What Reis didn't know was that nothing could have saved him from the curious gazes in the slightest. How could it? The third royal heir just showing up was enough to draw attention.
He had to be here for the trials; that was expected, but willingly? Not dragged in by knights, not forced to stay by magic, but willingly walking in and taking part in the customs? Now that was something to look at.
Lunive had even set a bet, unbeknownst to him, that no one would even notice if he played entirely off-key. Hell, not even if he played the national anthem of an enemy nation.
Reis, no, Ann didn't play off-key, though. Ever in his life. So there was no way it would happen today.
Even when, at moments, it felt like someone had mixed iced water with his blood, Reis didn't miss even one note. Nor did Lorçan. So what if they didn't have a talent for dancing? All the nobles knew how to dance; how many could create music? Well, Lorçan could dance more or less too, but that's beside the point.
'If all else fails, there's a future as a pianist!'
|There isn't.|
Who would hire a prince as a pianist at anything other than royal banquets? And sure, Ann could play a song without any mistakes, but he was no professional, nor was he that talented.
That aside, the others were also doing a splendid job on the dance floor. Sure, their youngest looked more like a tomato by the minute, but other than that, things were going smoothly.
The music softened, and with a last few notes, the song ended, sending the hall into a wave of applause. He stood up and bowed towards the king and queen, along with the rest. I think I did a pretty good job.
Ceron and Adonis shared a short embrace, as did Avena and Lunive, causing others to clap once more in awe.
Reis noticed Lorçan fidgeting while avoiding his gaze. He couldn't help but sigh. He probably feels left out. It wasn't like Ann was some scary creature. He was at best a troublemaker, not a monster; he wouldn't bite if his younger brother asked for a hug. Then again, this brother of his was a bit shy. Also, the only one who didn't throw unnecessary comments his way. "Come here."
Reis couldn't stand to make the kid feel left out. Mentally, he was older than all the princes and princesses here, albeit by a few years. Acting all embarrassed over a hug? He had grown out of it.
The older youngest flinched, quite visibly. He opened his mouth to say something, but Reis had already pulled him in. Lorçan was not yet as tall, barely reaching the shoulder, which only encouraged Reis to ruffle his hair a bit.
He didn't realize this boy would look like he'd ascended once he let go. The same cannot be said about Adonis's loud complaints that it was unfair, something he had expected. Adonis complained about just about anything.
So in the end, all four princes ended up sharing a hug with one another. It was awkward. He could see Lunive trying hard not to laugh. But the nobles were in awe of their bond.
"I'm proud of you all as your father; you have all grown up to be such great people." The words marked the end of their awkward familial moment. "But I must fulfill my duty as the king. Please come forward."
So it's time for the announcement. Reis had planned to find a quiet spot to observe the ceremony.
But noticing him look around, Ceron beckoned him. "Come on. Don't fall behind."
To his surprise, they all were gathering before the king. Is this also a custom?
|Your next mission will be announced shortly.|
Do people usually have warning bells built into their psyche? More than just an instinct. Like an actual feature that would ring loudly in the face of danger? Because that was what he heard at that moment.
'Can't it wait?'
|No, it cannot.|
|The trials are a crucial part of the mission. It will mark the beginning of your quest.|
Don't tell me they'll make me work too?!
"Please gather before His Majesty." The attendant's voice went through one ear and out the other.
"Ann, didn't you hear?" He wasn't sure if it was Ceron or Avena calling this time, and the two didn't even sound similar. 'I don't want to work!'
"Ioannis, come forward, do not cause delay." His majesty, their father, was calling them. There was no escape now. Even though he was dejected, he followed the rest.
"You have all grown up well." pause. "So well that I do not know who to hand this kingdom to. A decision must be made."
"Kneel before His Majesty, the great ruler, and receive the order!" The five of them stood in a row and kneeled down while Reis was forcefully pulled down by Ceron.
"It will be unfair to you if I force a choice upon you, and it will be against the customs of our land. The heavens have granted you equal chaim over the kingdom."
"By the law of our nation, we will leave the decision to the council, to the people, with heaven as the witness and last judge. Does anyone have any objections to this matter?"
Reis would have raised his hand if that were an option. He needed an explanation first. Why were they all kneeling here? To swear allegiance? That was ok. But the line about equal claim was not ok.
Unfortunately, his hands were held down on both sides by Avena and Ceron.
"Then by the will of the heavens, I hereby announce the Ascendency Trials to commence!"
'You're telling me the heavens willed this?'
It must have, cause the golden light surrounding them had no other explanation. And if there was anything Odessey players knew about 'Heavens', it was that they were the experts at creating missions. Deadly, annoying missions that were only fun when in a game.
|Memory Synchronization Complete. You are now fully in line with the character Ioannis.|
Music and cheers filled the room again, each louder than the other. Many years had passed since the last trials, and who knew how many years until the next? Reis didn't share their excitement. How could he understand the sentiments of the nobility with little forms of entertainment?
All he felt was the ground disappearing under his feet as the last shreds of memory found their respective rooms in his brain.
He was no longer the third prince of Vidalia. He was now a competitor for the throne. That was what the Ascendency Trials were, an official announcement of a succession battle.
"As future rulers of this kingdom, we expect praiseworthy performance from all of you."
"You must not attempt to sabotage your kin and fight fairly."
"You all have my blessings. Rise!"
|The mission is in progress.|
|You are now a part of the royal ascendency ritual.
Mission Objective: Undecided|
|Congratulation on officially becoming a part of Odessey. The guardian is pleased with your performance so far. A reward has been granted.|
'Yeah, reward me after basically ruining my life.'
——
The heirs didn't stay for the celebration, just as planned. They didn't even stay for the cakes.
Instead, they ended up gathering in the palace for dinner. And their own private party. It wasn't as lively as before, but it wasn't tense either. Everyone was lost in their own thoughts.
"Ann, I'm glad you didn't throw a tantrum." Reis looked at Ceron, still dazed from the revelation. "Let's all have a fair fight."
Yeah, a fair fight. Without sabotaging each other, without causing any harm. He could only scoff, not hiding his disdain this time. Maybe because Reis was now fully a part of this person, it was easier to do impolite things.
Worse of all this was that he knew Ceron meant it. There won't be any harm done, not in reality.
But sabotaging?
How do you define sabotaging your competitors when no one wants to be the winner?
"Yeah, a fair fight."