The King was there to greet the Vermillion family at the entrance of the palace, a broad, bright smile lighting up his face.

This was likely the most important alliance Valmora would forge during his reign, and with the Vermillion family’s help, Valmora could soar to even greater heights. The King was confident that their support would strengthen the kingdom’s security.

Moreover, a close relationship with the Vermillion family would build trust among the merchants, giving a significant boost to the kingdom’s annual revenue.

Truly, there were countless advantages tied to the involvement of a single clan.

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Mister Reid,” said the Supreme Authority of the Kingdom—King Godric Valmoran.

The two men shook hands warmly as the guest replied, “I really enjoyed my journey to the palace.”

Godric’s smile widened as he turned his eyes toward the woman beside Reid. “And you must be the brilliant runesmith and the well-known, respected Warden—Ruby Vermillion.”

Ruby gave a polite nod. “Pleased to meet you, Your Majesty.” She held the hem of her gown and gave an elegant bow.

Her grace made many of the men standing behind the King sigh in admiration.

Her soft red hair cascaded over her shoulders like a fiery curtain. Her big amber eyes were warm yet carried a fierce spark that dared anyone to look too long. Her gown hugged her shapely figure perfectly, making it impossible not to notice that the daughter of the Vermillion family was indeed well-endowed.

Even the King barely stopped himself to look at her in an inappropriate way—reminding himself of her age and position.

They exchanged a few more words before heading inside the palace.

Since it was still afternoon, they were shown to their rooms to rest, with an invitation to the evening celebration.

The head of the Vermillion family had no objections to the schedule, feeling a bit tired after the journey.

As they walked toward their rooms alongside the King, Ruby’s eyes caught a glimpse of a certain silver-haired girl in the distance.

Hmm… isn’t that…? she wondered. Without hesitation, she turned to Godric and asked, “May I have a word with Miss Ariana?”

Her question made every one pause. Her father raised an eyebrow, and all eyes turned toward Ariana.

Edward had a soft frown, not concerned but curious about how Ruby knew Ariana.

The King nodded immediately. “Of course. I’ll send her to your room.”

Ruby smiled graciously. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Godric gave a polite nod in return.

Ruby took one last look at the silver-haired woman before continuing on to the room prepared for her.

—–**—-

“Haah~this is complicated,” Adrian muttered as he sat on the bed, closing the book he had been studying on the fourth thread.

This thread was proving to be the most demanding of them all.

Why? Because Adrian had to analyze the magic pattern and register it onto their armament.

It was like mapping how a being’s mana reacted in different situations: when they were calm when they were in battle with adrenaline coursing through them, and when they were gripped by despair. There was so much more to consider, and the entire process could take hours to complete.

This was the first thread where the books provided by the system demanded far more effort than what was written in any regular book.

But Adrian understood why the system required this extra work.

Once he perfected the fourth thread, the weapon would become an extension of its wielder’s very soul—reacting to their fears, their joys, their thrills. It would stand by them as a loyal ally, right to the last spark of life.

‘It will take a long time…but at least I got the shop feature…’

Talking about the Shop feature, what he has currently in store was not something amazing.

There were three categories at the moment:

1. Healing

2. Throwables

3. Miscellaneous

Like…what the fuck? Could the system not have provided weapons or maybe spells or sorts?

Upon asking the system said that more features would be unlocked in the future.

In the healing tab, there were bandages, potions, balms, and a few other items.

In throwables, he saw shurikens, star blades, and even smoke bombs.

And miscellaneous, there were clothes, tents, ropes, and some other survival items.

They were useful, no doubt, but he expected more from the system.

‘Haah, no point in crying over it now.’ Adrian ran his hand through his hair in frustration and focused on the book again.

He needs to master the fourth thread this year—three months left.

After this arc, there would be some silence, but near the end of the year, during the winter breaks, a disaster-class ancient being was about to awaken.

In that battle, many people were bound to die and Allen would get a serious power up.

However, it wouldn’t be him who would land the final blow. Nope, he only will save others and weaken the monster a little.

The one who actually defeated the monster was Annabelle, a.k, Idiot.

There was no doubt she was strong. Even without using any armament, she was stronger than most. She holds the strength to become a catastrophic danger if someday she gets bored and turns against humanity.

There was no doubt that she was a very significant part of the story and someone who would play a vital role in defeating the fallen God.

However, right now, the Idiot he was facing seemed nothing like her canon counterpart.

“What do you do, Idiot?” He asked, seeing her online and probably waiting for his message.

[Oh, I-xxxx, xxxxx xxx-eh? Why is this blocking me?]

“Figured it would. The system doesn’t allow me to share anything personal about me nor can I get to know about you through the chat.” He told her.

Raven: [Probably because you haven’t regained your memories.]

Entered the chat was the same lady whom Adrian talked to on the first day.

“Oh, hey there.”

Raven: [Hello, cutie~]

[Get the fuck out of the chat if you don’t need anything from him!]

Roared the Idiot. God, she has a temper.

Raven: [Oh my~and who are you to tell me to go away? I am talking to my hubby~]

And there she did it..fueling things up.

[Call him that again and I will pluck your wings and shove it up your ass!]

…ouch.

Raven: [Be gentle~I am sensitive back there.]

…wow.

Idiot: [Masochist bitch.]

…woah.

Raven: [Says the one who squirts upon getting scolded by my hubby.]

Wait…what?!

My attention broke from the chat as suddenly someone knocked on the door.

“Coming.”

Idiot: [Huh? D-Darling?!]

Raven: [Oh my~is my hubby having fun there?]

‘Shoot, forgot to disconnect.’ He hurriedly closed the chat and opened the door.

On the other side stood a man whom he had never met.

One eye was pale white, and the other one dull green.

Adrian knew who he was.

“…Patriarch Vermillion.”

°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep