The throne room was silent.
Victoria fluttered mid-air, her tiny wings buzzing with irritation. "Woken up in front of a crowd? Really?" she grumbled, shooting a glare at Gray.
Gray winced. Great. Now the fairy's here, and everyone's staring. Perfect.
Around them, nobles whispered in hushed, urgent tones. Their voices carried to the edges of the marble chamber.
"A Summoner? Here?"
"I thought they were extinct."
"The last were heroes of legend... or monsters."
Summoners. In the game, it was just an in-lore term for other players. They could invade your world or form alliances. But normally this happened much later, unlocked during the main storyline. No mention of Summoners appeared this early.
Me being one now? That's going to tilt this whole world, Gray mused.
Across the throne room, Avari straightened. His voice rang clear and formal. "Your Majesty, this man is clearly a Summoner. Imprisoning him would be shortsighted. It is wiser to recruit and monitor him."
Gasps rippled through the chamber.
A noble to the left rose. "This is too dangerous! We cannot trust one so capable of binding unknown forces."
Another leaned to a companion, whispering, "Imagine the advantage if we controlled him. The kingdom's enemies would tremble."
"He must be placed under strict watch. We cannot risk a rogue Summoner in our midst," a stern older woman declared.
Gray watched with a bemused smile. Politics moves fast when power's revealed, he thought.
Queen Alicia remained seated, her gaze sharp but uncertain. "Do you truly trust this man, Avari?" she asked.
Avari shook his head. "I trust no one blindly, but this is the wisest path. To lock him away would waste his potential. To watch and guide him may turn him into an ally."
Alicia frowned, thinking aloud. "The kingdom is not stable. We have enemies abroad and unrest within. We cannot waste potential allies, even if they come wrapped in danger."
She looked at Gray, her young face trying to mask uncertainty. "Tell me, Gray. If you are indeed a Summoner, will you serve this kingdom in good faith?"
Gray bowed his head slightly. "If given the choice between dungeon chains and meaningful work, I think the answer is obvious, Your Majesty."
The Queen studied him for a moment longer, then turned to Avari. "Very well. Gray will be released into your custody, Avari. You will ensure his abilities are used for Calvari's benefit, and that he remains under control."
Gray raised an eyebrow. From prison escape plan to royal faction asset. What a leap. Of course, he added mentally, this is just a new cage. Let's not pretend otherwise.
Nobles continued to murmur as Alicia's decision was announced.
Victoria floated to Gray's shoulder, grumbling. "Next time, wake me for food, not politics."
Avari gave a small nod. "Cut their ropes."
Guards stepped forward, slicing the bindings from Gray and Eliard. The ropes fell away.
"Take them to quarters where they may rest," Alicia commanded.
Gray bowed low. "As you command, Your Majesty," he said smoothly, masking the sharp calculations racing through his head. Play along. Soon enough it will all change.
The throne room doors closed behind them. Avari led the way through dimly lit corridors, torches flickering on stone walls.
"I will say this once," Avari said, voice calm but cold. "Do not test me. Whatever schemes you are plotting, leave them aside. You walk the edge of a blade now."
Gray offered a half-smile. "I wouldn't dream of it."
Behind them, Eliard whispered, "Is this... good or bad?"
Gray kept his eyes forward. "Depends who's playing the next move."
Victoria hovered closer, looking annoyed. "The magic in that room was heavy. Old. I didn't like it. Too many threads pulling at everything."
Gray glanced at her. "Anything I should worry about?"
"Watch the queen. And that Avari. He's not normal."
Gray nodded slightly. Good to know.
As they walked, the palace shifted around them, from vast halls to smaller, more private corridors. They passed a line of stained-glass windows depicting ancient battles and Summoners of old.
Gray caught a glimpse of one window: a hooded figure standing among titanic beasts, staff raised high.
Huh. Wonder if that's foreshadowing or just bad luck, he thought.
Finally, they reached a door guarded by two elite soldiers.
"Rest here," Avari said. "You will be summoned soon. Do not leave without permission."
He left without another word.
Gray exhaled and sat on one of the cushioned benches. Eliard collapsed beside him.
"Master... what just happened?" Eliard asked, dazed.
Gray smirked. "We just got recruited. Congratulations. We're now unofficial members of the Calvari royal faction."
Victoria twirled in the air. "This is the furthest we could go from the main story."
Gray leaned back, eyes on the ceiling. The game's script is shattered now. Deep in uncharted territory.
But that was fine.
Calvari will not stand for long.