Planning.

Veritas sat down in the Duke's office, feeling the comfort of the soft cushions in his chair. He was sitting in front of the Duke who was behind a varnished dark-wooden table. There were various paper works and material on top of the desk, the Duke himself was holding a quill and a paper was right in front of him.

Veritas was waiting patiently and stared at the paper that the Duke was signing.

'Seems to be a letter to my father..'

In order to inform the King of his son's arrival at the Southern City, the Duke needed to write a letter to the Central City. 

The Duke made careful strokes with his quill, writing down with mundaneness. 

'Even his handwriting looks normal!' Veritas thought to himself.

It was weird. Seeing the ruler of a big city filled with a unique sense in aesthetics was a mundane and stern looking man, Veritas was very surprised.

After a few seconds, the Duke finished writing and brought the letter to the butler on his side. He gestured for the butler to leave and then focused on addressing Veritas. 

"Once again.. Welcome to Alfar, your majesty."

Veritas replied with a nod and continued listening to the Duke's mundane words.

"I have been informed by the King of your trial. To think that you would choose to defeat the Gargoyle Knight.. It seems to befit a prince of your stature."

"I am grateful."

"When exactly do you plan on challenging the abomination?"

Veritas pondered for a few seconds and replied:

"Once dawn hits, I would make my way to the Ruins of Orph"

The Duke put his hands slowly on his chin.

"I see."

He then continued:

"Would you require assistance in the form of manpower?"

"That would be nice but it is unnecessary. I appreciate the offer."

With an emotionless expression, the Duke replied:

"Then, at least give us the courtesy of giving you supplies."

Veritas thought that he needed more food to last his whole journey so he came up with a proposition. It would be a hassle and a waste of time to hunt after all..

"I shall accept that offer, but let me make adjustments."

"Go on."

"Once every month, I need to resupply my daily necessities. In the camp near the Ruins of Orph, I expect to receive supplies in terms of food and water. No need for any extra rations, I just need food that will be enough for a single month. Don't use expensive food too, bring me the food that knights supply in their journey."

Veritas added:

"That is if I am not back in a month..."

The Duke thought about this proposal for a while before considering the effects it would take. He took the factor in which they would bring a month's supply of ration. It would be quite a daunting task but still doable..

"This is.. an acceptable proposition."

Veritas nodded in approval and thought about the great request that he proposed. He usually does not do this but the trial ahead of him would be quite tiring. Not only would it cause hours upon hours of time to hunt, but it would also expend his energy. 

It would be a great help if he were to receive a month-supply of food and water during his trial. That said, he took advantage of his status as the Prince to benefit the task upon him and in his mind, he would have to pay his gratitude tenfold in the future.

"Thank you, Lord Alfar.."

With that, the two of them shook hands for the agreement of the proposal. 

"I am curious.. your majesty. How do you propose that you would beat this Gargoyle Knight alone?"

In his travels, Veritas had already thought of a hypothetical situation in relation to him fighting the Gargoyle Knight. Seeing as groups of Wielder's couldn't even beat the thing, Veritas needed to come up with a proper solution. 

He needed to be empirical, observing the Gargoyle Knight's moves, attacks, and many more! Moreover, Veritas didn't come to the Duke's manor just for a place to stay! 

"Before answering that.. Lord Alfar, do you happen to have records of knights and Wielders fighting against the Gargoyle Knight?"

"I do think that we do."

"Excellent." 

Veritas cleared his throat before continuing,

"My first step in defeating the Gargoyle Knight is to collect as much information about its patterns and attacks. I take it that the records explain these well?"

"Yes, your majesty."

"Then.. I would prove these records correct by observing the Gargoyle Knight myself. I would commence in battle in hopes of only gathering the experience needed for the fight. If things were to turn dire, then I would run away immediately."

Veritas breathed deeply and informed his plan to the Duke.

"This is only hypothetical of course. The risks of dying would be great if I were to commence in such a simple battle with the Gargoyle Knight. However, I am confident in my capabilities of doing so and running away!"

"But what if the Gargoyle Knight catches up to you?"

"That wouldn't be quite a problem, I was already given an initial document back in the Central City, informing me of its peculiar nature.""

"That being?"

Veritas paused for a second before answering the Duke's question.

"The Gargoyle Knight is tethered to the Ruins of Orph. It can't move away even if it wanted to. It seems as if something is keeping the Gargoyle Knight in place."

Veritas added:

"Thus I will investigate that peculiarity and hope to take advantage of it."

The Duke nodded at his profound plan.

"I see. It is quite the risk to face the Gargoyle Knight in battle alone. But, I trust your capabilities, your majesty.."

Veritas felt happy by the Duke's praise and thanked him softly.

"I am grateful for this and your help, Lord Alfar.."

"It is only natural for us to help our esteemed guests."

After that exchange the two of them conversed further and talked about the state of the city, its political aspects, the major issues that lie in the city, and much more..

After a few hours of talking, sunset approached quickly and Veritas bid his farewells in order to rest.

"Thank you for giving your insights, your majesty.. I do hope that you rest well."

"Likewise, Lord Alfar."

With that, Veritas left the Duke inside his office and was guided by the maids to the direction of his room. Still wearing the marble armor, his footsteps sounded like heavy metal were striking each other every second. 

Led by the old maid, it took a minute or two to reach his designated room.

Upon reaching his resting chambers, the maid left and Veritas made his way to the comforts of his own room.

He saw a normal setup, when compared to the rooms of the castle in Central City, the rooms here looked minimalistic. There was not much aesthetic appeal but rather, the beds, decorations, doors, windows, and furniture looked mundane. 

'As expected..'

Still, it was a comfortable place to stay. 

Veritas got rid of his armor and dressed up in sleeping garments. Although it was only sunset, Veritas decided to rest as he will have a very tiring day tomorrow. 

He reserved reading the records of the Gargoyle Knight while he was traversing the roads that led to the Ruins of Orph. That way, he wouldn't lose any rest and time.

It was weird though. The fact that the Gargoyle Knight was tethered to the Ruins of Orph and had not been reported to wander outside its vicinity. Veritas was itching to know what kept the Knight tethered!

As he laid upon the warm bed of his chambers. His soft clothing and garments felt comfortable, making him feel sleepy all of a sudden.

Veritas rested his eyes and slumbered with the sunset shining as twilight in the radiant city of Alfar. 

*

Veritas awoke early in the morning, the sun hadn't even risen yet.. but Veritas was already walking along the halls. 

After taking a well-rested slumber, Veritas made his way towards the bath. 

He decided to wash his body before starting a very important day. Of course, that was only normal for everyone. 

He went in for a quick soak and rinse and got out relatively fast. Veritas made his way back to his room and prepared his items for the long day ahead. 

He was still yawning but the fully-armored Veritas was already making his way towards his carriage. The halls were empty and somber but Veritas didn't mind as it made him feel a sense of familiarity due to the halls of the castle in Central City being the same.

Upon exiting the manor, Veritas saw the stars that basked Alfar in its grace. It made him abruptly stop and admire the scenery before him. His eyes gleamed in its radiance and Veritas felt comfort. 

'Beautiful..'

As he saw this, Veritas came back to reality and made his way to the carriage. With a grin on his face, he had great motivation to make this day count.

Today marks the first day of his long battle with the Gargoyle Knight.

Veritas was uncertain of the future but he was not worried at all. As his eyes gleamed within the radiance of the bright stars, Veritas was filled with inspiration to start his day flawlessly.