The Last Primal

Ignoring the gazes of the people in the hall, the group hurriedly made their way through the crowd of adventurers. They arrived at the same meeting room they met yesterday.

Slowly, but surely their fame has begun to grow, it was spreading, turning them from unknown figures to something like local celebrities. The long black-haired lean boy with the exotic golden eyes that defeated the previously strongest, famous 'Golden Boy', Sir Michael, ultimately 'Dethroning' him and becoming the new, albeit unofficial champion…

His partner, a mysterious, masked woman that was seemingly a powerful spell caster and managed to earn the approval of the legendary Roaring Lion… 

No matter how hard they wanted to stay low-key, after such feats, it was becoming increasingly harder to do so. If they wanted to avoid the eyes of the many, they needed to come up with something…

Anyway, with the assistance of Mary who also cheerfully congratulated Galina on her successful test, they quickly left the Hall, and made their way through the small maze of office hallways, entering the double doors to the same meeting room.

As they opened the door and entered, the old man was already standing by the windows, whilst the purple-haired Sara was sitting at the top of the table. When Aiden and his group entered, she revealed a gentle smile, gesturing for them to find a chair and sit down.

"Hey, guys! Fancy seeing you here…" She greeted, her cheery smile quickly souring and turning into an embarrassed one as her eyes met with Aiden's. Seeing the slight frown and displeasure in her gaze, he couldn't help but be concerned. 

Looking at the masked girl, he forced the previous smile back on her face.

"Miss Galina, I heard you have successfully passed Sir Arthur's test. I have to say, that's a remarkable-"

"Miss Galina was incredible, surpassing all of my expectations, Miss Sara." Pushing himself off from the windowsill, Sir Arthur approached the empty seat beside Sara, and spoke up, praising the shy girl some more.

Still not feeling too comfortable in such situations, Galina could only look away bashfully and try to find some solace and comfort around her Young Master. Luckily for her, her face was still safely kept hidden from the prying eyes.

"So… Sir Arthur, you said you were searching for us. Care to tell us why? Also, what is someone of your caliber doing in a place like this? Shouldn't you be at the capital… doing whatever you usually do?" Grabbing the lead, Aiden spoke up, looking deep into the old man's turquoise eyes, and changed the topic away from her shy little servant.

"Heh, I admire your direct approach, kid." The old man smirked at the boy. Nodding at him with appreciation before speaking up. "As you said, there are a few reasons for my presence in a town as small and seemingly insignificant as this."

He began, grabbing the attention of everyone in the room. He waited for a couple more seconds before continuing. His eyes slowly wandered amongst the members of the room, resting for a couple of moments on each of the royal siblings, before it ultimately returned to Aiden and with it, the masked girl sitting close to him.

"Truth be told, the fact is, this city is far from being 'insignificant' as the local news, rumors would paint it. In fact, it is now the center of events with such importance that far outweighs their original purpose." His words were grave and quite cryptic. His smile shifted, changing into a serious look as he went on and explained himself.

"You see, the upcoming War Games that should begin about 8 days from now, would decide not just who will be the new City Leader, but more than likely the fate of this entire kingdom…"

Upon his words, looks of shock spread amongst Drake, Scarlet, and Sara's faces, whilst Aiden and Lily remained indignant, uncaring about the matter. For the masked girl, Galina, Sir Arthur couldn't judge what she could be thinking. 

Regardless, he explained further, only waiting for a couple of breath's time. His next words dropped the true bomb upon the poor unsuspecting party.

"We have information from credible sources that the Trachian Empire is planning to use this upcoming event as a cover for launching its attack."

*BANG!*

A loud slap reverberated in the meeting room. With a deep scowling expression Drake sprung up from his seat, and slapped his hands on the table, almost shattering the large wooden desk.

"WHAT DID YOU SAY?!" He exclaimed with an angered tone. "What do you mean by that?! How do you know? Are you sure?!" 

He fired question after question, clearly distraught by the shocking revelation.

The old man, Sir Arthur didn't mind it though, he looked at the silver-haired boy and simply nodded.

"We have long since been aware of the empire's hunger for our lands. After all, our lands provide the easiest and safest route into the central section of the continent. It's not even that hard to even realize this fact… your highness." He nodded, smiling at his last words. 

Obviously, a man of his stature would recognize the estranged crown prince, especially if he decides to flaunt his face without trying to hide…

Though surprised, the matter was way too grave for Drake to care about being recognized. His face retained its scowl as he asked for more.

"How sure are you about this matter? What does the king plan to do? If an invasion is imminent, why is it that he only sent a single general? Where's your army, Roaring Lion?"

"Calm down, Young Prince." For the first time since they sat down, Sir Arthur revealed a thin smile, kindly urging the fervent boy to take his seating, although clearly futilely. 

Drake was way too agitated about the sudden news to be able to just sit back. Even though he refused to stay at the Palace and act as an obedient little prince, and was on his own little journey to reunite with his siblings, he still cared for the land he was supposed to lord over in the future. He felt an obligation to protect his future citizens.

"We are fairly certain about the matter. The Empire's hunger for more and more territory is clear. It was never a secret. However, their lust would have been kept in check if not for the fact that just recently, the old emperor was killed by his own son and was replaced on the throne. That bastard rekindled the people's thirst. Even as we speak, their armies continue to gather at the foot of the Soralite Mountain Range at our eastern borders." He frowned, almost spat as he spoke.

"Even so…" Drake was still doubting the credibility of such news. After all, whilst the empire was much bigger than them, even if they were to reach their capital, they wouldn't be able to roll over the kingdom's combined armies. Why then, would they still do such a foolish endeavor. 

Did the Emperor perhaps have some sort of trump card at his disposal? Some secrets that gave them the confidence to push on?

"Why would he risk so much? Even if he ultimately comes out as the victor and conquers this land, he will have no hope to push any further, and I refuse to believe that the Holy Kingdom to the North would stand still."

"I still don't understand where we come into the picture. Me and my friend, Galina, have little to do with these matters." 

Suddenly, interrupting the heated discussion of the two, Aiden's voice came from the side. Looking indignant, nonchalant he looked at the two.

"What?! What do you mean you have nothing to do…" 

"I said, little. Personally, I only care about my family and for my friends. As to what happens to this land, who will sit upon a throne far from us 'commoners', I cannot care."

The already disturbed Drake looked at his friend with a look that showed that he couldn't even process what he had just heard. 

Sara could only helplessly smile, already having an understanding of this mysterious boy's nature.

While Scarlet was also somewhat similar in mind to Aiden, she still shook her head with a wry look on her face. She would, without a doubt, support his brother, no matter what her deepest thoughts on the matter would be.

For Lily, he was just like Aiden, wouldn't bat an eye if this whole city would be destroyed, as long as those that she cares about would be safe. While she was good-natured, similar to Aiden in this matter, she now understood how stupid and childish she was before. She would not risk herself for such stupid reasons ever again.

Sir Arthur looked at the group, studying each of their emotions silently, before finally speaking up as he looked at the golden-eyed youngster with a growing smile.

"You know, Aiden, your question is actually quite good." He nodded, grabbing the attention of everyone in the room once again.