[Reika] When exactly was this decided?
Her commanding presence sends a chill down Sakyo's entire body, his legs turning to jelly as he can't bring himself to look his mother in the eyes. The king on the other hand remains unintimidated by his sister's anger.
[King] This was decided approximately four months ago, shortly before your raid on the illegal slave trading business. Sakyo agreed to take my son's place in accepting an engagement with the first princess of the Raefauna Kingdom.
[Reika] And you never thought to tell me about this, Brother?
[King] I had assumed that Sakyo would inform you himself, Sister.
Both of their cold gazes fall on Sakyo, still kneeling on the ground.
[Sakyo] I... might have forgotten to mention it...
[Reika] Is this something you just casually forget to mention to your own mother?! If my own son gets engaged, I would at least like to know about it!
[King] While I understand your feelings on the matter, there is more to be discussed. The king of Raefauna wishes for his daughter to get to know her future husband. As such, we have made arrangements for her to visit our kingdom.
[Sakyo] You mean, she's coming here?
[King] Yes, she has already set off on her journey and will arrive at our borders within the month.
[Reika] I see, so that's why you suddenly asked me to send a group of my soldiers to the border.
[King] Precisely, if we are to receive a member of their royal family, we cannot spare any expense on their security.
[Sakyo] Wait, isn't this moving way too fast? We only just agreed to the engagement a few months ago.
[King] While it may seem fast for you, a royal engagement such as this is always taken with the utmost importance. The princess is currently seven years old, the same age as you. She will be accompanied by her personal guard, as well as a group of Raefauna's most elite soldiers. We also hope to take this opportunity to share experiences with their soldiers to further our new alliance.
[Sakyo] I-I understand.
[King] Good, I'm glad you're on board. With this, our business is concluded. You both are dismissed.
[Sakyo] Well, I'd better get goi-
Before he can turn around to leave, Sakyo's shoulder is met by an unmovable grip. She turns him around, waiting for his explanation with crossed arms.
[Reika] Not so fast, young man. You still owe me an explanation for why you never mentioned this engagement to me.
[Sakyo] Um, I-I'd love to, but I have to go to the {Entrance of the Northern Woods}.
In that moment, having raised the relic to his head, Sakyo creates a gate leading to the woods north of the capital. Reika can only stand there frozen, too shocked to even react. Taking this chance, Sakyo leaps through the gate, closing it as soon at he's through.
[Reika] Damnit, I swear that kid gets to be more trouble the older he gets.
[King] Well, he is your son.
Meanwhile, Sakyo arrives at the northern woods entrance.
[Sakyo] (phew) I can't believe that actually worked.
He takes a moment to regain his composure before realizing that he must now walk all the way back to the capital.
...
[Sakyo] (sigh) An engagement, huh.
I knew this was coming, but I thought I'd at least have some more time. I don't want to be engaged to some kid I don't even know. Not to mention what Ren will think when she hears about this. Wait, why am I worried about that?
I just want to forget everything for a bit. Maybe when I get back to the capital, I can visit the adventurer's guild. I still need to give them these slime crystals before I miss my quota. Should I also show them the bear materials I got?
...No, I don't think so. There's no way the guild will believe some new kid who just registered could kill something that strong. It was a C-rank monster. I'm glad that receptionist told me about monster ranks when I first signed up.
There are a total of seven ranks assigned to monsters based on a number of factors, mainly race and rarity.
F-rank: The lowest threat level. Typically consists of pest and weak creatures that are more of a simple nuisance for novice adventurers.
E-rank: Also low-ranking monsters, but these ones more likely to be found in groups. They're still fairly easy to deal with, but you shouldn't let your guard down with them.
D-rank: A threat to small towns. This is where you'll need stronger adventurers and more experience to deal with monsters. In some rare cases, this can be where monsters start having unique traits.
C-rank: Deadly to unprepared towns. These kinds of monsters are capable of wiping out patrols and defenses if they aren't addressed with caution.
B-rank: A threat to cities, often requiring the efforts of a large group's coordinated efforts. To deal with these types of monsters, you'll usually need the combined efforts of adventurers with both strength and experience.
A-rank: Catastrophic level threats. These monsters can challenge even a kingdom's military with ease. Capable of destroying towns and changing environments, these monsters need the combined power of multiple high-ranking parties to be dealt with.
S-rank: A threat of an apocalyptic caliber. These things can't even be described as monsters. One S-rank being could threaten the entire world. This rank has only ever been given to beings heard of in legends. They're basically walking natural disasters.
The Dreadbear I fought was definitely stronger than a normal bear. With how strong it was, I can't believe it was only a lower C-rank monster. I could've beaten it way easier if I had a weapon, but my base self could barely defeat it. If I brought its materials to the guild, they'd probably accuse me of trying to cheat my way through the ranks. I'd better hold onto it for now.
...
After returning to the capital, Sakyo successfully completed his weekly quota at the guild and is on his way home.
[Sakyo] Jeez, after all that I only get fifteen small copper coins. I guess it's better than nothing, but it feels like such a scam after everything that happened. I really don't want to go home yet. I just know Mom's gonna chew my ears off when I get back.
After wandering around for a bit, Sakyo finds himself in front of a familiar shop: Arcane Atelier.
[Sakyo] Well, I guess I can afford a quick visit. I wanted to ask for something here anyway.
He walks in and is greeted by the same middle-aged crafter as last time.
[Thrain] Hey, welcome back, kid. Please tell me you're here to complain about my husband's work. I love getting under his skin about that stuff.~
The crafter looks with hopeful eyes and a huge smirk, reveling at the prospect of getting to tease his partner about his work.
[Sylvar] Please, my work is second to none.
[Sakyo] Actually, I was hoping I could ask for another enchantment to be added to my equipment.
[Sylvar] Sure thing. What kind did you have in mind?
[Sakyo] I was wondering if you could add some kind of recovery effect. I was in a pretty tough battle recently and realized I don't have any way to heal myself if things get dangerous.
[Sylvar] Of course, a healing enchantment is fairly common to put on clothing armor. I can whip something up for you in about an hour.
[Sakyo] That would be great.
Sakyo takes off his Midnight Tiger vest and hands it to the elf. Once it's handed over, Sylvar can't hide his surprise at the boy's bandaged appearance.
[Sylvar] By Chronos' clock! What kind of trouble did you get yourself into?!
[Sakyo] I bit of a bit more than I could chew. I was lucky though, your enchantments saved my life.
[Sylvar] I see, I'm glad you're ok.
He takes the vest into the back room, a warm smile crossing his face after hearing that his work served its purpose.
[Thrain] While you're here, how's your friend's leg doing? I hope those new supports I added are doing him well.
[Sakyo] He's doing fine. I've noticed he's not limping as much anymore.
The two continue talking while waiting for the equipment to be finished. About an hour later, Sylvar comes back out with the vest.
[Sylvar] All set, the passive {Recovery} enchantment is locked in. It also gives you a little boost to your stamina, so you won't have to worry about drawn out battles too much anymore.
[Sakyo] Thank you, I'll make sure I put it to good use.
[Sylvar] You know, equipment this unique usually needs a name. How about it?
[Sakyo] A name?
[Thrain] Sounds like a good idea. Why don't you give one to the bands I made you while you're at it.
The two wait in anticipation while Sakyo wanders his mind for name ideas to give his equipment.
[Sakyo] Let's see. (A vest and bands made from materials given by a Midnight Tiger. Well, Raven did say they're descended from the mythical tiger Byakko. If that's true, then I've got the perfect names.) I'll call the bands Moonclaw Coils and the vest Byakko's Shadow.
[Thrain] I like it. Those names really fit out work.
[Sylvar] Indeed, you have quite the talent for names.
[Sakyo] So, what do I owe you for this enchantment?
[Sylvar] Don't worry about it. We still remember the gold coins you left us a few days ago. We tried giving your friend one to give back to you, but he refused.
[Thrain] Yeah, he kept saying "If Master left them, then they are yours." I like that guy, but he's way too polite.
[Sakyo] Well, if that's taken care of, I have one more request.
The two professionals can't conceal their curiosity, their heads tilting in unison as they wait to hear this child's request. Before stating his request, Sakyo bows to the two.
[Sakyo] Please, teach me how to make equipment.