Vota knew well about every location in the Royal Capital. He was the King's nephew after all. That's why Vota himself arrogantly took lead, bringing Spes and the two other Inquisitors toward the Royal Armory.
And the four of them walked through the quiet halls of the palace, Spes being the only one amazed of the interior's design as it was his first time being there. For some reason, he also could somehow have a feeling of déjà vu, as the sounds of the knights clanking armor got to his ears. Before he could ponder more on the thought Vota suddenly spoke up.
"So, we haven't introduced ourselves yet. I'm sure you all already know me: I'm Vota GoldenHeart. I'm 22, and the advisor of the King himself." The fat young man proudly stated with his hands behind his back.
"Ex-Advisor." He corrected himself, realizing that his position has also been stripped away by the King.
"And as you can tell from the name, I'm of royal blood." Vota exaggeratedly shook his head, his golden hair fluttering along. A hair color that were only exclusive to the royal family. Done, flaunting, the fat young man slightly turned, expecting eyes wide open and jaws dropped low.
Unfortunately for him, the two knights kept walking as if not hearing him at all. Spes was the only one who seemed to react, a strange glint in his eyes. It was a small reaction, but enough to keep the fat young man content. Were he to know what Spes had in mind, the smile Vota's face would instantly disappear.
"No way he's 23! He looks like he's in his middle ages!" Spes thought, not seeing any traces of youth on Vota's thick face. The fact that Vota was also still dressed in his advisor clothes even gave him an older aura. Typically, advisors were supposed to be old and wise. And Vota might not have filled the later criteria, but he really did fill the former.
After Vota's introduction one of the knights decided to go next, taking off his helmet revealing a handsome sculpted face, with long dark hair.
"I'm Decus, 22. Humble servant of the SilverMane family and vice-captain of the Inquisition's Omega Squad." Decus introduced himself with a warm smile along a graceful bow.
The handsome Decus looked at the knight next to him and gave a warm smile as if telling: it's your turn now. The knight sneered back at him but still removed its helmet nonetheless.
Both Spes and Vota were immediately left breathless as the knight's facial features were shown. It was a beautiful girl with skin as white as snow, with lips that were smooth and rosy. Her silver eyes shone brightly matching the color of her long, silky hair.
"Crystal SilverMane, 20. Captain of the Omega Squad."
Decus wryly smiled at his captain's cold and brief introduction, one that he had already expected.
On the other side, Spes had different reaction upon hearing Crystal's voice. He frowned, as that just feeling of deja-vu returned. The young man gave another look at Crystal, his eyes widening as not only her voice, but her features were completely similar to the knight that had dragged him to the King.
"It's you!" Spes unconsciously raised his voice, with one hand pointed at the girl.
"Want another punch?" Her next words made Spes immediately retract his hand, as he slightly flinched, the pain of the last punch still lasting strong in his mind.
Decus quickly went in between the two, seeing how coldly Crystal was staring at the poor young man.
"Hey, let's not get on each other's bad foot on our first meeting."
"Official first meeting." He also added, with a wry smile on his face, remembering that he was the other knight that helped Crystal drag Spes previously.
"What about you? Who are you?" Decus asked, not wanting the mood to go any worse.
"S-Spes… 18. I'm an Apprentice Mage."
"So you're the youngest huh? Don't worry I'll take care of you." Decus said as he patted Spes's shoulder, before put his helmet back on. Crystal did the same, after giving everyone one last cold stare.
With introductions done, there was no reason for them to walk slow, especially for Vota, whose stomach was starting to rumble.
"We're almost there. Let's hurry, I'm starting to get hungry." He said, hurrying in his steps.
As the group continued, Decus slightly went faster to catch up with Spes, walking side by side with him.
"Hey, sorry about how we treated back then. I wanted to do something about it but as you can see, I'm just a commoner like you..."
Spes was slightly surprised, not expecting the sudden apology. He didn't expect that Decus would be such a nice guy.
"I understand, I would've done the same honestly…" Spes replied, forgiving him immediately.
"You're a funny guy." Decus laughed as he patted Spes's shoulders.
"Oh, and about Crystal, don't mind her. You'll get to know that she's actually a sweet girl." Decus went back next to the ice princess before Spes could answer him on that matter.