Gamer Reborn
Chapter 507

Chapter 507

Xandor Gryndor Crown Prince P.O.V.

The number of visiting nobles is higher than we expected, the Republic seems to have attached a few of their own people as the elves passed through, all this to join five elves who are to delve our dungeons.

“Why did they only send five people?” I hear my brother complain.

He’s been complaining a lot ever since he was told he wouldn’t be the person getting to tag along with the delve group. It seems he enjoyed his time as a booster and that is by far one of the worst things to have come out of this whole thing. I fear he’ll push to be the person going to boost our own people when they go to other kingdoms and unlike with Ajax’s trip they will be attending noble functions where he will undoubtedly cause more than one or two incidents.

“I’m guessing people don’t yet trust to send their future champions to other nations so easily.” That is the best explanation I can come up with, the low number of elves surprised me as well.

“It’s because of the cost.” Father says with a sigh. “Seems King Sylvian is well aware of his people’s penchant for fame.”

Father was right that there were a lot of eyes on this. Ajax’s dungeons course might have been what sparked this off but it was all circumstantial. His delves in the Republic were based on our deal. The delves in Sylvanthal were because of his tournament winning, Deepwood messed up and basically gave him the delves to stop a war. This was the first planned exchange like this. History will remember the names.

“So he’s climbing out of the money pit his father left him in?” I can feel my eyebrow twitch in annoyance at my brother’s crude way of putting things, and for once he is actually wrong.

“He is not.” I say confidently. “He’s getting ready for the expenses he will need to pay for Arianwyn to delve as far as she can.”

While all of the agreements regarding the delves have stipulations to allow reciprocity they are still based on money. The current price is ten thousand gold per person per dungeon, a deal that hurts the Republic since they only have four dungeons to everyone else’s five but they will more than make that back in what they will drain out of all the people traveling through the Republic to get to the other kingdoms.

“Smart, she will need every single stat point if she wants to end up as queen when her father steps down. This new generation will have a head start on her, her impressive talent and leveling speed have actually hurt her this time.” My brother’s not wrong, Xavier got lucky that he got to delve those other dungeons so early, it means he’ll be able to delve them again later and gain all those floor clears and build his way to his own evolution.

“Your Highness, they are almost here.” I simply nod to the guard as both my brother and I go to greet our guests while Father straightens out his back and stands tall and imposing upon the throne.

“Do you think it’s a good thing or a bad thing that they will know each other so well?” My brother asks as he nods his head towards the others waiting for the arrival of our guests.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

Benedict Steelblade, he even has his bond Step with him. Annabeth Goldmancer is standing next to him and so is Xavier,I am a little surprised to see Harold Ironwhisper next to them all towards the front of the welcoming gathering but it’s not hard to find all three of the Archdukes in the back.

For the first time since my father’s coronation court will be flooded with people. While the elves will spend most of their time traveling through the kingdom most of the nobles that joined them will remain in the capital. There is no question that a political incident will take place with all these nobles gathered for such a long time, the only question is how many and how big will they be.

“I don’t know.” I answer honestly. Benedict, Annabeth, Xavier, Arianwyn, Elara, Darkclaw and Ajax. All of them will become very important people, how will things change politically now that they know each other as children before the weight of that responsibility. How will things change as they meet others who they are sure to do if this delve exchange takes off.

“Ha, look at him blush.” I am ever thankful that I always keep a privacy enchantment active whenever I stand off to the side with my brother. It would be easy to think he is referring to Benedict whose cheeks are bright red as he greets Elara but I know he is referring to the blush Xavier is trying to hide as he greets Arianwyn. “I told you it was like that. Good to see a little of myself in him.”

Almost half of my brother’s early incidents happened because he was trying to impress elven girls. It took a while for the idea that most elves simply do not find humans attractive to settle in, but considering Elara and Benedict as well as Xavier and Arianwyn this new generation might be more open.

Following the reunion of Elara and Arianwyn with Xavier, Benedict, Anna and Harold things take a turn for the awkward as the rest of the elves introduce themselves. Leandra Deeproot isn’t an issue, that much is clear from the way she simply greets everyone but that standoff behavior from Emeris Leafsong and Fealin Whisperwind shows that not everyone is pleased about what is happening.

“Thank you for your hospitality.” I recognise the voice of Aranor Starfury. The elven champion looked a lot more relaxed since I last saw him at the tournament.

“You’re ver-” I can’t get out my own greeting because my brother simply talks over me.

“You know I missed you.” my brother at least has enough tact to put a privacy barrier up after I dispelled my own when Aranor approached us. “Your old wrinkly look is a great reminder that in the end even you elves lose that perfect youthful look.” Much to my surprise the elven champion doesn’t take offense at all and simply laughs.

“Your brother is an acquired taste, I have found.” Aranor says when he sees my shock at his reaction. “For someone so weak to talk so much. I am sorry to say that our little talks will have to wait until another time.”

I have to bite my tongue not to laugh, even through his social Skills I can see my brother is shocked that the elven champion gave as good as he got. This improvement in my mood lasts the entire time I am greeting the visiting nobility as they disembark from their carriages and prepare to enter the palace.

“I’m surprised Lady Manashaper isn’t here.” I can hear Emerish Leafsong talk as we move. “I would have thought she’d be eager to welcome us considering she learned how to form a Domain from us.”

“Lady Manashaper is busy establishing her duchy.” Harold answers in the same provoking tone, clearly he is baiting the boy. It seems like not all is going well with the new generation.

“Finally decided that a genius like Manashaper deserves a duchy of his own?” It takes effort to not roll my eyes as the clear jab. As if my grandfather didn’t offer Duke Manashaper his own lands in private. He turned down the offer saying he wanted more time to focus on his spells.

“Lexi and Ajax just got engaged and she is already running his duchy?” It’s Elara that cuts across ignoring the pissing contest happening.

“Did you honestly see Ajax running his own duchy?” Benedict jokes with Elara, something that gets a laugh from Anna, and Arianwyn as well.

“Is he working on a new affinity?” Arianwyn asked, it was common knowledge among elven nobility that Ajax was the one who shared the information regarding the Legendary Vibration affinity.

“Actually he is more focused on his alchemy and getting used to the extra Stats he picked up.” Xavier explains.

I can see Leandra perk up at the mention of alchemy but she keeps quiet. “Got to spend all that money he made in the Empire somewhere, might as well learn some alchemy.” Emeris seems intent on getting a rise out of someone, I am almost sure he wants to set up a duel before he leaves Gryndor.

“Seeing as he managed to gain the ‘Researcher’ Achievement I’d say it's a good investment.” Anna’s words clearly strike a blow against the Emeris’ pride, but it’s Leandra’s reaction that is most pronounced as everyone can see her eyes open wide and her jaw drops.

I wish I could be there for the meeting between Leandra and Ajax. With that I lead everyone into the throne room where my father waits standing in front of his throne to welcome everyone.