King Of Limbo

The arrangement in the square was quite similar to how it was during the journey with the exception of plenty more seats to cater to the large aristocratic turnout.

There were currently so many that pretty much no commoner was present in the square so they had to observe from the balconies of some buildings or via a display that utilized light magic with the addition of runes to broadcast the images and sound of what was transpiring just like what had been done for the Journey.

Just like last time only the most important figures sat at a table right at the center of the square. However this time around there were a few more additions aside from the big five which consisted of Lady Aurora Belle Ettenheim, Lady Uva, Lord Treiss and Lord Yohan. Lady Rose made up the fifth but she wouldn't be seated there given she'd be addressing them.

Aron only glanced momentarily at the other unknown figures seated at the front. He focused not on their faces but their clothes in hopes of identifying them by their crest.

Most if not all aristocrats proudly had their crests displayed on some piece of their attire or accessory so as to be immediately identified by commoners and other aristocrats alike.

'Two bear the Ettenheim family crest while one bears the Vonstein crest and the last Lovitz.' Aron only identified them by their crests and didn't pay much attention to their facial features just as he was taking a seat on one of the many unoccupied front row seats to the left hand side.

These were clearly reserved for him and his crew while the other empty row soon showed it's purpose as Juliet and the rest of the members of the La Belle occupied them.

"Hmm? What's this? Where are the rest of your faction members Lady Rose, is there perhaps a problem?" Upon seeing that no one else was emerging Lady Belle raised a brow in curiosity and asked this of Lady Rose.

Her words caused many to indeed wonder where the other members were. "First and foremost I think you misunderstood, it is largely known that I am not part of a faction nor have I created one. I only gathered some able students to assist me on my trip and in turn they would receive compensation, nothing more." Lady Rose suddenly revealed causing some murmurs to erupt from the crowd.

However Belle wasn't the least bit dismayed by this as a beautiful smile still painted her face. "Is that so? I hope you don't mind confirming with the academy's truth orb. I personally do believe that you'd never join or create a faction but the many people present agreed that the presence of the orb is necessary to ensure you tell no lies." As Belle said this she gently pointed to a pedestal that stood about five meters away from their table.

On it was a large glistening white orb with numerous tiny runes that gave off subtle fluctuations of mana.

Aron was familiar with this orb from when he was interviewed after the Journey. It roused his interest and he intended on discovering how exactly it functioned but found no information on it.

Upon asking others he found they weren't curious in the manner that he was. It made him question if it was truly real or not and that he perhaps just fell victim to a bluff.

Seeing it here didn't surprise him as he had already accounted for it, without knowing it's mechanisms he could only assume it was in fact real and work around that... which was exactly what he and Rose did.

"I see no problem with this." Lady Rose casually replied and slowly walked over to the pedestal while attracting many gazes. This sight where Rose seemingly got more attention than her irked Belle but she remained calm on the surface still.

"Do hold on! This is a celebration not an interrogation I dare say! Are these the mannerisms you wish to show the younger generation? We must at the very least welcome them before proceeding with any questions we may have." Lady Uva suddenly expressed her displeasure at how the situation was moving and even got Aron to show a look of slight surprise as he didn't expect that.

He now just realized that they dove straight to questions without introductions or even a welcome speech. It seems everyone including himself was eager to just progress directly.

"It is alright Lady Uva, we are tired from the journey here so we would like to quickly finish up. Acquaintances can be made at another date." Lady Rose proposed as she too didn't want to sit through some long mundane introduction of aristocrats she cared not for.

"Very well, proceed." Lady Uva sighed and gestured her to carry on.

Lady Rose gave her a small nod before slowly removing the glove she wore and placing her bare hand on the orb.

"As I said before..." Rose repeated what she answered Belle prior about them not being an official faction and the orb glowed brightly at her words which meant she was telling the truth.

All glances returned to Belle who still looked completely calm and composed. "Well I do hope our guests are satisfied with that. Then does that mean those two are the only ones who contributed towards your discovery of the ruin or are they perhaps special?" Belle didn't delay in proceeding to her next question.

It was like she was fishing for a point to hook onto and take advantage of but Lady Rose wasn't such an easy target.

"Yes, in fact aside from myself these two are the only students who even know of the ruin's location and what was present inside." Lady Rose answered shortly and once again the orb showed she was telling the truth.

This came as both a relief and headache to many gathered here. It's no secret that a good number of them would have tried enticing the other students who were part of the team for information or perhaps doing even worse. But Lady Rose's statement practically severed that option.

This wasn't bad as well as it meant only three people currently knew of the details regarding the ruin. Two of which looked capable of being manipulated... at least at first glance.