I Hate Systems

"My Lord, the meat of the Triple-Foot Chimera is a delicacy. Please try it." A cook said in excitement, setting up the dish on a table before Horan.

Horan didn't show any change in expression, ripping apart a piece of the meat that he munched upon, giving a subtle nod.

Upon seeing that, the cook sighed in relief internally, bowing as he awaited at one corner of the room.

As Horan continued to eat the food, he heard some murmurs from outside, gazing at the cook as he asked, "What's happening?"

"Let me check, my Lord." The cook bowed before exiting the carriage in a hurry, inquiring the guards as he returned to report, "My Lord, it seems some travellers have arrived. They are requesting us to spare them some food."

"How many of them are there?" Horan asked.

"Two people, my Lord." The cook said, sporting disbelief at what he had just witnessed, 'How is it possible for just two people to travel through such a dangerous region?'

"Two?" Horan raised an eyebrow as thoughts clashed in his mind before waving his hand, "Invite them inside."

"Y-Yes," The cook nodded meekly before exiting in the hurry, gazing at the two individuals that had arrived, "The Lord has invited you inside."

"Sure," The middle-aged man sporting burgundy hair nodded with a smile, getting up as his height startled the nearby people, for he was more than two metres in height. His bulging muscles resembled tree trunks, but despite their size, they seemed strangely fluid, displaying that in contrast to his hulking physique, he was quite agile.

Seated next to him was a young girl that seemed to be around early twenties in age, also sporting burgundy hair that somewhat glistened under the sun. Her eyes were sharp, revealing her battle experience.

Once the cook informed them, the two individuals entered the carriage, surprised at the exuberant decorations inside. Moreover, what was shocking was the fact that the space within the carriage was ten times its exterior, apparent that a spatial magic of sort had been cast here.

"I'm Horan Fawnker." The man brimming with a regal presence introduced himself, smiling as he pointed the two to their respective seats, "You must be pretty strong to travel through the Calore Plains on your own."

"Something like that," The middle-aged man smiled wryly in response before introducing himself, "You can call me Teto."

He then pointed at the lady nearby, "She's my daughter, Yaka."

'No last names?' Horan frowned, 'Or, is this just an alias of theirs?'

He then probed through their power, surprised when he sensed that Yaka was a Grandmaster, 'At her age?'

Teto too was a Grandmaster, but it wasn't too shocking at his age. At least, it wasn't that rare. But, reaching the same stage at Yaka's young age was a testament to her potential.

"Help yourself," Horan said, pointing at the dishes that the cook had brought in for the guests.

"Thank you." Teto smiled, cupping his fists in response, "You're a kind Lord."

Horan only flashed a mild smile in response, watching the two individuals dig through the food in a hurry, proving that they had been hungry for too long.

"So, where are you from?" He asked once they were done with the food.

Patting his belly with a content smile, Teto said, "We're from the far east. I'm not sure if you've heard about the Akuran Empire."

"I've read about that place long ago." Horan nodded, eyes lighting up in surprise as he asked, "You've travelled all the way from there?"

"We've been travelling since my daughter was young." Teto smiled as he patted Yaka's head, "We don't like to stay in one place for long, so we've been living a nomadic life."

He then took out a coin originating from the Akuran Empire, giving it to Horan, "This is a rare coin minted three hundred years ago. It has considerable historical value. Consider it my thanks for such a heart-warming meal."

Horan took the coin, inspecting it to see that it was indeed genuine, 'This has considerable value.'

He then pointed at a large vase nearby, "Why don't we share some wine? I obtained this from the Elves. It's a delicacy."

"Sorry, we don't drink wine or any alcoholic substances for the matter," Teto said, excusing themselves as they left the carriage.

Horan frowned at their behaviour, thinking, 'So, they have yet to let go of their guard against me.'

He then smiled, 'Anyway, it's interesting. Two Grandmasters Mages of the Metal Element, they'll come in handy during this journey.'

He looked at the cook, "Arrange a stay for them. Let them travel with us to the Xetuka Kingdom."

"As you say, my Lord." The cook bowed before making the necessary arrangements.

Soon, Teto and Yaka entered the carriage prepared for them when immediately, lightning flickered across her eyes, causing her to nod in response, "There are no spying means installed here."

She then glared at the middle-aged man, "Dad, what the heck is up with the name of Teto? Can't you find a better name?"

"What about you?" The middle-aged man retorted, "You came up with the name of Gehto. That's even worse."

"Accept it brat," He glared at her, "This naming sense runs in the family."

"Dammit!" Yaka pouted in irritation, "I should blame grandfather for this."

"Names only have the meaning that you give it through your way of life." Teto said in all seriousness, "So, it doesn't matter what name you have. It's what you achieve using that name that matters in the end."

"This is the only piece of wisdom your grandfather imparted to me." Teto sighed.

"…" Yaka fell deep into thought before nodding in response, "Alright, it makes sense. I'll make Yaka resonate with what I want it to be."

"That's the spirit!" Teto smiled, patting her head as he relaxed, "Now, let's get some rest. There's a lot of things to sightsee once we reach the Xetuka Kingdom."

"An Ancient Kingdom that has existed for more than two thousand years!" Yaka smiled in anticipation, "Oh, how awesome it would be."

"That's true." Teto smiled, closing his eyes as he observed the starlight streams incident on him, going through the thoughts hidden in them as his eyes curled up a little.