The Stonehearted Knight
Chapter 145: The Crystal Refiner (1)

Chapter 145: The Crystal Refiner (1)

"Have you prepared everything according to my instructions?"

Rayos lay lazily on the couch as beautiful maids tended to his needs. They fed him exquisite fruits and massaged his shoulders and legs. Their clothes were revealing, showing plenty of smooth skin.

"Yes, my lord," replied an old servant, remaining in a bowing posture, never looking at the second prince or his maids.

"All the nobles, high officials, and mayors have been invited. According to our sources, many are already in the city."

Rayos smiled, pleased with how things were proceeding. So far, everyone seemed to have accepted him. If things continued to go smoothly, he would gain the official seal from the court sooner than anticipated.

"There is but one matter that seems troublesome," the servant said, disturbing Rayos’ daydreams.

"What is it?" He asked with a frown on his face. He knew if his loyal attendant labeled it troublesome, it truly would be a headache.

"The boy of the north, holding the deeds to the title and the land up north has entered the barracks. My spies even said he met with the Commander."

"That old bastard!"

Rayos cursed loudly, scaring the maids serving him. Seeing their timid behavior, Rayos sent them out of his chamber.

"Does that old bastard wish to undermine my governance?"

He walked around, annoyed, angry, and nervous at the same time. The old man had been the Commander of the North for centuries. No one, not even the current king, liked to clash with him.

Just as he was worrying about clashing against an old monster, a maid ran inside.

"Forgive my intrusion, my lord. But we just received a reply to the letter you sent a few days ago."

Rayos, who was ready to punish the maid, calmed down at once when he heard the reason she barged in. He grabbed the letter out of her hand.

The old servant didn’t raise his head but he couldn’t help but wonder about the letter he didn’t know about. Usually, the second prince left all important matters to him.

Rayos read the letter and a smile broke on his worried face.

"Hahaha, Heaven still favors me." He waved the letter and threw it at the old servant. "Let the old bastard plan whatever he wants."

The servant picked up the letter and read it. His eyes widened in shock. "Indeed. With them attending the celebrations, there is little the Commander will be able to do."

...

The dining hall reserved for the officers of the Hawks was unusually rowdy. The chefs hurried to refill the vanishing food.

A quick look revealed it wasn’t the appetite of everyone that increased overnight. Rather, it was two men in the middle of the dining hall stuffing food and drink in their mouths as if they were starved for ages.

"Kid, I like you. Join the Hawks!"

The way Hex acted, impressed Marzo tremendously. He felt like he finally found someone like him. As the Vice Commander he had every right to extend invitations to anyone he deemed fit to join the Hawks.

The officers at the same table fell silent. They turned as one towards Hex, looking expectantly at him. Even Althea failed to hide her feelings.

Hex stopped stuffing food inside his bottomless stomach. Although he never saved on food, he had never eaten as much as he was currently. He suspected it had something to do with his body’s improvement.

Hearing Marzo’s question he fell silent for a while. He seriously contemplated the possibility. After weighing his options he looked up, staring back into Marzo’s eyes.

"The Hawks are probably the most renowned force in the kingdom. I am honored to be invited by such an elite force."

Marzo smiled broadly at Hex’s words. Some of the officers sitting close to them even puffed their chests proudly.

"But," Hex continued, "my path might lead outside of the northern part of the kingdom. At that time, the freedom-loving Hawks will be the biggest chain around my feet. So, I apologize but I have to refuse."

Some officers shrugged at his words, while others looked dejected. It had been a short day but they were simple people. Hex’s unwavering resolve to push himself to Marzo’s standard had won their hearts. Althea looked like she wished to say something, but in the end, she remained still.

There were a few who looked upset. To them, refusing the Hawks was an offense and if Marzo hadn’t been present, they would have taught Hex a lesson.

"Are you sure?" Marzo asked, giving Hex a chance to rethink his decision. But when Hex nodded to affirm, he frowned.

"Do you think we are not worthy because I passed out during the training at the same time as you? Let me tell you, I wasn’t using Blessed energy or elemental abilities at that time. I can still mop the floor with your head. Don’t think you are too strong!"

Marzo’s tone was aggressive but Hex didn’t mind. He knew everything the man stated was a fact. Hex wasn’t deluded. He knew he wasn’t a match for the Refined Knight. After all, at that stage, a person mastered an element completely.

"I know I am nowhere near beating you. Nor am I looking down at the Hawks. I can sense how dangerous the people here can be. I am sure it would be beneficial for me to join such a group. But like I said, I have my own path."

The prestige of the Hawks was huge but he didn’t wish to be constrained. He had many secrets and remaining amidst these people would risk them being revealed. Some of which would put him in great danger.

Hex’s firm refusal to join them dampened the mood. The noise in the dining hall was replaced with silence, broken only by occasional sounds of cutlery hitting the plates.

Hex didn’t say anything else. He finished his food and left the hall. No one stopped him or went behind him. Althea seemed to hesitate until Hex disappeared into the darkness outside.

He didn’t go to his room after leaving the dining hall though. He exited the barracks, and after wading through different paths, he reached a noisy inn built in a rowdy alley.

After paying for his room, he went straight inside. He quickly retrieved the morphuse box and applied the potions to his face and hair, turning into a pervy-looking middle-aged guy.

He silently mixed with the crowd downstairs and used the shadows to exit the inn. With his looks altered, he made his way to the Merchant Union.

Coincidently, Bella was the one next in line, waiting for customers. As soon as she saw Hex, she rushed toward him.

"How can I be of help to you, sir?"

In this disguise, Hex didn’t mask his perviness. He stared straight at her cleavage when she bowed. With a grin, he replied to her.

"I am here to offer my services as a crystal refiner."

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