"ALRIGHT... quiet down, we still have a little to talk about." Zephyr couldn't stop grinning at the crowd's explosive reaction.
Once the people grasped his generous offer and how much pure fun the Tournament of Emet promised, the tavern erupted in deafening cheers that lasted several minutes. We all felt the excitement; he'd created enough events to include every person in the village, offering unbelievable prizes and a chance for everyone to prove themselves.
When the noise finally subsided, every eye shone with a beautiful fire of competition.
"I'm glad you all like it. We'll begin quiet preparations soon, and by the time our new residents are settled... we'll see." He sat back down for the third time. "Those who are on guard duty in the morning can leave now. Thank you for coming."
About a dozen people said their goodnights and left, immediately busy discussing their strategies for the upcoming tournament. Those who stayed were the ones who would start the construction work in earnest tomorrow.
"Metill will coordinate the big house project. He's studied the blueprints and has been involved with all the village's building projects. I myself will leave for the city tomorrow for a personal matter."
I suspected it was for the missing soldier, but I'd ask him later.
"The Monroe Company will hold a small performance each night at the tavern. The hall will be temporarily unavailable. Now, as some might have heard, we have a girl who can read futures..."
He shed his playful attitude, turning completely serious.
"...For twenty bronze coins, you can find out some of your future. But be aware: you might hear things you don't want to. Once in possession of such knowledge, it can change a person for better or worse, but it can't be taken back," he warned gravely. His words served as a sobering reminder that some things—perhaps one's own destiny—are better left unknown.
"Cheer up. I'm not forcing your hand. You're all adults and can decide for yourselves." He tapped a few slumped-down shoulders. "Just keep in mind, whatever you see is not set in stone. The future is ever-changing. We know this better than most."
He had a strange, powerful ability to ignite the room's energy and then douse it instantly.
"Now, I've taken enough of your time. All dismissed, and good night," he finished with a small smile.
The people slowly dispersed. Some cornered Metill for instructions, but the rest of our family quickly surrounded the mastermind of the evening's excitement.
"Big brother, where did this idea even come from!?" asked Lucian.
Zephyr hugged me first before answering. "It wasn't me. Ciren read a story about a knights' tournament for fame and coin, and she told me about it. From there, it wasn't hard," he said, shrugging.
"It's the perfect thing to raise people's spirits, son. Well done." Granny Vistellia reached out, smiling proudly—one of the few women who could truly embarrass my husband with compliments.
"Thank you, dearest Vistellia. I would like to task you with being one of the judges and organizers of the talent show." She beamed at the proposition. He continued, "You know our people better than anyone, and now... hopefully... the infirmary won't be so busy all the time."
They all shot a look at Master Lucian, who was stone-faced, almost immune to the joke at this point.
"...You have enough time to look for contestants. The combat part will fill itself, but I want those who choose not to fight to have fun as well."
He was incredibly considerate. His brilliant smile was infectious.
Carlos looked ecstatic, pushing others aside to get closer. "I'm sure they will, Zeph. The people arriving will have a blast as well. I personally can't wait to participate. You and me—"
"I won't take part in the competitions," he said quietly.
He quickly doused Carlos's fire, and others looked disappointed, but he had his reasons.
"Remember what I said. I promised to fulfill the first-place winner's wish... whomever," he taunted, giving everyone a provocative look, "they might be. Don't think it will be easy. I've seen enough of our soldiers to know you're all in for a serious fight."
From our expressions, he knew we were already counting down the days.
~
"...Tell me. Why do you have so much gold?" I asked, once we were finally alone.
He looked up, incredibly confused. "Is that your idea of sexy talk? Babe, you're getting rusty."
He kept up his light assault on my stomach, but I had to stop him. If his hands drifted any lower, all my resolve would evaporate.
"Zephyr, I'm serious," I insisted.
He rolled off me and onto his side. "I guess it's time," he said to the ceiling.
Oh, oh.
He looked guilty, and my heart sank. Had he seduced some rich noble? No, that was insane... or was it?
He poked my forehead. "Before that vein pops, it's not what you think. Probably. I was offered payment for my services."
"..."
Wha... WHAT!?
"Alright, I can see how badly I phrased that. Ahem. I'm training the soldiers of Malai in my style of martial arts. The end," he explained quickly.
"So... the gold for the bride price..."
"Yes," he nodded.
"...And you... since when?"
He turned toward me. "Two months?"
I wasn't angry; if anything, I was relieved. He did sell himself, but not in the way I feared.
"So how much did they pay you?" I asked, my voice rising. I wasn't materialistic, but he said soldiers of Malai. Did that mean... the entire army?
"One silver coin for a month, per person, of course... for... ahem... the whole army," he finished, looking sideways.
One silver coin per soldier. One hundred thousand soldiers for two months... equals two hundred thousand silver coins. Two hundred thousand silver coins equals twenty thousand gold coins.
Oh... my... God.
He saw the steam coming out of my head and offered some water, which helped a great deal.
"I'm sorry. I was a little ashamed to be swayed by coins," he said, giving a genuine apology.
"My love, Ehlite would be swayed by that much. Where... where is it stored?"
"Carlos's vaults. He will be so relieved," he looked pretty relieved himself. "Anyway. We need a vault."
"Yeah... or? Buy a city?" I offered, the insane idea taking shape. How much does that actually cost?
He smiled at my not-so-insane idea and pulled me up onto him. "Whatever you want. But seriously... let's get nasty."
And we did.
I wondered if it's any different doing it on gold than bronze or silver?