Chương 87: Harpist Badge

Richard looked down and saw that it was a small metal badge with a blue round background and a silver lyre pattern.

"This is----?"

"The emblem of the Harpists' Covenant".

Isabella explained, "Master Ignas wanted to personally invite you to join the Harpists' Alliance, but due to time constraints, he didn't have time and entrusted the task to me instead."

"So, do you want it? If so, this badge is yours~"

"Huh? You're asking why me? Because I'm also a seasoned harpist. No one says a princess can't be a harpist, right?"

Indeed, no one has stipulated this.

but---- Isabella, you are not only a princess, but also a paladin who has sworn an oath of conquest!

Although both of them are on the good side, and you yourself don't seem that extreme, your vow is ultimately to pursue iron-fisted rule, which seems out of place with the free-spirited harpists!

It's like the headmaster of H-Water High School having a hobby of cosplaying as a magical girl at anime conventions!

Richard instinctively felt that there was some kind of contradiction here.

But because he didn't know enough about the harpist and Isabella, he couldn't think of anything more for the time being.

Finally, he shook his head and refocused his attention on the invitation itself.

Join the harpist — The dreams of countless bards (though many of them were merely feigned interest) were laid out before them.

He stared at the badge and activated his Eye of Insight.

【Name: Harpist's Emblem (Can be charmed)】 Grade: Excellent. Description: A badge made with a special process. Once activated, it is bound to the holder for life. It can help harpists identify each other and slightly increase the success rate of concealment (as well as the chance of the harpist accidentally losing it under the bed).

Well, this alluring badge alone is quite attractive to him.

On the other hand, he himself does not reject such a secret organization that upholds justice.

Despite thinking this, Richard didn't give a quick answer, but instead asked, "Does simply accepting this badge count as joining?"

Isabella shook her head: "Of course not."

"Normally, when a new member joins the Harpists, they need to be vouched by a senior member, complete an assessment task, take an oath, activate their badge, and finally learn intelligence gathering and combat skills under the guidance of a senior member. Only then is the process complete."

"For Richard, the guarantee and assessment tasks can be omitted, since your achievements are enough to prove your reliability. However, the oath and the study cannot be omitted, otherwise it would be meaningless for you to get the badge."

"By the way, if you'd like to join the Harpists and return to the Empire with me, I'd be happy to personally be your Harpist instructor~" What female teacher who's even younger than me — Richard, recalling some works of art from his past life, immediately shook his head and asked, "What is a vow?"

"Fight against evil, protect the weak, uphold justice, and preserve civilization."

Richard nodded, then asked finally, "What specific tasks will I have after joining?"

"In most cases, no one will assign you tasks; this line of work is basically all about faith."

"what?"

"I know this sounds a bit outrageous, but actually—well, it is pretty outrageous, but that's how harpists are."

Isabella shrugged, revealing a helpless smile that suggested she had been through a lot, and continued, "Of course, occasionally, senior harpists or harp masters will gather nearby ordinary members to act with them, but this is not mandatory. You can refuse if you have a good reason."

"However, if the reason is not sufficient, such as simply for personal gain, your badge may no longer recognize your identity and revert to its pre-activation state. In other words, you will be kicked out of the Harpists."

Richard blinked.

That's it?

Are there no other reward or punishment measures? Like being stuck on a tree trunk like that?

No wonder everyone says that harpists are loosely organized—it's practically like they have no organization at all!

If the faith in the world of Terella weren't truly powerful, this whole thing would have been a disaster long ago.

But that's alright.

It is both relaxed and less restrictive, offering ample freedom to join or leave.

Thinking this through, Richard realized he had no reason to refuse.

He carefully put away the badge and, following Isabella's instructions, made a vow.

As the badge warmed slightly, he became a member of the harpists.

Although there is still much related content to learn, that's not something that can be accomplished overnight.

"Mission accomplished!"

Isabella gave a slight bow and then said goodbye to Richard and Grace: "I have other things to do and I have to go back to Phoenix soon."

"If you decide to go to the Empire, remember to come find me at the temple."

"If you decide not to go, let me know so I can find someone else to be your harp instructor."

After saying this, the princess of the empire winked at Richard and then disappeared down the corridor with Amélie.

As soon as the two left, Grace couldn't help but say, "A paladin of the Oath of Conquest, an imperial princess, and a harpist—this princess is getting more and more interesting—but on the other hand, she's also getting more and more troublesome."

"Little poet, I still stand by my previous advice: if you want to live an easier life, it's best to keep your distance from people like that."

Richard smiled and shook his head.

"My life is destined to be anything but easy. Even if I'm far away from her, I still have you by my side."

Grace blinked her big, innocent eyes.

"Me? What's wrong with me! I'm just a little dragon who likes to travel with poets~"

"First of all, small and huge are contradictory. Secondly, there's a red dragon hiding inside you that wants to swallow me whole."

"Damn it, how dare you talk back to me! Lord Crimson Dragon is angry and is about to devour you!"

Grace chuckled mischievously as she pushed Richard against the wall, then raised her hands as if to pounce on him and devour the poor poet.

Boom!

Fortunately, the council chamber doors were suddenly pushed open, interrupting the bronze dragon's actions.

But when High Priest Karak finally finished speaking, Iron Hammer, who was already tired of hearing it, rushed out first.

He shouted, "All the trouble is over, it's time for a proper victory celebration!"

Everyone agreed with the proposal.

The battle is over, the cleanup work is done, and it's time to relax.

The dwarf's shouts served as a clarion call, and the crowd immediately sprang into action, heading towards the restaurant.

What followed was a grand banquet.

Tender lamb legs, unlimited lobsters, poet's music, and lively halfling dance steps.

The feast was so lively and joyous that the island's wine cellars were emptied, and the Dessot family had to bring a shipload on short notice.

Several hours later, just as the sun was about to set again, the adventurers were finally satisfied and returned to the port of Phoenix City by ship.

Then---- They happened to run into a group of richly dressed knights.

Richard instinctively used his Eye of Insight to look at one of the knights, a bulky fellow whose horse was snorting under his weight.

Name: Oliver Phoenix Tsk, what a small world!

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