Journey of the Dragon

Chapter thirty six : Princess Reina & The Three Knights storm of Nexus

 We turn back to Dragon with Gard and Riple who are on their way to the Nexus Royal Palace. The horse carriage they were riding on, has now arrived at the Main gate of the Royal Palace, the gate looks very large and majestic, although it is not as big as the main fort gate of the Capital that they have passed before.

 After Dragon got off the horse carriage, Gard and Riple immediately invited him to walk through the gate. There they have to climb dozens of more steps to get to the next gate at the top, because the Nexus Palace is located on a higher ground level.

 When they arrived at the top, the second gate was immediately opened to let them enter. Behind the gate, there was already a butler with several servants who lined up to welcome the three of them. The Head butler stood in front of Dragon, he bowed to salute, then invited Dragon, Gard and Riple to enter the Palace, the Head butler also accompanied them to explore the ins and outs of the magnificent Palace.

 “ Good morning, Mister Dragon. Introduce ... My name is Zeitrass, I am the Head butler of the Nexus Palace. Let me show you the way, please follow me. " Said the butler politely.

 A few moments later, Dragon, along with Gard and Riple, were already inside the Palace while continuing to follow Zeitrass' steps from behind. Dragon endlessly stared at every furniture and trinkets that adorned the entire Palace, from chairs, tables, luxurious paintings, and expensive jars, which were arranged very neatly in every room that Dragon passed.

 On their way, Zeitrass continued to explain to Dragon about everything they encountered there, especially things around the Nexus Royal Palace. And Zeitrass also informed them that at this time the King Velodrian was on important business so he could not welcomed Dragon to the Palace, but if his business was finished then the King would soon meet Dragon in the Palace dining room, to enjoy a banquet, which became the main purpose of Dragon's arrival to this Palace. So now, while waiting for the King to finish his business, Dragon may first take a walk around the Palace, accompanied by Zeitrass, Gard and Riple.

But actually it is a good thing for Dragon, because that way, he can be more flexible in finding out information about the place where his target item is, namely the Aporion ball. That's the real purpose of Dragon, so right now Dragon will just follow where Zeitrass will take him, while checking every detail of the room in the Palace.

 "I- uh ... if it's not inconvenient for you, I would be very happy to be able to tour the Palace." Dragon said to Zeitrass.

 "Yes, no problem sir ... Don't hesitate, let's continue to follow me." Zeitrass replied.

 “Mister Dragon must be very happy to be in this palace, so he doesn't want to waste the opportunity to be able to see scenery here. Right?" Asked Gard to Dragon.

 "Ye- yes, that's right ... I am very impressed with the splendor this Palace has." Dragon replied with an awkward smile.

 "Whoa, looks like Mr Dragon is the number one admirer of the Nexus Palace ... Note that Riple." Said Gard, telling Riple to write it down. Whereas Dragon only echoed every word from Gard, so he could avoid suspicion, and stay focused on his goal of coming to the Palace.

 On the tour, they encountered several Soldiers who were patrolling every location they passed, so Dragon realized that his mission would not be easy, but for now he would just try to enjoy his role as guest of honor in the Nexus Palace.

 Their tour started from the enormous and spacious Palace hall, to other important places. Because of the vastness of the hall, it seemed that even hundreds of people could fit into it. The hall was a place that was often used to hold parties or other large events.

 Then their journey continued to the Palace kitchen which was quite busy, because the place was filled with many servants and Royal Chefs, who were busy cooking and preparing food, to be served to Dragon and King, at a banquet which would start at noon.

 Then Dragon was again invited to walk down the wide hallways, while stopping several times in special rooms for Palace workers. Such as the tailor's room, craftsmen's room, and others. There is even a special room for the King to relax, located on the roof of the Palace, with a cool and shady atmosphere, and the availability of luxurious chairs for resting or sleeping there.

 Then, Dragon and the others finally passed through a room whose door was tightly guarded by two soldiers, Dragon had stopped his steps there while being a little stunned watching the door that looked quite large and luxurious. With two guards there, it made Dragon even more sure that the object he was searching for must be in the room.

 Then Zeitrass, who was a little surprised because he saw Dragon stunned in front of the big door, began to explain about the room in it. “Oh, sorry that I haven't explained about that door to you… It is the door of the Kingdom's treasury storage room, that room cannot be entered by just anyone, because only the King who can open it. Apart from that, the room inside is also a very closed and isolated place, so that there is only one way in and one way out from there, which is through the door that in front of us. " Said Zeitrass explained.

 "So, only the king has the key to open that door?" Dragon asked with a face like he was thinking about something.

 "Yes, that’s right. Only the king has the key ... Now, let's continue our journey again. " Take Zeitrass to Dragon, Gard, and Riple.

 A few moments later, they arrived at the backyard of the palace, there was a very wide, beautiful and lush garden, with grass that spread across the entire surface of the land, not only grass, the garden was also filled with various kinds of very beautiful flower plants , as well as various other plants that are large and tall, so that it makes the atmosphere there feel like you are in a very majestic labyrinth.

 It was so cool and comfortable there, that it made Dragon amazed and didn't seem to want to leave quickly. Especially when Zeitrass said that Dragon should enjoy the atmosphere there while waiting for the King's business to finish.

 A few moments later, Dragon and the others seemed to be walking casually on the green grass that spread out wide while breathing the fresh air, they enjoyed the view of the beautiful plants that adorned the garden.

 But when he engrossed in walking, Dragon was surprised by the presence of people who were doing an activity there. The people consisted of several Soldiers who were standing and several servants who were preparing food on the table. There were also four important people who appeared to be chatting and joking, while holding bows and arrows in their respective hands.

 That people, It turned out to be Princess Reina, the only child of the King Velodrian. Who is practicing archery and accompanied by three storm Knights of Nexus, namely Rizu, Arci, and Holdi. Their presence there seems to be a routine activity that they often do every week. Rizu has a fairly burly posture with long green hair, he is wearing blue clothes with white armor, which is wrapped in blue robes as well, the same as those worn by Arci and Holdi.

 They were practicing archery with Princess Reina, who looked very beautiful with long flowing pink hair. And she also wore blue clothes wrapped in white armor, making the Princess look like a tough woman.

Princess Reina was teaching Rizu very seriously, while Arci and Holdi seemed to be making fun of Rizu, because Rizu looked very nervous when being taught by the Princess. Rizu's hands were constantly shaking so that his arrows always couldn't hit their target.

 Returning to Dragon, Zeitrass intended to introduce Dragon to Princess Reina and her friends who were there, but when Zeitrass invited Dragon to approach them. Dragon was just silent instead, with a blank gaze that could not be distracted at all from the Princess. This left Zeitrass, Gard, and Riple all amazed and confused. Even Gard told Riple to note that it seemed like Dragon was feeling love at first sight

Then, the Princess realized the arrival of Zeitrass along with Dragon, Gard, and Riple at that place. She Immediately approach and greet them, with great hospitality.

 “Well … Good morning, Mr. Zeitrass. Who are you bringing? … Oh, it turns out to be the Champion of the Togu City Tournament ... Mr. Gard and Mr. Riple are here too. ” Princess Reina said greeting them all.

 "Good morning, Princess." Said Gard while lowering his head with Riple, while Dragon still couldn't take his eyes off the Princess and he also couldn't speak to answer the greeting from Princess Reina, so the situation became awkward.

 Then Riple slightly shook Dragon's shoulders, so that Dragon immediately regained his senses and began to answer Princess Reina's greetings. With an expression on his face that looked very shocked, Dragon lowered his head to touch the grass while saying, "Good morning too, Princess!"

 Everyone who saw it immediately felt shocked, the princess said to Dragon. "E- uh, there's no need to be like that."

 "Sorry." Dragon replied while standing up straight again, then Zeitrass and Riple immediately cleaned the soil and grass that stained Dragon's face.

 “Your name is Mister Dragon, right? Nice to meet you." Said Princess Reina as she stretched out her hand.

 Dragon hesitated when he was going to shake the princess's hand, because he felt very nervous at that time, but Gard pushed him a little so that Dragon's body immediately approached and shook the princess's hand carefully. While speaking, “No need to call me sir, just Dragel… Eh no, I mean Dragnit… E- eh I mean Dragon. Yes, Dragon. "

 "Hehe ... Yes, alright." The princess replied with a smile.

 "I- I'm glad to meet the princess." Dragon said.

 "I'm also happy to meet you ... I witnessed your fight against Gill, he is a monster hunter right? The weapons he has are great, but the weapons you have are just as great as he has ... I heard you are a blacksmith. Did you make those weapons by yourself? " Asked the princess.

 Then came a voice from behind the princess. "I know some people who have swords of fire, but this is the first time I've seen a fire sword that has such tremendous power." Said Rizu to Dragon, while walking with Arci and Holdi near the Princess.

 "Oh yes, I will introduce you to my friends. They are the three storm Knights of the Nexus ... Rizu, Arci, and Holdi. " Said the princess.

 Dragon immediately answered Rizu's statement. "Thank you for the compliment."

 “You're welcome, my name is Rizu. And these are my two friends, Arci and Holdi ... You must have met them during the qualifying rounds of the Togu City Tournament, right? I will represent both of them to apologize, for the trouble they have done to you. " Said Rizu while lowering his head.

 Even though the three of them were teammates, it seemed like Rizu was the leader figure for the group of three Storm Knights of the Nexus. He is the one who always mediates the quarrels between Arci and Holdi, and solve every problem they do. Besides that, Rizu also seems to be quite a friendly person, and always feels bad if someone else is bothered by him or his two friends.

 “Hey Rizu, what does that mean? We just carry out our duties there. " Arci said defensively.

 "Hmm ... Looks like we were overreacting to the participants, that's why we should apologize." Said Holdi to Arci.

 “Hoy, I'm defending us both, why are you defending Rizu's opinion ?! … Whose side are you actually on? ” Asked Arci to Holdi.

 "I'm only expressing what I think is right, we both should apologize to this Champion, right?" Said Holdi..

 "Don't start with me again, you fat log." Said Arci.

 "A tiny branch like you is difficult to talk to." Answer Holdi.

 "You want to fight huh ?!" Arci said.

 "OK. I will serve you right now! " Holdi replied to Arci, they both were ready to fight there.

 "Stop it, you two!" Said Rizu while trying to separate the two of them.

 "Forgive them, they are always like that." Princess Reina said to Dragon with a smile.

 Then, it turned out that Rizu had also become involved in this ridiculous argument, so that the situation turned increasingly crowded, and out of control. So Princess Reina who saw this, immediately acted by putting on an angry face, then her personality turned fierce, so she gave the ultimate blow, and then finally she could stop the three of them bickering in a flash.

 Then Dragon said in his mind, ("Whoa, she's like a mother figure to the three of them.")

 "Oh yeah, right now my father is having an important meeting with the ministers, while waiting for the banquet to start, you should join us in practicing archery with us." Invite Princess Reina to Dragon.

 "Yes. But will my arrival here interfere the activities you are currently doing? " Asked Dragon to Princess.

 "Of course not, I would be happy if you could join us." Princess Reina replied.

 Then Arci said, "Yes, let's see if your archery skills are worse than Rizu's or not." Arci said, then Holdi's head pinched Arci right after he said that.

 Holdi grabs Arci while whispering to him, "Shut up! You want to be thrown outside the palace by Rizu ?! ” Holdi said to warn Arci, with a joking tone. Because it seems like Holdi also admits that Rizu has poor skills in archery.

 "Are you two my friends or not?" Said Rizu while lowering his head, with a sad face.

 A while later, Rizu and Dragon were seen standing side by side, holding bows in their respective hands. Far ahead of them was a marked sign, which served as the target object for both of them.

 Dragon started talking to Rizu, "Why does this feel like a competition?" Dragon asked.

 "I don't know, I also have the same question." Rizu replied.

 Then Princess Reina started talking to the two of them again. "Okay, remember, this is just practice. I will again tell the rules to both of you, each of you will be given three arrows, and whoever can do more shoot on target, then he will be the winner. "

 "Winner?" Dragon said while feeling confused.

 "OK. I am ready!" Said Rizu while feeling excited, because it seemed like he had the opportunity to be able to impress Princess Reina.

 "Rizu start again." Arci whispered to Holdi.

 "He will do everything for the princess." Holdi answered to Arci.

 Then Princess Reina started the archery match between Rizu and Dragon. The princess said, "Rizu will be the first ... Remember, it is forbidden to use your power." Said Princess Reina to warn Rizu.

 "What? … Hmm, alright. ” Said Rizu, while aiming his arrow at the target board in front of him. Then Rizu immediately shot the three arrows quickly and in sequence, until the three of them stuck into the intended object. But none of the arrows hit the center mark. The three arrows that Rizu shot got stuck everywhere instead of the target.

 Everyone looked a little surprised by Rizu's archery, especially Gard, Riple, and Dragon. But it's different with Arci and Holdi, they are even busy holding back laughter while covering their mouths with both hands. Meanwhile, Rizu immediately felt gloomy while standing near the corner, because he felt ashamed of the Princess.

 “Hmm… Looks like there has been progress from Rizu. At least the arrow didn't fly far and disappeared somewhere. " Princess Reina said with a smile and felt proud.

 Then, Rizu immediately felt excited again after hearing Princess Reina's words. Meanwhile, Arci whispered again to Holdi, "Just a little praised, he immediately happy."

 "Hmm ... Yes, right." Said Holdi while nodding.

 "Whose friends are you two??" Rizu said while grumbling to the two of them, so Arci and Holdi quickly felt frightened and they both immediately looked away while whistling.

 Dragon said in his mind. (“How could an official knight of the Nexus Kingdom, be that lame in terms of archery?”) Dragon said in his mind, But that's all just a glimpse of Dragon, because maybe Rizu has expertise and prowess in other things.

 "Alright, now it's Dragon's turn." Said Princess Reina.

 Then Dragon immediately aimed his arrow at the target board far in front of him, he looked very serious paying attention to the center position of the board that was his target, Dragon aimed with focus as if nothing could disturb him at that moment.

 A few moments later, Dragon started shooting his three arrows consecutively, and the three of them stabbed directly at the object of their destination without any of it straying out at all. And it turned out that the three arrows shot from Dragon, all hit the target perfectly.

 This made everyone who was there immediately feel shocked and dumbfounded, plus a sense of admiration so they praised Dragon for his expertise. Gard who also felt amazed, immediately told Riple to take note of Dragon's greatness. Even Rizu, who initially couldn't believe what had just happened, suddenly complimented Dragon.

 "Whoa, that's great. Actually, what weapons are you good at? " Princess Reina asked while feeling amazed towards Dragon.

 "Almost any weapon." Dragon replied with a slightly awkward smile.

 Rizu, who saw Princess Reina praising Dragon, immediately became gloomy again while standing in a corner, because he felt that he had lost to Dragon in terms of impressing the Princess.

 Then Arci spoke with Holdi. "He's strong, but easily gives up."

 And Holdi answered. "Yes, I agree with you about that."

 “Whose friends are you two??” Said Rizu to the two of them.

 Dragon spent quite a long time in that place with the Princess and the three storm knights of the Nexus who liked to quarrel, so the atmosphere there was always lively and made Dragon a little amused, amidst his tense feeling because he had to think of a way to get into the treasure storage room to steal the Aporion ball.