down on them, yet everyone around him squirmed with joy.
Mark my words, royal family. I'll show you what a real adventurer looks like. Soon, I'll be standing on that mountain.
He could feel it — the drive to chase his dream finally taking hold. He remembered the voice from his dream, the one that had first sparked his ambition to become the best. Even if only for a second, the memory was vivid.
Today, that spark had ignited into a flame. A flame he hoped would never go out.
He watched as the royal party returned to the carriage, leaving Valor behind to find the bull.
Just how big is that carriage? The question kept nagging at him.
The crowd began dispersing, rushing back to their stores — including Lancelot. Those with bulls hurried toward Valor, not just for the money but for the prestige. Having royalty buy from you could keep business booming for months.
But the closer they got, the more they wanted to retreat. Valor's aura radiated pure authority. The men around her practically trembled with fear.
Guess she really earned the title "Crimson Knight," Lancelot snickered.
He busied himself with the bull, picking ticks from its fur, completely unaware that Valor was heading straight for his stall.
She stood there waiting for him to notice. He didn't. He was too focused on the bull — you'd think he was married to the damn thing.
Valor scratched her head awkwardly, then tapped his shoulder.
Lancelot turned and looked up at her. His eyes squinted for a moment, as if trying to process what he was seeing. Then they widened in surprise.
"Can I help you with something?"
He could feel the envious glares burning into his back from all directions.
Valor tilted her head slightly, then glanced at his handmade sign. "Depends. Are you still in business?"
Lancelot realized she was here for the bull. "Uhm… yeah. Sorry, lost in thought. Depends on who's buying."
Valor narrowed her eyes. "What if I'm buying?"
"Then I'm charging double."
The tension in the air thickened instantly. Lancelot knew he had gone too far, but it was too late to take it back.
"How much?"
"Can't you read?" He pointed at the sign, then immediately regretted it. He wanted to apologize, but his pride wouldn't let him.
Valor stared at him hard… then smiled.
Lancelot was stunned. He had expected his head to roll.
"You know, you really do surprise me," she said, handing him a leather pouch embroidered with the royal crest. It was heavy with gold coins.
"Uhm… I think you've given me more than enough."
"Keep it." She untied the bull from its post.
Odd. Well, money is money. Lancelot laughed internally at how much this would help his family.
"Well… thank you, I guess?"
"Don't think about it." Valor took a deep breath. "I might seem crazy for saying this, but… I'm looking forward to seeing you become the Third Greatest Adventurer. Also, cover up that wound!"
Lancelot's tongue tied. He hadn't told anyone his dream — especially not a stranger. So how did she know?
As if reading his mind, she added, "Your face always gives you away. I'd say you're the most 'alive' person I know… well, second most 'alive.' If you're going to chase it, do it with everything you have. No regrets."
She tied the bull's legs securely, then gave it no chance to resist. The bull looked back at Lancelot with pure betrayal in its eyes. He couldn't help but laugh at the ridiculous sight.
Valor glanced at him again, squinting slightly as if trying to figure him out. It was the first time someone had shown her genuine emotion instead of fear or deference.
"Sorry… just thought of something funny," Lancelot said. "All in all, thank you. I'll keep that in mind."
She nodded, then snapped her fingers. A sea of golden sparks erupted from her hand, forming a massive white war stallion — easily the size of a giant's mount.
With one flick of the reins, she was gone in a blur, the bull slung effortlessly over her shoulder.
Lancelot stood there in shock
How in the… No wonder she's one of the Four Ark Knights! That was… wow.
He turned back to his stand, slapping the dust off his clothes. His mind raced with possibilities. Was he really ready to start? What was stopping him except his own doubts?
He pushed the thoughts aside and smiled in the direction Valor had vanished.
Soon… I'll bring back my family's honor.