What Reis didn't know was that nothing could have saved him from the curious gazes in this room. 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 because they'd be too busy looking at him.
Reis, no, Ann didn't play off-key, though. Ever in his life as long as he knew the song. So, even if he tried to mix it up, there was no way it would happen today. The muscle memory wouldn't allow it.
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.
|He is. It just isn't suited for his status.|
Same thing.
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.
Reis had only ever been to the more...rough parts of the game. Hunting. Collecting items. The usual busy things. So there was such a fancy side too.
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, just like they practiced.
'I think I did a pretty good job.'
|You have managed to clear some suspicion regarding your identity.|
Reis maintained his flat look.
Ceron and Adonis shared a short embrace on the dance floor, as did Avena and Lunive, causing others to clap once more in awe. But he was sure that they were just consoling each other.
Reis noticed Lorcan fidgeting while avoiding his gaze. He couldn't help but sigh. 'He probably feels left out.'
|That is obvious.|
With so many eyes on them, standing beside someone detached as himself was bound to be lonely for the young boy.
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. Reis knew as much even without the full memory.
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 year or two. Acting all embarrassed over a hug? He had grown out of that phase long ago.
The older youngest flinched, quite visibly. He opened his mouth to say something, but Reis had already pulled him in.
Lorcan was not yet as tall, reaching up to his 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 audience was 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 to 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."
Theatrics. Even someone as direct as Aldric had chosen to use it. It even worked better than most.
"Kneel before His Majesty, the great ruler, and receive the order!" The minister said through the voice enhancer.
The five of them, already standing in a row, knelt down on cue. Reis was forcefully pulled along by Ceron, almost cracking his knees.
"It's been over twenty years since I took this throne," Aldric said almost fondly, but Reis could swear that there was a good amount of irritation under the words. Why? Was he sad about handing it over? There was still quite some time until that, since Ceron was only twenty and Aldric was quite healthy.
Unless he abdicated the throne, he still had years to rule. Everyone knew as much.
"Most of my children are already of age now. It is about time to discuss the succession, which is the purpose of today's gathering."
Every time succession was mentioned, Reis felt like he swallowed a fly and it was having a marathon in his stomach.
"The heavens have granted you all an equal claim over the kingdom."
The room went quiet after those words. Reis could hear his own breath. That wasn't the succession law. The throne, it was generally passed to the eldest most suited heir.
No that wasn't it. There was something else, something in the back of his mind he couldn't catch yet.
"It will be unfair if I force a choice upon you all, and it will be against the customs of our land."
What was the custom? He knew it, it was there. His head throbbed as he tried to reattach the information. What the hell is this supposed to mean?
|Data overflow detected. Stay calm.|
"So, by the law of our nation, I, 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 from the beginning.
"Then by the will of the heavens, I hereby announce the Ascendancy Trials to commence!"
'You're telling me the Heavens willed this?'
It must have, cause the golden light surrounding them out of nowhere had no other explanation. And if there was anything Odyssey 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.|
Reis sat in silence as the last barrier around Ann's memory collapsed while mocking him.
Music and cheers filled the room again, each louder than the other. Many years had passed since the last trials were held, and who knew how many years until the next? Even those who didn't favor this cheered.
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 ascendancy ritual.
Mission Objective: Undecided|
| Congratulations on officially becoming a part of Odyssey. The guardian is pleased with your performance so far. A reward has been granted.|
'Yeah, reward me after basically ruining my life.'