The four of them finally arrived at the Royal Capital, Trerinin, the city farthest north. Trerinin gained the identity of the 'Royal Capital' because of it's proximity to wealth. It was a beautiful place, and during the summer when all the snow had melted, the temperatures were mild and bearable. This is why so many aristocrats and royalties decide to live up here.
The carriage that transported the squad dropped them off a few hundred meters away from their destination. It was a large building, more akin to a castle than anything when it came to size. Tall fences surrounded it, and a pale stone path led to the doors of the building.
"Whoa…"
Leah looked around, seeing all of the important looking people, dressed in elegant fabrics, adorned in beautiful jewelry. Her eyes basically sparkled. Kai scoffed.
"You're gonna have to get used to this. Pretend like you know what you're doing," he said.
Oscar stood beside them quietly.
I don't think I'll ever be able to understand this. The act of dressing so pompously, is incredibly shallow. Is this like the peacock, evolving to grow the most beautiful feathers possible? Mankind has grown and evolved to think beyond that, leave the primitive nature of such a foolish mating ritual.
I guess rich people are on a category of their own, anyways…
They entered the main room. The room consisted of several round tables, in which were surrounded by white chairs. Over the tables, white cloth draped over. Plates and drinks were added. Just beyond the group of tables and chairs was the main stage, slightly elevated and made of plank. After around 30 minutes, they took their seats, and the session began.
Oscar's eyes drifted off, and he zoned out for a moment. He eyes fell upon a shiny object; it appeared to be a crown of some sort. Red curly hair fell from underneath it. Then, he saw the red fur cape lined by white fur. All of these features could only be one person.
The king is here…
So this is a seriously important event.
The announcer was an older man. He held a magical instrument that amplified his voice tenfold.
"Good evening, ladies and gentleman…"
He began to speak. Oscar found what he was saying unimportant, until he finally called the award winners.
"The first award is the Philanthropist medal. After close consideration, this will be going to the number one donor of the kingdom. Give it up for, Ailmer of the Wynstina family!"
Clapping ensued. The man in question, Ailmer de Wynstina stood up from his seat, with a hearty grin. He was an elven man, as indicated by his sharp ears. His hair was light orange and slicked back neatly, while his green eyes beamed with joy. Though, there was this kind of expression that Oscar picked up on. One that said 'I knew this was going to happen,' or something like that.
Ailmer de Wynstina walked toward the stage, grabbing the award.
"I am happy to receive this award. I am equally as happy to have a role in the great development of this kingdom. Thank you!"
After he finished talking, everyone clapped, and he moved to the side.
"Next up, we have the kingdoms award of bravery. We've chosen five individuals to receive this reward. First up, Oscar Tolien!"
Oscar stumbled out of his chair, upon hearing the made up last name after his first name. A bit nervously, he walked toward the stage, and he thought he put a smile on. But with the way people were looking at him, maybe he didn't have an expression on at all.
"Leah Kernesk."
Leah marched forward, standing beside Oscar with a bright smile. She looked at the crowd, then glanced at Oscar, who stood very still, it made her want to laugh.
"Kai Veloz."
Kai walked calmly, presenting a calm smile. This pretentious act made both Oscar and Leah want to laugh. He stood next to the two of them.
"Alize von Meino."
The familiar name caught Oscar's attention. He watched intently, as the woman who had healed him the other day stood up on the stage.
"Finally, Isalda van Mahaut!"
This familiar name also caught Oscar's attention, as it was the woman he had talked to before. But, the room grew uncomfortably silent. She wasn't here?
Impertinent. Oscar thought. Whispers ensued in the crowd.
"The eldest daughter of the prestigious Mahaut family…"
"What a bad reputation she puts onto the family!"
"She truly is an incredible woman. It's too bad her personality is so stale."
"At this rate, she'll never be married."
Oscar felt sick listening to the idle royal chatter. A part of him couldn't blame them, though.
Well, rich people will be rich people. I guess this is to be expected, that at least one person wouldn't show.
A loud bang derailed Oscar's train of thought.
Bsh!
Shortly after, his consciousness slipped.