Claiming the Crown(pt. 2)

"It's called fragment of Ivnaz. A rare item which boosts mana and healing for a limited period of time."

"So that's why...."

"What?

"I got nauseous earlier but it faded when I felt warmth from the fragment. Now, what about the screens?" Jarte brought both of his index fingers together then recreated the shape of a screen with his fingers.

Zephyr took a moment to understand what he meant then answered plainly,

"Those are exclusive to members of the royal family and some nobles. No one knows how it appears or when. It varies from person to person, apparently. You've never experienced it before?"

"No. It was the first time when dad.."

"Maybe the event triggered it?"

"That's possible." Jarte looked down at the carpet then said, "I need to freshen up and get all of this over with."

Zephyr turned to the right then walked towards another door before holding it open.

[You've discovered a sub-location: The Bath House]

"Ah, thanks, Zeph. But I wanted to ask if this is your real name?"

Zephyr smiled lightly, "Yes, I've only hidden my status as a knight from you."

Jarte nodded with a smile then walked inside. The door closed behind him, leaving Zephyr in his room. The bath house was just as luxurious as the rest of the castle. There was a pool with fresh water waiting for him, it would be unfair to call it a tub. He felt like he could swim in there. There were shelves adjusted to the walls with various shampoos, body washes, and perfumes. There was another door present, he opened it. Garments of the highest quality were present there. Mostly suits and robes with intricate designs. At the very end, there was a white robe with golden patterns on it, separate from the other clothing available in the closet.

[You have discovered: The King's Robe]

Jarte closed the door and went back to the bath filled with rose petals. He felt rejuvenated after taking a bath. Having put on the glamorous robe, he thought that the robe was too big for him. It was then the robe began to adjust to his measurements and fit him perfectly. He mostly wore baggy clothes with an exception of jeans. Now suddenly wearing the robe that seemed to fit his upper body perfectly, made him a bit uncomfortable. He looked at himself in the large mirror of the Bath House. He somehow looked taller and his blond hair appeared brighter. However, his skinny physique was highlighted further so he frowned.

He was constantly harassed outside of the mansion whenever Zephyr wasn't around. No matter how much he tried, he was never successful in gaining significant amount of weight. At some point, he started ignoring the common folk all together and gave up on making any friends other than Zephyr. Zephyr always remarked that they're just jealous. But Jarte didn't quite believe him.

[You've claimed: The King's Robe]

[You have gained +30 charisma points]

[You have gained +10 intimidation points from the King's Robe]

[You have gained +10 physical defense]

Jarte blinked as he read all of the screens with benefits.

'That's quite a lot. I wonder..'

'Check Stats'

[Locked]

'Check abilities'

[Locked]

'Check Charisma points'

[Charisma Points: 40]

'Then, there has to be strength and intelligence too, right?'

'Check Strength'

[Locked]

'Load map'

[You have discovered two main locations and a sub-location: The Throne Room, The Royal chamber and The Bath House(sub location)]

[You can check the map to find your way to these locations]

A map appeared on the screen, 'Palace Realm' was written in an italic-bold font at the top. Every location he discovered was visible. The routes which he used to get to these three places were visible.

Jarte was used to playing various video games; these screens worked in a similar fashion except he had to even unlock the basic skills to find out the status of each. Even the map was locked except for the places he already discovered and the only routes to these places are paths he was already familiar with. He sighed.

'Guess I just have to figure it out as I go.'

[You've spent an hour in a sub-location within The Royal Chamber]

[Your fatigue has been decreased by 20%]

Jarte felt even better than before. The bath refreshed him and fatigue decrease felt like a blessing.

[10% fatigue decrease for the invited has been applied.]

'I don't think that guy even gets tired.'

With that, Jarte got out of the Bath House and faced Zephyr.

-

A lady walked around the night market of the Common Realm, followed by a male attendant. She wore a black and purple dress. Her long black hair covered her back. Her exposed neck had a black tattoo of a dragon on it. The person following her wore a plain white shirt, paired with black pants. He kept his hand on the sword on his side the whole time. There was a silver dragon etched onto the scabbard of the sword. As they walked, most people got out of their way. When the lady was busy taking a look at some artwork, the attendant spoke,

"My lady, it's close to midnight, you shouldn't be up so late."

"Oh, come now. You know how I enjoy the night-time so!"

"Even so, please reconsider. Besides, it really isn't safe for you to roam like this!"

"Who do you think you're talking to?" Her green eyes threw a sharp glare in his direction.

"I'm sorry, my lady."

"Don't be so worried. It's good to have some fun at times!"

"Yes, my lady."

Just as they were speaking, screens popped up all around the night market and a news reporter spoke,

[ Important announcement right from the Palace Realm! The New King is to claim the crown before dawn. It will be broadcasted live. After the previous King's mysterious death, the absent Crown Prince returns as King to claim the throne. How exciting! Stay tuned to celebrate the return of the absent royals! ]

The lady chuckled, "What an exciting night."

"My lady, are you—"

"Yes, I am. I wouldn't miss this for the world." With that she kicked the ground and took to the sky, travelling fast towards the Palace Realm. Her attendant sighed but followed closely behind her,

"This is such a mess."

"Too soon, Avohld. The real mess is yet to be created."