The princess led Wanderer towards the palace, greeted by royal knights attending to her needs.
"Is father still awake at this hour?" Astrid asked one of the knights.
"Yes, your royal highness, he is currently residing in the throne room."
"I see, please tell father in advance that I request an audience with him."
"Yes, of course… Apologies for asking your highness, but may I ask who is next to you?" the knight gestured to the Wanderer who was beside Astrid.
"They belong in a royal house, so there is no need to worry." Astrid lied.
The knight—his lips ajar before keeping his words to himself and bowed before they departed.
|You lied just now|
"I know,'
|Why?|
"If they knew you were just an outlander I found on my way back, they'll think of you as a threat and the process of investigation is a really long process"
|Do you think that ⍰ will find out that ⍰ were lying?|
"No, they won't. After all, I've gained everyone's absolute trust in me." Astrid winked.
After long moments of walking they reached the end of the hallway where a large door and a few knights were present.
They bowed before they slowly opened the door for them—granting them entrance as they walked in.
|Wow everyone is ⍰ formal around here|
"Yup"
<. . .>
Astrid knelt down in front of king Alaric, lifting her head up slightly. That includes Wanderer but they kept their head low.
"What brings you here, my dear daughter." said king Alaric.
"I brought in a special guest, father. They have something important to say to you." Astrid gestures to the Wanderer who knelt down right beside her.
Alaric darted its heavy gaze on Wanderer, "Hmm…Speak."
"Actually father.. They're mute."
Wow, strike 2 of a comment that pierced through the Wanderer's chest painfully.
"I suppose I could understand some sign language, speak."
|Your Majesty, I am ⍰ grateful ⍰ being recognized ⍰ your presence, allow me to inform you that your life is destined to end by ⍰ hands of another, and I am ⍰ to prevent ⍰ from happening|
Alaric's eyes flashed with skepticism, "How should I know that what you are saying is true?"
Wanderer lifted their gaze up enough for the king to see the determination and glow in their eyes, |I am nothing but a mere outlander your majesty ⍰ I have been told by the ⍰ and they've ⍰ me an objective ⍰ prevent your death from happening|
"So, what you're saying is that you're a prophet perhaps?"
Wanderer nodded, they were lying but the king didn't need to know that, and plus Wanderer had a GREAT poker face.
"I sense no deceit from you, I misjudged you. But what are you going to do?"
|When time strikes I will be your shield, your majesty
Alaric let out a slight chuckle, "I see, very well then. I trust in your proficiency, you two are dismissed."
The Wanderer bowed in appreciation, and left the throne room with the princess.
"Well that went smoothly, and rather quick." Astrid perked up.
The Wanderer nods in response.
It was silent for some time now between the two of them as they walked through the halls of the palace.
"Hey Wanderer?" Astrid stopped walking for a moment, Wanderer paused and turned around to face her, they tilted their head slightly—in confusion.
"Has anyone ever told you that you look very beautiful…elegant." said Astrid sincerely, with a gentle smile that reached the sparks in her eyes.
Badump.Badump.Badump.
What do you mean Astrid?|
"I mean…Have you ever praised your beauty before or even looked at a mirror before?"
'W-what…?'
A rush of thoughts ran through Wanderer's head, they never knew what they ideally looked like and intended to avoid objects that reflected their own appearance. Matter-of-fact they don't even know what they're currently wearing or anything in general.
|No| The Wanderer shook their head.
"Wait what, really?! Ah- give me a sec I have a mirror with me." Astrid took out a small makeup palette which had a mirror included, from her pocket. "How weird." Astrid thought.
Wanderer hesitantly took the mirror from Astrid's hand with trembling fingers, and gazed upon their appearance, their mouth agape in slight adoration.
'I-..I look beautiful.'
"Indeed you do, dear Wanderer…"
'I ponder what you would look like, Preserver.'
The Wanderer had a fair complexion, captivating turquoise eyes—that you would simply be hooked by its coolness, and long brown hair with turquoise streaks, which is loosely tied with a plum blossom hairpin.
Their appearance is further detailed by a pearl earring on their left ear and a black choker necklace ending in an ornamental motif that resembles a question mark. They wore a sleek long jacket that included a hood, black pants and boots.
'I can't really tell what my gender is with this…'
Wanderer carefully closed the makeup palette and gave it back to Astrid, |Do you think I look feminine or masculine|
Astrid's eyes studied Wanderer's facial features, "Mmm… With this face you certainly look feminine, it's enough to beat my looks for sure." She reached out and touched Wanderer's cheek, caressing it gently before pinching lightly.
|What about my body then?|
Astrid withdrew hand away, and shrugged, "Oh, I don't know."
'Oh shit…what the fuck is that type of question…'
|Oh I see, ⍰ you ⍰ to address me ⍰ they/⍰ or ⍰/she|
"Hmm…I've never thought about that, which would you prefer, dear Wanderer?"
|⍰/she?|
"Sure!"
'...I already know that…'
The Wanderer hasn't realized that they have completed an objective.
< (Objective Window)
Objective #4/??
Difficulty: Mediocre
Objective: Negotiate and gain the trust of King Alaric —— prove your worth to him
Time Limit: Completed
Compensation: C—Class Ability (RANDOMIZED!!!) ,
500 SYS-Coins , 5 Stat Points
Upon Failure: Humiliation & Exile / Removing Given Rewards —— lasting till the next 3 objectives
(Congrats you have completed this objective)>
Class: C
NO UPGRADE RQ
Allows the user to detect if someone is speaking the truth or not>
< (Objective Window)
Objective #3/??
Difficulty: Hard
Objective: Prevent the cause of the King's death in this peaceful foreign land and honor them death
Time Limit: 29 days
Compensation: S—Class Ability (RANDOMIZED!!!) , 10,000 SYS-Coins , 20 Stat Points
Upon Failure: Isolation + Torture>