Free Web NovelChapter 296: Chapter 284: Anno
"This is... so incredibly dull."
The Minstrel chewed on the end of his quill, stretched lazily, and stared at the blank sheet of parchment in his hand, unable to stop himself from sighing.
"Roland, do you think we’ll end up like we did at Wailing Gorge? Go through a bunch of bizarre events and inexplicably end up as the heroes who save the day?"
"Quit your jinxing, Galvis!"
"But Roland..."
Roland shushed his companion, ignoring his muttering. He shook the wooden bowl in his hand again, and the dice inside rattled with a crisp sound.
「Nearly half a month had passed since their last encounter with Baron Marshall.」
During that time, they had traveled deep into the heartland of the Golden Valley Kingdom. Aside from a few encounters with Low-Level Demons in the wilderness, the entire journey had been exceptionally smooth.
The Lords whose territories they passed through all treated them with lavish hospitality, making for a rather pleasant time.
The only thing that raised Roland’s suspicions was the nobles’ abnormally friendly attitude.
Although he had lived in the remote Black Water Territory, he had long heard of the reputation of these heartland nobles.
It was usually inseparable from words like "arrogant" and "domineering."
And yet, on this journey... thinking of the nobles’ smiles, which were so friendly they seemed almost deliberate, Roland couldn’t help but shake his head.
’Maybe they’re all like Marshall, just putting on a show?’
He had discussed this matter with Reggie before.
Although Master Reggie was also uneasy, given that their journey had been peaceful, the two could only secretly raise their guard and say no more on the matter.
"I win again, Roland!"
As the wooden bowl was lifted, Jamaal, the student sitting opposite him, burst out laughing and held out a broad hand.
The roll of the dice on the table was clearly lower than his opponent’s. Roland shook his head in resignation.
"Alright, Jamaal, you’re always so lucky..."
He deftly pulled a few Copper Coins from his pouch and handed them over.
"This isn’t luck, Roland. It’s just that your technique is terrible. Besides..."
Jamaal asked quizzically as he happily pocketed the Copper Coins.
"Why are you so gentle when you shake the dice? Did you injure your arm fighting those Demons before?"
Roland just shook his head without answering.
Just as Jamaal was pocketing the Copper Coins, a line of golden text quietly materialized in Roland’s vision.
[You have successfully completed one Gambling Skill practice session. You have gained one Experience Point.]
’Just as I thought.’
Roland understood.
When honing the [Gambling Skill], he really couldn’t use any Extraordinary abilities.
He once again placed the wooden bowl upside down on the table.
"Another round, Jamaal."
"But... it’s almost lunchtime. If Master Reggie finds out..."
"Alright."
Roland glanced at the bright daylight outside the window and shrugged.
"We’ll continue tomorrow, then?"
"No problem!"
After a bit more small talk, Jamaal got up and left.
The moment the door closed, the Minstrel eagerly rushed over to Roland’s side.
"Were you even listening to me just now, Roland?"
"Of course, of course..."
Roland picked up a wooden cup from the table and drained the water in one gulp.
"But what’s so bad about a peaceful life?"
"But you shouldn’t have... fallen so low!"
Galvis pointed at the dice scattered across the table, his tone filled with undisguised disappointment.
"Look at what you’ve been doing these past few days! Besides gambling, you’re haggling with vendors in the market over a few copper plates. That’s not what a hero should be doing!"
"I know, I know..."
Roland waved his hand dismissively and decisively changed the subject.
"Where’s Teresa?"
"She went to the Adventurer Guild to pick up a commission. Sigh..."
Seeing that Roland clearly hadn’t taken his words to heart, the Minstrel sighed and slumped listlessly onto the wooden table.
"Roland, how much longer are we going to stay in this town? When are we finally going to the Royal Capital...?"
Roland didn’t answer immediately, merely leaning against the windowsill and gazing outside.
The Royal Capital of the Golden Valley Kingdom was a distinct silhouette on the horizon.
Even from a distance, the city was breathtaking.
Its towering gray walls stretched out like a mountain range, casting long shadows in the sunlight.
The flags fluttering on the battlements were blurred specks of color, from which one could faintly make out the royal family’s golden ear of wheat insignia.
Just as Galvis was about to complain again, a short, powerful shout shattered the afternoon’s tranquility.
"Everyone, assemble!"
Reggie’s steady voice echoed through the courtyard.
"Form up in the front courtyard immediately! An important personage is about to arrive."
The students exchanged surprised glances.
They had been well-received throughout their journey, but this was the first time they had encountered an "important personage" who warranted such solemnity from Master Reggie.
Roland and Galvis glanced at each other, gathered the dice from the table, and quickly got up to head outside.
In the courtyard, the members of the study tour had already formed a neat line.
Teresa, who had just returned, silently blended into the flank of the group, her gaze sharp with its usual vigilance from beneath her silver hair.
Reggie stood at the very front, his posture ramrod straight, his expression even more solemn than usual.
The sound of horse hooves grew from a distant, steady rhythm to a powerful beat, as if hammering on everyone’s heart.
First, a troop of elite cavalry streamed through the courtyard gates. Their armor was not the standard-issue gear of ordinary Guards but shimmering, masterwork steel Plate Armor. Engraved upon their breastplates was the sigil of a Griffin with its wings proudly spread.
This sigil belonged to a vast territory bordering the River Domain, and Roland had heard of its master’s name.
The cavalrymen split to either side, forming a silent honor guard.
Then, an exceptionally large warhorse stepped into the courtyard, its rider nearly blocking the light from the gate.
The newcomer was incredibly burly. His broad shoulders and thick chest stretched the luxurious, deep purple velvet formal wear taut, and he exuded a rock-like sense of pressure even without armor.
This was not the physique of a pampered noble; it was clearly one forged through countless battles.
However, when everyone’s gaze shifted upward, they did not see a ferocious face.
Duke Anno.
’Duke Anno,’ Roland confirmed to himself.
He had a face that was almost gentle, a stark contrast to his physique.
He was around fifty years old, with meticulously combed graying hair, a ruddy complexion, and faint laugh lines etched at the corners of his eyes.
A pair of bright blue eyes swept gently over every young person in the line, his lips naturally turned up in a disarming, benevolent smile, like that of an elder.
"Welcome, my friends from afar."
Anno’s voice was resonant and warm, carrying just the right amount of enthusiasm. It instantly dispelled the tense atmosphere his arrival had created in the courtyard.
"I am Anno Perez. I have the honor of serving His Majesty the King as a Duke, and I am also the Lord of the Griffin Territory you just passed through. When I learned that our kingdom’s most honored guests were approaching the Royal Capital, I couldn’t wait to come and greet you."
He dismounted fluidly, his movements belying his burly frame and demonstrating exquisite control over his body.
He walked toward Reggie and opened his arms in a welcoming gesture.
"Master Reggie, it has been a long journey. I hope my subordinates have not neglected you."
"Your Grace is too kind."
Reggie placed his right hand over his chest and performed a standard Knight’s salute, his tone respectful but measured.
"We have received hospitality far beyond our expectations. The warmth of the Golden Valley Kingdom is truly impressive."
"Excellent, excellent!"
Anno laughed heartily, clapping Reggie on the shoulder before his gaze shifted to the students behind him.
"So these are the future pillars of the River Domain? Such vibrant young people."
"Seeing you all reminds me of the days when I shared wine and good conversation with old friends from your lands. Peace and friendship will always be the strongest bridge connecting our two shores, will they not?"
His words were flawless, his smile incredibly infectious.
Most of the students unconsciously relaxed, moved by the great man’s affability.
But Roland’s eyes narrowed slightly.
Anno’s smile was indeed sincere, but the light in his blue eyes was too calm.
Like a frozen lake, reflecting no real warmth.
Anno’s gaze slowly swept across the line, as if he were counting them, or perhaps assessing something.
When his eyes happened to meet Roland’s, the momentary pause sent an invisible pressure bearing down on Roland, as if he had been casually glanced at by a powerful predator.
Though the feeling vanished in an instant, immediately concealed by a warm smile, Roland’s Spiritual Power instinctively caught a trace of extremely faint scrutiny and coldness.
’An Extraordinary Professional, and... a very strong one at that!’
