The man in the black robe looked up at the banner hanging above the guild hall: PARTY MEMBERS REQUIRED! He approached Aaron and spoke in a calm, expressionless voice, "It seems you're looking for party members. Is that correct?" His face was handsome, with a sharp jawline and flawless skin. There was something mysterious about him—his very presence seemed to carry a quiet, intense purpose, as if he had been searching for them for a long time.
Merlock noticed it too. But, of course, there was still an idiot nearby. You know who I mean.
"Yes! We are! Please, have a seat!" Aaron replied, trying to hide the faint blush on his cheeks with a faint smile.
"Thank you. I was just looking for a party to join," the man said politely as he sat down beside Merlock.
"You should be honored to join a duke's party!" Aaron said with his usual arrogance.
"Just ignore him," Merlock muttered with a small chuckle.
"I can tell," the man said with a soft grin.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Aaron asked, puffing up with pride as if there was something to boast about.
"Nothing. What could I say to the party leader anyway? Oh! Where are my manners? I should introduce myself." He stood up, but Merlock raised a hand, stopping him.
"No need for that. Just sit, tell us your name, and keep your voice down. No commotion," Merlock said, leaning back in his chair.
"Very well. My name is Alaric Vi Veldora, from the kingdom of Veldora. I was once a prince, but a curse made me forgotten, and here I am," he said quietly.
"Welcome to our party," Merlock smiled. "We're still short one member."
"See that guy over there?" Alaric pointed at the young man in the red robe who had entered just minutes before. "He's not in a party yet either. We can ask him."
"That's a good idea! Aaron, why don't you go ask him?" Merlock suggested.
"Why would I? I'm a duke, and what is he?" Aaron scoffed arrogantly, pride flashing in his eyes like a victorious knight.
"Maybe you forgot there's a prince here too," Merlock reminded him.
"You believe people too easily! Even if he's a prince, he's still just a prince of his own kingdom. Besides, this domain belongs to me," Aaron said, turning away and staring out the window.
"I get why you told me to ignore him," Alaric whispered.
"Yeah, but he's the captain of this party. Only captains can ignore people," Merlock said.
"The party isn't formed yet. Anyone can do that!" Alaric replied.
"You're right. I'll talk to him myself," Merlock said, standing and walking toward the young man.
Merlock sat across from him. "Are you part of a party yet?" he asked politely with a smile.
The young man looked at Merlock and said arrogantly, "What's a little kid like you doing here?" The tone was sharp and full of disdain, like Aaron's usual way of speaking.
"I'm a spirit," Merlock said calmly. "I may look like a kid, but I'm not."
"I see. Makes sense. No, I'm not in a party. Do you want me to join yours?"
"Yes! We'd love that! We don't have a party yet, but with you, we'll have the full number."
"Very well. My name is Ignis La Vaelthorn," he said, reaching out his hand. Merlock shook it firmly, and they both went back to the party table.
"So, now we have all we need. The only thing left is to form the party. I'll be the leade—" Merlock started, but Aaron cut him off.
"Obviously, I'm the leader here. I have the highest status," Aaron said proudly.
"For your information, everyone here has higher status than you. One is from the strongest fire clan in these lands, the other is a prince. What are you? Just a nobleman?" Merlock mocked.
"Whatever. You're all still in my domain!" Aaron snapped.
"Ignore him, guys. He might have some… mental issues," Merlock said dryly.
"Maybe you forgot, but you're my spirit!" Aaron said, his arrogance reaching new heights.
Ignis stood and slammed his hand on the table so hard it cracked. "I've been listening to this bastard for a while now. Who even invited him here?" His eyes burned like yellow flames.
Aaron's temper flared too. He grabbed Ignis by the collar with one hand and threw him across the café. Tables shattered beneath him. Aaron placed a hand on the ground, pushing himself up. "You've got some nerve messing with me!"
Ignis jumped up and landed right behind Aaron in an instant. Before Aaron could react, Ignis grabbed his robe and threw him through a window. The glass shattered, and Aaron fell outside.
"That should take care of him!" Ignis said, dusting his hands off.
Suddenly, a presence was behind Ignis. He turned to see glowing purple eyes just before Aaron punched him square in the face. Ignis slammed into the wall, bricks crumbling beneath the impact. Blood dripped from his nose.
"I think that's enough!" Merlock said, stepping between them.
"I'll heal you, Ignis. Just calm down," he added.
"How can I stay calm with him around?" Ignis growled, glaring at Aaron.
"I could say the same about you!" Aaron retorted, pointing back.
Merlock healed Ignis. The three sat at the table, the tension slowly fading. It seemed things were finally cooling down—for now.