Chương 134: Chapter 126-Chosen Whirlwind

There are three types of people on the streets. The power-hungry assholes, the eccentrics, and the survivors. The power-hungry assholes are power-hungry assholes. They're the ones who trample anybody and everybody to get what they want. They don't have to worry about starving and are more focused on maintaining their image of control. These types are usually the Gang Lords and their goons. The eccentrics are the crazy fucks that nobody wants to piss off.

They talk to themselves, make absurd choices against their own survival, and are the most unpredictable on the streets. Silent Pete and Smelly Doug fall into this type. Then there are the survivors. The most dangerous, common, and predictable type of person on the streets.

They're the people who are always on the verge of starvation, the ones who have family to worry about, and the type of person who has to stifle the little voice in the back of their mind in order to ensure the survival of themselves and their families. They're the drowning man who'll push anyone else down in order to get even a breath of air. All this to say that the Nobility isn't much different.

"Chosen One, I must insist that you come and see our estate. We have a lovely vineyard and, of course, some of the best wine this side of the Krait Fields," Baron Colt says as he takes a sip of his wine.

"I do appreciate the invitation, Baron Colt. If I find some time between my studies and battling the forces of evil, I'll definitely drop by," I say with a hint of sarcasm.

"Oh, please. If The Chosen One should visit anywhere, it should be my estate. This time of year, we have sunny skies and beautiful waves. It's truly a wonder to behold," Baron Seasurfer says as her Elven ears twitch.

"That drab estate? Sure, it might look nice, but that's everything it has going for it. Much like its owner," Baron Colt says as I take a deep sip of my juice.

"Well, at the very least, my estate still actually belongs to me. Lose a few too many bets, Baron Colt?" Baron Seasurfer bites back. This should be the perfect moment. As they begin to bicker, I slyly sneak away. Gods, those two have been talking my ear off for who knows how long. Scanning the room, I see Valerian and Beatrice as they speak with a male Dryad. Must be Archduke Aster. Further in, I catch a glimpse of the Empress as she entertains what I can only assume are the Dwarves from the Meliora Technocracy.

By the snack table, I spot the heads of Mateo and Marigold. Good to see they're getting along.

"Looking for me?" Penelope asks as she loops her arm through mine.

"For the love of the Gods, yes," I say with a hint of exhaustion.

"Tired already? I expected you to be talking circles around these people, Charlatan," she says in a teasing tone.

"My charm needs to have a point to it. Be it a distraction, flattery, or outright deception. Talking to these nobles is a test of my patience. Let me tell you about my vineyard, or fifth estate, or what's your favorite Klyndel? What the fuck is a Klyndel?" I ask with exasperation.

"It's a piece of art by the famous artist… I see, not the point," she says as she takes a sip of her juice.

"So, how's it going on your end?"

"Oh, good. I've talked with some Barons, Viscounts, and Counts. So far, I'm being fairly well received, but if I want to stand toe to toe with my brothers, I'll need at least one Marquess," she says as she scans the room.

"Erina Spikeback. Marchioness of the North. As the highest titled noble in the secluded north, she might as well have the title of a Duke. Her political power would help you substantially," I explain as I carefully gesture behind me. Penelope's eyes flicker to the Marchioness.

"She's also known to be violent and rarely follows Imperial Etiquette. Are you sure this is a good idea?"

"The North was the last region to join the Empire. Do you know why?"

"The Ravclin Mountain Range made it difficult to traverse to the North, and the harsh winter conditions made it impossible to maintain a standing army. Not to mention the Beastkin warriors," she explains.

"The Beastkin are the most brutal enemy to have, but as your father understood, they would also be your greatest allies. Your brothers have avoided touching the North because of how different the political landscape is up there," I say with a knowing smile.

"Which means if I manage to convince the Marchioness to support me, I'll get a foothold in the North. Okay. I'm going in. Wish me luck," Penelope says as she walks towards Marchioness Spikeback. Before I can stop to think, I'm pulled away by a pair of familiar sisters.

"Ruby, Helia, how odd to see the two of you here. May I say that the two of you look amazing?" I say with a flat tone. Ruby gives me a fake smile.

"We've been looking all over for you, Chosen One. It's time to tell our father about Helia."

"I seem to remember that I'm just going to be moral support," I say as I'm dragged further away from Penelope.

"That was the original plan, but our father has been locked in conversation with the Prince for the last hour. Mind running interference?" Helia asks with a hint of nervousness. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

"What is a friend to do? Fine, but only if the two of you shake some of those nerves off. It's not like you're about to interrupt a conversation between an Archduke and a Prince," I say as I put on a winning smile and pull myself away from the sisters.

"Only a couple of minutes," Ruby says.

"Please, I could keep him talking for hours if I needed to," I say as I walk towards the group.

"It's truly good to talk to you again, Prince Valerian. Conversation with you is always rich with knowledge and revolutionary ideas," Archduke Aster says as I near.

"I feel the same way. Let me tell you of the new method for barriers that I have been working on. First… Ah, Chosen One! I don't think you've met. Archduke Aster, this is The Chosen One," Valerian says in a princely manner.

"I've heard of you from my daughters. It is my pleasure to meet you," he says with a bow that causes his vine hair to fall to the side.

"The pleasure is all mine. I apologize for the rudeness, but is there any chance I could pull Valerian away for a minute or two?" I ask as politely as possible. The Archduke gives me an odd look before giving a nod.

"Of course. I will speak with you another time, Prince Valerian. May you enjoy the Ball, Chosen One," Archduke Aster says as he walks away.

"I owe you one, Chosen One," Valerian says as he gives me a gentle tap on the back.

"Really? From where I was standing, you seemed to be enjoying the conversation," I say as we walk towards the snacks.

"I was, but the Archduke would have continued the conversation ad nauseam. We were almost reaching that point anyway. After all, Beatrice left me stranded about thirty minutes into the conversation," he says with a heartwarming smile.

"You truly love her, don't you?" I ask, surprising myself. Valerian stares me down.

"With all my heart. So, what did you want to talk about, or was that just a lie to pull me away from the Archduke?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about," I [Lie].

"I wasn't born yesterday, Chosen One. I saw Lady Ruby and Lady Helia at the edges of my vision. Is it something I should worry about?" he asks in a princely manner.

"You're more perceptive than I thought. It's family matters, nothing for us to butt into. Now, I did have something to talk to you about," I say as I grab a cookie from the snack table.

"Now you have my attention. What can I help you with?" Valerian says as he grabs a cookie.

"What do you know about a man who goes by Alexander Argent?"

"I know a lot. He's a foreigner from the Riche Kingdom. From what I understand, he's well-connected with the Royal family there and was even a Minister for a time. I also know he's been gaining favor amongst the lower nobles. More than likely, he's trying to gain an upper hand in becoming the Headmaster. Why are you curious about him?" he asks.

"I'm backing his opponent."

"You're backing Al Bulrick Rigon? So he wasn't just blowing hot air," Valerian says with an amused look.

"What's so funny?" I ask as I [Throw] a cookie, hitting Mateo square in the forehead. Mateo groans as he pulls his hand out of my pocket. Kid's ten years too early to try to pull a fast one on me. Although it's cute, he tried.

"I'm honestly surprised that you're backing him. I understand that you're both commoners, but outside of that, the two of you seem to have conflicting personalities. He's known to be boastful and frankly, at times, an exaggerator of the truth. The complete opposite of you," he says, not realising the humor in what he just said.

"I found what he said to be quite intriguing. At least more intriguing than what Mr. Argent had to say," I [Lie] as I watch Ruby and Helia storm off from their father. That doesn't look good. Guess I should check on- A sudden sense of dread tickles the back of my neck. Instinctively, I turn to face the threat, but am met with nothing. What was that?

"Everything okay?" Valerian asks.

"Yeah, everything is fine. I'm going to get some fresh air. If you'll excuse me," I [Lie] as I head to where I saw Helia and Ruby head off to. Heading out of the Garden Ballroom, I am greeted by the fresh spring air. Not too far in the courtyard, I see an angry Ruby and a consoling Helia.

"You just aren't Archduke material, my ass!" Ruby says as her vines furl.

"Ruby, relax. This isn't the end of the world," Helia says in a calming tone.

"I take it didn't go well?" I ask.

"Oh, it went well! If you consider my father being an inconsiderate asshole, going well!" Ruby says as the grass at her feet sprouts weeds.

"What happened?" I ask the calmer Helia.

"He was okay with me not wanting to be his heir, but then he-""That asshole said that he would bring in one of our cousins to be his heir! Not me, but one of our cousins! Distant cousins, mind you! I should go and give him a piece of my mind!" Ruby says as she starts to walk back into the ballroom. Helia grabs her before she can.

"You already gave him a piece of your mind, Ruby. In fact, you gave him more than just a piece. Chosen One, could you give us some time for Ruby to cool off?" she asks.

"Of course. Let me know if you need anything," I say as I walk back in.

"Doing well?" a familiar voice says. Turning to the voice, I am met by Al.

"Yes, everything seems to be going well. How are your efforts to become the next Headmaster?" I ask as he walks with me.

"They are going well. All thanks to you, but I will say that Alexander Argent isn't backing down either. I'm sure if you look in the shadows, you'll find him lurking around, whispering in the ears of the nobles or maybe even worse," Al says with an oddly familiar voice.

"What do you-""Introducing the North Star of the Empire and Headmaster candidate, Emperor Rowan Sylvian and Alexander Argent," the man at the bottom of the stairs says as the intricately carved doors open. Fuck!