Arthur was making his way back to his quarters with the damp towel on his shoulders, walking through the corridor. He was about to open the door to step inside, but a voice came from behind him.
"Young master…?" It was a young maid, who had a urgent tone in her voice.
Arthur turned around to see her, brown haired girl who was panting, as if she had just run across the estate.
"Sir Rufus Mast has arrived. Lord Royce ordered me to tell you…" She said in between deep breaths.
'Rufus… Mast… Mast is the last name of the royal exchequer in my past life.' Arthur thought as he waited for the maid to speak more.
"He arrived in a black, royal affairs carriage. The Marquess requests your presence at dinner. Lord Royce, Lady Blair, and Young Master Benson will also attend." She finally said.
'This must be a bureaucrat sent by the Empire's Diplomatic Board to verify my… suitability for the political marriage…'
Arthur gave a curt nod. "I'll prepare."
She was about to turn and leave but hesitated, then took a step closer. "Young master… forgive me, but there's something on your neck."
"Thank you, it must be a bug." Arthur swiftly swatted at the spot she indicated to.
The maid looked confused. "It didn't move, sir. It…"
"That will be all." Arthur said as he unknowingly cut her off, though his tone wasn't sharp.
After he dressed up in well-presentable clothes, Arthur approached the mirror to make a final check before he headed to the dinner. Just before he confirmed everything was all good, he saw something on his neck. It was the light that made it obvious to Arthur, just at the slope of his neck where the paid had pointed out.
Leaning closer to see, it wasn't dirt or a bug. It was his affinity symbol!
'So that's where it was. It'll be hard to hide this now that it's in such a visible location on my body. I'm lucky I checked the mirror before I left otherwise it would not have been good.'
Arthur was thoughtful, as he looked at the circular symbol. It was a perfect circle, with flame arcs that curved outward like the rays of a sun. The "rays" seemed to shine gold faintly when he moved. He reached out to feel it on his neck, the smooth skin was warm to the touch.
"Is this the sun…?"
Arthur quickly realised that he might get late if he kept staring and looked around the room hastily, trying to find a piece of clothing that might help cover it. His eyes landed on a black bear fur scarf, and he quickly wrapped it around himself.
'This is perfect. It's cold anyway, so no one would suspect anything.'
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At Terian Island, near the peak of the snowy mountain, there was a castle that was built into the mountain itself but protruded outward. The tips of the castle were taller than the mountain it was built in, looking like a crown atop a king's head. Settlements were built either inside lesser peaks or the main one but lower down, wrapping around all the way up to the castle. From afar, it resembled a snake wrapped around, its head at the very top. Inside the castle, a grand dining hall was filled with silence. The large table was made of dark, polished wood and was filled with various dishes and drinks, and the air was filled with the smell of roasted meat and sweet wine.
At the head seat sat Vago Terian, the king of Terian. He was in a solemn mood as he waited for the table to quiet down. Slowly tense silence filled the hall. The kings face was scarred and rugged, but unlike Arthur, these scars were from battles, but surprisingly the man was handsome. With short dark hair that had streaks of silver that displayed his age. Draped over his broad shoulders was a pelt of pure white fur. This was unmistakably a coat of the Frostmane Direwolf which was a apex predator of the snowy peaks of Terian. The thick mane of fur around its former neck went around him giving him a domineering presence.
In Terian, only a handful of warriors in recorded history had ever slain a Frostmane. The Old Faith called them Spirits of the Summit, divine guardians of the mountain. To be able to kill one was to prove that you were truly a king among men and of the land itself. Wearing its pelt into a hall was a power move, deterring any thoughts that the king might be weak.
Vago rested his elbows on the table and his rapped his fingers on the wooden surface. He swept his gaze down the hall. Conversation died wherever his eyes landed.
"Before we begin, we must first pray. Elder if you would." Vago said, turning his gaze to a elderly woman who was seated in a seat next to him.
The elder slowly rose up with the help of a worn out staff. Everyone including the king stood up. They made a fist and placed on their hearts to pray with reverence.
She lifted her hands and her staff toward the high, arched windows where the final rays of the setting sun lit up the hall.
"O Radiant Father,
You who crowned the mountain with gold at dawn
And set the sea aflame at dusk,
Let your light burn away evil.
Warm the hearts of our warriors,
Steady the hands of our hunters,
And guide our people as the sun guides the day.
May no darkness take root here,
May no chain bind us.
Terian shall never bow."
Everyone in the hall responded, lifting their fists up, "TERIAN SHALL NEVER BOW."
"O Radiant Father,
Bless our chief's daughter,
With your gentle light,
Heal her heart, mind, and spirit.
Terian shall never bow."
"Terian shall never bow." This time, the response came softer before the hall fell into stillness again.