Free Web NovelChapter 203: Fame
"A pupil? You, Victor?" Franky almost dropped his mug when he heard Victor’s revelation. He blinked several times, trying to process the information. "What made you change your mind?"
Victor gave a slight smile, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "The circumstances were different this time. He’s Bel Selvarum, and I had to try to make it up to the Selvarums for having welcomed me into the city. Besides, Selvarum’s father was a friend."
Aluella, still surprised, leaned forward, her eyes shining with curiosity. "And what’s he like?" ƒrēewebnovel.com
Victor took a sip of his drink before answering. "Bel has an indomitable spirit, but also a kindness that is rare to see. He didn’t have much formal training, but his courage and instinct for learning impressed me."
Franky shook his head, an admiring smile on his lips. "It looks like you’ve found a genuine diamond in the rough. It must be quite a challenge to shape it."
Victor nodded. "At first, no doubt about it. But it was also incredibly rewarding. Seeing his progress, the way he absorbed each lesson... it was as if I was reliving my own adventures through him."
Aluella laughed softly. "I’d like to meet him one day. You seem to have found someone worthy of your time and effort."
Victor smiled, grateful for Aluella’s understanding. "I’m sure you’ll both like him."
As the conversation flowed, the atmosphere in the tavern remained vibrant. The music of a lute player in the background provided a soothing soundtrack, complemented by the sound of laughter and lively conversation from the other patrons. The smell of roasting meat and fresh bread filled the air, making the atmosphere even more welcoming.
Borin returned to the table with another round of mead and some hot dishes. "Here you are, my friends. Courtesy of the house," he said with a wink to Franky. They were friends.
"Thank you, Borin," said Franky, raising his mug in thanks.
"It’s a pleasure to have you here. Especially you, Victor Shieldman. However, Franky, don’t be jealous," replied Borin before walking away again to attend to other customers.
Franky took a piece of meat and started eating, clearly hungry. "Wow, Victor, you’re really famous in this town, aren’t you? I don’t think that even in the past, when we killed a lot of monsters, you were as popular as you are now."
"It’s not that I sought that fame, Franky," he replied, his voice quiet and unassuming.
Franky stopped chewing for a moment, looking at Victor thoughtfully. "Always so humble, Victor. But seriously, you deserve every bit of this recognition."
Victor smiled, but then looked away, clearly uncomfortable with the subject. He was about to turn the conversation around when two young huntresses approached the table. Their faces were alight with admiration and nervousness, holding small notebooks in their hands.
"Mr. Shieldman, can we get your autograph?" The first girl, with curly brown hair and bright green eyes, spoke in a voice quivering with emotion.
Victor blinked, surprised, but kept his composure. "Of course, what are your names?"
"I’m Anya, and this is my friend Lila," said the girl, pointing to her friend, who nodded shyly.
Victor picked up the notebooks and a quill, starting to write their names and a little message of encouragement in each one. "You’re hunters too, right? Keep training and never give up. Courage and perseverance are the greatest weapons you can have."
The girls thanked him, their faces flushed with joy, before walking away. Meanwhile, Aluella watched the scene, a slight shadow of jealousy passing through her eyes. She leaned towards Victor, a smile playing on her lips. "You seem to have fans everywhere."
Victor shrugged, still smiling at the young huntresses who were now walking away. "I just try to do my bit. And you, Aluella, how was your trip here?"
Victor’s obvious attempt to shift the focus of the conversation to Aluella made her relax a little. She tucked a lock of dark red hair behind her ear and began to talk about her brief passage through the Shadow Mountains.
"We came across a nest of wyverns, bigger than any I’ve ever seen. It was a difficult battle, but I managed to drive them out with no casualties and..."
As Aluella recounted her adventure, Victor listened attentively, occasionally nodding and asking pertinent questions. The atmosphere around them remained vibrant, with the music of the lute player creating a welcoming backdrop and the conversations of the other patrons adding a layer of life to the tavern. The candle flames flickered, casting dancing shadows on the wooden walls.
Franky, already satisfied with his meal, leaned back in his chair, watching Aluella and Victor interact. He could see the depth of the connection between them, something more than simple camaraderie. There was a mutual respect, but also something deeper, a bond formed through the countless battles and challenges they had faced together.
Victor took another sip of his drink, took Aluella’s hand and stood up.
"Well, I think it’s time we went. Franky, you’re in town for tomorrow’s event, right? Please go to Selvarum Manor. There’ll be a more intimate party and you’ll be more than welcome."
"Of course, Victor," replied Franky, raising his mug in a toast. "I’ll be there at Selvarum Manor. I’m looking forward to this party." ƒгeewёbnovel.com
With a final nod to Borin, who was busy attending to other customers in the tavern, Victor and Aluella headed for the door, stepping out into the cold, clear night. The moon was high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the cobbled streets. The sound of conversation and music still echoed through the tavern door, but was now beginning to be drowned out by the night wind.
As they walked side by side through the city streets, Victor and Aluella exchanged soft words, their voices a mixture of whispers and laughter.
Selvarum Manor soon came into view, an imposing and elegant building, with its towers and tall windows lit from within.
As they entered the main hall, they were greeted by Luisa Selvarum, a woman of noble bearing and piercing eyes, who smiled warmly when she saw the two of them.
"Victor, Aluella, how nice to see you," she said, approaching them. "I hope you had a pleasant day in the city."
"It was wonderful, Luisa," replied Victor. "Thank you for having us here once again."
"It’s a pleasure to have you here," replied Luisa. "And please, I’ve prepared something special for you tonight. The largest room is at your disposal. I think it will be more comfortable than a hotel."
Aluella exchanged a glance with Victor, surprised and grateful for Luisa’s generosity. "Thank you so much, Luisa. You’re always so thoughtful."
"I make a point of taking good care of my guests," said Luisa, waving to a waiting maid. "Show them to their room."
The maid, a young woman with brown hair tied up in an impeccable bun, led Victor and Aluella through the corridors of the mansion. The path was lit by chandeliers, whose flickering flames cast soft shadows on the walls decorated with tapestries and old paintings.
Finally, the maid stopped in front of a large carved wooden door and opened it, revealing a spacious and luxuriously furnished room. The floor was covered with a soft velvet carpet, and a fireplace crackled in one corner, filling the room with a cozy warmth. A large, inviting four-poster bed was positioned against the opposite wall, with silk sheets and soft pillows.
"I hope you find everything to your liking," said the maid with a smile before discreetly leaving, closing the door behind her.
Victor and Aluella entered the room, observing every detail. Aluella let out a sigh of admiration. "This place is incredible. I’ve never stayed in such a luxurious room."
Victor agreed, walking over to the fireplace and holding out his hands for warmth. "Luisa really knows how to treat her guests."
Aluella approached Victor, her eyes meeting his with an intensity that made his heart beat faster. "We’re finally alone, Victor," she said, her voice low and charged with emotion.
Victor smiled, feeling the same warmth that the fireplace provided, but now coming from Aluella’s gaze. He leaned closer, his lips almost touching hers. "Yes, finally."
Aluella put a hand on Victor’s chest, feeling the strong beat of his heart. "I think we’ll have a little more comfort than in the ruins."
"I have no doubt about that," replied Victor, before finally closing the distance between them and kissing her.
Their lips moved together in a passionate dance, their breath mingling and hearts racing. Victor’s hands explored every curve and contour of Aluella’s body, his fingertips tracing delicate patterns along her spine, causing shivers of pleasure to ripple through her. As his hands reached her waist, he could sense the toned muscles beneath.
Aluella’s grip tightened around his neck, her fingers tangling in his hair, as if she wanted to merge their beings into one.
When they finally separated, they were both breathing heavily, their faces flushed with the heat of the moment.
"I think we should enjoy this room," said Victor.
