Chapter 154: Old Friend: Nostalgia Always Hits Different

Araan looked dumbfounded.

He didn't budge. 

He was good.

"Let me phrase it a little differently. Why did you apologize back then and why did you do it?" My eyes sharpened. If the people weren't there, I'd probably had drown my knife. We weren't allowed to carry weapons but I insisted on the knife. They didn't stop me either. More like I'd have gone ballistic if they had.

"I don't know what you're talking about Daarc…" He closed his eyes and faked an awkward smile.

Unsatisfied I continued to press my luck. "That reminds me, I haven't even caught your name yet." My voice shivered with seriousness.

If I can't get definitive answers then might as well figure out more. 

I was under the impression that he might be under the control of that demon. And I really didn't know that demon's name.

"Perhaps you forgot? I suppose that was a long time ago… I am Araan Asprian, eleventh prince of Alfheim. Pleased to meet you." He bowed in a noble manner and flashed another innocent grin.

He wasn't intimidated in the least. Araan's eyes so blue, yet so innocent. I couldn't even bluff anymore. 

What the hell am I supposed to do now?

"Anyway, I got to go now." A smile returned to his face. "Please enjoy the party." Araan left abruptly.

He had no idea? Or is he just playing me to get my trust back and then backstab me? 

My mind was filled with questions but no answers.

***

A figure approached me. "There you are." The voice was callous and not too forced. 

He was dressed in black much like me but wore a mask similar to that of Lianne. His voice was familiar yet I couldn't remember.

Come to think of it, most people were wearing masks but not all. There were people like me who were just wearing suits and no fancy masks. What was with this mask deal anyway?

"Come with me." His voice was nostalgic and I couldn't help but follow him. I had my doubts but I kept my hostility to a minimum.

He led me to the veranda on the opposite side where there were fewer guests. I felt something in him that made me trust him. Was I going senile or something? It's not often I trust someone from the get-go- at least not anymore. 

When we got out to the veranda I looked out and everything was so bright. The ballroom was bright but the outside was brighter. It was only noon after all.

"It's been a while Daarc." He removed his mask.

A shock went down my spine. "Gorgan?"

It was Gorgan- the holy knight who fought with me back in Moire and my friend. But how did he get here?

"Yes, it's me." 

"How- when-"

I hugged him on impulse. I couldn't explain but my chest became warm and an expression appeared on my face; I believe it was happiness. Even I didn't expect myself to hug him. I might have been dying to meet someone I could trust in this world of deceit. 

"When asked about you, the elves only made vague reports. That's why my lady had sent me for reconnaissance. I got here only one week ago."

"Well, I was here, yesterday. In any case, I'm glad to see you again." I said.

"What happened?"

I was glad to meet him but the situation wasn't all that welcoming. "Are you sure, you want to discuss that now?" Besides, I couldn't just say that the prince of the elves betrayed me in the palace full of elves anyway.

I put my hand on the terrace fence and looked outside. The gentle breeze pressed against my skin. 

"You're right. Head back in, before anybody suspects you. Remember, this country isn't what it claims to be. I think they might try to monopolize you."

"You think I don't know that?" I muttered to myself.

Monopolize me? They tried to kill me!

But yeah, he was right. Friend to the throne? If that wasn't a political ploy, then I didn't know what was.

"And if you should leave this place I'd recommend leaving this continent. There's a war brewing and I don't want you to be a part of it," he whispered. The last part of his speech was kind of new though. A war? I didn't know what he meant but I didn't have time to worry about either.  "But I didn't expect the elves of all people declaring a human as a friend of the throne though." He chuckled. 

"Me either." I made my way back.

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The banquet was going on full throttle. The guests were enjoying themselves. But no one was dancing. What kind of banquet, goes on without a dance? 

Suppose I shouldn't be saying that. Well as long as I don't have to, I'm cool with this.

I searched for the two of my food fiend comrades but I couldn't spot them in the crowd. So, instead of making a scene, I strolled around naturally; if you can call cutting through people like it's none of your business natural, then yes. A lot of guests greeted me and introduced themselves. Almost all the guests were elves and unlike the princes, they had diversity: I did the same. I learned a good many things about Alfeim. Apparently, Alfeim was the largest country in this continent: it also had sub countries. It wasn't an empire but often referred to as one, since this country was so damn big and had a lot of influence. However, the most shocking discovery was the mention of a demigod. "You see, Lady Imazael protects us from all sorts of calamities."

Jowy had mentioned that name too. 

I wanted to meet this demigod. But apparently, I had bigger stuff to worry about. It was more like I was scared to meet gods at this point. All the gods I've met till this day were nothing more than just overgrown monsters. 

I moved on and resumed my search.

***

There were wine, ale, and rum barrels all across the room. Waiters were running around in the midst of the immense crowd, meeting the demands for alcohol. I wasn't surprised; if I were drinking I would have drunk more than most of the guests. I really wanted a drink: And all the dangling drinks in front of me weren't helping.

After a long while, I had to give up and sit down. I couldn't find either one of them. Things weren't looking great. I was alone in the presence of hundreds of strangers. 

I sat down on a chair close to a long, very long row of tables that ran across the room. However, there were intersections for people to get across to either side. People were mostly gossiping, as though they were preparing themselves for something. 

"You don't look like a grand adventurer to me," a voice said.

Trust me, I already know that. 

My thoughts ran wild before even looking up. 

A guy stood in front of me wearing a nonchalant smirk. He looked like Jowy, but I recognized him (somehow). Either he was the king or a prince. But since the king wouldn't talk like that, I took a guess. Besides, the king wore different clothes.

"Never called myself that," I said.

I didn't stand up as he sat down as well.

"What made you go on this journey?"

What the hell is he talking about?

"Necessity," I said.

I gave an honest answer. I didn't know what he was asking me but that word slipped out of my lips.

"Makes sense." He closed his eyes for a second. "Elves are cunning creatures but we value family above all."

I didn't know how to react to his words so I kept quiet. The crown prince? I recognized him. He was the guy, the geezer wanted to slap. Probably.

"Can I look at that knife?"

"Sure," I said.

I gave him my knife. I knew something would happen next, so I gritted my teeth and waited for him to explode or something.

But he gave it back.

"It belonged to our youngest brother, then it was passed on to Lianne who is the current eldest princess of the house of Grabizzio, and then to you. I suppose that makes you our brother then. Father might have made you the friend to the throne but you'd forever be a brother to me for saving my precious sister. Thank you. I plan to change this country, hope you'd lend a hand from time to time. I'd do the same to you if you ever need my help." He bowed his head for a fraction of a second and then got up to leave. 

Then the youngest was already dead? And wait, did he just try to recruit me?

"Give my apologies to the old man; I didn't mean to insult his lineage." He left immediately. His conduct was surprising. 

But considering the elven house was full of deceit, I didn't let it bother me too much. However, I was glad.

Maybe all this was just a ploy, maybe everyone was just pretending, but still, it felt good. It felt good to be wanted.

There was orange juice on a tray. I took a sip and put it back right away. 

This is not orange juice.

With a horrified persona, I ran away. The salty aftertaste on my tongue was proof that I made the right choice. As I ran, I located Alisa.

Oh, finally.

"I've been looking for you, you know," I said.

"Actually, I didn't know that."

My eyes twitched but I calmed myself.

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