Unholy Player-Chapter 84: The attention [BONUS]

At the head of the convoy rode Siris.

Her dark hair was tied in a high ponytail, swaying with each powerful stride of her mount, an imposing beast adorned with crimson feathers that shimmered with energy. Her gaze was firm, unwavering, locked onto the road ahead. The polished silver of her armor blazed under the sun, drawing every eye it passed.

Behind her came the knights, dozens of them, each radiating the same sharp presence. Their eyes and expressions carried the weight of triumph, like soldiers returning from war. They rode broad, muscular horses and surrounded a luxurious carriage bearing the unmistakable crest of the Draven household, clearly carrying someone of great importance.

Another carriage followed closely behind.

It was even more heavily guarded, surrounded by a formation of knights locked in perfect rhythm, every movement deliberate. The carriage rolled forward like a fortress on wheels, slow, steady, and unshakable. As it emerged into full view, a hush fell over the streets. The noise, the whispers, the breathless curiosity vanished.

In their place came a quiet tension. Fear. Awe. And something harder to name. Relief, maybe. Or the weight of recognition.

Atop the carriage, secured in reinforced restraints, rested a creature unlike anything most had ever witnessed up close. Massive and dark blue, it looked at first like a slab of ancient stone. But when its limbs twitched and its head shifted slightly, the illusion broke.

It was alive. And it was monstrous.

Actually, scenes like this weren’t unusual for the people of the capital. At least not until three years ago, when most of the kingdom’s practitioners were still alive and many were at the peak of their power. freewebnøvel.com

What mattered most now was the possibility that the rumors might be true. That someone had actually come—a practitioner willing to help.

So when the crowd witnessed a procession that felt more like a celebration than a routine escort, they couldn’t hold back anymore. Years of buried emotion erupted in cheers and shouts.

It wasn’t just the capture of a monster. It was a sign that someone was still watching over them, that they hadn’t been completely abandoned to a pit of despair.

The knights marched slowly through the ecstatic crowd, heads high and chests full of pride, until they came to a stop in front of the Draven household.

"Lord Adyr, we’ve arrived," Siris said, personally opening the carriage door for him.

"Thanks," Adyr replied with a smile as he stepped down. Vesha followed right after.

Adyr looked calmly toward the mansion’s massive garden gates, then beyond. It was clear that the cheering citizens weren’t the only ones who had come to greet them. Others had received word and arrived even earlier.

From the gate to the main building, knights stood in formation on both sides of the garden path. Each of them wore full golden armor, more ornate than the ones who had escorted Adyr, and their breastplates bore a different crest.

He didn’t have to wonder long who had organized this reception. Two figures were approaching quickly through the line of knights.

"That’s King Vale Von Velaris," Vesha whispered. She didn’t sound surprised.

Adyr couldn’t help but feel mildly amused by the name. It sounded like something chosen lazily, without much thought, but his attention remained on the man himself.

Long white hair fell over the king’s slightly pointed ears. His gray eyes held a quiet wisdom. He wore ceremonial golden armor beneath a crimson cape, and just behind him followed the mansion’s lord, Orven Draven.

"Lord Adyr, forgive me for intruding on your day. But as king, I felt it my duty to personally welcome such an important guest to our kingdom," said King Vale, his voice marked by age yet calm and warm.

He gave a slight bow of his head and waist before continuing. "I am Vale Von Velaris, King of Velari. It is an honor to receive you within our lands. Both my people and I are grateful for your presence."

"That honor is mine, King Velaris. You have a fine land and fine people," Adyr replied politely, matching the king’s tone and gesture.

Though the one he had been waiting for wasn’t the king, it didn’t matter. As far as Adyr was concerned, his plan was progressing just as intended. He had gained the attention he needed. It wouldn’t be long before he found himself inside the network he had been aiming for.

"Your words make me proud," the king said sincerely, then added, "A banquet has been prepared inside, if you can spare us some of your time."

At the mention of the invitation, Adyr turned to glance at the massive body of the Aqualith.

Seeing this, Orven quickly stepped in. "We can transport the Spark inside, if you wish. But I’m afraid we lack the proper means to secure it." He looked uneasy.

After all, this monster was no ordinary animal. The only reason it was lying there quietly and harmlessly was because of Adyr.

"Can you prepare a room for me? I can’t keep dragging it around," Adyr asked politely. He couldn’t send the Spark to the Dawn Land, nor could he kill it or release it—its value was too great. With the king present, this was a good chance to request personal property.

"For now, let’s have it brought into the banquet hall," King Vale said without hesitation. "Lord Adyr will be there with us and can keep an eye on it during the meal. We’ll discuss the details of your accommodations afterward."

He seemed determined to host Adyr properly, and his political intuition had clearly told him this was the right move.

"Sure," Adyr agreed, and they made their way to the mansion, walking down the stone path flanked on both sides by knights.

Accepting the offer was the most logical choice for now. First, he needed a permanent place to stay—something spacious and secure. He would also need servants, perhaps even guards. Fortunately, the king seemed ready to provide all of it.

The banquet hall was far grander and more luxurious than the room where Adyr had eaten breakfast that morning. Lined with knights in golden full-body armor standing at attention, the space was equally filled with maids and servants standing in perfect formation.

A massive round table in the center was covered with an elaborate array of dishes. Standing beside it were two women, clearly waiting for his arrival. Adyr didn’t need an introduction. One was the queen, the other the daughter. It was clear this wasn’t just a meal. It was a political gathering.

After greeting him with polite smiles, the two women froze at the sight of the Spark being brought into the room. The sheer presence of such a creature made it impossible for them to remain composed. Sharing a meal with a monster was clearly unsettling, but they had no choice.

For King Vale and Orven, it was a different story. Though they couldn’t fully mask their discomfort either, they welcomed the situation with surprising ease. After all, it wasn’t every day one dined in the presence of a ferocious and exotic Spark. For men of their status, this was more than dinner—it was a display of power.

As Adyr sat at the table, he noticed a seventh chair, but he didn’t question its presence. Just as the meal was about to begin, his attention briefly shifted to one of the servants bringing out the food. He watched for a moment, then smiled faintly and returned his focus to his plate.

He had just confirmed it. The attention he had been waiting for had finally arrived.