38. Awestruck

The king's words had put the party on its head. Had they really just received a mansion and land!? They could attend any academy? Some academies were restricted to nobles only. Does this mean we are nobles now too? The king chose to back us! How strong will we get now? What do we do now? How do we tell our families this?

With that, the king turned and returned to the throne. "I will give you some time to gather and move your families, I'm sure this is a shock to you. Also, I shall send a small group of royal guards to guard the mansion for now until you have settled in. After such, I will expect you to return for another audience with me and my attendants. Now we have much to speak about. You may leave for today." The king knew there would be hours of deliberation if not days with his attendants so he sent the party on its way.

" Wait!" The queen ordered, causing them to freeze. " Little Midnight come here". Midnight looked to Walker for approval and he gave a nod. Midnight walked over and stood before the queen. The queen reached out a hand and placed it on Midnight's head and brushed down her spine. "So that's what a real dragon feels like, you are indeed adorable little Midnight. You may leave with your family now." She had called Midnight over just out of curiosity for what her scales felt like. This queen's curiosity was dangerous.

The king could be seen smirking towards his queen knowing her less serious side was showing. With that, the party continued to leave the room Ibis remaining and Barry following.

"That was very interesting, not many people would have the courage to speak out against a noble let alone in front of the king. Don't go making too many enemies kid." Barry was reprimanding Walker but the sound of his voice made it seem to be a compliment. "You all will head home to prepare your families to move if they desire if not their safety is not a guarantee. We can't afford to spread guardians everywhere. And by the way, Clara is holding the gold from your gathering quest for you, she said she wanted your party to set an account with the grand bank later, do not forget." With that, they began the walk back towards the lower tier.

"Oh yea we did get that quest done, how much experience did we get? The title said it would multiply it right?" Remey chimed in voicing what they had all just remembered after Barry's words.

' Gathering quest completed.'

Rewards:

5G each

'10exp each converted to 100exp each due to title multiplier'

"WHAT!" Walker was the first to burst out causing a few disdainful looks from those passing by. "This is insane, how can it multiply it by ten times!?"

Su was walking as if her legs were jello seeing the huge bonus the title gave them. Gil had a goofy smile covering his face and Remey mirrored Walkers' surprise.

"Hmmm, so that's what the title does. Now, I understand why heroes are revered in history books." Barry had brought them back to the gate to the lower tier and finally chimed in while wearing a pensive look. "Now get moving, I need to get back to the hall. Go by your new homes tomorrow if possible the sooner the better." Turning and giving a small wave he was on his way again.

"So I guess we head home. Hey, Gil think your parents will be OK moving within the inner walls?" Remey knew she would leave the orphanage eventually and was already emotionally prepared. But she knew Gil's family was used to the open areas.

"Hell yea they will, my dad hates setting traps to keep away the odd monsters or animals that roam the fields and my mother wants nothing more than her own flower garden without worrying about the harvest every year. I'm more worried about Walker's parents leaving the area they have built a place for themselves in the community." Walker was lost in thought and barely heard what Gil had said.

"Well Lisa will be excited and dad would be happy to get some distance from the outer wall, I know the high energy has been wearing away on him these few years. Mom probably won't mind either since adventurers are her main customers so she will just package things and send them to the guild instead of out of the house. Midnight you'll have more room I'm sure and maybe there will be a large fireplace to bask in." Midnight jumped and bounced around showing her excitement at the chance for a warm napping spot.

"I as well should have no qualms, I've long outgrown my bedroom in my family's house and would be happy to have more room." Su was nodding her head already planning out how much larger her bed would be.

"Well on that note let's split up, we have some packing to do! Don't forget to rent a carriage to bring everything over in one trip we should have enough after this last job!" Walker yelled as he rushed away with Midnight on his heels. The day had ended up pretty amazing and he was excited to reach home and surprise everyone.

The sun had begun to dip down and the shadows lengthened. Walker could swear there was an additional shadow where no person was standing but pushed it from his mind without worry due to his excitement. He reached home faster than usual finding his father already home which was a surprise.

"Walker you're back already huh? Surprise I got sent home early today, not sure why though hahaha." Garret was happy to have an early day even without the knowledge of why.

"Actually Midnight and I might be the reason for that." Garret made a confused face, not understanding. "I'll need Lisa and Mom for a big announcement." Walker rushed to the kitchen in pursuit of his mother and sister.