The Fate Of A Politician

'Charybdis, of course, everyone in Amsterdam knows what that is, I have a book that was written by a traveller, it contains interesting information about monsters such as Charybdis and more. But you know, you only paid me a little for the information, it can't cover the cost of the book."

Gretas slid a gold coin to him, the barman cleared his throat, "If you are going to be like this, the book will get sold out." He responded.

Gretas added a gold coin.

"Customer, it's very hard to get my hand on that book. I need at least a hundred ternatis for that."

Gretas' jaw dropped, "For just a book?"

"Customer, it's not just a book, this book was written by a traveller that studied monsters, they don't contain the regular monster information, there is even information about dragons there. I can't give you for less." He replied and slid the gold coins back to Gretas.

"Don't you think this bastard is trying to scam us because he sees that we are pirates," Jason whispered to his ear.

Gretas sighed and brought out a pouch of coins, ignoring Jason. "There's your hundred ternatis," he said, dropping the pouch on the table.

The barman smiled, "Give me a moment." he said, and walked inside, not forgetting the pouch.

"You seriously gave that much for a book?" Sentias the other guy that followed him said.

Gretas shook his head at them, "You guys don't know how important this quest is. Even if you know how important it is, you don't know the psychopath that is behind it, you think I was able to get a brig ship just on my own? You guys don't know anything, I have to do all to make sure I go ahead with the quest." He replied to them and waited for the barman. After some minutes the barman was back with a big book, it was wrapped with a black rope, the book itself had a brown, dusty cover and shelf smell.

"I'll tell you this as a bonus, this is called the Atlas of monsters, the monsters in this book are referred to as mythical because there is only one of them to ever exist, even though the locations of the monsters are shown in the book, some of them are thought to never have existed, I hope you find what you are searching for." The barman said, bidding them farewell.

... ... ...

*pants*

*pants*

*pants*

*pants*

[Your Stamina stat has increased by 1 stat point]

[Your Stamina stat has increased by 1 stat point]

"This is madness, how is this training? All I've been doing for the past five days is running around the ground making at my full speed, making sure I get tired. Are you sure you are not a quack?" Leon said to Knight Finduilas as he panted gapingly.

"One thing a swordsman must first gain total control of is his feet, the ability to move your feet even when you are at your limit is the key to surpassing your limit. Every legend that has channelled the course of history did not do so just by doing the averages. You have to be willing to go further, do the extra."

"It's fine..." 'I didn't ask you to preach.' Leon replied and got ready to start another lap.

Oweyn arrived after Leon sped off, "A letter came for his grace."

"How important is it?" Knight Finduilas asked.

"It's from the capital," Oweyn said.

Knight Finduilas was quite shocked but recovered from it.

"What do you think it's about?" He asked.

"Of course, this is to be expected, since our recent feat of subjugating the orcs and even bringing them under our management all thanks to the Duke. It's impossible to not be noticed by other nobles."

"But the Queen is on his side, isn't that why he got appointed as the duke of Tirianae which belongs to only the royal family?"

"Even if the queen is on his side, she can't do much. Or else she'll have to protect the duke at the expense of the safety of her place on the throne."

Knight Finduilas nodded, "Politics is nonsense, it's not fit for the duke, he's more of a swordsman than a politician."

"Well, that won't change the fact that he's a duke and he needs to protect his territory," Oweyn replied.

Knight Finduilas sighed, "I guess you are right..." he paused and looked at Oweyn, who was taken aback by the sudden stare.

"...Which is why the duke needs your support, this duchy did well because of you, even when we had no money. I believe you can guide the duke politically." Knight Finduilas said, his gaze strongly confiding in Oweyn's.

"You might be underestimating the duke, Lord Finduilas, as far as I can tell, he's yet to show his true capabilities. I think you should trust him. And of course, he's my duke, it's natural that I support him with everything I have." he replied with a smile.

Leon arrived, panting. He bent, with his hands rested on his knee for a few seconds then stood up.

"Oweyn...?" he said, still panting.

"A letter came in for you from the capital," Oweyn stated.

Leon looked at Knight Finduilas's face, who in response nodded. Leon walked away with Oweyn, keeping his composure in place but was exceedingly joyful to finally put a pause to his endless running.