Chapter 36: King's Party(2)
System scan.
[Scanning the target..]
[Scan Complete!]
[
Name: Edward
Gender: Male
Age: 36 years
Race: Human
Class:1st Swordsman/3rd Wizard
Occupation: King of North Kingdom
Unique Energy: 80.00
Strength: 29.44
Agility: 20.52
Stamina: 16.00
Trait: Cautious(Rare)
]
"Hmm?" Desmond's gaze lingered on the king's status, his eyes scanning the numbers and descriptors that defined Edward's abilities and role. It was only natural for the king to possess great strength, Desmond thought to himself. After all, how else could he command the unwavering loyalty of his subjects? But what caught Desmond off guard was the absence of the trait effect in Edward's profile.
Perplexed, Desmond furrowed his brow, his mind swirling with questions. Why was the king's trait shrouded in mystery? It was a curious enigma that piqued his curiosity, and he couldn't help but wonder about its implications.
[System Conclusion: Not everyone can be scanned; some individuals, like the Host's parents, willingly allowed the Host to examine them. The same applies to Weston. However, if the Host persists in scanning a person who hasn't consented, the target may sense an unfamiliar energy attempting to breach their being.]
Ah, I see... So, all this time, I unknowingly probed Weston and my parents without their knowledge? Desmond's realization struck him like a bolt of lightning, and a mix of astonishment and regret washed over him.
[System Conclusion: Indeed, they provided their status willingly, but the targets remain oblivious to the fact that their information was being accessed. They only perceive an unusual energy permeating their bodies—a residue of the Host's borrowed energy, utilized for the scanning process.]
The memory of Weston's piercing gaze during their encounter six years ago suddenly made sense to Desmond. It was a knowing glance, a subtle acknowledgment of the secret connection they shared. Thankfully, Weston had proven himself to be an honorable person.
Next time, Desmond resolved, I'll exercise caution and limit myself to a simple scan.
A brief pause ensued before Edward's voice resonated once again, commanding the attention of the gathered individuals. "I have gathered all of you here today to strengthen the bonds within our kingdom," he declared with regal authority. "Furthermore, I shall be inviting select individuals for a discussion regarding the selection of the next Grandmaster."
"Now, enjoy the festivities and revel in each other's company. And for those who are new here," Edward gestured toward his wife and children, who stood nearby, by the drinks table, "allow me to introduce my beloved wife, Claire—an epitome of grace with her short, golden locks—and our cherished child."
With a graceful motion, Queen Claire extended her hands towards the crowd, a gesture of warmth and acknowledgment to her people. Beside her stood her daughter, Elizabeth, who happened to share the same age as Desmond. Elizabeth's golden locks cascaded down her back, and she too waved her hand in greeting. As murmurs and whispers rippled through the gathering, curiosity sparked among the attendees.
Who could this newcomer be? Since this was the king's second party, nearly everyone present was familiar with the king's wife and children.
"Enjoy the party," Edward's final words lingered in the air as he retreated to the rear of the stage, vanishing from sight.
Clementine's gaze shifted towards Desmond, noticing his unwavering focus on King Edward. Sensing the wheels turning in his mind, she spoke, breaking the silence between them.
"It seems the king is deeply engrossed in matters concerning the selection of the new Grandmaster," Clementine remarked, her voice laced with observation.
"It must be a rather intricate affair," Desmond replied impassively, his face betraying little emotion. However, beneath his composed exterior, a whirlwind of thoughts churned. He couldn't help but question the motives behind the king's peculiar behavior.
While Desmond's mind delved into the enigma of the king's actions, a portly man with spikey hair emerged from a distance, making his way towards Alice and Diana.
As Diana caught sight of the approaching figure, her expression shifted from one of mirthful smiles to one of anger. The fat man cast a fleeting glance in Alice's direction before finally addressing Diana.
"Hey, Diana, what about my proposal? Have you made up your mind?" The man's voice carried a hint of persistence.
"My answer remains the same, Gibson," Diana retorted, her tone tinged with mockery as she fixed Gibson with an angry gaze.
Unfazed by Diana's response, Gibson grinned widely. "I see. How about we settle it through a match then? Isn't that your favorite?" He then turned his gaze towards Alice. "And perhaps the princess here is also intrigued by deep connections?"
Alice was taken aback, rendered momentarily speechless. 'Does this man have no shame? He just invited another girl in front of me!' With a forced smile, she replied, "No, thank you, Master Gibson."
Gibson shook his head, seemingly undeterred. "Such a pity." His eyes darted back to Diana. "Are you afraid?"
"Of course not! I accept your challenge. Let's settle it at the training hall!" Diana's response brimmed with determination. It wasn't the first time Gibson had extended a wedding invitation to her. Their parents had chosen not to interfere in their children's affairs, allowing them to navigate their own paths.
As Gibson's gaze lingered on Alice, a flicker of irritation coursed through Desmond's being. Seeking insight, he turned to Mrs. Clementine with a polite inquiry, yet failed to conceal the underlying intensity of his presence.
"Mrs. Clementine, do you happen to know that young man over there?" Desmond's voice retained its courtesy, but an undeniable aura of danger emanated from him.
"That is Gibson's son, hailing from the lineage of Andre, a former noble," Clementine responded, her gaze fixed on the podium where the king stood.
At the mention of nobility, Desmond's interest was piqued. He had delved into the annals of North Kingdom's history, where he learned that all nobles had been either slain or banished, with the exception of those within the Imperial Kingdom.
"Have not all the nobles been eradicated and exiled?" Desmond inquired, his curiosity tinged with a hint of skepticism.
Clementine's eyes remained transfixed on the podium, her gaze filled with a somberness that Desmond couldn't ignore. "King Edward granted clemency to only two noble families," she explained. "He allowed them to retain their properties and granted them a measure of freedom."
Desmond couldn't help but think, 'How foolish! What if these nobles are plotting to overturn him?' The words lingered on his tongue, but he refrained from speaking them aloud, sensing Clementine's deep sadness directed towards the king's elevated position.
"I see. Thank you for the insight," Desmond acknowledged, his gratitude evident. He then accepted a drink offered by a passing maid, a small token of appreciation. "This is my gesture of thanks," he expressed, accompanied by a warm smile.
"Thank you, dear Desmond," Clementine responded, swiftly consuming the drink in a single gulp, devoid of any hesitation.