The Dark King

by Steffen Schmidt

  "Alright" Peter closed the consortium's contract and said to Dodian: "Don't forget to wear your medal at night. It is your status symbol. If necessary keep it on you at all times. "

  "I will."

  "Ok, someone will take you to the temporary residence."

  Dudian nodded, turned and left pulling out the door smoothly.

  Mason and the other two had received their medals and uniforms. The woman had explained all the details to them. As she saw Dudian coming out of the room, she said: "Come with me. I will take you to your temporary residence."

  ...

  ...

  A small castle was arranged for Dudian and others. The environment was comfortable and clean, with servants and gardeners at their disposal. However, it was a temporary residence for three days. After three days, except Dudian, the other three had to return to their own houses in residential district. Consortium's carriages would bring them in case of tasks and missions to the required assembly site.

  "Dean, can you take us with you?"

  Mason and Zach looked at the neatly dressed Dudian. They knew that he was going to attend the aristocratic party.

  Dudian turned sideways in front of the mirror, arraning the cuffs. He felt satisfied with his looks. He spoke to the wailing Mason: "Help me Mason. Bring the boots"

  Dudian dressed neatly. From the windows he saw an exquisite carriage galloping in front of the castle. He put his medal on his shoulder and left to the door.

  "Well, you look pretty handsome." Peter opened the car curtain to look at him.

  Dudian smiled and went into the carriage.

  Before long, the carriage arrived at a secluded place in the commercial district. There was very large manor covered by high walls. There were rows of lanterns hung around to light the surroundings. More than a dozen carriages were parked outside the manor.

  The banquet had already begun when Dudian and Peter arrived. The was a faint sounds of melodious music echoing from the estate.

  "It looks like we're a bit late..." Peter smiled, "and remember to be cautious."

  Dudian nodded.

  Peter showed his identity and invitations and entered the estate with Dudian. Along the trail to the banquet hall there were dedicated servants to open the door for them. The path was lighted magnificently and the sound of music was slowly drifting out.

  "Its 'Moonlight Beauty' by master Hayden", Peter quickly rushed into the hall.

  Dudian was about to keep up with Peter when his eyes met another tall figure's. He was wearing a fine silk clothing. There were emerald rings on his fingers.

  Middle-aged noble glanced at Dudian. When he saw scavenger medal on Dudian's shoulder he frowned: "Who told you to come in?"

  Chapter 34: Invitation from the Nobles

  Anger was building up in Dudian's heart. Does he want to tell that I don't belong in here? Dudian was going to retaliate back when he thought of Peter's words and resisted the urge to retort: "Yes, Mr Peter brought me over."

  "Peter who?" Middle-aged noble frowned: "There are even scavengers here. Are there no rules?"

  "Mr. Mace?" At this time, a voice resounded. Dudian and middle-aged aristocrat looked together towards the direction of the sound. It was actually the tough old man Dudian had seen in the office. He was wearing a black gentleman's suit, besides him there was a middle-aged lady holding his arm. From their affectionate attitude it seemed that they were husband and wife.

  At this time, the old man saw Dudian: "Little guy. Why are you at the door? Didn't Peter come over with you? "

  "Mr. Peter has just entered." Dudian said in an honest manner.

  At this time, the middle-aged aristocrat named Mace frowned: "Old Luo, do you know him?"

  The old man laughed: "Yes. I met him today. This little guy is this term's seed object from scavengers. He will have to rely on Mr. Mace's care in the future."

  "So it is.". Mace seemed to understand, glanced at Dudian. : "Little guy. You have vision as you have chosen our Mellon Foundation."

  Dudian face was ugly, his fists were clenched tightly under the sleeve.

  Old man quickly said. : "Little guy, quickly apologise to Mr.Mace because you stood in front of the door blocking the entrance and then join the party as not to be left out." Then he winked at Dudian, motioned him to go into the hall.

  Dudian looked at Old Luo's face for a moment. He knew that Old Luo had come to his rescue. But also knew that as long as he didn't apologize, he would not be able to pass by Mace. At this moment, he realized that there is not right or wrong in this situation. It all depended on each other's identity and status. In this world if the one with the power said that yogurt was black, then the weak one should confirm.

  The difference between the two sides was depening on the difference of the power held!

  He suddenly understood the truth, without power he was no one!

  "I'm sorry ... " He bowed his head in an apology. Behind the alluring lights of the magnificent and melodious music, his face was hidden in the shadows. His eyes were focused on the other party's exquisite boots.

  Then he saw the boots move and turn towards the hall.

  The old man seemed to look at him, but did not say anything, but also followed.

  "These civilians... It does not matter how good you teach they never learn the rules..." Mace's voice echoed in Dudian's ear and then the old man's laughter. Dudian still held his head down, clutching his fists. After a long time he slightly lifted his head. Looking at the front of the wide manor, he suddenly felt more freedom in the darkness.

  At this time, more carriages began to arrive.

  Dudian quietly retracted his eyes, did not continue to look at the door and walked into the hall.

  The large and spacious hall was illuminated by oil lamps as if it was illuminated by daylight. Large number of servants brought wine and fruits in to the hall. The melodious piano music echoed from the front of the hall. Nobles were standing in small groups chatting together.

  After the previous situation Dudian had no mood at the moment to enjoy this rare luxurious party. He walked to an open window and leant against it. He was looking at the hall where people were moving. It was like a flowing picture scrolling in front of his eyes. He felt faint boredom until two black uniformed figures appeared on his line of sight. They kind of interrupted his trance.

  "Hunters?" Dudian immediately recognized the medal on two figure's shoulders. There was a black falcon engraved on medals which identified them as hunters.

  They seemed to be very young, maximum seventeen years old. As they walked, aristocrats took the initiative to greet them. Apparently they were well known figures.

  Soon the two hunters came to the middle of the banquet, where a few middle-aged aristocrats stood. The man who Dudian previously had apologized stood there. Besides him there was a fat lady and a slim middle-aged man.

  Dudian could not hear what nobles chatted with those two hunters as they walked into the middle of banquet. According to their manners, their identity was high.

  "Hunter ..." Dudian eyes flashed slightly, suddenly thought of Rosyard's Alchemy notes. There was a record which had impressed him. It was about the anatomy of the hunter.

  After Rosyard had caused an incident, a young hunter was tasked to find and kill him. Rosyard had prepared potions to control the nervous system in advance and had caught the hunter. He had used knife to dissect the hunter into countless pieces of meat without anesthesia.

  Rosyard had found organs and bloods that were different to normal humans body components within the hunter's body. He was inspired by his findings. It was one of the factors that led him to be certified as a three star alchemist.

  "Hello scavenger." Suddenly a shadow appeared from Dudian's leftside.

  It was a white-haired old man with a kind face. He was using a walking stick. A large jade ring was on his thumb. However the clothes that he wore were more simple in comparison to the others in the party.

  "I assume you are the seed f
rom this graduation, as you are able to attend the party. Am I right?" White-haired old man smiled.

  Dudian nodded slightly: "You are?"

  White-haired old man smiled and said: "I am Folin Ryan. Nice to meet you".

  "Ryan?" Dudian was perplexed. Three years ago the desert where they were tested seemed to be the territory of Ryan family.

  The old man noticed the changes on Dudian's face: "I assume you have heard of our Ryan family's background. But they are stories of the old. Are you interested in being Ryan family's knight? "

  "Knight?" Dudian was surprised. He had desperately studied in the library for three years to increase his understanding of this era. He had cleared up many things which were alien to him at first. The so-called Knight is not only a simple title. For a normal person to acquire the title, he had to go through professional training and as well as a strict examination.

  "I did not say clearly." White-haired old man continued: "Your name only will be linked to our family. We will provide you with the official knight's salary and you will need to help our Ryan family to explore the wilderness once a year."

  Dudian understood his purpose: "I can go for expedition with your family's scavengers without a contract too, can't I?"

  "Of course you can." White-haired old man laughed: "This is all private business. Moreover you won't bear the costs of going and coming back from the giant wall. In fact most of the noble families privately cultivate scavengers, though they can't be compared to the ones from the official training."

  Chapter 35: Jenny

  Knight's monthly salary was not low. According to Dudian's estimates monthly salary of a knight was more than Jura couple's salary together. Moreover being affiliated with the Ryan family would give him an identity which vast majority of civilians would look up to.

  However, he did not immediately agree. He understood that the higher the pay, means that scavenging outside the giant wall was more dangerous. Although he had heard that scavengers roam only in safe areas, but there is no guarantee that there will be no other danger. Otherwise, why would they be compensated with such a high return?

  "I will think about it." Dudian muttered.

  Fulin Ryan smiled and said: "If you come to a decision know that our family would be happy for you to join us. In addition, if you can't find a place to live, it is not a problem. In our Ryan family there several sets of vacant houses which could be given to you free of charge."

  Dudian declined in polite manner: "Thank you for your kindness. I'll be here for seven days but later I will have to go home and visit my parents. For time being, I'm not planning to live in the commercial district."

  "Okay, you are welcome to disturb me if you ever need anything."

  "I will."

  After the conversation, Fulin Ryan left to the central banquet to talk with other nobles.

  As Fulin Ryan left several nobles came over to find Dudian to talk to him. The conditions proposed by them were not so different by the ones offered by Fulin Ryan and were declined by Dudian one by one.

  All of a sudden, melodious music stopped. A loud clapping echoed and people in the banquet came to halt their chatting, eating or drinking to look at the source of the noise.

  It was a fourty year old middle-aged noble who was clapping. As he saw all the eyes gathered on him, with a slight smile on his face he spoke: "Welcome to the eight's party set up by Mellon Consortium. I hope you all are enjoying your time in here. It just happens to be be my daughter, Sarah Mel's, birthday. I hope all of you who are present can give my daughter your blessings. Thank you!"

  As he finished talking, a girl in a red skirt slowly began to descent from the second floor. She was twelve or thirteen years old with delicate cheeks. She gracefully stood and slightly bowed.

  The nobles who were present began to warmly applause.

  Dudian was fretting. Beforehands he had inquired about Mellon consortium. There were more than a dozen noble families of different sizes included in the consortia. However Mel and Burong family were the co-founders and the most influential ones. The girl belonged to Mel family who he had heard before when he was in Meishan orphanage.

  Moreover, the Knight of Light Melk who cut the alchemist's head three years ago apparently was member of the Mel family.

  This was a proof of how deep and broad the roots of Mel family reached.

  "Our Prynne family has prepared an elegant gift for Ms Sarah... " At this time, a young man holding a delicate red gift box came up to Sarah Mel. He gently opened the box where a pair of white silk gloves laid.

  Sarah took a few steps forward and said: "This should be Master Sydney's craftmanship. I like it. Thank you"

  Young man smiled, a servant came up to him and took the gift box.

  At this time, the other nobles successively presented gifts with the words of congratulations.

  A young man in gentleman's suit laughed and said: "I always heard that you like poetry so I asked Master Taiza to write a poem. I hope you will enjoy.

  "Poetry?" Sarah's eyes lit up with joy.

  The young man smiled and continued in gentle voice: "These are tears you dropped on the stone. Those hesitant eyes filled with that evening. Who leaked your inner sadness ... ..."

  After a while, the poem finished: "This poem is named "a girl's sadness" and it was exclusively written for Miss Sarah."

  The audience suddenly applauded enthusiastically.

  Sarah had happy smile on her face: "It is indeed the poem by Taiza master. So touching and so moving. I like it. Thank you!"

  ...

  ...

  Dudian was listening to those cheers while leaning to the edge of windowsill. His heart was frustrated as he hadn't brought anything with him. He hoped these people didn't pay any attention to him so as not to provoke any unnecessary trouble.

  Suddenly, he saw a figure run under the window. Dudian cursed himself for being stupid. If he didn't have anything to gift then why not to sneak away like the other person?

  He looked at the nobles whose attention at the moment was on Sarah. Taking advantage of the rare opportunity, he looked outside the windows and determined that the height was about two meters. He didn't hesitate as he climbed onto window and in one move jumped out of it as if he was a flexible cat.

  He walked down the path to quickly leave.

  In order to avoid encountering the servants, Dudian walked around the more remote areas where there were no lights. At the moment it was lit by rays of the moon and the stars. He walked on the stone path surrounded by trimmed ornamental trees. It didn't take long before he reached a small pavilion. He sat there to wait fpr the banquet to finish. He would go back then. He was not someone of high birth so his disappearance would not be too noticeable.

  Rustle ~

  Suddenly, the leaves shook.

  Dudian's face slightly changed as he shouted low tone: "Who is there?"

  There was no more movement but Dudian knew from the sound of wind that there was a person. After all, three years of rough scavenger training he had gone through many experiences and could determine what were in his surroundings through the voices.

  "Come out, I know you're there!" Dudian said.

  Before long, a slender figure moved from behind the trimmed ball like tree. Under the illumination of the moonlight Dudian saw a girl who was almost as big as him. It seems that he had seen her before but couldn't figure out.

  Dudian was relieved: "Come out. I have no malicious thoughts. I'm hiding from the limelight. I'll not inform you and you'd better not inform on me. Otherwise it will be bad for both of us."

  This girl was nervous at first but as she heard Dudian's talk, she was surprised: "Aren't you sent by my father to call me back?"

  Dudian knew she had misunderstood so he shrugged his shoulders: "Of course not, I do not even know you."

  The girl looked at him in relieved manner: "You scared me. You said you are hiding, from what?

  Dudian snapped: "I haven't brought a gift so I'm here
to avoid the embarrassment."

  "what?" The girl seems to suspect that she heard the wrong. Thinking about Dudian's words she giggled (puchi~): "Oh, didn't you know that today is Miss Sarah Mel's birthday?"

  "Don't 'don't' me!" Dudian shrugged: "I just didn't know."

  The girl walked along the slate to the edge of the pavilion. She saw Dudian's uniform and asked: "This uniform. Are you a scavenger?

  Dudian looked black:"Yes, but you'd better not talk about seeing me over here. Otherwise I will tell about you too."

  "I won't." The girl smiled and said: "My name is Jenny, what is your name?

  Dudian replied: "Dean."

  Chapter 36: "A Tree in Blossom"

  "What kind of world is outside the giant wall?" The girl looked curiously at Dudian: "Is there an endless sea and vast forests as bards tell in their stories?"

  Dudian turned back to the pavilion, looked for a chair and sat down: "I have just been appointed as ascavenger and have not been outside the giant wall. But there are seas and forests, that's for sure."

  "How do you know?" Jenny followed him to the pavilion, sitting on the chair opposite the tea table: "Did not you say you have not been outside the giant wall?"

  Dudian mind suddenly thought of the earth. He have seen the blue sea and forests. and many beautiful sceneries. His heart was saddened and he murmured: "Of course, I have seen".

  "Have you seen?" Jenny was surprised.

  Dudian recoiled the past as he rephrased: "It is in the poet's poem to see. But I believe that those places certainly exist... Otherwise, how the bards would know about them? "

  "Do you think so?" Jenny was surprised: "I think so too but my father always said that those are made up by bards. In reality they do not exist. Even if there is something like that we would never step outside the giant wall. He said it is very dangerous outside, is that so?"

  Dudian thought to himself. Most problably your father was afraid that you are too curious and would secretly ran to the outside of the giant wall to peep at the scene. He said: "The danger does exist."