Sometime later, by 7 pm in the evening, Loen and Curtis were seated opposite each other. Neither Nedra nor Curtis’ own group members were present, as per Curtis’ request.
“So? You said you had something to discuss with me.” Leon asked as he took a sip of the sweet ale that was served to their table some time ago.
“I want to put what happened earlier today behind us, Sir Leon. My friend, Damon, made a mistake. Damon is not a thinker, but a doer. So he did not think properly before lashing out this morning. I hope you can forgive him.” Curtis said earnestly.
“Is that so? Well, is he is truly sorry, then why is he not here to tell me that himself?” Leon asked, playing difficult. In truth, he really didn’t care.
“I thought it would be best if he did not come, but I can call him if you want to.” Curtis offered.
“No, it’s fine.” Leon waved his hand. “But I am sure apologizing on Damon’s behalf is not the only thing you came here for. So tell me, what else do you want?”
“Well…” Curtis let out a deep breath, “I want to be your friends. Not just a friend, but an ally. I am sure that we can make things work.” He pursed his lips.
“Oh? Well, I don’t think I can be friends with someone who is not forthcoming about their identity, Young Master Curtis of the Gladius Family.” Leon smirked in a way that looked so evil, it sent shivers up Curtis’ spine.
“W-what? How did you know?!” Curtis was alarmed.
“Oh, a little birdie told me. But that is not important. What is important is that you lied about your identity, while attempting to befriend me. That shows dishonesty.” Leon looked unimpressed.
“I-I was going to tell you while we were talking…” Curtis trailed off with an embarrassed look on his face. He let his head droop for a moment before raising it back up and looking Leon dead in his purple eyes.
“If we are talking about honesty, then I believe you should be forthcoming as well! There must be someone backing you as well!” Curtis whisper-yelled, holding in his voice at the last moment. He quickly looked around to see in anyone had caught on to their conversation, and sighed when he saw that no one had.
“Haha.” Leon chuckled and shook his head “I honestly have no one backing me. What I told you earlier was the truth. I got the book off an old man on my journey, and then after that, I met your group.” Leon replied.
Curtis looked a bit pensive as he heard that. He opened his mouth to say something, but before he could, a loud sound blared through the air. It sounded as if someone was blowing a trumpet right in the ears of everyone present, and lasted for ten seconds before stopping. Leon quickly looked around, while Curtis sat there wide-eyed for a couple of seconds, before he burst out.
“Divinity’s Bout!” He exclaimed, jumping up from his seat.
Leon’s eyes went wide as he heard that. He turned to face the blond boy and asked, “What do you mean? Is it starting?” He quickly asked.
“Yes, in twenty four hours. This is much earlier than planned.” Curtis nodded his head and turned to the side when he heard footsteps quickly rushing in their direction. The other members of his group, as well as Nedra, were heading their way.
“Young Master, did you hear it?!” Benny exclaimed with wide eyes when he reached Curtis. He grabbed onto Curtis’ shoulders with wide, excited eyes.
“Yes, yes, Benny. I heard it.” Curtis nodded seriously and turned back to Leon. Nedra stood beside him as they conversed mentally, so he had already briefed her on what that sound was. In fact, she had been listening in on his and Curtis’ conversation, with Leon’s permission of course.
“So, Sir Leon, what do you say? Truce?” Curtis held out a hand.
Leon thought for a moment before accepting Curtis’ handshake and nodding. “I hope we can work well together.”
A collective sigh was released from both Curtis and Damon, who had been thinking of Leon’s reaction ever since he had calmed down. He was very embarrassed about how he had acted, but could only suck it up. Corey smiled warmly, while Maple raised a palm to her chest.
“That aside, I need you guys’ help.” Leon suddenly said.
“What do you need help with? We will try our best as long as it remains reasonable.” Curtis was sharp to respond.
“It’s not much. But I truly know too little about Divinity’s Bout. All I know is that those who do well will be recognized by the Gods, and that the participants will have to compete against each other. Nothing else.”
The group of five shared looks before turning to Leon and Nedra. “Are you serious?” They asked in disbelief.
“I would not be asking you to make a fool out of myself.” Leon replied with a deadpan expression.
“Ahem, of course, Sir Leon.” Curtis coughed and waved for them to sit down. “Where should I start?”
“Anywhere would be fine. I just need basic knowledge of what is expected of participants to do when the competition begins.” Leon shrugged, taking a seat. The others also sat down, albeit not at the same table, as the tables were far too little to seat all of them.
“Hmm, well, let’s start with what will happen twenty four hours from now. When the bout officially begins twenty four hours from now, little sheets of magic paper will appear before everyone on this continent. If anyone is interested in participating, then they have an entire hour to decide before writing their names on that piece of paper. When that hour passes, the papers would vanish, along with those who have written their names on it.” Curtis slowly began to explain what would happen when Divinity’s Bout began.