Chapter 245: Plano Town

This chapter is sponsored by The Bitch in the Fantasy World Patrons:

• Adventurer GrimV

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12:13 p.m.

Marbleam Kingdom.

Vivian and Janis were up in the sky riding Bru.

Although Vivian had her arms wrapped around Janis' waist, he wasn't thrilled or had any lust stirring inside of him at all. Instead, there was only fear. And had it not been for the strong winds brushing against them, he would've long been drenched in sweat.

Plano Town was already visible when Vivian's brows knitted behind her mask as she saw the spectacle before her.

"What's going on?!"

Thanks to the winds blowing against them, they had to talk loudly in order to hear each other.

And as for the spectacle that intrigued Vivian, she could see a couple of people riding flying monsters high above the town and near the clouds casting a magic incantation circle with a diameter of 10 meters and breathing fire storms.

"They're burning the clouds to prevent rain!" Janis replied.

Vivian chose to remain silent and not even comment on how that works.

"Can you activate your [Halo] as a signal before we start descending!?" Janis asked.

"Okay!" Vivian replied.

She activated [Halo] and a golden ring appeared on her back. They then began slowly descending on an empty lot within a compound of the Branch Chapter Temple. And as they got closer, she couldn't help but notice the Priests caught in a trance by the golden ring on her back.

Once they finally landed, she turned off her [Halo] which freed the Priests from the trance. She then untied her belongings before dismounting from Bru.

One of the people around, a White Cloak in his late 20s, began walking towards her. And just like everyone, thanks to her [Halo] earlier, everyone was surprised and curious as to who she was. Although she was an Inquisitor and was wearing a mask, it was obvious that she was still or around her 20s and they were all affected by the semi-charm-like effect of her [Halo].

Vivian saluted.

"I am Sister Inquisitor Monad and I was sent from the Holy Kingdom to join Brother Inquisitor Pen. Where is he?"

"Welcome to Plano Town, Sister Inquisitor Monad. I am Brother Julio, one of the Priests assigned in this Branch Chapter Temple and may the God of Light watch over you," the Priest replied in Zonian.

Vivian nodded.

"May the God of Light watch over you as well." 

"In regards to Brother Inquisitor Pen's whereabouts, he's currently with High Brother Gusto at the Coliseo for the grand finals of the Feugo Dance and is serving as one of the judges. Would you like to freshen up for a bit inside a room that will be assigned to you or do you want to go there immediately?" 

Grand finals…?

Feugo Dance…?

One of the judges…?

"I want to freshen up a bit."

Thanks to the strong winds, her hair was a mess. In fact, back when she arrived at the Holy City, she didn't realize it. It was only after meeting Blanch and she stumbled upon a mirror and saw her reflection when she realized that her hair was a mess. And no matter how much combing she did, it just wouldn't settle down unless she rinsed it with water.

"As you wish, Sister Inquisitor," Julio said and nodded.

Vivian turned to Janis.

"You're free to go back to the Holy City. Thank you, brother. And may the God of Light watch over you."

***

1:13 p.m.

Vivian had her Inquisitor Full-Mask on as she sat inside a carriage and opposite of her was Julio while they were on their way to the Coliseo.

After arriving in her room back in the Branch Chapter Temple to freshen up, she took her sweet time. She even asked for a brand new set of clothes which were given to her for free. However, some of the clothes that she specifically wants, like her black-fitting backless turtleneck short dress, would take some time. So at the moment, underneath her White Cloak, she was wearing a one-piece sleeveless white dress that ends on her knees, a brown leather belt, and a pair of brown leather gloves and high boots along with her belt pouch and necklace.

As for her potions and bombs, she left them back in her room along with the rest of her luggage. However, she had all of her platinum coins inside one of her pouches of her belt pouch.

Vivian stared out the window.

So even in this world…

Festivals look the same…

The streets and buildings were decorated with fire-inspired or red-colored decorations -- from banners, sculptures, etc. Meanwhile, the people, there were drunk men either walking around or lying down on the sidewalks, young lovers going on a date, Bards performing on the street, parents walking while they children running around, and many more.

Or at least give off the same vibe…

"There aren't that many people on the street right now because they're all at the Coliseo for the grand finals of the Feugo Dance," Julio said.

Vivian turned her gaze to him.

"What about the fighting tournament?"

"The Feugo Tournament? It would start tomorrow -- preliminaries on the day of Thura, semi-finals on the day of Fratur, and the grand finals on the day of Satur or the last day of the festival."

As far as Vivian knows, the Feugo Festival is an annual event hosted by the Plano Family or the Viscount family of the Marbleam Kingdom's Duke's Faction. The event lasts for 7 days and starts at the first week of the month of Octus.

The Festival has many events such as the Opening Feugo Parade and Ceremony on the first day, the Feugo Cooking where the participants showcase fire or red-colored spicy dishes, Feugo Dance where participants showcase a dance in honor of the Fire Element or God of Fire, and many more. However, the event that garnered the most attention was the Feugo Tournament which is a fighting tournament where the winner can ask for a prize, such as joining the Viscount's private army and being given a high rank within the Viscount's private army or being part of the Viscount's family through marriage. 

"Many people find this year's Feugo Festival auspicious because Octus 1 starts on the day of Sunar and Octus 7 ends on the day of Satur," Julio added.

Vivian's eyes turned to slit behind her mask as she stared at him.

"I see," she said and then returned her gaze to the window. "Very auspicious indeed."

I guess this world doesn't have the superstitions about jinxing something…

I wonder if they also have something like having black cats is considered bad luck…

Or perhaps breaking mirrors would give you 7 years of bad luck…

Wait…!

Hold on…

Was it 8 years…?

The carriage stopped and they were in front of a large coliseum that was almost as large as a football stadium. Outside of the building, not only were there so many people, both patrons and vendors, loitering around, but the sound of instruments playing inside could also be heard.

What a noisy place…

Her gaze then landed on the streets and saw the trash.

And disgusting…

***

Vivian and Julio were walking in a hallway and were being escorted by one of the personnel of the Coliseo.

They continued walking until they finally reached a large door guarded by two Knights.

The personnel stepped forward and talked to the Knights in the Marbleamean language. One of the Knights nodded and then opened the door.

"Honored Priest Inquisitor Pen and the rest are inside, Honored Priestess Inquisitor Monad and Honored Priest Julio. I will take my leave and return to my post," the personnel said in Zonian and then bowed before leaving.

When Vivian and Julio entered the door, they found themselves inside a large and luxurious lounging area.

There were sofas and tables filled with food and drinks. There were Knights standing on guard, maids and butlers on standby to entertain guests, and chefs making sure that the food was always fresh. And at one corner of the room, there was another hallway leading to another space and the sound of people cheering could be heard.

One of the butlers approached Vivian and Julio.

"Mar-Honored Mar-Priestess Mar-Inquisitor mar-and Mar-Priest, mar-welcome," he said and bowed. "Mar-How mar-may mar-I mar-be mar-of mar-service?" 

"I'm looking for Brother Inquisitor Pen. Where is he?" Vivian asked in Zonian.

"Honored Priest Inquisitor Pen is at the Royal Box with His Excellency Viscount Lozario and the others," the butler replied in Zonian.

***

Vivian and Julio entered the Royal Box with the butler leading them.

Apart from Vivian, Julio and the butler, there were 13 people. To be precise, 7 were seated on the front row of the edge overlooking the arena and were wearing different kinds of clothing, 2 were seated on the second row and were wearing green robes, and then 4 were standing on the side and wearing armor. And on the arena, there was a group of people performing some sort of dance number.

Hold on…

Why am I the only woman here…?

I don't feel safe…

One of the people who was standing on the side and wearing armor approached Vivian and the others. Out of everyone present, he was the only one wearing a full set of Crusader Armor but he wasn't wearing his helmet. He didn't have the typical tan skin of the Marbleamean people, he had white short hair, and was in his late 20s.

He saluted.

"I am Brother Lieutenant Caleb of the Infantry Division. You must be Sister Inquisitor Monad," he said in Zonian with the accent of someone from the Holy Kingdom.

Vivian saluted back.

"I am and I came here under the orders of Brother Inquisitor Pen."

Caleb turned to Julio.

"Brother Julio," he said and nodded with a smile.

"Brother Caleb," Julio said and returned the same gesture.

Caleb turned to the butler.

"I'll take it from here."

"Yes, Honored Priest Crusader Caleb," the butler said and bowed before leaving.

Caleb returned his gaze to Vivian.

"Unfortunately, you came at the wrong time. We just started the grand finals of the Feugo Dance about 15 minutes ago. You will have to wait until the program ends. In the meantime, both of you can take a seat in the second row."

Vivian glanced at the second row of seats where there were two men sitting in their 20s and didn't look like Priests. Instead, they were wearing what looked like a scholarly robe in green.

Let's see…

If I were to make a guess…

Those two would be Royal Assistants…

The assistants of the Royal Advisers…

Every town and village has a Royal Adviser, and every Royal Adviser has a Royal Assistant. They are assigned in towns and villages as the representatives of the Royal Family or Royal Faction. And of course, only people of Noble birth and trusted by the Royal Family can be Royal Advisers and Royal Assistants.

She turned to Julio.

"Brother."

"Hmm?"

"Thank you for accompanying me here. But if you have something else to do, you don't have to stay and wait with me here."

A smile appeared on Julio's face.

"Well, it's not that I don't want to stay here because I too would like to meet the people seated on the first row and be acquainted with them. However, yes, I still have other things to do at the Temple."

Vivian smiled and nodded.

"I understand. May the God of Light watch over you."

"May the God of Light watch over you as well," he said and nodded with a smile. He made the same gesture toward Caleb before finally leaving.

Vivian went over to the second row. She made eye contact with the two men who were seated a few chairs away from her and smiled before sitting down.

***

At the center of the Coliseo which was a large and spacious field of sand that was as wide as a football field but in a circular shape, the grand finalist contestants of the Feugo Dance would perform one by one. It was a group performance or festival dance in honor of the Fire Element or God of Fire. Each group consisted of at least 50 members, had their own costumes, and their own roles to play -- dancing, playing an instrument, chants, etc. And although most of the participants were from the Temple of Bards, there were still others from different Temples who would join because of the prize money or whatever reason.

As for how the contestants can win, it's based on two things:

One - The people seated on the first row of the Royal Box would each give a score through flashcards

Two - The cheers of the audience

And whoever gets the highest score and the loudest cheers or applause will be the winner.

***

One and a half hours later…

All of the contestants already performed were now gathered at the center of the Coliseo.

A few meters away from the Royal Box, there was a small stage and a podium. And on the podium, there was a man standing behind it and speaking through what looked like a microphone made out of a combination of Origin Crystals and metals engraved with Runes.

"To all the good people present today," the man said in Marbleamean.

"This is it, the moment we've all been waiting for.

"All of the contestants have already performed and the judges have given their scores.

"But before we finally give out the final scores and announce the winners, let's all give each of the amazing and wonderful contestants a cheer one last time.

"For The Soulful Performers from the Orion Kingdom!"

The crowd cheered.

"For the Las Bellas Bailarinas from the Marbleam Kingdom!"

The crowd cheered loudly.

"For the Tornado Vorticosi from the La Spada Kingdom!"

The crowd cheered.

"And lastly, for the Los Bailarines del Fuego from the Marbleam Kingdom and the champions for the last 3 years!"

The crowd cheered loudly once again.

"Looks like this year's Feugo Dance contest will be a tough one! It's hard to tell who's going to win based on the cheers! They all sound like winners!"

A person approached the man and handed over a piece of paper.

"My good people, I finally have the final results.

"This is for the Third place. The group name that I would be mentioning first would be for the Third Place.

"So on Third Place for this year's Feugo Dance is… The Soulful Performers from the Orion Kingdom!!!"

As the crowd cheered, the Soulful Performers simply hugged it out with each other.

"Okay, now for the Second Place.

"On Second Place for this year's Feugo Dance is… Las Bellas Bailarinas from the Marbleam Kingdom!!!"

As the crowd cheered, the members of the Las Bellas Bailarinas began crying.

"And now for the First Place.

"But before I continue, tlease note that the group who wins First Place will get a special request from His Excellency, the Viscount, 3,000 Marbleamean platinum coins, and will have the chance to perform on the last day of the Feugo Festival during the grand finals of the Feugo Tournament.

"So without any further ado, the champion for this year's Feugo Dance is… for the fourth time in a row, LOS BAILARINES DEL FUEGO from the MARBLEAM KINGDOM!!!"

The audience went wild, flowers began raining down from the sky as people riding Draghorns flew over and the members of the Los Bailarines del Fuego started hugging each other and crying with tears of joy.

***

At the Royal Box.

Vivian let out a silent yawn inside her Inquisitor Full-Mask.

Thank God I wore my full-mask…

I was right…

It was going to be boring…

I rather stare at my own reflection than watch someone else dance or play sports…

On top of that, everyone was talking in Marbleamean…

What a fucking waste of time…

The moment everyone from the front row seats stood up, the two men sitting on the second row with Vivian got up as well while the four men who were standing on the side and wearing armor began to move in closer.

Vivian decided to get up and she moved beside Caleb who was waiting for Pen and Gusto.

Gusto was a skinny man in his late 30s with pink hair and tan skin. He wore a Red Cloak and he was one of the Red Cloaks of the Branch Chapter Temple here in Plano Town.

Pen was wearing a Gold Cloak and an Inquisitor Full-Mask, and had white hair. Although he was wearing a mask, one could tell that he was a bit old, around in his early 50s.

He was currently walking beside an elegant-looking man in his mid-60s with dark hair and a mustache dressed in nobleman's clothes.

Vivian found herself absently staring at the man. She wasn't sure if it was because she was aware that the person she was looking at was a Viscount, a leader of an Aristocratic Noble family, or if it was because Lozario had what she would describe as "it factor".

So this is what a Viscount or a leader of an Aristocratic Noble family looks like…?

Back in her original world, she had seen her fair share of celebrities in the flesh and she also had people that she looked up to or tried to emulate.

When it comes to celebrities, based on her experience, MOST of them have this "it factor". Even without all the fans, paparazzi, etc. hounding them to magnify their presence and give them a "halo effect", there was just something about them that made them stand out or draw people's attention.

And when it comes to looking up to people, that was just that. It would never reach the point of worship. She would rather lick the soles of her muddy boots than kiss someone's ass unless she gets something in return that she would really appreciate.

When Pen and the man in his mid-60s reached Vivian and Caleb, they stopped and looked at her.

"This is Sister Inquisitor Monad, Your Excellency," Pen said in Zonian.

Vivian snapped out of her trance and saluted.

"Your Excellency, please forgive me for not greeting you immediately…! I am Sister Inquisitor Monad of the Inquisitory Division stationed at the Third Inner Stanza Border Checkpoint…!"

Fuck…!

Why did I mention those last two…?!

On her defense, back in her original world, she didn't have any experience interacting with really important and influential people because she was just another 24-year-old man still relatively fresh out of college and trying to make a name for herself. She had no real skills or knowledge to offer to the market. And right now, aside from the fact that this was her first time meeting a leader of an Aristocratic Noble family, she was also inside a room with powerful and influential people. Just with Pen alone, he was a Chapter Master which is the highest rank that anyone could get in the Holy Crusade.

Wait…!

Should I kneel…?

I remember back in the Training Course and the book I read about nobility etiquette mentioning something about kneeling…

But I can't remember when…

Lozario smiled.

"There's nothing to forgive, Inquisitor Monad. It was a pleasure to meet you," he replied in Zonian.

Vivian lowered her head a bit.

"The pleasure is all mine, Your Excellency…!"

Lozario nodded and then continued moving. Meanwhile, the rest of the people behind him simply gave Vivian a smile and a nod before moving on. They all continued doing that until they finally stepped out of the Royal Box.

And as for Vivian, since she wasn't sure what to do, she decided to just stick with Caleb who was walking alongside the other 3 men wearing armor but they were all from the Knights Chapters and were at least 40 years old. As a matter of fact, putting aside the fact that everyone except Vivian was a man, she and one of the Royal Assistants who was the same age as her were the youngest in the group.

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Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

By the way, I’ve posted this chapter at WebNovel, Royal Road and Patreon. However, the main is P-a-t-r-e-o-n (Immortal_Shades) because I want to post pictures and videos there without any restrictions.

https://www.patreon.com/Immortal_Shades

Don’t worry, the chapters there are free. And if you want to donate because I have no talent in being a writer, feel free to consider any of these titles:

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Thank you once again and I will see you at the next chapter.

Chapter end