The Unwilling Protagonist

Chapter 12: Dances and Deceit

Opening Theme:

"Ladies and Gentlemen." The High Lord spoke loudly as he stood on the stage, "As most of you have heard by now, the Hero of Realm has graced us with his presence..."

A light shined on Y/N. First, he felt the gaze of hundreds of eyes on him. He tried to maintain his composure. Secondly, he looked up and tried to wave off the source of the light, which turned out to be some fairies using magic.

"As most of you may also know, the Hero, Y/N, has successfully defeated two members of the Arcana within a month of his summoning. With this knowledge, I am certain he will save us from this evil which plagues the world now."

"Oh, blah, blah, blah, blah, blaahhhhh..." Geralt grumbled. Y/N looked and saw Geralt had a sour expression on his face.

"That old mook's one of the reasons Magician's doing what he's doing in the first place..." Geralt grumbled.

What about this guy pisses you off? Y/N asked in his thoughts.

"Well...for a High Lord, he doesn't seem to hold other people's well-being too high...Look around you; do you see any non-human races here?"

Y/N quickly observed the room. Geralt was right, there weren't any non-humans present, and any that were present were all part of the staff, and they shared Geralt's disdain for the High Lord.

"That old fool reserves the menial labor in the capital for 'lesser beings' as he calls them. Even with overqualified members of a different race, he would actively deny them working rights in the capital. It's why most non-humans settle outside the capital and why there are two red-light districts, one for human brothels, and one for brothels for other races. If I could still vomit, I'd do it all over his fat face..." Geralt's blackfire body was starting to flare up. Whoever this High Lord was, it infuriated him greatly.

"I thought Fool had done away with him already..." Geralt mumbled.

Who? Y/N didn't hear Geralt clearly.

"Nothing..."

"So now, I leave you with this:" The High Lord continued, "Celebrate with comfort and ease, for the Hero is here, and he will save us all! And Y/N..."

Y/N looked up at the High Lord.

"Do us proud." The High Lord smiled, but Y/N felt it was a smile that hid ulterior motives behind it.

"I'll do you in..." Geralt grumbled as the High Lord walked out of the room. Then he collected himself and smiled again, "Well...now that he's gone, I suppose we should enjoy ourselves...shall we?"

Once the High Lord left, the orchestra in the room started playing their music. The guests present had all begun to mingle, either watching the others present, talking amongst themselves, or dancing with each other. Y/N was the subject of most of the conversations, from what he could hear. Many nobles approached him to ask about his feats and what his plans were to defeat the Arcana.

"Look at Y/N...he seems to be quite the center of attention..." Miriam said in an envious tone.

"I know. None of those other women should be talking to him..." Kara squeezed her glass tight, nearly threatening to break it.

"Wh-! What makes you think I'm concerned about other women?" Miriam asked with minor shock, "I...I'm just pointing out how everyone seems to be talking to Y/N, that's all."