Arthur's Point of View

Pendragon Estate

My eye twitched as I was once again going about my day before it was interrupted by Elincia. Another week had passed since The Festival of Lights. Everyone was still in my house even though we had received word they should be able to return. You’d think that they would keep intruders out since I was being nice enough to let all of them stay. Yet, here was Elincia in my office with Typhon. Marina was next to me as I stared at them from the doorway.

“Who keeps letting you in here?” I asked aloud.

Elincia smirked as she sat behind my desk again. “Not many would refuse me entry.”

I turned to Marina. “Spread the word that Elincia, and especially Arceana, need to wait for my permission to be invited inside.”

“I believe it was Lucia who led her here.” Marina told me, and I turned to see Elincia’s smirk grow.

“Tell Lucia to take her to the kitchen or living room if she absolutely needs to let Elincia in.” I replied with a roll of my eyes.

“Stop being so sensitive.” Elincia told me. “Is there something in here I’m not supposed to see?”

I shrugged. “Not yet, but maybe in the future. That’s the point.”

The Priestess looked amused more than anything. “Very well, I will stop intruding in your office until I am invited. Nothing in here worth note aside from this dagger.” She gestured to the Leviathan tooth. “This is a very sturdy desk to be able to withstand its weight.”

“That tooth is little more than a paper weight. It would’ve been better used as a statue or a pool. Part of me wanted to carve it into something myself, but you and your sister’s liberties took such an experience from me.”

She rolled her eyes at that. “Apologies for ruining it. We thought a warrior such as yourself would enjoy such a weapon. Even if only in decoration. Your swordsmanship is truly outstanding. Maybe a sword would’ve been better?” Elincia suggested as she looked at me.

I crossed my arms. “Pretty sure I’ve mentioned this before, but there’s a reason I haven’t taught Typhon how to use a sword. It’s mostly a whacking stick for me or used to deflect other weapons. A knife is definitely a more suited weapon for me, and I’ve taught others how to use a blade in the past, but that was mostly passing on what little I actually do know.”

Marina snorted in amusement at the look of disbelief on Elincia’s face. “Surely you don’t expect me to believe such a claim? I’ve witnessed you in combat. I have faced you in battle and your skills are extraordinary.”

“Just goes to show when you’re that much stronger than someone else, anything looks like skill.” There was some skill there, but I definitely wasn’t the sword master that people thought I was. “Now, why are you two here?”

“We came to visit because Typhon wants to start his training back up.” She said as she gestured towards the boy. “He was worried that it would continue to be put on hold. Your schedule has been erratic.”

“I’ve been dealing with several guests.” Was my dry reply.

“Yes. Speaking of, when are they planning to return. General Kheri has been trying to fill in where she can, but Alwin Farro is sorely missed. Captain Greigh Nasa and Sergeant Ziah Tib are also needed.” Elincia pointed out. “And there’s still quite a bit of time before Captain Allen Harlow returns.”

I shrugged. “You’ll have to speak to them directly. I’m no longer your knight.” That made Ty’s expression turn to surprise. “If the others don’t want to return, that’s on them. Same with your students. They might not feel safe around Arceana anymore. Especially given Ayda’s and Cassidy’s little stunt they pulled with runes.”

Elincia nodded slowly at that. “…And what of Lucia?”

My jaw tightened at that for a moment. “It will be her decision. She is more than welcome to stay as she is to return to the Temple. There will always be a place for her here, but I know better than to act like a father so suddenly when I wasn’t there for her growing up. I lost that right.”

The Priestess seemed conflicted. “Have you discussed that with her?”

“If she comes to me, I’m more than willing to discuss almost anything, but I don’t want to burden her either. The choice will be hers, and hers alone, Elincia.”

“Very well.” Elincia replied understanding my words. “Are you still willing to train Typhon despite your renounced status and title?”

“I am, and I have no plans to stop.” My attention turned back to the boy. “He is vital to moving forward.”