The kingdom of Lunaira had been known for centuries of magic thus they were more popular with their mages. It was a kingdom that all magicians were dreaming of visiting but at the news of the Magic Tower getting destroyed and the evil deeds of the Magus Maximus, people from other kingdoms started to doubt and avoid the kingdom. At the rise of the Hero Association, the kingdom slowly gained its lost reputation.
Heroes from the association were getting recognized and getting the best treatment no matter where they were. King Orpheus was pleased because of this that he started to treat the association with care and this made the president satisfied. It was already a good deal because his branch of the Hero Association was now on top of the Magic Tower.
"Father, let me visit the Hero Association." Crown Prince Renzo Syentia barged inside his father's study.
He came back from a trip and heard everything that happened in the kingdom while he was gone. The crown prince was sent on a diplomatic mission together with his advisor, Lindon Ginehart. After hearing everything from the report that his captain of the guards summarized, he couldn't help but had the urge to make a personal connection with the association.
"Why would you want to visit that place?" The king frowned after hearing his son's request after he came back from his diplomatic mission. "Shouldn't you be reporting to me first?" He raised an eyebrow.
"I've already written a report about that," he looked back at his secretary and gestured for him to give the report to the king, "I'll leave you to read it father."
The secretary carefully placed the stack of papers on the king's table then he slowly took a step back. King Orpheus looked at the papers then looked at his son who was grinning at him smugly. He couldn't believe that his son would resort to this kind of tactic. He sighed and let the prince go since he didn't have the time to talk to him.
Crown Prince Renzo left his father's study and left the palace to visit the Hero Association. Since he wasn't able to establish a connection with the Magic Tower, he would do everything he could to get the association on his side. The plan was already set in his mind but all of it vanished when he saw who was in the association.
"What are you doing here?" He was frowning at the young man who was currently sipping coffee on his usual spot inside the association's reception area.
"I am here to have some coffee," Cygnus answered without even recognizing who was the person asking him.
It was customary to stand up and greet any royalty but Cygnus did not do it even after he saw the crown prince. The other people who were present all stood up and bowed towards the prince but he ignored this basic etiquette as they called it. Cygnus was not used to bowing to others, especially to people who he thought didn't deserve it.
He would only bow when needed in his act and all of it would only be akin to a curt nod. This action made Lindon angry but Renzo stopped him. He walked to the man and instead asked him why he was there.
"Is this a place where you can freely drink coffee?" The prince still asked despite the obvious dislike from Cygnus.
"Well, that's because Ms. Lietha already knows me and I have been to this place so many times that I am now considered part of their ranks." Cygnus carefully placed his cup of coffee on the table and looked up to meet the prince's eyes.
The prince's eyes narrowed but he did not back down. "What a good excuse. I never knew that you would even hang out in a place like this."
"Isn't that the same with you, your highness?" Cygnus tilted his head to the side as he looked up at the man with slightly wide and watery eyes. This had been effective to most people so he tried using it to the crown prince to see his reaction.
Renzo was taken aback at the other's actions. He took a step back like he was touched by a poison. His face even contorted because of it and he stared at the young master of Ginehart in disgust. "Do not compare me to you."
Acasia heard that the crown prince was in the association so he rushed down to meet and greet him. What he saw was beyond his expectation. It seems that the crown prince and the young master of Ginehart didn't get along. He stood by the door and continued to watch them for a while.
It also did not escape his eyes the other man who was with the crown prince. According to what he knew about the Ginehart family, the man was Lindon Ginehart. He was an influential person but after he became the royal adviser of the crown prince, his prestige went up even more. He was considered a genius and brilliant in the field of politics.
Acasia also heard that this cousin of Rigel was aiming for the position of head in the Ginehart which he knew that Ulysses wouldn't give up to just anyone. The man was clearly expanding his power by using his connection with the crown prince. Acasia felt that something would surely happen within the Gineharts one of these days.
After some time, he finally approached them with a smile. He bowed and greeted the crown prince. "Welcome to the Hero Association, your highness. If I knew that you were coming today, I would have personally welcomed you." The man still had his hand on his right chest as he looked at the crown prince.
"No need to fret over these small things. We came here not to gain attention or make a commotion. I just want to have a talk with you President Acasia Veltran." Renzo smoothly answered as he transitioned to his prince demeanor.
"It would be my pleasure to finally have a conversation with you, your highness," Acasia eagerly nodded and accepted the man's offer. "Please excuse as for a while young master Rigel. Hero Arcaine will be here shortly to accompany you on your sparring." The man's gaze shifted to the man who remained seated.
"Alright. I'll just wait for him here." Cygnus grinned and he even gave the president a thumbs up.
Acasia led them to his study in the second floor where he diligently served them with refreshments and an assortment of snacks. He sat on the empty seat on the right left side. They were silent for a while as they took the first sip to the drinks that were given to them.
Renzo placed the glass of orange juice on the table before he finally spoke. "I did not expect to see that Rigel Ginehart would be here," he started.
"That is because he is a friend of Hero Arcaine and he has been a good acquaintance to the other heroes in this place," Acasia answered.
Although the crown prince had his fair share of influence, it was still a big difference to have the strongest ducal family on their side. If he could have the prince backing him and the association then it would be easier for him to expand his influence. The royal family and the Ginehart, what a great way to have power.
"So, the rumors are true that Hero Arcaine and Rigel are friends?" At first, he did not want to believe those silly words but now that the president had confirmed it, there was no doubt in his mind.
"Yes. The rumors are a bit exaggerated but it is true that the two are friends and Hero Aracaine values young master Rigel." The president did not deny it because if he did, his relationship with the young master would become constrained.
"I didn't expect that your cousin actually knows someone from the Hero Association, what a coincidence!" His face looked calm but his tone said otherwise. He was not happy to know that Hero Arcaine was actually Rigel's friend.
"I did not know about this too, your highness. My cousin and I have never been close and he despises me so as much as I can, I will always avoid him. Besides, I did not have contact with him when we were still children because the duke has hidden him." Lindon immediately defended himself because he did not want the prince to get so angry.
"Should I introduce you to Hero Arcaine too?" He interjected which caught the crown prince's attention. "I'm sure that Hero Arcaine would be glad to finally meet you, your highness."
"That's a good idea," Renzo nodded his head. It was a good way to gauge if the man was worth investing in. He could even learn a thing or two about Rigel Ginehart.
"I will arrange a meeting with him then after our conversation." Acasia was glad that the crown prince was easy to pacify. Now that crown prince Renzo came to him on his accord, he wouldn't let the opportunity slip his hands.
