Alfeo Chats with the King!

“This boy’s Core Skill is incredibly powerful, he was no match for me of course, but even so. I would like to take him in as a retainer, call it a Noble’s whim or a spoiled princess’s desire.”

Alfeo’s eyes slowly blinked open. He could hear the princess’s voice behind him talking to someone.

“Well, I don’t see a problem with it, but well, what does his father say. I would feel bad separating a father and son, you know.” The other voice came from an older sounding gentleman.

“Their relationship is most likely master and student from the way the boy talked.”

“I’m just trying to tell you this isn’t like with Tanjir, this is a member of our kingdom not some foreign slave girl.”

“In that case he’s already my property. My citizens are mine to do with as I please.”

“I would not put it like that. We must be positively regarded by our people. You may go around calling us nobles and think of yourself as one, but that is not our birthright. You and your mother both, well-”

“What about my mother?” The Princess’s voice took on a sharp luster.

“You’re both strong in your own ways, and both politically savvy. I’ve never been much for battle and even less for politics. Skills don’t always reflect the person, it’s more like people shape themselves to their skills thinking that’s what the gods have deemed they should devote themselves to. Despite the type and strength of my own skill, I am a weak person. I can only defend what you and your mother can build. Make it something good. God willing you will inherit the throne, I don’t like seeing you talking about our citizens that way. You may do what you will with the boy and his guardian, but please don’t do a discourtesy to them or your people, or me.”

“Excuse me, where is Arnold?”

Alfeo had sat up and was looking at the older gentleman and the blond princess. She had her back to Alfeo but the older gentleman who must have been her father gave a warm smile. He was round gentleman and had a short grey beard and curly hair.

“Hello, my boy. Are you alright?” Asked the man.

Alfeo felt extremely worn out while his ribs, stomach, arm, and back all ached. Nothing, however felt broken or dislocated. “I’m not in any pain, I would like to see my master.”

“That poor thing doesn’t deserve to be called that. Ha! He was so easily breakable. Such a person could never fully raise you to your full potential. Luckily, I’ll be taking over your training. Feel free to thank me for my kindness.”

“Lumi Sephora Armas! That is no way to speak to anyone!” The older gentleman who was probably her father raise his voice for the first time in their conversation. And for the first time the princess seemed to wince.

“I apologize, father.” She whispered.

“What is your name, my boy? If I may ask?”

Alfeo looked over toward Lumi who still had her back turned.

“Alfeo, sir.”

“Good name. Now, Alfeo, I assure you your master is doing splendidly. He is not yet awake but his injuries are healed. Would you like to head over to his room?”

“Yes, sir.”

Alfeo felt as though all his rage and drive had been drained. He’s been thoroughly bested by someone other than his master, and by a girl, and by a princess at that. Strong Core Skill could manifest in anyone, defeat didn’t sting any less.

“Is something the matter, Alfeo. If there’s anything you need simply ask, I’ll do what I can.”

There was the sound of a door slamming as Princess Lumi left.

“Don’t mind her. She’s just used to getting her way and she’s gotten her way. To tell you the truth, I had no idea she was so powerful, I doubt anyone did. Her maid, Tanjir, informed me of what transpired. Would you like some candy? I always keep some handy. Chocolate. You can only really find it in major cities like this one.”

He offered Alfeo a piece and he quietly accepted it.

“My name is Leonardo Sephora Armas. You can call me Leonardo, but only within these four wall right here, otherwise it’s your majesty. I assume you’ve figured out that much by now, haven’t you?”

Alfeo nodded, he could tell the king was trying his best to get him to cheer up but the more cheerful a person was that more it sometimes felt forced.

The king gave a discerning look and patted Alfeo’s back. “I feel like I’m listing everyday against those women. It’s not something to be down about. Think of it as a challenge, if you beat her at anything cherish the victory and be prepared to lose ten times over before the next one. If you do not wish to stay here, I’m sure I can talk her out of it. Just know that if you do accept her offer, you’ll never want for anything ever again. We’ll all take care of you.”

“You’re just being nice to me because of my skill. You want it.”

“Look at me, please.” Alfeo looked up at the king.

“I’m sure you heard part of my conversation with Lumi. Skills tend to become part of someone’s identity not because those skill represent who they are but because we put unnecessary emphasis on those abilities.”

“My master said something similar.”

“Right, because he said those same words to me.”

Alfeo’s face lit up in shock.

“That’s why I’m being so kind to you, if you want to know. I’m repaying a debt. I tell you, when I saw Arnold I could hardly believe the shape he was in. We served under Arkum Gould Armas when he was sitting on the throne. Once Lentil and Malaysia took over we both found ourselves out of a job. We lost contact with each other. I can’t say I knew him very long but those words of his shaped the person I’ve become. It’s a philosophy that is certainly not shared by everyone.” The king gave a jolly laugh.

“Will you help him?” Alfeo looked at the king expectantly.

The kings cheek’s were red and his warm smile remained yet his eyes were suddenly serious.

“I wish I could be so direct. In fact, I’d rather you not say anything to him about me. I’m sure he knew who he was picking a fight with at the gate. He doesn’t want to be anywhere near here.” The king looked toward the door, “I feel like any other questions should be saved for your dear master. I think he’ll be stirring any second.” He stood up, “Shall we go.”

Alfeo wasn’t sure what he should say but he managed a smile. His feeling about this situation and the king and princess were complicated, so it was best to take one problem at a time. “Yes, you majesty.”

“Good boy, come with me.”

They exited the room and walked swiftly through the impossibly large palace hallways. “There’s much history to this building, over 350 years of it in fact. They say I defeated the third most powerful man to ever sit on the throne, Lentil Omar Armas, but his supporters were few in number; he was a military man and Arkum was old, six concubines though, he certainly was spry. You want to know what Lentil’s skill was?”

Alfeo nodded.

“Nothing. He didn’t have one but his wife’s was called Master Illusionist. It allowed them to fake his all powerful skill. There was a trick that he was famous for where he would choke someone without lifting a hand. Turns out his wife would just project an image of him and then he’d physically choke out his victims.” The king joyously recounted the history of the throne.

“The last truly powerful person to sit on the throne had to be Arthur Delarosa Armas, about 250 years ago. Now many skills of the previous royal lines were not recorded so there most likely have been people between now and then who had more powerful skills but Arthur notably had the skill: Judge & Jury. He was able weigh a persons crimes and subject them to an equal punishment of his choosing. The only restriction was he could not take a life unless a life was taken. Isn’t that neat!”

Alfeo and the king finally rounded a corner, “Well, this is where I leave you. He should be on one of the cots in the infirmary over there. It’s been a joy chatting with you, Alfeo. My wife is always out schmoozing and my daughter takes me as a doughy, useless, who-knows-what… an ornament I guess. I realize that I did most of the talking so I’ve no idea where you’ve been or who you are, but he does. Whatever you may decide to do, I’m sure he’ll understand. At least, I hope so.” The King bent down to be eye level with Alfeo, “Stay well. Be stronger than your skill.”

“You make it sound like I’ve already decided to stay.”

The king ignored Alfeo and walked off whistling as he went.