Up stood all seven from their thrones at the words of the knight in armor. Little Thalric, although scared and bewildered, followed their actions and jumped down to the floor from his high-seated throne. He felt the coldness of the stone floor against his bare feet and found it somewhat comforting (and also a bit sleep-inducing).

  He then looked up and saw that all the others were looking at him, as if expecting him to do something. They all held something in their hands—something specific and different from one another.

  Kaelen held a brass button, and Kaito held his beloved short sword, named Katana. When kaelen saw Kaito unveiling his Katana, he showed a smug look on his face, which Kaito clearly caught onto. Kaelen, a muscular and large man, was famous in Albion for his immense strength and his refusal to use any weapon other than his bare fists. "Those toys are for the weak. Real men use their muscles,"is what he would say whenever someone questioned his choice. And with those words he lived by, Mr. Kaito, sitting next to him, became the man he truly despised.

  Unlike kaelen, Mr. Kaito was a man of honor and efficiency. He hailed from a traditional lineage and was much like a historical figure from old human history. He usually wore a long robe and a garment called a kimono, with a straw hat on his head.

  For any threats, he always used his short, curved sword called a katana. And he had a specific way of wielding it. Those who were lucky enough to witness him use it said he was like a gentle wind in the summer—calm and graceful, yet deadly to those who got too close

  But unlike kaelen, who liked to show off his strength and seek praise for his work, Kaito was a quiet and shy man who kept his presence hidden from most ordinary folk. Nobody could find him when they wanted to, and he appeared only when he needed to—just like on this occasion.

  However, he felt regret about this occasion and began to doubt whether to disappear again or not because he greatly disliked the flowery scent coming from the woman seated next to him, who was holding a saber up front.

  In name, she was Riven, daughter of one of the great figures in Albion. She dressed nicely and smelled pleasant to others, but everyone at this table (except Thalric, of course) knew it was all to hide her terrible temper and behavior.

  That was one of the reasons Kaito kept his mouth shut without complaint—not out of fear, of course.

  Next to Riven sat the thin and gloomy-looking man, Azren.

  He was holding a glistening scale from an unknown animal. Unlike others who were holding weapons or something symbolic, his was different, and there was a very good reason for that, which could not be told to anyone. He was extraordinarily thin and had long legs and hands. He stayed silent, closing his eyes without much of a presence, just like his origin, which was only known by a few figures in Albion. Some only knew that he came from the same place as Belladona. Next to him stood the fully armored knight Vaelis. In terms of respect, he was the most important one among all here, having the blood of King Arthur running through his veins. His physical capacity was famous for being second only to his father's. And He was holding a greatsword with both of his hands.

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  Right beside him was the friendly Baladoan. She was large as usual, occupying the whole sitting space of the throne as she observed all those at the table while holding a golden feather up front. Thalric noticed that the feather looked similar to the one from the great eagle she had shaped into before. She was also famous and known by all of those great figures in Albion, and her origin was not as hidden as Azren’s.

  Seated right next to her was little Thalric, who currently felt like an ant among giants and was really wondering what was going on.

  "Is our guest unaware of the traditions of the Round Table?" said Vaelis at last, looking keenly at Thalric. "I have never seen you before. Would you perhaps be kind enough to introduce yourself to us, sir?"

  His words spoke for all the others at the table, and their gazes landed on little Thalric, expecting his answer.

  Poor Thalric hadn't been in the presence of a human for a long time, and suddenly, a group of respectable figures was looking at him, making his thoughts twist each time he tried to answer. Looking for a way out of their gaze, Thalric glanced at Baladoan, the culprit responsible for all this.

  "He will be our seventh member. He may not appear like much to your eyes, but he's a good guy and has been taught by a good mentor," came the answer from Baladoan.

  Thalric felt a little flattered by her words but couldn't fully understand some of the things she had said.

  However, the others were not as satisfied with that answer.

  Thud! The first to outrage was kaelen as he struck the Round Table. "This is not some fun little journey to bring along kids," he said.

  "I agree," spoke Riven along with him. "Although I don't dare to doubt the great Baladoan's ability, please explain to me how this little one is going to be any help to us—except for being a burden."

  "Indeed, the journey we are taking is unlike anything we have ever undertaken before. It's the land beyond, after all. And I'm not even sure if we will return safe and sound. Knowing that, I cannot bring myself to agree to bringing someone innocent and powerless like him," said Kaito in his gentle voice, showing his concern.

  Just like that, one after another, they raised their voices against little Thalric. And after hearing all their gloomy tales about a very dangerous journey, Thalric’s little heart also began to waver, a slight fear creeping in about what he had stepped into.

  "Hush, hush, young ones. You shouldn't ask too many questions right off the bat," said Baladoan, waving her large hand. She was calm and peaceful, unlike the others, who were very serious about their business.

  But then the Knight broke his long-held silence and spoke. "This is sacred business. If, by any means, this mysterious young man causes a disturbance in this task, I don’t want anyone to blame you for it."

  His words carried much more weight at the table than the othe rs’, and even Baladoan fell silent for the time.