The official looked between them for a moment. Percy could feel his heart banging against his chest like a drum. There was no way he just lost, right?

He forgot about the stupid punishment. He was right there, inches from the finish line. He lowered into a crouch as he waited for the man's voice.

The official shook his head in disbelief, then pointed to Percy.

"Winner!"

The crowd erupted, and he was swarmed by people. Before he knew it, he was in the air, and everyone was shouting.

"Half boy! Half boy!"

He supposed he should be appreciative, but the nickname was so unimaginative. Still, he went with the flow, riding the wave from hand to hand as they carried him into the city.

When they finally dropped him, Thalos was right there, grabbing his son and raising him into the air.

"You're amazing!"

Flynn and her siblings were all around them shouting a bunch of different things.

"I wanna race! I wanna race!"

"He was zoooom, and that scary guy was so quick, but he couldn't catch up."

"That was the greatest thing I ever seen!" The boy stopped to think. "Okay, second greatest… but still awesome!"

Flynn picked him up when Thalos put him down, arms wrapped around his waist as she spun him.

"Who gives a fuck! Especially when you freaking win!"

Percy had half the mind to tell her off for swearing, but decided to be cool, and raised his hand to let out a whoop.

"There was never a doubt in my mind!"

Thalos punched him softly and repeatedly as Flynn spun him around, and they made sure to have a good shout.

○———○

Percy and Thalos couldn't keep their identity a secret after such an uproar. They were both invited to a feast held by the Bailiff of Carmen. The little town prepared to host the lord and his son.

They went back to the house to wash up and put on their good clothes. Percy had a very good bath and was reclining on the couch as he waited for the others to get ready. He was flipping through one of the Basker family's journals in the attic.

Lord knows this celebration was going to take the rest of the day. If he was lucky and found a nice lady to spend it with, he would spend more time outside.

If there was a choice between fun and studying… he would choose studying most times, unfortunately. But today he was going to have fun.

Flynn came down in a frilly white dress and stockings. Her red hair was packed back, and her face was paler than usual.

"Umm… are we going for a funeral or a party?" he asked slowly. But after careful consideration, he added, "You look wonderful, by the way."

Flynn, who had been glaring just a moment ago, smiled shyly. She twirled her curly red hair slowly.

"My mom forced me to wear this. Then she assaulted me with powder. I wanna wear something that won't make me sweat all night."

He nodded and lowered his head back to the journal in his hands. There were interesting circles here for farming and protection. He would like to spend all the time before the party understanding this, but a knock on the door drew his attention.

He shared a look with Flynn. They shouldn't have any visitors, especially this far out from the city, and considering they told no one where they lived. Percy pretended to reach behind the couch and pull out his Spellbolt.

There was a brief flash of light as it appeared from his storage, but Flynn was still looking at the door. She did a double take when she saw him pull out his weapon

.

"You keep that there before a party?"

He shrugged and stood, walking over to the door.

"Who's there?"

He pointed the Spellbolt at the door and waited. To his surprise, Hugo's voice came from behind it.

"It's me, Hugo. Don't do whatever you're doing behind the door. I know your paranoia is telling you to attack me now. I missed you after the race, so I wasn't able to give you the information I promised."

"Oh," Percy said. He pulled open the door, Spellbolt still in hand. "Go sit over there."

Hugo wore a nice black tunic and trousers. His grey hair was combed left and smooth to shine nicely. As he walked towards the chair, leather boots clicking, he raised a hand at Terra.

"Oh, I thought it was just you, Thalos, and your carriage man."

"I'm Flynn Ramlos," she said, extending a hand. But Percy slapped down her hand before Hugo could shake it.

She stared at him for a moment, but he ignored her. He pointed his white crossbow at the chair, and Hugo sat down, smirking.

After the man sat, Percy slumped back into his chair too, clearing his throat before he spoke.

"It's nice to see you came to honor our deal."

"Well, you forgot about what you wanted," Hugo clarified. "I guess the rush of victory overtook your mind, huh?"

"Nope. Just knew you would come. So let's hear it. How is the Stormsword going to help the Count of Yarol?"

Hugo smirked and relaxed into the soft couch.

"Let's start with some simple information, since you don't know much about them. The Margrave that protects the sea borders of this kingdom is called House Dyrakis. They are strong on the sea and often have dual affinities for Spiritmancy. Among the noble houses, Margraves have the strongest armies and don't join in on court politics much."

Percy nodded; so they were like Dukes, but more pointed towards war and military power. But House Dyrakis was supposed to be strong at sea, so why did the Count of Yarol need them?

"So what enemy did the Count need such a powerful ally for?"

"Well, not many people know, but the Count has been ill for years," Hugo said casually. "House Eurides humiliated him years ago and he said nothing. Now his other Viscounts have set their eyes on his territory. Demetria especially, even other Counts want your home."

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