Soul of the Warrior

Reivyn took some calming breaths as he stood just outside the double doors leading to the formal petition hall. A maid from the main palace had come and picked him up a little while after his short meeting with Sophia.

Guards were standing on either side of the double doors, and several other people were walking about or just standing around in the foyer. Palace staff were busy moving about, attending to their duties. Several of the people standing around were obviously politicians of some sort, and Reivyn could practically feel the cool arrogance of nobility oozing off of several of them.

There weren't any younger generation members in attendance with them, and they each had a mature appearance. If Reivyn had to guess, based on Kefira's description of her parents, he would say that these people were the heads of their families, and they would be one generation older than the sitting emperor and empress.

Reivyn had never been involved with any kind of official politics, only some squabbling of children on the periphery. He had no idea about the intricacies of etiquette involved with meeting the people in charge. There was a steady stream of people going in and out of the petition hall, and several would stop to discuss things with those standing in the foyer, either on the way in or out.

"Boy, what family do you belong to? This isn't the place to be sightseeing," a voice intruded on Reivyn's thoughts.

Reivyn looked over to see one of the older gentlemen approaching him with a severe expression. Reivyn frowned as he tilted his head, trying to think of how he had offended this person. It took a second for things to click in his mind, and the older man had stopped in front of him, a frown on his face as he waited for an answer. Reivyn pulled out his insignia and deliberately fastened it to his collar.

"I'm on official business," Reivyn said, meeting the man's eyes.

"Interesting," the man said, glancing at the insignia. "I hadn't heard that a Liaison had been appointed. Which scion are you attached to?"

"Excuse me, who are you?" Reivyn glanced at the man's eyes, noting the striking hue, before turning to face the closed doors, clearly dismissing the other party.

The older man barked a laugh.

"It's been a long time since someone of the younger generation has been so rude to me," despite the words, Reivyn didn't notice any malice in the man's tone. "I've never seen you before, and considering your station, I'm assuming you're not one of the nobility of Wispan, so I'll forgive you. I'm a magnanimous man."

"With all due respect, sir, I don't need your forgiveness," Reivyn glanced at the man again.

"Haha! A sharp tongue on this one," the older man seemed happy that Reivyn rebuked him. "Whether you need my forgiveness or not is yet to be seen. A word of advice, not everyone is as accommodating as I am."

"I have shown you my affiliation, and, yet, you have still not told me who you are."

"Ahh, my old age must be catching up to me. I just assumed everyone knows who I am."

"A strange assumption, considering I just told you I have no idea."

The older man threw his head back and laughed. He turned to the group of individuals he had been previously standing with. They were all smirking at the interaction.

"I like this kid! He doesn't let me lead him around by the nose." The man turned back to Reivyn and his amicable face changed to one of seriousness. "I am Bellefrent, the empress's older brother and patriarch of the Gemwayre family."

Reivyn raised his eyebrows in surprise. He turned and gave a short bow to the older man.

"Apologies. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Uncle."

The older gentleman lost all traces of amusement as he stared at Reivyn for a long moment.

"Boy, what did you call me?" He finally asked.

"Are you Serilla's father, or her uncle?" Reivyn asked back.

The man gave a thoughtful expression.

"So you're attached to Kefira," the man smirked at Reivyn's expression. "It was either her or Kayzor. You have the attitude for Kay, but not the reverence for the imperial family, and I would have known about you if it was any of the other children.

"Come find me sometime after you've made your introductions to Gennet and Silfa."

Bellefrent gave a curt nod before turning on his heels and rejoining his associates. Reivyn watched him go, noting the eyes of other nobles on their interaction. He could tell that he had suddenly become the topic of discussion for several of them, but he maintained his cool appearance after a quick glance around.

The double doors to the petition hall opened, and a large group of people streamed out. Reivyn could finally see into the room properly, and it appeared that everyone was exiting. There only remained two people seated in the center, a younger man standing behind the older man, clearly Kefira's father, and a younger woman standing behind Kefira's mother.

The staff and the guards were still busy with their duties inside the room, but all of the officials walked out. There were probably close to thirty or so people coming out of the room, and a palace staff member decked out in much more exquisite clothing than the rest threaded his way through the throng and approached Reivyn.

"His and Her Majesties will see you, now," the man said.

Reivyn adjusted the collar of his robes before striding through the double doors with confidence. He wasn't nervous, per se, but he did want to give a good first impression. He strode to the center of the room and gave a slight bow to the two seated individuals. The four people eyed him seriously, each one with a serious expression. Their looks and expression were so similar, that if Reivyn didn't know better, he would think that he was simply meeting Kefira's siblings, albeit with a strange sitting arrangement.

"Your Majesties," Reivyn intoned. "This humble Reivyn gives his greetings."

Reivyn straightened up from his short bow and met the eyes of Kefira's father, Emperor Gennet. The man sat with his arm propped on his armrest, his index finger resting against his cheek as he slightly leaned to the side.

"Are you not going to kneel to your monarch?" The man finally asked.

"No," Reivyn answered simply. "Forgive me, but you're not my monarch."

"Presumptuous," the younger man behind Gennet declared.

Reivyn glanced at him. That must be Kefira's first brother, Garet. Reivyn didn't respond to the outburst, simply looking back to the seated emperor.

"You wear our family's insignia on your collar, and you claim you're not one of our subjects?" Gennet asked.

"This is an indication of my relationship with Kefira, not my status as your subordinate."

"Is that what you think?"

"That's what I know."

Reivyn and Gennet stared at each other for a moment, neither backing down.

"What are your intentions for our daughter?" Silfa spoke up, getting straight to the heart of the matter.

Reivyn turned his attention to Kefira's mother. She looked a little familiar, resembling Kefira and Sophia whom he had met previously, but she had a more mature air about her. Her eyes also weren't one solid color, instead, they were a kaleidoscope of brilliance.

"Do you want the simple answer or the flowery answer?" Reivyn asked back. He could feel a pull on his thoughts, urging him to just blurt out the first thing that came to mind. He quashed the impulse, though.

"Let me hear the truth in your voice," she replied.

"Marriage," Reivyn gave the simplest answer.

All four of the people across from Reivyn were taken aback. Silfa was the first one to get over her shock, but Garet and the other young woman, presumably Faria, lost their bearing completely, sharing a look.

"That's... straightforward," Silfa said.

"You said you wanted to hear the truth in my voice," Reivyn said. "Did you hear it?"

"How can you determine that you want to marry my girl?" Silfa sidestepped the question. "You've only known each other for several months."

"I've thought about it a lot," Reivyn answered, not hiding anything. "She's the first girl to grab my attention in any meaningful way. The more I'm with her, the more I want to be with her.

"We have complimentary talents, and I enjoy spending time with her. I want to get to know her more, and everything I do is with the ultimate goal of being her partner. I'm not playing around with her or using her, and after some introspection, all roads eventually lead to marriage. So my intentions are to, ultimately, marry your daughter."

"And what makes you think you're worthy of our daughter? She has talent never seen in tens of thousands of years, as I'm sure you're aware. A unique Affinity that, as far as we know, has never been achieved by any individual. She's on the cusp of Tier 4, and you're still only a Tier 2 whelp."

Reivyn tilted his head as he looked at Silfa thoughtfully.

"Have Kayzor and Kefira not told you about my circumstances?" Reivyn asked.

"They've said some things. I'm still reserving judgment. You tell me why you're worthy. I want to hear what you think about yourself."

"In that case, in my opinion, the real question should be why you think Kefira is worthy of me," Reivyn said. He hadn't meant to word it in such a way, but he was feeling cocky at the moment. He didn't have time to think about where his attitude came from.

"She was born with exceptional talent, but so was I. I gained a Mythic Skill before I had my first Class. I haven't rested on my talents, either, achieving what only a relative handful have in all of history. I may be Tier 2, but I have three Classes. I have an Epic Tier 2 Class for my first Class, and now I have a Mythic Tier 3 Class for my Tier 2 Class.

"I've put in the work, despite being better at everything than my peers. I'm not arrogant or standoffish, either, helping my friends to better themselves. I have two pseudo-divine Skills," Reivyn bit his tongue, hard, drawing blood. He had not meant to divulge that information.

This woman is dangerous, Reivyn narrowed his eyes at Silfa. It was faint, but he detected a slight tilting up of the corners of her mouth. She's doing something to lower my guard. Must be a Social Skill, or a combination of them, and she's far more Skilled than I am.

"It is right and proper for you to judge me for your daughter, but at the end of the day, your opinion is only a recommendation," Reivyn said after mastering himself. "I know my worth, and it is up to Kefira to determine if I'm worthy of pursuing her."

Silfa stared at him for a moment without responding. She turned to look at her husband, clearly ending the line of questioning.

"What do you plan to do with your position as Kefira's Liaison?" Gennet asked, changing the subject. "She hasn't indicated anything to us, and she hasn't assumed any official responsibilities, yet. Are you just going to spend your days as an idler, or do you plan to do something with your newfound authority?"

Reivyn considered the question. They hadn't talked about it before, Kefira only saying that she didn't consider him an actual subordinate of hers.

"I haven't really thought about it," Reivyn answered truthfully. "That being said, I'm not one to be idle. If I have nothing to do, I'll train. If I reach a bottleneck, I'll go gain some Life Experience. I know that I'm still only Tier 2, and this is the beginning of my life. I'm not content with just coasting forward on my current achievements, but I will instead use them as a stepping stone to climb ever higher.

"There are a lot of things I still haven't experienced, having spent most of my time fighting in one way or another. I'll accompany Kefira to social events to round myself out in that way, and I'm sure I can do things to increase her prestige among the populace."

"To what end?" Gennet questioned further. "What would be the purpose of endearing her to the people? Do you want her to fight for the succession so you can sit in my seat one day?"

Garet, standing behind his father, shot daggers at Reivyn upon hearing that question. It didn't have any bite to it, though. It feels... scripted. Like he was expecting that line of questioning from his father.

"I'm not interested in ruling an empire," Reivyn shook his head, not getting apprehensive over the accusation. "And neither is Kefira. As to the purpose of increasing her prestige, it's all about Life Experience. We're still in our foundational Classes.

"Anything and everything can be leveraged to increase our Class choices for future advancement, and that's one of the most important things that I always keep in mind as I make my decisions. As a member of the Imperial Family, I'm sure there would be great personal benefits for Kefira if she was able to leverage that aspect of her life, regardless of what her goals are."

"Hmm, we'll see," Gennet glanced at his wife. She didn't make any kind of expression or say anything, but Reivyn got a distinct feeling that they were communicating.

Ahh, I see, Reivyn realized. He focuses on the administrative aspects, and she focuses on the relationship aspects. His questions were solely focused on responsibilities, and her's were focused on my intentions with their family. Instead of spreading it out amongst each other, they can get deeper into both subjects by taking care of one aspect all on their own.

"So," Silfa turned back to Reivyn. "What is it that your family does? There can't be a whole lot to do in a Tier 1 Region where the atmosphere is so thin."

Reivyn gave her a look, not believing for a second that she knew about the fact that he was born in a Tier 1 Region but didn't know that his parents were actually from a Tier 4 Region.

Maybe she wants to see if I'll be truthful?

"My mother is a displaced Imperial Princess from the Vynndin Empire," Reivyn replied. "It had four Dungeons located in the capital, and all four of the Dungeons had a Dungeon break at the same time. The Imperial Capital was lost, and the vassal states, instead of helping, decided to seize power for themselves.

"I don't know the full story of how my parents ended up in a Tier 1 Region, but it had something to do with investigating a supposed mastermind, which I have since learned is absolutely true, as I met the man. I can't speak further on that at this time.

"As for what my parents do, my father is still active in Adventuring, and they have a lot of loyal subjects that still follow them. He was originally a ceremonial bodyguard for my mother, but it turned into something deeper as they escaped together. My mother took a break from the active lifestyle when I was born, and I imagine she's still spending the majority of her time raising my twin sisters."

"So you have the Bloodline, but not the upbringing," Silfa condensed his answer into a short sentence. "How are you planning to support my daughter with your lack of an education?"

"A lack of a completed formal education doesn't mean ignorance, and seeking knowledge is done through a lifetime," Reivyn retorted.

"And how many opportunities will be lost as you shore up your foundations?"

"None," Reivyn flatly denied. "I seek partnership with your daughter, not stewardship. It won't be up to me to make her decisions for her. She's perfectly capable of seizing her own fortune, and my job will simply be to allow her to do so more easily."

Silfa's body shook imperceptibly, and Reivyn got the distinct feeling that she was holding herself back from nodding along to his answer.

"What's your opinion on the invasion of Drallo?" Gennet once more took over the questioning.

"It seems to have been a little bit of a misunderstanding," Reivyn said.

"A misunderstanding? Sending in hundreds of thousands of soldiers to enslave the populace was a 'misunderstanding?'" Gennet seemed offended at the notion.

"When I say misunderstanding, I mean more along the lines of a dissonance of philosophy."

"Explain."

"The trip was a personal one for a high-ranking member of their faction," Reivyn said. "I had the chance to speak, briefly, to that person, and from what I can gather, they view human life differently than we do. She referred to the populace as a resource to exploit for her purposes, but she didn't intend to seize the land or the people permanently.

"They came and accomplished their goal, and then they left."

"So you're saying we should just forget it, then? Let bygones be bygones and forgive them because they have a different philosophy than we do?"

"That's not what I said. I never said it wasn't a transgression, just that it wasn't what we thought it was. Certainly, if you can find them, you should hold them to account for their actions."

"If we can find them?" Gennet quirked an eyebrow.

"Do you know where they are?" Reivyn questioned back. "I don't, and I suspect they're from an organization of a higher Tier, as I'm sure you've read in the reports."

"Then what would you think if I told you we've received missives asking for help to repel invading forces that have similar distinguishing features? There have been multiple Tier 4 Empires that have reported massive armies ransacking their territories, raping and pillaging as they devour the land like locusts."

Reivyn frowned at that information. He hadn't been back long enough to hear any of these kinds of rumors.

"I would say it sounds like a similar, or even allied, force doing such a thing," Reivyn ventured. "From your words, I'm guessing the invaders have brands on their foreheads?" Gennet nodded his head. "They don't sound like they're doing things the same way as the invaders we encountered. There was no raping or pillaging, in the traditional sense, when they took the civilians to do their work for them.

"Even if they are the same people, just led by different commanders, I would recommend getting involved right away. Send out the expeditionary armies to reinforce those requesting help."

"And why should we do such a thing?" Gennet pressed. "What does it matter to us that other empires are suffering the invasion of foreigners? None of the ones requesting help are our allies."

"Then charge them," Reivyn said. "The main purpose is all about Experience. Not just Levels and Life Experience, but an actual understanding of how to fight them. Fighting people is a lot different than fighting monsters, and the experience of your commanders and soldiers, if they think in such simple terms, could lead to a disaster.

"I would recommend forging your armies in the fire while that fire isn't burning your homeland."

Gennet sat back in his seat with a thoughtful expression.

"So if it was up to you, you would lead our daughter out to engage in more warfare, far from the comfort of her home and the ones who love her?" Silfa interjected.

"If that's the course that she chooses, I wouldn't stop her," Reivyn said. "Instead of holding her back, I would make sure that she was safe while doing so. Flowers grown in the greenhouse can't handle the weather as well as those born in the wild."

Silfa narrowed her eyes at him.

"I think you're dangerous," she said.

"I know I am," Reivyn responded. Internally he kicked himself. I let myself slip again. He once more bit his tongue.

Gennet guffawed, and Reivyn saw the corners of his lips twitch at his answer. The two siblings standing behind their parents raised their hands to cover their mouths with their sleeves simultaneously, and Reivyn would have sworn that their shaking was due to laughing. Only Silfa didn't have any kind of reaction to his bravado.

"And you want me to trust the wellbeing of my precious daughter to a self-proclaimed 'dangerous man?'" Silfa further questioned.

"The best person to catch a thief is another thief," Reivyn quipped, remembering the lesson from his father all those years ago.

"Are you a thief?"

"Of hearts."

Reivyn's eyes widened at his own answer, and he drew more blood as he bit down on his tongue harder. I have to resist the temptation to answer right away, Reivyn rebuked himself. When I do, I'm more likely to say outrageous things.

"What I mean is, I'm the best candidate, and I've already got a spot in your daughter's heart. She's not a fool."

"Are you insinuating that I'm foolish for questioning her decisions?" Silfa raised an eyebrow.

"Not at all," Reivyn denied. "I'm simply saying that you can trust her judgment."

"So to sum it up, you have the Bloodline, some talent and work ethic, and you understand a modicum of etiquette," Silfa ticked off on her hand. "But... you lack an in-depth education, you're a bit blasé about your familial relationship, and you don't respect your elders."

"Respect is earned," Reivyn said, frowning. "I'll be polite, and I'll be a bit deferential to those more experienced than me, but my respect will only go so far as I've seen one earns it. You can't demand respect from me."

Silfa and Gennet sat in silence for a moment, digesting that statement.

"So you're admitting that you won't respect us?" Silfa accused.

"If you deserve it..." Reivyn shrugged.

Gennet and Silfa shared a look. Gennet turned back to Reivyn.

"That will be all for now," he said, nodding his head.

It was a clear dismissal, and Reivyn gave a polite, but short, bow.

"Your Majesties."

He took a step back before turning on his heels and exiting the petition hall once more.

That... could have gone worse, Reivyn mused. It could have gone better, of course. I still lack in the Social Skills department. Something I'll have to focus on in the near future if I'm to accompany Kefira in public.

Kefira and Serilla were standing outside the room when Reivyn exited, and Kefira broke into a beaming smile at his appearance.

"Well, it looks like you have your limbs intact, still," she chuckled. "Come on, let's go back to my courtyard. My parents still have some duties to attend to, and there's a bit more time until dinner. You'll get to meet the rest of my siblings, then."

"Oh, I already met your sister, Sophia, earlier," Reivyn said, walking next to Kefira.

"When?" Kefira looked up at him in puzzlement. "She's been with me since we got to the palace, and she was still with me before I came to wait for you."

"Wait, if that wasn't Sophia, and the one in the petition hall was your sister Faria, then who came to talk to me in your sitting room?" Reivyn frowned.

Kefira was silent for a moment, a frown on her face as well, as she thought about it.

"The only person who wasn't with us was..." She looked up at Reivyn with enlightenment. "My mother."