Under the Oak Tree - Riftan's POV - Multiverse

Chapter 25: Dressing up

She couldn't be marring Kuahel or the princess... They have just met again... either way it shouldn't matter to him. Riftan took a step forward, groaning at himself, who still clung to memories of over 10 years before. However, as he went to the room to rest, he couldn't keep his agitation and his nerves down. He has just saw Maxi. She even said his name, and as a stupid he had fell for her...

He ruffled his hair angrily and pushed the windows wide open. The sun was setting in the dusk, the landscape that panned out in front of him was the vast backyard where he used to pull carts full of horse dung or firewood. At that moment, it occurred to him how his life had changed so dramatically. Back when he ran away from that place, it never passed his mind that he would someday be returning there as a knight.

"May I come in for a while?"

As he was immersed in his thoughts, the voice of the commander sounded from outside the door. Riftan slowly opened the door for him. Triden, who was now dressed for an occasion, looked at him from head to toe and sighed.

"I knew this was going to happen. What in the world are you wearing?"

Riftan looked down at his outfit and squinted. His dark blue tunic, black pants, and high boots made of cow leather were his cleanest and most proper outfit. He arched an eyebrow at the commander, wondering what seemed to be the problem.

"Were you planning to attend the banquet dressed like that?"

Riftan leaned against the doorpost and sighed.

"I'm still debating if I should go. Don't you already know that I feel uncomfortable in such situations? Also, Princess Agnes is here. I don't believe no one will miss my presence"

"Calypse, it's a victory banquet. Ultimately, you are the hero of this victory. You beheaded Rudgal, who is the leader of the bandits."

"I don't think the one hosting this banquet has the same thoughts. I don't want to make a fool of myself"

To be precise, he did not want to make a fool of himself in front of Maximillian. The commander had a firm expression at his cynical reply.

"I've told you several times that I will be handing over the command of the knighthood to you. This decision is in line with the will of the members. For you to succeed to my position without any propositions, we must please the eyes of the nobles. I can't yield for you today."

"I am not suited to be the commander. There are others who have better status than me..."

"Now, are you trying to break the ultimate rule of the knighthood?"

Triden retaliated with a harsh tone. Riftan bit his lips shut. It is the unwritten rule of the Remdragon Knights to base their ranks thoroughly on skills alone. Even if he himself refused to take the position of the commander, the other members wouldn't easily agree. Riftan sighed and eventually let Triden enter his room.

"What do you want me to do?"

"First of all, we need to get you dressed."

He grinned and beckoned to the servant who was waiting in the hallway. Riftan let out a groan as he gazed at the pile of clothes in the boy's arms. Triden patted his shoulder with a sturdy palm and laughed slyly. Deep inside Riftan knew that this was better that showing up at the banquet wearing his clothes. He was dying to go to the banquet even if this meant to see all the other nobles, but she was going to there too.

"Although you are hopelessly unsociable, you have a handsome face that catches people's eyes. You're going to have to learn to use your cards to your advantage."