For the next few days, Cygnus focused on establishing his connection with the Hero Association. He visited Hero Arcaine while he was recuperating and he also took this chance to solidify his relationship with the president of the association. He also started to bring gifts to appease the man and make him trust him even more.
President Acasia was pleased at how polite the young man had become. He grinned as he thought that the young master was feeling grateful to him. He was also getting confident because he thought that the young man was getting inside his sphere of control. To ally with one of the powerful families in the kingdom would surely benefit his association.
The past grudge that he had against Cygnus slowly disappeared as he continued to think about the benefits that they would reap once the Ginehart duchy would back them up. The president couldn't help but grin at the thought. He left his office and was about to leave when he saw that the young master was there once again.
He happily approached the man and gave him a smile. He even went as far as to tap his back when he greeted their visitor. "Young Master Rigel, I didn't know that you were coming today." He sounded surprised and yet happy with the visit.
"Oh, I was passing by and saw the building so I decided to stop by and give you these gifts," he looked behind him at his butler.
Mr. C stepped forward and placed the bag of precious stones that was left from what Duke Blackwell had sent to him. When the butler opened the bag and they saw what was inside, they froze in amazement. The people who were there had their jaws dropped at the number of precious stones in the bag.
"Isn't this too much?" Acasia asked even though he too was excited at what he saw. Even with his standing and with the name of the Hero Association, he couldn't purchase this much precious stones.
"Oh, don't worry though, president, Uncle Galahad gave those to me and he told me that I could use it however I want so I am giving it to you because some of the stones can be forged to become great weapons!" He made it clear to make the president even more at ease at receiving the gifts.
Cygnus was right because after the president heard his words, he immediately took the bag and thanked him. He couldn't help but sneer at the young master in his mind because he was giving away such a gift. The president had no complaints though because he benefited from it.
"Thank you so much for these gifts then. I will make sure to use it for the association and for the heroes," he smiled and clasp the master's shoulder and squeezed it a couple of times. "Are you going to go and see Arcaine?" he suddenly asked.
Cygnus shook his head, "I need to get home early since my parents will be coming today. They will be attending the awarding ceremony and they decided to come earlier. I just came by to give those stones to you."
Acasia was overjoyed when he heard that the duke was going to attend the ceremony. With the young master there, he would be able to talk with the duke and perhaps establish a relationship with him. He then enthusiastically nodded. "I see, then you should go along. I will see you during the awarding ceremony."
Cygnus nodded and bid the man a goodbye. While in their carriage, the smile on the master's face disappeared. "What a hypocrite," he mumbled. "Even so, his dumbness would be his downfall."
The day of the ceremony came and the people were ready to celebrate with the hero who defeated the bandits. The streets were decorated with flags bearing the logo of the Hero Association which was a shield with a lion on hit. The people were jumping and singing in unison the song that they composed just for that day.
On the high platform where the ceremony would be held there were four pillars on each corner of the platform and each pillar had golden flames that were blazing with vigor and color. This amazed the people who were waiting for the ceremony. The moment that the king's figure appeared behind the platform, cheering and shouting started to echo from the crowd.
Orpheus raised his hand and waved at the people who came to witness the ceremony that was about to be done. He was smiling and there was no pretense in his actions because he was genuinely happy and energetic. After waving for a while, he slowly put down his hand and the crowd quietened.
"Thank you so much for coming to this ceremony and for coming to witness the hero of country receive honor and praise for what he has done for the kingdom." He started which made the crowd focus on his words. "I know that most of you have been terrified because of the bandit attacks. I am happy to tell you that the bandits are now dead and have no way of hurting you again."
At those words, the crowd cheered and clapped their hands. The king was nodding his head while hearing the sound. It pleased him that the people were cheering and enjoying the joyous occasion. This would certainly make the people rely on him more.
"Let me present to you, Hero Arcaine Noir, the hero that allowed peace to return to us once again. At my request, he did not hesitate to help my cause." He stretched his hand to the right and there came Hero Arcaine with his full formal attire.
Donned in all white with a golden cape on his back, the hero walked with his head held high towards the platform where the king was waiting for him. He even flipped his cape before he gracefully got down on one of his knees in front of the king. He bowed his head and waited for the king to start the blessing.
"I the king of Lunaira, Orpheus Syentia, recognizes Hero Arcaine Noire as the Hero of Light." He then placed the tip of the sword slightly above the man's right shoulder then did it again on his left shoulder and lastly above his head.
Arcaine raised both of his hands with his palms facing upward and the king placed the sword on his hand. The hero then slowly got up and faced the people then he held the sword tightly before raising it high above. Before the people could even cheer, the king spoke again.
"The sword of light has chosen its new owner!" Orpheus announced and then the whole plaza roared with cheers. Even the ground shook because of how loud they were cheering.
Their cheering did not stop even after the ceremony and it still could be heard inside the palace. The palace's hall was prepared to host a banquet to host all the people who attended the ceremony. From the highest echelons of nobility to the lowest part of nobles, almost everyone was there. Linette was already making her rounds while Duke Ulysses was already talking with the other nobles.
General Linius was standing together with other soldiers who also attended the ceremony. They were emitting a serious aura which made it difficult for people to approach them. Cygnus was already there as he tried to avoid the ladies who seemed to be flocking to him.
He did not have the time to flirt with them because he was on a mission. He waited for a couple more minutes before the president finally approached them with a grin. He even managed to greet the general who was frowning at his direction.
"Young Master Rigel," the president started before he gave a glance to the general who was glaring at him, "may I have a word with you?"
Cygnus nodded and followed the man. He did not forget to give his brother a reassuring smile before he left. The president led them to a particularly secluded place where he intended to put forward his request to the young man who looked uncomfortable.
"I wanted to ask you for a favor, could you introduce me to your father. I've long wanted to talk to him but I haven't gotten the chance to do that yet." The president did not hide his intention. He was ready to build a connection with the duke so Cygnus thought that he should help him.
"Alright, I can do that." He turned around and walked towards his father. Acasia was following closely behind.
Ulysses noticed that Rigel was walking towards his direction and there was someone following behind him. When they stopped a few centimeters away from them, the duke and the people who were talking with him fell into silence.
"Father, let me introduce to you the President of the Hero Association, Acaisa Veltran." He gestured to the person who was not standing beside him.
