A/N: Hi there, new fanfic here. I actually had this ff idea rolling around in my head for a few months now. Only recently have I figured out some things for it along with all the angst I can pull. Sadly I couldn't make this UkPruUs! England just didn't work into the story well! Maybe next fic I'll do a threesome :p anyways, there's not much happening in the first chapter. It's just to establish an environment and get the ball rolling. If you find it interesting, good for you! If it doesn't seem interesting yet, wait till the second chapter. Stick around, I swear it gets better. Sorry if the description is a little crappy, I honestly couldn't think of anything for it xD Oh! Also, in this fic Gilbert's outfit is based off Pio from the game Potion Maker, just with my own spin on it and a few tweaks. So if you can't really picture his outfit, look Pio from Potion Maker and it'll give you a visual.
The sun filtered through the trees, the forest echoing with the sound of birds singing and cicada's chittering. A man of high stature walked alone down the path scattered with leaves. He wore a dark brown tunic with pants stuffed into knee high boots, a grey cloak draped across his shoulders. Leather gauntlets ran up his arms, the garments cut off at the knuckles. On his back was a broad sword, intricate designs etched into the handle. Slung over one shoulder was a bag containing a map, food, and other little necessities.
His hair was a wheat blond, catching the sun's rays and seeming to give off their own shine. His eyes rivalled the sky, a radiant blue that held a naïve justice. The man stood with a strong posture, his back straight and his shoulders square. He kept his gaze forward, walking through the forest with his sword being his only companion.
Alfred Jones was a Country brat that grew up on cursed land deep in the south. His village had once been a thriving place where the air was always warm and the ground fertile. Yet after the Great War 60 years ago, the land had become cursed. Now it snowed, nothing grew, and the surrounding area was harsh and unforgiving.
The Great War was fought between Man and Beast, or to be more specific, Dragon. Humans had been horrified at the violence the Dragons suddenly sprung; after all, Man and Dragon used to be friends. Then suddenly Dragons began attacking humans and killing without hesitation. The Capital then declared war on the Dragon species and the army set out to exterminate them. It was a bloody battle that had many losses on both sides. Eventually it ended in a draw and the Dragons moved into land they claimed for themselves. So long as Men kept to the borders and did not wonder inside, Dragons let them be.
Alfred's village was one of the places that housed the wounded soldiers fighting the Dragon army in the south. Apparently the army had found a nest of Dragon young. Without question, they slaughtered each and every hatchling. When the mother had returned to the nest and saw the carnage, she had attacked the army. With her dying breath she cursed the land that housed the soldiers; it has been an eternal winter since.
That was why Alfred, only 19 years of age, decided to go to the Capital. Despite it being 60 years after the war, the people of his village had done what they could to survive. But recently a wave of demons had been slinking into the village territory, killing those unable to protect themselves. The demons were drawn to the cursed land, but never before had the numbers been so great.
After nearly losing his brother to a demon attack, Alfred decided it was time to step up. He had trained himself with the sword and decided to head to the Capital to get help. It was a known fact that the Capital guards got special privileges. They were also given a good amount of coin for their service.
Yet Alfred wasn't aiming for the mere rank of Soldier, the lowest and easiest rank to attain. No, he was aiming to become a Knight. The highest rank a Capital guard could attain. They were the strongest, most powerful, and most respected in the Capital. They protected the King and commanded their own platoons. Yet it wasn't easy to become a Knight, but the rewards were worth it.
If Alfred could become a Knight, then he could afford to buy things for the Village. Repairs, medicine, and most of all, protection. It was either that or a Wizard to lift the curse from the land. It was a big curse, so no doubt it'd cost a lot of money. But Alfred was prepared to do whatever it took to become a Knight.
As Alfred continued down the path, his shoulders eventually slumped and he let out a small groan. "I've been walking for hours! When am I gonna reach the Capital?"
He had been travelling for almost a week and he had yet to reach the Capital. It might've been faster on horse, but Alfred's village didn't have horses and he couldn't exactly afford one. So he had no choice but to walk on foot. He wasn't complaining, seeing as how he was used to walking long distances, but he had expected to arrive in the Capital sooner. It looked closer on the map.
Before Alfred could continue his brooding, he heard something carry on the wind. It was faint yet unmistakable. He paused in his walking, straining his ears in order to see if he could hear the sound again. There it was! It was a cry for help. Though it sounded similar to a yowl.
Alfred wasted no time in pondering this. He sprinted towards the sound, pulling out his sword and gripping the handle tightly. When he could hear the cries for help more clearly, Alfred noticed it diverged off the path. Not even taking a moment to hesitate, he leapt from the path and deeper into the adjacent woods. Alfred slowed his steps and breathing when he got closer to a clearing.
Hiding behind a few trees, Alfred peeked around and looked at what was crying out for help. From what he could see, there were two Wolfins circling a wide Oak tree.
Wolfins were a type of demon that populated most of the land. They were bigger than a normal wolf, their spines arching in a sharp point before curving down to a stumpy tail. Their bottom jaws were bigger than the top, creating a huge overbite with their many pointy teeth. Around their neck was a thick patching of fur, almost similar to a lions mane. The bigger the mane, the more likely it was the leader of the pack.
Alfred frowned, looking up the tree at what the two Wolfins were circling. On one of the low hanging branches, the blue-eyed male could spot a white, fluffy lump. It was clinging to the branch for dear life and shaking badly. It parted its small jaws again and let out a very coherent yell for help.
Interesting, Alfred thought to himself. Never seen a cat that can talk. Could it be a demon?
Shaking his head, Alfred cast those thoughts aside. There was no time to be thinking about such stupid things. He had to save the thing! After all, Alfred was getting ready to become a Knight! Protecting the innocent was the duty of a Knight, and what better time to start then now?
Thinking smartly, Alfred picked up a rock and prepared to toss it. He threw it and it sailed past the Wolfins and hit a tree behind them, catching their attention. The Wolfins paused in their circling and turned to look at the sound. They growled, stalking towards the tree that the rock had it. Using this as his chance, Alfred sprinted from where he was hidden and charged after one of the Wolfins. It turned right before Alfred plunged his sword into its ribs, instantly killing it.
The Wolfin fell dead while the other one rounded on Alfred and snarled, drool dribbling from its bottom jaw. Sprinting at Alfred, the Wolfin snapped its jaws at the man. Alfred dodged, slicing down the side of the demon. It yelped before it too dropped down dead.
Alfred grinned, nodding his head in satisfaction. Wolfins were a type of lesser demon, ones Alfred had defeated over and over again. He took pride in his swordsmanship for a reason! Alfred had dealt with all kinds of demons, so handling two measly Wolfins were child's play.
Putting his sword away and glancing up at the tree, Alfred walked under it and looked up at the cat.
"You ok?"
The cat looked surprised at Alfred's appearance, but its fur was slowly lying flat. From here Alfred could see it was a beautiful white cat with a small pink nose and bright crimson eyes. They were mesmerizing to look at, stealing all of Alfred's attention.
"Y-yeah, thanks." The cat mumbled, its ears angling forward.
"What are you doing out here in the forest? It's dangerous." Alfred commented, frowning slightly.
The cat narrowed its eyes slightly, huffing. "I know it's dangerous! Usually I'd have someone doing this for me, but no one stopped by my shop today so I had to get the materials myself!"
Alfred tilted his head to the side curiously. "Materials?"
Flicking its white furry head behind Alfred, the blond glanced over his shoulder. At the edge of the clearing was an overturned basket near a circle of mushrooms. Inside the basket was what looked like a large amount of red flowers with yellow designs on the inside along with green leaves with a slight silver shine to them.
"I'm an Apothecary and a potions expert. I usually send Adventurers or Soldiers to get me my materials in exchange for potions, but no one came in today and I needed to get these Lilas and Silver Tongue before sunset. I have an important potion to make with a deadline!" It explained from its perch in the tree.
"A cat Apothecary?" Alfred asked, slightly sceptical.
The cat rolled its eyes, "I'm not a cat, stupid! I was just turned into a cat. See that circle of mushrooms? It's called a Fairy circle, do you know what that is?"
Alfred snorted, "Of course I know, I'm not stupid. Step in a Fairy circle and Fairies will either kidnap you or put a curse on you."
A string of laughter from the cat caused Alfred to glare at it. "Sure, that's what children are told, but it's really just where Fairies lay their traps for pranks. I was being chased by the Wolfins and didn't see it, hence why the trap sprung on me. I'm actually not a cat." It said with mirth dancing in its ruby eyes.
"And I take it you know how to change back?"
The cat nodded, pointing a paw at Alfred. "Yes, but I need to be taken to my shop in order to change back. It's in the Capital's Middle District."
"Ah! That's where I'm headed anyways! To the Capital I mean." Alfred exclaimed, grinning widely at the cat. "I might as well take you since it's on my way! Plus, you can help me navigate since you're a local."
Alfred held out his hands towards the cat, evidently requesting for it to jump into his arms. The cat hesitated for a second before it jumped off the branch and into Alfred's arm. He caught it easily, the cat squeaking softly. Then, once firmly in Alfred's grasp, slid from his arms and onto his shoulder, sitting there easily. The cat purred, hitting the side of Alfred's face with its tail.
"Don't forget my basket. The Fairy Circle won't activate since I already sprung the trap. It's useless until the fairies reset it." The cat informed as Alfred moved over to the upturned basket, carefully placing the materials back in it before walking back towards the path.
As they continued walking, Alfred was reminded that he still didn't know if they were close to the Capital or not. He assumed they were, seeing as how the cat probably wouldn't have travelled far without an escort if the woods were that dangerous.
"So you're from the Middle District? Is the Capital broken up into parts?"
The cat snorted, "You're probably not from around here, are you?"
Alfred shook his head, "Nope. I'm from the cursed lands of the south."
The cat's ears pricked and it stiffened slightly, the action not going unnoticed by Alfred. Still, he didn't comment on it as the cat started speaking. "Ah... That land does have a very powerful curse on it. There's nothing stronger than a grieving mother's curse."
"Er…" Alfred mumbled, feeling a bit awkward. "About the capital…?"
As if sensing Alfred's unwillingness to talk about the cursed land, the cat easily changed the subject. "Anyways, yeah, the Capital is made up of three different districts. There's the Outer District where the market is located. You can get things from all across the world there. It's also where the Black Market is and where you can get the best information. But you need to know who to ask and you need the coin for it.
"Middle District is where shops and wears are located. Adventurers and citizens get their things made there. From furniture to armour, it's all there. My shop is the only Apothecary and Potion shop, so sales are always nice." The cat purred happily.
"As for the Center District, that's where all those happy rich fat rats sit and idle, same with the castle and their wide selection of puppets." The cat snorted, its voice turning bitter. "There the King lives along with his Soldiers and Knights. The rich stay in the walls and rarely venture out, usually sending a Soldier or servant to get what they need."
Alfred, taking note of the tone, forced himself not to get annoyed at how the cat seemed to be talking down about the Capital's Center District and its occupants.
"Sounds like you don't like them." He mumbled, keeping his voice even.
The cat snorted, "I've got my own reasons to hate everyone in the Center District. Don't get me wrong, there might be one or two good people, but the rest would sooner sell their own kin just for status."
Alfred hummed, not agreeing yet not disagreeing with the statement. He couldn't exactly say if he believed the accusation or not, seeing as how he'd never met anyone from the Capital. But surely the King was one of those good people the albino cat was talking about. After all, the King's job was to care for the people, there was no way he was a tyrant.
Glancing up, Alfred was able to see the tall wall of the Outer District. The Outer ring towered high, higher than the treeline. Alfred, as the trees started to thin out, was able to see it through the gaps in the branches. When they reached the forest's edge, Alfred could hear the sounds coming from the massive gates. A few soldiers were stationed before the gate and on the outer wall, but didn't seem too threatening.
Actually, when walking past them, they merely glanced at Alfred before looking forward again. Alfred felt a sudden thrill of excitement run up his spine when it finally settled in that he was here, he was about to become a Soldier for the Capital!
"So, where to?" Alfred asked eagerly.
The cat pointed forward with its paw. "Just keep going. There's another wall that leads towards the Middle District. You've gotta pass through it before I can give you directions to my shop."
But before they could take a step further, a delicate looking woman stopped Alfred. She had dark brown hair tied into twin pigtails that hung over her shoulders, red ribbons acting as the hair tie. She wore a simple blue dress with a white flower print decorating the ends. Her skin was a light cinnamon, speaking of days being out in the sun and absorbing its rays.
"Excuse me, that cat on your shoulder." She started, a determined look in her eyes.
The cat didn't look at all surprised and merely grinned at the girl while Alfred looked a bit confused and nervous to be called out. But before he could say that the cat wasn't his and was actually a person, the girl grinned in triumph and pointed at the cat.
"Gilbert! It's you, isn't it?"
Purring, the cat flicked its tail happily. "Yep, it's me!"
She gasped, her shock instead switching to a highly amused smirk. "What happened to you? Why are you a cat?"
The cat, Gilbert, finally stopped purring and grimaced. "Fairy Circle." Was all he said, but that was enough for the girl to double over laughing.
"How funny! The expert on all things magic got caught in a Fairy prank!" She giggled and Gilbert adopted an annoyed expression.
"Yeah yeah, laugh it up. Now, do you have a reason for stopping us? I'd really like to change back now. I think I'm getting fleas." He grumbled, ears drooping.
The girl's smile fell into a serious look, all amusement gone from her eyes. "Actually, yes. It's about… The situation." She mumbled.
At this, Gilbert stiffened and he glanced around before looking back at the girl. "Tell everyone to meet at the shop the same time as last week. I'll explain the rest there."
With a nod, the girl waved before running off, disappearing past the crowd and into an alley. Alfred, curious at the exchange, glanced at Gilbert from the corner of his eye.
"What was that about?"
Gilbert sent him a small glare, pushing at his cheek with a fuzzy paw. "None of your business. Now keep walking."
Alfred grunted at the action but didn't ask again, instead opting to walk further into the Capital.
All around Alfred was life, people laughing, playing, talking, and or buying things. In every corner there was something lively going on. Some people waved at Alfred, others just gave him smiles. All in all, Alfred could say he was glad he made the decision to come to the Capital. It looked so welcoming!
When they reached the Middle District, Alfred noticed the way the Building structure changed. There were far more shops here and people mulling about, bags in their hands as they did their shopping. Gilbert gave Alfred directions, turning him this way and that and through the winding paths of the Capital.
"My shop is just in front of the large fountain up there." Gilbert instructed, pointing with his paw.
Alfred looked up and he could see the fountain Gilbert was speaking of. Children were playing around it, some reaching in to splash their friends. Others sat on the edge of the circular fountain.
In the center of the stone creation was a mermaid carved out of the grey rock. She had her arms raised above her head, her stone body curving as if she was dancing under water. Her hair was carved in a way that gave the impression it was following a non-existent tide. She was perched on the heads of four dolphins, water streaming from their open stone mouths, each facing a different direction. Their sprays went back into the fountain, a soft mist hanging around it, catching the sun's light and making the air glitter like diamonds.
Alfred admired the fountain as he walked around it, looking up the cobblestone road and towards a shop set further back from the fountain, just like all the other surrounding shops were.
Alfred glanced around, noticing that there was an abundant amount of trees growing over some of the other two story shops and houses, providing shade and a gentle noise when the wind blew through them. On some of the walls, green vines grew up in complex designs, giving off a tranquil feeling.
Turning his eyes back to the shop, Alfred gazed at its cosy exterior. It had two large rose bushes lining the front of it, stopping at the edge of the house on either side. The house had a brown door with beautiful carvings etched into it, a small window at the top of the door with stained glass imbedded into it. On the glass was a Dragon, its body twisted around itself and appearing to be sleeping soundly.
The roof of the shop was a brownish red, going nicely with the outer walls. The walls were a creamy white and the shop was a good two stories. On the left side of the shop, there was a large bay window that showed some of the inside of the shop. From what Alfred could see, there was a wide lounge area and in the far back he could make out what appeared to be a counter.
As he stopped in front of the shop's door, Alfred glanced up at the sign hanging up near the top corner of the door. It was a sign shaped like a Wyvern, this one also sleeping. Below the sleeping beast was the curly words reading "Wyvern Wares".
Alfred raised a brow in mild interest. "Dragon themed much?"
"Nature's first healers and dealers of magic." Gilbert commented as Alfred pushed open the door.
"Despite the war and destruction they caused?"
Gilbert once again stiffened and he hissed slightly. "Sometimes the story one is told isn't always an honest one."
But before Alfred could ask what he meant, Gilbert had leapt off his shoulders and jumped over the counter. Shrugging, Alfred took this moment to look around the shop.
Near the bay window was indeed a lounge area. A comfortable rug was lying atop the hard wood floor. On the rug was a low coffee table, a few plush chairs scattered around it. On the other side of the shop was a large bookshelf that held a wide selection of potions. They were separated into groups, their prices hanging below them on little tags.
Next to the bookshelf was a long table that had an assortment of oils, bath salts, and lotion. They had been grouped based off their scents and uses. Just like the potions, below each group was a price.
In the back of the shop, Alfred took note of the wooden counter that branched off from wall to wall. The only way to get behind it was to push in a little small door at the corner. Behind the counter was a large plaque that had a list of some potions and their prices. Next to it on the left side was a door that had a very complex looking lock on it. The lock was in the shape of a Wyvern, the design not at all surprising Alfred. It was wrapped around the door handle and a peg in the wall, its brass body unmoving and its glare menacing. The Wyvern had its jaws parted, almost as if it had been frozen in the midst of a roar. Alfred took note that it didn't appear to have a keyhole anywhere on its body. Maybe it was a custom made lock that opened up differently.
On the right side was another door, this one not at all locked and probably leading to the back room. It probably led to the storage room or the stairs that led to the second story of the shop.
Alfred's attention was drawn back to the desk as Gilbert jumped on it, a small leather baggy in his mouth. He set it down on the counter, pawing at it.
"Hey, traveller, open this for me."
Rolling his eyes, Alfred walked over and, after setting the basket he had been carrying on the counter, opened the small pouch. Gilbert then instructed him to take out two of the seeds in there. When he did, Gilbert lapped them up quickly before jumping from the counter and standing in the middle of the shop. Then, after a few seconds of waiting, there was a soft hissing sound before the room was enveloped in smoke.
Alfred coughed violently, waving his hand around and trying to disperse the white smoke. After a few seconds, the hazy air cleared on its own and where the cat used to be now stood the most gorgeous man Alfred had ever seen.
The man before him had pale skin and still carried those ruby eyes that held such a mystery about them. His hair reminded Alfred of the snow that fell in the south and the gentle pureness that came with it.
His clothes where interesting, to say the least. He had a cedar brown cloak with golden designs stitched into it, the cape wrapping around his shoulders rather than going over them. It clipped in the front with a beautiful gem pendant that worked well with the cape's colours. Underneath was a high collared white shirt with sleeves that reached down to his wrists. Around the collar was a red ribbon tied in a neat little bow, the ends settling over the cape a bit. He wore dark brown pants stuffed into knee high boots, the laces tied tight.
The man let out a happy sigh and tilted his head to the side. Only then did Alfred notice that he was wearing red tear drop earrings in each ear, the gems glittering when the sun hit it just right.
Gilbert's petal pink lips curved into an alluring smirk and he chuckled at Alfred. "Thanks for helping me. Now for proper introductions. My name is Gilbert Beilschmidt, Apothecary and potions expert." He hummed, holding out his hand to Alfred.
Alfred grinned, taking Gilbert's hand and shaking it. "Alfred Jones, nice to meet you."
Gilbert hummed, walking behind the counter as Alfred moved up to stand in front of it. "Now, as a thank you gift for helping me, I'll give you a 50% off on your first five purchases, no matter the cost!"
Alfred's smile faltered and his shoulders slumped. "Wait, seriously? I save your life and you only cut off 50%?"
Gilbert chuckled, leaning against the wall and tapping the plaque of potions. "Did you even look at this? There are some prices on here that could use a good cut. Like the extremely hard potions to make. It's a very good deal, trust me!"
Groaning, Alfred ran a hand through his hair and sighed loudly. "Then can you at least give me directions into the Center District of the Capital?"
This got Gilbert's attention, the albino looking surprised. He raised a brow, frowning slightly. "Why do you want to go there?"
"Weeeell," Alfred sang, his smile returning as he bounced excitedly. "I'm here in the Capital to become a Knight!"
Alfred had not expected that look of mild disgust that flashed over Gilbert's face. Yet it was gone a quick second later and replaced with a small smile.
"I wouldn't say that's the best idea… But I'm sure you'll figure out the reason why. You're a smart kid." Gilbert sighed, scratching his head. "Well for starters, the Center District isn't like the Middle and Outer District. The only way to get in is by recommendation, which is what keeps peasants and other unwanted people out."
The albino ducked under the counter and Alfred could hear him rummaging around for something.
"Then how am I supposed to get in?" Alfred asked, frowning.
Gilbert appeared a moment later, paper and quill pen in hand. He scribbled on the paper, eventually setting the feather pen down before holding the piece of parchment out to Alfred.
"By recommendation of course. I happen to be a valuable seller to the Capital. My bath salts, oils, and potions are a favourite in the Center District. So you'll be able to get in with my recommendation, but I can't promise it'll do anything but get you past the gate. The rest is up to you." Gilbert informed as Alfred took the paper, reading over the writing. The neat words printed on the paper said: "Let the kid through, he's got business in the Center District. Refuse and I'll hear about it. –Gilbert"
"Are they going to let me in because they're afraid of you?" Alfred looked between Gilbert and the note.
Smirking mischievously at Alfred, Gilbert shrugged. "Let's just say that I have a nasty streak of holding grudges. It's a horrible idea to get on the bad side of the only Apothecary inside the Capital. For all they know, they could ask for a potion that boosts stamina and I could give them something that makes their thing drop off."
Alfred grimaced, resisting the urge to cover his private parts. "I'll keep that in mind."
Gilbert chuckled, leaning on the counter. After giving a quick description on the directions Alfred was supposed to take, Gilbert eventually bid him goodbye. "Well good luck Alfred, it isn't easy being a Knight." The albino's brows creased slightly and his smile looked a little strained. "Just be careful, the Capital is far more dangerous than it seems."
The ominous tone in Gilbert's voice told Alfred that this man knew more than he was letting on. Yet Alfred said nothing, instead he played dumb, acting as if he didn't even notice the tone change. He grinned widely, walking towards the door.
"I'll keep that in mind. See ya Gilbert!"
"Make sure to stop by every now and again and tell me what it's like being a Knight!" Gilbert called after the other.
"I will!" And with that Alfred was gone, leaving behind Gilbert.
The albino's smile gave way to a frown and after a while of staring at the door, he sighed. "What a shame, he seemed like a good kid too…" He mumbled softly.
When Alfred had reached the Center District, he was quickly passed through the moment the guard read the note. It seemed like Gilbert really did have a reputation. Before going through the gate, he had asked the Guard where he could sign up to become a Knight. After another set of directions, Alfred was walking towards the direct center of the Capital, the castle. There he'd follow the guard's directions towards the barracks the guards lived in. He then had to talk to the head Knight and get him to agree on letting Alfred try out to be a Soldier.
It took a while, but Alfred eventually made it to the guard barracks. There were trainees sparring in the large court yard and other guards in uniform. Based off the knowledge Alfred already knew, Soldiers had blue uniforms while Knights had white uniforms. They were pretty much identical, the only difference being the colours and that Knight uniforms came with a hat.
As he passed the guards, Alfred could feel their eyes following him. Some people snickered, others merely paid him no mind. Alfred was beginning to feel a little nervous and lost, biting the inside of his cheek. He refused to let the surrounding Soldiers and Knights know that he was completely and utterly lost. Yet Alfred's calm façade was slowly slipping as he stopped in front of a hall leading further into the barracks and away from the courtyard. How on earth was he supposed to know where the head Knight was?
However, Alfred didn't have to ponder this long, for two Knights stopped in front of Alfred. They were dressed in the standard uniform. A white coat with golden buttons down the front. On the shoulder was a golden rope wrapping underneath the arm, connecting on the other side of the shoulder strap. Their pants were the same pristine white colour, the pants being stuffed into knee-high black boots.
The man on the left had on the standard white 8 point hat. It had a black rim and the insignia of the castle on the front. It was the image of a lion bearing its fangs in a roar. The other man did not have the hat, instead letting his hair be free. The one thing Alfred noticed right away was that the man with the hat had a red tear drop earring in his left ear while the man without the hat had an exact replica in his right ear. Alfred's mind drifted to Gilbert and how the albino also had the same kind of earrings.
"You look a little lost, my friend." The man with the hat said, smiling warmly.
He had tanned skin and gentle green eyes. Chocolate wavy locks peeked out underneath the hat, working well with the man's appearance. He seemed rather friendly, giving off a warm, approachable air.
The other man had light blond hair that went past his shoulders slightly, the golden locks tied up in a loose ponytail. A few strands slipped from the ponytail, framing the man's face in an elegant manner. His eyes were a cobalt blue, not as gentle as the other Knight's, but still kind looking.
Alfred blinked, scratching the back of his head and forcing a smile. "Is it that obvious?"
"It is to me," The brown haired male chuckled. "I had the same look on my face when coming to the Capital for the first time. What's your name?"
"Alfred Jones."
"Nice to meet you." The blond spoke, smiling. "My name is Francis Bonnefoy, this is Antonio Carriedo."
Antonio's smile, if possible, got even wider. "So what brings you here?"
Alfred took a deep breath, feeling the excitement pounding throughout his system. Too late to back out now, this was it.
"I'm here to become a Knight."
Antonio and Francis shared a small look of surprise. Francis hummed, his brows creasing slightly. Tilting his head, he held out his hand.
"May I see your recommendation letter?"
Alfred hesitated before handing over the piece of paper. Francis read it over, the blond tilting it slightly so his companion could read it. Antonio frowned, brows creasing slightly before he looked up at Francis.
"Gilbert signed off on this? But he's never done that before."
"Hush, Toni. Why Gilbert signed off on this is not important. If you want, you can ask him later." The blue-eyed Knight spoke softly before handing the paper back to Alfred. He smiled, flicking his head to one of the halls leading out of the courtyard. "Follow me, I'll take you to Garret. He's the head Knight in the Capital. If you want any chance at becoming a Knight, stay on his good side."
Alfred nodded, falling in step behind the two Knights as they led him towards the head Knight's office. As they walked, Alfred pondered what they said about Gilbert never signing a recommendation before. He wondered why the albino hadn't done it before. He seemed so willing to give Alfred the recommendation. Though, that could've been because Alfred had saved his life. Still, why would Gilbert go out of his way to do something he usually never did?
Shrugging, Alfred tucked that information away, intending to think about it on a later date. Instead he continued following Antonio and Francis, missing the worried glance Antonio casted towards the other Knight. They held each other's gazes for a split second longer before facing forward, the two keeping the silence as they continued down the path.