The Stonehearted Knight
Chapter 152: The awaited guests

Chapter 152: The awaited guests

People stood in two neat rows on each side of the hall. They awaited the entrance of the second prince. After all, whether people liked him or not, he was in charge of the entire north.

The reaction of people intrigued Hex. A few ladies, some were already married, quickly adjusted their hair and pushed their chests out. One or two even lowered the already deep necklines further down.

The men adjusted their robes and stood upright, appearing prim and proper. Seeing them act like this, Hex almost laughed out loud. But he also took note of those who remained indifferent. Logically, those were people confident in their abilities.

Bang!

The door finally burst open, through which the two Refined Knights from the entrance walked in, followed by a young man in his twenties. His robes were dark blue with golden dots and red lining.

The man walked through the path created in the middle, flanked by his Knights. Prince Rayos seemed composed and calm. His regal bearing radiated from each movement. The people bowed, some even prostrated, while he walked to his seat but Rayos didn’t look around. He walked at a moderate pace to his seat. Only when he stood on the platform did he address his guests.

"I am happy you all could make it. Some guests will join us later but please, let’s enjoy and get to know each other as the night progresses."

When he took his seat, servers appeared with trays of snacks and drinks, doing rounds. A few servants put a few tables in the corner and piled the table with food and beverages. At the same time, a group of people standing in the corner pulled out instruments from their bags and started to sing and play.

The arrival of the prince pushed people to mingle even more. A few bolder ones even found their way to the platform, trying to acquaint themselves with the elites.

Hex watched all this silently. He ate and drank, waiting for the highlight of the night.

"My lord, it seems one person is too shy to come before you," Gunlan said loudly. He was visibly drunk as he slurred his words and walked unevenly.

While talking, he stumbled across the hall and reached Hex. He smirked at Hex and turned toward the prince with a sleazy smile. Everyone else had stopped talking and watched with interest.

"My lord, this young man is the chief of that little town in the mountains and a candidate to inherit the mantle of the mighty baron."

Hex didn’t need to look around to know that everyone glanced at his hair and whispered to each other about him. It was clear information about him spread to the entire upper echelon of the North.

He saw Tarquin eye him with interest as did the girl beside him. Hex heard the announcer refer to her as the daughter of the Chief of the Royal Court. She accompanied a Countess, who was the sister of the Chief and her aunt.

The older people on the platform didn’t show any expression at the mention of him. But Hex was certain they all knew his face, name, and everything else that was publicly available about him.

"Sir Gunlan, there is no need to put someone on the spot, especially if they are shy," Rayos said in a friendly manner. He talked to his chief of staff but his eyes stared at Hex.

Hex didn’t flinch. He stared back without showing any fear, nervousness, or the alleged shyness. This almost made Rayos frown but he held it together.

"Let me start by expressing my gratitude for your master’s bravery and sacrifice. If it wasn’t for him, who knows how many lives would be lost under the Witch’s claws.

As a reward, we wish to bestow upon you a palace and official posts within the government."

Hex smiled and bowed lightly.

"I accept the gratitude towards my master but I don’t think he would require it. Saving people and the kingdom was nothing major for him."

Hex’s words caused many to scrunch their brows. It was a fact they didn’t wish to hear. The Witch was a blot they failed to wipe. Hex claiming the baron accomplished it easily was the same as saying all of them combined weren’t equal to the baron. They knew it but they didn’t like to hear it. They wished to rebuke Hex but he wasn’t done.

"And as far as the post goes, I don’t think I am allowed to accept it." Hex looked regretful and even uttered a sigh to emphasize that he considered it a shame.

"Why not? I am the one bestowing it to you. Who can’t disallow it?" Rayos demanded, failing to remain calm. It upset him that Hex put up an act and to make things worse, he didn’t see Hex putting any effort to make it seem genuine.

"A noble can’t hold an official post. That is the rule, isn’t it?" He asked, looking around as if expecting someone to affirm it.

"Hahaha. You are not a noble!"

Gunlan burst out laughing. He was joined by others. Hex recognized them to be the ones trying to curry favor with the big shots.

"Oh. But the deeds to the castle, land, and title are in my name?" Hex said, pulling out a rolled-up scroll from his robe.

"My young friend, those aren’t accepted. Only the Royal Court can change the names on the deed," Rayos said with a smirk on his face.

"But a noble can nominate his successor and usually it’s honored by the court," Hex replied.

"True. But do you have a witness to affirm that that piece of paper is truly the baron’s will?" Rayos pressed on.

"Yes, he does." The person replying with an icy voice wasn’t Hex. Everyone, even people like the Duke and the priestess turned toward the speaker sitting directly beside the prince.

"Commander? You are the witness?" Rayos inquired. He expected something like this to crop up.

Seeing the Commander nod, Tarquin’s face fell. He knew even his domineering father didn’t wish to offend the Commander easily.

"Usually, in such cases, we would just have honored the noble’s wills. But...that is a privilege given to nobles because their successors are expected to serve the nation too."

Seeing the smile on the prince’s face, Hex knew he would have a hard time keeping the baron’s rights. But he was ready for it.

"My young friend here is an orphan with no record of having served the nation," Rayos continued. "We have plenty of youngsters who have done more for the nation. They deserve a chance too. What that chance is will be explained by my long-awaited guests."

Just as his voice fell, the doors burst open, through which two people stepped in. Hex narrowed his eyes when he sensed their strength. They were Refined Knights, but they were the strongest people at that level he ever encountered.

"Everyone," Rayos said, standing up, "my guests are no other than the Star Sword Paladin and the Stellar Shield Templar."