Ragnarök, Eternal Tragedy.
Chapter 43: A feast for the royals.

Chapter 43: A feast for the royals.

Hans finally decides to turn up at the dining room and arrives at the table where it’s filled with around 30 members of the royal family, from infants to grandparents. Everyone immediately turns their attention to him as soon as he enters the room.

’’Ah! You’ve finally decided to show up son.’’

’’Sorry I’m late, I was just busy something important.’’

’’Important?! What’s more important than celebrating lunch with your family?!’’

’’Sorry uncle, but there are more important things I have to deal with other than lunch. Like being the king of this nation.’’

’’Okay now that’s enough. Son we’re here to celebrate you and your first steps as the future king of Algoria. Have a sit and let’s feast, would you?’’

Hans goes to take a seat by the end of the table next to his father. A long line of servants enters the room carrying meals of food for everyone. Excitement fills their faces as they anticipate the upcoming meals they are about to enjoy.

A cheerful atmosphere fills the room while they are eating, everyone is having some sort conversations with another and laughter coming from all corners of dining table. The children running around and enjoying themselves by chasing each other around and under the table.

Hans notices that Conrad, who is sitting next to him is not enoying himself as much a the others in the room. He taps on his shoulder to get his attention.

’’What’s wrong with you? Why the long face?’’

’’It’s nothing.’

’’Come on, it can’t be nojusthing, there has to be a reason.’’

’’It’s just... I just miss my friends okay.’’

’’Who? Those two boys father forbid you from seeing?’’

He nods.

’’Come on brother, don’t concern yourself with them. They’re commoners after all.’’

’’They’re not just commoners to me, they were my friends. My actual friends.’’

’’ And didn’t they almost get you killed? And you know what father would’ve done if that happened to you.’’

’’That’s not the point, they were the only I’ve actually built a real connection with other than my family. I actually enjoyed their company. We looked through our titles and we were genuine friends.’’

’’Okay, I understand what you’re saying. But you have to understand this from father’s perspective. Him hearing that you’ve almost died must’ve been real on him too, he just can’t deal with losing his son like that. Especially knowing that he could’ve done something to protect you. Just understand that he wants to protect you, okay?’’

’’I know! And I’m sick of it. Someone trying to always protect me, feed me and making decision for me. I don’t want that anymore. I want to be my own man, make my own decision-’’

’’Conrad-’’

’’Amari and Apollo... when those men came for us, they fought back with no hesitation or fear. They knew they had little chance of winning, but they still fought for themselves, because they knew how to protect themselves. While I was still scared and paralyzed, they fought for themselves.’’

’’Conrad come on, you shouldn’t let that get you down. You know you have a lot of time to become stronger.’’

’’Do I? I would’ve almost died the other day if it wasn’t Godfrey and those two. You never know when something like that might happen again. Where I might have to protect myself or my family.’’

’’Fair point. Just don’t push yourself too hard, okay? Just know we all care for you. And that includes your safety and your strength.’’

He nods but his head is still down. Hans taps him behind his neck to comfort him. This gain his father’s attention, but Hans reassures him that Conrad is fine.

His father stands up with his glass and taps it with the spoon to gain the attention of the people at the table. They all give their attention to him including the children.

’’Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to first give appreciation and gratitude to all who are present for my son Hans’s celebration for taking his first steps as the king of Algoria. I know it hasn’t been made official to the people of the city yet, but I am still proud of you son. I’ve never been prouder of you than today, for taking the steps to move not only yourself but us as family and as a nation towards greater heights. I love you, son. Any words for the family?’’

Hans grins and shakes his head denying the proposal. But his father insits, followed but others in the room pressuring him to give a speech.

’’Come on Hans, don’t be a baby. Give a speech would you?’’

He finally gives in and decides to stand and the room decided to cheer for him as he stands.

’’Okay uhhm, I just want to thank everyone who are here and took a time out of their day to make it here. And I can confidently say that I think I’m ready to be the next king of Algoria. But I won’t be able to do this alone and I’d be in need of your support... Thank you.’’

Everyone claps their hand while he takes his seat.

’’Let’s carry on with the feast won’t we! Servants, bring the dessert, would you?!’’

’’’Yes, Your Majesty!’’

He finally focuses his attention on Conrad who’s still sulking with his head down. He taps on Hans’s shoulder and looks at Conrad asking what’s wrong with his facial expressions. Hans waves it off.

’’He’ll be okay, he just misses his friends. He’ll get over it soon.’’

’’If you say so.’’

The servants start bringing the dessert and the children the people join the other on the table, all of them screaming in excitement and impatient for them to get their own plate. The adults start eating.

’’Mmmm this is so good! Right brother?’’

’’Yeah, it’s good.’’

’’Come on Conrad isn’t this your favorite.’’

’’Yeah it was, but I’m not a kid anymore. People change.’’

’’Since when?’’

’’Can I eat without being disturbed?’’

His father clears his throat, and they lock eyes, he looks into eyes without blinking. Conrad understands the message his father sent.

’’I’m sorry mother.’’

The family carries on eating and they enjoy the rest of the day at palace.