hotmtlnovel Chapter 79 Delva's Advice
Chapter 79 Delva's Advice
"Good morning, Master Aeric," Delva greeted, waving her hand at him with her voice light and cheerful.
Aeric raised a brow, momentarily surprised. He walked to Sylver, whose ears perked up as he approached, and the wolf let out a low growl of recognition.
Aeric's hand instinctively reached out to stroke Sylver's fur, and the wolf nuzzled against his palm affectionately. "Your name was Delva, wasn't it?" he looked at the girl and asked.
She smiled warmly. "Yes it is."
Aeric looked at Sylver, then turned to her. "How in Starlight's name did you manage to bring him here without a fuss?"
Delva tilted her head, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "I found it really simple, actually," she said. "I'm good with animals and beast companions. For beast companions especially, it's not about taking control. You let them know you're only there to help, to be their aid, and you respect their loyalty to their true leader. Their trust follows naturally."
Aeric paused, his hand still resting on Sylver's head. Her explanation was insightful, and it piqued his curiosity. 'Never seen Sylver be so receptive to someone else before.'
He studied her for a moment before nodding. "Good job," he said simply, climbing onto Sylver's broad back.
Winds blew from the east, the sun brightened the castle grounds which were alive now, workers were carrying crates, tending to the gardens, and going about their tasks with practiced efficiency.
Aeric adjusted his gloves as his sharp eyes took in the activity with faint interest. "Good morning, Prince Aeric!"
"Morning Morrick!" Aeric nodded at the friendly gardener.
The sound of heels clicking on stones drew his attention. Rosette and Misty emerged from the castle, well dressed in their feminine royal clothes as they stepped onto the cobblestone and grass of the castle grounds.
Delva smiled, unabashed. "I can't lie. That is true," she admitted. "My father is very optimistic about there being a first Son. He believes a male ruler could offer a perspective the Daughters and Mothers cannot see — a way to guide this region and its people to something greater. And maybe I share his optimism."
Her smile softened, and her voice took on a quiet conviction. "Yes, some may still call you an abomination, but you could be the abomination that saves us all."
Aeric was silent for a long moment, looking at her, thinking. There was a certain soothing feeling this gave him. Ever since he reincarnated into this fantasy game world, he has never actually had someone present to offer him invaluable advice as he had just received from Delva.
She was right about him never even setting foot in the main towns and villages, the streets and lands of the Region that his family was ruling over, and that he intended to rule in the future.
It was only fair. Only right.
Finally, he spoke, his voice quieter now. "I think accepting your friendship was the wisest decision I've ever made."
Delva's smile widened. "I'm flattered, Master Aeric."
"And if I ever become Father of Starlight, King of this Region," he continued, his tone gaining strength, "you will be my special advisor."
Her cheeks flushed with warmth, and she dipped her head. "I would be honored."
"Very well," Aeric said, tugging on Sylver's reins. "We'll ride the streets of Starlight."
As they passed through the gates, the castle grounds receded behind them. High above, in one of the castle's grand windows, Mother Guinevere stood watching. A faint smile graced her lips as she observed her son riding out into the world, a beacon of promise and change to the world of Erothyria.
A/N:
Feeling much better now. Thank you all. Story continues, hopefully a massive release before the month is over.